10 07 22 Vol. 44 No. 9

Fifth cohort of deacons younger, more diverse

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — While he was growing up in India, John Lawrence and his sib lings were fairly marinated in the Catholic faith by their parents.

That meant daily Mass, catechism study, the Legion of Mary and a rich devotional life — especially the rosary.

But later, when he was trying to determine a direction in his life, Law rence got some surprising direction from his father.

“After I finished my college, I had in terest in becoming a priest,” said Law rence. “I approached my dad. I talked to a few other priests. They encouraged me, but my dad did not encourage me.

“Because I was the only one studying

engineering . . . my parents thought I would be the breadwinner for the house. They did not allow it; they did not encour age me to go to the priesthood.”

The door to being a cleric was firmly shut.

Dutiful son that he was, he con tinued his education, consented to a traditional arranged marriage and took up the vocation of marriage and family.

Eventually, Lawrence and his wife Acushla Anthony moved to the United States (he in 2005, and she in 2007) to pursue education and their respective careers. They joined St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood in 2019.

It was there that he discovered the permanent diaconate — one of the three orders of cleric in the Catholic faith. He signed up.

“At St. Michael the Archangel, they

A LIFE OF MEANING

Joseph Krause didn’t live a long life. But what little time he had on this earth left a meaning ful impact on his family.

have two great deacons,” said Lawrence. “They influenced me a lot.”

Lawrence is one of 20 men who make up the fifth cohort of those exploring whether they are called to become per manent deacons for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The aspirants of Cohort Five re ceived their letters of acceptance in June and had their first weekend for mation event Sept. 9-11.

New permanent deacon cohorts are formed every three years. Since Cohort One was ordained in 2011, the number of permanent deacons serving in the archdiocese has increased to nearly 60. It’s a fluid number because some per manent deacons move to the archdio cese, some move away or die and some cease their ministry.

Despite slightly more than a decade of experience with permanent deacons

in the archdiocese, some laypeople aren’t sure who they are or what they do, said Leon Suprenant, co-director of the archdiocesan office of the perma nent diaconate.

“We try to inculcate in the men a di aconal imagination,” said Suprenant. “We want them to think outside the boundaries of the parish. Some dea cons will be assigned to the parish and mostly they’ll assist the pastor.

“But deacons are meant to be at the cutting edge of evangelization, working with marginalized communities like prisoners, the homeless and patients in hospitals — all these places outside the sanctuary where the priests oper ate. The diaconate is a bridge between the church and the world. Deacons are clerics living a lay life.”

PATH OF DESTRUCTION

Hurricane Ian devastated entire towns in Florida, wreaking billions in damages. Catholic agencies were among those first on the scene.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE John Lawrence performs sacristan duties at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Lawrence is one of 20 men who make up the fifth cohort of those exploring whether they are called to become permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

While re cuperat ing this sum

mer from knee re placement surgery, I watched reruns of the television series, “Blue Bloods.” It is a police drama that features the Reagan family, a New York Irish Cath olic family with three generations who have served in law enforce ment.

The grandfather is the retired police commissioner and his son (Frank Reagan) is the current NYC police commissioner with two of his adult sons serving in the police department, a third son who was killed while serving under cover and his only daughter serving as a district attorney.

I was drawn to the series for several reasons. It offers a sympathetic, but not a romanticized, portray al of police that is in stark contrast to the prevalent negative cul tural depiction of law enforcement. It also gives a very positive view of the importance of family.

“Blue Bloods” epi sodes portray the im portance of Sunday for the Reagan family, by often alluding to their attendance at Sunday Mass as well as always depicting the Sunday family meal with participants spanning four generations. No tably, the Sunday meal always begins with prayer. It is obvious to the viewer that faith is important to the family.

Frank Reagan, the family patriarch and current police com missioner, is played by Tom Selleck. He is por trayed as man of char acter and principle. He is conscientious in his responsibility as police commissioner not to give preferential treatment to family or friends. Frank Reagan takes seriously his re sponsibility to protect all of the citizens of New York City.

Having come up through the ranks, Frank appreciates the challenges, risks and sacrifices made by po lice officers and their families. He exhibits a genuine concern for those he is called to lead. At the same time, he expects a high level of integrity as well as

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

accountability from police officers.

Frank Reagan is portrayed as a man of prayer who draws strength from his Catholic faith. In one episode, the com missioner expresses nostalgia for the Latin Mass. He has a long and enduring friend ship with the cardinal archbishop.

In one episode, the cardinal asks him to accept the Catholic Man of the Year award to help draw potential benefactors to a fund raiser for a financially struggling inner-city school. While agreeing personally to support the school financially, the commissioner declines the award, because he fears that to do otherwise might somehow disturb the proper separation of church and state.

Frank Reagan is a widower. From all indications, he and his late wife enjoyed a beautiful marriage. “Blue Bloods” provides a very positive picture of the beauty and im portance of family.

What’s not to like about a television series that upholds jus tice, exemplifies many virtues, promotes the importance of family, depicts lead characters praying, portrays reli gious faith positively and all of the lead char acters are Catholic?

Unfortunately, the script writers could not restrain them selves from imposing politically correct values on this police drama. In one epi sode during a press interview, the com missioner expresses his personal opinion that the church’s moral teaching regarding homosexual activity is antiquated.

Frank Reagan is portrayed in some episodes to have a

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Secular society has a love/hate relationship with Catholicism ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

that during the COVID pandemic, public health officials insisted that the elderly had to be isolated from family and friends in nursing homes, many children were unable to attend school, and social gatherings were considered reckless behavior.

romantic relationship with a single, female reporter. It is clear the relationship is not purely platonic but in volves sexual intimacy.

Having the patri arch of this fictional family, who in so many ways is a paragon of virtue, portrayed as sexually intimate outside of marriage is not a very subtle way of questioning the ad herence to the church’s moral teaching by even those who are consid ered devoutly Catholic.

It is particularly troubling that this breach of Catholic moral teaching is committed by the clear leader of the family. If moral teaching can be ignored by the family patriarch, then why is similar behavior not acceptable for his children and grand children? Why should they follow antiquated moral teaching?

Sadly, I fear “Blue Bloods” represents the love/hate relationship between American secular society and Ca tholicism. With our na tion’s second Catholic president and a large number of the mem bers of the Congress identifying as Catholic, one might assume the anti-Catholicism that was part of the culture of the United States from our country’s inception until the early 1960s has van ished. This is true, if Catholics are willing to compromise our moral teaching.

The devastating harm done to individ uals and society by the sexual revolution surrounds us, but culturally we remain in denial. The enter tainment industry has played an important role in fomenting dra matic moral changes in American society. One of the huge cultural lies that is founda tional for American secular society is that sexual intimacy is es sential for happiness.

It is remarkable

However, those same public health offi cials, during the AIDS crisis and similarly now with monkeypox, refuse to ask people to refrain from homo sexual behavior, even though it is scientifi cally known to be one of the primary means of transmission for these deadly diseases. We required much more socially disrup tive restrictions to pre vent COVID than we did to protect Amer icans from sexually transmitted and often lethal diseases.

Addiction to por nography is a pan demic. In contrast to the COVID pandemic, which was rarely life-threatening for the vast majority of young people, our society appears impotent in its efforts to protect young children from early exposure.

With contraception, we attempted to strip sexual intimacy from its natural life-giving power. With pornog raphy, we are seeking to eliminate love from sexual expression. Sexual activity is considered simply the means to pleasure and no longer the ultimate physical expression of committed, faithful love that provides the optimum environment for new life to be wel comed.

Our culture has communicated to our young people that we consider them incapa ble of living the virtue of chastity. Instead, we offer our young people a phony, cheap love that offers quick pleasure, rather than faithful, committed love that, when lived well, provides a sturdy foundation for a joyful family.

“Blue Bloods” is a television drama that offers viewers some very good societal val ues worth emulating, such as the importance of service to commu nity, the beauty and joy of family, and the necessity of prayer and faith in God.

Oct. 7

Red Mass — Curé of Ars Church, Leawood

Oct. 8

Foster Care Appreciation Mass and respite eve ning — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

Oct. 9 — Project Andrew and teen Mass — Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison

Oct. 10

“Shepherds Voice” recording — chancery

Santa Marta Members of the Corp meeting and reception for residents — Santa Marta, Olathe

Pastoral Council meeting — chancery

Oct. 11

Final vows for Sister Brenda Lopez — Sisters, Servants of Mary, Kansas City, Kansas

Priests Personnel board meeting — chancery

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center banquet — Overland Park Convention Center

Oct. 12

Meeting of the Curia — Savior

Confirmation at St. Dominic, Holton, for St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta, and St. Dominic

Oct. 13

Kendrick-Glennon board meeting — Kendrick

Meeting with Kendrick-Glennon seminarians

Oct. 15

Catholic Bar Association conference Mass — Dallas

Oct. 16

Denver priest retreat day one (retreat master) — Colorado Springs, Colorado

Oct. 21

Denver priest retreat last day (retreat master) — Colorado Springs, Colorado

Vitae banquet — Overland Park Convention Center

Oct. 22

Shamrocks for Scholarship benefit for St. Patrick School, Kansas City, Kansas, and honoring Msgr. Michael Mullen — Kansas Speedway

Oct. 23

Installation Mass for Father Daniel Coronado — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka

Oct. 24

Northeast Kansas Catholic Health Services board meeting

Meeting with Catholic Answers — chancery

Annual school board formation Mass, dinner and program — Savior

Oct. 25

ACTS pastor and parish training and lunch — St. Joseph, Shawnee

Catholic Charities annual joint board meeting and vespers — Savior

Sadly, it also mixes in some of the societal fallacies that have resulted in a weak ening of family, the destruction of inno

cent human life, a false love that uses others for our pleasure and has fostered some of the current cultural chaos.

HURRICANE IAN WEAVES PATH OF DESTRUCTION

Head of Miami Catholic Charities helps coordinate statewide response to Ian

By Tom Tracy Catholic News Service

MIAMI

(CNS) — The world heard about Hur ricane Ian’s devastation along coastal southwest Florida, but the Catho lic Charities network of agencies also will focus on lesser known but equally stricken communities and devastated farmworker enclaves in the region.

That was the reassurance given by Miami’s director of Catholic Charities following a fact-finding mission he made Oct. 1-2 to the greater Fort Myers region, and following preliminary con versations with seven Catholic Chari ties agency heads in Florida.

“As we continue to do these assess ments in all these pockets of low-lying areas that are 6 to 8 feet under water — in places like Bonita Springs, Arcadia and Wauchula — that is where Catho lic Charities will help: in these pockets you are not hearing anything about,” said Peter Routsis-Arroyo.

Hurricane Ian plowed into south west Florida on the afternoon of Sept. 28 as a strong Category 4 storm. The top gust recorded by a National Weath er Service station was 155 mph at Punta Gorda airport north of Fort Myers.

Gusts in the suburban area of Cape Coral, north of Fort Myers, reportedly reached 140 mph.

Although Tampa and Sarasota were expected to suffer the greatest impact from Ian, the storm came ashore fur ther south and dealt its most powerful blow near Port Charlotte, north of Fort Myers.

Winds and storm surge wreaked havoc on coastal island communities such as Sanibel and Pine Island and all the way south to Naples, all within the Diocese of Venice.

Flooding and coastal surge also were reported in the Lower Florida Keys in the Archdiocese of Miami, and most every diocese in the state to a lesser extent experienced some flooding and tornadoes, according to RoutsisArroyo.

The reported water level overall in Fort Myers was about 8 feet above normal.

By late Oct. 3, the Florida death toll had reached at least 100. It was expected to climb higher as door-to-door rescue operations continued, including in

coastal islands such as Sanibel that are now only accessible by boat or helicop ter.

With its statewide network of hur ricane and disaster response experi ence, Catholic Charities is positioned to help Ian’s survivors who find them selves desperate at this time, including migrant farmer communities further inland, where search and rescue oper ations were still underway.

“Even if you have a few feet of water in your house and everything on the floor is damaged and you are dealing without water or electricity, you are traumatized,” Routsis-Arroyo told the Florida Catholic, Miami’s archdiocesan newspaper.

It remained unclear how or when some 10,000 permanent residents of Pine Island, and more on Sanibel Island, will be able to access their homes after bridges linking the islands were de stroyed by Ian.

“We ask for people to be as generous as they can be and for a lot of prayers;

there will be a lot of pain over the next month and a lot of suffering,” RoutsisArroyo said.

“There are so many pockets of low-lying residential areas and trailer parks that have been destroyed or in undated with 8 to 10 feet of water; and then you have the whole Peace River flooding problem in the town of Arca dia, and the Myakka River in the town of North Port, which is why you have the National Guard there.”

“Where Catholic Charities shines is by being right there as a trusted pres ence in migrant communities and at Catholic Charities sites,” he added.

The Tallahassee-based Florida Cath olic Conference’s disaster response office, along with the Knights of Co lumbus and myriad other individual parish and charitable efforts, will help fill needs in concert with the Diocese of Venice’s recovery plans, he added.

Transportation efforts were ham pered over the Oct. 1-2 weekend by flood ed highways. Prepositioned emergency

How to help

• Catholic Charities USA is col lecting donations at: https://ccusa. online/Ian.

• Catholic Charities of the Archdi ocese of Miami Inc. is seeking sup port to provide essential resources and immediate relief efforts to Flor ida’s west coast at: www.ccadm.org.

supplies had been staged further north since Hurricane Ian made landfall fur ther south than expected.

Catholic Charities USA is likely to begin planning a response that will in clude logistical support, distribution sites, case management and on-site sanitation and laundry services made possible through mobile units that have been deployed following similar floods and tropical storms around the country.

CNS PHOTO/MARCO BELLO, REUTERS

Ced Franklin is assisted by officers with the sheriff’s department in Matlacha, Florida, before being evacuated Oct. 2 after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction.

CNS PHOTO/SHANNON STAPLETON, REUTERS

A street sign lies in floodwaters in Punta Gorda, Florida, Sept. 29, after Hurricane Ian made landfall.

New associate superintendent takes to the road to build relationships

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — Lo renzo Rizzi’s official title is associate superintendent for student services, but he legitimately could tack on another: Road Warrior.

Since late August, he’s made it his mission to visit all 42 Catholic schools in the archdiocese. So far, he’s been to almost 30.

Consequently, his office chair at the chancery in Kansas City, Kansas, isn’t getting much wear.

Why is he doing it?

“So I can built relationships and get to know the needs of the schools,” said Rizzi.

During his 32-year career in edu cation, he’s been in both public and Catholic schools. While public schools share certain commonalities, Catholic schools more closely reflect their com munities.

“In our schools, the commonality is our faith, but other than that, they’re truly meeting the needs of their com munities,” said Rizzi. “What they need is completely different for each school, which is great. For me, it’s a big learn ing curve to know it’s not a one-sizefits-all thing. Catholic schools fit their communities.”

He became associate superinten dent on July 1, succeeding Karen Kroh, who left to become superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph.

Rizzi, 54, was born in Bellevue, Ne braska, but was raised in Belton, Mis souri. He’s a lifelong Catholic. He’s been married to his wife Dawn for 27 years and they have four children: two are in college; one is a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park; and one is in eighth grade at St. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood. The Rizzi family belongs to St. Michael.

Prior to becoming associate super intendent, Rizzi was principal of St. Michael the Archangel School, which is one of the largest kindergarten to eighth grade schools in the archdiocese.

He was also principal at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas. He has taught and administered schools at the elementary and secondary levels, and worked as a coach, special education teacher, principal and administrator.

He has both master’s and specialist’s degrees in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leader ship.

In his new role, Rizzi works to help provide services for special-needs students in archdiocesan schools and to support the schools in every aspect relating to special needs. Also, he works with the schools in the areas of social and emotional aspects of student well-being, and physical health.

Rizzi was inspired to go into educa tion by his mother, who was a teacher, and further inspired to work in special education by one of his mother’s stu dents.

“I was exposed to one particular girl who had multiple disabilities,” said Rizzi. “She was truly inspiring. She had difficulty even communicating, but her heart was so evident and her spirit — you could see the Lord living in her and the joy she had.”

“All students can learn but we have to provide an environment so that can

Sister Mary Marcianna Trujillo, SCL, dies

LEAVENWORTH

— Sister Mary Marcianna Trujillo, 92, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 73 years, died on Sept. 16 at the motherhouse here.

The fifth of 10 children, Julia Rainey Trujillo was born on April 5, 1930, in the ranch ing and farming community of Watrous, New Mexico, to Ventura and Annie (Gonza lez) Trujillo. Her father died young, leaving her mother alone to raise the surviving children. She was a woman of deep faith and a lifelong inspiration to Julia who shared this conviction.

Upon her high school graduation, Julia was accepted into nursing school with a full scholarship. In prepara tion for her training, Julia took a job at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Las Vegas.

A Sister from the Sisters of Charity traveled to the hospital to teach a Bible

course to employees and that was the beginning of the end of Julia’s nursing career.

She entered the Sisters of Chari ty community as Sister Julia Rainey Trujillo on Aug. 18, 1949. She later changed her religious name to Sister Mary Marcianna.

She spent her first years teaching in the Midwest and Peru. For the next 16 years, Sister Mary Marcianna served as an operator for the mother house switchboard, providing a welcoming, knowledgeable spirit to all she encountered. Later, she worked at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Omaha, Nebraska, where she served as the director of religious education.

In 2005, Sister Mary Marcianna served at Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas. She retired to the mother house in 2007.

happen,” said Rizzi. “We can learn a great deal from [students with special needs].”

“I think it’s a very important respon sibility we have as Catholic schools to accept students with special needs,” said Vince Cascone, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “We want to make sure that we’re accepting those who are most vulnerable and most in need of our Catholic faith and our Catholic schools.”

That is why Cascone chose Rizzi.

“He’s a faith-filled man who is dedi cated to the Catholic Church, Catholic education and the students with spe cial needs,” said Cascone.

Educators usually wear many hats, and one of the hats that Rizzi wears says “Coach.”

He loves sports. He’s been involved with football, wrestling and track for years. Currently, he’s head freshman football coach for the St. Thomas Aqui nas Saints, and he’s also a volunteer wrestling coach for the school.

As much as he can, he tries to be involved in his parish. He and Dawn are sponsoring people now going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as they prepare to enter the church next Easter.

And there’s one more hat — a cowboy hat.

Rizzi is a big horse enthusiast. He has owned Dandy, a 20-year-old mare, for the past four years. He owned another horse previously. Dandy is boarded at a stable not far from his home and he sees her almost every day, riding her about three times a week.

“There’s always relationship-building [with a horse],” he said.

He learned about that from his first horse, who wasn’t broken when he got him.

“They have to trust you before you get on their back. I learned that the hard way,” said Rizzi. “It’s important to be calm around big animals. It forces you to let things go.”

Play about America’s first Black Catholic priest to be held Oct. 11 at Bishop Ward

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. —

For one night only, the public will have an op portunity to see “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,”

a one-man drama about America’s first Black Catholic priest: Father Augustus Tolton.

The public performance will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas. No tickets will be sold, but a freewill offering can be made.

The play is presented by Saint Luke Productions, a Catholic film and theater company. The event is coordinated by Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, and Bishop Ward. The production runs 75

minutes and is suitable for those middle school age and older.

“Tolton” tells the true story of Missouri-born Father Tolton, who escaped slavery and defied racial prejudice to become a Catholic priest. Jim Coleman stars as Father Tolton, alongside additional cast on the set’s giant screen.

The blend of cinema and livestage performance features a mu sical score based on traditional African-American spirituals, with the melodies sung by Elissa Sand ers as Mama Tolton, Father Tolton’s loving, faithful and feisty mother.

Father Tolton died at 43 on July 9, 1897. His cause for canonization was opened in 2010 and he was de clared venerable in June 2019.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Lorenzo Rizzi is the new associate superintendent for archdiocesan Catholic schools. Since August, he’s visited almost 30 of the 42 archdioce san schools in order to learn their needs.

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

While young Catholics like those at Sacred Heart School in Shawnee (below) are just learning from pastor Father Pat Sullivan that when they can’t go to Jesus, Jesus can come to them, recent days have been a time of welcome to Catholics from outside the archdiocese. At right, Bishop Héctor Cubil los Peña from Colombia made the long trip to Kansas City to visit not only Archbishop Naumann, but two of his priests serving here. And at bottom, Catholics of many backgrounds joined together at a special Mass on Sept. 26 to celebrate migrants and refugees who have settled here in Kansas.

GLOBAL ALLIANCE

BODY OF CHRIST

Father Pat Sullivan, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, carries the monstrance, in which the con secrated host is exposed for veneration, through the halls of the parish school. All of the students at Sacred Heart lined the hallways and knelt as the Eucharist was processed through the school. The school began having monthly eucharistic adoration last school year, but remodeling at the church has led Father Sullivan to offer processions as an alter native.

LIFTING UP MIGRANTS

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas celebrated the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 26 at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Repre sentatives from many nations and cultures gathered for the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Nau mann.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann (left) celebrates Mass with Bishop Héctor Cubillos Peña of the Diocese of Zipaquirá, Colombia. Bishop Cubillos was visiting the archdiocese to check on the two priests from his diocese, who are serving in the archdiocese: Father Rómulo Real Linares and Father Fredy Hernán. There has been an alliance between the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Zipaquirá for 19 years.

New cohort of deacons will serve two years in aspirancy period

There are a few things that differen tiate Cohort Five from those who came before them. The first is that their av erage age is in the 40s, younger than previous cohorts. Second, they have a longer aspirancy period — two years.

There’s one more thing. This is the most diverse cohort the archdiocese has ever had. Two men are Latino (from Mexico and Colombia) and their first language is Spanish, although they can also speak English. One man — John Lawrence — is from India and English is his second language as well. Another aspirant is from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and his mother tongue is French. And one man, from Kansas, is deaf and communicates in American Sign Language.

Jaime Fuentes, an information sci ence and technology institute lead pro fessor at Ottawa University, was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. He and his wife Paola came to the United States to pursue their education and careers. They’ve been in the archdiocese since 1997.

Like the other aspirants, Fuentes also grew up Catholic, and his family had a long tradition of producing vo cations to the priesthood and religious life. His uncle was a priest, and he spent summers at the rectory where his grandmother was housekeeper. He did all sorts of little jobs for his priest uncle — which included serving Mass.

But the vocation bug didn’t bite him — or so he thought.

Many years later, as a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, he learned about the permanent diaconate.

“In the past few years, the Lord has been calling me in a different way,” said Fuentes. “Right now, I am fulfilling the sacrament of matrimony and family, and the Lord has really blessed me with a great family. Paola is an amazing wife and mother. But in the last five years, my wife and I have begun a spiritual journey. We are serving more in our parish and helping in different minis tries.”

During eucharistic adoration, he asked the Lord how he could serve him better, and suddenly the permanent di aconate program came to mind. Also, people in the parish began to ask him if he was thinking of becoming a deacon. It seemed the Lord was steering him toward this, although he didn’t feel pre pared.

Fuentes thinks that the diversity in Cohort Five makes it strong.

“In my experience, when you have exposure to different cultures,” he said, “you learn about how different we are but also how close and similar we are.

“Cohort Five is blessed by having this diversity. . . . It’s going to be a very good experience for everyone in the cohort. I think we have been very bless ed by the Holy Spirit to have this diver sity in the cohort.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Jaime Fuentes, a parishioner at Prince of Peace in Olathe, acts as sort of a Swiss Army knife for his parish, serving wherever needed. During eucharistic adoration one day, said Fuentes, suddenly the thought of the permanent diaconate program came to mind.

Amelia (Biondi) and Mitchel Whis man, members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 7. The couple was mar ried on Oct. 7, 1972, at St. Ben edict Church in

Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Laura Wyckoff and Michelle Westrup. They also have four grandchildren.

Rex and Mary Ellen Russell, mem bers of Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha, will cel ebrate their 60th wedding

Nearly 100 people from both Kansas and Missouri

rally for the fall campaign of 40 Days for Life. The fall prayer vigil began Sept.

Archbishop praises witness of 40-day effort

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

front of abortion businesses.”

anniversary with family. The couple was married on Oct. 13, 1962, at St. Bede Church, Kelly. Their children are: Terry, Jeff and Jay. They also have eight grandchildren and seven great-grand children.

OVERLAND

PARK — Close to 100 people from across the region gathered on Sept. 25 on the public right-of-way in front of the Center for Women’s Health here for a prayer vigil that served as the kickoff for the next 40 Days for Life campaign which started Sept. 28 and continues through Nov. 6. During the vigil, volunteers will pray on the same public right-of-way from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Since its founding in 2004 in Bryan/College Station, Texas, 40 Days for Life has grown to interna tional proportions. This year’s fall campaign will include more than one million volunteers and occur in 622 cities in “an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion legally through prayer and fasting, community out reach and a peaceful all-day vigil in

Within the Kansas City metro area, the Kansas City Coalition for Life serves as one of the main spon sors of the local campaign and has been participating in 40 Days for Life since at least 2011. Although there are now at least three abortion clinics within the metro and all are included in the 40 days of prayer, fasting and community outreach, the vigil will be held in front of the Center for Wom en’s Health mainly because it is the clinic involved in the 2019 Hodes v. Nauser decision in which the Kansas State Supreme Court ruled the state constitution contains “a fundamen tal right to abortion.”

As part of the vigil, the bishops from both sides of the state line of fered their thoughts on the impor tance of the fall campaign.

Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph said, “Even though we had the great blessing of having Roe v. Wade, the Roe decision overturned, we learned

we can’t be complacent. We have to continue to be vigilant and to be wit nesses for the gift of human life and to shed light in the darkness.”

Near the end of the rally, Arch bishop Joseph F. Naumann discussed how abortion advocates “elevated their game” and that the pro-life movement needs to respond, but in a different way.

“We have to respond, but in a dif ferent way than they’ve responded,” he said. “As we begin it, let’s pray, ‘Lord, help our presence some way, somehow, speak to those that will see us and that will witness our prayer and our presence.’”

“The Lord can do amazing things,” he added, “and sometimes we get glimpses of things, but oftentimes we do not. But your faithfulness, your presence, be assured, is having an impact. It is making a difference.”

For more information about 40 Days for Life and the local campaign, visit the website at: www.40daysfor life.com/en/overlandpark.

Elaine and Bernard Gellhaus, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 6. The couple was mar ried on Oct. 6, 1962, at Holy Trinity Church in Paola. Their children are: Kevin, Greg and Debbie. They have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A family dinner is being held to celebrate.

Deacon Kenneth Billinger, who has been on a medical leave of absence from ministry at Church of the Ascen sion in Overland Park since April 2021, is petitioning the Holy Father for laici zation, or a return to the lay state. He will remain on leave pending the dispo sition of his petition.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

HE NEVER SPOKE A WORD

Joseph Krause did not live a long life but left a huge impact on his family

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

KANSAS

CITY, Mo. — He never spoke a word.

But Joseph Anthony Krause’s mission, said his parents, has just begun.

On March 3, Austin and Mary Kate Krause, members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, went to their doctor’s office around 8:30 that morning for a routine ultrasound.

By 10 a.m., the doctor’s office had called, asking the couple to come back to talk.

“I was just so confused because I had literally just seen what we thought was a healthy baby,” said Mary Kate. Now, by noon, she was in the office again. While waiting, she asked the nurse — a friend of the couple — why the doctor wanted to see them.

“She just looked at me. She told me basi cally that, ‘Your baby doesn’t have a brain,’” Mary Kate said, tears in her voice.

“I was trying to get the medical facts, but it was so upsetting to learn these babies are aborted because doctors tell the parents the babies are not compatible with life,” Mary Kate said.

“Joseph was literally kicking me and more active than our other babies were,” she continued, “and my pregnancy was the same as my other two pregnancies.”

As the pregnancy progressed, Patti checked in on the couple, offering them a listening ear, prayers and support.

“She’s incredible,” Austin said of Patti. Mary Kate agreed.

“I mean, we met her that day,” said Mary Kate, “and she talked about how she wished she could just take the pain away from us.”

Mass of Innocents

If you know a child who died before or shortly after birth (or if you would just like to support others who do), the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is host ing a Mass of Innocents on Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.

Archbishop Joseph F. Nau mann will preside at this annual Mass and will pray with the names of the children and fami lies represented for the month of November. No RSVP is required.

The diagnosis was anencephaly, a con dition that affects ap proximately one in 4,600 live births in the United States. In most cases, babies are born without the forebrain and the cerebrum, which con trols thinking and coordination. Often, the remaining parts of the brain are not covered by bone or skin.

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

Despite the pain, the couple said they ex perienced God’s grace.

Austin is a theolo gy teacher at St. James Academy in Lenexa. Every year during Holy Week, the entire student body of St. James, along with the faculty, takes one day to engage in commu nity service around Kansas City. Assign ments are based on the organization’s needs and the number of stu dents within a group, known as a “house.”

By “coincidence,”

Austin’s “house” of 16 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, was the small est one, making it the perfect fit for Alex andra’s House.

said, was overwhelming. Cribs, stroll ers, diapers and clothes were donated by family, friends, coworkers and others.

“It felt good to do something in his name, and people were so generous,” said Mary Kate. “This was right around the time the ‘leak’ came out about the Su preme Court [Dobbs case]. I was sharing videos of all these gifts in my living room for this mom who was in one of those pregnancies where they’re telling her it’s better to just abort. It was just perfect timing.”

Timing, as they say, is everything.

The couple selected June 24 as the day to induce Mary Kate’s labor.

Shortly after labor began, the couple turned on the TV, literally just minutes after the Supreme Court’s landmark an nouncement overturning Roe v. Wade.

“As a mom,” Mary Kate said, “my first instinct was, ‘How do we fix this? What does this mean?’ I thought maybe he’d be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life or something.”

The reality, she was told, was grim. His passing was inevitable.

The doctor suggested the couple call Alexandra’s House.

Founded in 1997 by a woman who pre fers to be known simply as Patti, Alex andra’s House calls itself “a very special place for very special babies” and pro vides support, free of charge, to families through an array of services (see sidebar).

Just one day after the ultrasound, Mary Kate and Austin found themselves at Alexandra’s House, trying to make sense of their situation.

After the initial shock wore off, Mary Kate started researching anencephaly to learn more about her son’s prognosis. She and Austin learned a startling real ity. Approximately 95% of children with anencephaly are aborted.

So Debbie Nearmyer, vice president of faith and mission at St. James, ap proached Austin about serving there, not realizing Austin had prayed for that very opportunity.

When the day came, the group started out in the chapel at Alexandra’s House. Austin shared his family’s story and prayed with his students. Then, every one worked to put the names of babies on the “Scala Sancta” (“Holy Stairs”), which features a picture of every single baby served by Alexandra’s House. Students also assisted with landscaping needs.

“It was really cool to help out,” Austin said. “Alexandra’s House won’t accept monetary donations from couples the organization has served, which is great, but I want to give back.”

Another special moment in Joseph’s story took place on May 14. The couple hosted a baby shower at St. James Acad emy for a mother in need, a client of the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas.

The generosity of people, Mary Kate

“I don’t think we realized how crazy it was that Joseph would be born that day,” Mary Kate said.

As labor progressed, it became clear that the baby was in distress and Mary Kate would need a cesarean section.

“It was terrifying. I had literally a priest on one side of me and Austin on the other,” Mary Kate said, adding both men prayed over and with her.

The priest was Father Keith Chadwick, an associate pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa and a longtime friend of Aus tin’s. The priest baptized Joseph with holy water from the Lourdes Grotto in France.

Most babies born with anencephaly die within minutes or hours, but on June 27, both Mary Kate and Joseph were sent home from the hospital. Little did they know it would be “the hardest night of their lives.”

Austin later wrote the following on the CaringBridge page the family had created to help share their journey with family and friends:

“As we edged towards bedtime, I took him into my arms so that Mary Kate

could get a head start on sleep. . . . It was in these moments that Joseph went from being held by his earthly father to his heavenly father.”

Hurrying to tell Mary Kate, he real ized he didn’t know how.

“I just stared, not knowing what to say or how to say it,” he said. “Words were no longer an option, as tears burst forth to wake up Mary Kate.”

The moment, Austin wrote, “brought the meaning of love out. Love poured

Joseph Anthony Krause, born on June 24, lies on the shoulder of his mother, Mary Kate Krause. On affects approximately one in 4,600 live births in the United States. In most cases, babies are born without (cerebrum). Joseph passed away at home in his father’s arms.

Austin and Mary Kate Krause hold their three children,

out between Mary Kate and I and to wards Joseph. We allowed ourselves to grieve together. This was the moment that we knew was coming but longed to escape.”

Later, in ending the post, he wrote: “Suffering is never easy. It isn’t even re demptive in and of itself, but it can be. When embraced, it sanctifies us. It allows our hearts to become like children. To embrace the joy of each infinitesimal moment. To wonder at the glory of God.

“Joseph allowed us to do that. We had him for three days outside the womb and, man, what an impact he had. We have entered into our Calvary, and now our son is experiencing the blissfulness of the fruits of the Resurrection. May we become childlike and see things for what they actually are: gifts from God for the salvation and rest of our souls.

“Joseph Anthony Krause, one of the Holy Innocents, pray for us.”

Organization helps parents to love heroically and find meaning in suffering

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

Building

a culture of love.

That’s the mission of Alexandra’s House.

It’s a ministry that was started more than 25 years ago by a woman who prefers to be known simply as Patti.

On Dec. 12, 1994, Patti’s niece Alexandra was born with a chro mosomal disorder that resulted in her having 12 toes and 12 fingers. She lived 45 days — days that were filled with a lot of loneliness, con fusion and grief for Patti’s entire family.

For Patti, the experience of caring for and losing Alexandra brought to light a hidden problem, one stated on the organization’s website: “Medicine, with its immense technical advancements, can diag nose serious fetal defects early in pregnancy. Parents of gravely ill, unborn babies can feel isolated in their grief, in their search for infor mation and their need for support. While hospice services existed then for adults, it was unknown for babies still in the womb. A family should not have to walk this path alone and she, trained by this deeply personal experience, learned what families needed in these situations.”

In 1997, Patti established Alexan dra’s House as a nonprofit dedicat ed to serving families and provid ing “a very special place for very special babies.”

She received her first referral in 1999. The rest is history.

Today, Alexandra’s House oper ates full time — in person, online or by phone — to serve families in need from across the globe at no charge. Services include every thing from grief support groups to funeral assistance. For those fam ilies who know of their baby’s po tential passing ahead of time, Patti encourages the parents to make a customized birth plan. Then, vol unteers, staff and a network of others help the families to imple

ment the plan.

“We provide whatever is needed,” Patti said.

That can include everything from helping families find bap tismal gowns or arranging for a photo shoot to recommending support groups led by others who have experienced similar losses. In some cases, families from out of town can stay at the house itself while being monitored for a highrisk pregnancy.

Most importantly though, Patti said, Alexandra’s House provides support to families, helping them to love heroically amid tremen dous pain, anguish and suffering through a listening ear, text mes sages, prayers and support.

Along with five additional staff members and a founder’s board composed of doctors and parent guides, the mission of Alexan dra’s House is to serve families of any faith background (or none). It strives to meet families wherever they are on life’s journey as they cope with not being able to bring their baby home for any reason.

Although Alexandra’s House itself does not engage in any fund raising efforts, there is a group of supporters known as Friends of Alexandra’s House that hosts a benefit each year called Bowties for Babies.

Dr. Kelly Byrd, who has volun teered at Alexandra’s House since 2009, said that although the event is a fundraiser, it’s also a way to remember the babies Alexandra’s House has been blessed by, and a way for the organization to honor the families it has served.

“It’s just a celebration,” Byrd concluded simply.

This year’s event will be held on Oct. 21 at the Grand Street Cafe on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. For more informa tion about the event, go online to: www.bowtiesforbabies22.com.

For more information about Alex andra’s House itself, go online to: www.alexandrashouse.com.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

The walls of the “Scala Sancta” (“Holy Stairs”) of Alexandra’s House in Kansas City, Missouri, are lined with photos of the babies the agency has served. The original Scala Sancta is a set of 28 white marble steps near the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, visited by many pilgrims to the Eternal City.

PHOTO BY LACEY JINKS PHOTOGRAPHY

On March 3, during a routine ultrasound, Joseph was diagnosed with anencephaly, a defect which without the front part of the brain (forebrain) and the portion that controls thinking and coordination

PHOTO BY LACEY JINKS PHOTOGRAPHY children, from left, Augie, Joseph and Chiara, for a family portrait.

CRS campaign will build greater response to climate change

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

— Working with small farmers in the Horn of Africa, Yohannes Subaga dis with Catholic Relief Services keeps hearing how difficult it is for growers to raise even minimal crops for their families to live on, let alone to have extra to take to market.

For 40 farming seasons and count ing, farmers tell Subagadis, the rainfall that once was so dependable isn’t so any more. Such uncertainty makes it diffi cult to predict the best time for planting.

When it does rain, it’s often not enough. Other times the rain that falls over a day or two equals what once fell over three or four months — and then not again for weeks on end. Livestock are parched and grazing lands are little more than stubble.

Subagadis, an Ethiopian who serves as Africa coordinator for CRS’ liveli hood and landscape program, attri butes the challenges 22 million people in the region are facing to climate change as rising temperatures alter weather patterns globally.

He spoke to Catholic News Service in advance of the Oct. 4 launch of a CRS campaign to build greater Catholic re sponse to climate change and foster greater awareness of how climate change affects vulnerable communities.

“The Horn of Africa has become one of the most vulnerable to climate change,” he told CNS. “When climate change meets poverty like it does in the Horn of Africa, it is a kind of perfect storm of challenges.”

The deep poverty in the region that encompasses Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan pre vents people from having access to technology that might help them pre dict when it’s best to plant and better manage drought conditions, Subagadis added.

The situation in East Africa he de scribed and similar conditions in poor communities worldwide has prompt ed CRS, the U.S. bishops’ overseas

humanitarian aid and development agency, to embark on its new climate campaign.

The initiative will involve social media, education, prayer, study guides and opportunities for people to call on federal officials and members of Con gress to implement meaningful poli cies in response to climate change, said Bill O’Keefe, the agency’s executive vice president for mission, mobiliza tion and advocacy.

Such outreach is necessary, O’Keefe told CNS, because the communities most affected by climate change have done the least to cause global tempera tures to rise.

“Right now we have a global food crisis. Climate is a huge and principal driver of that crisis. We felt it’s an im portant time in human history to call and invite the Catholic population and others of goodwill to come together to take action on climate change,” he said.

Supporting the effort are the results of an August survey of American atti tudes on climate change that CRS com missioned.

Survey results were released during an online news conference on the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The date

also marked the close of the Season of Creation.

Conducted by the firm Big Village, the survey found that a large majority of the 2,009 respondents — 81% — are very or somewhat concerned about the impact of climate change in the U.S. and worldwide.

O’Keefe said the results show that Catholics are motivated to act in re sponse to climate change and are inter ested in doing so.

The campaign will provide various re sources and stories of people struggling in response to a changing climate from around the world through a dedicated webpage: www.crs.org/get-involved/ campaigns/climate-change.

O’Keefe said CRS also is collaborat ing with Caritas Internationalis as the Vatican agency works with vulnerable people around the world to promote ac tions to mitigate climate change.

The survey also found that events such as drought-induced famines, cat astrophic widespread flooding and glo balization are events that would drive Americans to act in response to climate change.

“One of the key points that we learned is just how Catholics compared

to other people are concerned about the effects of climate change and believe that it deserves a collective response,” O’Keefe said.

“I think that’s because of our con cern for the common good,” he added. “We are able, as Catholics, to make this empathetic connection between fires in California, hurricanes in Florida and South Carolina and floods in Pakistan.”

During the news conference Oct. 4, Lheslye Pérez, chief of party for CRS in Guatemala, said communities through out the Central American country can no longer depend on the rains to fall during a specific period as they have for generations.

“In Guatemala, it rains sometimes more than expected and sometimes it doesn’t rain at all,” she said.

Pointing to hurricanes Eta and Iota, which inundated the country in No vember 2020, Pérez said poor moun tainous communities such as Chrotis continue to struggle to grow crops, find adequate clean water supplies and re build housing.

“The forest families, the most vul nerable, are the ones who bear the con sequences of climate change,” Pérez said. “They are the ones using less resources without basic services, but they are the ones experiencing losing everything when an event originated by climate change happens.”

O’Keefe reiterated to the online news conference participants that church teaching holds that everyone has a responsibility to respond to the challenges posed by climate change to poor communities.

Citing a World Bank estimate, he said an additional 100 million people around the world will be pushed into poverty if climate change goes unaddressed.

“With just eight years left for us to take collective action and before these most devastating effects become irreversible, we must use every day wisely,” O’Keefe said. “That’s why we’re urgently working to ensure people living in poverty, those most impacted by climate change, are able to manage risks, recover, adapt and build their resilience in the face of this escalating threat.”

Correction

Deacon Chris Seago was identified in last week’s Leaven as serving at Mater Dei Parish in Topeka. Instead, since August, he has served at Christ the King Church in Topeka. The Leaven regrets the error.

Correction

The solution to last week’s crossword puzzle was incorrect. The correct solu tion can be found below. The Leaven apologizes for any inconvenience.

CNS PHOTO/JAKE LYELL, COURTESY CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

Children in Ghana run together through a dry field that has been severely affected by irregular weather patterns caused by climate change.

ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA

FRIENDSHIP TEA

Holy Cross Parish

8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park

Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m.

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

CHICKEN DINNER AND BINGO

St. Patrick Parish

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas

Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

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

BINGO NIGHT

Sacred Heart Parish

2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas

Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.

The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will be hosting bingo for cash prizes. Re freshments will be sold. For more informa tion, call Bob at (913) 850-3348.

ANNUAL CHICKEN/HAM DINNER

Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish

1405 2nd St., Leavenworth

Oct. 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The cost for dinner is $13 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Carryout begins at 11:30 a.m. There will also be games for the kids, music, a country store, pumpkins for sale, raffles for prizes and two cash raffles.

TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR

Sacred Heart Parish

1100 West St., Tonganoxie

Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The cost for dinner is: $12 for adults; $7 for kids ages 6 - 12; and free for kids ages 5 and under. There will be a turkey dinner, a country store, bingo and children’s games. There will also be a raffle with prizes total ing over $2100.

ANNUAL BAZAAR

St. Aloysius Parish

615 E. Wyandotte St., Meriden

Oct. 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. A traditional ham and turkey dinner for dine-in or to-go will start at 11:30 a.m. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids 5 - 12; and kids 4 and under are free. There will be Knights of Columbus bingo, games, a silent auction, a country store, ice cream, a beer garden, drawings and more. For more information, call the parish office at (785) 484-3312.

SOUP SUPPER & AUCTION

St. Bede Parish (hall)

7344 Drought St., Kelly

Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.

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

FALL & HOLIDAY CRAFT & BAKE SALE

501 S. Willow Dr., Olathe

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

The proceeds from the sales will be

donated to the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic. Cash and checks only will be accepted.

ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas

Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

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

HOG AND GROG FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Boulevard Brewing Co. (Muehlebach Suite)

2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri

Oct. 13 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Join us for a casual evening including brews, a taco dinner and live music. While you are there, support scholarships for the students and families at Our Lady of Unity School. Many partnership opportunities are available. Learn more online at: https:// olucs.org/hog-and-grog.

‘SHROUD ENCOUNTER: EXPLORE THE MYSTERY, ENCOUNTER THE MESSAGE’

Curé of Ars Parish 9501 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

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

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 104 Exchange, Emporia

Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Altar Society of Sacred Heart is sponsoring a women’s retreat: “The Heart Speaks.” Bring a Bible and journal. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to Paula Roper by calling (620) 343-4088 or send an email to: paularoper@att.net by Oct. 12.

RETROUVAILLE

Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

Oct. 14 - 16

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

GIFT AND CRAFT BAZAAR

St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee

Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This event is hosted by the Ladies’ Guild. McDevitt Hall is in the basement. An elevator is available. There will be more than 50 tables with hundreds of gifts and craft items. Lunch is available for a nomi nal fee. Call Mary Spruk at (913) 825-0358 if you have questions.

‘MERE CHRISTIANITY’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton

Oct. 14 - 16

The retreat begins Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Oct. 16 at 4:30 p.m. What are the foundational beliefs that take us into

the heart of what it means to be a Chris tian? Journey with us as we enter into the thought of C.S. Lewis as he explains and defends the most basic beliefs of Chris tians, hoping to persuade others to come to Our Lord. Immerse yourself in the un equaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear this powerful apologetic for the Christian faith. There will be conferences, eucharistic adora tion, Mass, confession, and time for pri vate prayer, reflection and walking. Cab ins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple; guest rooms: $100 (meals includ ed). To attend, send an email to: info@ christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish 6415 N.E. Antioch Rd., Gladstone, Missouri Oct. 16 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benedic tion will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapu lar. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR SISTER CLAUDETTE SCHIRATTI

Good Shepherd Parish 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.

There will be a memorial/celebration to honor Sister Claudette Schiratti’s years of ser vice as a music director, organist and accom panist at several parishes in the archdiocese. Mass will be followed by a prayer service of singing, sharing stories and fellowship. Join us in the prayer-filled celebration.

PRO-LIFE EVENT

Sheraton Hotel at the Convention Center

6100 College Blvd., Overland Park Oct. 21 from 7 - 9 p.m.

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

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE SUPPORT MINISTRY

Church of the Ascension 9501 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.

We will be hearing a personal witness from one of our longtime members and discuss why forgiveness is necessary for healing and fulfilling relationships.

SHAMROCKS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 22 from 6 - 10 p.m.

This event will also honor Msgr. Michael Mullen. Enjoy Jack Stack Barbecue, MeMa’s Bakery, live entertainment, a silent auction, cash raffle and meet emcee Karli Ritter, Fox 4 meteorologist. This is an opportunity to help the students of St. Patrick School. Get tick ets for the event online at: stpatrickkck.org/ shamrocks-for-scholarships, or call Michael at (816) 806-8132.

NPM KEYBOARD WORKSHOP

Visitation Parish

5141 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. - noon

The local chapters of the National As sociation of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) are

hosting this keyboard workshop. It is for all church musicians who play a keyboard for liturgy. Organ and piano breakout ses sions will provide instruction to improve your craft from beginners to those building more advanced skills. The suggested do nation is $15 at the door. For more infor mation and to register, go online to: www. npminkc.com.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING CLASS

St. John the Evangelist Parish

(Extra building)

200 W. 13th St., Lawrence

Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

An in-person (or online) course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will be offered by the Couple to Couple league. A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required at: livethelove.org. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 for more in formation.

FALL FESTIVAL

Sacred Heart Parish 426 S. Cedar, Ottawa

Oct. 23 from noon - 4 p.m.

There will be hamburgers, hot dogs and authentic Mexican food. There will also be a cakewalk, kids games, a balloon artist, a magician and bingo. Fellowship will in clude pumpkin decorating, a selfie photo station and pumpkin sales.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE

Christ the King Parish 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka

Oct. 23 at 12:40 p.m.

A rosary will be followed by the business meeting and social time. If anyone knows of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s prayers, call Diana Ortiz at (785) 554-4256 or chan cellor Gen Orozco at (985) 213-0347.

ORGAN CONCERT

Hope Lutheran Church 6308 Quivira Rd., Shawnee Oct.23 at 4 p.m.

Dr. Douglas O’Neill, director of forma tion in sacred music and liturgy at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, will perform the second in a series of the com plete organ works of J.S. Bach.

CRAFT SHOW AND BAKE SALE

Holy Family Parish 820 Birch St., Eudora

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

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

LINGER OVER BREAKFAST

Avila University (Whitfield Center) 11901 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mis souri

Oct. 29 from 9 -11 a.m.

The presentation will be: “From trauma to transformation with journey to new life” with Sister Rose McLarney, CSJ, founder and board member, and Susie Roling, director of operations. Our friends from Journey to New Life will share how we can join, in action, in healing both our and our neighbors’ lives.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired pub lication date.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

EMPLOYMENT

Parish business manager St. Ann Church in Prai rie Village is seeking a full-time business manager to oversee all financial, human resource and other administrative aspects of the parish. This position will have responsibilities for budgeting, financial reporting and cash flow management, as well as managing the human resource and IT functions. This individual will work closely with the pastor, school principal and young child care director regarding financial, human resource and other administrative matters, and positively interact with volunteers and parishioners to support the parish mission. The suc cessful candidate will have a business-related or human resource degree with a working knowledge of accounting principles and practices. The ideal candidate will also be a proactive, team-oriented leader and possess strong communication and in terpersonal skills. The position should have at least five years of demonstrated supervisory experience. A complete job description can be found at: www. stannpv.org. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@stannpv.org.

Full- and part-time policy support center repre sentatives - Americo is seeking full- and part-time support representatives. The policy support cen ter department is the primary point of contact for policy holders calling Americo regarding their life insurance and annuity policies. Full-time hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Training in-office 6 weeks and hybrid option 3 days in, 2 days re mote). Compensation starts at $19-$20/hour (more for bilingual) and semiannual bonuses. Part-time hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in-office. Compensation starts at $20/hour. To apply or learn more, go to: https://www.americocareers.com/ and click on “Open Positions” and then click on “Open Positions” again.

Rough-in/finish carpenter and cabinet installer KCBR is the premier remodeling company in the Kansas City metro area. We offer exceptional job opportunities for exceptional people! Some of our benefits include company-sponsored insurance medical, dental and vision. 15 days of annual PTO, 4 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a 5% match, tool allowance and the possibility to drive a company vehicle. You can make your career with KCBR! We are looking for someone that takes pride in the work they do, is able to talk to clients in a professional manner and has a basic overall knowledge of roughin and finish carpentry. We are incredibly busy do ing an average of 10-12 large remodeling jobs per month. The majority of our work is in Kansas City and surrounding areas. Must be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Pay is based on experience; overtime work is available. Must be able to pass a background check. Job requirements: must be self-motivated, follow direction and com municate efficiently with project managers. Must be able to work in a team environment; must have experience with crown molding and cabinetry; must have a minimum of 2-5 years’ experience; must own all your own hand tools. Larger tools and saws will be provided; must have a reliable attendance re cord. Must also be on time and dependable as well as have a reliable vehicle and respectfully leave job site clean at end of each day. This job is full time with a salary of $21 - $30 per hour. Benefits include: 401(k); 401(k) matching; dental, vision and health insurance; paid time off; and a referral program. Schedule: eight-hour-day shift, Monday through Fri day. Must be licensed/have certification and have a driver’s license (required). To apply, email Katy at: katy@remodelkc.com.

Administrative assistant - The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph has an immediate opening for an administrative assistant in the office of stewardship and development. The duties include support across the entire office in the areas of communication, data entry, organization, record keeping and general of fice tasks. This position is full time and benefits-eli gible. For more information or to apply, visit: www. kcsjcatholic.org, scroll down to “Job Openings” and click on “View all.”

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

Music director - Queen of the Holy Rosary Catho lic Church, Overland Park, a parish of close to 1200 families, is seeking a music director and organist. The director is responsible for a range of minis tries including volunteer recruitment and support; musical direction of the choir; hand-bell choir; and accompanist responsibilities. The director will col laborate and coordinate with families on music for weddings and funerals. The director must be flexi ble and demonstrate good collaborative skills with staff and music volunteers. Hours are negotiable. Contact Paul Coquillette for more information or to apply. Email: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org or call (913) 432-4616.

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

Assistant director - Prince of Peace Early Educa tion Center is seeking a highly qualified, flexible, resourceful, self-starter for our assistant director. The ideal candidate has previous teaching/admin istrative experience and demonstrates excellent communication skills with staff and parents. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: as sisting in supervision and operation of the center; staff schedules; assisting with facilitation of staff and program events; ordering and purchasing sup plies as needed; opening and/or closing the center; acting as director when the director is not present; and assisting with marketing and tours. Job require ments: All applicants must meet the following re quirements in order to be considered for hire: a min imum of six months or more teaching in a licensed child care center with proof of work; have a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or related field with 12 or more college credit hours in early child hood education. We offer competitive pay. Benefits include: paid vacation and sick time; paid holidays; 401(k) match, and health, vision, dental, life, as well as short- and long-term disability insurance. To ap ply or for more information, call Jamie at (913) 8292718 or email: jwessel@popolathe.org.

Director of liturgy and music - St. Ann Church in Prairie Village is seeking a director of liturgy and music to facilitate worship experiences that cele brate and strengthen our parishioners’ faith journey. This position serves as the principal musician and choir director for the parish and assists the pastor in liturgy planning. The director is responsible for: playing the organ and/or piano at weekend, school and holy day Masses; recruiting and directing adult, children and hand-bell choirs; training cantors; and providing art and environment direction. The direc tor will also assist the pastor and families in planning funerals and weddings. The director must be flexi ble and work well with staff and parishioners. Hours are negotiable. The qualified candidate should be a practicing Catholic; have a bachelor’s degree in mu sic or equivalent program of study; and have prior experience as a music director. Please email your resume with cover letter to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

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

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnel ly College, Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology; clinical nursing, math; information systems coordinator. Faculty job opening available for the nursing school. Find job descriptions and de tails at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: chief vice-president of business affairs/ chief financial officer; curriculum coordinator; finan cial aid counselor; admission counselor; advance ment officer. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

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

Part-time aide - St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Preschool in Leawood is seeking a part-time aide for our 4’s classroom for the 2022-23 school year. This position is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00-3:30. Teacher aides assist the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations, and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. See a full job description at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to the Preschool Director at: jennie. wente@stmichaelcp.org.

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

Part-time accounting position - Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a part-time employee to handle the accounting functions for the parish. The primary responsibilities will be accounts payable, daily deposits, payroll, and monthly finan cial statements as well as other accounting func tions. Experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite is preferred. Compensation will be com mensurate with experience. For a job description and application, go to: www.ctkkcks.org or contact the pastor, Father Nick Blaha, at: nblaha@archkck. org or (913) 336-1550 (call or text).

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Engagement coordinator - Are you com passionate, motivated, mission-driven and desire to empower others? Do you have experience with vol unteer coordination? Catholic Charities is seeking a volunteer engagement coordinator to serve on our volunteer engagement team and assist with our re cruiting and on-boarding initiatives for the 21+ pro grams at Catholic Charities. To learn more or apply, Visit: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.

Part-time center coordinator - Regina Caeli Acad emy Home-school Hybrid is hiring a part-time cen ter coordinator. The center coordinator is the local administrator who oversees the day-to-day quality of the classroom instruction, promotes admissions, provides ongoing coaching of the local staff and provides Christian leadership for the local families in Overland Park. Regina Caeli is a private, indepen dent, classical home-school academy operating in the Catholic tradition. Preschool - 12th grade stu dents attend classical academic and extracurricu lar classes two days a week, and home-school the remaining days following lesson plans provided by Regina Caeli. Apply online at: https://rcahybrid. isolvedhire.com/jobs/.

Part-time director of catechesis - Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, KS is seeking a part-time director of sacramental formation. Basic Span ish skills preferred. The role is responsible for the Catholic faith formation of families through regular catechesis. The goal of this catechesis is to form catechists and parish leaders to share their faith and knowledge in a way that offers people an en counter with the risen Lord Jesus. Compensation negotiable. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a plus. For a job description and appli cation go to: www.ctkkcks.org or contact the pastor, Father Nick Blaha, at: nblaha@archkck.org or (913) 336-1550 (call or text).

Early childhood position - Wonderful opportunity for adults interested in working with young children! Catholic preschool seeks caring individuals to work with children in our three-year-olds classes. Position is part time. Great working conditions and immedi ate benefits. Call Ms. Theresa, director, at (913) 2484589, or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org.

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

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

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

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

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop boutique is a warehouse environ ment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 7308840.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

Popcorn ceiling texture removal

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 9274118.

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

SERVICES

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

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

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING *CLEANUP AND HAULING

*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION

*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES

HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

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

Garage Door Repair

New Garage Doors

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

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

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

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

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.

WANTED TO BUY

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sa cred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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

Thinking about downsizing? - Just want to get some stuff gone? I am always buying: old jewelry; old coins; pocket watches; pocketknives; old trains; crocks; oil lamps; old toys; glassware; old clocks; old fans; Coca Cola items and spool cabinets. Most old items consid ered. Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.

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.

REAL ESTATE

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

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

FOR SALE

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

For sale - Double niche located at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. The glass-fronted niche is locat ed on the main level, high on the right side of the main aisle heading toward the chapel. Urns are included. Asking $8100. Contact Alissa at (316) 304-2839.

CAREGIVING

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

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, com panionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main care givers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

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

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - March 14 - 22, 2023. The cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Sol do. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

SOLUTION

DAILY READINGS

TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

Oct. 9

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY

IN ORDINARY TIME

2 Kgs 5: 14-17

Ps 98: 1-4

2 Tm 2: 8-13

Lk 17: 11-19

Oct. 10 Monday

Gal 4: 22-24, 26-27, 31 – 5:1

Ps 113: 1b-5a, 6-7

Lk 11: 29-32

Oct. 11

John XXIII, pope

Gal 5: 1-6

Ps 119: 41, 43-45, 47-48

Lk 11: 37-41

Oct. 12 Wednesday

Gal 5: 18-25

Ps 1: 1-4, 6

Lk 11: 42-46

Oct. 13 Thursday

Eph 1: 1-10

Ps 98: 1-6

Lk 11: 47-54

Oct. 14

Callistus I, pope,martyr

Eph 1: 11-14

Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 12-13

Lk 12: 1-7

Oct. 15

Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church

Eph 1: 15-23

Ps 8: 2-3b, 4-7

Lk 12: 8-12

Charles and 21 other Ugandan martyrs, ages 14 to 30, were officials and pages in the court of King Mwanga II of Bu ganda. The king, after first accepting Christi anity among his people, began to insist that con verts abandon their new faith. He also preyed sexually on the young men at court. As head of the pages and their chief catechist, Charles tried to protect his charges. But, when they would not reject Christianity, they were killed in 188586; some were speared to death and others, like Charles, were burned alive. These first martyrs from sub-Saharan Africa were canonized in Uganda in 1964 by Pope Paul VI; they are the pa trons of African Catholic Youth Action, converts and torture victims.

We’ve got to hand it to the Lord

I’m embarrassed because I’ll never learn.

After Mass this past Saturday evening, I was visiting with one of our youth ministers in the parish office. As we were preparing to leave, I noticed a man standing outside the locked church door. The guy looked rough — tired, and with wrinkled clothes.

“I’ll handle this,” I said to the youth min ister, knowing that the man was going to ask for food or gas money.

Opening the door, I said, “Hi, can I help you?”

As soon as the man introduced himself, I mentally slapped my self. Although I’d nev er met him in person, I knew exactly who he was. We’d hired him to do some work for the parish off-site.

That project was labor-intensive and hours-long, so it was no wonder he looked

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

so beat. He’d come by to pick up a check for his work, but it was at my house. After visiting for several minutes, he followed me home.

Knowing how hard he’d worked, I wrote out the check, adding a generous tip in cash. He started to refuse the tip, but I insisted.

MARK MY WORDS

ed at the church door, even though I had no information to base that on. I judged him on appearance alone . . . and how wrong I was.

Pope Francis is so wise in encouraging us to simply interact with one another, to open our minds and hearts to listen to each other.

At that point, he suddenly grabbed my hands and began to pray . . . right there in my driveway! He thanked God for the work, for his helpers and for the strength to do it. He went on to pray for God’s blessing on me, my ministry and the parish.

All I could do was say a hearty “Amen!” as he concluded.

After he drove off, I berated myself for my rash judgment of this faith-filled and hard working man. I was so sure that I knew exactly what he want

I love the story about a first grader who went to a newly integrated school at the height of the integration era. At the end of the first day, her anxious mother met her at the door and asked, “How did every thing go, honey?”

“Oh, Mother!” said the little girl. “You know what? A little Black girl sat next to me!”

With trepidation, the mother asked calmly, “And what happened?”

The little girl said, “Well, we were both so scared that we held

hands all day!” (Story found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

Out of the mouths of babes, right?

I suspect the church and the world would be far better if we stopped judging one another and just held hands for a while. Imagine political opponents discussing contentious issues while holding hands. Or suppose different races or nationalities faced off with one another, but while holding hands? I bet a lot of the fears we carry about “the oth er” would vanish in an instant.

How fitting are these words of the prophet Isaiah: “For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you’” (41:13).

Yes, this says it all . . . hands down.

In what ways has God astonished you with his love?

Afamous

photo shows 15-year-old Elizabeth Eckford in a white dress, dour but focused, books cradled in her arms, walking through a crowd of jeering stu dents toward the front door of Little Rock Central High School on Sept. 4, 1957.

Eckford was one of nine Black teens attempting to integrate the all-white school. The photo captures a moment in our nation al history.

Behind the layers of social and politi cal significance was Eckford herself. She spent a year at Little Rock Central, finished high school elsewhere, went to college, served in the military, taught

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

history and worked as a probation officer. She had PTSD. But her experience gets lost behind the icon.

,

of 10 men with leprosy (Sunday’s Gospel). It also foreshadowed God’s outreach to the whole human race out side of Israel through Jesus. (See Jesus’ homi ly in Nazareth in Luke 4:27.)

Israel. Why should these enemies tempo rarily put aside their hostility for him?

I am reminded of this as I read Sunday’s excerpt from the Book of Kings. A man named Naaman is miraculous ly healed of a serious skin disease. This was hugely significant. Since he was not an Israelite but a general in the hostile Syrian army, his healing demonstrated that the God of Israel was the real God, not the gods of Syria.

His healing, through the prophet Elisha, pre figured Jesus’ healing

But beneath all of these larger meanings was the man Naaman. What did the healing mean for him?

We can speculate.

We know that the suggestion that Naaman go to Israel for healing came from an Israelite girl his army had seized in their depredations against the Israelites. Why should she take a personal interest in her kidnapper?

The miracle re quired cooperation between the king of Syria and the king of

When Elisha instructed Naaman to find healing by bathing in the Jordan River, Naaman balked. He relented only at the urging of his servants. Why should the ser vants be so concerned about their master?

I picture Naaman back home, thinking over these matters and examining his body (“his flesh . . . again like the flesh of a little child”) and meditating on the love that went to such great lengths to reveal itself to him. I wonder whether he ever got over his astonishment.

And to what lengths has God gone to show his love to you and me?

Pope to schools: Educate migrants and refugees, but your own students, too

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While praising schools and universities that have developed education pro grams specifically for migrants and refugees, Pope Francis told them they also have work to do with their own students and staff.

“Every educational institu tion is called to be a place of welcome, protection, pro motion and in tegration for all, to the exclusion

of none,” the pope said Sept. 29 in a meeting with people attending an in ternational conference on offering education and training for migrants and refugees in camps, online and in host countries. The conference Sept. 26-28 was sponsored by the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Refugee and Migrant Education Network.

Pope Francis praised participants for looking at initiatives “grounded in the needs of our migrant brothers

and sisters, with particular atten tion to children and young people. You have heard their desire to pursue their education even though they have been uprooted from their native lands.”

The focus on education is essen tial, he said, because migrants and refugees need more than permis sion to enter a safe country, he said. They must be “welcomed, accompa nied, promoted and integrated.”

KEVIN PERROTTA

Help Catholic Charities fight hunger, one family at a time

“F

or he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” (Ps 107:9).

In Kansas, one in every 10 people is food insecure, meaning that they are unsure where their next meal will come from. This figure includes over 100,000 children. In a country like the United States, this information is hard to swallow — pun intended.

In the last year, Catholic Charities has experienced a 44% increase in food assis tance to families. With your help, we provided $6,231,999 worth of food to fight hunger in our community!

SOLIDUM

Unfortunately, the battle to fight hunger is far from over. Foodinsecure families and the pantries that provide help to them have been rocked by the

rising costs of food due to inflation, continued supply chain disrup tions, labor shortages and increased demand for food resources. Inflation has contin ued to surge now at an 8.5% annual pace since January.

As food costs rise, organizations like Catholic Charities

experience two things: food donation shortages and increased costs from local food pantry suppliers. Due to lower donations, Catholic Charities and other local food pantries are forced to purchase, at higher prices, food from local and national food suppliers to ensure healthy options, equal quantities and cultural ly appropriate foods.

The rise in food prices disproportion ately affects low-income households because these low-income households spend more of their overall income on food. The lowest 20% of wage earners spend roughly 27% of their income on food, whereas the highest

income quintile spends only 7% of its income on food. The rising costs of food leave families with fewer financial reserves to absorb the increased expense.

Our food pantries are in urgent need of food. With the rising cost of groceries, supply chain issues and an increase of those access ing our food pantries, the demand to feed our neighbors in need is critical.

At a time when food pantry visitors need us the most, our pantry shelves are growing empty. All our food pantries are experienc ing what we call a food drought. This summer, our donations were down almost 20%.

Can you help? If every family within the archdiocese picked up just one extra item during its trip to the grocery store, our pantries would have nearly 600,000 food items to share with our neighbors in need. This simple act of generosity makes an incredible impact.

Please share this call to action with your family and friends and visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks.org/ food-drives/ for more information on the food drives happening near you, as well as the food items that our pantries need the most. Togeth er, we can fight hunger one family at a time.

Parishes already planning for eucharistic encounters in 2023

Recently,

I was fortunate to be with Arch bishop Joseph F. Naumann in Paola, worshiping with the Southern Region, and in Seneca, celebrating with the Nemaha-Marshall Region, at Eucharistic Amazement celebra tions.

Wow, in the north and the south, the eucharistic fervor and realization that Jesus actually is walking each step of the way with us is spreading like wild fire. I was also blessed to be with the permanent deacons at a three-day eucharistic convoca tion that inspired and energized.

Young people are also going deeper into

DEACON DANA NEARMYER

their faith and into their understanding of the closeness of Our Lord, especially in the Eucha rist. Camp Tekakwitha and the Kelly Youth

Rally celebrated vibrant and inspiring Eucharis tic Amazement events and gave engaging formation to over 2,000 young people.

This fall, the archdio cese is hosting a priestly formation eucharistic study day, and five formation sessions for liturgical lay ministers called “Transcend.”

Go online to: www. archkck.org/revival to find details about “Tran scend” and everything else mentioned in this column. Upcoming Eu charistic Amazement experiences include the St. Cecilia Mass with the Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish’s schola cantorum, and many others.

On the website and on the Enflame Face book group are robust parish planning guides for the parish year that starts on Corpus Christi 2023. Parishes should be planning now on how they will launch and deliver meaningful eucharistic encounters.

The salvation of our loved ones should be our preeminent desire

and priority, therefore families should nurture eucharistic culture in their homes.

The Eucharist is Christ’s true presence; being close to the Eucharist is being close to heaven. The peace and comfort of Christ are essential in each of our families. The website offers sugges tions on how families can meaningfully pray together, build intimacy with Christ through experiencing Mass together, contemplate Jesus’ presence through eucharistic adoration and how to listen for the promptings of the Lord.

The example of parents has the most powerful influence on their children’s virtues

and their children’s pat terns for relationships, even the one with our Creator.

Each of us will be individually account able to God at the end of our lives. The greatest thing that we can do for ourselves, our families, our parish and for the world is for each of us to be close to Jesus and his bride, the church.

Jesus seeks intimate relationship with each one of us every day. Let us all pray that when we meet God at the final judgment that we do not hear, “I never knew you. Depart from me,” but rather, let us pray that we do hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. . . . Enter into the joy of your master.”

25th anniversary goal? More scholarships than ever!

This year marks the 25th anni versary of the Catholic Educa tion Foundation in the archdiocese.

Throughout this school year, CEF will be celebrating those who helped build one of the most successful char itable organizations dedicated to Catholic education.

Many people have generously given of their time and treasure over the past 25 years to ensure that all children, especially those living in poverty, could attend a Catholic school. Two of these people will be honored at CEF’s annual Gaudeamus gala on Oct. 29.

VINCENT ANCH

Tom Zarda, Rich Hen ry and Blake Mulvany built the organization that we know today as the Catholic Education

Foundation with the support of Archbishop James P. Keleher. Blake served as superinten dent of Catholic schools from 1996-2003 and as director of CEF from 2003-2006. He recruited community leaders like Tom and Rich to help support archdiocesan Catholic schools. Not

only did Tom and Rich provide very gener ous financial support, they also donated a tremendous amount of their time to the cause. Tom and Rich will be honored at this year’s Gaudeamus. Blake, who passed away in 2019, was honored at CEF’s very first gala.

Tom and Rich not only helped establish CEF, but also recruited other Catholic leaders who have carried on their legacy. CEF was blessed with many generous people in its early years.

Charles and An toinette Berkel, Ben and Betty Zarda, Bill and Jean Dunn, John and Pat Menghini,

Mark and Lisa Ledom, Nelson and Marcia Newcomer, Pat and Mel McAnany, Leonard and Ellen McKinzie, Jim and Kathy O’Hara, Tom and Sandy Long, Rick and Ruth Wiseman and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann are just a few early supporters who were instrumental in helping children receive a Catholic education.

Last school year, CEF awarded $3.2 million in scholarships to over 1,600 youth. This school year, requests for CEF financial assistance scholarships have reached an all-time high with nearly 300 additional children currently needing help. This is approximately

100 more requests than in previous years.

CEF is committed to supporting every one of these children by awarding over $4 mil lion in scholarships. To do this, CEF is relying on “Gaudeamus” (“Let Us Rejoice”) to raise the additional $800,000 it will need to meet all re quests for scholarship funding. Every Gaude amus donation re ceived this year will be matched! Go online to: cefgala.org to purchase tickets or to support CEF scholarships.

CEF is grateful for all the people who helped it get started 25 years ago and the many people who have supported it since.

Lauren

Deacon

HEAD OF

St. Gregory the Great named ‘School of Excellence’ by the Catholic Education Foundation

MARYSVILLE

— Catho

lic schools throughout the archdiocese have begun a new school year with great opti mism. At St. Gregory the Great School here, things feel much different this year, and that’s a good thing.

“COVID put us in a survival mode for so long,” said Karen Farrell, St. Gregory’s principal. “We’ve started this year focused on rest, resting in Jesus and integrating our faith into ev erything we do. It’s created a calm that we all needed.”

That faith-focused approach has earned them this year’s Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excel lence Award from the Catholic Edu cation Foundation (CEF) and was on display recently when the archbishop and visitors from CEF and the Catholic schools office visited St. Gregory.

“All of our Catholic schools are doing amazing work,” said Vince Anch, CEF executive director, “but St. Gregory really rose to the top this year. They’ve shown a strong increase in enrollment and their commitment to faith, commu nity and academics is tremendous.”

From their Saints in Training pro gram to schoolwide service projects, students, families and teachers play an active role at St. Gregory Parish and in Marysville, a community of 3,400 res idents in northeast Kansas. These ef forts have helped the K-6 school attract and retain new families. With scholar ship support from CEF and a thriving preschool program, enrollment has in creased by more than 20% over the past two years.

“CEF scholarships help us welcome students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend our school,” said Far rell. “Once families get a feel for our school and school community, both Catholic and non-Catholic families

see the benefits that our school has to offer.”

Now in its 18th year, the Archbish op Joseph F. Naumann School of Ex cellence Award is presented annually by CEF to a K-8 Catholic school in the archdiocese receiving tuition assis tance from the foundation’s tradition al scholarship program. Each school is evaluated based on five main criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed and Forwardly Thinking.

This year, St. Paul School in Olathe was selected as the first finalist, followed by

the second finalist, St. Benedict School in Atchison.

In addition to bragging rights and additional funding from CEF, St. Gregory will be recognized at Gaude amus, CEF’s annual benefit gala, on Oct. 29 at the Overland Park Con vention Center. “Gaudeamus,” which is Latin for “Let us rejoice,” is CEF’s annual fundraiser, and proceeds from the event support scholarships for students in need.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Catholic Education Foundation has transformed the lives of children

and families by providing access to a K-12 Catholic education at schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For the 2022-23 school year, CEF is providing nearly $4 million in scholarships to support more than 1,800 students at 27 Catholic schools in northeast Kansas, with the highest per centage of students living at or below the poverty level.

“What the CEF founders envisioned is reaping greater rewards than ever,” said Vince Cascone, superintendent of archdiocesan Catholic schools.

Concrete Work

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann enjoys a laugh with Jackie Fragel’s kindergarten class at St. Gregory the Great School in Marysville. The arch bishop visited the school on Sept. 13 with representatives of the Catholic Education Foundation.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Father Quentin Schmitz, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Marysville, celebrates Mass for students at the parish school. The school was recently chosen as the Catholic Education Foundation’s School of Excellence.