10 19 18 Vol. 40 No. 11 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 40, NO. 11 | OCTOBER 19, 2018

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

The banners of new saints Oscar Romero and Paul VI hang from the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass for seven new saints in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 14.

Saints risk all for love of Jesus

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Carrying Pope Paul VI’s pastoral staff and wearing the blood-stained belt of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, Pope Francis formally recognized them, and five others, as saints of the Catholic Church. Thousands of pilgrims from the new saints’ home countries — Italy, El Salvador, Spain and Germany — were joined by tens of thousands of others Oct. 14 in St. Peter’s Square to celebrate the universal recognition of the holiness of men and women they already knew were saints. Carolina Escamilla, who traveled from San Salvador for the canon-

“ALL THESE SAINTS, IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS,” PUT THE GOSPEL “INTO PRACTICE IN THEIR LIVES, WITHOUT LUKEWARMNESS, WITHOUT CALCULATION, WITH THE PASSION TO RISK EVERYTHING.” ization, said she was “super happy” to be in Rome. “I don’t think there are words to describe all that we

BLESSED BELLS

The bells at Savior Pastoral Center haven’t been rung in 30 years. That’s about to change. Page 3

feel after such a long-awaited and long-desired moment like the ‘official’ canonization because Archbishop Romero was already a saint when he was alive.” Each of the new saints lived lives marked by pain and criticism — including from within the church — but all of them dedicated themselves with passionate love to following Jesus and caring for the weak and the poor, Pope Francis said in his homily. The new saints are: Paul VI, who led the last sessions of the Second Vatican Council and its initial implementation; Romero, who defended the poor, called for justice and was assassinated in 1980; Vincenzo Romano, an Italian priest who died in 1831; Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa, a Spanish nun who ministered in Mexico and Bolivia and died in 1943;

HOLY ROSARY

October is the month of the rosary. Learn how to get the most out of it. Pages 8-9

For local coverage of Archbishop Oscar Romero’s canonization, see next week’s Leaven.

Catherine Kasper, the 19th-century German founder of a religious order; Francesco Spinelli, a 19th-century priest and founder of a religious order; and Nunzio Sulprizio, a layman who died in Naples in 1836 at the age of 19. “All these saints, in different contexts,” put the Gospel “into practice in their lives, without lukewarmness, without calculation, with the passion to risk everything and to leave it all behind,” Pope Francis said in his homily. >> See “POPE” on page 11

PRISON OBLATES

Father Matthew Habiger, OSB, couldn’t say no to prison oblate ministry. Page 16

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

Eucharist nourishes us on our pilgrim journey

his past Saturday, I was privileged to dedicate the new eucharistic adoration chapel for Holy Angels Parish in Basehor. The chapel is dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Angels. It is one of the most beautiful adoration chapels in the archdiocese. I am pleased that many of our parishes have adoration chapels and many other parishes provide generous opportunities for adoration in their churches. The Eucharist is the center of our Catholic spirituality. What a gift to have Jesus uniquely present in our chapels and churches. What a special blessing to be able to pray in the presence of our eucharistic Lord. The Diocese of Orange (Orange County, California) has called for a year of prayerful preparation for the dedication of Christ Cathedral in July 2019. Several years ago, the Diocese of Orange purchased the former Crystal Cathedral campus that was built by the Rev. Robert Schuller, the famous televangelist. Reverend Schuller sold his treasured church and campus to the Diocese of Orange because he wanted it to continue to be a place of worship and because he admired the Catholic Church’s long tradition of employing great art and architecture to inspire love for God — the source of all beauty. The principal motivation for the Catholic appreciation for excellence in architecture is our belief in Our Lord’s unique presence in the Eucharist. While not every one of our churches is an example of magnificent architecture, Catholics historically have sought to build churches that are worthy homes for the

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN divine presence. Of course, it is impossible for mere humans to build anything remotely worthy of God. Nevertheless, we attempt to give God our very best as a tangible means of expressing our love for the Lord as well as our gratitude for the abundant blessings Jesus lavishes upon us. On Sunday, I installed Father Kent O’Connor as the new pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. The daily Mass chapel at Good Shepherd has been dedicated for many years to the memory of Archbishop Oscar Romero, the martyred bishop of El Salvador. The same day as Father O’Connor’s installation, Pope Francis canonized Archbishop Romero. At the end of the Mass, we offered a special prayer and blessing for the chapel, expressing our gratitude for the heroic witness of St. Oscar Romero. We prayed that the eucharistic liturgies celebrated in the Romero Chapel will “continue to be a fountain of grace and truth for all who thirst after righteousness.” Our churches and chapels are places where we worship, adore and encounter the living God. The beauty of these sacred spaces reminds us of our own dignity

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT and CIRCULATION

(Act of October 23, 1962; Section 4369, Title 39, United States Code) PS Form 3526 1. Title of Publication: The Leaven 2. Publication Number: 0194-9799 3. Filing Date: Oct. 1, 2018 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly September - May, except Friday the week after Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and Friday after Easter; biweekly June August. 5. Number of Issues Annually: 41 6. Annual Subscription Price: $21 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher and Editor and Managing Editor:

as living temples that carry the very life of God within us. Our churches and chapels also speak to us of the dignity of every other human being — made in the divine image and for whom Jesus gave his life on Calvary. These holy buildings are not just spiritual oases where we come to adore and listen to God, but they are also places where we find the inspiration and strength to labor for justice for the poor and the vulnerable. Saint Oscar Romero was assassinated at an altar because of his courageous advocacy for the poor and oppressed. Finally, I humbly ask your prayers for my mother. On Mon., Oct. 8, she moved from her independent living apartment to Mother of Good Counsel Home in St. Louis. Gratefully, Mom made this decision. She had fallen a couple of times in recent weeks. Though her mind and spirit remain strong, it has been increasingly difficult for her physically to do the basic tasks required for independent living. Throughout her life, my mother has had to make difficult adjustments. The biggest one was occasioned by my father’s sudden and unanticipated death. Her faith has given her the strength to adapt to difficult circumstances and unwanted changes. Please pray for her that she will be able once

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann dedicates the new eucharistic adoration chapel at Holy Angels Parish in Basehor on Oct. 13. The chapel is dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Angels. again to embrace this new change forced by the physical limitations of age. Mother of Good Counsel is operated by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, some of whom serve here in the archdiocese at St. James Academy and Curé of Ars Parish. Mother of Good Counsel Home has a beautiful

chapel where Mass is celebrated daily for the residents and their families. This opportunity to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist each day is a great consolation for my mother. The Eucharist is a priceless treasure. It provides nourishment and strength for our pilgrim journey in this world. It reminds us of our own

Archbishop Naumann

Santa Marta annual meeting

Oct. 19 Juvenile correctional complex visit — Topeka

Oct. 23 Fifth-grade Vocation Day — Christ the King, Topeka

Oct. 20 Catholic Education Foundation Gaudeamus event — Overland Park Convention Center Oct. 21 Installation of Father Michael Hawken — Nativity, Leawood Respect Life Month Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood Poor of Jesus Christ 17th anniversary Mass — St. Joseph, Shawnee Oct. 22 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording

Publisher: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 66109-3718 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas Editor: Rev. Mark Goldasich, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, 66109-3718 Managing Editor: Anita McSorley, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, 66109-3718 10. Owner: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 15. Circulation: Av. No. copies Single issue each issue during nearest to preceding 12 mos. filing date A. Total no. copies printed (Net press run) 51,242 51,179 B. Paid Circulation 1. Mail Subscriptions 50,849 50,849 3. Sales through dealers

dignity and inspires us to fight for justice that respects the God-given dignity of every human being. May we never take for granted this amazing gift of God’s grace. May we take advantage both of the many opportunities to receive Our Lord in holy Communion as well as to pray and worship in his eucharistic presence!

Annual clergy vespers and dinner — St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison Oct. 26 Red Mass — Nativity, Leawood

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Mass and dinner

Oct. 28 Mass of Innocents — Holy Spirit, Overland Park

Oct. 24 Atchison regional priests meeting

Oct. 29 Nemaha-Marshall regional priests meeting — Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca

Confirmation — St. Dominic, Holton, and St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta Oct. 25 St. James Academy Catholic Formation Summit Mass, breakfast and keynote address Archbishop’s Call to Share clergy luncheon

Confirmation — St. Patrick, Osage City, and St. Patrick, Scranton Oct. 30 Catholic Charities annual board meeting, vespers and reception — Savior Pastoral Center

and carriers, street vendors and counter sales 0 0 C. Total Paid Circulation 50,849 50,849 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1. Outside-County copies included on PS Form 3541 252 246 4. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means) 0 0 E. Total Free Distribution 252 246 F. Total Distribution (Sum of C and D) 51,101 51,088 G. Copies not Distributed Office Use, Left-Over Unaccounted, Spoiled 141 91 H. Total (Sum of 15 f and g) 51,242 51,179 I. Percentage Paid and/ or Requested Circulation 99.5% 99.3% I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Rev. Mark Goldasich, Editor

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Each of the three Savior bells is dedicated to someone. This one is dedicated St. Gabriel the archangel.

After the blessing, members of the archdiocesan chancery staff take a closer look at the bells’ details.

All the bells feature a Scripture quote, as well as other artistic details and weigh between 600 and 2000 pounds.

For whom the Savior bells toll

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Silent due to lightning strikes for more than 30 years, the three bells of Savior Pastoral Center have returned to their soaring tower to broadcast their tones to the countryside again. On Oct. 16, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the recently returned bells, which were resting on wooden shipping platforms at the base of the 85-foot tower. He also led archdiocesan chancery employees in praying the Angelus. “Today is a joyous day for all of us as these newly refurbished bells of Savior Pastoral Center, not having been rung for over 30 years, are to be reinstalled and put back into daily use,” said Archbishop Naumann. “We rejoice in the opportunity to give God thanks and praise his name.” The scene was very familiar to David Nivens, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. Nivens, a member of the first graduating class of Savior of the World Seminary in 1968, remembered a similar scene exactly 53 years ago. It was on Sept. 25, 1965, that archdiocesan vicar general Msgr. Alexander Harvey blessed the bells of the new seminary. He was standing in for Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler, who sent greetings from Rome, where he was attending the Second Vatican Council. Nivens and 94 other freshmen and sophomores were the first students to begin studies at the seminary, which still had not been finished. “I’ll never forget driving down Parallel Parkway, which was two lanes [then], and first seeing that tall, white bell tower,” he said. “[Savior] was sleek and modern — like a Star Trek fortress.” He heard them regularly for the next three years. “I remember them ringing,” said Niven. “It was beautiful. You could hear them forever, all over the landscape.” Also present at the first, and now this second blessing of the bells, was Msgr. Michael Mullen. He had only been ordained three years when he was appointed vice rector and dean of students. But why did the seminary have bells? “The chapel is front and center of [Savior’s] design,” he said. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk in the door.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the newly refurbished Savior Pastoral Center bells on Oct. 16. The bells were set to be installed on Oct. 18 and rung for the first time in more than 30 years on Oct. 19 So, while it was not a parish church, it is a spiritual center. Bells are associated with announcing Masses and other special ceremonies.” Tim Chik, director of Savior Pastoral Center, remembered how impressed he was when he saw the bells and the tower when he arrived in 2010. But he learned that the bells had become only symbolic. Unlike traditional bells that are swung by a rope causing the bell to collide with a clapper, the Savior bells are immobile and rung by an electronically activated internal clapper. And they worked great — until they were struck by lightning. In fact, the tower had experienced at least five powerful strikes during its 50-year history. The most powerful of these strikes fried the electronic controls. They’d been repaired two, or maybe three times, but it became prohibitively expensive to continually repair the bells. President

Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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

So, they just hung there, silent, frequently visited by birds. “Early on in my time here, I asked about their history,” said Chik. “I got more information and talked about the costs involved. It was clearly too expensive of a project to do on a whim. But even back then, I had a plan to raise the funds and get all the right parties interested.” It took a decade of careful saving, but he finally collected the funds. The total cost of taking the bells down, transporting them, refurbishing them, rewiring and lightning-proofing them, and reinstalling them came out to the bargain price of $58,000 — about half of original estimates. And after this fix, the bells are very, very well protected from lightning. It’s inevitable that the tower will be struck again, but Chik is confident in the robust protective measures that have been installed. The three bronze bells were cast

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

at the Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry in Asten, Netherlands. Each bell is dedicated to someone and has a quote from the Scriptures: the St. Joseph bell, Matt. 1:24, at 2,000 pounds; the St. Gabriel bell, Luke 2:11, at 1,000 pounds; and the St. Mary bell, Luke 1:38, at 600 pounds. The Verdin Company of Cincinnati, which refurbished the bells, had bought and merged with the original company that transported and installed the bells in 1965. The total value of the bells is about $80,000. The bells will probably be rung to mark the hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. They can also be programmed to ring certain patterns (such as the Westminster chimes) and for specific occasions. Chik is seeking a way to coordinate with Catholic Cemeteries to play funeral tolls during burials at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, located north across Parallel Parkway.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Alvey responds to pro-life calling By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Contacts and information

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ann Marie Alvey, a member of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, knew she had some big shoes to fill when she became archdiocesan pro-life ministries coordinator on July 24. She was r e p l a c i ng Alvey offices longtime coat the Wyandotte ordinator of Pregnancy Clinic, the Project 3021 N. 54th St. Rachel minin Kansas City, istry here Kansas. Her hours in the Archare 9 a.m. -5 p.m. on Tuesdays, diocese of Wednesdays and Kansas City Thursdays. in Kansas, Pat Klausner, who had retired. And she was taking on Project Gabriel as well. But Alvey also felt like it was a dream come true. “I’ve always been pro-life,” said Alvey. “I wanted to work in a Catholic environment, and [this position] was part time also, which appealed to me because I have a child at home. I was very attracted to this kind of work, which is healing ministry. It felt like a calling — an answer to prayer.” Alvey and her husband David (who became mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, in January) have five children. She earned two degrees: a bachelor of arts in 1986, and a master’s in counseling in 1989. She and her husband raised their children in a pro-life household. Not only did they talk about the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, but they took part in pro-life activities as well. Alvey took her children to pray in front of abortion clinics, traveled to the pro-life rallies at the state Capitol on the anniversaries of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion ruling, and was a chaperone for the

• Ann Marie Alvey can be contacted by phone at her office (913) 621-2199, or by email at: projectrachelkc@archkck.org. • Project Rachel/Project Joseph website: projectrachelkc.com • For Spanish-speaking Project Rachel/ Project Joseph, contact Sister Maria Orozco, Blessed Sacrament Parish, at (913) 276-8789. • The Gabriel Project hotline is (913) 602-3006; website: gabrielprojectkc.com.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Ann Marie Alvey is the new coordinator of the Project Rachel ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Bishop Ward High School contingent at the national March for Life in Washington, D.C. “I also took my kids to the Kansans for Life dinner, so they could hear from leading speakers around the country

on pro-life issues,” she said. Her family kept her busy — and still does. But now that most of them have “flown the nest,” she is able to follow an additional calling. “I have been praying some time for

God’s guidance,” she said. “I asked him what he wanted me to do . . . next. I’ve been through the Spiritual Mentorship Program . . . so I’ve been doing spiritual mentoring, which couples really well with my counseling degree. I had a desire to work more in the field of helping people.” Alvey is responsible for two programs. The first is Project Rachel/ Project Joseph, and the second is the Gabriel Project. “Our God is a God of mercy,” said Alvey. “Jesus . . . came for the sick, outcast, hurting and wounded. He healed and restored them to new life. Project Rachel/Project Joseph seeks to serve those wounded by abortion, that they find forgiveness, healing and hope.” Alvey hopes to increase awareness of the ministry through social media and would especially like to reach out to post-abortive men, a population she said that is also hurting but not easily identified. Project Gabriel is a ministry for women experiencing difficult pregnancies. “I am looking for volunteers — ‘angels’ — who will be trained to accompany women on their journey,” she said. “I want an outreach coordinator — who contacts parishes to put up signs and leaves brochures — and others to fill other positions as they become available. Interested persons may contact me.” Alvey is also seeking “prayer warriors” for both ministries.

Now you can give the gift of summer camp By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — This year, parents and grandparents will be able to place the gift of Catholic summer camp under the Christmas tree thanks to a change in registration policy. Camp Tekakwitha registration will begin after Thanksgiving this coming November. For the past 20 years or so, registration for summer camp in the archdiocese has happened annually in January. There has been a growing trend nationally, however, for registration to occur earlier, said archdiocesan evangelization secretary Deacon Dana Nearmyer. “A number of our constituents have wanted to register their kids or grandkids before Christmas as a gift,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “We’d never done that . . . and we wondered what all the hurdles might be to doing that. “But we’ve been able to work through all those, so this November, right after Thanksgiving, we’ll open up our high school camp. And on concur-

Camp Tekakwitha registration schedule • Campers entering 9th to 12th grades in fall 2019: Register on Nov. 27. • Campers entering 7th and 8th grades in fall 2019: Register on Dec. 4. • Campers entering 5th and 6th grades in fall 2019: Register on Dec. 11. • Family Camp: Register by email to Jennifer at: camptekreg@gmail. com on Nov. 27.

rent weeks we will have registration for all the camps open before Christmas.” Parents and grandparents can reserve a camp spot for $100 and make payments over a period of time. There are three advantages to opening up registration before Christmas. First, it gives the ability to give camp as a Christmas gift and have the certainty that the spot will be available. Second, parents and grandparents have extra

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Liliana Kuttenkuler, 13, a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, aims her arrow during an archery session at camp. payment time. Third, this gives parents scheduling flexibility. Once the camp date is assured, other summer activities can be scheduled. All camp registration is done online or by email. To register, go to: www.

archkck.org/camp on the appropriate date. Scroll down on the camp home page for registration links and information about the various camping options.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

The long Lent of Father Tom By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

HAWNEE — Why Father Tom Uzhunnalil was not murdered is something he might never know. He does know, however, that he lived through his ordeal by the grace of God — and that he must tell others about prayer, God’s mercy and the necessity of forgiveness. Father Tom, 60, a Salesian of Don Bosco from the Province of Bangalore, India, visited Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee on Oct. 2. He celebrated Mass and gave a talk about the March 4, 2016, terrorist attack in Aden, Yemen, and his subsequent 18 months of captivity. The terrorists killed 16 people — including four Missionaries of Charity Sisters. Father Tom is from Kerala in southern India. Growing up, his relative, who was a missionary priest, would tell fascinating stories about his work — particularly in Yemen, a country on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. “Certainly as a young lad, his visits to the family we used to celebrate,” said Father Tom. Father Tom wanted to be a missionary in Assam or Africa, but wound up teaching telecommunications technology in India instead. But finally, he got the opportunity to go to Yemen. In 1992, the government had allowed the Missionaries of Charity to establish four centers in Yemen to care for the elderly. One was in Aden. Father Tom went to Yemen in 2010, one of four priests who served the religious needs of the Missionaries of Charity, who numbered about 21. But the country was not stable. A civil war began in March 2015. The Indian government demanded that all Indian citizens leave, but the Missionaries of Charity refused to leave the elderly they cared for, and one priest remained to serve the Sisters. Father Tom had gone back to India for health reasons earlier in February 2015, before the civil war began. “At Easter time, it was a special inspiration that prompted me to take permission from my superior to go back to Yemen,” said Father Tom. “I still had a valid priest’s visa. With difficulty, I reached Aden. It took two months to reach there — to the Missionaries of Charity home for the aged — on July 1, 2015.” By early 2016, Aden had become so dangerous that Father Tom could no longer travel the 12 miles between the church and the Missionaries of Charity center. He stayed in their guest room and celebrated Mass in their small chapel. There were five Sisters there, as well as several Yemeni staff members. On that fateful Lenten day in March, Father Tom led eucharistic adoration in the morning. Then, the Sisters cared for the elderly.

Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call or text 913-621-2199

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Left, Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was kidnapped in Yemen, disembarks after he was freed and arrived in Muscat, Oman, on Sept. 12, 2017. Father Tom was abducted during an attack on a Missionaries of Charity care home in March 2016 and imprisoned for 18 months. Above, Father Tom, more than a year later, shared his story at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee on Oct. 2.

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CNS PHOTO/HAMID AL-QASMI, EPA

“I’d finished my prayers, perhaps by 8:30 a.m.,” he said. “I got out of that house and was moving to the drive onto the main compound and I heard two gunshots from near the main gate and the security room.” Four terrorists had entered the compound. As he stepped out onto the drive, he was confronted by one of the terrorists, who grabbed his arm. “I just said in all the Arabic I knew that ‘I am an Indian,’” said Father Tom. The terrorist forced Father Tom to sit in the security room. Then, they began hunting for staff members, killing them. They found four of the five Sisters and killed them, too. “I could see in the garden, maybe about 80 feet from where I sat,” he said. “They were firing [on two Sisters] in their heads from behind. They fell face down. All I could do was pray ‘Lord, have mercy on them.’ I also prayed for those killing them.” The terrorists came back for Father Tom. They asked him if he were a Christian, and he said yes. But they didn’t kill him. They bound

“THEY WERE FIRING [ON TWO SISTERS] IN THEIR HEADS FROM BEHIND. THEY FELL FACE DOWN. ALL I COULD DO WAS PRAY ‘LORD, HAVE MERCY ON THEM.’ I ALSO PRAYED FOR THOSE KILLING THEM.” his hands and threw him into the trunk of the car in which they arrived. Later, they opened the trunk and threw in a metallic object wrapped up in the chapel’s altar linens. It was the tabernacle. Thus began Father Tom’s long Lent of captivity. He was moved around to various houses and kept blindfolded most of the time. He never knew who his captors

were, why they spared his life or what they wanted. They didn’t talk with him except when they forced him to make various videos and plead for his life. In order to occupy his mind and keep up his spirits, Father Tom did mental calculations and technical lessons. He prayed the prayers of the Mass and other devotional prayers. Although he lost quite a bit of weight, they fed him and did not physically abuse him. They even fed him while they were fasting during Ramadan, and provided diabetes medications. Meanwhile, the world was horrified by a mistaken report that he had been crucified. “I didn’t know anything about that until I came out,” said Father Tom. “And I’m thankful to the Lord for whoever spread that news [encouraging] everyone to pray for me. Perhaps those prayers prevented them from hurting me.” Thanks to efforts by Pope Francis, the Indian government and the sultan of Oman, Father Tom was released on Sept. 12, 2017. He went to Rome to meet the pope and then returned to India. Today, he lives in the provincial house and travels to talk about his experiences. “So, my mission is to thank people for their prayer support and to share what the Lord is,” said Father Tom. “He’s alive, and he hears prayers, and gives answer. And I give witness to this truth that the Lord answers the prayers of everyone. “I share the strength of prayer, hope and forgiveness. That’s my duty at the moment. Wherever I go, I share that.”

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OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

Regular deposits into emotional ‘bank’ pay huge dividends

hat happens in your home when you or a member of your family walks in the house after having been away for a few hours? If your family is like most, the first to greet you is your dog. Does anyone else say anything? Greeting each other and welcoming each other home after a day’s work, a long shopping trip or any other excursion is beneficial to your marriage. Researchers and marriage therapists are finding that how we acknowledge and respond to our spouse’s presence speaks volumes about our relationship. In our daily interactions, we are constantly entering or exiting each other’s lives. We do so whenever we ask a question of our spouse, give a word of advice, when we reach out to give a kiss or an embrace, and through many other small interactions. It is like we are knocking at each other’s door, saying, “Hey, here I am. Give me some of your time and attention,” and we expect an acknowledgment. How we are received impacts

Questions for reflection: How do you welcome your spouse when he/she enters the house? How do you say good bye to your spouse when he/ she leaves home?

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

our relationship. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage therapist and researcher, writes that the words and gestures spouses use to respond to each other’s biddings for attention and connection are like deposits into or withdrawals from their emotional bank account. What he discovered through his research is that withdrawals have actually a greater impact on the balance of the account than the deposits. Once a negative exchange occurs, five positive interactions are

PANKEY FOUNDATION REPAIR

needed to correct the deficit created by that one action. He encourages couples to create a surplus of positive interactions in their daily exchanges through acts of kindness. To create a surplus, we need to develop an attitude of welcome toward our spouse. An attitude is a state of mind — a way we think and feel about our spouse. Our attitudes affect the way we behave. Our words, the tone of our

voice, our gestures and our actions reflect our attitudes. Jesus teaches us what it means to have a welcoming attitude. Pope Francis explains in his apostolic exhortation “The Joy of Love” that, when people approached Jesus, he would meet their gaze directly and lovingly (323). Such is what happened one day while leaving the city of Jericho. Jesus came upon a blind man, Bartimaeus, who was on the side of

the road begging. As Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was approaching, he started shouting. Jesus heard him and stopped. He reached out to Bartimaeus with a welcoming attitude. He said to him: “What do you want me to do for you?” I am certain that these words made Bartimaeus feel good. He felt recognized . . . and Jesus’ words opened the door to a relationship. Bartimaeus said:

“Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him: “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” With that interaction, a relationship was started. Mark, the Gospel writer, tells us in Chapter 10 that Bartimaeus not only gained his sight but he followed Jesus (52b). This week, create a surplus of positive interactions in your marriage. Maintain a welcoming attitude toward your spouse and respond as Jesus would when he/ she says: “I am home.” “Can you help me?” “Would you stop by the store and pick up . . .?” “Please do not do that . . . it is annoying to me,” or when he/she asks for other favors. Keep in mind Jesus’ words to Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?”

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OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Marceta (Fleming) and Larry Reilly, members of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Mayetta, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 19. The couple was married on Oct. 19, 1968, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka, by Father Gerald Sheeds. Their children are: Jennifer Fischer and Meredith Sleichter. They have six grandchildren (one deceased) and three great-grandchildren. They celebrated with family on Oct. 14. Cecilia (Schmitz) and Elton Olberding, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 28 with a Mass. The couple was married on Oct. 26, 1968, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict, by Father Leander Scheier. They celebrated with a New England and Canadian cruise in early October. They plan to take a family trip later in the fall. Their children are: Paula Trowbridge, Jeffery Olberding, Dale Olberding, Marcy Knight and Justin Olberding (deceased). They also have seven grandchildren.

LeRoy and Martha Jane (Hund) Funk, members of St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 28 with a family gathering in Topeka. The couple was married on Oct. 26, 1968, at Sacred Heart Church, Paxico. Their children are: John Funk, Tonganoxie; Dawn Boman, Kansas City, Kansas; Dennis Funk, Sabetha; and Lea Weishaar, Nortonville. They also have 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Ronald and Linda (Erny) Drabik, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 25. The couple was married at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, in 1968. The couple will receive a marriage blessing from Father Bill Bruning at Mass, followed by a family gathering. A trip to Hawaii is planned for a later date. Their children are: Brent Drabik and Heather Green. They also have five grandchildren.

Retreat to explore grief and renewal

Constant G. and Vera (VanDekerchove) Samyn, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 26. The couple was married in 1968 at Sacred Heart Parish, Kansas City, Kansas. The couple has three children: John-Jen Samyn, David Samyn and Karen Bartelli. They also have nine grandchildren. A family luncheon is planned.

LEAVENWORTH — Persons grieving the recent or past death of a loved one are invited to attend a day retreat to explore loss, grief and the recovery of hope. Sister Judith Jackson, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, will facilitate the retreat on Nov. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marillac Center, Leavenworth. The donation for the retreat is $35 and includes lunch. All are welcome, and scholarships are available. To register or for more information, go online to: marillaccenter.org; send an email to: retreats@scls.org; or call (913) 6802342. Registration deadline is Oct. 26.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY

Correction

POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

Mass at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3

MT CALVARY KCK John Arellano Frank Becerra Clara Bolton Jesus Castillo Dr. Lawrence J. Eker Sr. Dorothy Fabac Tomasic Dennis Farrell Margaret Fay Helen L. Ferbezar Milan Gasparovic Josephine C. Golubski Ronald E. Hargis Victoria J. Horvat Mary Hurley Yvonne A. Lyons Amelia Markl David T. Martin Elizabeth A. Phillips Sandra L. Pokrywka Abraham J. Ramos Patrick C. Rebeck Stephen J. Ryan Robert E. Soptic Bernice Stone Larry Wagner Pamela Sue Wheeler RESURRECTION Urania Apostolou Carl E. Baker Jr. Larry Beer Clare Buck Baby Butler Kathleen Carucci Stanley Casper Thomas Conradt Shirley L. Corbin Robert Crane Mary Dalpini Phillip E. Deerr Jr.

In the Oct. 12 issue, the article, “Prolife initiative receives archbishop’s support,” a statement from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was inadvertently left out. In a the statement, the archbishop wrote: “The Hosea Initiative is doing what Blessed (now St.) Paul VI decreed in the Apostolate of the Laity (“Apostolicam Actuositatem”) on Nov. 18, 1965. The Hosea Initiative is a great gift to assist those in the church proclaiming the dignity of every human life. I pray God’s blessings upon Ms. Beatley and her ministry. May it be used to transform the hearts of many and save the souls of millions.” The Leaven regrets the error.

Prince of Peace Chapel Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kan.

Marie Dillon Jude Paul Donahay Lucy Downey Thomas F. Doyle Edward Paul Earhart Faraon Falcon Sr. Tessa Grace Feist Bonnie Foitle Henry Gampper Gianna Rose Gray John Grodzicki Hoi Ha Kathleen Hoffman Chester L. Howell Mary J. Keegan Mishael M. Kirimi Rosemary Kinnaird Anita L. Knettle Jeff Johnson Vivian M. Jones Vernon E. Lacy William B. Lague Virginia A. Larson Joann E. Mader Thomas Maillard Dan Manion Dolores Manson Stanley R. Mattson Rose Mc’Connell Eugene F. Mika Mary E. Nail Ronald Newman Kiwi Nguyen Mary L. Novak Anthony O’Bryan Patrick O’Shea Wendy L. Paradise Lucrecia S. Petigna Jason E. Platt Donna J. Ragan James Rhoads

Holy Redeemer Chapel Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Kansas City, Kan.

George W. Richter Jr. Ava Linnea Riscoe Baby Riscoe Baby Robinson Anthony S. Rosner Michael J. Roth James Ryan Louis Sauceda Jr. Herbert Schmack Chiara T. Scott Mary Ann Setter Vera R. Sharp Teresa G. Shockley Alessandra M. Simon Donald L. Smith Marianne Souders Josephine Stranimier Douglas Stark Joseph M. Steffen Thomas D. Troughton Phillip Vanderweide Mariana Aguilar Velez George W. Vogel Sr. Sean M. Walsh John Thomas Waters Willie Wiskur Elizabeth Ann Wohlrab Baby Van Zandt Thomas J. Zarse ST. JOSEPH Howard J. Birky Mary Hanks Alex Hill Rosemary Marshall Roberto Michel Virginia Michel Alice R. Putman Dona Sandifer Perry D. Selfridge Jr. Anthony Walahoski

Jack Yates Margaret Zieha ST. JOHN LENEXA Mary K. Cresto Dillon R. Gaulding Josephine R. Halbert GATE OF HEAVEN Marilyn Appl Mary E. Beggs Nathaniel D. Borders Charles A. Cippola Charles Deason Maria C. Deleón Diaz Bernard Hoover Nikola Kucenic Lawrence T. Locke Mary K. McNamara Donald M. Moritz Melvin E. Sumwalt Betty Thompson William Kao Yang James Yanos

PRAYING T

Five reasons the rosary is the perfect praye

By Gretchen R. Crowe Catholic News Service

IN THIS, THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY, WHY NOT REACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH THIS ANCIENT PRAYER

t was one of those days you never forget. Sitting on the beach one summer evening last year, my husband and I decided to pray the rosary. Close by on a blanket was our son, only 8 weeks old. As we started praying out loud, our son began to coo along with every word. Maybe he didn’t know their meaning, but he sensed the rhythm of every Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. That was my first lived experience of the rosary’s power as a family prayer. Over the centuries, many Catholics of all walks of life have underscored the familial nature of praying the rosary. Notable among these include two great 20th-century rosary devotees, Father Patrick Peyton and St. John Paul II. In the mid-20th century, Father Peyton, who founded Holy Cross Family Ministries, also known as the “rosary priest,” became famous for the saying, “The family that prays together, stays together.” In his autobiography, he explained why praying to Jesus through Mary in the rosary was so fundamental to his childhood that it eventually became the core of his life. Pope John Paul II wrote in “Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” his masterful 2002 apostolic letter on the rosary, that the rosary is “a prayer of and for the family.” “It is important not to lose this precious inheritance,” the pope said. “We need to return to the practice of family prayer and prayer for families, continuing to use the rosary.” Surely we know there is no better prayer suited to family life than the rosary — but why? Here are five reasons.

The rosary is simple. The short, repetitive prayers of the rosary make it a perfect devotion for families. It can be prayed by anyone, anywhere. The prayers are easily memorized and recited, and even young children can be encouraged to lead a decade. It would be a mistake, though, to mistake simplicity for insignificance, as there is much to be gained from praying the rosary frequently and with dedication. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a great lover of the rosary, called the devotion “the place where the simple love grows in knowledge and where the knowing mind grows in love.” There is much depth to be found in the rosary’s simplicity.

The rosary is tactile. A rosary comes with an almost builtin “fidget spinner” for young ones. Holding a rosary in their hands, they can keep track of how much is completed and how much remains. The string of beads also serves as a physical manifestation of the relationship with Our Lady and her Son. Simply holding a rosary often gives comfort, especially to young ones — and

even the very young can hold onto (or chew!) a baby friendly version. As you touch the beads during prayer, you can hand over your worries, concerns, sufferings and pains to the Lord through his mother.

The rosary brings peace. St. Pius X is credited with saying, “If you wish peace to reign in your homes, recite the family rosary.” For families, moments of quiet can be hard to come by. Peace is also shattered by the day-today conflicts that are bound to occur in family life. But by its rote nature, the rosary invites quiet reflection and meditation. Through the rosary, we are able to entrust any and all worries and anxieties over to Mary. By carving out a space each night for a family rosary, you also are carving out a space for peace to take root in the family home. Reflecting on the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus also

offers the opportunity for families to reflect on their own actions throughout the day and attune their lives to Christ’s. This can lead to something of an examination of conscience, providing opportunities for reconciliation at the day’s end.

The rosary tells a story. The mysteries of the rosary make the story of salvation come alive. Every member of the family, no matter how small, can understand to some extent the events and relationships illustrated. In the joyful mysteries, we learn about the life of Jesus and God’s plan for him and his family. The sorrowful mysteries, through meditation on Jesus’ passion and death, illustrate that no one is immune from suffering, even the Son of God. The luminous mysteries offer us an opportunity to grow in knowledge of ourselves and the universe, and, most importantly, of God and our relationship

THE ROSARY

er for families

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis touches a rosary during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican. The rosary manages to be one of the easiest and the most difficult prayers of the Catholic Church.

Too distracted to pray the rosary? By Father Geoffrey A. Brooke Jr. Catholic News Service

T with him. The glorious mysteries provide a backdrop for our hope in eternal life, according to which we pattern our lives. The stories contained within the mysteries of the rosary can teach all members of the family about the life of Jesus, thereby bringing each person into closer relationship with him.

The rosary mirrors the rhythms of daily family life. Mirroring the mysteries, our lives are composed of moments of joy and suffering and moments of hope and illumination. By grappling with the mysteries of the life of Jesus, in union with Mary who pondered them all in her heart, we are better able to cope with the ups and downs in our own families. Gretchen R. Crowe is editor-in-chief at Our Sunday Visitor and author of “Why the Rosary, Why Now?”

he rosary simultaneously manages to be one of the easiest and the most difficult prayers of the Catholic Church. Easy because it was developed to simplify the Gospels and contains the most commonly known prayers, the Hail Mary and Our Father. Difficult because it is so easy to get distracted while repeating the same prayers over and over. One of the noted side effects to the new digital age is a rapidly shortening attention span. This makes it even more difficult for the younger generation to pray the rosary when they’ve grown up on a steady diet of social media and the now seemingly antiquated 24-hour news cycle. Does this mean that the rosary should be given up, forgotten or abolished for the younger generations? In the words of the great sportscaster, Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friends!” Perhaps instead of abandoning the rosary, it can be looked at in a different light and seen as a great gift to the young faithful. Two of my fondest memories growing up are going to ballgames and going on vacation. There is something that both have in common: crowds. For a small child, those crowds can be quite scary or intimidating. So we were taught to hold on to Mom’s hand and not let go. She would lead us through the swarm of people and other obstacles and dangers. When we pray the rosary, Mary does the exact same thing. She leads us not through the crowds at the stadium but

rather through life. Like a good mother, she wants to keep us close and safe. As we navigate the various temptations, struggles and difficulties of life, Mary desires to lead us through the mess. Life throws its twists and turns at all of us. We often feel like we have nowhere to go, no idea what to do. We in the younger generation will jump on YouTube, Pinterest or Facebook to find the best advice capable of resolving our problems. All the time, there is Mary, holding out her hand, the rosary, for us to latch on and allow her to guide us in our time of need, fear or sorrow. Instead of trying to come up with all the answers ourselves, we can allow Mary to pull us through. There is of course a great irony about young people complaining that the rosary is “too repetitious” and “boring” for their short attention spans. In a cer-

tain sense, the rosary was developed just for them, albeit some 800 or more years in advance. The rosary grew out of a necessity for those who couldn’t read to learn the Gospel stories. It was, and still is, much easier to learn the 15 (now 20) mysteries of the rosary than to read the entire New Testament. As a modern-day analogy, the mysteries become like “tweets” of the Gospel. One-hundred-forty- (now 280-) character messages reminding us of the essential mysteries of the life of Jesus. On Twitter there is a hashtag, #GIFtheGospel, in which users post GIFs (compressed images) to humorously tell particular Gospel stories. The reality is that the rosary has been doing this very work for centuries. When the mysteries of the rosary are seen as a “Twitter version” of the Gospel, then it becomes a great tool to help introduce young people to Jesus, not something to be abandoned. Younger people today, myself included, might be tempted to think of the rosary as boring, repetitious or as an antiquated practice for older generations. However, when contemplated with a fresh perspective, one can see how through the rosary, Mary reaches out to lead us on life’s journey. It’s not a journey to nowhere. Rather it’s filled with many digestible and short signposts, tweet-sized mysteries leading us to Christ. Father Brooke is a priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri. His website is http://padregeoffrey.com and his social media handle is @PadreGeoffrey.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Pope accepts Cardinal Wuerl’s resignation

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl as archbishop of Washington but did not name a successor. When the pope’s decision was announced Oct. 12, the Archdiocese of Washington released a letter from Pope Francis to the cardinal, making clear his support for Cardinal Wuerl’s ministry and leadership, but also praising the cardinal for putting the good of the church first. “You have sufficient elements to ‘justify’ your actions and distinguish between what it means to cover up crimes or not to deal with problems, and to commit some mistakes,” the pope wrote. “However, your nobility has led you not to choose this way of defense. Of this, I am proud and thank you.” The archdiocese also announced the pope has named Cardinal Wuerl as apostolic administrator to oversee the archdiocese until a successor is named. Cardinal Wuerl had been facing pressure to resign after an Aug. 14 grand jury report detailing sexual abuse claims in six Pennsylvania dioceses painted a mixed picture of how he handled some of the cases when he was bishop in Pittsburgh from 1988 until 2006. The 77-year-old cardinal, the sixth archbishop of Washington, had submitted his resignation, as is mandatory, to the pope when he turned 75, but it had not been accepted until now. After his resignation was announced Oct. 12, Cardinal Wuerl said in a statement: “Once again for any past errors in judgment, I apologize and ask for pardon. My resignation is one way to

CNS PHOTO/GARY CAMERON, REUTERS

Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl greets people during Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the United States. The pope has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Wuerl as archbishop of Washington but did not name a successor. express my great and abiding love for you, the people of the church of Washington.” The cardinal also thanked Pope Francis for what he had expressed in his letter, saying, “I am profoundly grateful for his devoted commitment to the well-being of the archdiocese of Washington and also deeply touched by his gracious words of understanding.” In early September, Cardinal Wuerl

told priests of the archdiocese that he would meet with Pope Francis and ask him to accept his resignation “so that this archdiocesan church we all love can move forward” and can experience “a new beginning.” The Vatican announcement that the pope accepted his resignation came more than two months after the announcement that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of retired Washington Archbishop Theodore E.

McCarrick from the College of Cardinals. Archbishop McCarrick faces credible allegations of sexual abuse, including two that involved minors; Pope Francis ordered him to maintain “a life of prayer and penance” while awaiting a trial or other canonical process on the charges. Cardinal Wuerl has said until the Archdiocese of New York began investigating the claims that Archbishop McCarrick abused a minor, he was never informed of such accusations or even the rumors of Archbishop McCarrick’s sexual harassment of seminarians. In a letter Aug. 30 to the priests of the archdiocese, Cardinal Wuerl apologized for not being as close to his priests as he could or should have been in the wake of all the abuse-related scandals. Cardinal Wuerl asked the priests “for prayers for me, for forgiveness for my errors in judgment, for my inadequacies and also for your acceptance of my contrition for any suffering I have caused, as well as the grace to find, with you, ways of healing, ways of offering fruitful guidance in this darkness.” “Would you please,” he told the priests, “let the faithful you serve know of my love, my commitment to do whatever is necessary to right what is wrong and my sincere solidarity with you and them.” Cardinal Wuerl has been archbishop of Washington for the past 12 years. He earlier served as an auxiliary bishop of Seattle from 1986 until 1988, when he was named bishop of Pittsburgh, where he served for 18 years.

Diocese moving from prayer to action in wake of hurricane

ENSACOLA, Fla. (CNS) — In the wake of Hurricane Michael, which ravaged the Florida panhandle, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, whose territory was smack in the path of the Category 4 storm, has moved from prayer to action. The diocesan website still urged prayer for the hurricane’s victims, quoting two verses from Psalm 107, and also is encouraging people to donate much-needed items to those whose lives were upended by Michael. In conjunction with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, the diocese is accepting cash donations at https:// bit.ly/1kRR0Er. Goods urgently needed include water, tarps, nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies and gloves, pet supplies, and baby food and diapers. The diocesan pastoral center in Pensacola was accepting these items through Oct. 15, while St. Mary Church in Fort Walton Beach was conducting a weekend collection for those items Oct. 13-14. As of Oct. 15, civil authorities confirmed that 18 people had died but the death toll could go higher as at least 30 people were still missing. More than 250,000 people were still without power and could remain so for weeks. “So many people have lost everything: homes, property and even their livelihood. The scenes of destruction are heart-wrenching, knowing that when we see a place where there once was a house, a family used to live there and are now homeless,” Bishop William

CNS PHOTO/CARLO ALLEGRI, REUTERS

First responders and residents walk amid debris and destroyed homes Oct. 11 after Hurricane Michael swept through Mexico Beach, Fla. The Category 4 storm raged through the Florida Panhandle into Georgia Oct. 10 as the most powerful storm to hit the continental United States in decades, turning homes into piles of lumber and flooding subdivisions. A. Wack of Pensacola-Tallahassee said in an Oct. 12 letter to the diocese. He said the priests and employees of the diocese have been accounted for and “personal injury seems to have been kept to a minimum given the size of the storm.” Some church buildings, parish halls, rectories, schools and other buildings may be a total loss, but the damage was still being assessed, he added. Insurance will help with the rebuilding but it will be a long-term recovery

project, Bishop Wack said. “But I know that we will come together and do what we need to pull through this.” He asked those who are able to donate supplies or funds to help with the recovery. In the meantime, the bishop said, the diocese was working hard to arrange temporary places to celebrate the upcoming weekend Masses to accommodate parishioners whose church buildings are lost or have been deemed unsafe. An early estimate of losses from

the hurricane was set at $4.5 billion by CoreLogic, based on the replacement cost of the houses and other buildings that would be in the storm’s path. The company’s numbers do not include flood damage. Catholic Charities USA is a member of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and is a “trusted source” by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, where people can make contributions. The homepage of its website, https://www. catholiccharitiesusa.org, has a link to make donations to assist hurricane victims. It is the first time on record that a hurricane of this intensity had hit the Florida panhandle. Those who surveyed the damage to the towns in Michael’s path said the destruction appeared to them to be more like that from a tornado, as building after building had been flattened. While a Florida military base in the hurricane’s trajectory was evacuated and its planes flown hundreds of miles away, prisoners were not evacuated, and many of the region’s poor people found they had nowhere to go until it was too late to get out. The hurricane rose in intensity quickly before making landfall Oct. 10. Those who stayed behind may have expected Michael to remain a tropical depression. However, fueled by abnormally warm water in the Gulf of Mexico, it rose from a tropical depression to a Category 2 hurricane Oct. 9, before gaining Category 4 status early Oct. 10.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

HOMETOWN SAINTS

Pilgrims at canonization support their local ‘heroes’ By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — As the sun rose over the Tiber River, seven banners hanging on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica depicting the church’s newest saints were illuminated by the new day. Pilgrims from all over the world had lined up behind metal barricades on the outer perimeter of the square until members of the Swiss Guard, security officers, police at metal detectors and volunteers wearing blue bibs got into position and ready for the tens of thousands of people attending the canonization ceremony and Mass Oct. 14. “Good morning, Brescia!” shouted one volunteer steering a large group from the Italian province, where St. Paul VI was born, through the maze of barricades to get into the square. Many pilgrims were easy to identify with colorful banners, flags, hats or bandanas emblazoned with their saint’s image or name. In the crowd was Maria Giovanna Cimoli from Concesio, the small hometown of St. Paul VI. “I am so excited, so proud to be here. We live on the same street [St. Paul VI] lived on growing up,” she told Catholic News Service. “I was living here in Rome when he was elected,” she said. “I was in the square when they said his name. It was a shock.” Forty-two years after they were married, Lucia Bescotti and Giovanni Ballini from Brescia found themselves once again waiting in line to get into St. Peter’s Square. St. Paul VI had greeted them and given them his blessing in Rome after they were married in 1976 “when we were young,” Bescotti said. One U.S. mom, Jessica McAfee, 33, said a group of nuns formed an impromptu protective shield around her, her husband, Shaun, and their three small kids so they wouldn’t get lost or

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Men hold a banner showing new St. Catherine Kasper before the canonization Mass for seven new saints celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 14. Among those canonized were St. Paul VI and St. Oscar Romero. bumped into. Their fourth child, a threemonth old girl, was safely strapped to her mom’s chest in a baby carrier. The McAfees, who live in Omaha, Nebraska, but are based temporarily in Vicenza, Italy, were at the ceremony for St. Paul VI, whom she credits with her conversion to Catholicism. Her husband wanted to be a Catholic, she said, and she was attending the RCIA classes with him “just supporting him” on his journey. But after her risk of miscarriage brought her to medical professionals and the Pope Paul VI Institute, she was struck by the beauty of the icons at the facility and the loving care of the doctors. “They opened the doors for me. They met me where I was at and gave dignity to our unborn baby,” which was something that she had not encountered with other doctors, she said. Now a FertilityCare practitioner at the institute, McAfee said she thinks the

pope’s 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae” on human life and married love has much to offer people today. Andrew Pandorf and Louisa and Sandra Schlemmer were in Rome from the small German town St. Catherine Kasper was from; the new saint worked with the poor and needy and founded a religious order in the 19th century. “My grandfather was a big fan” of St. Catherine, Louisa said, and he claimed to have had a vision of her while in the hospital near death. The now-saint told him to get water from a particular fountain and when his wife did so, “he was cured,” the granddaughter said. “It was his big wish to be here, but he died this January so it’s important for us to be here for him,” she added. A group of seminarians from the Alessio Ascalesi archdiocesan seminary in Naples left at 3 a.m. to get to Rome for the canonizations of St. Vincenzo Romano, an Italian priest born in Naples

in 1751, and Nunzio Sulprizio, a layman who died in Naples in 1836 at the age of 19. “We chose Vincenzo Romano to accompany us on our journey to be saints in little things,” a seminarian named Francesco said; “and we chose Nunzio, because he wanted to be a priest but couldn’t, so we look to him to see what pushes us to want to be a priest.” About 20 seminarians from the Diocese of Cremona were there for St. Francesco Spinelli, a 19th-century priest who founded and set up in Cremona the religious order, the Sisters Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. Guglielmo Tarcisio Paluschi, 24, a seminarian in his fourth year of studies said St. Spinelli was “a great example for the priesthood.” “He understood the heart of Christian life is the Eucharist, where a Christian finds the strength to go out and bring to others what he has received,” he said. Paluschi said their group had a private audience Oct. 13 with Pope Francis, who urged them to try to make the Gospel understandable to young people because they are receptive. “He did it,” Paluschi said pointing to St. Spinelli’s banner on the basilica’s facade. “During his era, he found a way to make others understand Christ lives in each person” and is present in the Eucharist. When asked what attracted him to pursue the priesthood, he said he has met many good priests who have “shown it is possible to be happy, to find happiness in the priesthood.” Reflecting on his life, he said he sees Jesus “is calling everyone to a vocation of happiness and, in happiness, people can become a saint. If you look at your life, you can see lots of people leaving you ‘seeds’ that grow, and if you keep following, they lead to holiness,” he said. “He succeeded,” he said, looking again to the banner, “He became a saint.”

Pope invites the gathered to ‘all or nothing’ love >> Continued from page 1 The pope, who has spoken often about being personally inspired by both St. Paul VI and St. Oscar Romero, prayed that every Christian would follow the new saints’ examples by shunning an attachment to money, wealth and power, and instead following Jesus and sharing his love with others. And he prayed the new saints would inspire the whole church to set aside “structures that are no longer adequate for proclaiming the Gospel, those weights that slow down our mission, the strings that tie us to the world.” Among those in St. Peter’s Square for the Mass was Rossi Bonilla, a Salvadoran now living in Barcelona. “I’m really emotional, also because I did my Communion with Monsignor Romero when I was eight years old,” she told Catholic News Service. “He was so important for the neediest; he was really with the people and kept strong when the repression started,” Bonilla said. “The struggle continues for the people, and so here we are!”

Claudia Lombardi, 24, came to the canonization from Brescia, Italy — St. Paul VI’s hometown. Her local saint, she said, “brought great fresh air” to the church with the Second Vatican Council and “has something to say to us today,” particularly with his 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae” on human life and married love, especially its teaching about “the conception of life, the protection of life always.” In his homily, Pope Francis said that “Jesus is radical.” “He gives all and he asks all; he gives a love that is total and asks for an undivided heart,” the pope said. “Even today he gives himself to us as the living bread; can we give him crumbs in exchange?” Jesus, he said, “is not content with a ‘percentage of love.’ We cannot love him 20 or 50 or 60 percent. It is either all or nothing” because “our heart is like a magnet — it lets itself be attracted by love, but it can cling to one master only and it must choose: either it will love God or it will love the world’s treasure; either it will live for love or it will live

for itself.” “A leap forward in love,” he said, is what would enable individual Christians and the whole church to escape “complacency and self-indulgence.” Without passionate love, he said, “we find joy in some fleeting pleasure, we close ourselves off in useless gossip, we settle into the monotony of a Christian life without momentum where a little narcissism covers over the sadness of remaining unfulfilled.” The day’s Gospel reading recounted the story of the rich young man who said he followed all the commandments and precepts of Jewish law, but he asks Jesus what more he must do to have eternal life. “Jesus’ answer catches him off guard,” the pope said. “The Lord looks upon him and loves him. Jesus changes the perspective from commandments observed in order to obtain a reward, to a free and total love.” In effect, he said, Jesus is telling the young man that not doing evil is not enough, nor is it enough to give a little charity or say a few prayers. Following

Jesus means giving him absolute first place in one’s life. “He asks you to leave behind what weighs down your heart, to empty yourself of goods in order to make room for him, the only good.” “Do we content ourselves with a few commandments or do we follow Jesus as lovers, really prepared to leave behind something for him?” the pope asked people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, including the 267 members of the Synod of Bishops and the 34 young people who are observers at the gathering. “A heart unburdened by possessions, that freely loves the Lord, always spreads joy, that joy for which there is so much need today,” Pope Francis said. “Today Jesus invites us to return to the source of joy, which is the encounter with him, the courageous choice to risk everything to follow him, the satisfaction of leaving something behind in order to embrace his way.” Contributing to this story were Carol Glatz, Junno Arocho Esteves and Melissa Vida.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Ready for the summers off? Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get those precious summer breaks. Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans. CDL not required. $12 per hour. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Associate director of planned giving - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an associate director of planned giving for the office of stewardship and development. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas through professional stewardship and relationship-building activities as well as developing, organizing and implementing a spiritually based archdiocesan planned giving program. Duties include: developing operational and program goals; communication for all planned giving initiatives; and managing planned giving programs within the office of stewardship and development. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of five years in planned giving, marketing or related field. Requires bachelor’s degree in finance, communications or marketing; master’s degree preferred in business, law or accounting. Position requires a strong knowledge of Catholic Church organization and procedures; principles and practices of planned giving; building and maintaining relationships with staff, parishes and potential donors; and strict confidentiality. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support. Send via email to: jobs@archkck.org, or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Associate Director of Planned Giving Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Position is open until filled. Director of STREAM Innovation - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a dynamic and creative director of STREAM Innovation. This individual will work collaboratively with the associate superintendent to develop a vision and implementation plan for a world-class STREAM initiative in the Catholic schools in the archdiocese. This individual must possess a strong knowledge, background and experience in the STREAM fields, as well as a comprehensive understanding of K-12 education. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. Qualified candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, science, math or a related STREAM field; a master’s degree is preferred. Send a resume, cover letter and credentials to: Associate superintendent Mrs. Allison M. Carney, Catholic Schools Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or email to: acarney@arch kckcs.org. Application deadline is Nov. 16, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly thereafter. The position will begin no later than July 1, 2019, but could be sooner based on applicant availability.

Victim assistance coordinator - The office of child and youth protection (OCYP) for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an individual to fill a part-time position, victim assistance coordinator. This position is responsible for providing support to and identifying resources for victims and their families in cases of abuse by clergy or other archdiocesan personnel. This individual will manage treatment referrals and resources for individuals and families affected and foster reconciliation between the church and these individuals. In their role as a staff member of the OCYP, this position works closely with the director of the OCYP, the vicar for clergy and the report investigator. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field, and/or experience related to victim support; intermediate competency in MS Office Suite; and must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Victim Assistance Coordinator, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@ archkck.org. Position open until filled. Volunteers needed - Want to make a difference? The human rights office prison ministry program in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is looking for volunteers to help with various projects at the Catholic Center, located in downtown Kansas City at 20 W. 9th St. Grab a friend, pick the hours and day. Free coffee and parking; nice people. You will be touching lives every day! For more information, call program coordinator Laurie Jo Holmes at (816) 714-2364. Sales position – Do you have sales experience? Are you well networked in the local community? J.S. Paluch Company, national publisher of church bulletins, has full- and part-time positions available. Excellent earning potential; medical benefits; 401(k); life and AD&D insurance available; excellent commission; compensation program. Interested? Call Kay Leane at (800) 621-5197, ext. 2823, or email resume to: Recruiting@jspaluch.com. Enjoy working with children? - Curé of Ars Catholic School would like you to join our after-school care program. The hours are 3 - 6 p.m. and can be flexible based on your schedule. Contact after-school care director Rhiannon Mendez at: Rhiannon.Mendez@cureofars.com for more information.

Sonographer - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is a faithbased nonprofit organization serving women and families facing unplanned pregnancies with Christ-like compassion. We have an immediate opening for a sonographer to perform limited (not diagnostic) sonograms. That person could also serve at our new Olathe location. RDMS and nurse-sonographers who have been trained on ultrasound should apply. Send resumes to Donna Kelsey at: dkelsey@ wpcnetwork.org or call (913) 904-4050.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176

Lay counselor - Olathe Pregnancy Clinic will open in October. We will serve women and families facing unplanned pregnancies with Christ-like compassion. We have an immediate opening for a full-time bilingual lay counselor. Qualified applicants need to be bilingual in Spanish and English; be a faithful practicing Christian; possess strong pro-life convictions; and have a compassionate heart. Training will be provided. Send resumes to Donna Kelsey at: dkelsey@wpcnetwork.org or call (913) 904-4050.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

Lead consultant for pro-life ministries - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a lead consultant for pro-life ministry. The mission of the pro-life office is to teach respect for all human life from conception to natural death and organize for its protection. All offices for prolife initiatives are aligned with the USCCB’s “Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities,” and the consultant is charged with assisting the archbishop and his pastors in implementing these initiatives. The role of the consultant is to rally the Catholic faithful and people of good will to build up a “culture of life” through collaborative action with the parishes and pastoral regions of the archdiocese. The position requires strong leadership skills; excellent communication skills (both written and verbal); management skills including planning, executing, evaluating, prioritizing, meeting objectives and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Bachelor degree or equivalent required as well as involvement in pro-life activities/organizations. An application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume and application via email to: jobs@archkck.org, title Consultant for Pro-Life. Position open until filled. Legal assistant - Well-established law firm has an opening for a legal assistant. The firm is also looking for an office assistant. The positions are full time with benefits. Applicants must be dependable and detail-oriented. Prior experience is preferred but not required. Interested candidates should send a resume to Mark and Burkhead, 6700 Squibb Road, Suite 103, Mission, KS 66202. Executive director - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving women and families facing unplanned pregnancies with Christ-like compassion. We are looking for an executive director at our Wyandotte location. The candidate should have strong leadership and supervisory skills; be flexible and able to work in a constantly evolving work environment; be comfortable collaborating with a wide range of agencies, churches and organizations; have excellent writing and communication skills; familiarity with QuickBooks, databases and MS Office products. Will be responsible for growing donor base and event planning. Being bilingual is a plus. Reports to governing board. Send resume to Donna Kelsey at: dkelsey@wpcnetwork.org. Our client website is: www.wyandottepregnancyclinic.org; our donor website is: www.BabiesAtRisk.org; our Mobile Pregnancy Clinic is: www.mobilepregnancyclinic.org. For more information, call Donna at (913) 904-4050. Safe environment compliance administrator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a full-time safe environment compliance administrator position in the office of administrative services. Duties include coordinating all aspects of the VIRTUS program, including background screenings, implementation and compliance in parishes, and reporting. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of 3-5 years professional experience including proficiency in data management and organization. Application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s web site at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should submit cover letter, resume, and application (available on website) to: jobs@archkck. org, title safe environment compliance administrator. Position open until filled. Catholic elementary school principal – St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and instructional leadership, as well as advancement in Catholic schools, for the 2019-20 school year. Saint Ann has approximately 380 students in K-8th grades taught by 26 teachers. Applicants for 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 and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS, 66109, or email to: kohara@archkckcs.org. Deadline for applications is Nov. 2.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Ceilings - Renew your old textured, yellowed ceilings! Interior painting. No mess. Call Jerry at (913) 201-1144. Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting. We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! Certified coach: kathioppold.8toyouridealweight.com. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross KC) For sale - Two adjoining plots at Mount Olivet Cemetery in the Crucifixion area, close to the road. Original cost $1825 per lot. Will sell both lots for $2500 or separately for $1250 each. Call Lesley at (913) 908-2162.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Semiretired handyman can help with your “to-do list,” small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical: ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

For sale - Two side-by-side crypts; tier B, 13 and 15, located in the St. Joseph Chapel at Mount Calvary Cemetery, the only two left in the chapel. Call (913) 269-6176 for pricing.

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063

For rent - House in St. Joseph Parish for rent. Nice neighborhood. Close to St. Joseph in Shawnee. For more information, call Tom at (913) 238-2470.

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

SERVICES

FOR RENT CAREGIVING Just like family - Let us care for your loved ones in their homes. Two ladies with over 50 years’ combined experience. Looking for night shift coverage, some days. Great price, great references. Both experienced with hospice care. Call Ophelia at (913) 570-7276 or Kara at (913) 3431602. Experienced RN - Seeking a part-time day position. Will provide nursing, medication set-ups, (no lifting), companionship, respite care and concierge services in the Johnson County area. Call Mary at (913) 710-5412. CNA - Professional caregiver provides quality private home care assistance for the elderly in the comfort of your home. Part-time or full-time assignments. Will consider live-in arrangements. 25 years seasoned experience. Dedicated to clients. Call (816) 806-8104. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome. com or call (913) 422-1591. 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) 3412500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

Water damage restoration - Framing, insulation, painting, Sheetrock, mold treatment and lead-safe certified. Insurance claims welcome. Serving Wyandotte and Johnson counties for 25 years. Call Jerry at (913) 2064490.

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.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

I NEED HOUSES! - We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and we pay cash for any real estate without any realtor commissions or fees. We buy houses in any condition, including bad foundations. If you would like an easy, no-hassle sale at a fair price, please call me. We have 15 years of experience. Mark Edmondson, (913) 980-4905.

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. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR OPEN HOUSE Resurrection Cemetery W. 83rd St. and Quivira, Lenexa Oct. 21 - Oct. 28 from 1 - 4 p.m., (Sundays)

Learn more about the archdiocesan Catholic cemeteries. For more information, call (913) 344-7527.

AUTUMN HARVEST DINNER/DANCE St. Paul Parish 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $12 per person. Adults only (21 and over). Beer and wine will be served. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the new Olathe Pregnancy Center. For more information, call Chris or Vicki Dieterman at (913) 780-6428.

SINGLES OF THE EUCHARIST Christ the King Parish (hall) 425 W. 85th St., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.

If you are single between the ages of 40 64, join other singles for fellowship, socializing and faith sharing at the first Singles of the Eucharist meeting. Visit Facebook.com/ SinglesoftheEucharist or send an email to Terri Lynn at: SinglesoftheEucharist@gmail. com to RSVP.

OKTOBERFEST St. Mary-St. Anthony (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 20 from 4 - 6:30 p.m.

There will be a dinner of roast pork, sides, desserts and coffee. Tickets purchased in advance are $10; tickets purchased at the door are $12; kids tickets are $3. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the parish office at (913) 371-1408.

BREATHE RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Oct. 20 from 4 - 8 p.m.

BREATHE respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a loved one age 5 or older with a disability. Volunteers are needed. Prayerfully consider offering your time. Contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@arch kck.org, or Audrey Amore at (816) 739-1197 or by email at: aamore@sjakeepingfaith.org if you have any questions. To register a loved one for the program or to volunteer, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/specialneeds and complete the online form.

BAZAAR Queen of the Holy Rosary 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus Oct. 21 from noon - 4 p.m.

A meal of Chicken Mary’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, other sides, as well as drinks and homemade desserts will be served. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids 3 - 12; free for kids 3 and under; $30 for families of two adults and three or more kids. There will also be bingo, booths, a quilt raffle and a raffle prize drawing.

RESPECT LIFE MONTH MASS Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 21 at noon

Join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for a celebration of Mass for Respect Life Month. A light reception will follow. For more information, contact the pro-life office online at: prolife@archkck.org.

ST. PHILLIP NERI CHURCH BAZAAR Osawatomie City Auditorium 425 Main St., Osawatomie Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a dinner of homemade chicken and noodles with sides and desserts. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids from 6 - 12; and free for kids 6 and under. There will also be both live and silent auctions, a country store and children’s games.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT SISTERS, SERVANTS OF MARY St. Patrick Parish Center 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Sisters, Servants of Mary are a religious community that provides in-home nursing care for persons who are dying or terminally ill. Tickets for the breakfast cost $6 for adults; $4 for kids under 10. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling (913) 371-3423. There will also be a bake sale and a variety booth sponsored by the Mary Health of the Sick Guild members.

‘PICKING UP THE PIECES: A PATH FOR SURVIVING SUICIDE’ Good Shepherd Parish (Romero Chapel) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Oct. 22 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 2nd and 4th Sundays at 7 p.m.

What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self, which helps us fulfill the call to love again. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook. com/giftofself143 or send an email to: calledtolove143@gmail.com.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE HALLOWEEN DANCE FUNDRAISER St. Thomas More Parish (More Hall) 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Grief counselor Mark Fenton will speak on “Lessons from Suicide,” followed by his mother-in-law Jeanie Nestell, who will talk about surviving the suicide of her son. All are welcome.

The cost is $20 per person. There will be great music provided by The Zepster, delicious snacks, beer, wine and soda. This fundraiser provides monies for people who would like to attend a Beginning Experience weekend or the Coping with Life Alone sessions and need some financial assistance. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Have fun and win a prize!

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension (St. Luke’s Room) 9500 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 22 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

CHICKEN DINNER Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish (basement) 321 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a new ministry designed to help parents who have lost a child find hope through Scripture and community while adhering to the teaching of the magisterium. The mission of Project Chrysalis is to offer support and hope in a time of transformation. For more information, contact Ken or Patty Billinger at (913) 634-4210 or send an email to: kbillinger@archkck.org. This group is open to parents who have lost a child or grandparents who have lost a grandchild.

JESUIT FRIENDS AND ALUMNI NETWORK KICKOFF BREAKFAST Rockhurst University (Greenlease Library) 5211 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 24 at 7:30 a.m.

Did you attend a Jesuit high school or university, or make the Spiritual Exercises? If you would like to connect with like-minded alumni and friends of Jesuit/Ignatian spirituality, join us for a breakfast with Chris Lowney who will present: “Leadership Lessons From Pope Francis.” Learn more online at: www.Facebook.com/jfankc, or send an email to: jesuitfankc@gmail.com.

HOT DOG POTLUCK Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Oct. 25 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Christian widow and widowers organization will host the hot dog dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

GIFT AND CRAFT BAZAAR St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

There will be 51 tables with gift and craft items, including wind chimes, children’s books, religious items and much more. Continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments will be provided by the St. Joseph Garden Club at low cost. For more information, call Mary Sprunk at (913) 8250358.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN St. John the Evangelist Parish 1234 Kentucky St., Lawrence Oct. 27 from 7 - 10 p.m.

Enjoy the music of Deja Blue, complimentary finger foods, a cash bar and an hourly raffle at this fun, adult event seeking funds to repair and beautify the front entrance of our historic church. The cost for tickets is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, call (785) 331-0421.

A fried chicken dinner with sides, desserts and drinks will be served by the Sacred HeartSt. Joseph Altar Society. There will be a sneak preview of the guild craft and bake sale.

GERMAN SAUSAGE SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico Oct. 28 from noon to 3:30 p.m.

A meal of home-smoked German sausage and sides will be served. The cost is: $12 for adults; $4 for kids 4 - 12; and free for kids 4 and under. There will also be bingo, other games and a silent auction. Mass is at 10:30 a.m.

MASS OF INNOCENTS Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Oct. 28 at 12:30 p.m.

1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 230-8448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY St. John the Baptist Church 708 N. 4th, Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the parishes of St. John the Baptist, Holy Family and St. Mary-St. Anthony.

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.

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

ST. PATRICK’S GIDDY-UP AUCTION St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

There will be a barbecue dinner, drinks, desserts and fellowship as we raise money for the parish and school through live and silent auctions. The cost to attend is $45 per person. For more information, call auction committee chairperson Gina Nick at (913) 669-9833 or send an email to: gnick@ wycokck.org.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW AND BIEROCK SALE St. Rose School (basement) 530 E. 4th St., Garnett Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Vendors will feature both handmade and commercial items. The School Support Group will be selling frozen bierocks and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and will also have hot bierock lunches available during the day.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate a commemorative Mass for all children lost during pregnancy or in early infancy. This Mass gives parents, grandparents, siblings and other loved ones the opportunity to receive consolation, whether the loss was recent or many years ago. Though you may not have personally experienced this kind of loss, you are invited to come and support those who have through your prayers and presence. For more information, call Brad DuPont at (913) 647-0301 or send an email to: bdupont@archkck.org.

CHILI AND SOUP LUNCHEON St. Leo Parish (center) 1340 1st Ave. E., Horton Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.

CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish (basement) 321 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

‘FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT’ RETREAT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Nov. 3 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The craft and bake sale is held by the St. Anthony Guild. There will be quilts, crafts, baked goods, bierocks, cinnamon rolls and much more. Breakfast will be served.

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The cost for a meal of bratwurst and hot dogs with “fixins” is: $5 for adults; $3 for kids 5 - 10; kids 5 and under eat for free. There is a $5 wristband for kid’s activities. There will also be a cakewalk, beer garden and bingo.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Oct. 28 at 1 p.m.

There will be a business meeting followed by a social. If anyone knows of a family member in distress, sick or in need of the circle’s prayers, contact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-

There will be vendors, a silent auction and a raffle. The cost for the luncheon is a freewill donation. Lunch includes chili, chicken noodle soup, chili/hot dog, desserts and drinks. There will be a DJ from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Proceeds will help with travel and medical bills for Cindy Groshong who is undergoing chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.

Persons grieving the recent or past death of a loved one are invited to attend a day retreat to explore loss, grief and the recovery of hope. Sister Judith Jackson, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, will facilitate the retreat. The suggested donation is $35 and includes lunch. All are welcome, and scholarships are available. To register or for more information, visit the website at: marillaccenter.org; send an email to: retreats@scls.org; or call (913) 680-2342. Registration deadline is Oct. 26.

CALENDARsubmissions submissions CALENDAR DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: blankenship@theleaven.org.

beth.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-NINTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 21 TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 53: 10-11 Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22 Heb 4: 14-16 Mk 10: 35-45 Oct. 22 John Paul II Eph 2: 1-10 Ps 100: 2-5 Lk 12: 13-21 Oct. 23 John of Capistrano, priest Eph 2: 12-22 Ps 85: 9-14 Lk 12: 35-38 Oct. 24 Anthony Mary Claret, bishop Eph 3: 2-12 (Ps) Is 12: 2-6 Lk 12: 39-48 Oct. 25 Thursday Eph 3: 14-21 Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 Lk 12: 49-53 Oct. 26 Friday Eph 4: 1-6 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 12: 54-59 Oct. 27 Saturday Eph 4: 7-16 Ps 122: 1-5 Lk 13: 1-9

Are you a fence-sitter or a true follower?

hat would I do? Take a moment to ask this question as you place yourself in this story: One Sunday morning during Mass, a congregation was surprised to see two men enter, both covered from head to toe in black and carrying submachine guns. One of the men shouted, “Anyone willing to take a bullet for Christ remain where you are!” Immediately, there were shouts and screams, leading to a chaotic scramble. The choir fled, the altar servers fled, as did most of the congregation. Within a few minutes, out of the 200 parishioners in attendance, only 10 remained where they were. The man who had shouted took off his hood, looked at the priest and said, “OK, Father, I got rid of all of the fence-sitters. How about we start the Mass now?” (Story adapted from “Preaching to the Converted on Sundays and Feast Days Throughout the Year,” by Richard

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.

Leonard, SJ.) So, what would you do if this were to happen at Mass this weekend? Would you stay or run? Sadly, this is not just a hypothetical scenario in places throughout our world. This past weekend, Pope Francis canonized a number of new saints, among them Archbishop Oscar Romero, assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass in El Salvador. He dared to speak out for the rights of the poor, those who counted

for nothing in his society. He spoke “truth to power” — as did Jesus — and, like Jesus, paid with his life. A few weeks ago, I was privileged to meet Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Salesian priest who was abducted by terrorists in Yemen in March 2016 and held captive for 18 months. His story is on page 5 of this issue of The Leaven. One line particularly stood out. He’d just witnessed terrorists killing staff members of the Missionaries of Charity care home for the aged where he was chaplain. Despite this, when asked if he was a Christian, he said yes, knowing full well that the same fate might await him.

Again, what would I do in dire situations like that of Archbishop Romero or Father Tom? I’d love to think that I’d be as courageous and faithful. But would I? Would you? Would fear override faith? The reason I waver on how I might react in such a life-or-death situation is that I pass up plenty of opportunities on a daily basis to live out my Christianity. For example, in last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus advised the rich man to “sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven” (Mk 10:21). Like the rich man, I have “many possessions” and certainly could be much more generous to those in need. So, why do I still hesitate? In reading about Archbishop Romero, I have to ask if I boldly take a stand with and for the outcast, the forgotten and the unloved. Do I stand up when people are being bullied, in person or online? Do I let demeaning comments about others go unchallenged? Am I disinterested when I hear about

people starving in the world or suffering from natural disasters? In short, there are plenty of instances in which I’m not really being faithful to what the Lord calls me to be and do. And if I can be so cavalier in smaller things, well, that doesn’t bode so well for courage in life-and-death situations. Father Tom said it was the “strength of prayer” that got him through his captivity. That’s where I’m starting — by using this prayer, found on the Catholic Digest website: “Lord, may our faith in you grow ever stronger by the day, expanding and touching every aspect of our lives. May we, your humble faithful, plant in others the seeds of trust in you. Let those only beginning to recognize your glory grow continually in awe of your might and righteousness. Amen.” I’d say it’s about time for us all to stop comfortably sitting on that fence.

Disciples fail to grasp Jesus’ mission — and their own

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he theologian Avery Dulles, in his book “Models of the Church,” proposed several ways to understand the purpose and activity of the church. Among them, the model of the church as servant stands out in our consideration of Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mk 10: 35-45. In it, Jesus admonishes the disciples: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” As their master, Jesus will provide the disciples with an example to follow: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

Jesus’ emphasis upon service drastically contrasts with the disciples’ desires. Two of them, James and John, have

approached Jesus with a request that Jesus grant them positions of power and prestige in the kingdom that he will be establishing soon. They do not understand the character of his kingdom. They also have missed the point of his predictions that he will have to suffer and die on the cross. James and John are joined by the remain-

POPE FRANCIS Even the greatest sinners can find a loving mother in Mary, while those who are corrupt find refuge only in their own blind and selfish desires, Pope Francis said. In a book that was scheduled to be released Oct. 10 in Italian, the pope said Mary is unable to enter the hearts of corrupt men and women because they have made the “satanic” choice of “locking the door from the inside.” “Mary cannot be the mother of the corrupt because the corrupt would sell their own mother, they would sell their belongings to a family, to a people,” the

ing disciples in their lack of comprehension about Jesus’ mission. The other disciples are angered by James’ and John’s request, not because it is inappropriate, but because James and John have beat them to the punch. The other disciples are just as ambitious, just not as quick. The disciples’ misunderstanding about Jesus’ mission parallels their misunderstanding about the mission to which Jesus is calling them. It is a life of service. Instead of being self-serving, instead of seeking power and glory for themselves, they are called to serve others. And, as it is for Jesus, that will mean sacrifice: “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the bap-

tism with which I am baptized?” Drinking the cup and being baptized are both metaphors for suffering. In these words, Jesus is looking forward to his own passion and death on the cross. He is challenging the disciples as to whether they can share in his sufferings. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus will perform the supreme act of service. He will “give his life as a ransom for many.” As we follow in the footsteps of Christ the servant, we also are called to make sacrifices in the service of others. That is part of our mission, as we take part in the work of Christ here on earth.

pope said. “They look for their own profit, whether it’s economic, intellectual, political, of any kind.” The book, titled “Ave Maria” (“Hail Mary”), features reflections on the Marian prayer made by Pope Francis during an interview with Father Marco Pozza, a prison chaplain in the northern Italian city of Padova. Several excerpts of the new book were published Oct. 8 by “Vatican Insider,” the online news supplement to the Italian newspaper La Stampa. The pope said he imagined that throughout Mary’s life, she remained a “normal woman” despite the extraordinary circumstances of being the mother of God, and “she is a woman that any woman from this world can imitate.” — CNS

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Accommodations made for some can benefit the many

urb cuts. I bet you don’t think about them much, but I bet you use them at least once a week. You know what I mean by curb cuts, right? A curb cut is a solid (usually concrete) ramp graded down from the top surface of a sidewalk to the surface of an adjoining street. Curb cuts are found at grocery stores, malls, libraries, courthouses, schools — curb cuts are everywhere. Curb cuts are universal. Curb cuts were originally designed to make public streets accessible to wheelchair users. But who uses them now? All of us do! We use curb cuts if we are

REACHING OUT

TOM RACUNAS Tom Racunas is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: tracunas@archkck.org.

pushing a grocery cart or a baby stroller; if we are riding a bike, skateboarding, roller skating;

if we are running or if we just don’t have the energy or capacity to lift our foot up a few inches and then follow by lifting our body weight, . Curb cuts make life more convenient. For some of us, curb cuts make getting to and from more accessible. The original purpose of the design (accessibility

for wheelchair users) ended up benefiting all of us. So curb cuts have a “universal design.” All of our churches in the archdiocese are physically accessible — either through curb cuts or other modifications. Parishioners, including those with special needs, can get into our churches. But are our parishes spiritually accessible to all? Once inside the church, is participation in the liturgy fully accessible? Can everyone hear the words of sacred Scripture, the homily and the Liturgy of the Eucharist? Can everyone see the words in the missalette and hymnal or the song numbers on the hymn board? Can families who

have a child with a more severe disability worship together? Can an 18-year-old with autism receive the sacrament of confirmation? Can someone with severe celiac reaction receive the holy Eucharist? Are faith formation classes — including RCIA, SOR and special presentations (guests speakers, missions, retreats) — accessible to those who want to participate? These are the questions that Archbishop Naumann is asking us to address in the third goal of the mutually shared vision. When you begin your work to make faith formation, sacramental preparation and participation in the

liturgy more accessible for people with special needs, try to apply the concept of universal design. It may result in a “curb cut effect.” The accommodations and modifications made for some can have a positive impact on many more. Some parishioners will take advantage of the accommodation and become more engaged. The mystical body of Christ will continue to grow towards its radiant fullness! Need help creating curb cuts in your parish? Contact the archdiocesan office of special-needs ministry at (913) 647.3054 or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org.

Called — and calling all others — to serve

s I round out my first 60 days at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, I reflect on why I am called to this vocation. The answer is clearly summed up in two words: to serve. There is no better opportunity to serve our neighbors in need than through the many ministries of Catholic Charities. We offer a unique opportunity for all to see the church through service. But we cannot do it without you. In another two words, I am asking you to join us. If you have not had an experience with Catholic Charities, I personally invite you to join me in

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

LAUREN SOLIDUM Lauren Solidum is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

learning more about our programs. If you are unsure where to start, connect with us for a bus tour to understand the

Concrete Work

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

operations of many of our ministries. Maybe you are ready to jump right in and donate your time through volunteering. Together, we can fulfill the Gospel mandate to live out the corporal works of mercy. Help us feed the hungry by offering your

time in one of our eight Emergency Assistance Centers. Or join us at our warehouse, Hope Distribution Center, where food donations are sorted and inventoried before being distributed to our food pantries. Help clothe the naked through volunteering at one of our TurnStyles thrift store locations. As we prepare to open a third store, we welcome your family or group’s assistance with collecting and sorting gently used donations. Experience how we shelter the homeless by preparing and sharing a meal with the residents of Shalom House, our men’s shelter in Kansas City, Kansas. Help us welcome the

stranger by getting involved in our New Roots for Refugees program. Share your gift as a tutor for our Citizenship Preparation or English as a Second Language programs. Together, we can compassionately care for the sick and homebound through our Friendly Visitors, in-home support and Catholic Community Hospice ministries. Volunteers provide companionship and comfort through phone calls, prayer or simply sitting with a patient. Catholic Charities offers the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community, whether you are Catholic or not. We are a gateway to serve and

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a gateway to interact with a multitude of other organizations supporting those in need within this community. We need you, your fellow parishioners and your friends to help share the Catholic Charities story. I will conclude with yet another two words: thank you! Thank you to those who have graciously given time, talent and treasure to continuing the mission of Catholic Charities. Your contributions have a life-changing impact throughout the 21 counties we serve. I look forward to getting to know you through one of these Catholic Charities experiences as we join together to serve our neighbors.

OCTOBER 19, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Program brings ‘structure and purpose’ to inmates’ lives By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

Ways you can help oblates in prison

TCHISON — While most Catholics have a number of ways to discover a path to holiness through the Carmelites, Secular Franciscans or other third orders, the incarcerated often have few choices. One monk is changing that. Since 2014, Father Matthew Habiger, OSB, has served as spiritual director and coordinator of the Oblates in Prison program, an adaptation of the Benedictine Oblates as outlined in 2004 by Father Louis Kirby, OSB. “He tailored the oblate movement,” said Father Matthew. It made sense to Father Louis that prisoners could grow in virtue, reclaim their God-given dignity and experience his love while serving out their sentences. With 11 prisons in a 20-mile radius of Cañon City, Colorado, the monk ministered to men and women longing for a relationship with God. For more than 10 years, he served as a spiritual director and father to them. Then, the priest succumbed to the inevitable. “He had the audacity to die,” Father Matthew said with a laugh. Up until October 2013, Father Matthew had been active in pro-life and natural family planning rather than prison ministry. But some handwritten letters changed his life. An incarcerated oblate in Delta, Colorado, wrote him inquiring about natural family planning. Father Matthew thought nothing of it at first and gladly sent him the information. Then the same incarcerated man, along with another, sent letters to the abbey in Atchison extolling the virtues of the oblate prison ministry and expressing their love for Father Louis. It soon became clear to Father Matthew that the Lord was calling him in a different direction. “I think Louis was working from heaven,” he said, eyes twinkling. “So, I ask you: How do you say no?” Two summers ago, he led retreats in six different prisons in Colorado. Afterwards, correspondence started pouring in — and by correspondence, he means hand-addressed, handwritten letters. Father Matthew answers each letter personally, as he knows the oblates rely on him for spiritual guidance and advice. When an individual first sends a letter to Father Matthew expressing interest, he sends a copy of the Rule of St. Benedict, the Oblation Manual for Prisoners and “The History of the Benedictines and the Oblates of Saint Benedict.” Those who remain interested are offered a formal application. It includes standard demographic information and a section to express their thoughts as to why they want to become oblates. During their yearlong candidacy, oblates experience communal life inasmuch is possible given their incarceration. They pray lauds, vespers and compline;

• Pray for the incarcerated. The power of prayer, Father Matthew and O’Connell said, cannot be understated and provides tremendous spiritual benefit. Benedictine oblates have a specific obligation to pray for members of the community, including those behind bars. • Provide a financial gift. The cost of providing and mailing materials such as copies of the Rule of St. Benedict, information packets and newsletters can quickly add up. Additionally, many prison libraries do not have an adequate supply of Bibles. Your financial gift can be used to offset mailing costs or to provide Bibles or other resources. • Become a pen pal with a prisoner. Life in prison can be especially challenging, said O’Connell, without a connection to the outside world. Father Matthew said starting an exchange of correspondence with a prisoner, especially an oblate in formation, can help provide him or her encouragement, direction and a sense of belonging to a larger community. For more information about the Oblates in Prison ministry, contact:

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

Since 2014, Father Matthew Habiger, OSB, has served as spiritual director and coordinator of the Oblates in Prison program. read the Rule of St. Benedict three times; pray the rosary; participate in Mass as often as possible; and grow in the values and virtues of Benedictine monasticism — including prayer, humility, obedience, peace, patience, charity and reverence. After a year, candidates write letters to Father Matthew, expressing their spiritual growth and their wish to become an oblate. In turn, the monk sends the prison chaplain the official rite of oblation to be administered by a local diocesan priest. “It’s just beautiful stuff,” Father Matthew said. He spends between 40 to 60 hours each week on correspondence. In addition to answering the letters and providing requested Catholic resources to the incarcerated, Father Matthew and a team of volunteers publish a monthly newsletter, offering reflections for incarcerated oblates appropriate to the liturgical season. “As a [vowed] religious, you learn to do what God’s calling you to do,” he said. And he is quick to acknowledge the contributions of his fellow monks. The entire abbey community prays regularly for the prisoners and those with authority over them, he said, such as guards, judges and probation officers.

Approximately 25 percent of those incarcerated worldwide are in American prisons, Father Matthew said. He has come to believe the penal system within the United States needs reform. “It should be a time for rehabilitation, but is this happening?” he asked. Many of those incarcerated experienced abuse, fatherlessness and poverty through no fault of their own. Searching for meaning in their lives led some down destructive paths. And while he cannot solve all the problems himself, the monk educates others about the need for prison reform while ministering to more than 500 prisoners in 39 states. “Wherever humanity is, there is Christ,” he said. And for the incarcerated, “the oblate program seems to be a perfect fit.” The program helps to bring “structure and purpose back into their lives,” he added. Discovering a path to holiness was critical to Brian O’Connell. Once incarcerated in a Colorado correctional facility, O’Connell was introduced to the oblates through Father Louis in June 2010. During the next three-and-a-half years, O’Connell maintained a regular

Father Matthew Habiger, OSB St. Benedict’s Abbey 1020 N. Second St. Atchison, KS 66002

correspondence with Father Louis, receiving instruction in the Benedictine life. “Prison is a very chaotic environment,” he said. “[Being an oblate] brought mental clarity, focus and peace in an environment where that does not exist.” When Father Louis died, the correspondence, including the newsletter, stopped. O’Connell said he first wrote Father Matthew asking for natural family planning information. Later, he and Joshua McKenzie wrote Father Matthew about reviving the program and was glad Father Matthew “accepted the challenge.” Throughout the rest of his incarceration, O’Connell’s faithful witness brought more than 50 others to the Catholic faith. Today, he has five godsons, who, like him, served time. The five men have formed “a close-knit community” and hold each other accountable to live out their oblation. Released for more than two years, he serves as the editor in chief of the oblate newsletter and said he cannot imagine living his life any other way. “Being an oblate has empowered me to be a better father, a better husband,” he said.