theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 10 | october 11, 2013
Father Andrew Small, OMI, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States carries the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux to the altar during a prayer service on Oct. 7. The relics included St. Thérèse’s writing desk, pen and inkwell. Accompanying Father Small is Father Ric Halvorson, director of the archdiocesan office of the Propagation of the Faith.
I
t was an extraordinary, possibly once-ina-lifetime opportunity: to draw near to the very desk, quill pen and inkwell used by St. Thérèse of Lisieux. On Oct. 8, local Catholics had the opportunity to venerate these second-class relics of St. Thérèse at Church of the Nativity in Leawood. The rare opportunity was made possible by the generosity of the Carmelite Sisters of Lisieux, France, and the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.
A little glimpse into
The Little Way Leaven photos by Lori Wood Habiger
Susan Hervey, above, a member of Church of the Nativity and a third-order Carmelite, views the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. This is the first time the relics have been allowed to leave the monastery in France where St. Thérèse lived. Father Andrew, left, gives a little background about the relics during a prayer service at Nativity.
2 local news
theleaven.com | october 11, 2013
Life will be victorious
celebrating 150
If we fail to acknowledge our sin, we need no Redeemer
P
ope Francis never ceases to amaze at his ability to capture the attention of the secular press. The Holy Father has a knack of focusing the media on an aspect of our Catholic faith that, despite having been spoken and written about by other popes, heretofore has been largely ignored. The most recent case in point is the pope’s interview with Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ, editor of La Civiltà Cattolica. In the United States, the article appeared in America magazine. The interview was lengthy and wide-ranging. At one point, Father Antonio asked the Holy Father: “What does the church most need at this historic moment? Do we need reforms? What are your wishes for the church in the coming years? What kind of church do you dream of?” Pope Francis replied by saying that “the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful.” Pope Francis then compared the church to a field hospital after a battle. He said: “It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else.” The Holy Father expressed again a predominant theme of his young pontificate: “The most important thing is the first proclama-
archbishop Joseph F. Naumann It is only the realization of our sin that allows us to experience the magnitude of God’s love revealed in his son, Jesus Christ. tion: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all.” During these first months, Pope Francis has reminded us that the heart of the church’s mission is proclaiming Jesus as Lord. The Holy Father has exhorted the church to make our first priority bringing the mercy and love of Jesus to others, Not coincidentally, this is very similar to one of the predominant themes of the immediate predecessor of Pope Francis. Pope Benedict XVI taught frequently that the core of our Catholic faith is not our doctrines and dogmas — important as our creed and catechism are. Pope Benedict cautioned that the essence of Catholicism is not embracing a moral code or living an ethical life. Pope Benedict
emphasized repeatedly that the heart of Catholicism is an encounter with a person, the person of Jesus Christ. Similarly, Pope John Paul II began his pontificate by exhorting each member of the church to be not afraid to open wide the doors of our hearts to Jesus Christ! Is this not precisely what Pope Francis is now saying? Moreover, when Pope Francis reminds us “mercy above all,” how can we not hear the echo of John Paul II’s promotion of Divine Mercy? During the interview, Pope Francis addressed a range of diverse issues — everything from what music he enjoys and what books are his favorites to how his Jesuit formation will influence his leadership style. However, what I found most fascinating was the very beginning of the interview. Father Antonio asked the pope: “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” Father Antonio said that the Holy Father seemed not to expect this question. After reflecting for a while, Pope Francis responded: “I do not know what might be the most fitting description. I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner. Yes, perhaps I can say that I am a bit astute, that I can adapt to circumstances, but it is also true that I am a bit naive. Yes, but the best summary, the one that comes from the inside and I feel most true is: I am a sinner whom the Lord has looked upon.” The pope went on to reminisce that before he was pope, while visiting Rome, he liked to go to the Church of St. Louis of France to
contemplate the painting by Caravaggio — “The Calling of St. Matthew.” Pope Francis observed: “That finger of Jesus, pointing at Matthew. That’s me. I feel like him. Like Matthew. It is the gesture of Matthew that strikes me: He holds on to his money as if to say, ‘No, not me! No, this money is mine.’ Here, this is me, a sinner on whom the Lord has turned his gaze.” Why does the pope believe the best description he can give of himself is the title, sinner? He assured us that he was not just being poetic. His self-description is very much related to what the pope believes should be the first priority of the church — to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. If we fail to acknowledge our sinfulness, then we have no need for a redeemer. It is only the realization of our sin that allows us to experience the magnitude of God’s love revealed in his son, Jesus Christ. Last Friday was the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint that the Holy Father chose as the patron for his pontificate. Let us pray for Pope Francis that the Lord may use him to renew and reinvigorate the church today, much like Francis of Assisi did in his time. I hope all of us will come to cherish the reality that we, too, are sinners. For it is only then that we can open our hearts to experience the depth and breadth of God’s love and mercy for us! Let us accept the invitation of Pope John Paul, Pope Benedict and now Pope Francis to open wide the doors of our hearts to Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Redeemer.
St. Francis celebrates anniversary with simplicity, faith
calendar archbishop
Naumann Oct. 11 Kansas Department of Corrections visit with Little Sisters and Brothers of the Lamb Oct. 13 Installation of Father Barry Clayton and anniversary Mass — Sacred Heart, Sabetha Project Andrew — Christ the King, Topeka Oct. 14 Curia meeting — Savior Pastoral Center “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Confirmation — St. Boniface, Scipio Oct. 15 Priests Personnel Board meeting Vespers and dinner with recently ordained priests Oct. 16-18 Kansas Catholic Conference/Kansas provincial meeting Jesus Caritas bishops prayer group
archbishop
keleher Oct. 12 Wedding anniversary rehearsal Oct. 13 Wedding anniversary Oct. 14-18 Teach class at Mundelein
MASS OF INNOCENTS Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites you to join him in a Mass of Remembrance for all who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or other before-birth losses, through stillbirth, or in early childhood death.
Sunday, October 20, 2013, 10 a.m.
second front page 3
october 11, 2013 | theleaven.com
By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
L
APEER — St. Francis of Assisi Parish here celebrated its 150th anniversary in a way that its patron, no doubt, would have appreciated: with simplicity, humility and faith. The anniversary Mass was celebrated on the patronal feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4. Following the Mass, a potluck supper was held in the basement parish hall. “One hundred and fifty years is a long time,” said Father Farrar, pastor for two years. “No one here was, obviously, alive. One hundred and fifty years — it speaks in some sense to the same thing as simplicity, poverty and humility that Saint Francis does.” “It’s the one thing that allows us to perdure,” he continued. “When one latches on, through faith to God, existence does not cease. In 150 years, our physical life will have long gone — in 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, certainly 150 more years. Well, what persists? The contact that faith makes with God persists. . . . The only thing that matters is what draws us here this night, which signifies the simplicity, the meekness, the humility . . . and you — who have seen the ‘here’s the pearl of great price, here’s what matters.’” Originally, the parish was located on land donated by the McKenzie family for a church and cemetery. The Rock Creek Cemetery is still there, a rectangular plot located were East 250 Road and North 750 Road meet and make an “L”. This is slightly north of Rock Creek. The first priest to serve the parish was Father William Smith from the Catholic mission at Prairie City (now part of Baldwin). The first church was built of native stone. An early disadvantage of the site was that, when Rock Creek flooded, no one to the south could get to the church. By 1884, only three Catholic families lived north of the creek, so the decision was made to reestablish the parish farther south.
Leaven photo by Joe Bollig
Father Brandon Farrar, pastor of St. Francis Parish in Lapeer, was the main celebrant and homilist at a Mass on the patronal feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4. Founding pioneer families and clerics traveled the open prairie in wagons to get to the church. The old stone church was torn down and a new wood frame church was built on a half-acre of land donated by the Fawl family, near the site of the present church, in 1885. The current church has been improved over the years. In 1953, the church was extended in length from 30 feet to 54 feet, a vestibule was added at the entrance and the sanctuary was remodeled (adding “wings” for a sacristy and choir room). A basement was dug and given concrete walls and floor. Then, the whole church was moved a few yards north and placed on the new basement. Most of the renovation work was done by parishioners. On June 24, 1954, Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler and other priests visited the parish to celebrate the remodeling, the parish’s “98-year anniversary,” and confirm seven-year-old Danny Radcliff Jr. The archbishop was so impressed by Danny’s answers that he suggested the boy look him up in “about seven years” and have a talk about the priesthood. St. Francis Parish has always been a mission of other parishes, being served by priests based in Prairie City (Baldwin), Lawrence, Edgerton, Ottawa, Garnett, Topeka,
Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City, Kansas 66109 For additional information, please call Archdiocesan Marriage & Family Life Office—913-721-1570
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
How to get there
Leaven photo by Joe Bollig
The original St. Francis Church was built of native stone and located north of nearby Rock Creek. The present church was built in 1885 and renovated in 1953. Waverly and Osage City. In a historical sense, the parish returned to its pioneer roots two years ago when Father
Farrar, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Baldwin, also became pastor of St. Francis Parish.
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com
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Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
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Getting to St. Francis of Assisi Parish at Lapeer has always been a bit of a challenge. It has been that way from the beginning, according to a story about the rededication of the parish in the July 2, 1954, issue of the Eastern Kansas Register: “[T]here were no roads and the parishioners crossed the prairie in lumber wagons or on horseback from distances of 20 miles or more.” Today, the roads are better, of course, but even GPS systems send visiting missionaries and other persons on a bewildering tour of bucolic Douglas County byways. “Lapeer” today consists of a church and perhaps three nearby farm homes. Actually, it’s not that hard to get to St. Francis. The simplest way is to drive west (or east) on Highway 56 until it intersects East 300 Road at the Dodder Cemetery. Go north for approximately one and one-half miles until you reach the intersection of East 300 Road and North 450 Road. There, on the northeast corner, is the church.
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4 local news
theleaven.com | october 11, 2013
Married love: Choose the amazing By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — So often fairy tale romances end with “ . . . and they lived happily ever after.” If only it were that easy. In point of fact, good marriages don’t just happen. Integrating two lives takes intentional effort, because men and women are different from each other. The bottom line is this: God intended married life to be amazing. God wants couples to have happy, fulfilled marriages. Coleen Kelly Mast And that’s no fairy tale. It’s totally possible. To help busy engaged and married couples forge strong bonds, and parents raise kids who are educated about their sexuality, the archdiocesan family life office is offering a Day of Enrichment for married couples. The day will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. One topic to be discussed is gender differences — the tension from which is an important dynamic in any marriage. “From the very beginning, God made us male and female,” said Deacon Tony Zimmerman, archdiocesan family life lead consultant. “God created those differences . . . and in the marital relationship, if you have an awareness of those gifts, they can pull a couple closer together. Or,
How to register • Cost: $45 per couple, $30 single, includes lunch • Register online at: www.arch kck.org/coleen-kelly-mast • Overnight accommodations are available. Contact Savior Pastoral Center for your room at (913) 721-1097. • For more information, call the archdiocesan family life office at (913) 647-0345.
if you ignore them, they can be a source of division.” The key is appreciating those differences and the way they complement each member of the couple. The main presenter of the Day of Enrichment is author, lecturer, teacher and radio talk-show host Coleen Kelly Mast. Mast specializes in adult and family life education. She can be heard locally on “The Doctor Is In” with Dr. Ray Guarendi on Catholic Radio KEXS 1090-AM from noon to 1 p.m., usually Mondays and Fridays. Mast also has a website at: www. sexrespect.com. Mast will offer two talks: The morning presentation is entitled “Unity or Division in Marriage?” and the afternoon talk is: “Raising LoveWise Kids.” “We will look at some of those things that unite and divide couples,” said Mast. “We will look at the complementary aspects of the two sexes — what makes us different and similar, and where we should harmonize and where we should challenge the other person.” “We will look at some of the differences of the individual person we married, their qualities and gifts —
like their temperament and personality,” she continued, “and show how the differences and similarities can bring us closer and more in love, or, if we make certain other choices, can be a source of division.” Males and females have different brains — they think differently, said Mast. Men and women express themselves differently. They use mental skills differently. These differences must be viewed as gifts and understood, she said. The afternoon talk will deal with children and sexuality. “[The challenge is] how do we . . . pass on the message of the truth and meaning of human sexuality to young people who live in a culture that is trying to redefine our faith, rather than letting the faith define the culture,” said Mast. “[The session] will have simple, practical answers you can give — children, teenagers, people you work with — about human sexuality and why Catholics do this or that,” she continued. “It will give you very practical ways in simple language as to how to respond and teach people essentially the theology of the body and Catholic morality so they can understand the truth.” Although the subject matter is serious, Mast promised that the talks will be fun, energetic and humorous. The talks will be followed by question-and-answer periods. Books about marriage, marriage preparation, child raising, teenagers and other family life topics will be available for purchase. “It will be amazing,” said Mast. “People will be absolutely enriched. It will give them a new lens on life about sexuality, having children, parenting, marriage, and love and life.”
Donnelly event proceeds create opportunities for brighter futures KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Spirits were soaring high at the National Airline History Museum in Kansas City, Mo., the venue for SHINE, the Donnelly College annual scholarship event, on Sept. 27. More than 450 friends, alumni, students and guests gathered to raise funds for scholarships and to put the spotlight on donors’ generosity and students’ successes. Proceeds from the event totaled $309,000. Funds raised are earmarked for the John and Florence Horan Memorial Scholarship Fund and Donnelly’s annual scholarship fund. Philanthropist and community advocate Joan Horan was honored at the event. Horan, a Kansas City native, has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many in her community, including
past and current students at Donnelly College. Through the years, Horan has been a champion for the mission of the college. “Joan’s wisdom and leadership have been invaluable to Donnelly. As a board member for nearly a decade, she was always connecting, problem solving, and working hard to sustain our mission and help set our vision for the future. She thinks big, but seeks practical and collaborative solutions that meet the community’s needs,” said Dr. Steve LaNasa, Donnelly president. Horan, formerly a member of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, spent the early part of her career teaching and counseling young adults. She earned a master’s degree in counseling psychol-
ogy from Boston College. In 1971, she became the first director of personnel for DST Systems, which employed just 75 associates at the time. She continued to work for DST for 39 years, and ultimately served as vice president of human resources. She played an integral role in the company’s growth over the years, as it grew from a small startup to an industry leader with more than 12,000 employees. Throughout her career, Horan has served on numerous boards, supporting the mission of a wide range of community organizations and institutions. She was selected as the event’s honoree because of her steadfast commitment to helping Donnelly and other organizations across Kansas City.
Sister Mary Rosenda Arkfeld, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Rosenda Arkfeld, SCL, 84, died on Oct. 2 at the motherhouse here. She served as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 64 years. Agnes Teresa Arkfeld was born on April 21, 1929, in Battle Creek, Neb., the seventh of nine children of Rupert and Rose Hughes Arkfeld. Her grandmother told her that despite the Depression that had gripped the country, she was welcomed with open arms. Her older sister Rosalie had died that JanSister Mary Rosenda uary of pneumonia, and all were praying Arkfeld, SCL for a little girl. Because her mother became very sick due to complications during delivery, Agnes lived with her grandmother and aunt for her first six months. While her mother suffered and remained bedridden at the farm, Agnes developed whooping cough, but clung tenaciously to life. Eventually, both she and her mother returned to good health, and the family was reunited. Agnes graduated from Battle Creek Grade School and Battle Creek High School. She attended Saint Mary College in Leavenworth for two years before entering the Sisters of Charity on Aug. 18, 1949. As Sister Mary Rosenda, she made her first profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1951. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary College. She taught in elementary parochial schools across the West and Midwest. Former students were asked what they remembered about her, and their response was “her colorful, creative classrooms that made learning exciting, and her ability to keep a Kleenex up her sleeve all day.” After a 42-year teaching career, Sister Mary Rosenda volunteered at Exempla -Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver as a receptionist and at the Russell Pavilion in the emergency room, radiation oncology and at the information desk. She retired to the motherhouse on Jan. 15, 2011.
Eighth-grade pro-life forums set for Oct. 16 and 20 OVERLAND PARK — All Catholic eighthgrade students from public, parochial or home schools are invited to attend one of two eighth-grade pro-life forums. The first, for all area Catholic school eighth-graders, will be held from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. on Oct. 16 at Church of the Nativity, 119th and Mission Rd., Leawood. The second, for all School of Religion eighth-graders will be held from 6:308:45 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th in Overland Park. An optional Mass will be held at 5 p.m. Pizza and pop will be served from 6-6:30 p.m. To RSVP, register, or for questions, call Courtney Williams at (913) 568-5453, or send an email to her at: scj4x@aol.com. Or call Ron Kelsey at the archdiocesan pro-life office at (913) 647-0350.
LOCAL NEWS 5
october 11, 2013 | theleaven.com
By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com
Gaudeamus celebrates decade of giving
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ten years ago, 325 people gathered for the first CEF fundraiser. This year, the event, now known as Gaudeamus, is expected to draw a crowd of more than 3,000. When viewed through the perspective of the last decade, it is amazing to see how much this annual celebration of Catholic education has grown. No doubt people attend because they support Catholic schools and believe every child deserves a faith-based education. Certainly, thousands of young lives are impacted by their generosity. But truth be told, attendance numbers have increased in part because the word is out that — in addition to supporting a good cause — Gaudeamus is an exceptionally good time. Sandy Long is well aware of the effort that has gone into growing Gaudeamus into one of the most anticipated happenings of the season. “Since Gaudeamus was started,” said CEF executive director Michael Morrisey,“Sandy’s been the committee chair . . . along with her husband. We call them the king and queen of Gaudeamus.” The Longs’ dedication is born from a true belief in CEF’s mission. “I love this organization with all my heart,” said Sandy Long. “And I feel a sense of accomplishment that in a very small way I have contributed to its success! “This year’s event is special, as we are celebrating our 10th anniversary and recognizing those from the past 10 years who have made a significant contribution in promoting Catholic education.” Indeed, all those honored as outstanding “Angels Among Us” (see sidebar) at past events will be recognized again this year. “We’ve got a very diverse group of past honorees in terms of what they do,” said Morrisey. “But one focus they all have is Catholic education, helping those that need help go to Catholic schools.” In addition to reuniting honorees, this year will be a showcase for all the great food, great company and exciting features that make the annual Gaudeamus a must-attend event. As always, the evening will begin with cocktails and conversation. Then, returning by popular demand, the Mater Dei drumline will lead guests to the ballroom. Once again, Catholic school students will be an important part of the celebration. The Holy Spirit School choir will be performing throughout the evening, along with vocalist Ron Gutierrez, a graduate of Hayden High School in Topeka. And a new video has been produced to inform and entertain guests. “We’ve got what we think is a fun video,” said Morrisey. “It’s a takeoff
Leaven file photo
Students representing CEF schools hand out rosaries at the 2011 Gaudeamus event. This year Gaudeamus will be held on Nov. 2 at the Overland Park Convention Center. of the AT&T commercials — the guy with the kids around the table.” Channel 41 helped create the video and its crew will also be entertaining dinner guests with spot interviews of various audience members projected on the big screen. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be on hand for one of the evening’s most anticipated moments, the announcement of CEF’s 2013-2014 School of Excellence. “He never misses a CEF event,” said Morrisey, “and he consistently says that helping kids go to Catholic schools
is one of the most important missions the archdiocese has.” And, of course, guests will be able to demonstrate their own support for CEF throughout the evening. The sponsor-a-child opportunity will be available again this year and attendees will be encouraged to match a donor family challenge donation again. “This year [the anonymous donors] have been kind enough to do it again,” said Morrisey. “And they’ve increased the $175,000 challenge to $200,000!” After dinner, guests will be invited to mingle at the traditional
Gaudeamus: Let us rejoice!
Past ‘Angels Among Us’ Honorees
The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) will recognize past “Angels Among Us” as they reunite at the organization’s 10th anniversary Gaudeamus dinner on Nov. 2 at the Overland Park Convention Center. The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for needy families in northeast Kansas, so they may attend Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation. Tickets for the Gaudeamus dinner are still available. For online registration and sponsorship information, visit: www.cefks.org/Gaudeamus, or contact Patty Morrisey at (913) 647-0344.
• Blake Mulvany • Leonard and Ellen McKinzie • Archbishop James P. Keleher • Esther White • Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB • Ben and Betty Zarda • Rich and Sheila Henry • John and Pat Menghini • Tom and Mickey Zarda • Ernie and Susan Straub • Charlie Berkel • Catholic school pastors • Bill and Jean Dunn • Bishops & archbishops of northeast Kansas, past and present
post-Gaudeamus social hour. It’s hard to calculate the number of lives touched by the generosity of Gaudeamus attendees over the past decade. “This year, we’ve added an additional school,” said Morrisey. “So there are 43 schools in the archdiocese, and CEF is supporting 20 of the 43. “If the averages stay the same, we’ll help a record 1,400-plus kids.” The majority of children receiving CEF scholarships are living in poverty — a family of four making less than $24,000 a year. “We believe education is their way of getting out of that familial cycle of poverty,” said Morrisey. “That’s the reason we do what we do.” With three children and eleven grandchildren benefiting from Catholic education, Sandy Long understands the value of being part of a faith-based community. “Community has been a solid foundation for my family to thrive,” she said. “Every Catholic family should have that privilege.” But Long pointed out that the need is great; there are a large number of children waiting for CEF’s assistance. “Please purchase a ticket,” she said. “Seeing the look of joy our CEF kids have and the enthusiasm they share for their Catholic faith brings a joy to your heart that is truly extraordinary.”
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theleaven.com | october 11, 2013
Mass of Innocents extends healing to families By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
Reaching out
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Deacon Tony Zimmerman couldn’t forget the question a grieving mother asked him. “Can you tell me if this pain is ever going to go away?” asked the woman, whose baby had died prior to birth. Deacon Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, couldn’t make that promise. Many times, he said, he thinks “reconcile” might be a better way to describe what happens as families grieve and pray and work to make sense of their loss in terms of who they are and who God is. To help families through this process, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is inviting all who have experienced such losses to join him at the Mass of Innocents, which he will celebrate at 10 a.m. on Oct. 20 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. “This Mass is so important because it gives a chance to come together at the Eucharist with the bishop, with other people who are suffering, and to seek healing,” said Deacon Zimmerman. Mary Vorsten, a licensed clinical professional counselor and former director of Catholic Charities’ counseling program, agreed. Vorsten has counseled families that have attended a Mass of Innocents. “This Mass — that acknowledgment of the loss of this innocent life — is very important to them,” she said. “I think the Mass can bring [families] great comfort.” A moment many parents find particularly meaningful is when they are asked to write their child’s name in a Book of Remembrance. It is sometimes the first time they’ve given the child a name. “That’s really helpful for them,” she said, noting that, too often, this very real loss can go unrecognized and acknowledged by others. The Mass of Innocents is open to all who have lost a child, whether the loss is recent or happened decades ago. It has already become a yearly tradition for Brad DuPont and his wife Libby, consultants for the office of marriage and family life. Even if they weren’t at the Mass in their archdiocesan capacity, he said,
Leaven file photo by Doug Hesse
Erin Duvall, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., holds her daughter Riley at last year’s Mass of Innocents at Savior Pastoral Center. This year’s Mass of Innocents will be celebrated on Oct. 20. they would attend for the value it holds for them as parents. Two of their four children — son Peter and daughter Gianna — died of a rare genetic condition when they were only a few months old. “It’s a beautiful Mass,” said Brad DuPont. “And for my son, it’s a great opportunity for him to remember his brother and sister.” Their youngest daughter was born after her brother and sister died, and DuPont believes the Mass will help her feel connected to her siblings in heaven as she grows older.
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“So often the world forgets,” said DuPont, stressing that no matter how much time passes, the suffering and pain that accompany a loss are there and are very real. This Mass shows that the church and Christ remember their suffering. “The church wants to say, ‘We don’t forget your children,’” said DuPont. This is a time for families to see they are not alone. A gathering afterward provides an opportunity for fellowship.
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Many people don’t realize the degree of grief that parents can suffer from the loss of an infant to miscarriage or stillbirth, and often say things that are not comforting to the family, said Mary Vorsten, a licensed clinical professional counselor. One thing that friends and family can say is simply: “I’m sorry,” she said, or “I’m sorry for the loss of your child.” Nor is there a criterion for how or how long they’re permitted to grieve. Even parents don’t necessarily grieve the same way, she said. “The mother has what I would call an intense maternal bonding with that child,” said Vorsten, and might feel deep sadness and bereavement. “The father may be feeling helpless — and angry that he feels so helpless,” she said, adding that a father often bonds during pregnancy through feelings of protectiveness for the mother and child. It’s important to recognize that both parents are grieving, she said, emphasizing the importance of the word “we.” “He was four months old in the womb when we miscarried,” a parent might say, Vorsten offered as an example. The loss of an infant can also weigh on siblings who were anticipating the arrival of the child, as well as on grandparents and other members of the family. Even if there is not a funeral, particularly in the case of a miscarriage, Vorsten encourages families who have experienced a loss to do something together in honor of the child, and to cry and pray together. To show support for those who have suffered a loss, you might ask a mother or father how they are doing, she said, and then let them know they are in your prayers. “I lit a memorial candle for you and your child” is one thing you can say, said Vorsten. For grieving parents, she encourages infant loss support groups. There are also books on infant loss that can provide support to parents, she said. For more information and additional resources, visit the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org/ miscarriage-and-infant-loss.
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Stories from the Missions
Meet Sister Clara...
he theme for World Mission Sunday 2013 is: “Do Good on Earth.” Every day, dedicated missionaries live out these words as they reach out in the name of Christ to communities, families and children in desperate need. This year for World Mission Sunday, we focus on the work of Sister Clara and the Salesian Sisters at Marialaya Children’s Home in Chennai, India. These Sisters help to rescue young girls from the sad reality of child trafficking and child labor that plagues so many mission countries. Every single day, all over India, hundreds of young girls are taken from their homes and families, forced into child labor or to be beggars on the street, or sold to be domestic help. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith invites parishioners to be partners with Sister Clara and so many missionaries throughout Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America engaged in similar work. Parishioners are called to join their hearts and hands with those of these missionaries as they reach out to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and marginalized. By their prayers and financial help, parishioners in the United States support these missionaries as they extend the Lord’s love and hope to so many, especially children. Together, we “do good on earth.”
“Everything I will relate to Jesus. I will ask Jesus help me. Jesus have mercy on me. Jesus be with me, guide me.” — Sister Clara, India Growing up in India, Sister Clara always felt the strong presence of Jesus in her life. Gaining her strength through prayer and her deep relationship with Jesus, she is committed to follow her calling — to reach out in the name of Christ to those most vulnerable in our society, sharing his love by offering practical, emotional and spiritual care. Every day, Sister Clara works tirelessly throughout Chennai, India, to rescue young girls from being stolen and sold into child labor and prostitution. For her, faith and action go together. Not only do the Sisters
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provide a loving home for these frightened girls at their Marialaya Children’s Home, they also offer education, medical care, vocational and leadership training, counseling and spiritual formation. Since Marialaya was started in 1990, the Sisters have rescued more than 2,000 girls from child labor, prostitution and begging. Today, Marialaya cares for more than 100 girls between the ages of four and 14. The Sisters also operate a “help line” in collaboration with the local police. The local community, especially the taxi drivers, help to promote this service. Children throughout India know that if they are in danger, they can call that help line, and the Sisters will come to them and rescue them. Sister Clara is extremely passionate about the spiritual formation of the girls. Every day she teaches them about the Catholic faith, telling them that they are all precious children of God and deeply loved by him. “Very often I pray, very often I speak to Jesus, like a friend,” Sister Clara says. “So I said I must do like Jesus — healing, helping, to be with the children, to help the children and to educate them. And very happily I am doing this.”
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y dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This year, the worldwide church will celebrate World Mission Sunday within the Year of Faith, on the weekend of Oct. 19-20. Mission extends the boundaries of faith through what the church calls mission “ad gentes” — mission to all people and to every nation. This faith is a gift of the Holy Trinity that comes to us through the church in the sacrament of baptism. It is a gift that we are meant to live out by sharing that faith with others. Archbishop Naumann Our Catholic Church, at every level and by its very nature, is missionary. Its origin is in the very mission of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit. It is in Christ alone that “salvation is offered to all people, as a gift of God’s grace and mercy” (Eph 2:8; Rom 1:16). Our Holy Father Pope Francis, in his message in advance of World Mission Sunday, has given voice to his desire that the whole church should be serious about implementing the missionary mandate of the Gospel. His words are clear and strong: “The men and women of our time need the secure light that illuminates their path and that only the encounter with
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — No movie or printed picture could do justice to the poverty — or the beauty — to be found in India. That’s what Father Ric Halvorson discovered in 2001 when he traveled there as a seminarian as part of a Global Fellows program through Catholic Relief Services.
Father Ric Halvorson But Father Halvorson, now pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Paola and
archdiocesan director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, discovered something even more important. “I never saw a diminished human spirit,” he said. He has always found hope in that, and still does today as he works to grow the faith around the world. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith falls under the umbrella of the Pontifical Mission
Societies. The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, on whose board of directors Father Halvorson now serves, emphasizes that the church is “one family in mission.” World Mission Sunday — which helps missions in many countries — offers a reminder of that. The Pontifical Mission Societies differ from many assistance organizations like the Red Cross and others in that
it focuses not on humanitarian relief, but on fulfilling church needs, largely through evangelization. Father Halvorson traveled to Rome in March, where he toured the international headquarters of the Propagation of the Faith, which receives tens of thousands of requests each year. They come in many different languages — some scrawled in pencil on the paper forms — for help with everything from building a new
church to setting up a catechetical program in Africa, India, or Asia. “This World Mission Sunday collection . . . is the primary source of revenue to fulfill all those requests,” said Father Halvorson. And it fits right in with the mission of the Pontifical Mission Societies. “It’s helping people come to know Jesus and the love that he has for them, and it focuses more on evangelization
and liturgy,” he said. “We’re united with the poor through the liturgy, through the sacraments across the globe, and so we want to help these emerging, struggling Christian communities so that they, too, can celebrate the church’s liturgy, experience the church’s sacraments, and in some way come to know that Jesus loves them. “It’s to help them to truly be a part of the body of Christ.”
For every $100 distributed to the Missions last year by the Pontifical Mission Societies...
Christ can give. Let us bring to the world, through our witness, with love, the hope given by faith! The church’s missionary spirit is not about proselytizing, but the testimony of a life that illuminates the path, which brings hope and love.” Each year, on World Mission Sunday, the church draws our attention to our missionary vocation. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is the Holy Father’s chief missionary arm, providing resources for more than 1,150 mission dioceses and territories the world over. These mission churches provide a spiritual home for the poorest and most vulnerable, evangelizing, educating and sanctifying them with the sacraments, as they offer the Lord’s love, hope and peace. The missionaries serving in these areas depend on our sacrificial generosity and on the prayers of us all. Please give as generously as possible, and pray for the missions every day. Let us pray that this year World Mission Sunday will touch each of us deeply, and that we will be united in providing true assistance where it is needed most, for the sake of Christ! I thank you for your participation in the missionary work of the church. Sincerely yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,
$63 | Africa
...where the poor embrace the Gospel and celebrate their faith
$29 | Asia
...where hope is found in increasing vocations to the priesthood and religious life
$4 | Americas
...where the remotest areas are reached with the “Good News” of Jesus
$3 | Oceania (Pacific Islands)
...where children receive an education and experience God’s loving presence
$1 | Europe
...where the service of the Church is restored after years of persecution
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
Meet Vandoosha...
Meet Shorti... Shorti is Vandoosha’s best friend. She is another of the fortunate children rescued by Sister Clara and living at Marialaya. She was stolen from her parents, and forced to beg at a train station. That’s when Sister Clara found her, recalling that she didn’t know how to speak, couldn’t say who her mother or father was. When Shorti was rescued, she was also extremely malnourished and had to go to the hospital to receive medications and treatment before starting her new life at Marialaya. Shorti is now in the fourth grade. Despite the effects of malaria that she contracted as a young girl, her immune system is strong and she is set to have a bright future. Her dream is to become a doctor, so that she can help other sick children like she had been. Sister Clara admits that her work can be extremely challenging and difficult. However, seeing young girls like Vandoosha and Shorti, once so frightened and vulnerable, gain confidence through the care, love and support they receive at Marialaya is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for her. It is through Jesus that Sister Clara gains her strength and conviction, as she says: “I will ask Jesus’ help. And in the evening, I go and thank the Lord, asking him to give me courage to face the difficulties which come on my way.”
Ten-year-old Vandoosha is one of the girls rescued by Sister Clara and the Sisters at Marialaya. Vandoosha was sold to a neighbor to work in the family’s home; that neighbor sold Vandoosha again. “I had to work from 5 a.m. to midnight every day,” Vandoosha says. “I was doing all the washing, cooking and cleaning for the whole family, and looking after their two-year-old child.” Vandoosha was also beaten by the mother in the home and abused by another of the children. Today, five years after Vandoosha was rescued, the memories of her time as a domestic worker are still fresh in her mind. However, thanks to Marialaya, Vandoosha is happy and healthy and doing exceptionally well at school. Having experienced severe heartbreak and numerous challenges in her short life already, Vandoosha does not take anything for granted, including her education. She is determined to study hard and one day become a police officer, so that she can give protection to street children and bring them to Marialaya.
Pontifical Mission Societies seek to help developing areas’ spiritual needs By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
A Sunday to Help the Whole World
Small actions can make a large difference in the world By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
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n his new role on the board of directors for the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, Father Ric Halvorson attended the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen World Mission Dinner on Oct. 1 in New York City. It honored as Pontifical Ambassadors for Mission Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., the archbishop
of Boston; Dr. Carolyn Y. Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services; and Geoffrey Gamble, president of the Order of Malta, Federal Association. Father Halvorson has been reflecting since the dinner on the messages he heard from Woo and Gamble, and thinking about how even small actions and gestures can make large differences. Woo’s mention of
the joy she saw during her education by the Maryknoll Sisters left him thinking. “I think we just get so busy in our lives that we forget to make time for joy,” said Father Halvorson. He thought of the evening around Christmastime last year when he’d just finished a visit with a parishioner in the hospital. As he fidgeted by the elevator hoping it would
hurry so he could head to the next place, a couple of nurses asked if he was a priest and said they had been trying to track one down. A woman was about to undergo an urgent surgery and really wanted to see a priest and be anointed. Suddenly, the urgency of everything that had been on his list faded and he could sense the joy in this woman’s demeanor — and saw it
in the tears in her eyes. “I felt such a sense of joy that I hadn’t experienced in a long time,” he said. “I think the biggest reason was I wasn’t open to it.” Faith isn’t something to be celebrated for an hour on Sundays and then placed in a box on the shelf for the rest of the week, he said. “We’re one family in mission, and we’re always on mission,” he said. “We need to be mis-
sion wherever we are.” In the days leading up to World Mission Sunday, he hopes Catholics will pray for the church and its missions. “We always need to pray,” he said. “We always need to examine our lives. Are we being good stewards of all that God has blessed us with?” People often hear about being generous in their charity, but
there’s also an element of humility, he said, and that involves giving without counting the cost and trusting that Christ’s work is being done. A lot of thought and prayer goes into the process of funding missions and their work, he added. “It’s about Jesus Christ,” he said, “and making the reality of his love present in our lives.”
10 local news
theleaven.com | october 11, 2013
Judith (Dargy) and Robert Vohs, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 12 with a Mass and family dinner. The couple was married on Oct. 12, 1963, at St. Agnes Church, Roeland Park. Their children and their spouses are: Susanne and Aaron Henton, Kansas City, Mo.; Kathryn and Joseph Vohs, Linwood; Pamela and Stephen Vohs, Lenexa; and Mary and James Wilcox, Kansas City, Mo. They also have 12 grandchildren.
Ron and Mary (Besta) Cowan, members of St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 5 with a Mass and dinner. The couple was married on Oct. 5, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church, Delia. Their children and their spouses are: John and Brigette Cowan, Topeka; Rod and Deana Cowan, Maple Hill; Kelly Cowan, Maple Hill; Kevin and Valerie Cowan, Wichita; and Shane and Kelly Cowan, Allen, Texas. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Paul and Dolores (Hinkle) Sedler, members of Holy Family Parish, Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 28 with a party hosted by their five children and 12 grandchildren. The couple was married on Oct. 10, 1953, at St. Benedict Church in Kansas City, Kan.
Merced and Elvira Pacheco, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept 3. They have five children, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The couple celebrated with family and friends.
Rita and George Dean, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, will be honored with a card s h o w e r and a small f a m i l y gathering in recognition of their 65th wedding anniversary. The couple was married at Sacred Heart on Oct. 14, 1948. Their children and their spouses are: Sandy Dean and Mike Mahomet, Hatfield, Pa.; Linda and Bob Ernst, Olathe; and Debbie Flannelly, Bellingham, Wash. They have five granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.
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Historic gift given to Bishop Ward endowment Kansas City, Kan. — Bishop Ward High School here officially announced at its 35th annual auction, Table of Plenty, that an anonymous donor couple has pledged a gift of $1 million to the permanent Bishop Ward Endowment Fund. This announcement was made by Ward president Father Michael Hermes to alum-
ni and friends attending the annual auction held at the school. The auction raised more than $68,000 for the Fund-A-Need project, which was the replacement of th original 1931 seats and installation of new carpeting in the Willard L. Phillips Memorial Auditorium. The auction additionally raised thousands more for the Student
Scholarship Fund, which helps cover the full cost of Catholic education. The Bishop Ward endowment hopes to reach $25 million by 2020. This $1 million commitment — combined with other cash, pledges and planned gifts from alumni and friends — brings total endowment support to nearly $10 million.
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october 11, 2013 | theleaven.com
Sister Mary Patricia Walsh, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Patricia Walsh, 92, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died Sept. 27 at the motherhouse here. She served as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 71 years. She was born in Herington on Aug. 15, 1921, to Edmund Thomas and Nora Frances Parkin Walsh. Mary Agnes graduated from St. Rose of Lima Grade School and Bishop Ward High Sister Mary Patricia School, both in Walsh, SCL Kansas City, Kan. On Dec. 8, 1941, she entered the community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. As Sister Mary Patricia, she made her first profession of vows on June 24, 1949. Sister Mary Patricia received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary administration from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. From 1943-1985, Sister taught in parochial schools in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma and Wyoming. She served as principal at St. Daniel the Prophet, Chicago; St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan.; Immaculate Conception, Leavenworth; Sacred Heart, Topeka; and St. Augustine, Kansas City, Mo. In 1985, Sister Mary Patricia was assigned the job of motherhouse treasurer, a post she fulfilled until her retirement in 2005.
A man plays an instrument during a training session held as part of a program by the Orchestra of Ghetto Classics in the Korogocho slum of Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 6. The orchestra, in partnership with the Art of Music Foundation and St. John’s Catholic Church, started the project with the aims of teaching music to the youths living in the slum and providing them with income opportunities from the skills they learn. CNS photo/Siegfried Modola, Reuters
Pope looking at major overhaul of Curia By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals are laying out plans to completely overhaul the Roman Curia, underlining its role of “service to the universal church and the local churches,” the Vatican spokesman said. As the pope and the eight cardinals he named to advise him were about to begin the final session of their Oct. 1-3 meeting, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the spokesman, said the role and responsibilities of the Vatican secretary of state, the revamping of the world Synod of Bishops, and the Vatican’s attention to the role and responsibility of laity also were major themes of discussion. Father Lombardi said the group’s agenda was partially dictated by the pope’s own timetable. Pope Francis has named Archbishop Pietro Parolin to be his secretary of state and has given him an Oct. 15 start date, so it made sense to discuss how the pope and cardinals see his role in a renewed curia. Under the terms of Blessed John Paul II’s constitution “Pastor Bonus,” a 1988 reform of the curia, the Secretariat of State includes two sections: One section deals with foreign relations and the other deals with internal church
matters. “Pastor Bonus” said the secretariat was to “foster relations” with other Curia offices and “coordinate their work.” Father Lombardi said the pope and the cardinals emphasized the role of the Secretariat of State as “the secretariat of the pope,” and said the discussions included “the hypothesis of a new figure— the ‘moderator of the curia’” to ensure greater communication and cooperation among the Curia offices. The discussions, Father Lombardi said, are going clearly in the direction of an apostolic constitution to replace “Pastor Bonus,” and not simply “cosmetic retouches or marginal modifications” of the 1988 document. Possible changes to the organization of the world Synod of Bishops, which has been a periodic gathering of bishops from around the world to discuss a specific theme of church life, were moved to the top of the meeting’s agenda because the synod council will meet at the Vatican Oct. 7-8, the spokesman said. Father Lombardi said the pope is expected to decide the theme for the next synod “in the coming days.” The eight cardinals — six of whom currently serve as diocesan bishops — brought to the meeting with the pope suggestions they received from church leaders around the world. One of the topics mentioned most often, Father
Lombardi said, was concern for the role of the laity in the church and the world. The pope and his cardinal advisers talked about “how to ensure that this dimension of the church’s reality is more adequately and effectively recognized and followed in the governance of the church,” Father Lombardi said. The vast majority of the Catholic Church’s 1.2 billion members are laypeople, the spokesman said. Their activities and needs are followed by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, which is “very active,” he said, but does not have the profile or authority of a Vatican congregation, such as those for bishops, for priests and for religious. Pope Francis has asked his eight cardinal advisers for counsel on the Vatican’s finances, as well, Father Lombardi said, but the theme was not treated in depth at the October meeting because Pope Francis also appointed several special commissions to look into specific aspects of the Vatican’s finances, budgeting process and the Vatican bank and those commissions are still at work. At the end of their meeting, council members announced they would hold their second meeting with the pope Dec. 3-5, and they planned to meet again at the Vatican in February “so that the work of the council, especially in this initial phase, can proceed quickly,” Father Lombardi said.
Pope calls synod to discuss families By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The predicament of divorced and remarried Catholics will be a major topic of discussion when bishops from around the world meet at the Vatican in October 2014. The Vatican announced Oct. 8 that an extraordinary session of the Synod of Bishops will meet Oct. 5-19, 2014, to discuss the “pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.” The pope had told reporters accompanying him on his plane back from Rio de Janeiro in July that the next synod would explore a “somewhat deeper pastoral care of marriage,” including the question of the eligibility of divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion. Pope Francis added at the time that church law governing marriage annulments also “has to be reviewed, because ecclesiastical tribunals are not sufficient for this. It is complex, the problem of the pastoral care of marriage.” Such problems, he said, exemplified a general need for forgiveness in the church today. “The church is a mother, and she must travel this path of mercy, and find a form of mercy for all,” the pope said. The October 2014 gathering will be an “extraordinary general session” of the synod, which according to the Code of Canon Law is held to “deal with matters which require a speedy solution.” It will be composed for the most part of the presidents of national bishops’ conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches, and the heads of major Vatican offices. Only about 150 synod fathers will take part in the session, which will run for two weeks, Father Lombardi said, compared with about 250 bishops who attended the three-week ordinary general assembly on the new evangelization in October 2012. Pope Francis, who replaced the synod’s secretary-general Sept. 21, has suggested that he wants to make it into a permanent advisory body.
Hesburgh Lecture
Wednesday, Nov. 6 Kauffman Foundation Conference Center 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Mo.
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Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call Toll Free 888-246-1504 Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C
he Notre Dame Club of Kansas City announces Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C., Ph.D., professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, will speak about “Notre Dame and the Fight Against Extreme Poverty” as this year’s speaker for the Hesburgh Lecture. Dowd specializes in African politics. He will discuss Notre Dame’s efforts in the service of human development, and describe it’s new partnerships with African universities, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations in Africa. He will speak at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, in the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Town Square Conference Room, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Missouri (east of The Country Club Plaza in Kauffman Legacy Park, between The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and UMKC). Admission is free to the public and refreshments will be served. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
12 classifieds Employment Executive vice president business development - This position is newly created and serves as a key leadership team member and active participant in making strategic decisions impacting Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. The role will be an important business partner with the CEO and be responsible for providing strategic input to the organization’s high potential social enterprise efforts, external relations, development activities as well as managing fundraising. The EVP business development will help forge relationships to build Catholic Charities’ visibility, impact and financial resources; design and implement a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances that involve cultivating individual, philanthropic support and embraces community awareness across our 21-county network. MBA, MPA or MNA highly preferred. At least 8+ years of executive level nonprofit, advancement or broad-based business management/leadership is required. This leader will need to be innovative, well above average in intellect, energetic, relationship centered, strategic minded and must be able to fully embrace the mission and ministry of CCNEK. If qualified, please email resume and letter of interest to: admin@ mshirleyassociates.com. Director of youth and campus minister - Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea, Bucyrus, is seeking a full-time director of youth and campus ministries to lead a comprehensive program of youth ministry. This program engages youth in grades 6 - 12 and provides a creative and spiritual environment to encourage participation and understanding of the Catholic faith. For additional information or to apply for this position, please contact Art Walsh at (913) 533-2462, ext. 101, or send an email to: awalsh@qhrwea.org. Teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is looking for three afternoon teachers. Hours are 2:30 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. 4-year-olds room, afterschool care and 2-year-olds room. We have a competitive hourly wage. Please contact Amanda Khemraj at (913) 829-2728. Store manager - TurnStyles, full time with benefits. The store manager will lead thrift store operations, staff and volunteers to achieve program and revenue objectives. EEO. Responsibilities include: store operations; maintaining donations; processing inventory; pricing, storage, and sales; staff and volunteer management; all other aspects of operations required to meet program and revenue objectives. Requirements include 2 - 4 years retail management or thrift store management experience. Proficient computer knowledge and experience for monthly financial reports, including payroll processing; basic accounting and cash handling procedures. Able to lift up to 50 pounds on a repeated basis; able to stand for long periods of time. Ability to work flexible hours. High school graduate. Valid driver’s license. To apply, complete an online application on the website at: www. catholiccharitiesks.org/job. Nurses - Seeking CMAs/CNAs for the state of Kansas to join our team! ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City has unique, eight resident or less, actual home settings that provide care for the elderly living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Must have a good attitude and be willing to work as a team. For more information, visit the website at: www.comfortcarekc.com. Online is an application that must be filled out. Email the completed application to: info@comfortcarekc.com, stating your interest in a position and contact information, or mail to 3848 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208, or fax to (913) 273-1520. School program staff members - John Paul II Preschool/ Child Care, Overland Park, is seeking extended-day and after-school program staff members to work 2:30 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Contact Donna at (913) 432-6419. Teachers - Child care teachers needed in Shawnee. Please call Theresa at (913) 248-4589 or Susan at (913) 248-4585. Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. Front desk administrator - Busy outpatient physical therapy clinic is seeking a part-time or full-time front desk administrator. Medical office experience preferred, basic knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Various tasks include, but not limited to, insurance verification, scheduling patients, communication with MDs. Candidate’s hours would need to be flexible. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. - 7 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Located in Overland Park, Kan. If interested, please send an email to: aholzhueter@kcsportsrehab.com. Receptionist - Receptionist needed, part time or full time in Shawnee. Please call Theresa at (913) 248-4589 or Susan at (913) 248-4585.
Services Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.
theleaven.com | OCTOBER 11, 2013 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com. Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. Housecleaning - Let me beautify your home. Offering the fees and scheduling that fit your needs. Call (913) 669-2327 or send an email to: cppantoja53@yahoo.com. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop is open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting services. Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc. We specialize in memorial quilts – wrapping you in your cherished memories. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. To see samples, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References. Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com. ALL AREA CATHOLICS WELCOME Christ the King Parish Federal Credit Union 5417 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Good Car Loan and Share Loan Rates (913) 287-8448 or (913) 980-2192 Hours: 7 - 9 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844. Quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price! - Wood rot and house painting. Fiber cement siding/James Hardie. Window replace or repair, decks, basements and baths. Interior and exterior painting. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.
Home Improvement Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998
House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Is your home ready for FALL and cooler temps? There is still plenty of time to get those leaky windows fixed or replaced. Wood rot is something we fix in every season. Schedule for winter months and save some money. 25 years experience and fully insured. You won’t find better work out there. I personally take pride in every job, no matter the size. Making your home look its best is my passion. Basements, baths, kitchens, decks, siding, windows, interior and exterior paint and doors. I am a James Hardie fiber cement siding expert. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955. House painting - Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 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.
Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.
Caregiving Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/nonsmoker. Call (816) 521-1336. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary. Looking for high quality, compassionate care? Let’s talk. I am a multifaceted RN with 25 years experience. I provide private duty, respite, and companion care. Liscensed; professional references. Reasonable rates. Johnson County area. Call (913) 710-5412. Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. At ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City, we provide a calm, stress-free and well-structured home environment for five to eight residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. A ComfortCare home is not “homelike” but rather it is a real home in a real neighborhood — there are no signs in the yard, no restaurant-style dining and no long, impersonal halls lined with patients. To tour and learn more, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.Comfort CareKC.com.
Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.
vacation Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com. Pilgrimage to France with St. Thérèse - Lourdes, Paris, Lisieux, Normandy. Sept. 8 - Sept. 18, 2014. From Kansas City, $4,499. Call Father Ernie Davis at (816) 444-5406.
REAL ESTATE For sale - 410 Myers Dr., Tonganoxie. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, approximately 2,010 square feet with a finished walk-out basement. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a large, fenced yard. Enjoy an easy commute, quiet neighborhood, and a beautifully landscaped lawn. Send an email to: shumway@reeceandnichols.com or call (913) 231-2074. For sale - Upper Peninsula vacation home on nearly 10 acres. Farm setting with several outbuildings. 4 BR, 2.5 BA, first floor is wheelchair accessible. 4 season porch, Anderson windows, wood stove, and much more. Offers a true taste of the great North. $159,000. Call (913) 682-1566.
for sale For sale - Exclusive rights for two burial easements at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd. These easements are located in the mausoleum, corridor Queen of Holy Rosary, tier C, crypts 107. Today’s selling price at this level would be $12,000. We are offering this space for $9,000 (or best offer). Contact Ambrose Kelly at (913) 649-9691. Heirloom quality American Girl doll furniture Bedsandthreads.com Avoid shipping charges; pickup in Shawnee Call John Hember at (913) 631-4060. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner Branson fall colors and Christmas shows - Walk-in condo for six on golf course. Close to entertainment. Fully furnished. Nightly rental. No cleaning fee. Discount available. Call (913) 515-3044. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.
MISCELLANEOUS Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call (866) 430-9499 or visit our website at: www.cars4 kckids.com.
wanted to buy Wanted - Old drugstore soda fountain. Apothecary and candy jars, signs, slot machines, Coca-Cola. Spool, thread, dye. Nut and bolt cabinets. Advertising clocks, small antique display case and store displays. Hunting and fishing old duck decoys and fishing lures. Autographed baseballs. Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.
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october 11, 2013 | theleaven.com
October St. Pius X Church, 5500 Woodson, Mission, will host its Oktoberfest on Oct. 12 from 5:30 - 10:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $15 for adults; $5 for children. The Alpen Spielers Band will play from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. For more information, contact Marisa Bade at (913) 244-5732 or send an email to: marisabade@yahoo.com. To make your table reservation for eight, contact the parish office at (913) 432-4808 by Oct. 6.
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St. Aloysius Church, 615 Wyandotte, Meriden, will host its annual fall bazaar and turkey and ham dinner on Oct. 13 from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 5 - 12; free for children under the age of 4; and $8 for a carryout. There will also be a country store, games, raffles, bingo and more. For more information, contact the parish office at (785) 484-3312. Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host its annual turkey dinner and bazaar on Oct. 13. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Carryouts will be available until 2:30 p.m. The cost to attend is: $9 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 - 12; and free for children under the age of 2. There will also be a country store, bingo, raffles, and children’s games. Single men in high school and older are invited to a Project Andrew dinner hosted by Archbishop Naumann and the vocation office. The evening is informative, relaxed, spiritual, and includes a parent session. Discover how joyful and fulfilled our seminarians are, and have your questions answered. Attend either the session on Oct. 13 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Christ the King Church in Topeka or on Oct. 27 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Ascension Church, Overland Park. Register online on the website at: kckvocations.com or call (913) 647-0303. St. Bede Church, Kelly, will host its annual soup supper and auction on Oct. 13. Dinner will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. The cost to attend is a freewill donation. There will be games for all ages from 5 - 8 p.m. in the parish gym, followed by an auction of handmade quilts and many other items at 8 p.m.
A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning begins Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 208 at St. John the Evangelist School, 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence, and on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka. The cost to attend is a reasonable course fee. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Online registration is required on the website at: www.ccli.org.
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All eighth-grade students from public, parochial or home schools 16&20 are invited to attend one of two 21st annual archdiocesan eighth-grade pro-life forums (and optional essay contest). The first will be held on Oct. 16 from 9:30 - 11:45 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 119th and Mission Rd., Leawood. All area parishes are invited. The second is a pro-life forum to be held at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, on Oct. 20 from 6:30 - 8:45 p.m. All School of Religion eighth-grade students are invited. There will be an optional Mass at 5 p.m., followed by pizza. Parents are welcome to both events. To register or for more information, call Courtney Williams at (913) 568-5453; send an email to: scj4x@aol.com; or call Ron Kelsey at the archdiocesan pro-life office at (913) 647-0350. If your school is not signed up to attend, all students are welcome at either forum. A “Go Chiefs” Singles of Nativity dance will be held Oct. 19 from 7 - 11 p.m. at Church of the Nativity Parish hall, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. The cost to attend is $15. Because the theme is “Go Chiefs,” come dressed as your favorite player. For more information, send an email to Robert at: dyervision@sbcglobal.net.
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A Mass of thanksgiving for the beatification of Servant of Mary martyrs will be held Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, Kansas City, Kan. A reception will follow. For more information, call the convent at (913) 371-3423.
Boy Scout Troop 295 will host a pancake, sausage, and biscuits and gravy breakfast after morning Masses on Oct. 13 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park. The cost to attend is $6 for a plate; $20 for a family of four or more.
A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will hold its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Grief counselor Brent Doster will speak on “Grieving During the Holidays.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
Enjoy the beauty of nature while reflecting on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi as you walk or enjoy a bench at Black Hoof Park at Lake Lenexa, 9053 Monticello Rd., Lenexa, on Oct. 13 from 3 - 5:30 p.m. Meet at the Oak Shelter. The event, sponsored by the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family, ends with picnic; if possible bring a side dish. To RSVP, call (785) 218-2894.
St. Joseph Church, Shawnee, will host its annual gift and craft bazaar on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in McDevitt Hall, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Nearly 40 vendors will showcase their craft and gift items for sale. A continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon refreshments will be provided by the St. Joseph Garden Club for a small cost. For more information, call Shannon Foley at (913) 302-8505 or Hettie Ann Leary at
Wanted to buy - Lionel Trains. Call (913) 485-6700
During this October Respect Life month, join Father Daniel Schmitz at the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 a.m. Divine Mercy Parish, 122 E. Warren St., Gardner, will host a Day of Boundless Joy on Oct. 19 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The day will feature Tami Kiser presenting a Smart Martha Retreat. To find out more about the retreat, visit the website at: www.smartmartha.com. For more information on the Day of Boundless Joy or to register, visit the website at: www.eventbrite.com or call Susan Draftz at (913) 674-6172. St. Mary - St. Anthony Church Altar Society will host its annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 19 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Bishop Forst Hall, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. A roast pork dinner with all the fixings will be served. There will also be raffles. Dinner tickets need to be purchased in advance. The cost to attend is $9 for adults; $4.50 for children ages 12 and under. For more information or tickets, call the parish office at (913) 371-1408. Women of Spirit of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, invite you to a day trip to Atchison on Oct. 21 to tour St. Benedict’s Abbey. The tour will be followed by a prayer service at noon and lunch at the campus cafeteria. The afternoon will include shopping and browsing at Nell Hill’s. The cost to attend is $30, which includes transportation by a coach bus, lunch and a donation for the abbey. For more information, send an email to Jeannine Neubecker at: neube107@aol.com or call (913) 451-2705.
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The regular lunch and meeting of the KCK Serra Club will be held at noon on Oct. 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan. The guest speaker will be Dan Spencer, Serra USA Council Region IX director.
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Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City will host a home and hearth sale on Oct. 25 from 1 - 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More Parish hall, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, Mo. Beneficiaries include the Seton Center, Villa St. Francis, and the Duchesne Clinic.
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Sacred Heart Parish, Paxico, will host its annual old-fashioned home-smoked German sausage supper from noon - 5 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the parish hall in Newbury, one mile north of Paxico. The cost to attend is: $9 for adults; $3.50 for children ages 6 - 12; $2.50 for children ages 2 - 5. There will also be bingo, games and a silent auction.
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Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.
*** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
Buying a classified ad Cost to advertise is: $17.50 for five lines or less $1.50 each additional line Email: julie@theleaven.com Phone: (913) 647-0327
(913) 972-1786.
Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call Toll Free 888-246-1504
14 commentary Scripture Readings
theleaven.com | october 11, 2013
cef centered
mark my words
twenty-EIGHth week of ordinary time Oct. 13 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. 14 Callistus I, pope, martyr Rom 1: 1-7 Ps 98: 1-4 Lk 11: 29-32 Oct. 15 Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church Rom 1: 16-25 Ps 19: 2-5 Lk 11: 37-41 Oct. 16 Hedwig, religious; Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin Rom 2: 1-11 Ps 62: 2-3, 6-7, 9 Lk 11: 42-46 Oct. 17 Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr Rom 3: 21-30 Ps 130: 1-6 Lk 11: 47-54 Oct. 18 LUKE, EVANGELIST 2 Tm 4: 10-17b Ps 145: 10-13ab, 17-18 Lk 10: 1-9 Oct. 19 John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs Rom 4: 13, 16-18 Ps 105: 6-9, 42-43 Lk 12: 8-12
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Tenth anniversary will reunite all of CEF’s past honorees
Have I got a tip for you
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’ll bet most people have never heard of Aaron Collins. This 30-yearold has so far made 72 people deliriously happy . . . and he’s not stopping there. What’s even more amazing is that he has done this from the grave! No, this is not some spooky Halloween tale. It’s a story of what one person can do to affect the lives of others. Aaron died in July 2012. In his will, one of the instructions for his family was to leave an “awesome” tip for a waiter or waitress. He specified that he was not talking about a 25-percent tip. No, Aaron had in mind something in the neighborhood of $500. Wanting to honor his brother’s request, older brother Seth gathered contributions from family and friends for the tip. When the amount was collected, the event — at Puccini’s Smiling Pizza in Lexington, Ky. — was videoed and posted online. What was not expected was that the three-minute video went viral and soon people all over the world were touched and started to contribute so others in the food service industry
Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. could receive an awesome tip. Eventually, some $50,000 came pouring in. After Seth passed out tips in Kentucky, he decided to travel to all 50 states and leave tips in each one. On July 26 of this year, Jessica Betts was waiting tables at the 23rd Street Brewery in Lawrence. Little did she know that Seth Collins was one of her customers. As reported by Meagan Thomas in the Lawrence Journal World, Jessica got a $500 tip that day. Kansas was the 10th stop on Seth’s cross-country trip, and Jessica was the 60th person to receive a tip in memory of Aaron. Now, that story in itself is heartwarming. But even better is that Jessica intended to share her good fortune
with an uncle who was in a “rough situation” and with her roommate who wanted to go to hair school. That often happens: Generosity inspires generosity. Seth has been posting videos as he travels the country, distributing these awesome tips. The latest was from the Two Bird Café in San Geronimo, Calif. This was the 22nd stop in the States, and the waitress there was the 72nd person to get $500 (that makes $36,000 given away so far). If you have time, a few extra Kleenex and want to watch some smile-inducing videos, head to the website at: http://aaroncollins.org. Watching the joy, gratitude and sometimes outright disbelief of the recipients of these tips — often students or single parents — is inspirational. Happily, though, you don’t need to wait until your will is read to make others feel special. You also don’t need to hand out $500 to a waiter or waitress (although if you did, I’m sure it would be fun and memorable). One of the greatest gifts that we can give is simply the gift of being present, really present, to each other. For many of us, it starts
with two things: Make time to enjoy a friend’s company and leave your cellphone in the car or purse. (One exception is if you need your phone to show photos.) Aren’t we so addicted to the various beeps and bleeps of these devices that they steal our attention and rob us from being totally present to a real, live human being in front of us? Or in this Halloween season, how about preparing a treat bag for someone, like a receptionist, a checkout person or your garbage collector? It can be as simple as a sack filled with those funsize (and thus calorie-free?) candy bars. Or how about buying a pack of Halloween cards — I picked up eight for $4.99 the other day — and sending them to relatives and friends who live out of state, just to say hi? If it’s a college student or a senior citizen, a gift card tucked inside would be an unexpected treat. During Respect Life Month, helping people around us feel appreciated and important might not cost $500, but somehow I bet they’ll wind up feeling like a million bucks.
In the beginning
Online
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commentary 15
October 11, 2013 | theleaven.com
Jordan waters wash away leprosy
indus bathe in the Ganges River. Muslims perform ablutions upon entering a mosque for prayer. Some members of the Plains tribes spend time in a sweat lodge, in order to purify themselves. Throughout human history, people have often undergone a physical cleansing of one sort or another to symbolize spiritual purification. Naaman appears in Sunday’s first reading, 2 Kgs 5:14-17, as a person afflicted with leprosy. At the time, leprosy represented not only a physical aliment, but was also considered to constitute ritual impurity. A person with leprosy could not participate in religious ceremonies, was cut off from close contact with
Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. others and was declared “unclean.” Other conditions besides leprosy could also trigger a state of uncleanliness. For example, touching a corpse could also render a person unclean. Accordingly, the remedy proposed by the prophet Elisha for Naaman makes a great deal of sense. Elisha has told Naaman to wash away the uncleanliness of
Pope francis When Pope Benedict XVI answered a journalist’s 2010 question about condom use by offering a nuanced reflection on the ethical complexities of a hypothetical case, his words led to a worldwide media sensation, a clarification by the Vatican spokesman, and a statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that the pope had
his leprosy in the waters of the Jordan River. Naaman does not object to washing as such. However, he does protest at the idea of washing in the Jordan River. After all, the Jordan is a river of Israel. Naaman is a native of Syria. He wonders why he could not wash in one of the rivers of his own country. What is so great about the Jordan? Nonetheless, Naaman complies with the instructions of Elisha the prophet. And to his great surprise and delight, he is healed of his leprosy. Out of gratitude, he requests permission to take two loads of dirt back to Syria with him. This is so that he might be able to offer sacrifice to the God of Israel. At that time, God was so closely identified with the
not changed church teaching on contraception. Three years later, papal interviews are still making news. Pope Francis, who during his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires was known for avoiding the press, has given three wide-ranging interviews in two months, drawing headlines and heated discussion with frank statements on sexual and medical ethics, Christian dialogue with nonbelievers, and reform of the Vatican bureaucracy,
land of Israel, that Naaman could not conceive of worshipping God apart from the territory itself of Israel. Bringing the dirt back with him would allow Naaman to have a bit of Israel at his home in Syria. Naaman is healed of his leprosy. At the same time, he is also healed of that ethnocentricity that caused him to doubt the value of the waters of the Jordan River. His horizons are expanded to include worshipping a God from a strange land, the God of a foreign people. We can take that a step further. As Christians, we recognize that the God of Israel is the God for all peoples. God is not restricted to any corner of the earth, but can be found throughout the universe.
among other topics. This time, however, the Vatican is letting the pope’s words speak for themselves. “This is a genre to which we were not accustomed,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters Oct. 2, the day after Italian journalist Eugenio Scalfari published his account of a conversation with the pope. “Let’s take it for what it is, seeking to interpret it correctly.” — CNS
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t has been a few months since you last heard from me. My hopes are that you and your family are well.
As I write, the leaves are falling, the sun continues to shine and the weather is getting cooler. This is my favorite time of year and puts me in a “wanting to play games” mood. That being said, let’s play the “what do the following things have in common” game. I know you have all played it at some point in your life. OK, here we go.
Michael morrisey Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org. What do the following have in common? And if you get this one right, you win a prize — seriously! Archdiocesan Catholic schools, Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, Kansas City Chiefs and CEF. We have a five-part answer.
You really have to be good to get this one. . . . I know there are five things but, c’mon, play along, will you? The five-part answer is: Off to a good start; nice season/better than expected; currently in first place; off to a fast start — tied for the league lead; and soon to be setting a record for awarded scholarships respectively. The commonality for all is that each of them is a winner today in its own right. Get it? Let’s try another one. Same ballpark, different inning. What do the following individuals have in common? Educator/administrator, Your Excellency times 11, abbot, real estate developer, dairy owners/entrepreneurs,
construction company owners times 3, grocery store owner/ farmer/land developer, hotel owner/developer, sporting apparel company CEO/largest screen printing embroidery company owner/builder and priestly times a lot. No clues; you should know the answer this time around as there is only one. And the answer is . . . they are ALL past Gaudeamus (“let us rejoice”) “Angels Among Us” honorees. How could you not get that one? How do I know? The answer to your question is: At this year’s Gaudeamus 10th year reunion dinner (Nov. 2 at the Overland Park Convention Center), we will be recognizing our past “Angels Among Us”
honorees as we gather to celebrate Catholic education. We are projecting a record crowd. Why don’t you come and join us? Being an attendee will help you confirm my right answer. Our “Angels Among Us” honorees help us sponsor scholarships for children currently living in need. Your involvement with CEF can create a commonality between you, our “Angels Among Us” honorees and over 1,000 CEF supporters. My hopes are to see you on the first Saturday of November. And regarding your prize, call me or ask me about it. It is angelic! For more information on CEF, go online to: www.cefks. org.
inside Catholic Charities
Food stamp recipients look an awful lot like me and you
M
y first eight weeks with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas have been eye-opening.
From the outside looking in, it is impossible to see the breadth of services that our staff and volunteers provide. It is hard to see the challenges that they face each day to make limited resources stretch to meet the evergrowing needs of the people who seek our help. But it is especially hard to really see the faces of those we serve. I want you to stop reading
ken williams Ken Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities.
for 30 seconds, close your eyes and then imagine what you think a typical person on “food stamps” would look like. . . . How old are they, what is their ethnic and educational background, where do they live? Now, open your eyes. Did you picture a family with children under 18 with
one or both parents working? Did you imagine that the color of their skin was white or that they were a retired couple living on a fixed income? Did you think of someone who is in a wheelchair or suffering from congestive heart failure? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 98,344 Kansas households — 298,642 individuals — received SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in fiscal year 2011. Within those households, 20 percent had a person 60 years of age or older residing. Over 55 percent of the households had children under 18 years of age in the home. The majority (65 percent) of the households reported their eth-
nicity as “white” and a whopping 83 percent had one or more people in the workforce within the past 12 months. These nearly 100,000 households are not “the poor” — they are our neighbors. Their children go to our schools; they worship alongside of us in our churches. They cherish the same hopes and dreams that we do — a happy home, healthy food on the table, a good education and better life for their children. And yet, in the “heart” of America, we are still quick to judge. We get swept up in the uncivil discourse of our times, focusing on our differences and drawing lines in the sand, rather than opening our eyes
to see the face of God in those around us. On Sept. 28, the House of Representatives voted to cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. While it is important as a nation to be fiscally responsible, the vast majority of this cut will be absorbed by our children and our seniors. In his message to David Cameron, British prime minister, for the G8 meeting in June, Pope Francis challenged the gathered nations by saying that “the goal of economics and politics is to serve humanity, beginning with the poorest and most vulnerable wherever they may be.” How well are we doing against that goal?
Guest commentary
I
Affordable Care Act buries abortion coverage in fine print
t’s enough to confuse anyone. Some supporters of the new health care law known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) say it will not spend taxpayer funds on abortion coverage. Yet we’re hearing that Americans purchasing a health plan on the “exchanges” in most states must pay a monthly surcharge for elective abortions. What are the facts? First, the good news. Twenty-three states have passed laws to exclude most abortions from all plans on their health exchanges. In these states Americans will be able to choose from a full range of health plans without surgical abortions. (Tragically, even these plans are covered by the administration’s “contraceptive mandate,” which includes some drugs like ella (ulipristal) that can cause an early abortion.
Richard M. Doerflinger Doerflinger is associate director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. That mandate continues to be disputed in Congress and the courts.) Even in the other states, the ACA requires at least one plan to exclude most abortions; other health plans may exclude them, at the option of the insurer. The bad news: Most secular insurers will probably cover elective abortions (unless forbidden by state law), as they did before passage of the ACA, because they think abortion is cheaper than childbirth (and far cheaper than live dependents who may need care as they grow up). And the ACA makes this situation worse in four ways.
First, the health plans that cover abortion on demand will receive federal tax subsidies when the enrollee meets income requirements. So, in violation of the policy in every other federal health program, your tax dollars will subsidize plans that cover abortion. Second, if you find yourself in one of these abortionincluding plans, you will be required to pay a surcharge for other people’s abortions. The charge will start at a minimum of $1 a month and increase as needed. Congress made this charge “separate” so it can claim that no taxpayer funds are going to abortions themselves. Yet insurers are forbidden by law to allow anyone to opt out of the payment. Third, the ACA forbids the insurer to give you any special warning that your
plan covers abortions. The abortion coverage can only appear in the fine print along with all other “services.” Fourth, the ACA forbids the insurer to tell you how much you are paying for abortions. It must charge you for the full amount of your coverage (abortion plus everything else), then divide the funds into separate accounts later. This is designed to prevent you from refusing to write the separate check for abortions. In short, there will be tax subsidies for health plans that cover abortion, and many Americans will be forced by law to pay premiums for abortion itself. Despite claims that there won’t be “taxpayer funding of abortion,” the ACA expands federal support for abortion, and restricts the freedom of those who object to paying for it.
So if you don’t have employer coverage or another group health plan and must choose an individual plan on your state exchange, what can you do? You can find out if you live in one of those 23 states. If not, you can find the one plan in your state that can’t cover elective abortions and search out plans that choose not to cover them. (Catholic and other pro-life organizations may be able to help with this search.) You can urge your state and federal legislators to fix this situation, so universal health care truly becomes the life-affirming reality that Catholics and so many others have hoped for. And we can all pray that those in our government, and the insurance industry, will be enlightened to see the fundamental difference between healing and killing.
16 Local news
Life Chain stretches across capital city
C
atholics across the archdiocese brought the pro-life message to the public square by forming Life Chains on Oct. 6, Respect Life Sunday. The first Life Chain was formed in Yurba City, Calif., in 1987. Since then, the movement has spread across the nation and Life Chains are formed in all states on the first Sunday of each October. In the archdiocese, Life Chains were formed in Johnson County, Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Marysville, Paola and Kansas City, Kan. — Leaven photos by Marc Anderson
theleaven.com | october 11, 2013
Paul Forese, left, and Jim Billinger were among those representing Christ the King Parish, Topeka, at the Life Chain on Oct. 6. More than 100 Christ the King parishioners took part in the event.
Four different Life Chains were created throughout the city of Topeka, including this one at one of the city’s busiest intersections, 21st and Wanamaker. Christ the King parishioner Kristin Turner, left, and her daughter Natalie show their support for life at Topeka’s Life Chain on Oct. 6.