THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 9 | OCTOBER 1, 2021
DOUBLING DOWN Dual campaigns work to benefit both the archdiocese and individual parishes
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The crucifix at Christ the King Parish in Topeka is wrapped in a plastic sheet before construction workers texture and paint the ceiling above the altar.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Father Matthew Schiffelbein, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, surveys the progress of construction on the interior of the church. The church renovation is just one of the many improvements the parish is making. By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Not all the parishioners at Christ the King Parish in Topeka were sold on the unusual nature of their fundraising campaign four years ago. The reason? A pretty good chunk of the money wouldn’t go to their badly needed parish construction capital campaign, but rather to the archdiocesan capital cam-
paign. And Christ the King parishioners were not alone. When the “One Faith. Once Family. One Future . . . in Christ” archdiocesan capital campaign was launched in the spring of 2018, 10 parishes chose the option of running a co-campaign at the same time — some of the monies raised would go to parish projects and some to the archdiocese. Fortunately, most were open to the approach, and those that weren’t soon saw their doubts laid to rest. The dual campaign concept worked out well.
“Our parishioners were very generous and responded really well,” said pastor Father Matthew Schiffelbein. “We were a little concerned about it being combined with the archdiocesan campaign and we didn’t get to keep everything. But there seemed to be enough generosity and hunger for the project that they were really willing to step up and respond to the invitation. “About $1.3 million [of about $3.8 million raised] went to the archdiocese,” he continued, “and the remainder stayed with >> See “PANDEMIC” on page 7
Home at last Watch for exclusive coverage of the return of the remains of Korean War chaplain and hero Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun in next week’s Leaven.
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ARCHBISHOP
OCTOBER 1, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
The ‘Value Them Both’ coalition needs your prayers and support
or almost 50 years, the Catholic community in the United States has observed October as Respect Life Month and the first Sunday in October as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we respect each and every human life, no matter the stage of development, age, cognitive or physical abilities, race, ethnicity, economic or social status. Every human life is sacred because it is created in the divine image and every life is of such worth that Jesus Christ gave his life on Calvary for each of us. Our respect for the dignity of every human life extends to the tiniest embryo as well as the hospice patient approaching death, to the saint and the murderer on death row, to the greatest athlete as well as the physically handicapped, to the genius and those with limited intellectual capacity, to the billionaire as well as the homeless person with no place to sleep at night. The bishops of the United States in November of 2019 reaffirmed our conviction that the protection of unborn children and their mothers is the pre-eminent human public policy issue of our time. Why? First of all, because abortion attacks life when it is both most innocent and most vulnerable. Secondly, because abortion tragically pits the welfare of the mother against the life of her child. Abortion attacks the most sacred and important of human bonds: the relationship of a mother with her child. In so doing, abortion damages the most significant social unit of a society: the family. Finally, the sheer magnitude of the number of human lives destroyed by abortion (well over 60 million in the United States since 1973) and the emotional, spiritual and sometimes physical scars abortion inflicts on mothers and fathers make it the most catastrophic abuse of human rights in our time. While our faith helps us recognize the sanctity of every human life, opposition to abortion is not
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN primarily a religious issue. The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights issues. Without this right, no other right matters. Many years ago, I met the late Dr. Bernard Nathanson, who was one of the founders of what is today NARAL ProChoice America. At his New York abortion clinic, Nathanson by his own calculations performed or presided over 75,000 abortions. He aborted two of his own children. Nathanson became pro-life, not because of a religious conversion, but because of his own study of fetology as well as ultrasound technology that made the humanity of the unborn child undeniable. Recently, Abby Johnson spoke at a fundraising dinner for the Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics. Abby was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic and was once recognized as the Planned Parenthood employee of the year for her region of Texas. Abby was skilled at selling abortions to vulnerable women, but became disenchanted with Planned Parenthood because of their constant pressure on clinic directors to increase the number of abortions. The final straw that compelled her to leave the abortion industry occurred when Abby assisted with an ultrasoundguided abortion. Nathanson and Abby Johnson illustrate that abortion is not primarily a religious issue, but it is a human rights issue. The reality that abortion is a grave injustice is accessible to everyone through reason. We are at a critical
moment for our nation and our culture. It is a time of great opportunity for states to be able to begin to protect the lives of unborn children as well as save women from the mental, emotional and spiritual turmoil that inevitably follows an abortion. The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decisions placed all of the responsibility for abortion on women. The abortion regime established by the court basically absolved men from any responsibility for the children they fathered, if the mother “chose” an abortion. This motivated many men to place tremendous pressure on mothers to abort their child. Both U.S. law and culture promote the fallacy that abortion is no different from having your appendix removed. In this toxic environment in most cases, mothers are the second victim of abortion. The U.S. Supreme Court in early December will hear oral arguments for a Mississippi law that prohibits abortion after the 10th week of pregnancy. There is legitimate hope that the current court will use this case to give states greater authority to protect unborn children and their mothers. This is a moment of great opportunity for the pro-life movement. However, it is also a moment of great peril. Proponents of legalized abortion are in panic mode. They fear what the U.S. Supreme Court might do. Thus, they have attempted to motivate states with pro-abortion majorities in their legislature to enact laws that codify unlimited legalized abortion. On the national level, President Biden has vowed to use the full force of the federal government to keep abortion legal and unfettered from any
restrictions. President Biden has included in his budget massive federal funding of abortion, rejecting the former bipartisan consensus not to force taxpayers to fund abortion. Joe Biden has earned the title of the most pro-abortion president in history. Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has pushed through the House of Representatives the deceptively titled Women’s Health Protection Act. This bill will impose abortion on demand nationwide at any stage of pregnancy through federal statute. If passed, it will essentially eliminate state pro-life protections, such as parental notification for minors, informed consent for women and safety requirements for abortion facilities. It also threatens the conscience rights for doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel who conscientiously object to abortion. It has already passed in the House of Representatives. Our only hope to block passage of this horrific bill is the requirement in the Senate for a super majority to overcome a pro-life filibuster. In states like Kansas, where abortion advocates do not have the necessary votes to pass legislation protecting the abortion industry, they have attempted to use state supreme courts to issue rulings in which they claim to have discovered a right to abortion in state constitutions. This is precisely what happened two years ago in Kansas. The absurd claim that there is a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution is laughable, if the consequences were not so deadly. The only remedy to correct the error of the court is for Kansans to pass the “Value Them Both” amendment to our state constitution that will appear on the August 2022 ballot. The “Value Them Both” amendment simply states that there is no right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution. If a majority of Kansas voters next August
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Oct. 2 Pro-life month kickoff Mass —St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Oct. 3 Pastoral visit/confirmation — Korean Catholic Community, Lenexa Project Andrew — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Oct. 4 Confirmation — Immaculate Conception, St. Marys Oct. 5 Administrative Team meeting — chancery Annual school board formation Mass, dinner and program — Savior Pastoral Center Oct. 6 Maur Hill-Mount Academy Mass — Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison Santa Marta meeting of the members — Santa Marta, Olathe Confirmation and installation of Father Jonathan Heinricy — St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Mission Woods Oct. 7 SHINE — Donnelly College (virtual) Oct. 8 Catholic college presidents meeting — Savior Oct. 9 Ultrasound machine blessing — Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic Oct. 10 Installation Mass of Father Carter Zielinski — Sacred Heart, Emporia Project Andrew — Christ the King, Topeka Oct. 11 Pastoral Council meeting — chancery Oct. 12 Confirmation — Holy Family, Eudora
approve the “Value Them Both” amendment, the citizens of Kansas and their elected representatives will again have the ability to determine public policy regarding protecting children and mothers from abortion. The “Value Them Both” coalition needs your prayers, your time, your talents and your financial support. The abortion industry has nearly unlimited resources to protect the economic profits they reap from destroying the lives of the most innocent. Contact your parish pro-life committee, your local Knights of Columbus council or our archdiocesan pro-life office for more information on how you can assist and get involved. At the same time, we need to increase our support for local
pregnancy clinics. Abortion is never the right answer for an unplanned pregnancy. The dedicated staff and volunteers at pregnancy clinics are eager to assist pregnant moms so that they and their child cannot only survive, but thrive. This is a very important moment for our nation. If we fail to defend the weakest and most vulnerable in our society, then there is very little hope that our country will respect other vulnerable lives. Together, we can defeat the “culture of death” and build a “culture of life.” Together, we can make a difference and renew our society so that every human life will be cherished and loved. Together, we can build a civilization of love and make abortion unthinkable.
LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 1, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY FRAN REITZ
Father Reginald Saldanha, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville, and St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict, takes part in the Day of Prayer and Recollection small group discussion.
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, welcomes everyone to the Day of Prayer and Recollection. More than 100 participants representing seven parishes took part in the event.
Regional day of reflection might prove to be a model
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ELLY — They were gathered for an Upper Room experience, to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be inspired to build a culture of prayer in their families, parishes and communities. More than 100 laymen and women and seven priests from the parishes of the Nemaha-Marshall Region gathered at St. Bede Parish in Kelly on Sept. 18 for a Day of Prayer and Recollection. The day was among the fruits of the archdiocesan Enflame evangelization initiative launched in October 2019. It was organized by the pastors and parish evangelization committees of the pastoral region and the archdiocesan evangelization office. The idea for the day came from Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca. “The Gospel of Matthew . . . says, ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be there,’” said Father Carasala in his welcome to the participants. “The purpose of this day is just not [to gather] two or three. We have more than 100 people representing each parish in our region to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in this Upper Room. We need the gift of the Holy Spirit . . . to cultivate a culture of prayer.” It was a blessing in disguise that the archdiocesan convocation was held and the Enflame initiative launched just before the pandemic began, said Father Carasala. On the Day of Prayer and Recollection, the parish delegates who participated in that convocation would come under one roof to ask God: Where do we go from here? “There is no hidden agenda here,” said Father Carasala. “It’s all open for discussion. Every parish is different, and we want to strengthen and support every parish in every possible way to create this culture of prayer. That is the purpose of our meeting today. I would invite you to please open up yourselves to welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit to enlighten us.” The daylong event included presentations by Mike Scherschligt, executive director of the Holy Family School of Faith in Overland Park, and Emily Lopez, lead consultant in the archdiocesan office of evangelization. There was also small group discussion and sharing, Mass, eucharistic adoration, and Benediction and fellowship time.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
From left, Marilyn Dressman, a member of Annunciation Parish in Frankfort, and Karen Farrell, a member of St. Michael Parish in Axtell, listen to a presentation by Mike Scherschligt, executive director of the Hoy Family School of Faith, on Sept. 18 as part of a Day of Prayer and Recollection for the Nemaha-Marshall Region. The event was held at St. Bede Parish in Kelly. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass. Evangelizing those who’ve fallen away from the Catholic faith and those who never had it sounds like a good idea — but how? Scherschligt had the answer: Be the bridge. “We’re in the midst of a very bad trend,” he said. “[There are] 337 million people in the United States. 100 million are baptized Catholic . . . only 15 percent come to Mass every Sunday. That was in January of 2020. Now, with COVID, in most places in the country we lost another five percent. We’re probably at only 10 percent who go to Mass every Sunday.” Pastors have a role, but evangelization is primarily the work of every Catholic layperson. “It’s your mission to be the bridge for those people who’ve fallen away back to the parish,” said Scherschligt. “That’s your job. We have to be the bridge. So,
how do we bring them back?” The means to carry out this mission are friendship and prayer, he said. It’s not a program, but a habit and a way of life. Scherschligt offered a fouringredient recipe that “we need to become experts in.” The ingredients are: First, commit to formation through daily meditation on the rosary; second, daily good conversation in friendship; third, bring the first two together as often as possible; and fourth, invite other people to share life with you while you’re doing it. “While you’re sharing life, ask the good questions and talk, and if the circumstances are right, invite them to pray the rosary with you,” said Scherschligt. “It’s a really simple formula.” You also need to build a “team.” “I think every person wants a small group of family and friends with whom they can share life regularly, where we live,” said Scherschligt, “so we can enrich one another with our gifts and President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) 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) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
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stretch one another with our differences. And this becomes the place where we can invite those who’ve lost sight of God or are far away from the church. But to do this, we have to make a commitment to share life with other people regularly, so there is a place to invite others. And this becomes your team.” So far, the Nemaha-Marshall Region is the only one that has held an event like this. But it may not be the last. “I think this was great and a model for other regions to use to get our evangelization teams revved up and spiritually nourished to lead parish evangelization efforts in their communities,” said Archbishop Naumann. There will be a follow-up at each parish. “This has created an energy in the group, and we’re going to try to do some things in the parish,” said Father Carasala. “My goal is to . . . maybe two hours one evening every quarter . . . come back, visit, pray and share what has worked for you, and go on from there.” Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 1, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Father Mike Hawken, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Leawood, talks with parishioner Joann Weaver while they doctor their “dogs.”
Church of the Nativity parishioner Stephanie Holtz and her daughter Clara head to their lawn chairs to participate in a rosary led by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann addresses the crowd at Church of the Nativity before leading the participants in the rosary on Sept. 9.
Nativity parishioners gather for a ‘family’ rosary, block party By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
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EAWOOD — “I think whenever people are setting up their own lawn chairs, it really does give you that family feeling,” said Liz Hagen, the minister of belonging and hospitality at Church of the Nativity here. That family feeling pervaded the evening of Sept. 9 when more than 300 people gathered, with their own lawn chairs, for Church of the Nativity’s parish block party. Happy to be together after months of separation due to COVID, parishioners were eating hot dogs, socializing, playing games and engaging in one more activity you don’t always find at a block party — praying the rosary. Led by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, the diverse crowd joined in praying the luminous mysteries, while the sun went down and the stars came out. “I love it,” said pastor Father Mike Hawken. “And you know what? I had a man here who we just celebrated his 90th birthday, and I had a baby here that’s three weeks old and I just baptized her last Sunday. “And we had every age in between.” The idea for a block-party rosary came about last May when Hagen attended the School of Faith Rosary Tailgate at the Fiorella’s Event Center in Overland Park. “That sparked the interest,” she said. “I thought ‘Hey, we could bring this home, we could do this in our own backyard.” Father Hawken loved the idea “It’s a rosary-praying parish,” he said. The original plan was to welcome everyone back and celebrate the end of the COVID pandemic. “And, of course, COVID is still with us,” said Father Hawken. “But this being an outdoor event, we were able to have it safely. “And we need to pray more at this time than ever.” Archbishop Naumann was pleased to have the opportunity to pray with his church family. “Thank you for allowing me to crash the block party here,” he said. “And my compliments to the weather committee tonight: They did a great job.” The weather was perfect and, with the help of the Knights of Columbus, so was the food. “Our Knights rallied,” said Hagen. “We wanted to keep it simple — didn’t want to stress out over anything. And they did a great job.” The Knights made sure everyone
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
A crowd of more than 300 gathered in the parking lot of Church of the Nativity for a block party and rosary on Sept. 9.
Pray the rosary with School of Faith Archbishop Naumann recommends the Holy Family School of Faith Daily Rosary Meditation as a way to enrich one’s prayer life. Every evening, Mike Scherschligt gathers with family and friends to say the rosary — and thousands of people throughout the world join him. These Daily Rosary Meditations are perfect for a daily commute or morning coffee listening. To access them, go online to: schooloffaith.com/ daily-rosary-meditations. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
had plenty of hot dogs and chips, and Andy’s Custard supplied the block party with dessert. Rosaries were distributed to the children in attendance and all were blessed by the archbishop. “As we contemplate the mysteries of [Jesus’] life, death and resurrection,” he said when beginning to pray, “may they help us open our hearts to the truth and beauty of our faith.”
Andrei (left) and Zachary Shaw enjoy some frozen custard at the picnic. Andrei is a third grader at Nativity School and Zachary is a kindergartner. Archbishop Naumann prefaced each mystery with a brief meditation. “Several people mentioned how inspired they were and touched by his meditations,” said Hagen. The archbishop was inspired by the people, too. “It’s beautiful to see so many families together,” he said. “Thank you, parents, for bringing your children.
“One of the great ways to strengthen family life is praying together and to expose children to this at an early age is wonderful.” “Everything came together for a great experience,” said Hagen. “And, yes, people are asking if we’ll do it again in the spring. “So that is a definite possibility.”
LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 1, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Bishop evangelizes people where they’re at — on social media By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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OS ANGELES — Bishop Robert Barron first dabbled in media at the turn of the century after he’d raised enough money for a Sunday morning radio program on WGN radio in Chicago. Shortly afterward, he worked with a team to develop a website, although he hardly knew what that meant at the time. His role in digital media only took off from there. “In 2007, I did my first YouTube video,” said Bishop Barron, “and now, we have produced 1,000 videos for YouTube, which have been viewed nearly 90,000,000 times.” Following that, Bishop Barron jumped into the world of social media. Now, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries boasts more than three million Facebook followers, 180,000 Twitter followers and 338,000 Instagram followers. Some 455,000 people subscribe to his YouTube channel. Many of his audience are young adults. “Most people today, especially young people, live on the internet and on social media,” said Bishop Barron. “The great missionaries and evangelists in the history of the church went where people were.” “That’s the same challenge and opportunity today,” he added. “We can no longer expect people to come to our institutions; we have to move into their space.”
Catholic messaging in a secular world Bishop Barron has successfully maneuvered his way through the chaos of the digital realm — even Twitter, his least favorite platform, which he said “seems to bring out the worst in people.” He’s also evangelizing through Word on Fire, which offers a variety of resources, including articles, books, DVDs, homilies, study kits and videos. Through these outlets, Bishop Barron promotes the Catholic faith to a previously inaccessible group of people — non-Catholics or those who have fallen away from the faith. His followers can learn more about the church simply by perusing their social media feed. “There are far, far more Catholic materials, books, videos, etc., available now than there were when I was a young man — and that is all to the good,” said Bishop Barron. Last year, during the height of COVID19, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann witnessed firsthand the impact a bishop can have online when he celebrated daily
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he Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced at all Masses the weekend of Sept. 25-26 at Mater Dei Parish in Topeka that it has received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Father John Pilcher, pastor. In accord with archdiocesan protocol, law enforcement was
COURTESY PHOTO
Bishop Robert Barron, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, boasts more than three million Facebook followers, 180,000 Twitter followers and 338,000 Instagram followers. The bishop has long utilized the media to spread the good news — first with radio and websites and now with video and social media.
Where to find Bishop Barron • You can find Bishop Barron on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by searching “Bishop Robert Barron.” • To check out his YouTube videos or to subscribe to his channel, visit: youtube.com/user/wordonfirevideo. • Explore all that Word on Fire has to offer by visiting the website at: wordonfire.org. • Follow Archbishop Naumann on Facebook: facebook.com/archbishop naumann.
Mass on a Facebook video streamed live from his home chapel. “I was able to reach a much wider audience with Facebook Live from my chapel than I could engage at any particular church,” he said. “The sacraments cannot be truly experienced virtually,” he added. “However, during the height of the pandemic, the virtual daily Masses brought great comfort and inspiration to millions of Americans.” Archbishop Naumann is inspired by Bishop Barron’s efforts to engage with a massive number of people on a daily basis. “Word on Fire is a ministry that is not waiting for young adults to come to the church or rectory door, but seeks young adults where they are at home — the digital universe,” he said.
Emily Lopez, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization, believes the appeal of Bishop Barron’s messaging is how succinctly he speaks the truth of the Catholic faith. “Currently, our world is divided and fractured in so many ways along so many lines of personal truths,” she said. “[Bishop] Barron has a gift of knowledge and shares this gift through teaching.” Lopez said that 2021 presents a unique challenge to evangelization. “The world we live in offers a countless buffet of distractions from the development of genuine wonder, curiosity and imagination,” she said. “Ongoing messaging encourages us toward deeper disconnection from God and each other.” Lopez said the isolation people have experienced over the past couple of years should prompt an even greater desire for an unwavering faith community among Catholics. “We find ourselves in a very sensitive moment to reach out in support of one another and encourage, through this hopelessness, with the joy of the Gospel,” she said. When it comes to Bishop Barron’s own evangelization efforts, he isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He continues to post regularly on each of his social media platforms, and Word on Fire is continuously creating new resources. “There are so many today who simply write off religion as old superstition,” said Bishop Barron, “or
Popular reads from Word on Fire • Word on Fire recently launched “A Journey with Jonah: The Spirituality of Bewilderment,” a compact, 84page book by Father Paul Murray, OP. Father Paul guides readers through the Old Testament story of Jonah and breaks down the lessons contained in the short text. • Within “To Light a Fire on the Earth,” Bishop Robert Barron’s simple explanations of profound topics come to life through his conversations with John L. Allen Jr., editor of Crux. The pair delve into the goodness of the Catholic faith and why it’s relevant even in overwhelmingly secular times. • Bishop Barron’s “Light from Light” explores the richness of the Catholic faith through a reflection on the Nicene Creed. Bishop Barron compels readers, particularly skeptics, to rethink Catholicism in a world where more and more Americans are becoming religiously unaffiliated. Word on Fire offers dozens of books that cover a plethora of topics. For more, go online to: bookstore. wordonfire.org.
‘Bronze Age mythology.’ “I hope that our smart, accessible and beautiful materials will cause them to pause and at least give the faith a more serious consideration.”
Statement from the Archdiocese notified of the allegation and Father Pilcher has been suspended from the public exercise of priestly ministry pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter. Father Pilcher denies the allegation and is cooperating fully. He will remain on leave until the investigation is concluded and the archdiocesan Independent
Review Board has reviewed the case and made a recommendation to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann regarding the matter. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency and respect. We encourage anyone with knowledge
about this case or about any misconduct by any church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member to contact civil authorities first, and then make a report to our confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 or online at: www.archkck.org/reportabuse.
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LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 1, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Door-to-door ministry introduced many to the Catholic Church By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY — They would give it a try. That’s what Lita Wurtenberger, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, decided about the first meeting of the Legion of Mary that she and her late husband Laurence attended in 1961. Now, 60 years later and still a member of the organization, Wurtenberger attended the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on Sept. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Peter that commemorated the centennial of the Legion of Mary. The organization was founded on Sept. 7, 1921, by Servant of God Frank Duff, Father Michael Toher and a group of 15 women in Dublin. (Being declared a Servant of God is the first step in the canonization process.) Concelebrating the Mass were Father Anthony Saiki, the cathedral’s rector, and Father Barry Clayton, who serves as the interim spiritual director for the Immaculate Conception Comitum (the archdiocesan unit of the Legion of Mary). Father Clayton is pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish in Osawatomie, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in LaCygne and Sacred Heart Parish, Mound City. According to its official website, the Legion’s objective is “the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the church’s work.” As a lay Catholic organization, the Legion has more than a million members worldwide who “participate in the life of the parish through visitation of families, the sick — both in their homes and in hospitals — and through collaboration in every apostolic aid and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish.” “They were doing a door-to-door visitation of the entire parish [when we were approached],” Wurtenberger said. “The priest who was in charge came over to our house and invited us to come to a meeting, and we’ve been going ever since.” The priest, Father Bernard Schraeder, served as the spiritual director for the Legion of Mary at the parish. He invited the couple to join a “praesidium,” one of two the parish had then.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass Sept. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, to commemorate the centennial of the Legion of Mary. The Legion of Mary was founded by Servant of God Frank Duff on Sept. 7, 1921, in Dublin, with the goal of glorifying God “through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the church’s work.” From the Latin for “troops, assistance or aid,” the “praesidium” operates at the parish level and conducts a weekly meeting where members pray together and report on their various activities. Wurtenberger said between the personal invitation and the fact she and her husband “wanted to do something for the church,” it was an easy decision for them to join. “We had four kids at the time, maybe five. . . . We went to the meeting and we thought, ‘It would be nice to give it a try.’ My husband’s mother was a widow and she said, ‘If you’re crazy enough to join, I’m crazy enough to offer to watch the kids on Wednesday nights so you can go to your meeting. So, that was nice. And so, for all those years until she died, she was here on Wednesday nights when we went to our meetings.” When Wurtenberger’s husband died 12 years ago, he was still attending meetings.
“I think the Legion is wonderful because it paves the way and gives you the grace to go and do things you would never do with the Catholic faith,” she said. At the time she and her husband began with the Legion, Wurtenberger said there were many young families moving into the parish boundaries. “We just went door to door, and we found a number of Catholics who wanted to join the church and Catholics who weren’t even sure where the church was,” she said. “I think we used to have some of the largest classes for converts.” “It was really nice to be in contact with the parishioners, too, especially the ones that don’t get out. . . . We’re in the nursing homes and say the rosary, go and visit the shut-ins at their homes if they’re OK with it,” she continued. “We’ve made a lot of bereavement calls through the years as well as visited
ACROSS 1 Biblical word for You idiot! 5 Artist Chagall 9 Upon (2 wds.) 14 Asian country 15 6th month (Jewish calendar) 16 Bowed stringed instrument 17 Cosmic 18 Yawn 19 Devourer 20 Time period 21 Curbing 23 Jewish teacher 25 Director (abbr.) 26 Opera solo 30 Began 33 Approaching 35 Book of facts 37 Moisten the meat 38 Air Cushion Vehicle (abbr.) 41 Liners 44 Aurora 45 Doorbell sound 47 Present time 49 Bars 52 Fighter 56 Baths 57 Winder malady 59 Struck (KJV)
new families — just all kinds of things to show to other people that Catholics are not exactly like Jehovah’s Witnesses, but we do go door to door.” In his homily, the archbishop explained how one of these door-to-door visits affected his family. “My mother told me that it was the visits of members of the Legion of Mary that motivated my grandparents to put my mother in what would have been the equivalent of a school of religion at that time,” he said. “That really became my mother’s formation,” he added, “and she never forgot that.” “You won’t always see the fruits of your work,” the archbishop advised Legion members, “but you’re planting seeds by these visitations. You will never realize the impact that they will have on individuals, families and the life of the church.”
60 Godliness 64 Rumpus 65 Sarah’s handmaid 68 Church part 69 Transgressions 70 Deduce 71 Gruesome 72 Stake 73 Butterflies’ cousins 74 Monetary unit 75 What children make DOWN 1 Creeks 2 Where Noah’s ark landed 3 Sweet melon 4 Picnic pest 5 They visited Jesus 6 __ and Eve 7 Sudden 8 Foolish person 9 Baker’s need 10 Famous falls 11 Kid 12 Bullfight cheer 13 Standard or average 21 Smaller 22 Anger 24 Bikini top
27 Ascend 28 Within 29 Gets older 31 Samuel’s mentor 32 Tribe of Israel 34 Inflamed area 36 Transgression 38 Book after Gospels 39 Lad 40 Brand of milk 42 Cain fled to this land 43 African antelope 46 Survivor of fiery furnace 48 Shade tree 50 Football assoc. 51 Hurt arm holders 53 Salt addition 54 Periods of work 55 Tightens up 58 Single 61 Mined metals 62 Wicked 63 Partial 65 Dress edge 66 Hoopla 67 __ feeling 69 Surface to air missile Solution on page 10
OCTOBER 1, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
7 Mary Ann (Uhler) and Kenny Weishaar, members of St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 7. The couple was married at St. Joseph by Father Thomas Clune. They celebrated with a family gathering in July. Their children are: Barbara Easthouse, Lawrence; Deanie Keehn, Kansas City, Kansas; Donna Noll, Nortonville; Sandra Sommers, Great Bend; Jenny Leonard, Olathe; and Greg Weishaar (deceased). They also have 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY FRAN REITZ
CELEBRATING 25
Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, processes from the church to the eucharistic adoration chapel with the Blessed Sacrament in celebration of the parish’s 25 years of eucharistic adoration on Sept. 19. Leading the procession with the cross is Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner Bob Niehues. To help commemorate the event, Mike Scherschligt, executive director of the Holy Family School of Faith, gave a presentation on eucharistic adoration at the church preceding the procession.
Pandemic didn’t dent campaign enthusiasm >> Continued from page 1 the parish. I’m very happy with their response.” Christ the King Parish is renovating the church interior, improving the parking lot, creating a green space, making a covered drop-off area and centralized pedestrian entryway, and improving handicapped accessibility. The parking lot and outside work should be done by the end of September, and the church interior should be finished by Nov. 19.
Not a new concept The co-campaign concept is not new. Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher allowed the same during the “Future Full of Hope” campaign in 2003. “When the archdiocese set out to do the ‘One Faith’ campaign, a moratorium on parish and school campaigns was put in place,” said Bill Maloney, executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. “No parish or school was allowed to conduct their own capital campaign during the three years the campaign would be run, or within three years of their parish conducting the campaign. “There were several parishes that had projects on the table that they wanted to do. So, as a way to accommodate both [campaigns] . . . an option was given to run co-campaigns.” A formula was established whereby the archdiocese received a fixed percentage of the goal, a guaranteed amount, and the parish would keep the rest. “All 10 of them succeeded by raising far and away more money because of a strong component of the parishcentered campaign,” said Maloney, who became executive director on Oct. 20, 2020. His office’s role at this point is to provide accounting of the campaign funds. Despite reaching their goals, some of the 10 parishes have done additional fundraising for projects relating to parish infrastructure improvements.
Parishes that were allowed cocampaigns had to meet certain conditions. The projects had to be both urgent and needed. The pastor had to demonstrate parishioner support. The parish had to get archdiocesan approval for the project and the fundraising. They had to conduct a feasibility study and have professional fundraising counsel. Looking over the numbers, Maloney believes that the participation rate in co-campaign parishes was higher than in parishes that simply participated in the archdiocesan campaign. He attributed this to parishioners having increased motivation to help their parish. “It was a win-win,” said Maloney.
Jumping into the fray It’s not easy to be appointed to a new parish in the middle of a capital campaign, much less one during a worldwide pandemic, but that’s what faced Father Nathan Haverland when he came to Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka in July 2020. “I came in the middle of the campaign,” said Father Haverland. “Father Greg Hammes (the previous pastor) did all the hard work, and I got to do the fun stuff. It wasn’t easy to jump into the middle of a campaign, but the people have been very supportive.” Fundraising is still ongoing at Most Pure Heart. “So far our parishioners have given — and we have pledges remaining — $2.8 million, which is really incredible considering that came in the middle of a pandemic,” said Father Haverland. “The generosity of the people has been tremendous. One million has gone to the archdiocesan campaign. We’re still raising funds and needing funds.” The infrastructure improvements at Most Pure Heart of Mary include narthex expansion and restroom enlargement to the church, a large outdoor gathering area, handicapped parking and security upgrades to the school.
The 10 co-campaign parishes • Christ the King Parish in Topeka: Phase 1, sanctuary renovation and parking lot • Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood: Phase 1, grade school expansion and renovations • Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth: repair and refurbishing of stained-glass windows at St. Joseph Church • Immaculate Conception in St. Marys: eucharistic adoration chapel and parish hall • Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka: church addition, renovations • Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park: renovate former rectory and build new parish hall • St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing: parish master plan • St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe: Phase 1, new building • St. Joseph Parish in Olpe: new parish hall • St. Patrick Parish in Scranton: addition to connect church to parish hall
“We are about one to two months into construction, and it will be completed roughly at the end of the year,” said Father Haverland. “Now, we’ll begin to see a lot of progress as the steel [frame] begins to be erected and the structure takes shape. The shell of the structure will be seen soon.” The co-campaign worked because people gave generously, but is this the best way to raise funds for projects? It seems the answer is: “It depends.” “Ideally, you separate them, because it’s easier to support one cause and harder to support many,” said Father Haverland. “But I know why we did it this way. “It is hard [for parishioners] to fundraise and see half the money go to another project, even though the projects are good. But I see the reason behind it.”
Terry and Ginger (Ventura) Schoenberger, members of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 2. The couple was married on Oct. 2, 1971, at St. Benedict Church in Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Cyprian Nordus, OSB. They will host a celebration at the American Legion Post 370 on Oct. 2. Their children are: John, Gina and Michelle. They also have six grandchildren. Jack and Anne (Scullin) McGranaghan, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 6. The couple was married on Oct. 6, 1951, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Syracuse, New York. Their children are: Kathleen Geldhof, Meg McGranaghan, Tom McGranaghan and Michael McGranaghan. They also have two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sylvia (Erpelding) and Larry Miller, members of St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 9 with a family d i n n e r. They will also receive a marriage blessing at 8 a.m. Mass on Oct. 10 at St. Teresa Church, Madison. The couple was married on Oct. 7, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church, Emporia. Their children are: Brian Miller, Rusty Miller, Lynnette Miller and Wes Miller. They also have 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Patricia (Blaufuss) and Michael Dunn, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 9. The couple was married on Oct. 9, 1971, at St. Mary Church, Hartford. Their children are: Michael Dunn and Brian Dunn. They also have five grandchildren.
Catholics mobilize to aid Afghan refugees By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ISSION — The recent images of chaos and d e s p e rat i o n in Afghanistan have stirred in Catholics across the country a desire to help — Mary Patterson, a member of St. Pius X Parish here, among them. When she learned that Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas needed help assisting refugees they would soon resettle, she wanted her parish to be involved. “We had been praying at Mass for the Afghan interpreters who worked with the United States,” said Patterson, an adjunct instructor in chemistry and biology at Kansas City Kansas Community College. “Then, when we found out they were coming to the United States, I emailed [pastor] Father Ken Kelly, our parish office manager LouAnne Wagner, and our maintenance manager Patrick Barron,” she continued. “I asked them if we had any storage space to start gathering [things] for the refugees. We decided to put boxes out to start collecting items.” The parish doesn’t have room to collect furniture, but they are able to collect other items: hats, coats, blankets, sheets, towels, pillows, cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils and other items. These things will be transported to a Catholic Charities collection point. “The refugees don’t have anything — maybe a suitcase of clothes, if that,” said Patterson. “They’ll be starting from scratch. Catholic Charities will work to get them housing and we will try to furnish those apartments with donated items. They don’t have money to buy items.” St. Pius X parishioners have responded generously, said Father Kelly. “I already see stacks of [items] in the vestibule of the church, and I see volunteers moving stuff . . . to Catholic Charities,” he said. “The very definition of Christianity is to help out those in need and never to ask what is in it for us,” he added. “We reach out simply because the need is there, and so we help.” Both Father Kelly and Patterson recall how Catholics throughout the archdiocese helped refugees from South Vietnam when it was conquered in 1975. “I’m sure we’ll do the same thing again to help those coming to our country as we helped the Hmong in 1975,” said Father Kelly. Nor was he surprised that Patterson took the lead.
CNS PHOTO/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN, REUTERS
Afghan refugees at Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, wait to board buses that will take them to a processing center Sept. 2.
Recent Catholic Charities resettlement numbers 2020 Primary refugees: 64 Secondary refugees: 183 2019 Primary refugees: 160 Secondary refugees: 180 2018 Primary refugees: 185 Secondary refugees: 211 Note: The majority of refugees resettled over the past three years by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas have been from Myanmar (Burma) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“She’s a standout volunteer for our parish,” said Father Kelly. “She’s come to the plate many times over the years to help [the parish] do worthy things. I feel great about her leading the charge on [assistance] to Afghan refugees for St. Pius Parish.”
Families on the way The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (along with the various diocesan Catholic Charities agencies around the country) is working with the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to assist some of the estimated 95,000 Afghan refugees who will eventually come to the United States.
There are two types of Afghan refugees. The first are those with a special immigrant visa. The SIV families have permanent status and may participate in various government assistance programs. The second are asylum-seeking evacuees. They may receive a one-time grant of $1,200 but aren’t eligible to participate in government programs like the SIV families. The latter kind of refugees is the most in need. Kansas will initially receive about 490 Afghan refugees, said Melissa Lukes, refugee community sponsorship program developer with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “We have pledged to take 75 individuals at CCNEK,” she said. “That’s our initial number. It’s very highly likely that will be doubled.” Refugees from other places are arriving weekly, but the exact date when these refugees from Afghanistan will arrive is unknown. CCNEK expects to be given 24- to 48-hour notice that they are on their way. Lukes expects that, like other refugee groups, these from Afghanistan will be categorized either as “primary refugees” since they’re being resettled directly from their home country, often because they have some local tie, or as “secondary refugees” — those who have first settled somewhere else in the United States but move here to be with a friend or relative. “We anticipate Afghan evacuees to be arriving in late October,” said Lukes. “We expect that to be a heavy influx of people arriving in a short span of time. That’s related to them currently not able to travel until they are a certain number of days out from a vaccine they are
Afghan refugees walk to a bus taking them to a refu given. Some of the people we had slated to come already were canceled and will come late October.
Ways and means of helping Regardless of their classification, all Afghan refugees will need assistance. Catholic Charities hopes archdiocesan Catholics will help in three ways: donate items, volunteer and offer financial support. There is a list on the Catholic Charities website of items that organizers expect the refugees will most need (see sidebar). “Primarily, we are looking for things to furnish a home,” said Lukes. “Coffee tables, couches, chairs, dishes, silverware — things like that. We are open to winter items like coats, hats, scarves and gloves so we can have them on hand so when families arrive during the colder weather, we can give them that immediately. We are asking all other clothing be given to TurnStyles Thrift Store, which is also run through Catholic Charities.” Items that are collected at churches, schools or homes can be taken to Shalom House, 2100 N. 13th St., in Kansas City, Kansas. The only time donations can be accepted is between 3-6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Catholic Charities might expand days and hours later.
CNS PHOTO/KEVIN LAMARQUE, REUTERS
ugee processing center upon their arrival at Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, Aug. 25.
How to give and volunteer If you are interested in donating or volunteering, contact Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas by email at: refugees@catholiccharitiesks.org. For more information, go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/Afghanistanhumanitarian-crisis/. Scroll down the page and click on the following links to donate items or make financial donations online: • To schedule the drop-off of donated items, send an email to: refugees@ catholiccharitiesks.org. • For a list of needed items which can be donated to refugees, click on the “Donate Needed Items” link. • To make a monetary donation, click on the “Financial Donations” link.
A form to give monetary donations online can be found on the Catholic Charities website (see sidebar). Donors can also send checks to two places. The first is: Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, 9720 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212. The second is Kasey Featherston, 600 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101.” Write “Refugee” on the memo line of the checks.
CNS PHOTO/JON NAZCA, REUTERS
Afghan citizens evacuated from Kabul disembark from a U.S. Air Force transport plane as they arrive at Naval Station Rota Air Base in Rota, Spain, Aug. 31.
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OCTOBER 1, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
St. Joseph is model for 2021 Respect Life Month
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — As part of the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis, the U.S. Catholic Church’s annual Respect Life Month celebration in October “highlights the example of that great saint” as protector of life, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee. “As the faithful protector of both Jesus and Mary,” St. Joseph is “a profound reminder of our own call to welcome, safeguard and defend God’s precious gift of human life,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas. “Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mary’s pregnancy, St. Joseph took her into his home at the word of the angel,” and like the saint, “we are also called to care for those God has entrusted to us — especially vulnerable mothers and children,” the archbishop said. The prelate, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, made the comments in a Sept. 27 statement. During October, Respect Life Sunday is observed on the first Sunday of the month, which this year is Oct. 3. To join in prayer for the intercession of St. Joseph, defender of life, visit www.respectlife.org/prayer-tost-joseph. Various resources for celebrating Respect for Life Month — including dozens of articles, prayer cards, prayers for life, a toolkit for parish pro-life leaders, homily helps and other resources can be found online at https://www.respectlife.org/respectlife-month. As the Holy Family’s protector, St. Joseph “guided their journey to Bethlehem, found shelter and welcomed the infant Jesus as his son,” Archbishop Naumann said. “When Herod threatened the life of the Christ Child, St. Joseph left his homeland behind and fled with Jesus and Mary to Egypt.” “We can follow in the footsteps of St. Joseph as protector by advocating against taxpayer-funded abortion, which targets the lives of millions of poor children and their mothers here in the United States,” he continued. “We can imitate his care and provision by helping to start Walking with
CNS PHOTO/COURTESY RESPECTLIFE.ORG
This is the poster for Respect Life Month 2021 observed in October by the U.S. Catholic Church. As part of the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis, this year’s celebration “highlights the example of that great saint,” said a Sept. 27 statement from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Oct. 3 is Respect Life Sunday. Moms in Need at our parishes, ‘walking in the shoes’ of mothers experiencing a difficult pregnancy, especially low-income mothers in our communities,” he said. In March 2020, the USCCB’s prolife committee asked all U.S. Catholic bishops to invite the parishes in their dioceses to join a nationwide effort called “Walking With Moms in Need: A Year of Service.” The program has its own website, www.walkingwithmoms.com, with resources, outreach tools and models to assist parishes in this effort. Also, Archbishop Naumann in his
THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 27 statement urged Catholics to learn more about preventing taxpayer- funded abortion by visiting www. notaxpayerabortion.com. “At times, we may feel uncertain of our ability to answer the Lord’s call. But he invites us to faithfully respond, despite our own fears or weaknesses: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9),” the archbishop said. “May we imitate St. Joseph’s faithful trust and courage as we work to uphold the dignity of every human life,” he added. “St. Joseph, defender of life, pray for us!”
Canadian bishops apologize for abuses, trauma of Indigenous OTTAWA, Ontario (CNS) — Canada’s Catholic bishops have “unequivocally” apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system and have raised the possibility of a visit by the pope to Canada as part of the “healing journey” between Canada’s Indigenous peoples and the church. In a statement released by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops at the end of the CCCB’s annual plenary assembly Sept. 24, the bishops said, “We acknowledge the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous peoples,” said the statement released by the bishops’ conference. “We acknowledge the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural and sexual. We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples that continue to this day.” Since unmarked graves of children were discovered at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia, in May, the Catholic Church has been criticized for not doing enough to make amends for its role in the residential school system. There also have been renewed calls for Pope Francis to visit Canada to issue a formal apology on behalf of the church on Canadian soil, which was one of the Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR St. Theresa Parish 209 3rd St., Perry Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Turkey and ham dinners and homemade pie will be served in the parish hall or be available for carryout. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under. Outdoor activities include games for kids, a silent auction, a buy-it-now tent, a cakewalk, a beer garden, barbecue and baked goods. There will be fun for all ages.
STRAWBERRY HILL ALTAR SOCIETY GOLF TOURNAMENT Sunflower Hills Golf Course 12200 Riverview Ave., Bonner Springs Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
Save the date for the second annual Strawberry Hill Altar Society Golf Tournament. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The $100 entry fee includes a banquet dinner and free drinks. Contact Carol Shomin by email at: cshomin@everest kc.net or call (913) 897-4833 or send an email to Sandy Cannon at: csandys angels@aol.com or call (913) 396-1564.
ESTATE PLANNING: PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR NOW AND 2022 Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Oct. 5 at 4:30 p.m.
The event will begin with a wine and cheese social at 4:30 p.m. and continue with speaker Casey Connealy, an estate planning attorney. He will discuss a series of practical matters to consider when planning your family’s will or trust.
INTEGRATED HEALTH & MENTAL WELLNESS St. Ann Parish (St. Ann Chapel) 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
St. Ann Parish and the archdiocesan mental wellness program, called Fully Alive, will present “Integrated Health & Wellness.” Learning how to stay well starts with a lifestyle of overall wellness. Heal the whole person — mind, body and soul — and find out how you can thrive even during a national health crisis. Father Augustin Martinez, Sandy Scherschligt and archdiocesan Catholic counselors — Dr. Jacque Pfeifer-Moffitt, Ph.D., and Deacon Mike Moffitt, Ph.D. — will be presenters. All are welcome.
VENERATION OF RELICS OF ST. PADRE PIO Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee Oct. 7 from 8:15 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The rite of reception of the relics will begin after Communion during the 8:15 a.m. Mass. Open veneration of the relics will begin at 9 a.m. Father Pat Sullivan, pastor, will preside at a special Mass at 7 p.m. that will conclude the day of veneration. Feel free to bring a personal item (cross, rosary, etc.) to have a third-class relic of your own.
EASING INTO CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: GROUP RETREAT Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.
This is a six-week, small group experience. You will learn various prayer exercises, read and pray daily, and journal your experience. There will be weekly meetings to share your experiences. The process will be accompanied by two Ignatian prayer guides. For more information, visit the website at: www.ignatiancenter kc.org/events or call Stephanie Hudson at (816) 381-9168.
HOLY SPIRIT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS GOLF OUTING Heritage Park Golf Course 16455 Lackman Dr., Olathe Oct. 8 at 9 a.m.
This annual golf outing will begin with a four-man scramble and shotgun start. You are encouraged to bring your own foursome or we’ll be happy to fit you into one. Non-Knights are welcome. Cost is $45, which includes green fees, cart and two drink tickets. Prizes and lunch follow the golf at Mr. P’s BBQ in Overland Park. Register online by contacting Greg Davis at: oneocd@gmail.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses at $125 per hole. Call Everett Fritz at (913) 831-8907 for details.
BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars (Father Burak Room) 9505 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 9 following the 8 a.m. Mass
The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting following morning Mass. The topic will be: “Managing the Holidays.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
HARVEST MEAL St. Mary Parish (hall) 9208 Main St., St. Benedict Oct. 10 from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The meal will be dine-in or carryout. The cost is a freewill offering and everyone is welcome. There will be pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, baked beans and cookies.
SOUP SUPPER AND AUCTION St. Bede Parish (hall) 7322 Drought St., Kelly Oct. 10 beginning at 4 p.m.
Supper will be from 4 - 7 p.m. There will be homemade chili, soups, ham sandwiches, hot dogs, pies and desserts. The cost is a freewill donation. There will also be games for all ages from 5 -8 p.m. in the parish hall, followed by an auction of handmade quilts and many other items at 8 p.m.
‘HOPE ARISING’ COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Sacred Heart Parish 1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha Oct. 10 from 4:30 - 8 p.m.
Sacred Heart Parish welcomes Sabetha and surrounding communities to a
community celebration of “Hope Arising Out of Darkness.” Enjoy a dynamic evening of celebration and worship through music, art and adoration of the Lord — all taking place outdoors on the church’s west lawn. The celebration is open to everyone. Invite family, friends and neighbors. A free soup supper will be offered from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
ANNUAL TURKEY/HAM DINNER Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish 1405 2nd Ave., Leavenworth Oct. 10 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The turkey/ham dinner cost will be $11 for adults and $6 for kids 5 and under. Carryout begins at 11 a.m. There will be games for the kids, music, pumpkins for sale, raffles for prizes and several cash raffles.
FINDING HOPE: SURVIVING SUICIDE, ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND SUDDEN LOSS Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
This is a Project Chrysalis event. Speakers will be Ed Shoener from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Jennifer Hubbard from Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Shoener has co-written a book, “When a Loved One Dies by Suicide.” He is also a permanent deacon. Hubbard is the president and executive director of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, which she founded in memory of her daughter who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Hubbard is a national Catholic speaker and a writer for Magnificat.
CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Stone Pillar Winery 11000 S. Woodland St., Olathe Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.
Called to Love is a community of support and formation for divorced Catholics. Come enjoy an evening of relaxation and fellowship. Send an email to: calledtolove143@gmail.com for more details. Visit our website at: thecall2love.com.
‘DISCOVERING THE WISDOM OF ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Oct. 15 - 17
The retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 and concludes on Oct. 17 at 4:30 p.m. The new evangelization has transformed
11 the church. This and other teachings of Pope John Paul II will be examined. There will be conferences, workshops, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The suggested donation is $170/ single or $250/couples for the cabins and courtyard rooms or $100 for the single guest rooms (meals included). To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.
TAX REDUCING STRATEGIES FOR PRE- AND POST-RETIREES Holy Spirit Parish (Mary and Martha Room) 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Oct. 19 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
The event will begin with a social at 4 p.m. The speaker, Bill Eckert, a certified adviser in philanthropy, will talk about ways to respond to shifting tax laws and how to protect your assets through gift planning. Visit the website at: archkck.org/holyspiritseminar/. This event is hosted by the parish and the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. RSVP online to: plannedgiving@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0365.
GERMANFEST St. Joseph Parish 320 N. Broadway, Leavenworth Oct. 23 from 4 - 8 p.m.
Mass will begin at 4 p.m. and the German dinner and music will begin at 5 p.m. There will be sauerbraten and bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, red cabbage, dessert and beverages. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Beer and wine will also be available. Music will be provided by the Festhaus-Musikanten Band. Carryouts will be available. A silent auction of German items will also be held.
‘THE MIRACLE BOX’ Church of the Ascension (St. Mark and St. Matthew Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
The 60-minute film “The Miracle Box” by Father John Clote will be shown. There will be a discussion led by Chuck Jansen, founder of the Forgiveness Institute KC, Inc. The film is set to be released the first week in October. COVID protocols will be followed.
CLASSIFIEDS
12 EMPLOYMENT Client Care Coordinator position - The Client Care Coordinator (CCC) reports to the owners and works in the office/ showroom on a full-time basis, generally during the 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. office hours. The CCC greets showroom visitors; provides efficient, courteous, sales consultation and customer service; coordinates the day-to-day operations of the technicians and sales appointments for staff; and fields incoming calls. Additionally, the individual will assist owners and sales in projects, mailings and marketing. This role would be well suited to a person with a background in sales/service, caregiving or health care services. Requires basic computer skills and ability to learn a CRM system. Competitive hourly rate, bonus opportunities and benefit plan. Please send resume to Maria at: mkoch@kclift.com. Director of administrative services - Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa is seeking a full-time director of administrative services to assume responsibilities by Dec. 1. Responsibilities include: parish fiscal management; upkeep of campus facilities; hospitality with parish community; and oversight of human resources, accounting and maintenance. The director reports to the pastor and supervises office and maintenance staff. Qualified candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in business or related field; have five - 10 years of business and management experience; excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; and the ability to work with a variety of constituents. The full job description is available on the Holy Trinity website at: www.htlenexa.org. Full-time, salaried and exempt position with benefits. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to: careers@htlenexa.org by Oct. 15. Housekeeper needed - Busy family with one dog looking for someone approximately 10 hours per week to help with laundry, picking up, organization and other household chores in west Shawnee. $15 per hour. Schedule flexible. Contact Kate at (913) 221-7063; member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Help wanted - In need of a companion/caregiver for a 46-year-old woman with autism in Lawrence. Two three evening/overnight shifts per week from 4 p.m. - 9 a.m. Paid sleep time, private bedroom. Must be a nonsmoker and have proof of a COVID vaccination. Great job experience, easy-going environment and opportunity to build a lasting friendship with a very sweet gal. For complete details contact Carol at (785) 230-1800. Part-time maintenance opening at Good Shepherd, Shawnee - Make a difference in our school and parish by providing midday janitorial/custodial cleaning, ensuring an attractive and sanitary facility. This is a parttime position, Monday - Friday, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. that will assist with the operation and maintenance of daily activities. If interested, contact Brad Roder at: broder@ gsshawnee.org or (913)-563-5304. L’Arche Heartland house assistant - L’Arche is an organization where people both with and without developmental disabilities choose to share life together to promote the dignity of every human person. L’Arche’s unique model of care seeks to offer more than a job; it’s an opportunity for personal transformation through relationships. L’Arche homes are regulated by the state of Kansas and are part of an international federation with written practices and guidelines based on 55 years of experience lived out in 37 countries around the world. The role of an assistant (direct support provider) is to share life with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other assistants in relationships of mutuality; to support the individuals in daily life activities; and to live fully the identity and mission of L’Arche in the context of an intentional faith community. This includes: assisting individuals with activities of daily living, including personal care and passing out medications; implementing support plans; documenting care given; and providing transportation. The job is full time; pay is $13.25 - $15 per hour. Benefits include: simple IRA; IRA matching; employer-paid dental insurance; employer-paid disability insurance; employee assistance program; employer-paid health insurance; paid time off; and employer-paid vision insurance. Must have a driver’s license; have a high school diploma or equivalent; have one year of experience as a direct support provider of caregiving/direct patient care. Must embrace the mission and values of L’Arche; must be 18 or older; pass a background test and be eligible to work in the United States. Finally, must be dependable, people-oriented and adaptable/flexible. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: Harmony@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Catholic substitute teachers - Are you looking for rewarding work in Catholic education? The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is looking for faith-filled Catholic substitute teachers at all levels from pre-K thru 12th grade in our Catholic schools. The archdiocese has 36 elementary and six high schools. We have positions available for the right candidates. Applicants should hold a Kansas teaching or substitute teaching license, or be eligible to obtain a license. For questions, contact the school office at (913) 721-1570. To complete the application, go online to: www. archkck.org/catholicschools/employment. Seasonal tax consultant - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is hiring a seasonal tax consultant to coordinate our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Last year, our amazing volunteers prepared 474 tax returns free, bringing over $647,000 in refunds! Please go to: www.catholiccharitiesks.org to find this position and others under the “About Us” tab. Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches for the 2021-22 school year in the following sports: assistant baseball; assistant boys wrestling; and assistant girls wrestling. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.
Part-time afternoon aide - Holy Rosary, Wea, preschool is seeking a part-time afternoon aide for our three-year-olds classroom. This person would be in charge of our afternoon adventures program two afternoons per week. If you are interested, please contact Nick Anitista, principal, at (913) 533-2462. Receptionist/administrative assistant - Immaculate Conception, St. Marys, Kansas, is seeking a part-time receptionist. This position will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., approximately 27.5 hours per week. This position is responsible for receiving all calls and visitors, emails, weekly bulletin and other clerical duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. High school diploma required and at least three years of secretarial or administrative experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required. Must be able to provide hospitality and efficient response to all calls and visitors. To apply, please visit: http://www.immaculateconceptionstmarys.com. Application deadline is Oct. 6. Executive director - Hot Lunch Service, Inc. (dba St. Mary’s Food Kitchen) is seeking an executive director. The responsibilities include executing all day-to-day operations, including staffing, employee evaluations, budgeting, social media, equipment procurement and repair, and working with all coordinators whose groups provide the daily meals for our guests. Other key duties include fund-raising, marketing and community outreach. The executive director reports directly to the board of directors. This position will be a full-time salaried position with benefits. Requirements include: bachelor’s or higher degree in business, a related field or its equivalent; food service experience is preferred; 3-5 years’ demonstrated history of leadership skills; 5 or more years of nonprofit 501(C)3 management experience working with a board of directors; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through social media; solid organizational abilities such as planning, delegating and financial management. Interested candidates, please submit a current resume, letter of interest and references with contact information to: hotlunchserviceinc@gmail.com. L’Arche Heartland house coordinator - Responsibilities of the house coordinator regarding quality of life for the core members are: to provide direct support in the house and actively participate in the sharing of daily home life; serve as an advocate and contact for core member parents and guardians for house-related needs and as liaison to the coordinator of professional services/community life for other core member needs; cooperate with the coordinator of professional services to ensure that the medical, financial, safety and spiritual needs of each core member are fully met, and that all documentation is completed and submitted in a timely manner; schedules and facilitates weekly house meeting with core members to ensure everyone has opportunities to be meaningful members of the home; encourages and helps build a family atmosphere; supports household prayer life and spiritual growth by way of evening prayer, celebrations, observation of religious seasons and core member involvement in their local faith community. Key responsibilities regarding quality of life for assistants are: facilitating weekly team meeting and participating in regular formations and trainings to develop a relationship of trust and collaboration; serving as a liaison between assistants, coordinator of community life to ensure that the personal and spiritual needs of assistants are being met; preparing the home for guests or volunteer visits; and creating a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere in the home. Administrative responsibilities include: attending and actively participating in weekly leadership team meetings; ensuring that core member goal tracking, MARs and other required paperwork are being completed and sent to the coordinator of professional services; with the coordinator, ensuring that home and vehicles are maintained and that safety precautions are followed and documented; in cooperation with coordinator of professional services and the coordinator of community life, monitoring home environmental needs and coordinating repairs and purchases as needed with the approval of the community leader; ensuring that the household finances and spending are organized and in agreement with the designated budget. Share the mission of L’Arche by: working with other members of the leadership team to share and spread the mission of L’Arche to the Kansas City metro area; assist in the planning and facilitating of community nights, holiday gatherings, retreats, trips and fundraisers; foster communication and sharing between Heartland and other L’Arche communities. Requirements for the job: embrace the mission and values of L’Arche; previous L’Arche or other community living experience preferred; maturity and commitment to one’s own personal and spiritual growth; experience with people with developmental disabilities strongly preferred. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: Harmony@ larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Manufacturing jobs - IFF is a food manufacturing plant near Gardner that produces ESSENTIAL FOOD INGREDIENTS for large FOOD and BEVERAGE producing customers. Our products can be found in almost every kitchen cabinet in the U.S. We offer MEDICAL, DENTAL and Vision insurance. BEST IN CLASS 401(k) plan, 12 holidays and 120 hours vacation per year. Discount on medical premium of $500 per year. Basic life insurance - no cost. Apply at: https://careers.iff. com/ or call or text (913) 620-5093 for additional questions or assistance. WE LOVE OUR TEACHERS - COME SEE WHY YOU WANT TO WORK HERE! - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in nurturing environments, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. Full- and part-time positions available. No experience? We will train the right person. Ask about our $600 hiring bonus. Janice Kennedy, owner. Email: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com or call (913) 768-4499.
Spanish-speaking school secretary - Bishop Ward is seeking applicants for a Spanish-speaking secretary. Hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Must be welcoming, helpful and friendly. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: answering phones and the school doorbell for the front door; coordinating Title Fund requests for payment (RFP to KCK District 500); Virtus coordinator for the high school; liaison with parents for project graduation; sorting mail; and other duties as needed. Secretarial experience preferred; other experience will be considered. Send letter of interest, resume and references to Dr. Michelle Olson, principal, at: molson@wardhigh.org. Service technician - Would you like to be part of the success of a small growing local company? Seeking individuals looking for flexible part time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our established family company. Service is completed at customers’ locations and electrical knowledge is a plus. Position involves regional travel with 50% overnight stays, some lightweight lifting and walking; dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality and customer oriented, are required. We need go-getters willing and ready to work! Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com. Director of religious education - St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a director of religious education to coordinate the school of religion programs, including first Communion and confirmation preparation. A background in religious education and catechist formation is preferred. Spanish language skills are a plus. For a job description and an application, contact Abby Drath at the St. Patrick Parish office at (913) 299-3370 or by email at: adrath@stpatrickkck.org. Fifth grade teacher - St. Ann is seeking a 5th grade homeroom teacher for the 2021-22 school year. This teacher will be responsible for teaching 5th grade religion and 5th/6th grade social studies classes. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website, at: www.archkck.org/jobs, and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org. Join the Santa Marta team - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team. We are looking for part-time servers. Responsibilities include: serving meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and co-workers is required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session. Part-time servers are normally scheduled for three to five shifts per week (evening from 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). Pay is $10 - $11 hourly rate depending upon relevant experience. Part-time associates earn paid time off for hours worked. Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Marta team. Check out Santa Marta at: https://www.facebook.com/SantaMartaRetirement/. Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of preacademics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to a successful life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a 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. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with co-workers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3. Office assistant - Looking for a change? We have the job for you! And not just any job, but one where you’ll make a difference! Come join our family-owned small company located in the Kansas City area for the past 40 years. We are looking for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, customer-friendly and has a willingness to go that extra mile. Job tasks are mainly invoicing, filing, answering phones, scheduling, receiving/shipping (small packages), vendor relations and customer service. We need a trustworthy and dependable employee who’s ready to work and has a great attitude! Send your resume to: YourCareer101@gmail.com. Maintenance supervisor - Facility and grounds: Prince of Peace in Olathe is seeking an individual for maintenance supervisor. This person is responsible for routine campus maintenance, including minor building repair, general maintenance, grounds maintenance, landscape maintenance and support building operation activities. If interested, send resume to John Meyers at: jmeyers@ popolathe.org or call (913) 747-7706. Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO
0CTOBER 1, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Part-time custodial position - Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, is seeking an individual that is available weekends, along with some weekday afternoons and evenings. The custodian is responsible for day-to-day cleaning activities, as well as event setup and tear down associated with the parish and school. If interested, please contact John Meyers at: jmeyers@popolathe.org or call (913) 747-7706. Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team. Advancement officer - Donnelly College is looking for a driven advancement officer to join the college’s advancement team. This exciting opportunity requires an individual who is attentive to details, works well with a diverse array of constituencies, enjoys meeting people, works well individually and as part of a team. Responsibilities include: serve as integral member of the advancement team with the primary goal of securing major gifts to support Donnelly’s mission and vision through new and existing donor prospects; manage the cultivation cycle leading to the successful solicitation and securing of major gifts for annual fund, capital projects, endowment, event sponsorships and planned gifts; manage (and help grow) a portfolio of major gift prospects (up to 125 in portfolio); develop and coordinate major gift prospect strategies with donor database analyst, annual fund coordinator, vice president of advancement and, when appropriate, the president of the college; schedule and hold individual meetings with prospects and donors to qualify interest and capacity; create individualized prospect engagement and stewardship plans for all constituents in your portfolio; recruit membership into the Jerome Society by securing annual gifts of $1,000 and above. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Advancement officer” in the subject line. Nursing faculty - A full-time nursing faculty position carries the primary responsibility of helping students to master subject material and skills that will contribute to their personal and intellectual development and success in the nursing program. This person works with the director of nursing to schedule coursework/activities that will help students to complete their goal of becoming health care professionals and to support the program. Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Qualifications include: MSN or BSN with MSN in progress; unencumbered Kansas nursing license; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population; ability to communicate well and assist students in gaining practice and knowledge in the clinical situation; adult teaching experience preferred; excellent leadership and communication skills; experience with instructing technology-based courses; alternative teaching strategies preferred; demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of use of electronic communication and audiovisual equipment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nursing instructor” in the subject line. Nurse intake coordinator - The position of Allied Health intake coordinator is responsible for building relationships with area schools, health facilities and the community at large to recruit prospective students who are interested in the health field. The successful candidate will help students understand career paths within the health care industry, particularly those related to CNA, LPN and RN licenses and guide students along academic paths in these areas. This position works closely with the director of nursing in candidate selection for both the nursing and CNA programs. Qualified candidates should have an associate degree with health care-related experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred; maintain confidentiality of health care paperwork and sensitive information provided by students who apply for a seat in the Allied Health programs; understand nursing profession and Allied Health curriculum and experience advising students; be aware of the impact of cultural patterns on student retention and student learning; have the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, staff; proficient in Microsoft Office products; be detail-oriented; and be philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Practicing Roman Catholic preferred. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nurse intake coordinator” in the subject line. Bookkeeper- St. John the Baptist and Holy Family parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, are seeking a part-time bookkeeper. This position is responsible for managing the finances of the parish, such as payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting for finance council and other bookkeeping needs. This position will have flexible hours. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or closely related field required; minimum three to five years’ previous accounting/bookkeeping experience required; proficiency in QuickBooks, Excel and Word; knowledge of or experience in nonprofit accounting preferred. To apply, please visit: www.stjohnthebaptistcatholicchurch.com. Instructional assistant - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking an instructional assistant. The ideal candidate would be available 20 - 29 hours per week and will be supporting both students and teachers. Interested candidates, please contact St. Ann principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org. >> Classifieds continue on page 13
CLASSIFIEDS
OCTOBER 1, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 Receptionist/administrative assistant – St. John the Baptist in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a part-time receptionist. This position will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This position is responsible for receiving all calls and visitors, sorting mail, compiling the weekly bulletin and other clerical duties as assigned. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. High school diploma required and at least three years of secretarial or administrative experience. Must be able to provide hospitality and efficient response to all calls and visitors. To apply, please visit: www.stjohnthebaptistcatholicchurch.com. Director of development and stewardship - St. John Church and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time director of development and stewardship. The director will develop and administer development plans to ensure the long-term viability of the church and school. The director will oversee all advancement activities necessary by building relationships with a broad range of parishioners, parents, alumni, volunteers and community members. Candidates with three to five years of fundraising experience and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This position is eligible for an archdiocesan benefits package. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or mail to: 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
HOME IMPROVEMENT DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com
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Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.
ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.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) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.
Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more. I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230.
We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
SERVICES Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580. Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish. Call (913) 271-0362. 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.
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.
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.teresakiddlaw.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.
Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist. Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Call with questions
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.
Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.Benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caring companion - I am a certified nursing assistant with 10 plus years experience with stroke, Alzheimer’s, and dementia patients. I assist with personal care services and offer nonemergency medical transportation. Can works nights 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. or 11 p.m. - 7 a.m., three or four nights a week. Call (913) 558-9061. Home care - CMA with 15 years’ experience, has background check available, references available from past employers. Call (913) 999-4340.
Caregiver - Experienced in helping the elderly. Possible live-in. Claycomo, Mo. Call Heather at (913) 981-3739.
REAL ESTATE
Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it. Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner. CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com Get Instant Cash Offer on Your Johnson County Home! Skip the Showings Move on Your Schedule Low Fee Structure Get Started Today! www.FullPriceHomeSale.com OFFER CODE KS01
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
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COLUMNISTS
Help them to know why we’re the Heartland
DAILY READINGS TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 3 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gn 2: 18-24 Ps 128: 1-6 Heb 2: 9-11 Mk 10: 2-16 Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi Jon 1:1 – 2:2, 11 (Ps) Jon 2: 3-5, 8 Lk 10: 25-37 Oct. 5 Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, priest Jon 3: 1-10 Ps 130: 1b-4b, 7-8 Lk 10: 38-42 Oct. 6 Bruno, priest; Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, virgin Jon 4: 1-11 Ps 86: 3-6, 9-10 Lk 11: 1-4 Oct. 7 Our Lady of the Rosary Mal 3: 13-20b Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 11: 5-13 Oct. 8 Friday Jl 1: 13-15; 2: 1-2 Ps 9: 2-3, 6, 8-9, 16 Lk 11: 15-26 Oct. 9 Denis, bishop, and companions, martyrs; John Leonardi, priest Jl 4: 12-21 Ps 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Lk 11: 27-28
Denis and Companions died circa 250 According to St. Gregory of Tours in the sixth century, Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was martyred with Rusticus, a priest, and Eleutherius, a deacon. The Italian-born Denis and several other bishops were sent by the pope to evangelize Gaul (France). Denis and his companions succeeded in spreading the Gospel from an island in the Seine, but were arrested during a persecution by Roman Emperor Decius. After a long imprisonment, they were beheaded and tossed into the river. Their remains were recovered and buried; a chapel built over their graves was replaced by the Abbey of Saint-Denis, now a basilica in a northern Parisian suburb. Denis is a patron of France and of those suffering possession and headaches.
OCTOBER 1, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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magine that you’ve been given 24 hours to pack. Because your life is in danger, you’re being moved. You can pack only one suitcase and a small carry-on. Oh, by the way, you’ll never be returning to your home. What would you take? Sadly, this is a situation faced most recently by refugees from Afghanistan. But many before them endured the same scenario. Perhaps the flight from their homeland was not as rushed, but consider the emotional toll in leaving behind what was so familiar. Growing up, I only knew my maternal grandparents who emigrated from Croatia. Unfortunately, I never asked what that experience was like. The journey to Kansas City, Kansas, must have been grueling: It was the farthest either of them had been from home and was likely
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.
their first time aboard a ship and maybe even a train. Grandma was illiterate; Grandpa spoke only a few words of English. They settled in an area called Strawberry Hill for two reasons: There were already Croatians there, and it was close to the packing houses where many of them worked. What struggles they faced to learn English,
use a different currency, live in a totally new culture and work with people who had an ingrained distrust of “foreigners.” The center spread of this issue, pages 8 and 9, highlights a new group of refugees coming into the Heartland and efforts to provide for them. Can you imagine what these folks are experiencing right now? Pope Francis encourages us to engage in a “culture of encounter,” to put ourselves into the shoes of another. Doing so expands our hearts and opens our eyes to the incredible diversity,
yet commonality, of the human race. While many offer these refugees from Afghanistan their heartfelt prayers, which are important, it’s critical to extend practical help as well. This story captures that idea: A smoke detector shrieked in the middle of the night, startling a family awake. Immediately, the parents yelled for their children to hurry outside. Once there, the parents started counting and discovered one child missing. A parent’s worst fear was realized as they saw their son in a second-story window, trapped by the flames. The father, a devout church goer, dropped to his knees and prayed for God to save his son. The mother, too, was a person of deep faith but also very practical. Without a second thought, she ran to the neighbors’ house, yanked their extension ladder from the garage wall, propped it against
her house and rescued her son. There are times when the best way to express faith is to get off your knees, go get a ladder and do what needs to be done. (Story adapted from “Sower’s Seeds That Nurture Family Values,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) The Letter to St. James at Mass a few weeks ago said the same thing, albeit more succinctly: “Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” I commend St. Pius X Parish in Mission and Catholic Charities for being proactive in ensuring as seamless a transition as possible for our newest refugees. So, what are you waiting for? Get off your knees (or out of your chair), grab the excess stuff around your home and do what needs to be done. Go ahead, make your ancestors proud!
God’s words invite us to imitate the self-giving love of Jesus
L
uigi Beltrame Quattrocchi and Maria Corsini Beltrame Quattrocchi were the first married people to be beatified as a married couple. They lived an “ordinary life in an extraordinary way,” noted St. John Paul II, who beatified the couple. Their family life was marked by the daily prayer of the rosary, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to which the family was consecrated and heroic acts of charity during World War II when their home became a shelter for refugees. And their tireless service to the poor witnessed to love of neighbor. This married couple was placed on the path to sainthood for devotion to ordinary family life. Their family was a
,
JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.
true domestic church — always open to life, to shared prayer, to works of social justice and solidarity with the poor. After the birth of three children, Maria’s fourth pregnancy was considered high risk due to a medical condition that could
have resulted in the loss of mother and baby. Doctors advised the couple to abort the child to protect the mother’s life. But Luigi and Maria decided to place their trust in God’s providential care. After the physical and emotional stress of a difficult pregnancy, Maria gave birth safely to Enrichetta, their youngest daughter. She and two of her siblings attended their parent’s beatification in 2001, some 80 years after Enrichetta’s birth. In Sunday’s first
reading from Genesis we hear the Lord God say, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” From the beginning of creation, God desired that a communion of persons be established in the loving union of man and woman in bonds of marriage and family. Sacrificial self-giving love is at the heart of God’s plan for the union of man and woman. So the psalmist asks God for divine blessing on the family — husband, wife and children — as he sings, “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.” In the Gospel, Jesus recalls the words of Genesis to point to God’s desire for the loving unity of the family. The church
seeks always to accompany, with compassion and care, those whose experience of marriage and family have been less than ideal. And Jesus’ words are meant not as condemnation but as an affirmation of the ideal of faithful love at the heart of marriage and family life. Jesus’ words invite us to consider how we might live the call to selfless love, whether in the vocation of marriage or the state of life we find ourselves presently. God is love and those who live in the word of God live in love. God’s word invites us to imitate the sacrificial self-giving love of Jesus in all our human relationships and communities, as we pray with confident faith, “Speak to me, Lord.”
Getting old is not a disease, it’s a privilege, pope tells older priests VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Getting to be a ripe old age is a privilege, Pope Francis told older priests. If facing an illness, that too, becomes a privilege in that one resembles Jesus, “who suffers, and one carries the cross, just like him,” he said in a written letter. “Pray for me as I am a little old and a little sick, but not a lot!” he added. The letter was read aloud to priests from the northern
Italian region of Lombardy taking part in a “Day of Fraternity” Sept. 16 with their bishops in the town of Caravaggio. A Mass was also celebrated the same day in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Fonte, and prayers were said for all the priests from the region who died of COVID-19. According to Vatican News, out of the nearly 300 priests who died
in Italy, nearly a third were from Lombardy. In his message, the pope greeted all older priests and said, “You are living a season — old age — that is not a disease, but a privilege.” Addressing those priests who are ill, the pope recognized the communities who are “rooted in Christ” with their care for them.
COLUMNISTS
OCTOBER 1, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Looking for ways to advance ‘respect life’ causes this month?
n October, we celebrate Respect Life Month. But every single day in our shared Catholic faith is a day to promote the dignity and sacredness of all people. What does it mean to respect life? The first thought that often comes to mind when I hear the term “respect life” is the United States’ movement to end abortion. While as a community, state, country and, most importantly, a church, we should never cease fighting for an end to abortion, we need to recognize that respecting life must include and go beyond fighting for the rights of the unborn. At Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, all of our ministries center around respecting the
INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES
LAUREN SOLIDUM Lauren Solidum is the executive director of Catholic Charities.
lives and the human dignity of those we serve. Our founding ministry, adoption, matches children from birth to 6 months of age with their forever families. For those who choose to parent, we advise and connect
them with community resources to help prepare for a healthy birth and beyond. Catholic Charities preserves the dignity of families through food and nutrition assistance, financial assistance and programs aimed at ending the cycle of poverty through employment, higher education and advanced skills training. Since the 1970s,
Shalom House has been in operation providing food, clothing and a safe place to sleep for men experiencing homelessness in Kansas City, Kansas. Plans are underway to strengthen our programming and expand Shalom House into a robust transitional living program. With the increased programming, there will be greater opportunities and increased capacity from 25 men to 50-60 men served at a time. Welcoming the stranger is not political despite what many voices in the media would like us to believe. For nearly 50 years, Catholic Charities has been welcoming the stranger through our refugee resettlement, citizenship and immigration services. These families seek refuge
much like Joseph, Mary and Jesus once sought refuge. They add sincere value to their communities, schools, workplaces and economies. End-of-life care is one last opportunity to demonstrate respect for the gift of life. For nearly 30 years, Catholic Charities has operated Catholic Community Hospice. This ministry continues to provide compassionate care to the dying and their families throughout our archdiocese. Engage in our respect life efforts! • Volunteer your time or financially donate to one of the ministries mentioned above. • Assess within your own family the ways you promote the dignity of human life and
challenge your family to dialogue about other opportunities to be witnesses for life. • Use your voting power to support legislation that motivates an end to abortion, moves to cease the death penalty and advocates for immigration reform. • Pray often for our world to respect life at every stage. Our archdiocese is a vibrant witness for the promotion and defense of protecting all life. October is a wonderful time to recognize and celebrate these efforts throughout our archdiocese and to challenge ourselves to become stronger advocates for the poor and vulnerable. How will you continue to respond? How will you call others to do the same?
Model your love for the Eucharist to the young people in your life
O
ur memories have a powerful influence on our worldview, and our eucharistic memories matter as we pass on the Catholic faith to others. Our creator comes to us in the Eucharist to heal our wounds and to lift us out of our loneliness. Jesus wraps our hearts in his divine love when we meet him in the Eucharist. I pray that all of our young people, novices and tender seekers, are experiencing warm, transcendent and inspiring eucharistic encounters in our parishes and creating memories that reinforce Jesus’s proclamation from Matthew’s Gospel: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART
DEACON DANA NEARMYER Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.
Our memories frequently surround strong emotions. Emotions are actually deeply connected to our brains, and young people’s emotions are very powerful in their decision-making about
faith — and most everything. As part of an article titled “Understanding the Teen Brain,” the University of Rochester says: The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part.
This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part. In teens’ brains, the connections between the emotional part of the brain and the decision-making center are still developing — and not always at the same rate. That’s why when teens have overwhelming emotional input, they can’t explain later what they were thinking. They weren’t thinking as much as they were feeling. Young people need to learn about Jesus in the Eucharist, but equally important they need to build emotional attachment to Jesus through the Eucharist.
If all of our young people had warm, meaningful and positive experiences of the Eucharist, the Georgetown study finding that only 60% of 30-yearolds that were raised Catholic are still practicing would be greatly improved upon. Parents, grandparents, godparents, catechists, musicians and spiritual formators nurture both emotional and cognitive bonds to Jesus through love of the Eucharist. Model and encourage those who are tender in the faith to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in eucharistic adoration. God listens to us, cares for us and answers our prayers, often in undeniable, personal ways in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
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I have watched this for 24 summers at Camp Tekakwitha, and every day in eucharistic adoration chapels and at Masses across the archdiocese. The power and tenderness of the Eucharist is especially potent when we receive the Blessed Sacrament. Form young people to be assured of Jesus’ presence by listening to Jesus and reflecting on his love after receiving Communion. Most importantly, show them how you offer your prayers, hopes and dreams to Jesus at the altar during Mass. Form them to do the same to create warm, transcendent and inspiring eucharistic memories that reinforce Jesus’s proclamation: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
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LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 1, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
HELPING THE VULNERABLE
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Thrift store manager finds purpose in his profession Editor’s note: Although Protestants generally use the term “minister” to refer to a member of the clergy, not every minister in the Catholic Church wears a Roman collar. In fact, by their very baptism, all Catholics are called to serve. In a new series c a l l e d Ministry Insider, The Leaven is inviting ministers in all fields of endeavor to share their stories — and the story of their ministry — with our readers. To kick off the series, Dave Brewer, the manager of one of the three TurnStyles Thrift stores here in the archdiocese, has agree to take readers inside his ministry.
Q.
What is your title and where do you minister?
A.
Q. Please describe what you do. A. At TurnStyles Thrift, we accept
donations of new or gently used clothing, home goods and furniture. The money raised from sales supports more than 20 Catholic Charities programs and services.
Q. How would you describe how
that fits into the larger mission of the Catholic Church?
A.
The church is meant to share the Gospel. To me, that means loving your neighbor. TurnStyles Thrift offers us the opportunity to provide low-cost alternatives to the retail giants. Additionally, the funds raised support our ministry programs. This also offers support and assistance to people and families in need.
Q. Is this what you set out to do
in life?
A. Not originally. My background is
in computer programming, application development and database management. But I always wanted what I do day to day to be meaningful.
Q.
Then, what road led you to this place?
A.
I have to go back a bit to give the full picture. Both my mom and my parish priest gave me a solid foundation in our faith. Part of that was that faith without love, specifically love in action, is dead. I was raised in the understanding that the practical expression of faith was in how you lived your life. If you only lived for yourself and your own interests, you weren’t fully alive. Through years of private and public education, my faith remained an important part of my life. In my late 20s, I felt tension between the importance of that faith and
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Dave Brewer, manager of one of the three TurnStyles Thrift stores in the archdiocese, sorts through inventory at the store at 5304 Martway in Mission.
“
“
I am the manager of the TurnStyles Thrift store that is located at 5304 Martway in Mission. It is the third of three thrift stores run by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. The other two are located at 9750 W. 87th St. in Overland Park and 11310 W. 135th Street, also in Overland Park.
THE WORK WE DO, I HOPE, HELPS REMIND THEM THAT THEY HAVE DIGNITY, THAT THEY MATTER TO THOSE AROUND THEM. DAVE BREWER MANAGER OF TURNSTYLES IN MISSION
my work. I felt the work I performed in my job wasn’t meaningful or impactful, except to a corporation’s bottom line. I looked for ways to balance the two, to find an outlet for my desire for meaningful work. My search led me to volunteering. That led me to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. I had always admired and respected the work Catholic Charities did for those in need. Over time, I found peace and joy in volunteering and serving a purpose I firmly believed in. One of the staff I worked with mentioned that they were looking for people to work full time in the ministry and suggested I apply. It felt like I was being called to finally make a choice between the two paths I had been walking. From there, the decision to commit to working in nonprofit full time was obvious.
Q.
Did you collect some skills from other jobs along the way that have proved surprisingly helpful?
A.
I used to write a lot in my free time and I learned technical writing in college. That has proven useful in explaining, for example, the real-world value of an hour of volunteering at our stores. People need to know the time they give has value, that the work they do is important. Being able to explain
that is essential.
Q.
What would the average Catholic be most surprised to learn about your job?
A.
Even though we are on the retail side of the agency, we are still encouraged to live our faith. Opportunities for prayer are highlighted regularly. At the start of each week, we are all invited to pray together for each other’s intentions. Team and departmental meetings usually start with prayer as well.
Q.
Who does your ministry primarily serve?
A.
Catholic Charities serves the most vulnerable children, men and women throughout the 21 counties of northeast Kansas. Anyone in that area in need of food, shelter, clothing or financial assistance can come to our ministry and find help.
Q.
What do you wish everybody knew about your ministry?
A.
Two things: First, all our efforts begin with local support and stay local. Donations, whether they are goods, food or volunteer hours, are helping our neighbors on a practical, substantial level. Secondly, people hear the name Catholic Charities and sometimes assume it means you have to be Catholic. I think it’s important to share that anyone of any background can receive assistance from our programs, and anyone of any faith background can work with us. “Catholic,” after all, means “universal.”
Q.
Why does the world need more of what you’re offering, especially right now?
A.
I think a lot of people feel alone. They might wonder if they have value
and are loved. The work we do, I hope, helps remind them that they have dignity, that they matter to those around them, that they deserve healthy food and comfortable clothing, support and understanding.
Q.
What have you learned about people in this job?
A.
I’ve learned that the vast majority of people want to help each other. They just need an outlet and an opportunity. Having a clear and meaningful purpose — and then seeing the value of your work fulfilled in others’ happiness — I think more of us would be happy if we sought after that each day.
Q.
What have you learned about yourself? I’ve learned that I can walk 25,000 steps in a day and keep going! To be serious, I have learned patience, slowing down, taking time to try to understand others and never assuming that just because you can see a person in front of you, you know anything about their life’s challenges. Most of the time, when someone seems stressed out and is spreading that to those around them, simply giving them time and room to express what they feel can help alleviate that.
Q.
How has it changed the way you view your identity as a Catholic?
A.
My life as a Catholic used to be a more individual, internal experience. Now, it has become more external and communal. It’s expressed through work and word as much as it is through prayer or meditation. Brewer has been working with Catholic Charities for three years. He lives in Mission and attends St. Agnes Church in Roeland Park.