10 13 23 Vol. 45 No. 10

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 10 | OCTOBER 13, 2023

A LEGACY OF TACOS

Sacred Heart School’s taco dinner has been a beloved tradition since 1973

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KERI PAUL

A volunteer fills a platter of fried pinned tacos. The tacos are the featured item of the annual fundraiser for Sacred Heart School in Emporia.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KERI PAUL

Volunteers work to create the thousands of tacos needed for the annual taco dinner at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia. From left, Tom Mahoney, Katie Noonan, Maribel Ruiz and Mindy Clark put the final touches on the tacos before they go out for public consumption.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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MPORIA — After 50 years, locals can’t get enough of them.

“You can smell them, and you know it’s happening,” said Jennifer Danler, PTO president at Sacred Heart School in Emporia.

The tantalizing scent that seeps from Sacred Heart’s parish hall each fall is that of fried pinned tacos being prepared for the school’s annual Mexican Supper.

“Everybody in Emporia knows what

Mexican Supper is,” said Danler. “You mention Mexican Supper, and they think of Sacred Heart School. They think of Sacred Heart School, they think of Mexican Supper.”

It’s a beloved tradition that began in 1973.

This year’s event, held on Oct. 6, fed more than 1,400 people.

All hands on deck The week of Oct. 2, thousands of tacos were carefully crafted and fried to perfection — all in an effort to raise funds for Sacred Heart’s PTO.

Mexican Supper is the PTO’s largest fundraiser and makes a variety of educational opportunities possible for Sacred Heart students.

“It’s a really big deal,” said Danler, “because our budget encompasses a lot — from classroom materials for the teachers to field trips for the students.”

Last year, students were able to visit Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg and spend a day at Camp Wood in the Flint Hills.

“We have a lot of different events during Catholic Schools Week,” Danler added. >> See “PARISH” on page 11

By the numbers 50

volunteers pinned tacos

12

fifth grade students warmed tortillas

600

pounds of ground beef cooked

1,407

meals served

2 ARCHBISHOP

I

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Church brings ‘Radical Solidarity’ to all Respect Life issues

n last week’s column, I concluded with the question: Why was “Value Them Both” defeated in Kansas? After all, Kansas is considered a marriage and family friendly state. The Kansas Legislature has in the past two decades passed many pro-life laws. Why was “Value Them Both” not only defeated, but by such a large margin?

In my estimation, the following are some of the significant reasons that Kansans rejected an amendment that did not ban abortion, but simply allowed the people of Kansas to determine abortion public policy through their elected representatives, rather than by the Kansas Supreme Court. Unfortunately, the most influential group in choosing the members of the Kansas Supreme Court is the Kansas Bar Association — hardly a neutral group regarding abortion.

1) Abortion is a multimillion-dollar industry. The abortion industry poured an extraordinary amount of money into Kansas to protect their business.

2) Kansas was the first state to have the abortion issue on the ballot after the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs decision that returned to states the ability to regulate abortion.

3) After Dobbs, the national, mainstream, secular media was in panic mode. The media, in the weeks leading up to “Value Them Both” filled the airwaves with misinformation, claiming such things as women with ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages would be denied medical treatment.

4) The anti-”Value Them Both” forces were not constrained by telling the truth. If your business is killing children, it is small potatoes to lie about the harm abortion does — not only to the child in the womb, but to the mother, father, the abortion clinic staff, etc.

5) The secular media not only failed to fact-check the pro-abortion messages, but echoed and even amplified their misinformation.

6) The most significant factor for the

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN defeat of “Value Them Both” was the large turnout of first-time, young voters.

What is the path forward for pro-life efforts, since we cannot protect by law women and babies from abortion?

For more than 50 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as Respect Life Month. The theme for Respect Life Month 2023 is: “Radical Solidarity.”

Several years ago, the Catholic Church in the United States challenged dioceses and parishes to walk with mothers in need.

Walking with Moms is an effort to make our parishes into oases of mercy, where women facing a difficult pregnancy will find a community of love and support.

The first step for our parishes to Walk with Moms is for parish leaders to become more acquainted with the resources available in the local community in order to help mothers experiencing a challenging pregnancy.

Most of our parishes cannot become pregnancy resource centers or crisis pregnancy clinics, but they should be able to accompany women with a difficult or an untimely pregnancy, connecting them with the medical, emotional and financial resources that are available. Walking with Moms parishes are an example of what is meant by radical solidarity.

Our pregnancy resource centers are doing amazing ministry surrounding mothers with a community of love and practical support — not just through the pregnancy, but for as many months or years

it takes so that mother and child thrive. The archdiocese partners with pregnancy resource centers providing funding for their beautiful work.

Parishes need to partner with nearby crisis pregnancy centers, providing them with volunteers and material assistance.

Women are the second victims of abortion. Many postabortive women felt that they had no other choice. According to a Vitae Foundation study, most postabortive women share that if just one person had given them encouragement to give birth, they would not have aborted their child.

Many of these women were abandoned by the father of the child or felt pressured by him to get an abortion.

The death of a child is one of the most difficult and traumatic experiences of life.

Jesus does not desire for postabortive mothers or fathers to be stuck in guilt and grief.

I encourage anyone who had an abortion or participated in an abortion, to reach out to Project Rachel for women or Project Joseph for men.

God wants to bring mercy, healing and hope to the hearts of postabortive parents.

His mercy is greater than any sin and his grace alone can heal the wounds of our hearts. Radical solidarity is helping postabortive women and men find healing and reconciliation.

Radical solidarity also involves caring deeply about children in foster care and seeking to provide loving and nurturing homes for them. It is about communities of faith surrounding foster parents with material, emotional and spiritual support for their heroic choices to welcome another child into their family

and home.

Radical solidarity has a special concern and care for children with disabilities and their families. Recently, I was at a wonderful event supporting the Embrace Foundation that seeks to help equip our Catholic schools to be able to welcome and serve well children with disabilities and different styles of learning.

Radical solidarity requires accompanying adults with serious physical or intellectual disabilities. It means working hard to celebrate their gifts and equip them to be able to not only provide for themselves but contribute to society.

Radical solidarity includes all of the efforts of our Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, who serve the poor by providing dignified housing, food, clothing and other necessities of life. Radical solidarity creates employment opportunities, connects the sick with quality health care, liberates individuals from predatory loans, teaches financial literacy and makes available career training. Radical solidarity gives men and women the dignity of meaningful work that makes it possible to allow them to provide for themselves and their family. Radical solidarity accompanies refugees and immigrants, helping them enculturate and make the American Dream a possibility.

Radical solidarity includes ministries like Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, which opens up the opportunity for higher education for individuals who are the first in their family to receive a college degree. It includes the beautiful work of the Catholic Education Foundation providing scholarships in order to make our Catholic schools financially accessible to every student and every family.

Radical solidarity includes the ministry of Villa St. Francis, which provides the highest-quality, skilled nursing for the elderly, no matter their ability to pay. It includes Catholic Hospice, which accompanies individuals on the threshold of death, providing

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Oct. 14 Pastoral visit — St. Francis de Sales, Lansing Oct. 15 Mass of Innocents — Holy Spirit, Overland Park Oct. 16 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Santa Marta members meeting and reception with residents Oct. 17 Priests Personnel meeting — chancery Administrative Team meeting Annual school board formation Mass and dinner — Savior Pastoral Center Oct. 18 Eucharistic adoration — Savior Pastoral Center ACTS pastor and parish training — Savior Pastoral Center Jesus Covenant prayer partner meeting EOHSJ annual Mass and dinner — Visitation, Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 19 Kenrick board meeting — St. Louis Oct. 22 National Charismatic Conference Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Poor of Jesus anniversary of founding of fraternity Mass — Christ the King, Kansas City, Kansas

for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. It means supporting families when a loved one is in the dying process as well as caring for those mourning the recent death of a loved one.

Radical solidarity includes ministry to those who are imprisoned, bringing them the love of Jesus and being eager to help them succeed when they re-enter society.

The next time someone tells you that the church or the prolife community only cares about the baby in the womb, share with them how the church lives everyday radical solidarity, making the love of Jesus real and tangible for others, especially those on the peripheries of society.

As the archbishop, I have the opportunity to see how the church respects human life from the womb to the tomb. I wish each one of you had the opportunity every day to see what I see. It makes me proud to be a Catholic.

I am very disappointed that “Value Them Both” failed to

pass. At the same time, I am very proud that so many worked hard and selflessly for its passage. Our Respect Life efforts continue — and even intensify — as we strive to remind the world that every life is sacred and every human life has dignity.

If you have not already, you should soon receive a letter from me inviting you to make a sacrificial gift to our Respect Life fund, which enables us to continue and even expand our efforts to rescue with love the children and women we are unable to protect by law.

“Value Them Both” actually received enough votes to have won in any previous Kansas August primary election. What motivated millennials to vote in such record numbers to keep abortion legal? Next week, I will complete this trilogy on the aftermath of the defeat of “Value Them Both” and share some thoughts about how we can inspire millennials to respect life and to live a life of radical solidarity.

LOCAL NEWS 3

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Donnelly salutes its shining stars: Motivated, grateful students

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Mo. – Aadesh Biswa was born in a refugee camp in Nepal. When he was 13, his family immigrated here.

It was difficult adjusting to life in a country where the culture and language were completely foreign to him.

But Biswa persevered, working hard to do well in school. And he credits Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, with empowering him to pursue a bright future.

“Donnelly accepted me and gave me a full-ride scholarship which I’m still using at UMKC,” he said.

Biswa is one of many success stories celebrated this year at SHINE, the annual fundraiser for Donnelly College.

The event was held at The Abbot in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on Oct. 5, the feast of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos.

Donnelly president Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland told those in attendance that his favorite quote from Blessed Seelos is: “Every day holds the possibility of a miracle.”

One miracle at this year’s SHINE event was an anonymous donor’s pledge, in thanksgiving to Blessed Seelos, to match the first $50,000 raised.

By the end of the evening, that pledge was met and a record-breaking $920,000 was raised to support Donnelly’s mission.

During the invocation and blessing Sister Elizabeth Schweiger, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, called the college “the bright light that shines as a beacon in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas.”

Event chairs John and Terry Gillcrist took the stage to talk about how moved they are by the college’s mission.

For the past five years, John has been an adjunct professor in the Business Leadership Program.

“I see the transformative power of Donnelly firsthand,” he said. “And I assure you that your donations are making a difference.”

Because of community support, Donnelly was able to keep tuition this year at just under $10,000, and 82% of its graduates last year were the first in their families to attend college.

“Donnelly College is working hard to make sure we can serve even more students in the decades to come,” he said.

Msgr. Swetland explained that new plans are focused on areas of academic excellence, institutional effectiveness and financial stability as the school approaches its 75th anniversary.

He talked with enthusiasm about the school’s expanding nursing program, growing partnerships with high schools and colleges, and the Bloch Scholars program.

“Typically we’ve had about 20 Bloch Scholars each year,” he said. “Next year that number will expand to 50.”

In an effort to increase service to the wider Catholic community, the college is creating a new Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Institute for the advancement of Catholic education, focusing on

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

SHINE event chair John Gillcrist (far right) interviews SHINE panelists including, from left, Donnelly College graduate Aadesh Biswa ’23, Donnelly student Sarai Thao ’24, Bloch scholars coordinator Karen Lombardi and assistant professor Richard Esvang.

I SEE THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DONNELLY FIRSTHAND. AND I ASSURE YOU THAT YOUR DONATIONS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. JOHN GILLCRIST ADJUNCT PROFESSOR IN THE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

adult formation and related initiatives.

Msgr. Swetland went on to relate information from the just-released U.S. News & World Report college rankings in which Donnelly has several top 20 rankings.

“We do what we do because it’s God’s work,” said Msgr. Swetland. “But it’s always nice to receive external recognition as well.”

Donnelly board chair Jason Banks introduced this year’s inductees to the Alumni Hall of Fame: Benedictine Sister Mary Teresa Morris, RN ’77, and artist Bob Briscoe ’67. (For a video about each inductee, type their name into YouTube.)

Another evening highlight was an inspiring panel featuring Donnelly students and staff interviewed by John Gillcrist.

Student Sarai Thao told Gillcrist that her father, a diabetic, lost both of his legs, leaving her mother to provide for the household.

“I was not going to let her pay for my education,” she said.

She came to Donnelly on a Henry W. Bloch Scholarship.

“I’m here at Donnelly and my life has completely changed,” she said.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Donnelly College president Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland (left) and Donnelly board chair Jason Banks congratulate Benedictine Sister Mary Teresa Morris, RN ’77, on her induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame.

Biswa, also on the panel, agreed, adding, “At Donnelly, the staff want to know what you think. There are so many opportunities for you to voice your opinions, and it’s encouraged.”

Panelist Karen Lombardi, the Bloch Scholars coordinator, said many Donnelly students have struggles outside of school, but inside the doors of the college, they become “students who are confident and grateful and motivated.”

Assistant professor Richard Esvang said he encourages students like Biswa and Thao to tell their stories.

“It’s their stories that are going to change the world,” he said. “And the more we can hear from these students and what they have travailed through and what successes they have — it makes this country a better place.”

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; or email at: sub@ theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $24/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production/Business Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

It’s not too late to give!

If you were unable to attend SHINE and would like to make a gift, you can donate to Donnelly College online at: donnelly.edu/give.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann closed the evening by thanking the audience for their generosity and the students and alumni for their inspiring stories.

“Donnelly College is an important part of the church showing respect for the dignity of life,” he said. “You heard that tonight in the testimonies of our new Hall of Fame members but also in the students and the faculty.”

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

4 LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Apply to attend the National Eucharistic Congress

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Father Michael Peterson, pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, blesses a couple of ducks in the parish parking lot Oct. 5. The blessing of the animals held there and elsewhere were in honor of the feast day of St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment.

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

Benedictine College Knights of Columbus receive top award

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nimals of all shapes and sizes were blessed around the archdiocese on or near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4. St. Francis is the patron saint of the environment and animals. St. Francis loved all animals and was fond of reminding his companions that all creatures were brothers and sisters under God.

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Are you ready to process? If so, the National Eucharistic Congress wants you to become a Perpetual Pilgrim to the National Eucharistic Congress.

Young people ages 19 to 29 are invited to apply to be Perpetual Pilgrims to walk from May 17-July 21, 2024, on one of four distinct routes to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. The pilgrims, joined by a priest chaplain and accompanying the Eucharist, will travel 10 to 15 miles daily while participating in various devotional and liturgical events.

Baptized and practicing Catholic pilgrims must be in good physical condition, capable of walking long distances and agree to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church for the duration of the pilgrimage. Additional commitments, such as willingness to act in ministerial roles and participate in training sessions, are required.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 28. To apply to become a Perpetual Pilgrim go online to: Eucharisticpilgrimage.org.

Click on the “Pilgrimage” tab at the top of the homepage. Scroll down to “Perpetual Pilgrims” and click on the underlined words “Applications are now open.”

A PHOTO BY MELISSA SCHRAMP

Bryn Wagner brought her horse Lee to be blessed by Deacon Pat Hirl at a blessing of the animals at St. Patrick Church in rural Atchison.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEL CARRIL

PHOTO BY CAROLYN KANE

Deacon Pat Hirl gives a little pet to Celeste Mirarchi’s cat Autumn as Rebecca Parker looks on at the blessing of the animals at St. Patrick Church in rural Atchison.

Buddy, a three-year-old Maltipoo belonging to Joel Carril, is blessed by Father Gerard Alba at St. Pius X Church in Mission on Oct. 4.

TCHISON — The Benedictine College Knights of Columbus Council 4708 here was awarded the distinction of Double Star Council, the international organization’s top honor for local councils. The Star Council Award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of growing membership, promoting Knights of Columbus insurance benefits, sponsoring Catholic faith formation programs and volunteering time through service-oriented activities.

This year, the college council’s programs and activities ranged from participating in multiple eucharistic processions and leading daily rosaries on campus to hosting breakfasts for students and their families and assisting other on-campus student groups with activities. The unique spirit of Benedictine hospitality underpinned each effort.

“Everyone on the council is involved in multiple groups on campus beyond academics,” said Christopher Holzman, past Grand Knight of the council.

And the council, he said, has become a resource to those wanting to put their faith into action.

“I have to give my thanks to my outstanding group of officers, the monks in St. Benedict’s Abbey, the Kansas State Council and Benedictine College administration,” Holzman said.

The Knights are one of the world’s leading fraternal and service organizations with two million members in more than 16,000 parish-based councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 47 million service hours and $153 million for worthy causes in their communities. To learn more, visit the website at: www.kofc.org.

LOCAL NEWS 5

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Coalition Life to supplement pro-life outreach in archdiocese

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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HAWNEE — The last line of defense for unborn children and their mothers is the sidewalk in front of the abortion clinic, and that’s where Catholics need to be, said the leader of a new pro-life ministry.

After the archdiocesan Respect Life Mass on Oct. 1 at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, Coalition Life executive director Brian Westbrook urged archdiocesan Catholics to support this new sidewalk prayer and counseling ministry.

“We know that abortion doesn’t happen at the U.S. Supreme Court, abortion doesn’t happen at the White House and abortion certainly doesn’t happen at the Kansas Supreme C o u r t , either,” said Westbrook.

“A b o r t i o n happens right here at home, right down the street at 109th and Roe [in Overland Park].”

Coalition Life was formed a little more than 12 years ago in St. Louis, where it is based. The ministry has since established itself in Chicago; Fairview Heights, Illinois; Carbondale, Illinois; and now Overland Park. It is a Christian-based organization, attracting both Catholics and non-Catholics.

The nonprofit has 36 individuals on staff from a variety of backgrounds, said Westbrook. Both paid staff members and volunteers undergo initial and ongoing training.

Lisa Weinand, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, is the new local site manager for Coalition Life. It hopes to hire about seven local staff members within a couple of weeks, and recruit about 14 volunteer sidewalk counselors to support the staff.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invited Coalition Life to the archdiocese, but he learned about it from a seminarian.

“It was one of our seminarians, Dan Mauro, who became acquainted with them in St. Louis and worked with them, and he encouraged us to bring them here,” said the archbishop. “He’d seen how effective their ministry was in St. Louis. We’re delighted that they’re here.”

Why come to the Greater Kansas City area?

Because it already has a pro-life infrastructure, which includes the Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center near the Overland Park Planned Parenthood clinic, as well as strong support from Archbishop Naumann, said Westbrook.

Coalition Life conducted a “beta test” last month in Overland Park to see how effective the ministry could be.

“Because of what’s already here, we sent nine clients in less than a week to Advice & Aid,” said Westbrook. “It was the single best testing week we’ve ever done in any location in the Midwest.”

The need has never been greater, said Debra Niesen, lead consultant for archdiocesan pro-life ministry.

“We’ve had wonderful volunteers

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Brian Niehaus, a sidewalk counselor based in St. Louis, hands out literature and talks to parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee about sidewalk counseling. praying on the sidewalks, but because of the landscape we have now, we’ve become the Midwest abortion destination,” she said. “We have so many people traveling to our state.

“To have a trained, professional, compassionate and Christian-based organization . . . to rescue women and their children from abortion before they walk into Planned Parenthood is so needed.”

The “changed landscape” in formerly pro-life Kansas Niesen referred to is because of two things that made Kansas a “wide open” abortion state.

The first is the April 26, 2019, Kansas Supreme Court ruling in Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt. In this ruling, Kansas’ high court discovered a “right to abortion” in the state’s 1859 constitution. This ruling, in effect, nullified all laws regulating abortion in Kansas.

The second was the August 2, 2022, defeat of the “Value Them Both” proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution, which would have restored the power to regulate abortion to the state Legislature.

The number of abortions in Kansas has, as predicted, skyrocketed after the 2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling.

In 2019, there were 6,916 abortions in Kansas; in 2022, there were 12,314, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. There were 5,402 more abortions in 2022 than in 2019, or an increase of 78% comparing the two years.

Archbishop Naumann hopes Catholics will join and support Coalition Life in this important, new ministry.

“I’d encourage them to financially support Coalition Life and if you’re interested in becoming a Coalition Life sidewalk counselor, contact them and apply to go through their training,” said the archbishop.

“We’re really grateful for all those who give prayerful witness outside

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

After the archdiocesan Respect Life Mass on Oct. 1 at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, Coalition Life executive director Brian Westbrook urged archdiocesan Catholics to support the new sidewalk prayer and counseling ministry. abortion clinics,” he added. “It is our last hope in trying to save women and children from the tragedy of abortion.”

Coalition Life plans a “meet and greet” for potential donors, volunteers and those interested in the ministry

on Nov. 4. The time and location will be announced later. Weinand can be reached by email at: Lisa@Coalition Life.com or by calling (636) 735-3263.

For additional information, go online to: www.CoalitionLife.com.

6 FAMILY

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

From their kitchens to ours: Feeding the body of Christ

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y husband and I have a stubborn, unresolved argument in our marriage: What would we do if we won the lottery?

We do not actually play the lottery, to be clear, but reality never muddles a good debate.

What we might do if we did win — that question makes for endless dinner discourse. My spouse insists you must give all the wealth away.

Otherwise, having too much money ruins your life.

I agree — mostly.

“But could we get a hot tub?” I plead each time. “That wouldn’t change anything!”

No, he shakes his head. It has to be all or nothing. Otherwise, it’s a hot tub and a pool, or a hot tub and a dream vacation, or a hot tub and college tuition for all the kids.

We either give it all away, or we’ll start to make exceptions everywhere.

He and I may never resolve the hot tub question. But thankfully, we do agree on the more important point: While there are countless worthy causes, we would give our theoretical lottery winnings to those who lack food and water.

Nothing feels more pressing.

Scripture speaks abundantly about feeding the hungry.

Jesus gave himself to us in bread and wine, flesh and blood, because he

LAURA KELLY FANUCCI Laura Kelly Fanucci is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality.

knew hunger and thirst are humans’ most basic daily needs — just as we would always need his presence and love.

The church reminds us that feeding the hungry is a corporal work of mercy. Clearly, as Christ’s followers we are meant to feed others.

Yet despite my love for the Eucharist, I did not fully grasp the truth of what it means to feed the hungry until the body of Christ began to feed me anew.

Translation: Our parish has been bringing meals to our family for months following my cancer diagnosis, and their loving service is transforming my faith.

As I look out on the congregation now, whenever I am well enough to join them for Sunday Mass, I see the faces of all those who have been bringing

OSV NEWS PHOTO/MAGGIE MORRILL, PIXABAY

A friendly face offering a full dinner plate is uplifting when times are difficult.

SCRIPTURE SPEAKS ABUNDANTLY ABOUT FEEDING THE HUNGRY. . . . THE CHURCH REMINDS US THAT FEEDING THE HUNGRY IS A CORPORAL WORK OF MERCY. CLEARLY, AS CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS WE ARE MEANT TO FEED OTHERS. dinner to our doorstep.

Casseroles, soups, salads, lasagna, enchiladas, home-baked bread, fresh fruits and endless desserts.

I watch the same parishioners who baked and cooked for us come forth to the altar to serve as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. The body

COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

of Christ bringing the body of Christ to the body of Christ. What could be more profound?

They have taken up the call to feed the hungry and are living out the spirit of the Eucharist in their own kitchens to bring to ours. In chicken and rice, chili and chips,

ACROSS 1 Smack 5 Hertz 8 Baby’s “ball” 12 Rice wine 13 Raccoon-like animal 15 Jewish calendar month 16 Wicked 17 Brother of Moses 18 Jerk 19 Heavenly beings 21 Book near Proverbs 23 Small flat boats 25 Men’s neckwear 26 Step 29 Transgression 31 Jewish teacher 35 Spice 37 Womens’ __ 39 Bolted 40 Annex 41 Samson’s evil wife 44 Past 45 Twin brother of Jacob 47 Computer type 48 Wife of Jacob 50 Grating 52 Pan’s partner 54 Ship’s sail holders 55 Insult

stuffed peppers and broccoli casseroles — not to mention the ministry of mailing gift cards from one busy family to another — our parish is teaching me what it means to reach out to the hungry body of Christ and become part of the healing work of God. (Honestly, we won the true lottery.)

This truth brings me to my knees.

Jesus knew what it meant to be hungry.

Mary fed him — first from her own body, then from her kitchen.

He shared meals with his family, stopped to eat with his disciples on the way and made miracles happen over meals.

He understood hunger,

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74 School group 75 Shriek DOWN 1 South southeast 2 Magma 3 Related 4 Early American 5 Moves effortlessly 6 Average work performance 7 Quit moving 8 Type of seasoning (2 wds.)

9 Father of Cain 10 Prohibits 11 Noah’s boat 13 Golden __ (Israelite idol) 14 Institution (abbr.)

20 Has ears 22 Atmosphere

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and he fed the hungry.

Our call is the same.

Whether we have a million dollars or only five to spare, the need is real and the commandment unmistakable. Jesus gave Peter this lasting charge — “Feed my sheep” (Jn 21:17) — and the words echo for us today: to feed those in our own homes, our community and around the world.

Christ continues to nourish us in sacrament and Scripture. As St. Augustine wrote, we become what we receive: the body of Christ. What a wonder when we live up to the call we have been given, and what a gift to learn what it means to receive.

PC valley Smile scornfully City Book of facts Zero Boredom Father Graven images Precious stone Obstruct Drink Villain in book of Esther Made current Hill where Jesus was crucified Yang’s partner Washington city Prow Frock Instrument to guide oxen 1/12 of a foot Nip off Healing plant Hawk Farming club (abbr.)

Digital audio tape Sun’s name

Solution on page 13

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS 7

Parish gets creative with processional canopy

Correction

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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VERLAND PARK — “When your parish decides it needs a processional canopy for the solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 11, and the latest quote for one is $4,800, it’s time to get creative!”

That’s what Denise Slaven, director of music and liturgy at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park wrote online May 16.

“I remembered there was a piece of brocade cloth, and so Doug Leikam — who is our youth minister — and I went through the closets, trying to figure out what would work,” she said.

As Slaven considered the brocade, she took measurements, comparing them to pictures she’d seen of canopies in religious supply catalogs. To her surprise, they were almost identical.

“I was like, ‘That’s a sign from God,’” she said.

Next, she found a dove in a Catholic clip art book. It was small, just two inches. So, she kept enlarging it, ultimately reaching a size of 15 inches. On May 19, she showed it to parish facilities manager Shaw Leach who approved it.

Leach also suggested that she talk with his father, Dan Leach, another parishioner and a woodworker, about ways to fashion the canopy’s poles.

Upon learning of the project, Dan was excited to become a part of it.

“Denise was creating a beautiful

COURTESY PHOTO

Denise Slaven, director of music and liturgy at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, created this processional canopy for her parish. canopy that would show our parishioners the honor and dignity we give to the Eucharist,” he said. “My role was to create some poles that would give silent strength and structure to the canopy that would protect Jesus in the monstrance.

“St. Joseph is my patron saint, so he is with me on all my projects. I could not help but reflect on the attributes that this eucharistic procession has in common with the Holy Family. The canopy, like Mary, imprinted with the image of the Holy Spirit covering Jesus with love and protection. The poles, like Joseph, providing strength and a framework to the family while remaining humble and quiet.”

While Dan worked on the poles, Slaven focused on the canopy, posting pictures of her progress online.

First, she traced the dove pattern on a piece of cotton cloth purchased from a convent that makes priestly vestments.

Then, in late May and while riding in the car, she filled in the design using shadow embroidery, a technique in which thousands of stitches were created on the reverse side of the fabric.

After the shadow work, Slaven turned her attention to finishing the design.

After much prayer, she shaped the cloth into a circle, using insertion lace. And by June 3, she was quilting — by hand — the gold brocade with gold metallic thread.

Slaven spent two days in early June machine-quilting gold trim to the top, underlining and gold brocade.

The canopy is rich in symbolism, featuring representations of the Holy Spirit, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the cross on which Jesus hung and the apostles, among many other symbolic elements.

All in all, Slaven said the project came together so beautifully that she knew it had to be inspired in some way.

“All I had was that picture in the catalog and the dimensions of it. We had to figure it out. I had nothing except the Holy Spirit’s guidance,” she said.

But perhaps it was Father Andrew Strobl’s simple response that somehow summarizes the parish’s new treasure when it was used for the first time.

“There was a real sense of reverence and gratitude using the canopy for the feast of Corpus Christi,” he said.

“Knowing that it can be used for years to come was awesome!”

In the Sept. 29 issue of The Leaven, the article “Offering options for unplanned pregnancies,” the stated amount raised by the Life & Hope Banquet was incorrect. The correct amount was $450,000. The Leaven regrets the error.

Mary Jane (Reid) and Bert Maidment, members of Church of the Ascension, Overl a n d Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 29. The couple was married on Sept. 29, 1973, at Church of the Assumption in Morristown, New Jersey. Their children are: Bevin and Bert. They also have five grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

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FAITH I AND MENTAL HEALTH

By Natalie Hoefer OSV News

Faith can help, say therapists and those coping with depression, anxiety

NDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) — Tom Renken leads a full and fulfilling life. The father of six is active in his parish, and he is co-founder and co-leader of the Celebrate Marriage ministry with Marcy, his wife of 21 years.

Renken also struggles with depression.

“I remember it distinctly kicking in when I was in fourth grade — there was no particular event that happened to cause it,” he recalled. “It’s been a close companion ever since.”

Like Renken, Kile Stevens said there was no one incident he could point to that caused his grades to slip in his junior and senior years of high school.

“I always did well academically,” he said. “I chalked it up to just being ready to move on. But things just got worse in college. That’s when the depression started showing up. It made it impossible for me to function.”

Psychotherapist Christine Turo- Shields, owner of Kenosis Counseling Center in Greenwood, Indiana, puts it bluntly: “If you are depressed or anxious and it’s affecting your life, you have a mental health issue.”

Whether mild or chronic, such issues are no cause for shame, she added, noting that “a health issue is a health issue, no matter where it occurs in the body.”

When it comes to treating mental health issues, she said, “From a research standpoint, the best treatment is a combination of therapy and medication.”

But Turo-Shields, a Catholic, also has a saying: “When all else falls away, the only thing that remains is faith.”

There are myriad causes for mental health issues, Turo-Shields told The Criterion, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Some triggers are external

— relationship issues, the death of a loved one, a stressful life change, a traumatic experience.

“Some [people] have a genetic predisposition or a chemical imbalance,” she added. “It’s like, ‘All this time, I thought something was wrong with me because I couldn’t get rid of these thoughts.’ But with depression and anxiety, the distorted and negative thinking are symptoms of a condition as opposed to a personal flaw you can control.”

Renken can relate. His ongoing

ANXIETY IS LIKE A PERSON’S EMOTIONAL ALARM SYSTEM GOING OFF SAYING DANGER OR THREAT — WE RESPOND WITH FIGHT OR FLEE.

FAITH IS A HUGE PIECE OF ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. WITH A FAITH-BASED APPROACH, YOU CAN LOOK AT AN NDIVIDUAL FROM A MORE HOLISTIC SENSE — BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT.

WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, THE DISTORTED AND NEGATIVE THINKING ARE SYMPTOMS OF A CONDITION AS OPPOSED TO A PERSONAL FLAW YOU CAN CONTROL. depression was diagnosed as dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder.

“It’s like I’m always at a three or four out of 10 on the happiness scale,” he said.

Sometimes, mental health issues may arise at certain stages in life, such as postpartum depression.

“This is not a character flaw or a weakness,” said Pauline Laue, a licensed mental health counselor at Central Psychological Services in Indianapolis. “A new mom can experience symptoms of depression that interfere with her ability

to enjoy her baby and her life.”

She said hormonal changes, lack of support, stress, breastfeeding complications, past trauma or difficult childhood experiences are among a few issues that can exacerbate this condition.

“It becomes crucial then for these moms to remember that you are not alone, you are not to blame and with help you will get better,” Laue advises. “Most importantly, be gentle and give yourself grace.”

Middle age is another example of a life stage that can create mental health issues, said Turo-Shields.

“Oftentimes, individuals get to that point in their lives when they look back and question, ‘Why is this happening?

Is this really how I want to live? Is this really all there is to life? Am I happy?’” she said. “This struggle may be prompted by some external life stressor or circumstance, or it may be an internal wrestling, questioning one’s purpose or even very existence.

“Some call it a mid-life crisis, but explored through the lens of faith, it becomes an opportunity to examine the ‘dark night of the soul.’ These times offer us an opportunity to deeply explore the meaning of the suffering in our lives and consider how God is unfolding our path of life.”

Mental health issues can manifest in numerous ways. For instance, symptoms of anxiety can be physical, like an increased heart rate or tension in the body, said Joseph Molitor, a Catholic psychologist at Whole Hearts Psychology in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

“Anxiety is like a person’s emotional alarm system going off saying danger or threat — we respond with fight or flee,” said Molitor, “Anxiety can look like going away, avoiding what’s triggering the anxiety. But it can also look like irritability and frustration as the person responds to the threat by fighting back and trying to overcome it.”

Renken’s symptoms tended toward avoidance, or escapism behavior, “motivated by perfectionism and scarcity — the feeling that I’ll never be enough, have enough, failure to measure up,” he said.

“It is definitely fed by stress,” he added, to the point that he contemplated — but never attempted — suicide.

“Counseling helped me to identify what my issues were,” he said. “Being able to name the situation is a first step in recognizing the errors in my thinking when [depression] happens.”

Stevens describes his initial depressive symptoms as “thinking more slowly, not taking care of myself or doing the

Resources For a list of local and national mental health resources, go online to: archkck. org/special-needs/mental-health.

For a list of local Catholic counselors, go online to: archkck.org/family/ care-support/catholic-counselors.

For more information about the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, visit: catholicmhm.org.

For more information on the archdiocesan mental health ministers program, send an email to Josh Ruoff, lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

things I needed to do, hypersomnia — sleeping all the time, suicidal thoughts.”

Then he became hyperenergized or “manic.” Stevens didn’t sleep for two days and started hearing voices. He was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, in which moods swing from very high to very low. Some experience psychosis, like voices or visions.

Chronic mental diseases such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia require medication for daily functioning. Therapy can help as well.

“Psychotherapy has been very helpful [with] managing my symptoms in a natural sense,” said Stevens. “It provides coping skills to help you deal with the illness and make things better so you can hopefully deal with daily life.”

While he calls medication and therapy his “main lines of defense,” Stevens admitted he “wouldn’t be here without my faith.”

“Faith is a huge piece” of addressing mental health issues, said Laue. “I firmly believe that, and that’s why I’m here practicing as a Catholic faith-based counselor. With a faith-based approach, you can look at an individual from a more holistic sense — body, mind and spirit.”

Molitor agrees. In fact, the mission of Whole Heart Psychology is “to restore hearts and relationships through psychology, informed by the Catholic faith.”

“Counseling is not a replacement for the need for God,” he explained. “It’s not like you do therapy and forget your spiritual life. Working at a natural level can pave the way for a better spiritual life.

It’s helpful for Catholics to see the integration between the two.”

Incorporating faith into therapy “offers a connection to something beyond us,” said Laue. “It gives a person hope. I do think working from that framework is just a complete, fuller approach to treating a client.”

Turo-Shields welcomes bringing faith into therapy if a client wishes. She notes that the Greek word “kenosis” in her counseling center’s name refers to “Christ emptying himself and taking human form” (Phil 2:7).

“Divine providence is ever present, regardless of what cross you carry,” she said. “It’s about reframing the cross given to you — not just thinking, ‘Life is unfair,’ but, ‘This is a heavy cross, but this too shall pass.’”

That doesn’t mean faith alone will solve a problem, Turo-Shields notes.

“If my appendix bursts, I’m not just going to sit and pray about it, I’m going to the emergency room,” she said. “But the hand of divine providence is in that doctor taking care of the problem.”

Renken sought a Catholic counselor to help cope with his depression. He said his faith continues to help him.

“You think about the world differently when you know you’re loved,” said the convert to Catholicism. He and his family are members of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish in Greenwood.

He finds solace in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s eighth step of spiritual discernment “about reminding yourself that the desolation will only last a little longer.”

And he finds that “being in community helps, as I’m at my worst when I’m alone and isolated.”

In addition to medication and therapy, he finds help in coping with his mental health through many facets of the faith: frequently receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and reconciliation, praying the rosary and embracing Marian devotion (“especially Our Lady of Sorrows”).

He also receives spiritual direction.

Stevens helped start the archdiocese’s mental health ministry as part of the office of human life and dignity in 2017.

“I knew there needed to be some sort of ministry to help people spiritually who struggle with this very difficult cross,” he said. “People need to know they’re not alone.”

Renken admitted coping with mental health issues — whether through therapy, medication or both — “is not always simple.”

“But when I remember — when I remember,” he emphasized, “faith does wonderful things.”

10 NEWS BRIEFS

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Jerusalem church leaders call for peace following deadly Hamas attack JERUSALEM (OSV News) — Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem united in a call for peace and justice amidst unfolding violence, following a surprise attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which has left over 700 Israelis dead, among them civilians and dozens of soldiers and police who were killed battling the Hamas fighters.

Over 2,000 people were injured.

Fears of a ground invasion of Gaza are growing after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to turn the besieged Palestinian enclave into a “deserted island,” while the latest reported death toll of Palestinians is 511. Thousands of people in Palestinian territories are injured in Israeli airstrikes, which began hours following the Hamas attack and leveled buildings.

As custodians of the Christian faith, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches said Oct. 7 that they “stand in solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring the devastating consequences of continued strife.”

OSV NEWS PHOTO/RONEN ZVULUN, REUTERS

An Israeli soldier patrols near a police station in Sderot, Israel, Oct. 8, which was destroyed following a mass infiltration by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip. The attacks have left at least 600 Israelis dead, among them civilians and dozens of soldiers and police who were killed battling the Hamas fighters, and more than 2,000 people are injured.

Study, not blame, needed with pope’s wartime record, scholar says ROME (CNS) — The era of divisive debate about Pope Pius XII has been left behind, and now Catholics and Jews, historians and theologians must take up serious and collaborative study, said the co-organizer of a major conference looking at the early results of new research into the wartime pontificate.

“We have come to study these documents and to think about their meaning for our lives. Not to blame, not

to shame, but to study,” said Suzanne Brown-Fleming, director of international academic programs at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, opening the conference Oct. 9.

The Oct. 9-11 conference at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University focused on recent research into the Vatican archives of Pope Pius XII’s pontificate before, during and after World War II. Bishop Etienne Vetö, who was director of the Cardinal Bea Center

until his appointment as auxiliary bishop of Reims, France, in September, told the conference, “16 million new pages/files pertaining to one of the most somber and complex moments in human history” was made available to scholars three years ago.

“It is impossible to have a complete view of so much material in just three years, but we hope this conference can offer a first assessment,” he said in his introductory remarks Oct. 9.

Brazil’s pro-life cause strong amid fears of decriminalization of abortion SÃO PAULO (OSV News) — Pro-life activists demonstrated in dozens of Brazilian cities Oct. 8 to celebrate the country’s Day of the Unborn Child and protest against the decriminalization of abortion, a possibility that was being analyzed by the Supreme Court in September.

The Brazilian church has been promoting an unprecedented campaign against abortion this year, with widespread engagement of the clergy and lay movements. The drive is a response to a petition presented by the left-wing Socialism and Liberty Party (known as PSOL) in 2017 to the Supreme Court. The party argued that criminalizing abortion allegedly denies women the right to make reproductive decisions and is a violation to the women’s right to health.

Currently, abortion can only be legally performed in Brazil if the woman got pregnant as a consequence of rape; if the pregnancy endangers her health; or if the fetus is anencephalic, a serious birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. Brazil’s bishops’ conference (known by the Portuguese acronym CNBB) fears that legalizing abortion can provoke more and more confusion among Catholics, leading some of them to believe that it is something legitimate, given that it is legal.

Woman named secretary of dicastery for religious VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has appointed a woman for the first time to be the No. 2 official of the Roman Curia office that works with religious orders and their members.

Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla will be secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Vatican announced Oct. 7. According to Vatican statistics published in February, there are nearly 609,000 professed religious women in the world. There are just under 50,000 religious brothers and just over 128,000 religiousorder priests.

For decades, women religious and many bishops decried the lack of women in top leadership roles at the dicastery which is called to promote religious life, including approving the statutes of religious congregations, when the vast majority of them are

CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Pope Francis greets Consolata Sister Simona Brambilla, superior general of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, during a June 5 audience with the men’s and women’s branches of the religious missionary congregation. communities of women.

Sister Brambilla, a 58-year-old Italian, has been an external member of the dicastery since 2019. She served two terms as superior of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, leading the congregation from 2011 to May 2023.

CRS works to help Afghan earthquake victims

HERAT, Afghanistan (OSV News) — The death toll in one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike Afghanistan in two decades has risen to 2,000, Taliban officials confirmed on Oct. 8.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck on Oct. 7, 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Herat city in the western Herat province. Initial assessments of the United Nations indicated that the quake caused deaths across eight villages. Mahal Wadakah was the worst affected village. Following the initial quake, which struck around 11 a.m. local time, several aftershocks have occurred, with tremors felt in neighboring Badghis and Farah provinces, according to OCHA, U.N. humanitarian

office.

The presence of church charity organizations is close to zero with the Taliban government, an official from one of the Catholic organizations told OSV News. Some try to work with local partners, however.

“Our humanitarian partners have begun relief efforts, sending medical and trauma support to regional hospitals, as well as emergency shelter, food assistance and other supplies to the affected area,” Anne Bousquet, Catholic Relief Services’ country representative for Afghanistan told OSV News over email. CRS is the international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic church.

LOCAL NEWS 11

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Parish community steps up for taco fundraiser >> Continued from page 1

Charisse Arndt and Megan Tajchman were this year’s co-chairs and helped coordinate the many volunteers who turned out to help.

“We get support from [the] parish and neighboring parishes with volunteer hours the day of the event, baking and pinning tacos prior to the event and cleaning up after the event,” said Arndt.

The tacos are the star of the supper.

“They’re a lot of work,” said Danler.

“It takes all week to get them going.

“We have anybody and everybody come in and stuff the meat in the tortilla shells, and then you have to delicately pin the taco shells together with toothpicks.”

Once the tacos are ready to fry the day of the supper, volunteers pull the toothpicks out and stuff the tacos with lettuce and cheese. They’re served with fresh rice, chips, salsa and dessert.

The day of the supper, attendees have the opportunity to get their tacos to go or to dine in at the parish hall.

This year, those who stayed were treated to entertainment from a mariachi band and dancers.

Arndt said the event is special “because it is truly an act of love by not only the school families but also the huge support we have from our parish as well.”

Danler agreed.

“It’s a huge amount of work for our little tribe,” she said. “We have parish and community members that step up and really help put it on and make it go smoothly.”

Sacred Heart students also lend a hand.

“It’s really cute to see them help out,” said Danler. “They enjoy being a part of it and know that it’s for their school.”

Danler and her husband have a kindergartner, second grader and fourth grader at Sacred Heart who team up to sell tickets for the supper.

“I pull up to a business,” said Danler, “I let all three of my kids out, they go in and I watch through the window as they introduce themselves and tell about what they’re doing. They take and count the money.

“They’re learning social skills, they’re learning math skills, they’re learning how to conduct themselves around others.

“They take a lot of pride in it.”

From left, Sara Vore, Tammi Garriott and Sara Wohletz hustle to get carryout orders packed up and ready for pickup.

Humble beginnings Mexican Supper traces its roots to a simple gesture of hospitality.

In 1973, St. Catherine School in Emporia was closing its doors.

“In an effort to welcome the St. Catherine’s students and families over to Sacred Heart School, they had a taco feed,” said Danler.

Gloria Mendoza, her mom and her sister were instrumental in launching the first supper.

“We ended up asking all our neighbors and friends to make tortillas fresh, homemade,” and the group fried a few hundred tacos that first year, said Mendoza.

“We had somebody make pinto beans from scratch and rice from scratch,” she added. “Everything we had was homemade.

“Afterwards, it just got so big they started buying tortillas.”

Mendoza’s mom cooked the meat that first year, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Mendoza, who had belonged to St. Catherine her whole life, moved her family to Sacred Heart at that time, where most of her children went to school.

Some of her grandchildren and even a great-grandchild attend the school, and she hopes Mexican Supper can continue on for her family’s legacy.

“It just keeps on going,” said Mendoza. “I hope they continue to do it.”

Opportunities abound Father Carter Zielinski, who’s served as pastor of Sacred Heart for the past couple years, said Mexican Supper is a learning opportunity for the students.

“I certainly hope the students follow the example of their parents and other volunteers who are generous with their time and energy in order to make parish events like this possible,” he said.

“Going to Mass and following Jesus

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KERI PAUL

Down to a science Monday: Move supplies to parish hall Tuesday: Fry meat Wednesday: Pin tacos, make and cup salsa, bake desserts Thursday: Set up kitchen and parish hall Friday: Cook rice, decorate and serve

are the most important things we can do as families,” he added, “and this event can bring our families together.”

Danler is grateful her children have the opportunity to attend a Catholic school and that their education is thriving thanks to fundraisers like the Mexican Supper.

“It’s a community event that requires everyone,” she said. “Because everyone does get involved, it’s truly special.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Catholic high school principal - Bishop Ward School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in the academic and spiritual formation of students, as well as in the recruitment, development and retention of high caliber, joyfully Catholic faculty and staff. The principal must be current regarding best practices in Catholic education and be able to lead a diverse community in continually striving for greatness. Proficiency in speaking Spanish is preferred!

Bishop Ward has approximately 300 students in grades 9 - 12 and employs 33 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Jay Dunlap, president, at: jdunlap@wardhigh.org.

Bishop Ward is accepting applications until the position is filled and will reach out to candidates as applications are submitted. Deadline for applications is Nov. 15.

Full-time custodian - The Church of the Nativity Parish School has immediate openings for full-time and parttime custodians. Qualified applicants should have prior custodial experience, specifically in a school environment. Maintenance experience would be a plus. The full-time position is scheduled to work M-F from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the part-time from 4 to 8 p.m. M-F. Some holiday work is expected. Applicants must have a compatible work history, references, dependable transportation and be willing to participate in a background check. The Church of the Nativity expects to pay market compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Nativity has a history of retaining its employees, who enjoy the advantages of working at a vibrant, collaborative, faith-based place of worship and education. Nativity Parish School is located at 3700 W. 119th, Leawood. Nativity offers a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should send resumes and work history to: mhyde@kcnativity.org. No phone calls please.

Learning Club volunteer - Learning Club in Kansas City, Kansas, needs you to volunteer tutor and read with students for one hour per week during or after school.

All tutoring locations are 15 minutes from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. No prior teaching experience is needed. Tutors receive a brief training.

For more information, or to donate, visit the website at: www.learningclubkck.org or contact us at (913) 3694423 or at: volunteer@LearningClubKCK.org.

Organist/choir director - St. John the Baptist Parish on Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an organist/choir director for an established adult choir. The successful candidate would accompany the choir on a 16-rank organ for weekly rehearsal, Sunday Masses, as well as other liturgies and liturgical holidays throughout the year. Knowledge of Catholic liturgy preferred. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume and references to St. John the Baptist Parish office at: ourcroatianparish@ gmail.com.

Infant caregiver needed - Family seeks in-home caregiver for 4-month-old. Home located in the 66103 area code. Full time with flexibility for part time every other week. Willing to provide additional hours if needed for tasks such as meal prep, light housekeeping and errands. Experience preferred. Text Andrew at (913) 669-8665.

Workforce specialist - Are you seeking an opportunity to advance your career while assisting others to advance theirs? Want to surround yourself with others with a high level of conviction and passion of serving others? Then consider your next career move with our great team as a Workforce training and development specialist. To apply, go online to: catholiccharitiesks. org/careers/, click on “View all opportunities” and scroll to “Workforce Specialist.”

Part-time accountant - St. Pius X Parish in Mission is looking to hire a part-time accountant. This position usually requires two - five hours per week and requires working from home with a church-provided computer loaded with QuickBooks accounting software. Responsibilities include overall financial management, payroll, accounts payable, posting weekly deposits, preparing monthly financial statements and annual budget, reconciliation of accounts and other financial tasks. The successful candidate will preferably have an accounting degree with five years’ experience along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: galba@spxmission.org.

After school care assistant needed - Holy Cross Catholic School is looking for an After School Care Assistant every weekday Monday-Friday 3:30-5:30 p.m. We are looking for someone who loves being with children. The job role includes playing games with students, distributing snacks, and helping with homework. All interested candidates should be Virtus trained and contact the school principal, Dr. Melissa Wagner at mwagner@holycrosscatholicschool.com.

Microscope service/repair - Are you looking for something new and exciting to do? A locally owned, family business is currently seeking candidates to provide preventive maintenance and repair service on microscopes. No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided by seasoned technicians. Good communication, time management and customer service skills needed. Hours are flexible depending on customer needs. Some travel is required.

Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking the following coaches for the 2023-24 school year: assistant wrestling - winter, and assistant baseball - spring.

Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director at: jschramp@ bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: admissions counselor, director of development.

Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly. edu/careers.

Assistant direct support professional - L’Arche Heartland is seeking an assistant direct support professional. This person would report to the community home supervisor. Key responsibilities include: utilize person-centered support plan to provide guidance, support, growth and development opportunities to each core member through attentiveness and caring; be a strong role model of appropriate behavior; foster positive and supportive relationships among core members as well as families and professionals; follow all policies, procedures and protocols to ensure core member safety; participate and contribute to house team meetings to ensure household is maintained to include regular upkeep, meal planning and preparation as well as event planning and community interaction; monitor and assist core members with the following as needed: personal hygiene, appearance, laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, personal finances and leisure activities while promoting core member independence; perform all documentation activities (financial, medication, behavior, etc.) as required by policy/programming while maintaining confidentiality; transport core members as assigned; administer medication, properly document and assist with securing refills; participate in and adequately complete training and recertification as required, both ongoing and upon hire; participate in community events and activities as appropriate. Required skills/ abilities: exhibit respect and caring for core members and all those involved in the support of group home residents; demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills; have the ability to problem solve and manage conflicts objectively. Experience and education requirements: experience with persons with developmental disabilities (highly preferred). Have a valid driver’s license; have a high school education or equivalent. Pass all required background checks; maintain CPR/first-aid certification. Physical requirements: must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times; must be able to perform activities of daily living such as cooking and cleaning; able and willing to assist in house maintenance/yard work. Include signature and printed name with application. Email: Assistant@ larcheks.org or call (913) 341-2265.

Scientific equipment technician - Would you like to make a difference in a small growing company?

Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customer’s locations locally and within a four-state area.

Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented are required. Mostly on-the-job training.

Electrical knowledge a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

In-home caregiver - We are looking for an engaging in-home caregiver for our son with special needs in western Shawnee. He loves music, interacting with others, reading books, and is learning new life skills.

Help needed weekdays (anytime between 3-10 p.m.) and some shifts on weekends @ $17/hr. Please call (785) 393-1589.

WELLERBEEF.COM - Let us be your local farm source for beef for your dinner table. Local, Catholic, family farm. Humanely raised. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass fed and traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings include nursing school faculty. Adjunct faculty job openings: clinical nursing and psychology pool, math and English both at Lansing Correctional Campus. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as an assistant in our Day Service Program. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful daytime activities. Enjoy daytime hours, Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

We have immediate full-time positions available.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-our-team.

Drivers and riders needed - Drivers needed part time. We take patients to behavioral health facilities around town. Retirees welcomed. Two employees (don’t need to be drivers) ride in the company van on every trip. See Geminitransports.com or call Robert at (785) 766-5763 for more information.

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

Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport general education students and students with special needs in mini- and full-sized vans, to and from school, job sites and other locations in the community throughout the day, for the Blue Valley, Olathe and Shawnee Mission school districts. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour plus bonuses. A CDL is not required.

Aides earn $12 - $14 per hour plus bonuses. Part-time and full-time hours available. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information or visit: www.assistedtransportation.com to apply. EOE.

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

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

FOR SALE For sale - Medacure adjustable twin bed. Electric, headboard, footboard, partial side rails; lifts head, lifts feet and lowers whole frame. No mattress. Like new. Asking $850. Call Jackie at (913) 271-5010, leave message.

For sale by owner - 1950s ranch-style home for sale.

Home is 1,539 square feet; three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, basement and two-car garage. For more information, go to: www.5200reinhardt.com.

For sale - Double companionship lawn crypt at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in section 10 L - 19. Everything included except headstone and the service. Valued at $8667, asking $6000. Call Patty at (913) 217-5497.

For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Olathe. Lot 25, plots 3 and 4. One burial vault and one interment fee. Current value is $6200, asking $3500. Seller to pay conveyance fee. Call Bob at (913) 768-0668.

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

For sale - Single plot suitable for regular burial or cremation. Mt. Calvary Cemetery, KCK. Section 11, lot 80, space 3-A. Valued at $2200. Sell for $2100 and I pay conveyance fee. Contact David at (913) 980-0042.

SERVICES Double A’s lawn service Lawn mowing, mulching, gutters, leaf removal, brush removal and hedge trimming Free estimates, insured and insured.

Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195 ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371, or email: dandeeconst@aol.com.

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

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

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.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Interior painting specialist.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheetrock, knockdown ceilings, decks and fences. My family and I always appreciate the support. Please call Joshua at (913) 709-7230. Check out my Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ FSHomeExteriorsandRemodeling. Call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or at: josh.fser@gmail.com.

Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

REAL ESTATE We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer.

We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

CAREGIVING Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties.

Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www. saintritahc.com; rmargush@saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

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

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.

Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, care management, transportation and much more. We specialize in dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. We will provide a loving family environment for your loved one, while giving them the proper care/ companionship that they need and deserve. Please call Mike or Krystyl at (913) 219-5880.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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

We’re local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses but that’s not us. We’re parishioners of Holy Trinity and we enjoy giving you personalized service.

We can offer you a fair price and we’re flexible to your needs. If I can help please call me. Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer.

We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer. (913) 599-5000.

Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR 13

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

‘THE WAY OF A PILGRIM’ SILENT RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Oct. 13 - 14

The retreat will begin on Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. and end on Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m. The Jesus prayer is an ancient form of prayer that teaches us how to pray always. On this silent retreat, we will be putting into practice the ancient tradition of walking while praying this simple and powerful prayer. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms are $170 single, $250 couple. Single guest rooms are $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the retreat reservation form online at: ChristsPeace.com.

BINGO NIGHT Sacred Heart Parish 2646 W. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will be hosting bingo. Refreshments will be sold. Cash prizes. Questions? Call Bob at (913) 850-3348.

FRIED CHICKEN DINNER AND BINGO St. Patrick Parish 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.

There will be a dinner of two pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, roll and drink for $10. Play 10 games of bingo for $10. Call Fritz at (913) 515-0621 if you have any questions.

WOMEN’S RETREAT Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 104 Exchange St., Emporia Oct. 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Sacred Heart Altar Society in Emporia is sponsoring the retreat. The theme is: “Pig Wallows & Stardust.” A freewill donation lunch will be provided. RSVP online to Paula Roper by Oct. 9 at: paularoper@att.net.

NUPTIAL CHARITY RETREAT Benedictine College 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Join Benedictine College’s Center for Family Life on a one-day retreat led by marriage and family expert Father José Noriega, DCJM. Father José will explore the Holy Spirit’s role in the marriage covenant. Find out more and register online at: benedictine.edu/NuptialCharity.

HARVEST MEAL St. Mary Parish 9208 Main St., St. Benedict Oct. 15 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The menu includes pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, baked beans and cookies. Dinein or carryout. The cost is a freewill offering.

FALL FESTIVAL Sacred Heart Parish 426 S. Cedar St., Ottawa Oct. 15 from noon - 4 p.m.

There will be Mexican food, barbecue, pumpkin sales and decorating, homemade ice cream, cake and pie. There will also be a musical cakewalk (someone wins every time), a magic show, balloon artist, bingo with prizes and kids games.

OMELET BREAKFAST St. Pius X Parish 5500 Woodson, Mission Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Miege Council 843, will be having an omelet breakfast. Everyone is welcome to gather for an omelet made “your way” and for great fellowship and a cup of coffee.

Breakfast also includes biscuits, sausage and fresh fruit. Freewill donations will be collected with proceeds being used by

Knights Council 843 for charitable works such as scholarships, Bibles for SOR and RCIA and other giving throughout the year.

FALL FESTIVAL St. Matthew Parish 2700 S.E. Virginia, Topeka Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us for a traditional dinner of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry salad, coleslaw, roll and dessert. The cost is $12 for adults; $6 for children. There will also be games and booths open until 2:30 p.m. including bingo, baked goods, religious items, cake spin, kids games, concessions and a 50/50 raffle. For more information or raffle tickets, go online to: www.saintmatthews.org; send an email to: parishoffice@saintmatthews.org; or call (785) 232-5012.

ROSARY RALLY St. Andrew the Apostle Parish 6415 N.E. Antioch, Gladstone, Missouri Oct. 15 from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

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

CATHOLIC ADVISORS NETWORK CoreFirst Bank & Trust Conference Facility 701 S.W. 31st St., Topeka Oct. 17 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Ryan Hellmer, SVP, trust officer, will speak on “Estate and gift planning staples for changing times.” RSVP online at: https://www.cfnek.org/events/estate-andgift-planning-staples-for-changing-times; send an email to: jschmitt@archkck.org; or call (913) 647-3060.

WILL AND TRUST WORKSHOP Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Oct. 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Join us for a workshop on wills and trusts. The presenter will be estate planning attorney Casey Connealy. Register online at: cfnek.org/events.

PIZZA DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Oct. 19 from 5 - 7-p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the pizza dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 230-2473 or send an email to: gen_orozco@yahoo.com.

GIFT AND CRAFT BAZAAR St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This event is hosted by the Ladies’ Guild.

McDevitt Hall is in the basement and is elevator accessible. The bazaar will have more than 50 tables with hundreds of gifts and craft items. Lunch is available at a nominal fee. Raffle tickets will be sold for an outdoor Nativity silhouette with solar flood light, and a large fall mum will be included.

LIVING FLAME St. Pius X Parish 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission Oct. 21 (first of seven gatherings)

Living Flame Contemplative Outreach offers Living Flame, seven once-a-month half-day retreats focused on deepening one’s centering prayer practice and related spiritual practices. This ecumenical experience is offered in-person. The cost is $140 for all seven sessions. For information and registration, go online to: https:// contemplativeoutreachkc.org, then scroll over to “Living Flame Registration.”

BINGO AND CHILI Sacred Heart Parish 1100 West St., Tonganoxie Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be bingo as well as chili and soup. The cost is $10 for dinner and $10 for 10 games of bingo. Cash prizes only.

LIVE PARISH AUCTION St. Philip Neri Parish 514 Parker, Osawatomie Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.

ANNUAL FALL FUNDRAISER St. Leo Parish 1320 1st Ave. East, Horton Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be chicken and noodles, chili, broccoli and cheese soups, baked potatoes and desserts for a freewill donation.

There will also be games and activities for kids (all you can play for $10), a mystery bottle wall for the adults, cookie sale, pie auction, bingo and a cornhole tournament.

Join us for fun and fellowship!

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL SHAMROCKS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 23 from 6 - 10 p.m.

Join us for Shamrocks for Scholarships and enjoy Slap’s BBQ, drinks and live music by Twice on Sunday, voted Best Wedding Band in Kansas City in 2022 and 2023. The emcee will be Karli Ritter from FOX 4. There will also be a raffle and an auction. Tickets are $100 per person ($75 for St. Patrick alumni.) To purchase a ticket, go online to: stpatrickkck.org/shamrocks-for-scholarships. Questions? Call Jane at (913) 568-3700.

DISCOVERY DAY/TEACHER RECRUITMENT EVENT Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Oct. 24 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Come by to learn more about: benefits, tuition remission, curriculum, faith formation, teacher autonomy and careers. Register online at: archkckcs.org/register.

BLOOD DRIVE Savior Pastoral Center (gym) 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call 1 (800) Red-Cross (1-800-732-2767) or visit the website at: RedCrossBlood.org and enter: SaviorPastoral.

HEARTACHE TO HEALING Church of the Ascension (St. John’s Room) 9519 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Widows and widowers around the ages of 40-60, come join us and make new friends and play games like blackjack, Jenga, spades and more. Feel free to bring an appetizer and/or beverage to share. Your RSVP is appreciated but not necessary.

Send an email to Laura at: kheaus1@hot mail.com; Heather at: hmbimpens@gmail. com; or Damon at: Damon452@yahoo. com. We look forward to enjoying some friendly game-night competition with you!

PREPLANNING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND CHARITABLE GIVING Sacred Heart Parish 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee Oct. 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Learn when it would be best for you to start taking your SSA benefits, and learn more about Medicare benefits, ways to use the U.S. tax code to enhance your charitable giving and ways to avoid capital gains or inheritance taxes. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or call (913) 647-0365.

OUR LADY’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL FALL GALA Grand Street Cafe 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 28 at 9 a.m.

Join us for an elegant brunch, inspiring reflection and joyful gathering benefiting the school community. For more information and to buy tickets, go online to: olmskc.org/gala.

‘ILLUMINATING SCRIPTURE’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Oct. 27 - 29

The retreat beings on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Oct. 29 at 4:30 p.m.

The St. John’s Bible is the first completely handwritten and illuminated Bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine abbey.

Join us in discovering and praying with the beautiful illuminations contained in this masterpiece. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 per couple or single guest rooms $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the online individual retreat form at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

FALL DINNER BAZAAR St. Philip Neri Parish Osawatomie City Auditorium 439 Main, Osawatomie Oct. 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be homemade chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, bread, desserts, and coffee and tea.

The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 6-12. There will also be a raffle, country store and bingo, as well as a live silent auction at 10 a.m. at 514 Parker, Osawatomie.

‘GOSPEL OF NONVIOLENCE: LIVING THE WAY OF JESUS’ Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B Kansas City, Kansas First and third Wednesdays From 1 - 3 p.m.

In a world where bullets enter homes and violence disrupts neighborhoods, where the news seems to report more and more killings and war, come experience the message of nonviolence preached by Jesus. Register by calling or texting (913) 689-9375.

>> Continued from page 12 Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 2139843.

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.

PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - Dec. 27, 2023 - Jan. 4, 2024. Come ring in the New Year with us! Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

SOLUTION

14 COLUMNISTS DAILY READINGS TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 15 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 25: 6-10a Ps 23: 1-6 Phil 4: 12-14, 19-20 Mt 22: 1-14 Oct. 16 Hedwig, religious; Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin Rom 1: 1-7 Ps 98: 1-4 Lk 11: 29-32 Oct. 17 Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr Rom 1: 16-25 Ps 19: 2-5 Lk 11: 37-41 Oct. 18 LUKE, EVANGELIST 2 Tm 4: 10-17b Ps 145: 10-13, 17-8 Lk 10: 1-9 Oct. 19 John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs Rom 3: 21-30 Ps 130: 1-6 Lk 11: 47-54 Oct. 20 Paul of the Cross, priest Rom 4: 1-8 Ps 32: 1-2, 5, 11 Lk 12: 1-7 Oct. 21 Saturday Rom 4: 13, 16-18 Ps 105: 6-9, 42-43 Lk 12: 8-12

JOHN DE BRÉBEUF 1593-1649

Born in Normandy in 1593, John entered the Jesuits in 1617 and was ordained in 1622. Despite his tuberculosis, he went as a missionary to New France (Canada) in 1625.

He had little success and returned briefly to France when Canada became English. But in 1633, he undertook a second mission and lived with the Hurons for 15 years.

In 1649, he and Jesuit Father Gabriel Lalemant were captured in a raid

by Iroquois warriors and after torture, John died March 16 and Gabriel March 17. They are among the eight Jesuit North American martyrs, the patron saints of Canada and North America, whose joint U.S. feast is Oct. 19.

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OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Here’s how to find some real soul food

his year, I was ready for them.

Not knowing how many I’d be dealing with, I prepared three large bags just in case.

The “company” I was expecting were sixth to twelfth graders from our religious education program. They were divided into several teams and sent out on a scavenger hunt the night of Sept. 27. The kids were not collecting some meaningless knickknacks but were on the hunt for nonperishable items that would be donated to the Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Bank here in Tonganoxie, an effort supported by all the local churches.

As it turned out, only one group hit my home, so I ended up taking the other bags I’d had ready to the parish center the next day. The kids did a great job and filled up the back of a truck bed with their collected donations. They had fun and at the same time fed the hungry, fulfilling one of the corporal works of mercy.

Reflecting on the gen-

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MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie.

He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

erosity of these students in giving their time to the scavenger hunt as well as the willingness of parishioners to donate items, I recalled this ancient legend: One day, the devil, the Master of Disguise, tried to get into heaven by pretending to be the risen Lord. He took demons with him disguised as angels of light and had them cry out the traditional first part of Psalm 24: “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient

doors, that the King of glory may come in.”

The real angels looked down on what they thought was their Lord returning in triumph from the dead.

They in turn shouted back with joy the psalm’s refrain: “Who is this King of glory?”

The devil then made a fatal mistake.

He opened his arms, spread his hands and declared, “I am!”

The angels immediately slammed shut the gates of heaven and refused to let the imposter in. They saw right away that there were no nail marks in his palms. The imposter had no wounds of love, had not paid the cost. (Story found in William J. Bausch’s

“A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”)

As followers of Jesus, we are to have his hands. Although we don’t have the actual stigmata, spiritually our palms should have “holes” in them. We are called to have these wounds of love where the blessings we receive from the Lord generously “leak out” to those most in need, both close by and far away.

On Monday, Oct. 16, we celebrate World Food Day. Its theme this year is: “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.” The statistics quoted on the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s website are disturbing: Some 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed areas while one billion tons of food — about 17% of all food available to consumers worldwide — are thrown away each year.

We Christians especially are called to be good stewards of the earth. Here are some practical ways to honor World Food Day: • Conserve water by

taking shorter showers, not letting the tap run and fixing leaky pipes.

• Reduce food waste.

• Buy fish that has been caught or farmed sustainably.

• Don’t pollute water by pouring oils, medicines or chemicals down the drain.

• Help with cleanups of local rivers and lakes.

• Save energy, as it requires a lot of water to produce. Shut off lights when not being used as well as electronic devices.

• Eat more fresh foods as they are not only healthier but take less water to produce.

Perhaps the easiest way to celebrate World Food Day is to remember it throughout the year. When out grocery shopping, pick up some supplies to donate to your local food pantry or to Catholic Charities.

Sadly, there is never not a need.

Our extravagant generosity toward those most in need will, by the grace of God, transform our “holey” hands into ones that are truly holy.

Are you open to the Lord’s invitation to his table?

his Sunday’s Scripture is not very helpful if you’re trying to stay on a diet.

Again and again, we hear about extravagant dining — “rich food and choice wines” in Isaiah; a full table and an overflowing cup in the psalm; a rich wedding feast in the Gospel from Matthew.

But this Sunday’s readings are not about programming the new season of the Food Network or planning next month’s Thanksgiving spread. It is, in fact, a reminder of how abundantly God loves us. His generosity is a veritable smorgasbord of love, loyalty, steadfastness and mercy.

The Scripture gives us these very tangible

DEACON GREG KANDRA Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.

representations of God’s faithfulness and goodness — so real, we can almost taste them — to remind us

of something we might easily forget. To paraphrase another familiar passage: We taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Ps 34:8).

One prevailing question of the week is: Do we understand what he does for us? He extends an invitation to his feast. Are we willing to say “yes”? Even when we find ourselves overwhelmed by moments of anxiety and desperation, God invites us to be sated — filled with reassurance, courage and hope.

Consider St. Paul’s letter. Writing from prison, Paul sends this final message to the Philippians — words that are fundamentally a testament of faith: “I have learned the secret of being well fed

and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (4: 12b-13).

Put another way — in the words of the angel who spoke so reassuringly to a humble, unwed mother in Galilee — “Nothing is impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).

We belong to the One who dwells in possibility and who never abandons us.

We are beloved by the Father, who invites us to share his feast — to dine at his table.

But first, we need to be open to the invitation.

In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus offers a bold challenge to the priests and elders, and to all of us. It is the

challenge to be properly prepared, willing to receive what God has made ready for us.

And the jarring twist in the end is about much more than wearing the right clothes. It is about having the right heart, a heart that is full of gratitude and open to grace.

Christ is our strength. The Eucharist is our food. And God’s love is the bounty that sustains us.

A lot of us need to hear that — people who hunger for the basic necessities of life, but also those who yearn for love and understanding, compassion and hope.

In the end, no one will leave God’s table hungry.

Pope’s choices for next WYD celebrations are focused on hope VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Catholic young people around the world prepare for the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis has asked them to focus on hope.

Before the Jubilee of Young People, which will be part of the Holy Year celebration, and the next internation-

al celebration of World Youth Day in 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, dioceses around the world are to celebrate World Youth Day on a local level on the solemnity of Christ the King.

The Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life announced on Sept.

26 that Pope Francis had chosen as

the theme for the upcoming Nov. 26 celebration “Rejoicing in hope,” from Rom 12:12.

And for World Youth Day Nov. 24, 2024, Pope Francis chose: “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary,” drawing from the Lord’s promise in Is 40:31.

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OCTOBER 13, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Drawing close to Our Lord is a way to draw close to infants lost

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ne of the more difficult parts of losing a child before or shortly after birth is that there isn’t much to hold onto. Unlike when we lose an older loved one, there aren’t very many (if any) photos, belongings or stories to connect us to the child who has died.

On two separate occasions after the death of my infant son Peter, I was granted a great grace of connection with him. The first was during eucharistic adoration on a retreat a few months after his death. While I was asking Jesus for a sign that Peter was with

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LIBBY DUPONT Libby DuPont is a consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

me, a woman I didn’t know knelt beside me and shared a Scripture passage with me.

“I don’t know if this

means anything to you,” she said, “but I thought I should share it.”

She handed me her Bible with the first reading from Peter’s funeral marked off, and for just a brief instant, I felt a bit of the joy that my son

must be experiencing in heaven.

The second occasion was a few years later, on his birthday.

We had just finished setting up for a retreat and a priest offered Mass just for our little retreat team. I had been so busy all day that I hadn’t even given Peter much thought, but during Mass, I was overwhelmed with the joyful warmth of his presence.

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that these experiences both happened in the presence of our eucharistic Lord. Although they were extraordinary graces, they

are a reminder of an opportunity that we all have on a daily basis to connect with our little ones who have gone before us: the Eucharist!

Jesus is truly present to us in the Eucharist, but he also created and cherishes our children.

Therefore, it makes sense that drawing close to him would be a way to draw close to our kiddos.

October is the month of Miscarriage and Infant Loss Remembrance. If you love a little one who died before or shortly after birth, I encourage you to spend some time this month with Jesus in the Eucharist, specifically

asking him to draw you close to him or her.

Whether or not you have an experience like mine, you can rest in the certainty that you are united to them through our merciful Savior.

One specific opportunity is to join Archbishop Naumann for our annual Mass of Innocents, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit in Overland Park. Whether you are a parent, grandparent or just a supportive friend, this is a beautiful chance to celebrate their lives with the body of Christ.

May our eucharistic Lord bring peace to all grieving hearts!

Help us help you invest in the future of our church

n Oct. 30, I will have completed my third year as archdiocesan director of stewardship and development and executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

I have been blessed to serve in these roles.

However, one thing I have learned over and over again is that most Catholics do not understand who I work for, especially when I speak of the Catholic Foundation.

Most people think I work for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas or the Catholic Education Foundation.

Both of those organizations do tremendous work and are very worthy of your support.

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FAMILY MATTERS

vocation to the diaconate, like all vocations, is a mysterious interplay involving God, the deacon-to-be and the church. Predictably then, promotional literature can only scratch the surface of this complex reality.

For example, a diaconal vocation entails more than mere eligibility. Yes, we can only accept fully initiated Catholic men meeting various criteria into the program.

Yet, a vocation is much more than checking a bunch of boxes, and the mere fact that the boxes are checked does not indicate that one is “qualified” for the

YES TO THE CALL

BILL MALONEY Bill Maloney is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email him at: wmaloney@archkck.org.

So, after three years, maybe it’s time to clear this up.

The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas was founded in 1989 by Archbishop

Ignatius J. Strecker. The foundation exists to build and steward the permanent endowment funds of our parishes, schools and archdiocesan ministries.

In addition to that, the mission of the foundation is to promote the spiritual mission of the church by encouraging stewardship and to collaborate with parishes and institutions

to develop additional support.

The Catholic Foundation currently holds over $130 million in assets held in over 250 separate funds. The assets are invested in accordance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines.

We offer a wide array of opportunities for the faithful of the archdiocese. In addition to endowments in support of our institutions, we offer the opportunity to establish scholarship funds and donor advised funds.

The Catholic Foundation encourages stewardship by educating parishioners on many topics related to charitable giving. We

host seminars on topics such as wills and trusts and charitable gift planning. The Catholic Foundation is also proud to sponsor the Giving Tuesday initiative, the newly formed Catholic Advisors Network and to host educational symposiums for the development professionals of the archdiocese.

There is an old joke that starts out “I am from the IRS and I’m here to help . . .” Well, when it comes to the Catholic Foundation, we truly are here to help. The Catholic Foundation exists as a tool for the faithful and ministries of the archdiocese. The fees that are generated and collected from the funds are reinvested back

into the archdiocese through our grants program. Also, the fee income subsidizes the salaries of staff who are out working with our donors, parishes, schools and ministries.

Please visit our website — CFNEK.org — to learn more about the products, services and upcoming events.

A member of our staff would be happy to meet with you to assist with your charitable giving questions.

The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas looks forward to growing our impact throughout the archdiocese. We are hopeful that the faithful will begin to know who we are and invest in the future of our church.

Is the Lord leading you to become a deacon?

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

diaconate, as though eligibility could imply entitlement.

Many who aren’t “eligible” to become deacons have amazing gifts,

talents and charisms derived from their baptism, so clearly we should not see the diaconate as a prize for the spiritually elite.

A diaconal vocation also entails more than mere availability.

Of course, only those who are available to minister in the church as deacons receive a

vocation to the diaconate. In other words, for some, the particular demands of faithfully fulfilling one’s vocation as a husband and father, or maybe of meeting work responsibilities, preclude them from considering the diaconate, at least for now.

Yet, the diaconate is definitely not a “retirement vocation.” Some may be “available” precisely because they have not been generous with their time, whereas some seemingly unavailable men manage to integrate the diaconate into the fabric of their already busy lives gracefully and effectively.

A diaconal vocation entails more than a

mere desire to help “Father.” Of course, an altruistic desire to “help Father,” or more generally, to serve the people of God, is a noble aspiration and a hallmark of faithful deacons. This desire, however, has to be examined and tested further. There are many ways that a person can “help” based on his or her baptismal dignity. It is not as though deacons have cornered the market on serving others’ needs.

In addition, some may confuse “helping Father” with “being like Father,” fostering the misconception that deacons simply compensate for a shortage of priests (and not a shortage of deacons!).

A diaconal vocation is much more than a mere personal goal. It is healthy that a spiritually mature man might consider the diaconate as the direction the Lord is leading him, and that he would take steps in that direction.

In fact, the expectation is that he would be “all in” when it comes to his formation. Yet, the Lord may have other plans. The time spent in formation is never “wasted,” but sometimes it does not lead to ordination.

Next month, we will attempt to go beyond the initial threshold of eligibility, availability and the desire to serve when it comes to discerning this vocation.

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Kids’ CHRONICLE

The Pharisees try to entrap Jesus in speech

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ne day, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached Jesus as he taught in the Temple.

“By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” they asked.

Jesus refused to answer them, because they were afraid to answer his questions about whether John the Baptist’s baptism was of human or heavenly origin.

Jesus then told two parables, one of which was about a landowner who leased his vineyard to tenants.

The landowner twice sent his servants to collect the vineyard’s produce. Each time, the READ MORE servants were beaten or killed.

ABOUT IT: Then the landowner sent his son, Mt 21 & 22 thinking the tenants would respect him. Instead, his son was thrown out of the vineyard and killed.

“What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” Jesus asked.

“He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times,” the chief priests and elders answered.

“Did you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit,” Jesus said.

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest Jesus, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus a prophet.

Instead, the Pharisees went off and plotted how to entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their followers to Jesus to ask a question.

“Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” they asked.

Jesus wanted to see the coin that pays the census tax. They handed him the Roman coin.

“Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” Jesus asked.

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” Jesus said.

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Bible accent

n the Gospel of Matthew, we can read another story about Jesus and a coin.

In verse 22, we learn that Jesus and the apostles had gathered in Galilee, and Jesus had just finished explaining that he would be killed and raised on the third day.

Jesus and the apostles then traveled to Capernaum.

There they were met by a man who was responsible for collecting the Temple tax.

According to a note in the New American Bible, this payment was required of every male Jew above 19 years of age, and the money was used for the Temple’s upkeep.

The man who was collecting the tax spoke to Peter.

“Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?” he asked.

“Yes,” Peter replied.

Peter then entered the house in which they were staying. Before he could say anything, Jesus spoke.

“What is your opinion,” Jesus asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?”

“From foreigners,” Peter answered.

“Then the subjects are exempt,” Jesus said. “But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin worth twice the Temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

Q&A 1. How many parables did Jesus tell?

2. What coin was Jesus given?

TRIVIA: What did the scholar of the law ask Jesus to test him?

(Hint: Mt 22:36)

St. Martin of Tours

ILLUSTRATION BY LINDA RIVERS

WORD SEARCH

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t. Martin of Tours was born into a pagan family in Hungary in the early fourth century. His father was a member of the Roman army who moved the family to Italy, which is where Martin became a catechumen.

He eventually followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military. After he was discharged, Martin lived a monastic life and founded France’s first monastery.

The people of Tours, France, declared him their bishop in 372.

Martin was the first person who was not a martyr to be honored as a saint. He died in 397, and we remember him on Nov. 11.

Answer: Which commandment in the law is the greatest?