10 20 17 Vol. 39 No. 11

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 11 | OCTOBER 20 , 2017

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Father Oswaldo Sandoval, coordinator for Johnson County Hispanic ministry, gives a presentation at the archdiocesan convocation Oct. 13 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. More than 300 archdiocesan leaders gathered at the biennial convocation, the theme of which was “Living as Missionary Disciples.”

INVITED TO THE CONVERSATION Biennial convocation calls for a culture of encounter

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — They didn’t start the fire, but they did carry it back from Orlando, Florida.

Fired up by their experience at the national Convocation of Catholic Leaders July 1-4 in Orlando, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and other delegates resolved to carry home a spark to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The vision of Orlando was shared at the Archdiocesan Convocation of Parish Ministries 2017: “Living as Missionary Disciples,” held Oct. 13 at the Archbishop James P. Keleher Center at the Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

More than 300 archdiocesan leaders gathered at the biennial archdiocesan convocation for lively presentations and participant interaction in panel discussions during sessions. “[The Orlando convocation] was all a reflection on [Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation] ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ and how we form missionary disciples,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“When we left Orlando, we were

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“WE HAVE TO SEE THESE CHALLENGES . . . AS OPPORTUNITIES THAT CALL US TO DISCERN THE NEW PATHS FOR THE CHURCH THAT POPE FRANCIS TALKS ABOUT IN HIS FIRST LINES OF ‘THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL.’”

tasked with being delegates back to our own communities,” said Emily Lopez, lead consultant for adult evangelization in the archdiocese.

Even the format of the Orlando convocation was replicated at the archdiocesan convocation, both in look and in method.

The usual speaker’s podium on stage was replaced by chairs and a couch, where the emcee and a panel sat as they each took turns speaking on

their session’s topic.

A phone number was flashed on a large screen so people could text questions on their cellphones to the panelists during Q&A periods.

“What we did was a direct reflection of what we experienced while we were in Orlando,” said Lopez, who was emcee for the archdiocesan convocation.

“The three main topics and panels were the same, and even the layout of the room,” she continued. “We intentionally wanted to have an environment that fostered conversation — not just attention to a presentation — that really invited people into a conversation.

“We wanted everyone to feel they were in a place where they were involved.”

Three big topics — plus two The three session topics carried over from Orlando were “Charting the Mission Field,” “Call to Missionary Discipleship” and “Going to the Peripheries.” Organizers of the archdiocesan convocation also added two more, “Practical Strategies” and “Equipped

for Excellence.”

In “Charting the Missionary Field,” archdiocesan vicar general Father Gary Pennings gave an overview of the “landscape” or mission field of the United States. He presented data about the demographic, geographical and cultural shifts the Catholic Church and the nation are experiencing.

He noted that over the past 50 years, Catholicism in America has experienced its largest cultural and demographic transformation since the large European migrations of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

One transformation is that Hispanics account for 71 percent of the growth of Catholic population in the United States since 1960, and approximately 60 percent of the Catholics in the nation under the age of 18 are Hispanic.

Father Pennings also noted four major cultural shifts.

First, marriage and family life has been significantly reconfigured in terms of roles, expectations and practices. Second, communal life has been eroded. Third, society has become polarized to the point that respectful and >> See “CALLED” on page 10

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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Reformation anniversary reminds us of scandal of disunity

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ctober 31 of this year marks the 500th anniversary of what is commonly acknowledged as the event that launched the Protestant Reformation.

It is the date that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses upon the door of the chapel of Wittenburg Castle that questioned what he considered scandalous practices within the church.

On Sept. 29, I participated with Bishop James Johnston of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese in a joint Catholic-Lutheran prayerful commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Bishop Johnston co-presided with Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bishop Roger Gustafson at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri.

I was honored to be the Catholic homilist for the commemoration service.

In my homily, I noted that our efforts for Christian unity (ecumenism) must be anchored in truth and honesty. Ecumenical dialogue should never be about watering down — or worse yet — denying what one believes in order to appease or not offend others.

Thus, I stated the obvious — that Catholics do not celebrate the reformation. It is impossible for us to celebrate an event that resulted in the tragic fracturing of the body of Christ.

We can and must, however, prayerfully commemorate what was indeed a tremendously significant event in the history of Christianity.

Indeed, it is an event of such importance and magnitude that we dare not ignore it, lest we forget the lessons to be learned and repeat the mistakes that Catholics made.

Pope John Paul II in the preparation for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 acknowledged the sins of members of the church, particularly against the

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN unity of Christians.

History makes clear that the personal sins and failures of those within the church created a need for reform and a toxic environment that resulted in the divisions that began in the 16th century and have geometrically multiplied in the ensuing years.

It can be too easy and convenient to confess the sins of others in the past, while ignoring the very different cultural and historical prism through which we evaluate their choices.

However, the events of the 16th century remind us of what happens when the ordained ministers of the church fail to strive to live lives of integrity, the entire body of Christ suffers.

It is not difficult to recognize parallel circumstances in our own time.

When the ordained clergy of any age fail to strive to imitate the selfless love of Jesus, we become obstacles that block the ability of others to see the truth and beauty of the Christian Gospel. When church leaders become more devoted to material comfort, seeking the pleasures of the flesh and grasping for power, people are rightfully scandalized and distrusting — not just of the individual clerics, but of the church’s authority and even the truth of the Gospel.

Pope Francis in Sweden almost a year ago in a similar commemorative service invited Catholics and Lutherans to observe

the anniversary of the reformation with what he termed “a renewed spirit and in the recognition that Christian unity is a priority, because we realize that much more unites us than separates us.”

The Holy Father described the journey to strive for Christian unity as itself a gift.

Pope Francis challenged Christians “in a spirit of fellowship to direct our gaze to the one Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Pope Francis invited both Catholics and Lutherans to confess and lament before Christ that we “have wounded the visible unity of the church.”

The Holy Father observed: “Theological differences were accompanied by prejudice and conflicts, and religion was instrumentalized for political ends. Our common faith in Jesus Christ and our baptism demand of us daily conversion, by which we can cast off the historical disagreements and conflicts that impede the ministry of reconciliation. While the past cannot be changed, what is remembered and how it is remembered can be transformed. We pray for the healing of wounds and the memories that cloud our view of one another.”

Indeed, there is much we can learn from our Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ.

The beautiful personal relationship with Jesus cultivated through the prayerful daily reading of the Bible is something we would do well to emulate. Many Protestant Christians are shining examples of holiness and of the compassion and love that flows from

an intimate friendship with Jesus.

In the 17th chapter of St. John’s Gospel, Our Lord prayed not only for the first disciples, but for those who would believe in him because of their testimony. In other words, Jesus was interceding for us.

Jesus prayed: “I pray not only for them (the original disciples), but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you; that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (Jn 17: 20-21).

Sadly, in reaction to some of the scandalous behavior of some Catholic leaders, many found Luther’s critique and that of other Protestant leaders to be attractive and alluring. Of course, Luther and the other leading voices in Protestantism were also flawed human beings.

The unfolding of the fragmentation of Christianity resulting from the Protestant revolt had as much to do with egos and political ambitions as theological disputes.

The principle that Luther introduced — namely, if you disagree with the articulation of the church’s teaching or a church discipline, you simply divide and begin your own church — was a recipe for chaos. Indeed, we see immediately within the Protestant movement there were divisions.

Denying the authority of the successor of St. Peter essentially made every individual their own pope.

We can see clearly now, 500 years later, that the principle that the Bible alone was the only true magisterial authority has led to thousands of contradictory interpretations of the Scriptures. This is why we see some of the ecclesial communities that are the successors of Luther hold moral teachings that are clearly in conflict with Our Lord’s own teaching as recorded in the Scriptures.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Oct. 20 Juvenile Correctional Complex visit — Topeka Oct. 21 Catholic Education Foundation Gaudeamus event — Overland Park Convention Center Oct. 22 150th anniversary of St. Patrick, Scranton Project Andrew — Holy Cross, Overland Park Fraternity Poor of Jesus anniversary Mass — St. Mary/St. Anthony, Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 23 Priests small group meeting “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Kairos 2017 fraternal dinner Oct. 24 Kairos 2017 “United in Christ” — Forerunner School of Ministry, Grandview, Missouri Topeka regional priests meeting Catholic Charities annual meeting, vespers and reception Oct. 25 St. Thomas Aquinas High School eucharistic adoration Via Christi meeting We all need to pray for Christian unity and, as much as possible, to work for the reunification of the church. In an increasingly aggressive secularized culture, Christians must strive to recognize points of unity that can serve as starting places for rebuilding the unity of

“Trust One Greater” — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Oct. 26 World Youth Alliance meeting Confirmation — Holy Family, Eudora Oct. 28 Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry conference — Vandalia, Illinois Oct. 29 Pastoral visit to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Little Sisters postulancy Oct. 30 Priests small group meeting Holy Hour with Deacon Justin Hamilton and formation team Oct. 31 Curia meeting — Savior Pastoral Center

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Oct. 21 Catholic Education Foundation Gaudeamus event — Overland Park Convention Center Oct. 22 Mass — Federal prison camp Oct. 24-25 Bishops’ retreat — Louisville, Kentucky Oct. 29 Mass — Federal prison camp

the body of Christ. Our disunity remains a scandal and impairs the very credibility of the Gospel of Jesus.

We must implore the Holy Spirit to reveal to us a pathway to become one again, so that the world will be compelled to believe in Jesus.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Olathe parish breaks ground on new site

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

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LATHE — “I thought the groundbreaking ceremony was close to perfect,” said Father Michael Hermes after St. Paul Parish here celebrated a milestone in its relocation project on Oct. 8.

“We had our annual spiritual bonfire and all-parish rosary led by our youth,” said the pastor. The event drew more than 600.

St. Paul, the oldest parish in Johnson County, is relocating for the fourth time in its history to 115th Terrace and Lone Elm Road — just four miles north of its current location.

But the arduous process of building a new school and church is not dimming the spirit of St. Paul will conthese patinue to get all projrishioners. ects pledged and the That was money raised until obvious in all phases are comthe enthuplete. Pledge cards siasm of are available in the the large parish office and after crowd that Masses. showed Public meetings, up for the with an explanation of groundthe project, take place breaking. the third Thursday T h e of each month in the fellowship parish office. of this Donations may diverse also be made online commuat: www.spcatholic. nity was weshareonline.org/St on display PaulCapitalCampaign.

St. Paul parishas well, as ioners ask for your they reprayers and support cited the as they journey torosary together in the building gether in of their new parish English, campus.

S p a n ish and American Sign Language, and again when the evening was capped off with the sounds of music in Spanish from the Coro de San Pablo (the St. Paul Spanish Choir) and bluegrass music from the Konza Swamp Band.

The response of the parish to the relocation project has been overwhelmingly positive, said Father Hermes.

“We qualified for the groundbreaking in less than two years of starting the capital campaign,” he said. “I’m proud of our community for the generous response.”

The building committee determined the best path forward for the relocation process is to build a school and multipurpose center first, during Phase I of the project.

This will allow the whole parish to move together.

“We had many discussions about whether or not to build a church building first,” explained Father Hermes. “But we decided against that since we would have had a split campus for 10-plus years.

“Also, by moving out of our current campus, we were able to sell it to the

St. Paul capital campaign

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

With the sun setting, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, assisted by pastor Father Michael Hermes, blesses the ground at 115th Terrace and Lone Elm Road in Olathe, where St. Paul Church and School will be relocated.

The future of the relocation project

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Archbishop Naumann prepares to break ground for the new St. Paul Church and School. Pictured with the archbishop are, from left, Mark McKinzie, representing the McKinzie family who donated the land to the archdiocese; Olathe mayor Michael Copeland; pastor Father Michael Hermes; pastoral assistant Claudia Ramirez; and Chris Parazin.

First Hmong Christian Church (from Kansas City, Kansas).”

The parish will celebrate Mass in the multipurpose center and continue to rent the gym at their former location for sports activities.

Olathe mayor Michael Copeland joined the community for the groundbreaking ceremony, thanking St. Paul Parish for its contribution to the city.

“We are so grateful for St. Paul and its extraordinary ministry to Olathe,” he said. “It’s so wonderful for our community to have St. Paul working for more than 157 years to proclaim the Gospel, to lead people to Christ and to help those in need.

‘Thank you very much for expanding your reach with the facility here on

Lone Elm.’” The Leonard McKinzie family was also on hand to help celebrate. The family donated 20 acres to the archdiocese during the Future Full of Hope campaign in 2001.

“Later on, the archdiocese decided to have St. Paul relocate to this site to better serve the growing Catholic population in west Olathe,” said Father Hermes.

There are currently 3,000 Catholic families living within St. Paul Parish boundaries. In the next 10 years, with new housing growth, it could grow to 4,000 families.

One of the primary motivations for relocating is to better serve these Catholic families.

“We are hoping that the construction

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The Oct. 8 groundbreaking was for Phase I of the relocation project. Pastor Father Michael Hermes explained St. Paul Parish’s future plans: “We have a Phase I-A project ready to finish off the school (12 classrooms). This is necessary since we are moving from a one-classroom-per-grade school to a twoclassroom-per-grade school.

“Also, there will be a Phase I-G, which will be a gym. We will rent the current gym at the old campus until we build the new gym.

“And all the while we are making plans for Phase II, which will be our beautiful church.

“If all goes well, we could have a groundbreaking for the church in just five or six more years.

“Finally, the rectory will be located on campus and we will use the proceeds from the sale of the current rectory and the Father Hubbard Center (the day care) in order to pay for the rectory.”

of Phase I will begin in November,” said Father Hermes. “We hope to have it ready for occupancy by January 2019.”

In his blessing, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann commended parishioners on their undertaking and reminded them that Jesus is the cornerstone, the foundation, of all that we build.

“Let us pray for his help during this celebration, my brothers and sisters,” he said, “that God will bring the construction to a successful completion and that his protection will keep those who work on it safe.’”

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.

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OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Charities makes way for family-friendly service opportunities

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By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven

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“WE’RE JUST TRYING TO HELP FAMILIES FIND A WAY TO BE ABLE TO LIVE THEIR GOSPEL-BASED FAITH AND SERVE THEIR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.”

VERLAND PARK — Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas had a pleasant problem on its hands: The organization based here was constantly being called by families — and schools and even the archdiocese — with requests for ways a family could volunteer.

The problem, as explained by Denise Ogilvie, vice president of outreach and grants management for Catholic Charities, was “we weren’t really set up for families.”

Until now.

This past summer, Ogilvie and her colleagues, Meg McLaughlin and Camille Pickhinke, developed a resource guide, called “Family Services Booklet,” to assist families seeking volunteering opportunities. The booklet is posted on the website of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas — go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org, type “Family Volunteer Packet” in the search box, then click on the image of the booklet on the far right. It has been made available as well to Catholic schools and religious education programs in the archdiocese.

The booklet is divided into six categories. One category, “Feeding the Hungry,” offers four different ways for volunteers to help their fellow brothers and sisters.

Another category, called “Clothe the Naked,” features two activities.

The categories and activities are as follows: Feed the Hungry • Catholic Charities’ food pantries and the Hope Distribution Center • Summer Food • New Roots for Refugees • St. Rita’s (pilot program) Welcome the Stranger • Refugee and Immigration Services Clothe the Naked • TurnStyles Thrift Store • Resource bus, Foster Grandparent Program and refugee children

A resource guide, called “Family Services Booklet,” is available on the website of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas — catholiccharitiesks.org — to assist families in seeking volunteering opportunities.

Shelter the Homeless • Shalom House Care for the Sick and Lonely • In-home support and Friendly Visitors Instruct • Collect gently used or new books for children served by Catholic Charities

and create a Hope Bookmark Each activity contains the following elements: purpose, prayer before you begin, activity instructions, ways to expand this project and a point of reflection. Age-appropriate levels are also noted. For example, children need to be 10 or older if their parents want them to volunteer at TurnStyles.

“We looked at the things that we have at Catholic Charities, and tried to design something where families could start early — when their children were younger — [to] do something at home or donate to Catholic Charities,” Ogilvie said.

When the kids reach middle school age, she continued, “they could volunteer here at Catholic Charities.

“We’re just trying to help families find a way to be able to live their Gospelbased faith and serve their brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Ogilvie added that she hoped that the booklet could serve as a template, so it can be added on to as new projects come up.

Over the summer, she said, Catholic Charities sponsored a food program in which volunteers assembled meals for parents who brought their children to one of the Summer Food sites. Catholic Charities provides summer meals to children at 30 different sites across the 21 counties of northeast Kansas.

“That’s one opportunity [where] families are able to volunteer,” Ogilvie said. “This increased our desire to give families more opportunities.”

“It is really important to us,” she added. “We at Catholic Charities think that not only are we here to serve, but we believe part of our job is to provide opportunities for others to be Christ to someone.

And, families are so very vital to that service.”

Emporia Catholics celebrate Fatima anniversary as families

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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MPORIA — Sacred Heart Parish here found a new twist on a centennial celebration of a momentous event.

On Oct. 1, the Catholic Youth Formation program at Sacred Heart held a Family Fatima Day to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, during the spring of 1917.

“This was for our parish children, in kindergarten through fifth grade, who attend our Catholic Youth Formation program,” said Joan Dold, parish director of faith formation.

Dold created the Family Fatima Day to accomplish two things. The first was to teach the students about Our Lady of Fatima. The second was to involve the children in doing something for the people of Houston, which was recently inundated by a hurricane. Parents and other family members were invited to join in the Family Fatima Day. Approximately 100 children and family members participated.

From left, fifth-grader Nathan Najar, Antonio Najar, Lorena Chavez and first-grader Arlin Najar make rosaries as part of Family Fatima Day at Sacred Heart School in Emporia.

“We started with a brief lesson about what a spiritual bouquet is,” she said. “We passed out blank pictures of sunflowers, and they would decorate and write a prayer offering they wanted to make for a church we’ve adopted in Houston.”

The Houston church is Christ the

Redeemer Parish.

“Our director of evangelization [Blake Vajgrt] reached out and made the connection for us,” said Dold. “He gave the lesson on spiritual bouquets.”

After they finished making the spiritual bouquets, they watched a video

about Our Lady of Fatima. After the video, each child was given a bag of beads to make a rosary. When they had done so, the group prayed one decade.

The children were able to take their rosaries home when the event was over.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Archdiocese celebrates 100th anniversary of Fatima

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

VERLAND PARK — One hundred years after the Blessed Virgin Mary visited three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, Catholics continue to celebrate her appearances.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas honored the anniversary at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park Oct. 13.

“It was standing-room-only — there were so many people here,” said Cathy Mahr, one of the cantors at the celebration.

“We were thrilled to host it,” she said. “The church was beautiful, and we have a big banner of Fatima up in the church.”

The event began with a rosary for peace followed by a presentation by Mike Scherschligt on the relevance of Mary and our quest for peace.

“He spoke about Fatima, and it was nice for people to hear about that,” said Mahr.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann then celebrated Mass and, at the end, consecrated the archdiocese to the intercession of Mary’s Immaculate Heart (see sidebar).

Mahr noticed that people came from all over the archdiocese, not just the host parish.

“It was nice to have the big event here,” said Mahr. “I think it meant a lot to the parishioners.”

Several parishioners have a special connection to the miracle at Fatima, said Mahr, and the parish held its own rosary procession and celebration the morning of the larger event.

“I think it makes us more aware of things [going on in the church],” said Mahr. “I think sometimes we go through life and don’t really stop to think about those things.

“To see people from all over the archdiocese come here to do these things is neat,” she said.

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the tender mother of all, in accordance with your most ardent request at Fatima, we consecrate to you our local church: the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and all who dwell within its boundaries.

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Reign over us, and inspire us each day to make the most Sacred Heart of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, reign over and triumph within us and around us, as it has, from the very moment of your conception, reigned and triumphed in you.

Reign over us, dearest and most Blessed Mother, that we may be yours in all times and circumstances: in both prosperity and adversity, joy as well as sorrow, and peace as well as tumult.

O Queen of Purity, guard the minds and hearts of each one of us, that we may be ever pure in our intentions and desires, possessing that purity of heart which your Son declared to be blessed and deserving of seeing the very face of God. O Queen of Families, lead our witness to the value of strong and holy families, in imitation of your own Holy Family, and enable each family within our local church to thrive through dedicated love, mutual service and openness to life.

O Queen of Peace, bring to us — as individuals and as one body, and to our nation and the whole world — the peace and justice of your Son: that peace which the world cannot give, and that justice perfected in the kingdom of heaven.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT LUCHI

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann leads the rosary at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park on Oct. 13 as part of the archdiocese’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima.

O Queen of Apostles, guide us in our mission to bring others to know, love and serve the living God, and to invigorate the faith of those who have grown distant from the truth.

O Queen of All Saints, draw us closer to our heavenly patrons, especially you in your Immaculate Conception, St. John Marie Vianney, and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.

Kindly join to their intercessions your own prayers for us, that we may be a church strong in faith, humble in worship, and untiring in service.

We pledge our obedience to you always, and promise to do all we can to imitate your virtue through the practice of our Christian lives.

We pledge to advance the sacramental life of the church, especially through the eucharistic sacrifice and holy Communion.

We pledge to cultivate devotion to you, especially the most holy rosary — that heavenly bouquet of prayer rooted in the mysteries of the incarnation of your divine Son. And we pledge to offer you the penances and sacrifices of our times, to be placed at the foot of the cross, where Jesus placed all of humanity into your maternal care.

We are yours, O Immaculate Heart of Mary!

Therefore, receive us in this, our act of consecration, as we together invoke your most loving assistance: Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee!

Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT LUCHI

School of Faith executive director Mike Scherschligt speaks on the relevance of Mary and the quest for peace at the Fatima celebration Oct. 13.

Amen.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

Mercy is anything but vague or abstract “peacemaker” in Mt 5:9 is a combination of two Greek words, the word for “peace” and the verb “to make” or “to do.” It carries lessed are the the connotation of working, and p e a c e m a k e rs , some even translate it as a peace for they will be worker, another way of remindcalled children of ing us that peace is something that requires effort. But what God” (Mt 5: 9). kind of effort?

First and foremost, we acPerhaps it is easier to identify “not peace” than to nail down knowledge that peace is a gift the meaning of “peace.” War is that God offers us. In the Letter to the Colossians not peace; anxiety is (1:20), Paul seems not peace; holding This is the to be quoting what grudges is not peace. eighth column might have been The list could go on in a 10-part an early Christian and on. We feel it in series. hymn when he says our guts when we are that Christ’s mission not at peace, not at was to reconcile all one with the world around us and within us, and things to God, “making peace not at one with our God. There by the blood of his cross.” Our is a sense of fear or “dis-ease” or first effort, then, is the work of even loss. Still, we have not iden- receiving this costly gift and allowing it to take root in us. tified peace.

We consider what in us resists In Hebrew, the original language of most of the Old Tes- the peace Christ offers, what tament, the word translated as messages negate its value and peace is “shalom.” Along with what cultural standards diminjustice and truth, shalom is to be ish the peace of Christ. We wed a hallmark of God’s people. In ourselves to desiring God’s will. these virtues, we find a reflec- This is a work of surrender but tion of the very nature of God. also of purposeful understandShalom is well-being, tranquility, ing of the gift Christ offers over and over through the Gospel acat-oneness or wholeness.

The prophet Isaiah (9:5-6) counts: “Peace be with you.”

Peace also requires an effort spoke of a time when the “Prince of Peace” would rule over a vast of imagination and resolve. In and forever peaceful domain. As Eph 2:14-22, we read that Christ with much in our biblical tradi- is our peace, abolishing the wall tion, this is a now-and-not-yet that separates the spirit and the reality. As Christians, we believe the Prince of Peace was born in a manger, walked the roads and trails of Israel inviting listenWhat words, feelings and sceers into this peaceable and just narios do you associate with peace? kingdom, then was put to death and rose from death to seal this When have you experienced promise. peace, personally or, more And yet, we live in a world that widely, as a gift from God? has, for centuries, valued external Jesus spoke to his followers, displays of power, crippling one’s “Peace I leave with you; my enemies and brandishing weappeace I give to you. Not as ons meant to cause destructhe world gives do I give it to tion. Where is this peace that was you. Do not let your hearts be promised, this unity with God troubled or afraid” (Jn 14:27).

What fears seem to drive our and others that gives witness to society in a way that endanthe power of God’s kingdom? gers peace?

The words of Jesus, proclaimed in Matthew’s Gospel, Consider your own efforts and shockingly tell us that this peace resolve to bring about peace.

What spiritual practices help is still among us, this peace is you to grow in the desire for within us, and this peace is what and practice of peace? the world still needs. Blessed are the peacemakers! We are to be This article was originally published in Arkansas Catholic that peace of God in the world.

Sept. 16, 2017. Copyright DioThe word translated as

By Cackie Upchurch Director of Little Rock Scripture Study

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Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea Address: 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, 66013 Phone: (913) 533-2462 Pastor: Father Gary Pennings Mass times: Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m.

Email: parish@qhrwea.org Website: www.holyrosarywea.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

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TEAM OF THE WEEK VOLLEYBALL

Bishop Ward The Bishop Ward volleyball team wrapped up its regular season on Oct. 12 with a triangular meet with Paola and Leavenworth high schools. Leaven photographer Doug Hesse captured the action.

To see his photos, go to The Leaven’s Facebook page.

STUDY QUESTIONS

cese of Little Rock.

flesh, that which wishes to do God’s will and all that resists it. Can we allow ourselves to imagine such reconciling forces at work in our world? Can we move from imagining this kind of wholeness to acting in such a way as to bring it about?

This reconciling ministry of Christ and his followers turns strangers and sojourners into “fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God” (Eph 2:19). In the Sermon on the Mount, using this same language of intimacy, Jesus says that peacemakers will be called children of God. Will peacemaking be our calling card? Will we choose our words so that they counter the violence so prevalent in our culture? Will we hold our religious and civil leaders to the norm of promoting peace and reconciliation, and then also examine our own hearts to root out whatever is not peace?

In today’s world, Jesus’ simple words promoting peacemaking may sound naive or even ridiculous. Maybe we are to risk doing the hard work of choosing peace and promoting wholeness, trusting God’s grace will work in us.

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OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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nti-Catholicism has been called “the last acceptable prejudice.” Tragically, it was on display at the Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearing for Amy Coney Barrett, nominated to be a federal appellate judge.

Barrett, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, is a constitutional law expert who has clerked for appellate and Supreme Court judges. She is eminently qualified.

A Catholic at a Catholic university, she has helped law students and others understand how to reconcile being a good Christian and a good judge.

This should not be a problem. Article VI of the Constitution requires judges and other public officials “to support this Constitution.” It also demands that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or

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The last acceptable prejudice GUEST COMMENTARY

RICHARD DOERFLINGER Doerflinger worked for 36 years in the Secretariat for ProLife Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He writes from Washington state.

public trust under the United States.”

Barrett clearly subscribes to the first of these clauses. As she said at the Senate hearing: “It’s never appropriate for a judge to impose that judge’s personal convictions, whether they derive from faith or anywhere else, on the

law.” But some Democrats on the committee seemed not to have heard of the second clause.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-California, expressed a concern to Barrett that, based on her past speeches, “the dogma lives loudly within you.” (This strange accusation has created a wonderful backlash, as the sale of “The dogma lives loudly within me” T-shirts becomes a cottage industry among Catholics.) Feinstein implied that believers who accept their church’s

moral teachings are un-American.

Then came Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, whose 100 percent approval rating from NARAL ProChoice America may make him a Catholic that Sen. Feinstein can accept. He grilled Barrett on a 1998 law review article she co-authored as a student with law professor John Garvey (now president of The Catholic University of America).

That article discussed the dilemma of someone with moral or religious objections to something he or she is asked to do as a judge.

For example, authorizing an abortion for a minor girl or imposing a death sentence could present a conflict of conscience for an “orthodox Catholic” (by which, the authors explained, they simply meant someone who believes Catholic teaching on the point at issue).

Such conflict would occur rarely, and for an

Nov. 4 Mass at 9 a.m.

MT CALVARY KCK George E. Andervich Helen Reardon Jessie Benavides Mirica M. Black Robert E. Braun Gloria M. Bressler Dorothy Budfuloski Harold Budfuloski Julia A. Burns Mark Carbajal Rhonda R. Camren Anna Mae V. Dandridge Evelyn Grijalva-Pizarro Alta Gruble Jacquelyn J. Hallier Mary E. Langford Robert E. McCombs Fr. James D. McGuire Sahra D. Mohamed Mary E. Montes Amalia Murguia Frances A. Piro (McMahon) David S. Podrebarac Peter J. Quiroga Daniel Rollheiser David W. Sainich Annarose Svaglic Dixie I. Tanner Ricardo Uribe Jorge Valdovino Mary Lou Zukel RESURRECTION Michelle M. Affield James D. Baker Asher Thomas Bailey Bryan Bokenkroger Marilynn Bokenkroger

appellate judge probably never. Such a judge does not order abortions or executions, but reviews lower courts’ actions for consistency with required legal procedures.

But if conflict is unavoidable, said the authors, the judge should not compromise the integrity of the law or one’s conscience, but recuse herself from the case as someone whose “impartiality might reasonably be questioned” (as per Title 28 of the U.S. Code).

Durbin read the article to say a judge can impose her beliefs on the law — the opposite of what it says — and forced the nominee into an exchange about who is an “orthodox Catholic.” He said he saw Pope Francis as “a pretty good Catholic,” apparently unaware that such assessments are more the pope’s job than his own.

Finally, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota, accused Barrett of consort-

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

Mary A. Borders Charleen M. Brain Donald C. Brain Patricia Brayman Rosemarie Broskow Leah Brown Marjorie E. Burkholder John Cattelino Vernon E. Coe Harold Colston Angel Baby Cortez Glen E. Davis Thi Mai Doan Frances E. Doherty Sam Donahay Maurice S. Dunn Joseph A. Esposito Norma Lee Feiden Luciana Gomez Raymond C. Gorman Sr. Gabrielle A. Gorr Gilbert L. Gose Dorothy M. Gracik Eric L. Green Mary C. Huddlestun Laurel M. Hughes Nate Canon James Michael Jantti Christine M. Keen James T. Kehoe Jr. Thomas S. Kramer Loren Krone Rita E. Kross Timothy L. Lang Barbara A. Larkin Loyal G. Leard Laura Leeder-Uriell Florence M. Lyon Mary A. Lyons

ing with “hate groups” comparable to the Ku Klux Klan, because she once spoke at an event sponsored by the Alliance Defending Freedom — a legal defense firm that has won important religious freedom cases at the Supreme Court.

Franken relied on the Southern Poverty Law Center, which brands as “hate groups” many organizations whose crime is to defend traditional Christian views on abortion and same-sex marriage. By that standard, Pope Francis leads a “hate group.”

Maybe these senators wanted to warn devout Catholics that they will be shamed by the powers that be if they seek public office. They might only succeed in making more Catholics ashamed to be Democrats.

Reprinted with the permission of Catholic News Service.

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

Mary H. Male Margaret M. Maley Ronald E. Masters Thomas Maxwell Barbara H. Maygers Steven E. Mendenhall Robert Meyers Josephine McConniff George A McEntee Lawrence McManus M. Jack McNellis Margaret M. Moore Greg Neybert Francine H. Padley Nadine L. Paulsen Marjorie Puckett Mark J. Puhak Vernita A. Raab Edwin L. Rafferty Mark J. Rebein John R. Regan Denny J. Reilly Robert A. Repine Kathleen Roland Lawrence Roland James D. Rowden Baby Saghbene Elsie D. Sand Charles R. Schneider Martha Schofield Paula Schweiger Declan Rose Searing Jo Ann Seitter Dr. Arnulfo P. Sulit James Daniel Sulit Shirlee Sykes Dorothy Vanlerberg Edmund T. Walsh Shirley Weger

Mary B. Wheeler Michele White ST. JOSEPH Charles N. Findley James Ketzner Teresa J. Martell John “Jack” J. McCarthy Margaret Patrick Marvin E. Vanhercke Mary L. Zerbe ST. JOHN LENEXA Shirley Dyer Anthony Glickley GATE OF HEAVEN Dale J. Albrecht Frances L. Carpenter Robert B. Decker Timothy Dorian William L. Osbern Janice M. Rosewicz

DEALING WITH DEPLOYMENT Atchison families adjust to life when dads are overseas

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By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

TCHISON — When Olivia Pennington can’t sleep, her dad has the perfect remedy. “ H e ’ l l come in and tell me a story about a princess named Olivia with her little sister Abigail and her mom and dad who always protected them,” said Olivia.

“It just makes me feel safe,” she added.

Thomas Pennington protects more than his princesses in Atchison.

He and Michael Galley, his childhood friend and fellow Atchison resident, have served in the U.S. Army for over two decades.

Both families have experienced three deployments in five years.

The life of a military family Sarah Galley and Shannon Pennington have their hands full.

Sarah is raising her daughter Avery, who is in kindergarten. Shannon is raising her daughters Olivia, who is in fifth grade, and Abigail, who is in kindergarten. All three children attend St. Benedict School in Atchison.

For large chunks of time, the women are raising the kids on their own.

“We’re atypical military families at this point because we are part of the community,” said Sarah.

“We don’t have the soldiers living next door, the other military spouses to vent to. It’s got its pros and cons,” she said.

Michael has served in the Army for 29 years and Thomas has served for 20.

Michael is currently deployed in Djibouti, Africa. Thomas arrived back home Sept. 16 from his deployment in Bulgaria.

“Being deployed with a family is difficult because you still have all the normal life issues to deal with at home while trying to focus on the mission overseas,” said Thomas.

“He’s missed more birthdays and anniversaries than he’s been around for,” said Shannon.

The Galleys have had a similar experience.

“I have missed out on a lot of family life — birthdays, holidays and everyday life,” said Michael.

“Sarah deserves a lot of recognition for holding it all together,” he added.

“She wears many hats — mother, father, protector and provider.”

Playing those roles isn’t easy, said Sarah.

“The struggle to figure out how to be the soft, nurturing mother that you want to be and try to be, but also you have to be the disciplinarian, the voice of reason,” she said.

“You have to be all aspects of the parent,” she continued. “You can’t just be ‘Mom.’” Both women work full time — Sarah as a respiratory therapist at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Shannon as an accountant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

With long commutes to and from work, they find that coming home with only a few hours before bedtime is a challenge.

“We love to have family dinners together,” said Shannon. “But that is my number one obstacle of the day.”

The women rely on day care providers to care for their children after school until they get home from work.

Once everyone is home, it’s not long before they have to start their routines all over again the next day.

“You just try to plan as best as you possibly can for what you think you’ll need to do,” said Shannon.

“And,” she said with a grin, “it never works.”

Lifelong friendship Michael and Thomas have been friends since kindergarten.

Now, with both serving in the Army, living in the same town, and with children close in age — Michael also has two older children in their 20s — they are closer than ever.

But it was when Sarah and Shannon met a few years ago, that their families grew close.

“Our daughters have gone through preschool and are now in kindergarten at the same school,” said Sarah.

After their husbands growing up together, continued Sarah, “it’s just weird how that worked out.

“Now we have our girls coming up together, so that’s kind of sweet.”

Part of what has made the two women fast friends is a mutual understanding of the military lifestyle.

Both can recall leaning on the other several times throughout deployments.

“I could say something and I didn’t even have to finish and you knew exactly what I was venting about,” Shannon told Sarah.

With afterschool activities, dinner and homework, and only one parent there to make it all happen, the women understand the adjustments it takes to get through the day.

“My children do the dishes and know how to do laundry,” said Shannon. “They start the dishwasher, unload the dishwasher, get dressed. The oldest cooks.”

“I need them to learn how to do those things because it helps me,” she said. “It helps them grow, it gives them character.”

The situation has also molded the women’s character.

“As military wives, you’re constantly

putting yourself on the back burner, regardless of what it may be — your faith, life, sleep,” said Shannon.

“It makes you very independent and very strong,” said Sarah.

Strength and sacrifice People enter the military for a variety of reasons. For Michael, it was something he always wanted to do.

“I knew as a young child that I would join the Army,” he said. “I was always fascinated with military equipment, movies and soldiers.

“Plus my dad was a World War II veteran,” he said. “That inspired me the most.”

Although times have changed since

LEAVEN PHOTO BY ERIN HUNNINGHAKE

From left, Olivia and Abigail help their dad Thomas unpack after his return from deployment in Bulgaria. lationship before I left,” he said. “And the distance has only made it stronger.”

Not only have the men missed out on anniversaries and birthdays, they have missed out on some major milestones.

“I found out I was pregnant when [Thomas] left,” said Shannon. “So I had Abigail while he was away.”

Thomas found out about his new baby daughter while in Afghanistan; he didn’t meet her until she was three months old.

“We did a lot of Skyping back then,” said Shannon.

Now, with FaceTime, email and text, keeping in touch is even easier.

“We mainly FaceTime on the weekends because the kids are able to see him,” said Shannon. “Our days are really flip-flopped.”

The time difference for the Penningtons’ latest deployment was eight hours.

The Galleys’ current deployment is also an eight-hour difference.

“Having FaceTime and being able to see them every day helps,” said Michael.

“But it is nothing like being able to see them in person and reach out and touch them.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Seated, Sarah Galley holds her daughter Avery, who is in kindergarten. Sarah’s husband Michael is currently deployed in Djibouti, Africa. Standing, Shannon Pennington holds her daughter Abigail, a kindergartner, next to her daughter Olivia, a fifth-grader. Shannon’s husband Thomas returned home this September from his deployment in Bulgaria. All three children attend St. Benedict School in Atchison. his dad served, the sacrifices it requires remain life-changing.

“Deployments are difficult on marriages in multiple ways,” said Thomas.

“However, working through all the challenges together really strengthens the marriage,” he added.

Michael agreed.

“I think [Sarah and I] had a strong re-

Proud kids For the girls, growing up without their dads around all the time isn’t easy.

“I really miss him so much,” said Abigail.

“He’s been gone a lot of times so I can handle it,” said Avery.

Avery is used to her dad being home for short periods of time then gone again, said Sarah.

“She sings him songs, ‘Daddy, come home!’” she said. “It’s so cute.”

For Olivia, the past deployment was more difficult because she’s older and has a better understanding of the situation.

“I think about him every day, and it makes the day go by slower,” she admitted.

But one feeling overrides the negative ones when the girls think about their dads’ jobs — pride.

“I think it’s cool,” said Olivia. “It makes me feel proud that my dad is serving the country.”

No moment compares to when their dads come home — which is sometimes by surprise.

“I hug him and kiss him!” exclaimed Avery.

“He makes me laugh,” said Olivia of her dad.

And Abigail enthuses as only a kindergartner can.

“He loves to play Barbies with me!”

Coming home Arriving home after a deployment is a joyful occasion, but it isn’t a simple one.

“It can be strange coming home because, for me, time back home stopped,” said Thomas. “I expect that things would be exactly as I left them.

“But obviously that isn’t the case.

“It’s strange at first, but kind of fun to see how the girls have changed.

“I try to take it slow and be sort of a

“

“AS MILITARY WIVES, YOU’RE CONSTANTLY PUTTING YOURSELF ON THE BACK BURNER, REGARDLESS OF WHAT IT MAY BE — YOUR FAITH, LIFE, SLEEP. IT MAKES YOU VERY INDEPENDENT AND VERY STRONG.”

bystander for a few weeks to learn all the new routines,” he added.

The Galleys have a similar strategy.

“Coming home after being gone, I have to adapt to the routine and changes that Sarah and Avery have made,” said Michael.

“It’s easier for me to sit back and watch their daily routines than me bringing my routine home and installing [it] as the norm,” he continued.

The most profound impact has been on their faith lives.

Michael’s faith has been challenged by his career.

“With the places I have been, the things I have seen and the things I have done — it has tested my faith,” he admitted freely.

“But having a strong faith and strong support from my family has made me prevail through 29 years of service,” he added.

The Penningtons’ faith lives have also been shaped by their lifestyle.

“My husband and I both met in the military — I was in the Army, also,” said Shannon.

“Since I have met my husband, there have been so many things that have occurred in my life that only reinforce the fact that it is not my plan that’s happening,” she said.

“So for me, [my faith is] stronger than ever, and it reinforces the fact that it can only be divine intervention,” she added.

For Thomas, serving the country has strengthened his faith in God. “Going to a church service or even just having a meal with the chaplain is calming and reassuring while deployed,” he said. “Having even brief stress-free or calm moments while deployed helps keep me focused on the mission.”

For the girls, however, only one thing matters at the moment: Daddy’s home.

“He makes me feel that nothing can really go wrong,” said Olivia.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Prayer, Q&A highlight young adult event

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — It’s not every day young adults get to discuss current events and church teachings with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

But events like “Trust One Greater” open the doors to communication between the archbishop and the young people he desires to hear from.

Over 40 joined him at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park Oct. 3 to do just that.

“Trust One Greater” — which occurs a few times a year at different venues — includes eucharistic adoration, a Q&A with the archbishop and time to mingle.

“The archbishop’s desire is for every person to know Jesus personally and for them to grow in a relationship of love, trust and faith with Christ and his church,” said Emily Lopez, consultant for adult evangelization at the archdiocese.

“This event also gives young adults a chance to pray alongside [the] archbishop and their peers — to pull away from the busyness of the world and enter into a state of adoration and meditation,” she said.

The young people listened to the Gospel, followed by a homily by Archbishop Naumann.

“This month of October is a special month devoted to Our Lady,” said the archbishop, who encouraged those in attendance to make an effort to pray the rosary.

“In our family, we prayed the rosary,” he said. “As a child, I wasn’t always a very enthusiastic participant in this devotion.”

“It seemed repetitive and somewhat boring,” he added with a smile. “And yet I’ve come to treasure that prayer.”

Archbishop Naumann also spoke about Respect Life Month and how our

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann takes part in a Q&A session at a “Trust One Greater” event at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park on Oct. 3. The event gives young adults a chance to interact with the archbishop. pro-life efforts should not only focus on abortion, but also on upholding the dignity of every human person.

“It’s that same respect life ethic that gives us such a passion for the poor and providing for those who are wounded or hurting in any way,” he said.

The archbishop touched on euthanasia, racism and the recent shootings in Lawrence and Las Vegas.

“All of these social issues are entwined with this common respect for the sacredness of life — this common vision of the dignity of the human person,” he said.

“Let us pray for our society and culture that the Lord might give us the energy and the strength to help build a culture of life, to help build a civilization of love, to help build up the kingdom of God here on earth,” he concluded.

The final part of the evening was a Q&A, where those in attendance asked the archbishop questions on whatever was on their minds.

Some of the young people wanted advice, like how to encourage a friend considering confirmation, and how to live out the respect life ethic in daily life.

Others asked about DACA and how Catholics should respond to refugees and immigrants.

Lopez was impressed by the questions posed.

“Too often, the Catholic faith can be misinterpreted as a long list of rules or doctrines that dictate life from an unknown authority,” she said. “Young people are more interested in a living faith that speaks to the concerns of their age and culture.”

“Recognizing the reality of our faith points us even more clearly to the reality of a living Christ that desires a relationship with us today,” she added.

The next “Trust One Greater” will take place Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka. For more information, contact Lopez at (913) 647-0323.

Called ‘out of the walls of the church’ >> Continued from page 1 mutual dialogue is almost impossible.

Fourth, increased secularization has led generations of young Catholics out of the church.

“We have to see these challenges . . . as opportunities that call us to discern the new paths for the church that Pope Francis talks about in his first lines of ‘The Joy of the Gospel,’” said Father Pennings.

“We have to move from ‘maintenance’ to ‘mission,’ but even beyond that — to a permanent state of mission.”

In his presentation during the session “Call to Missionary Discipleship,” Father Nick Blaha, chaplain of the Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia, said, “We cannot leave things as they presently are. Mere administration is not enough.”

Rather than yielding to discouragement, Pope Francis is calling Catholics to a simple truth: We must build a culture of encounter in our churches to reach those of the millennial generation who are mistrustful of authority. We forget that we can come across as not so much ‘I want to love you and I have truth to share,’ but ‘I want to change you,’” he said.

“We need to be a church capable of walking at people’s side, to more than

just listen to them, but to help them make sense of the life they live and to interpret the larger picture,” he said.

“Do we want to become a church capable of inflaming people’s hearts?”

In the session “Going to the Peripheries,” Katie Locus, archdiocesan consultant for deaf ministry, talked about the barriers deaf people experience in the church.

“You might be thinking . . . I don’t see deaf people in my church or waiting in line at my confessional,” said Locus through an interpreter.

There are two reasons, she said. One is that deaf people tend to be quiet. Two is that they’ve already left.

Think about the other persons on the peripheries of the church, she said. Why aren’t they involved with the church?

They each have their own reasons.

“How are we going to know those reasons?” said Locus. “We have to start a conversation. How do we start that conversation? Should we expect them to come to us assertively and ask? They already have a bias and fear — whatever their reason is against the church.

“So what do we do?” she asked. “The responsibility is really on each one of us to meet them where they are and talk to them. This means we have to get out of our comfort zone, to go out of the walls of the church.”

The work is just beginning The ending of the archdiocesan convocation was not really the end, but a beginning — the beginning of building a culture of evangelization in our parishes and the raising up of missionary disciples.

“Multiple times we referenced [that] it was the beginning of a conversation we expect them to continue in the parishes,” said Lopez. “Much of our job, especially in the [archdiocesan ministries] is to support the work of the parishes. . . . The idea of what we’re sharing with them needs to be an occasion for continued conversation and action, especially building toward 2019.”

The archdiocese is already planning an even bigger convocation of missionary disciples tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4-5, 2019.

“This [convocation] is the hors d’oeuvre for what we do in two years on a bigger scale to reach more people,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“We think these events can help advance this effort to create a culture of evangelization by inspiring, motivating and educating parish leaders.

“That’s were this culture has to be really imbedded — in our parish communities.”

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Frank and Sue Maschler, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 21 with a Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa where they were on married Oct. 26, 1957. Their children are: Theresa Strader, Jeff Maschler, Kathy Lung, Martha Conrad, Ed Maschler, Juli Gannon, Jerry Maschler and Nick Maschler.

Leo and Gerry (Brunski) McGraw, members of Christ the King Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 26.

The couple was married on Oct. 26, 1957, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas. They will celebrate with a family dinner. Their children are: Chris McGraw and Deron McGraw. They also have four grandchildren.

Janet (Reuss) and Joseph Jerome Kolich, m e m bers of Holy Spirit Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 21. The couple was married on Oct. 21, 1967, at St. John the Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Jennifer McCarthy, Joe Kolich, Jr., John Kolich, Jim Kolich, Jerry Kolich, Julie Barron and Jean McPherson. They also have 15 grandchildren. The couple will celebrate on Oct. 21 at the 4 p.m. Mass at Holy Spirit followed by a family dinner.

Thomas and Pamela Adkins, members of Sacred H e a r t Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 28 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Oct. 28, 1967, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hill City. Their children are: Andy Adkins and Kristy Smith.

They also have four grandchildren.

Marion and Donna Cox, members of C h r i s t the King Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 8. The couple was married on June 8, 1952, at St. Mary Church, Waterloo, Iowa. Their children are: Mike Cox, Dan Cox, Rick Cox, Jeff Cox, Kim Mills and Mary Meek. They also have 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Correction The article on the Sisters, Servants of Mary celebrating their 100th anniversary had the wrong celebrant for the 11 a.m.

Mass on Nov. 11 at the Cathedral of St. Peter. Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher will be main celebrant.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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To Jesus, through Mary: 100 Years of the Militia of the Immaculata

By Megan Marley Special to The Leaven

“W

e want to help everyone become a saint, to bring people to Jesus through consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Founded in 1917 by St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Militia of the Immaculata (MI) is a worldwide evangelization movement that encourages total consecration to Mary as a means of spiritual renewal for individuals and society. The militia promotes this mission through prayer, teaching, formation and study of the faith, as well as outreach activities like religious talks, hospice work and feeding the poor.

“When you make that consecration, it’s more than just words,” said Christine Rossi, regional director of the MI and founder of its first group in the area. “You are saying to Our Lady: Use me; use me in any way you see fit to bring souls to your Son, to your Son’s most Sacred Heart.

“That’s what we’re saying, what we’re doing through our works.”

So inviting the public to Mass and a Marian talk for the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the militia, as well as the 14th anniversary of the first “village” in the Kansas City area, was totally up their alley.

Guests and members of the 11 villages spread across the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and guests gathered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Oct. 7 to celebrate. The day started with a rosary, members of the militia renewing their consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Mass with Polish music, celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

In his homily, the archbishop spoke on the value of the rosary and its roots in Scripture.

“I encourage you as members of this group to not only pray the rosary, but try to deepen your devotion; to contemplate the face of Jesus, truly contemplating the mysteries and what they represent: the incredible unfolding of salvation.”

“The rosary helps us to contemplate the whole life of Jesus,” he continued, “in his conception, his birth, his ministry, his passion and his ultimate triumph in the resurrection,” he said.

He also recommended a practice

PHOTO BY MEGAN MARLEY

Two Polish performers, who sang at Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, dance to accordion music at the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Militia of the Immaculata.

“

“THE ROSARY HELPS US TO CONTEMPLATE THE WHOLE LIFE OF JESUS, IN HIS CONCEPTION, HIS BIRTH, HIS MINISTRY, HIS PASSION, AND HIS ULTIMATE TRIUMPH IN THE RESURRECTION.” of St. John Paul II of including a short phrase to recall the mystery of the rosary after the name of Jesus in every Hail Mary.

Archbishop Naumann also expanded on what consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary means.

“What this consecration does is entrust all our lives to Mary. The purpose of this is to consecrate our actions, our

prayers, whatever our sacrifices are, to apply them where they are most needed, to entrust ourselves to her, and to allow us to draw closer to her Son,” he said.

After Mass, the group snacked on Polish pastries as they listened to a keynote talk by Mike Scherschligt, founder of the Holy Family School of Faith.

He first began by explaining the mission of the Holy Spirit, or Wisdom in the Old Testament, having distinctly feminine, maternal, bridal and virginal characteristics, which continues into the New Testament.

“In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit has a maternal and educative mission. For what purpose? To form Jesus in the world — first in the womb of Mary, and then in the souls of Christians,” said Scherschligt.

Scherschligt further explained that through the Immaculate Conception, the Holy Spirit fashioned Mary from the first moment of her existence to be the perfect human visible sign, the “sacrament” and perfect model, of God dwelling in the soul, and how that re-

lates to the Holy Spirit working in our spiritual development.

“Consecration to Mary continues this process,” he said. “We choose to cooperate and help this process, by giving ourselves entirely to the Holy Spirit and Mary so they can form Jesus in us,” Scherschligt said.

The Militia of the Immaculata, he said, whose mission involves consecration, was founded three days after the final apparition at Fatima, where Our Lady asked for consecration to her Immaculate Heart.

After Scherschligt’s talk, accordion music and polka dancing kept the celebration and conversation hopping during the luncheon of cabbage rolls, kielbasa and other Polish delicacies.

The day concluded with the chaplet of Divine Mercy.

For more information on the Militia of the Immaculata and St. Maximilian Kolbe, go online to: consecration-mid west.org.

Reprinted with permission of The Catholic Key.

“We are proud to be a locally owned family funeral home serving our community.”

FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Legislative assistant - The legislative position has a wide variety of responsibilities. Primary is the advocacy on behalf of the Kansas Catholic Conference (the public policy arm of the Catholic Church in Kansas). Other responsibilities: meeting with senators, state representatives, submitting written testimony and delivering spoken testimony at committee hearings. Public speaking is an important part of this position. This position also involves clerical and administrative responsibilities. The person must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a robust understanding of the Catholic faith and social teaching; strong interest in public policy and the legislative process; flexibility in many situations; willingness to work sometimes long hours; skilled in Microsoft Office; undergraduate degree. For complete information about this position and the requirements, go to the website at: www.kscathconf. org/2017/10/11/open-position-legislative-assistant. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to: resume@ kscathconf.org.

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. Career opportunities - Catholic Charities of Kansas CitySt. Joseph is offering rewarding career opportunities to individuals interested in full-time positions as an AmeriCorps Veteran Peer Navigator member or staff accountant in our Kansas City office. In our St. Joseph office, we are offering a part-time employment specialist position. To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, please visit our website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.

Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education.

Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@ specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50K+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year.

Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes.

Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Pat or Murray at (913) 341-2500 to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Teachers - WE LOVE OUR TEACHERS - COME SEE WHY YOU WANT TO WORK HERE! The Goddard School, Olathe Northwest, is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool where children from 6 weeks to 6 years are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. We are hiring for the following positions: FULL-TIME PRESCHOOL TEACHER; FULL-TIME TODDLER TEACHER; FULL-TIME ASSISTANT TEACHER; PART-TIME AFTERNOONS ASSISTANT TEACHER. To apply, send an email and resume to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com.

Softball coach - St. James Academy is seeking a head girls softball coach for the 2017-18 spring season. If interested, contact athletic director Mark Huppe at (913) 254-4284 or send an email to: mhuppe@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Assistant coaches - Bishop Miege High School is in need of assistant coaches for the 2017-18 school year in the sports of wrestling, baseball and track and field. Persons interested in any of these positions should contact athletic director Mike Hubka at (913) 222-5802 or send an email to: mhubka@bishopmiege for further information.

Praise and worship music leader - St. John the Evangelist Church in Lawrence is currently looking for someone to be responsible for planning and leading music for the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass. Music is largely contemporary praise and worship style, but also includes traditional hymns. The leader coordinates a group of 5 - 10 singers and instrumentalists. Piano playing and singing capabilities are preferred. Other opportunities for leading worship will also be available throughout the year. Monthly stipend. Send an email to Lisa Roush, director of liturgy and music, at: lroush@saintjohns.net.

International student coordinator - This is a work-fromhome opportunity. Twinn Palms is seeking a part-time international student coordinator to manage local host families and international high school students. Qualifications: must be personable, detail-oriented; must have valid driver’s license; must be willing to host student(s) until host family is found. Additional compensation will be awarded. If interested, send an email to Erin Martinez at: erinm@twinnpalms.com.

Administrative assistant - St. Michael the Archangel Parish has an immediate opening for an administrative assistant in the parish office. Job duties include: maintaining the parish membership database; scheduling rooms and managing the parish calendar for parish ministries and rentals; coordinating the parish’s Virtus compliance; and assisting with a variety of clerical tasks. This is a year-round, full-time position and is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package. A complete position description is available at: www.stmichaelcp. org; click on the “About Us” tab, scroll down to “Employment Opportunities” and click on “Administrative Assistant.”

Host a student - Open your home to an international student attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School and receive a monthly stipend. Requirements include: providing a safe and loving home, a private bedroom, all meals and transportation to and from school. Twinn Palms is seeking families from all backgrounds, including those with and without their own children. If you are interested, fill out the inquiry form at: www.twinnpalms.com/host-family-inquiry or call (424) 239-6367.

Part-time administrative assistant - Divine Mercy in Gardner is seeking a part-time, 24 hours per week, administrative assistant. This position provides administrative support to the pastor and other staff; sacramental record keeping; maintenance of the parish database; will also answer phones and greet visitors. Candidates must possess exceptional communications and organizational skill and proficiency in Microsoft Office systems. Interested applicants should email a resume to: secretary@divinemercyks.org.

SERVICES All Souls’ Day Memorials We will place a candle, rosary and holy card at the grave of your loved one - $25 Personalized grave-care services available for all occasions PERPETUAL LIGHT (785) 816-0054 www.perpetual-light.net Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Senior hairstyling - Haircuts, perms, roller sets.

Savvy Salon, 5910 W. 59th Terrace Mission, KS, one block south of Johnson Dr. $5 off any service on 1st visit. Bonnie (816) 769-8511 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.

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063 Sparkle Plenty Cleaning Service - Deep cleaning, light cleaning, move-out cleaning, organizing clutter, construction cleaning. 33 years’ experience. Great references. Call Sarah at (913) 449-8348.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days.

Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058.

Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 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@mikehammer moving.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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.

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Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer.

St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

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. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

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) Home for lease - Brick ranch in Lenexa; completely renovated three BR, one BA (marble), granite kitchen. New hardwood floors throughout, full basement, one-car garage, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer; lawn care included. $1500/month. Call Matt, Holy Trinity parishioner, at (913) 721-6543.

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, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

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:

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

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

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.

“Lynn at Heart” - 24 years’ experience in all types of private care. Excellent references. 24/7, shift or respite care.

In-home, assisted living, nursing home, companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation, ADLs, care management, hospice. Greater KC area. Ask for Stephanie.

(816) 299-6465.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Caregiver - Available days or nights, M - F. Can do nursing care, hospice care, housekeeping, cooking or whatever needs to be done. 30 years’ experience. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276.

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 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.

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 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.

CAREGIVING

Situation wanted - Retired nurse will do private care. Experience with hospice, Swedish massage and cosmetology. $20 per hour. Superior personalized care. Call (913) 938-4765.

Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes?

Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222.

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.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 4221591.

VACATION Branson condo - Great for couples or families. Enjoy fall colors, Christmas lights and entertainment. No stairs, fully furnished; no cleaning fee. Free WiFi, indoor pool; on the golf course. Call (913) 515-3044.

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 21 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Coping with Grief and the Holidays.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

STEAK DINNER AND BINGO St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.

The Green Club is hosting this event. Tickets cost $15 for a 10 oz. steak and sides, desserts and drink. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. and costs $1 per card with 3 boards on each card.

Call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621 to reserve tickets or purchase in advance.

OKTOBERFEST DINNER St. Mary-St. Anthony (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 21 at 4 p.m.

The cost for dinner tickets is: $10 in advance; $12 at the door; and $3 for kids. Roast pork and sides will be served. 250 dinners will be served. To assure being served, purchase tickets in advance. To purchase tickets, call Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833; the parish office at (913) 371-1408; or visit Theresa’s Hair Salon at 508 N. 6th, Kansas City, Kansas.

OCTOBERFEST SINGLES DANCE Curé of Ars School (cafeteria) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Oct. 21 from 7:30 - 11 p.m.

The cost of $20 at the door includes hors d’oeuvres, snacks, desserts, wine, beer, soda and water. Drive around to the lighted parking behind the school. For more information, call (913) 649-5770.

PROJECT ANDREW Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Oct. 22 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites single men ages 16 and over to Project Andrew, an evening of prayer, inspiring priests, learning about discernment and a delicious dinner.

Parents may attend. There will be a special session with parents of seminarians. There is no cost, but please register by sending an email to: vocation@archkck.org or calling (913) 647-0303.

30TH TWINNING CELEBRATION Good Shepherd Parish 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Oct. 22 from 12:15 - 4 p.m.

The celebration will begin with a bilingual Mass with La Comunidad de El Buen Pastor.

Following Mass, a lunch will be served. There is no charge to attend.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Oct. 22 at 12:30 p.m.

There will be a covered dish luncheon and installation of officers. A reception will follow.

If you know of a member or one of their family members in need of prayer, contact Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403.

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.

FALL DINNER AND BAZAAR St. Philip Neri Parish Osawatomie City Auditorium 425 Main St., Osawatomie Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The cost for a dinner of homemade chicken and noodles with sides and desserts is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 6 - 12; and free for kids 5 and under. There will also be live

and silent auctions, a country store and children’s games.

FALL FESTIVAL St. Matthew Parish 2700 S.E. Virginia, Topeka Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The cost for a dinner of turkey and sides is: $9 for adults; $4 for kids under the age of 10; or free with the donation of two nonperishable food items for the parish food pantry. There will also be games for all ages, inflatables and laser tag. For more information, call the parish office at (785) 232-5012.

NATIVITY HOUSE BABIES BEER AND BBQ 2017 Boulevard Brewery 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 23 from 6 - 9 p.m.

This is a fun night to support Nativity House, a maternity shelter based on Catholic tradition. Tickets and table sponsorship opportunities are available online at: www.picatic. com/nhkcbbb2017.

ANNIE KARTO IN CONCERT Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

Annie Karto is a nationally known Catholic singer who has won two Catholic music awards, as well as receiving two apostolic blessings for her song, “You Are A Priest Forever.” The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

‘FINDING A NEW NORMAL’ Good Shepherd Church (Romero Chapel) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

Mark Fenton, a licensed grief counselor, will present the talk: “Finding a New Normal.”

For more information, call Alison at (913) 563-5304.

BROWN SCAPULAR ENROLLMENT Sacred Heart Parish 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be an opportunity to enroll in the brown scapular confraternity, sponsored by the Marian group. After the blessing of the scapulars and enrollment, a rosary will be said for pro-life. A social hour will follow.

‘LECTIO DIVINA WITH THE SCRIPTURES’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Oct. 26 from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Share in the traditional monastic practice of guided reading, listening, reflecting and responding to the word of God in the Scriptures. No charge; donations will be accepted. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go online to: www.sophia spiritualitycenter.org.

HOT DOG POTLUCK Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Oct. 26 from 5 - 7 p.m.

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

GUIDED RETREAT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Oct. 27 - 29

This will be a guided retreat to explore the “Transforming Power of Prayer,” presented by Sister Mary Pat Johnson, SCL. She will explore with participants how the Holy Spirit guides a person’s prayer and the signs of transformation this brings about in daily life. Donation for the retreat is $125, including meals. Overnight accommodation are $55 per night. To register, call Sister Susan Chase at (913) 6802342 or go online to: schase@scls.org.

RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Oct. 28 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a child with a disability. The program is designed for children between the ages of 6 and 18. For exceptions to the age range, call Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org. Volunteers are needed to be a respite buddy to a child with a disability. To register a child for the program or to volunteer, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/special-needs and complete the online form.

OKTOBERFEST DANCE St. Anthony Church (basement) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 28 from 6 - 10:30 p.m.

The dance is sponsored by the GermanAmerican Edelweiss Society. The admission price of $20 for adults includes dinner, drinks and dancing to the Willie Kirst Band.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Raffle prizes will be available. Families are welcome. For more information, call Patty Orth at (913) 371-2466.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Topeka Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

A reasonable course fee is charged, and online registration is required at: www.ccli. org. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for more information including the class location and availability of selfpaced, online classes. Learn more about this class online at: nfptopeka.blogspot.com.

AUTUMN HARVEST DINNER/DANCE St. Paul Parish (gym) 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person (adults ages 21 and over only) and include dinner and dancing. Beer and wine will be available; BYOB welcome. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Knights of Columbus emergency disaster assistance program. For more information, call Chris or Vicki Dieterman at (913) 780-6428.

CHICKEN DINNER Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish (basement) 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.

A fried chicken dinner with sides, desserts and drinks will be served by the Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Altar Society. There will also be a sneak preview of the St. Anthony Guild craft/bake sale that will happen the next day.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish (hall) 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Oct. 29 after the 7, 9 and 11 a.m. Masses

Boy Scout Troop 295 will host a pancake, sausage, biscuits and gravy breakfast. It is all-you-can-eat for $6 per plate, or $20 for a family of four or more.

CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish (basement) 312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The St. Anthony Guild will have its annual craft and bake sale in the basement hall.

There will be quilts, crafts, baked goods, bierocks, cinnamon rolls and much more.

Breakfast will be served.

GERMAN SAUSAGE SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 22298 Newbury Rd., Newbury Oct. 29 at noon

There will be a home-smoked German sausage supper served buffet style. The cost is: $12 for adults; $4 for kids ages 4 - 12; and free for kids under the age of 4. There will

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also be bingo, raffles and other games, as well as a silent auction.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT SISTERS, SERVANTS OF MARY St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

A pancake and sausage breakfast will be served. The cost is $6 for adults; and $4 for children under the age of 10. There will also be a bake sale, a variety booth and raffles.

For more information, call (913) 371-3423.

COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED Bishop Ward High School (auditorium) 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 1 at 10 a.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass to celebrate the earthly lives of all Bishop Ward alumni who have passed away this year. A litany of names of the deceased will be read before Mass. There will be a small, informal reception following Mass.

FRIENDSHIP TEA Holy Cross Parish (Lickteig Hall) 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Nov. 4 at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a brunch followed by a speaker, Pat O’Neill. He will discuss his book “From the Bottom Up: The Story of the Irish in Kansas City.” Tickets are $10 per person. For reservations, call Donna Heit at (913) 4026843 or send an email to: donnamheit@ gmail.com.

FALL FESTIVAL Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia Nov. 5 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The meal will include turkey, sides, dessert and drinks. The cost is $9 for adults; and $5 for kids ages 3 - 10.

TURKEY DINNER Annunciation Parish Cigna Center 402 N. Maple, Frankfort Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

A turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 10 and under. There will also be a country store with food items, a pot of gold, crafts and handwork items.

FALL BAZAAR Holy Family Parish Alma Community Center 244 E. 11th St., Alma Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be soup and homemade desserts for the cost of a freewill donation. There will also be a country store, children’s games, drawings for prizes and much more. Proceeds will benefit the church building fund.

For more information, call (785) 449-2841.

TURKEY AND TRIMMINGS DINNER St. Benedict Parish 676 St. Benedict Rd., Bendena Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The cost to attend is a freewill donation.

There will also be a raffle for a quilt created by parishioner Marie Lamb, cash and other donations. Carryout orders will be available at the door.

FALL BAZAAR Holy Trinity Parish 501 E. Chippewa St., Paola Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

There will be a turkey dinner. The cost is $9 for adults; $4 for kids ages 10 and under.

Takeout dinners are available from noon 2:30 p.m. and are $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 10 and under. There are other activities for adults and kids as well.

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-NINTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 22 TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 45: 1, 4-6 Ps 96: 1, 3-5, 7-10 1 Thes 1: 1-5b Mt 22: 15-21 Oct. 23 John of Capistrano, priest Rom 4: 20-25 (Ps) Lk 1: 69-75 Lk 12: 13-21 Oct. 24 Anthony Mary Claret, bishop Rom 5: 12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 Ps 40: 7-10, 17 Lk 12: 35-38 Oct. 25 Wednesday Rom 6: 12-18 Ps 124: 1-8 Lk 12: 39-48 Oct. 26 Thursday Rom 6: 19-23 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 12: 49-53 Oct. 27 Friday Rom 7: 18-25a Ps 119: 60, 68, 76-77, 93-94 Lk 12: 54-59 Oct. 28 SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES Eph 2: 19-22 Ps 19: 2-5 Lk 6: 12-16

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J

Is it beginning to look like Christmas?

ust think: Ten Mondays from now, we’ll be celebrating Christmas!

That realization probably prompted either absolute panic (if you’re an adult) or absolute glee (if you’re a kid).

Christmas on a Monday this year will have many priests reaching for oxygen masks in anticipation of the marathon of Masses that weekend, since the Fourth “Week” of Advent this year is actually just a day!

Much of the stress and panic associated with Christmas has to do with outsized expectations and exhausted wallets. Sometimes, the last person thought of in the season is actually the guest of honor: Jesus.

I’d like to propose that we change at least some of that this year. It’s still early enough to do some planning on how to reintroduce Christ into our holiday preparations.

First and foremost, let’s make it a point to imitate Jesus, who gave himself as the real Christmas gift to the world.

Before any gift lists are compiled or celebrations penciled into our calendars, why not sit down today and determine how we can give of ourselves to others, especially the

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14

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.

poor and lonely, in the weeks ahead.

There’s a temptation to believe that our small efforts of charity don’t amount to a hill of beans in the big scheme of things. I’ll bet that 10-year-old Jackson Rogers would have a different take on that.

Here’s his story: Jackson took on a fundraising challenge in 2006 at First Presbyterian Church, where he was a member.

“My pastor gave me a hundred dollars and told me to do something good to help someone,” said Jackson. He and a few other congregants ac-

cepted the pastor’s challenge to use the money for good and then report back to the church.

“I was discouraging him from volunteering,” said Jackson’s father, “because I didn’t know what the pastor intended. But he pulled away from me and ran down there.”

Jackson knew he wanted to help a homeless family. But he wasn’t sure how, so he asked his dad. They came up with a letter-writing campaign asking for donations to raise $50,000 to build a house through Habitat for Humanity. Jackson then wrote a letter in his own handwriting on notebook paper.

“I used the hundred dollars to buy stamps and envelopes,” he said.

Then he sent out the letters to friends and family.

One woman was so

touched by his letter that she passed it on to several of her friends and colleagues. Soon, people from Tennessee, Virginia and Idaho were sending in checks. The 170 people who responded contributed a total of $43,000.

When the congregation at First Presbyterian learned that their little miracle-worker was $7,000 short of his goal, they chipped in the rest.

“A little person can do something really good,” said Jackson’s mother.

“You don’t have to wait to be an adult.” (Adapted from “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.)

The life of Jesus changed the history of the world. Jackson changed the life of a Habitat family, his church family and his correspondents. What great things as individuals might we be capable of changing in our world?

In these 10 weeks before Christmas, let’s resolve to shake up our holiday prep. Here might be some of the ways: • Meet with family and friends and discuss how your gift giving may have gotten out of hand.

Agree to a simpler and saner gift exchange.

• Go through your

home between now and Thanksgiving and gather items to donate to a charity — from clothes to toys, and anything in between. This will make room for the “new stuff” that Christmas will inevitably bring.

• Plan as a family to do some volunteer project before Christmas.

See page 4 of this issue for a slew of wonderful opportunities from Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

• Start filling a box a month — adding just one item each day — of food and nonperishable items to donate at the end of the month to a local food pantry.

• Buy some Christmas cards to distribute to residents of a local nursing home as the holidays approach. Be sure to include a little note or treat inside.

• Designate a piggy bank as a “Jesus Jar.” Fill it up with coins until near Christmas and use that money to shower a poor family with gifts.

Be creative this year in making Christmas a time to be savored, rather than dreaded. Start today and avoid the rush.

After all, there are just 65 giving days till Christmas!

‘Render unto Caesar’ answer satisfies no one

esus would have made a good politician. He deftly evades the question posed by the Pharisees and Herodians in Sunday’s Gospel reading: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” (Mt 22:15-21) His interrogators have tried to set him up with these words: “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status.”

If the Pharisees and Herodians know that Jesus is not concerned with their opinion of him, then why are they seeking to flatter him? It sounds contradictory.

Are they secretly

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.

hoping that their evaluation of him is incorrect, so that Jesus can be manipulated into giving

POPE FRANCIS

The Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law is an instrument that must serve the church’s pastoral mission of bringing God’s mercy to all and leading them to salvation, Pope Francis said.

Just as the first full codification of Catholic Church law was carried out 100 years ago “entirely dominated by pastoral concern,”

them a favorable response? And what would that have been?

What would a “no” answer have meant? It would have pleased the Pharisees. They did not support the Roman government. Although they did not go to the extent of open rebellion, such as urged by the Zealots, they were highly critical of this often brutal and

oppressive occupation of their country.

If Jesus had answered, “No, it is not lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar,” he would have appeared to take the side of the Pharisees.

In this respect, the Pharisees were the exact opposite of the Herodians. Not much is known about these supporters of King Herod. We do know that King Herod headed the puppet regime under the thumb of the Romans. An endorsement of the census tax would have fit in with their agenda.

These two opposing forces have joined together in this effort to trap Jesus. He is the common enemy who has united them. But they fail.

Jesus has managed

so today its amendments and application must provide for a well-ordered care of the Christian people, the pope said in a message Oct. 6 to a canon law conference in Rome.

Leading canonists, as well as professors and students from all the canon law faculties in Rome, were meeting Oct. 4-7 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first systematic Code of Canon Law, which was promulgated by Pope Benedict XV in 1917. Work on

to rise above the petty politics of the day. He does not ally himself with either side. And in that way, he defeats them both.

On the surface, his answer appears to satisfy both sides: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” But it is not at all clear.

It may look as though the census tax belongs to Caesar, because the coin to pay it bears his name. At the same time, do not all things belong to God? Did not God create all things? So then, what would that leave to Caesar?

Jesus’ answer can mean almost whatever you want it to. As I said, Jesus would have made a good politician.

the code began under the pontificate of St. Pius X and was a response to the need to examine, systematize and reconcile often conflicting church norms, Pope Francis said.

After the Vatican lost its temporal power, he said, St. Pius knew it was time to move from “a canon law contaminated by elements of temporality to a canon law more conforming to the spiritual mission of the church.”

— CNS

OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

15

Leverage your donations on Giving Tuesday through #iGiveCatholic

D

uring recent disastrous hurricanes in our country, I couldn’t help but notice that social media, national media and even the local television stations were eagerly promoting a major charity for hurricane relief — while the disaster was still occurring.

What an accomplishment for this marketing giant. With these juggernaut fundraising expenditures, I wondered what percentage of a person’s gift to this organization would actually reach the people they intended to help.

Meanwhile, Catholic Relief Services, which does not feature celebrity spokespersons and telethons in every media

W

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

market, sends more than 94 percent of each dollar raised for humanitarian relief to more than 120

million people in more than 100 countries throughout the world.

In our Catholic schools, dedicated teachers, staff and administrators quietly make sacrifices every day based on the needs of their students and produce excellent results. They do this without a state-mandated taxpayer subsidy, but

with the sacrificial gifts of parishioners, fees and tuition paid by their students’ families, and other charitable gifts made to scholarship funds.

I am amazed by our archdiocese’s Catholic Charities organization, which serves the poor, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and ministers to the infirm and elderly every day.

I am impressed by our Catholic colleges that educate diverse populations and first-generation immigrants. I admire the ministries of our archdiocese and the many ways that they help to lead souls to Christ throughout our 21 counties and 106 parishes.

That’s why I. Give.

Catholic.

We are blessed. We

tend and nurture our gifts. And we give back.

There is an element of sacrifice found in everything we choose to do as Christian stewards and disciples of Jesus Christ.

St. Paul challenged people of his day to think about the sacrifices they would need to make in order to help others.

This year, on “Giving Tuesday,” the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, I hope that you will join me in participating in the first crowdfunding Catholic effort called #iGiveCatholic,” sponsored in our Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The program has been made possible by a gift from the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas which is organizing the effort.

If your parish or Catholic organization would like to participate, please contact Kathryn Robards at the foundation by calling (913) 647-3060 or email her at: krobards@ archkck.org.

Be watching on Giving Tuesday for #iGiveCatholic promotions in northeast Kansas.

The program began two years ago in one diocese. Like a prairie fire, it has been adopted this year by the International Catholic Stewardship Council and is spreading across the country.

Together, our collective giving could show America, without costing a fortune to implement, that there are many, many people like you who give Catholic, too.

It is joy that we seek — the joy only Jesus can provide

hat is it that brings you joy?

That was the theme of the meeting of St. Francis Xavier’s youth group in Lansing a couple weeks ago when I stopped in for a visit. Some of the responses were typical — family, friends, grandparents, my dog.

However, there was one young man who did not give a typical response. He talked about St. Padre Pio. He loved that St. Padre Pio spent many hours in the confessional in order to

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

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bring joy to those who were seeking forgiveness. What a great example of joy!

When you look at the lives of the saints, many of them exercised great

sacrifice for love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

They understood, as they endured hardship or suffering on earth, there was a greater joy waiting for them in heaven.

As we approach the month of November with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, this would be a perfect opportunity to spend time with your family talking about the lives of the saints. They are great examples of how to live out our faith when faced with the uncertainty our world offers.

St. John Paul II told

the young people of the world: “It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you.”

I ask for your prayers Nov. 15 - 19 on behalf of 464 young people and chaperones of our archdiocese as we journey to Indianapolis for the biennial National Catholic Youth Conference.

This year’s theme, “Called,” will provide an opportunity for over 23,000 young men and women from all over the United States to encounter Jesus through the

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liturgy, reconciliation, music, keynotes and workshops.

Speakers engage our young people with great examples of how to work through the many struggles of their everyday lives. I ask you to join us virtually and pray for us to be open to what the Holy Spirit has waiting for us there.

It is Jesus that we seek and it is the joy that only he can provide.

You can look for us as NCYC live streams the liturgy and keynotes online at: www.ncyc. info.

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OCTOBER 20, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

Adoption and fostering are just another way to make a family unit. More than 7,000 children are in foster care in Kansas.

WE ARE FAMILY

Adoption and fostering can create strong family units

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It only makes sense that Christians are very much in favor of adoption and foster care.

Not only are the Scriptures filled with admonitions to care for orphans, but all Christians are, in a way, adoptees.

“Furthering our understanding of adoption’s importance is our recognition that through our baptism we become adopted sons and daughters of God,” said Ron Kelsey, a board member of the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas.

“Furthermore, in foster care we see that God chose one of our greatest saints — St. Joseph — to be the foster father of his son, Jesus,” he said. “Thus, God directly teaches us the lofty importance of adoption and foster care.”

During October, which the U.S. bishops have designated Respect Life Month, one of the great pro-life issues the church considers is the care of children through adoption and foster care.

“Adoption and foster care are important pro-life concerns because they are both involved with uniting children into loving families,” said Kelsey.

Lots of families in archdiocesan parishes have adopted and fostered children.

Patti and Steve Fisher, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Law-

rence, have both fostered and adopted.

The Fishers have fostered about 30 children since 2012. During that time, they fostered a sibling pair. Pru (Prudence) is now 8 years old, and her brother Shawn is almost 6.

After fostering for a while, the Fishers decided that they wanted to adopt.

A series of circumstances made it possible for them to adopt Pru and Shawn.

“We took a little break [from fostering] to transition,” said Patti.

“We adopted Pru and Shawn in May,” she said, but now things are set-

Adoption and Foster Care in Kansas • Number of children now in foster care: 7,056 • Largest age group in foster care: infant to 3-year-olds, about 20 percent • Second-largest age group in foster care: 4- to 6-year-olds, about 17 percent • Average age of children in foster care: 8.5 years old • How long children stay in foster care: about 37 months • How many children age out of foster care: about 350 • Number of children adopted from foster care in fiscal year 2017: 758.

SOURCE: KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

tling down.

“We’ve gone on family vacations and Shawn started kindergarten, so we’ve decided to open our home again to more kids,” she said.

Cassie and Brant Myers, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, have two children. Collin, 21, is their birth child and Anabel, 16, was adopted.

The Myers family opted to go with an international adoption. Anabel was born in March 2001 in Calcutta, India.

As adoptive parents, they underwent background checks and a home study by a social worker. They also had to follow regulations set by the government of India.

“We feel very blessed that Anabel’s birth mother chose to go to term with her pregnancy and deliver her somewhere safe so she could find another home,” said Cassie. “She signed a relinquishment at the orphanage. She wanted her child to be born and have a better life. All of that is very pro-life.”

What advice do these fostering and adoption families have for others?

Talk to others who have fostered and adopted. Pray for the children and their prospective families, and consider hosting a meeting about foster and adoption at your parish.

Get to know families who are fostering or have adopted, and do family service work in support of foster children as a way to plant an idea in your own children about fostering and adoption.

Adoption Sunday November is National Adoption Month, but one day has particular importance.

Sunday, Nov. 12, is variously known as Stand Sunday, Orphan Sunday and Adoption Sunday by various organizations. It’s a day when a special appeal is made to Christians to pray for and/or adopt children.

For more information about adoption and foster care, go to: • www.adoptkskids.org • www.adoption.kvc.org • www.dcf.ks.gov • www.cafo.org For a 30-day devotional, go online to: www.fosteringhopeproject.org.

(Click on “Fostering Hope Devotional” to the right of the “Home” tab on the main page.)

• For information about building welcoming boxes for children, go online to: www.kdcf.org. (Click on “Foster Care” under “Prevention & Protection Services” and type “Welcome Box Idea Sheet” in the search box at the top of the page.)

Consider becoming an advocate or mentor for a child in need by joining CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). For information, go online to: www.kansascasa.org