theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 12 | october 26, 2012
Lily of the Mohawks Potawatomi celebrate first Native American saint CNS photo/Jason Greene, Reuters
By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
M
AYETTA — It took a proclamation of Pope Benedict XVI to make official what Native Americans already knew: Kateri Tekakwitha was a saint. On Oct. 21 in Rome, the Holy Father proclaimed seven new saints of the Catholic Church — one of them being St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks.” See a future issue She is the first of The Leaven for Native Amerimore coverage of can saint. St. Kateri Tekak“ T h i s witha’s canonizashould have tion. happened a long time ago,” said Glenn Levier, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, who lives on the Potawatomi Reservation in Jackson County. Many Potawatomi — as well as individuals representing 22 Native American nations or tribes — and Catholics of a constellation of ethnicities gathered for a Mass celebrating the canonization on Oct. 21 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows on the Potawatomi Reservation. “Many Native peoples have come together to pray for her canonization and already felt she was a saint before she was officially recognized by the church,” said Laura Thackery, a member of the shrine community. She hoped the saint would be a source of inspiration to young Catholic Native Americans. Saint Kateri was known for her faith even during her own lifetime. It was only four years after her death, on April 17, 1680, that a chapel was
Leaven photo by Julie Holthaus
Photos from top: Kateri Tekakwitha became the first Native American saint when she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 21 in Rome. The daughter of a Mohawk father and Algonquin Christian mother, St. Kateri was “faithful to the traditions of her people,” but also faithful to the Christianity she embraced at age 20, the pope said at the canonization ceremony. From left, Elizabeth Tye (blue dress), Frances Wabaunsee (pink shirt), Drusa Wabaunsee and Shirley Trull (far right) exchange a sign of peace during a Mass celebrating the canonization on Oct. 21 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snow on the Potawatomi Reservation. From left, Tom Spottedhorse, Ron Brave, Michael Ramirez, and Ross Cooper play a traditional Native American drum before Mass.
>> See “HASKELL” on page 6 Leaven photo by Julie Holthaus
3 on the job
After more than a year on the job, The Leaven looks at how our deacons are doing.
4 ‘Lumen Gentium’
This document from the council clarified the nature and mission of the church.
8 conscience protection
Medical providers shouldn’t be forced to perform actions against their conscience.
16 school of excellence
St. Matthew School in Topeka is this year’s CEF School of Excellence.
2 archbishop
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012
Deacons dig in
Life will be victorious
Despite her disability, St. Kateri saw clearly the path to holiness
T
his past Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI canonized seven new saints. Among these magnificent seven were two American women.
archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
my heart to be one of the chosen ones, whose privilege it will be to sacrifice themOne of the new American selves for the salvation of the saints is St. Marianne Cope. souls of the poor Islanders.” The future saint was born Mother Marianne went on in Germany. When she was to say that it would be her only one year old, her family “greatest delight” to minister immigrated to the United to Hawaii’s lepers. States. Mother Marianne’s ambiWhile she was in the tion to serve the abandoned eighth grade, her father belepers would be realized. She came an invalid. The future personally led her commusaint worked in a factory to nity’s delegation to Hawaii. help support the family. After Shortly after their arrival in her father’s death and her 1883, the Sisters were given siblings were old enough to responsibility for a hospital support themselves, she enon the island of Oahu. At tered a Franciscan communione point, ty of Sisters she gave the in Syracuse, ‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ government N.Y. an ultimaUpon Archbishop Joseph F. Nautum: either completing mann’s radio program on dismiss a KEXS 1090 AM airs at 10 a.m. her formahospital on Sunday and is repeated at tion, she 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and 3:30 adminisespoused p.m. on Thursday. trator who herself to Jewas abusive sus, vowing to the leper to live the patients or the Sisters would evangelical virtues of povreturn to Syracuse. erty, obedience and chastity. Originally, it was planned Sister Marianne served first for Mother Marianne to as a teacher and then as a return to New York to principal in schools for Gerresume leadership of the man immigrants. Later, Sister order. However, when both Marianne was instrumental the church and government in the opening of two Cathofficials in Hawaii insisted olic hospitals in the state of her leadership was essential New York and serving as the to the success of the mission, administrator for St. Joseph she chose to remain. Hospital. In 1888, Mother Marianne As a result of her rewent to Molokai to take care markable leadership skills, of the saintly Father Damien, she was selected to serve who himself by then had as superior general for her contracted leprosy. Mother community. It was in this Marianne would spend the capacity that she received a rest of her ministry caring request from King Kalakaua for those most feared and of Hawaii to send Sisters to shunned by society. help with the care of lepers. In his canonization homAlthough 50 other religious ily, Pope Benedict said: “At communities had declined a time when little could be the king’s invitation, Mother done for those suffering from Marianne Cope responded this terrible disease (lepropositively: “I am hungry for sy), Marianne Cope showed the work and I wish with all
the highest love, courage, and enthusiasm. She is a shining and energetic example of the best of the tradition of Catholic nursing Sisters.” The second American canonized a saint last Sunday was Kateri Tekakwitha. Kateri Tekakwitha’s life was not an easy one, and thus it is a life with which so many can identify. Kateri’s mother was an Algonquin Christian and her father was a non-Christian Mohawk chief. Both her parents died during a smallpox epidemic. Kateri, herself, was partially blind and her face was scarred as a consequence of smallpox. The name Tekakwitha, meaning “one who stumbles,” was given to her because of the consequences of her visual disability. She was raised by a Mohawk uncle who was not Christian and had become hostile to Christianity, because of the conversion of one of his own daughters. Kateri encountered Jesuit missionaries as a young girl and was impressed by what they said, but even more by the way they lived. She disappointed and angered her uncle when she declined an arranged marriage. Instead, she studied the catechism under the direction of a French Jesuit who prepared her for baptism on Easter Sunday in 1676. As a consequence, she was shunned by many in the village and experienced persecution for her Catholic faith. Consequently, six months after her conversion, she fled to Canada to the Jesuit mission at Kahnawake, where many other Native American Christians had come to live. At Kahnawake, Kateri met a close friend of her mother, Anastasia, who mentored Kateri in developing a rich life of prayer. Her spiritual life was extraordinary, as evidenced by her spending long hours in meditation in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. With a group of other very devout Native American Christian women, she wanted to begin a religious community of
consecrated religious Sisters. However, because they were all so new to the faith, they never realized this ambition. Nevertheless, this group of Native American Christian women continued to encourage and support each other in developing an even more vibrant life of prayer and the practice of heroic Christian virtue. Kateri desired what we all desire, no matter our race or ethnicity — to be loved. Kateri did not just know intellectually, but she truly experienced, in the depths of her heart, the love of Jesus for her. As a young woman, she espoused herself to Jesus Christ and to none other. She desired to give her life totally to him and, by her life, to bring others to know the love of Jesus for them. One of her French Jesuit biographers quoted her as saying: “I have deliberated enough. For a long time my decision on what I shall do has been made. I have consecrated myself entirely to Jesus, son of Mary, I have chosen him for husband and he alone will take me for wife.” Kateri had discovered the pearl of great price. She had found a love that could never be denied her. She knew the joy of being loved by the One who is love itself. Her dying words were: “Jesus, I love you.” No matter her physical visual disability, the eyes of her heart saw clearly the path to happiness and holiness. During this Year of Faith, St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Marianne Cope serve as examples of the joy of knowing God’s love and remaining faithful in our witness even among many trials and difficulties. They witnessed to the truth of their Catholic faith, both by enduring persecution as well as serving as heroic instruments in bringing the love of Jesus to others. Kateri Tekakwitha and Marianne Cope loved their Catholic faith, knew their Catholic faith, and lived their Catholic faith. Sts. Kateri and Marianne, pray for us!
Deacons find balance key to ministry
calendars archbishop
Naumann Oct. 26 Blessing of Department of Physical Therapy Building — Saint Mary University Oct. 27 Mass and bless Veterans Memorial — Gate of Heaven, Kansas City, Kan. Oct. 28 Mass and installation of Father Ray May — St. Mary, Hartford Mass, dedication and reception — Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, Easton Oct. 30 Archbishop’s Call to Share clergy luncheon Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Ottawa Nov. 1 All Saints Day Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Mass — Benedictine College, Atchison Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Mass and dinner — St. Thomas More, Kansas City, Mo. Nov. 2 Mass and dinner — Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George Nov. 3 Mass at Marriage Day of Enrichment “The Catholic Way” taping
archbishop
keleher Oct. 29-31 Bishops’ Prayer Group, Kansas City Nov. 1 All Saints Day
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second front page 3
october 26, 2012 | theleaven.com
By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The first cadre of the archdiocese’s permanent deacons has found ministry to be pretty much what they expected — with an occasional curveball. “There have been no big surprises,” said Deacon Jim Lavin, assigned to Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park. “I’m not doing anything I didn’t expect to do, but you never know what you’re going to find.” Such was the case when he walked into a pharmacy one day, wearing his clerical collar. There, the pharmacist on duty asked if Deacon Lavin could give him some holy water. Why? asked the deacon. He needed it to remove a demon from a friend, replied the pharmacist gravely. “‘Well, holy water isn’t magic water,’” Deacon Lavin explained to him. “And I invited him to call me so we could talk. “He was quite serious.” It has been a busy year and a half since the first 17 permanent deacons were ordained on April 9, 2011. In addition to working full-time jobs, they fulfill their family responsibilities and minister at a parish. Usually this involves the exercise of their ministry on the weekends, but sometimes it means weekdays, too. Deacon Mike Schreck is assigned to the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, but he also is involved in some activities at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park. He does spiritual direction for individuals, works with the parish youth group, preaches at Masses twice a month, and leads a Communion service at a nursing home once a month. He serves at daily Mass at Holy Spirit Parish (because it’s close to his home in Lenexa) and is involved in weeknight activities at Nativity Parish as needed. “Actually, it’s been fantastic,” he said. “I really enjoy baptisms, just bringing children into the faith and dealing with their families. It’s one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had . . [as well as] surprisingly, preaching.” “Also, being able to share my faith in my workplace as well,” he continued. “It’s an important part for us who are permanent deacons to be a leaven in our work environment as well.” The ability to witness to his faith in the workplace, as well as balance his commitments to family, ministry and work, is an important aspect of being a deacon. “I think [permanent deacons] are called to be a witness to the call that all laity have to live out our faith in all aspects of our life,” said Deacon Schreck. “I think that deacons, in a particular way, serve as a role model in that regard.” Deacon Lavin is not only assigned to Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, he is employed there as a pastoral minister. He manages the parish’s technology
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden
Deacon Mike Schreck of Church of the Nativity in Leawood has performed a wide variety of duties as a deacon, including providing spiritual direction for individuals, working with the parish’s youth group, leading a Communion service at a nursing home once a month, and preaching at Mass twice a month. and security. He serves at weekend Masses and preaches at all the Masses once a month and every Friday morning Mass. He has done baptisms and a few weddings. “When I’ve gotten together with my brother deacons, I’ve learned that everyone has different responsibilities for their assignment,” said Deacon Lavin. “You’ll hear about some doing all the baptisms and weddings, but don’t preach much,” he continued. “Or, they may do various ministries in the evening, but don’t do a lot of liturgy. It depends on the needs of the parish and the pastor.” Deacon Lavin is glad he has a lot of support from his pastor, Father Rick Storey, and parishioners. “I’d say that, by and large, it has been very positive,” said Deacon Lavin. “I’m blessed to serve at my home parish, and not all deacons are assigned to their home parish. The parishioners have been with me all through the process to ordination and have been very supportive.” The biggest challenge is achieving that magic balance — especially as he spends a lot of time at the parish and giving spiritual direction. “I have to be very mindful of how this affects my wife and my younger son, who is a junior in high school,” he said. “I try to make sure I make time for him and my wife, and visit another son — who is disabled and lives in a group home — on a regular basis.” “You have to make sure you’re taking care of your family,” he continued.
“I couldn’t do this if I had issues within the family. We worked on this during our five years of formation. We were always told our marriage and family vocation comes first, then work, and then the diaconate.” Another great challenge is handling some of the difficult pastoral needs of parishioners. “They come to you with questions, problems and challenges in their lives that you’re not always prepared for,” he said. “You try to find the best way to help them and answer their questions.” “Once you become an ordained minister, you sit on the front row of people’s personal and spiritual lives,” he continued. “They let you into their lives. You have to be careful to maintain some kind of separation, but also to provide the assistance they need.” Often, he has had to rely on the grace that comes from ordination to handle these challenges. “I’m not a counselor,” said Deacon Lavin. “I don’t do psychological counseling. I provide spiritual direction and whatever pastoral assistance I can. When it’s all over with, I think, ‘Wow, where did those words come out of my mouth?’ How did I have the grace not to say certain things — to bite my lip sometimes and meet people where they’re at?” Deacon Keith Gearey, assigned to Our Lady of Unity Parish, is the only permanent deacon in Wyandotte County. Like the other deacons, he proclaims the Gospel and occasionally preach-
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es at Sunday Masses. He has officiated at only one wedding, but has presided over several funerals and graveside services. He does a lot of teaching — both for RCIA and for parents in the parish religious education program. He couldn’t engage in his ministry without his family’s support. “I’m very blessed that my wife is very understanding,” he said. “I have a teenage daughter, age 17, who understands the scope of my ministry and doesn’t feel slighted. I try to set aside time just for her, and my wife, to do things together. I’m a deacon 24/7, but you need those times when you focus on your family.” His wife is, in many ways, a contributor to his own ministry. “When she thinks my homily is crummy, she’ll always tell me,” he said. “Most of the time she says, ‘That’s pretty good,’ but sometimes, ‘I didn’t like that.’ She uses constructive criticism. And sometimes if I don’t have anything going on during the weekend, we’ll go to Mass at Prince of Peace and just sit out there in the congregation together. I think it’s important for husbands and wives to pray together.” One of the challenges of being a deacon is that he’s always, in a sense, on duty. “You represent the church and your pastor,” said Deacon Gearey. “So, when you go into some of these situations, no matter how your day went, you have to set it all aside. My constant prayer is, ‘Lord, let the words that come out of my mouth be your words.’”
Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
4 local news
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012
The universal call to holiness
n ‘Lumen Gentium’ clarified the nature, mission, of the church By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Before Pope John XXIII could open the Second Vatican Council in 1962, he had to clear the table of a little unfinished business. Namely, he had to officially close the First Vatican Council. Vatican I opened on Dec. 8, 1869, and ended on Oct. 20, 1870. That’s ended — not closed. That council was never brought to an official close because it was interrupted by two wars: the Franco-Prussian War, and the invasion of the Papal States by the Piedmontese Army. This is significant, because one of the unfinished documents of Vatican I was a planned, 15-chapter constitution on the church. The Council Fathers only managed to finish four chapters relating to the papacy before the Piedmontese decided to make Pope Pius IX (and his successors) the “prisoner of the Vatican.” “Both [successive pontiffs] Pope Pius XI and Pius XII pondered whether or not to call the First Vatican Council back into session or call a new council,” said Msgr. Ray Burger, now retired and living in Overland Park. “But they, too, were faced with world problems that did not permit this.” The unfinished business of Vatican I became the finished business of Vatican II — “Lumen Gentium” (“Light of the Nations”), or the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, promulgated on Nov. 21, 1964. “‘Lumen Gentium’ might be said to be a continuation of the ideas flowing from papal infallibility,” said Msgr. Burger, “for this document takes a close look at the church and its constituent parts.” These parts dealt with in the document relate to the bishops, priests, religious and the laity. The constitution also includes a chapter (its last) on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Originally it was a separate document, but for a variety of reasons ended up as part of “Lumen Gentium.” It might seem odd that after so many centuries the church felt the need to issue an important document defining its
CNS photo/Leslie E. Kossoff
“Lumen Gentium” placed a greater responsibility on all Catholics, calling them to active participation in sharing the Gospel. own nature and organization, but the Council Fathers felt this was needed. “The church was being more and more challenged by a world too affected by secular culture,” said Msgr. Burger. So for the church to more effectively engage that culture, he said, it first had to have a strong sense of its own mission and identity, and it “must clearly delineate each church member’s role in the church.” Msgr. Vince Krische, senior associate at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, was an assistant pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park when Vatican II closed. “‘Lumen Gentium’ clarifies the nature and mission of the church in the world,” said Msgr. Krische. “We are not sideliners in the human condition, but we are called to active participation in sharing our gift of the Gospel, which God entrusted to us, to society.” The document urged Catholics to take a new look at themselves as “the people of God,” and to understand that God wishes not only to save us individually, but as a people. The laity possesses a “priesthood of the faithful,” says the document, and are called to respond to the “universal call to holiness” — not just priests and religious. “In that sense, it places a greater responsibility on Catholics,” said Msgr.
“
“‘Lumen Gentium’ clarifies the nature and mission of the church in the world. We are not sideliners in the human condition, but we are called to active participation in sharing our gift of the Gospel, which God entrusted to us, to society.” Msgr. Vince Krische, senior associate at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence
Krische. “I think that’s why a lot of people are confused about the council.” “When I was growing up in the pre-Vatican II church, the church was there for what I needed,” he continued. “It was there just to serve me, and I didn’t realize my role in the church, and that the church has called me to personal responsibility for carrying on the mis-
sion of Christ.” One word in the document that became part of the vocabulary of the postconciliar church is “collegiality.” This completes the interrupted work of Vatican I, which only got as far as looking at the papacy. “In Vatican II, it shows how the bishops participate in that [papal] authority,” said Msgr. Krische. “It’s not that there’s another level of authority, but they participate in papal authority. That’s why they always have to teach in union with that authority.” “Lumen Gentium” also promoted a new, more ecumenical, perspective of other religions. Rather than repeat earlier condemnations of other faith traditions, this document expressed a different regard for the Protestants and the Reformed ecclesial communities, saying “many elements of sanctification and truth can be found outside of [the Catholic Church’s] visible structure.” And yet, the document also states that the church founded by Christ is the “pillar and mainstay of truth,” which “subsists in the Catholic Church.” This key word in the document — subsists — has an interesting connection to the archdiocese, said Msgr. Burger. The noted catechist Father John Hardon, SJ, used the word “subsist” in his 1951 doctoral thesis when referring to the Catholic Church. His thesis director, Father Sebastian Tromp, SJ, would wind up on the committee for “Lumen Gentium,” and he introduced the word “subsist” into the document. And who gave the imprimatur to Father Hardon’s thesis? It was Bishop Paul Schulte, former bishop of the Diocese of Leavenworth (now the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas). “Lumen Gentium” had and continues to have a big impact on the church and the world, said Msgr. Krische. “We’re a more active and dynamic church [as a result of it],” he said. “We speak more directly to the world in bringing the light of the Gospel to the issues that confront the human family. You can’t turn on the TV without some news about what the Catholic Church is saying, and in contrast to what secular society is saying.” “I believe this constitution says there should be no division between religion and life,” he continued. “We don’t have religion and church and then our daily life. We need to see how our faith impacts our professions and whatever we do in life.”
local news 5
october 26, 2012 | theleaven.com
n Emporia book club offers new link to faith
Read all about it
By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
E
MPORIA — Angie Schreiber read a recommendation she couldn’t ignore. “This is a book for pondering,” wrote Leaven editor Father Mark Goldasich in a 2011 column about the book “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.” “It is a wise teacher about what faith is ultimately meant to be,” Father Goldasich continued, describing the book by Father Gregory Boyle, SJ, better known to his “homies” in Los Angeles as “G.” Schreiber, an avid reader and parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Emporia, was hooked as soon as she read the column. She couldn’t wait to pick up the book. As she delved into the heartache, faith and hope in a community facing heavy gang issues, however, a thought struck her. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could discuss this?” And that began a new chapter in faith and fellowship at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia. Schreiber, the business manager at the church, extended an invitation in the parish’s bulletin for a January 2012 meeting. “If nobody shows up, nobody shows up,” she figured. To her delight, about a dozen people turned out — and had a good discussion. “So we picked another book,” said Schreiber. They kept going, pausing only for the busy summer months, and are now back in full swing for the fall. They usually meet on the third Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the parish offices. “It’s fun to hear what other people say about books,” said Schreiber. The discussions attract parishioners
Book club members of Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia meet to discuss the group’s latest reading selection. They are, clockwise from top: Brenda Mears, Connie Hudson, Angie Schreiber, Craig Carlson and Carolyn Carlson. of various ages — and even different types of readers. Some check out their books from the library. Others — like Schreiber — are “e-readers,” loading books onto their electronic reading devices when they’re available. (Schreiber loves being able to highlight sections and take notes, just as she would write in the margins of paper books.) Some even listen to the audio books. And some still like to buy the traditional hard copy. Because it’s a book club, the Sacred Heart group gets a discount through the local bookstore, which orders a few copies once it learns what the upcoming books will be. When pastor Father Rich Warsnak provided the parish with copies of Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscover Catholicism,” discussion attendance spiked because so many people were reading it. Schreiber hopes it sparked some longerterm interest in the group.
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Angie Schreiber Another favorite of many members has been “Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust,” by Immaculée Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin. A friend introduced book club member Brenda Mears to the story, and Mears couldn’t wait to recommend it to the group. “I found this true story to be an amazing testament of forgiveness when Immaculée, who was hidden in a tiny bathroom with seven other women for three months and survived the Rwan-
dan holocaust, forgave the killers who murdered her parents and two brothers,” she said. “I felt the group would appreciate Immaculée’s devotion to the Blessed Mother and her strong Catholic faith.” Parishioners are welcome to share their thoughts or just listen, according to their preference. But Schreiber appreciates hearing other points of view. “You get those ‘aha’ or epiphany moments you might not have had if you had just read the book yourself,” said Schreiber. And they always look for ways to apply their discussions in their own lives. Mears has felt her own faith grow through these discussions. “We have discussed discipleship, forgiveness, spiritual warfare and Catholic practices,” she said. “It is so refreshing,” she added, “to read a good book that encourages me to live my life for Christ.”
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“You get those ‘aha’ or epiphany moments you might not have had if you had just read the book yourself.”
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6 LOCAL NEWS
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012
Religious image stamps part of holiday tradition
Haskell member credits pregnancy to Kateri’s intercession
n Diversity of holiday stamps keeps religious uproar down
>> Continued from page 1 built near her gravesite at Kahnawake in Quebec, Canada. A convent of Native American nuns in Mexico began praying for her canonization 50 years after her death. For many years, miracles and healings have been attributed to her intercession. American Catholics initiated the canonization process in 1884, and many Native Americans have gone to Tekakwitha Conferences for more than 60 years to promote the saint’s cause. One of them was Kathy Redbird, a White Mountain Apache and member of the Haskell Catholic Campus Center at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. “Obviously, I would have rather gone to Rome, but to come here and pray with other Natives and celebrate this glorious occasion means the world to me,” said Redbird. Redbird credits her family to the intercession of St. Kateri. “The doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to conceive,” said Redbird. “They said I would be a barren woman. “So, I went to a Tekakwitha Conference as a pilgrimage in the late 1970s. I went up there and I asked her to pray for me. I said, ‘You chose not to have any kids, but if I am to be a barren woman, I want to be like you.’ After that, I became pregnant, so I named my daughter Tekakwitha. I wanted her to emulate the love for Jesus that Saint Tekakwitha has.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who was the homilist and main celebrant for the Mass, was joined by five concelebrants. Among them was Father Chris Rossman, who serves the shrine and is pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Holton; and Father Duane Reinert, OFM Cap., chaplain of the Haskell Catholic Campus Center and a frequent Mass celebrant at the shrine. The Mass was celebrated in a large tent pitched on a parking lot next to the shrine. A crowd of more than 400 people crowded the tent and filled chairs set up outside. In his homily, Archbishop Naumann welcomed the gathered Potawatomi in their own language, saying, “Bosho anish nah bak.” He also passed on the greetings and blessings of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., the archbishop of Philadelphia and a native of Concordia. Archbishop Chaput is an enrolled member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi. His Potawatomi name is “Pyet-ta-sen,” which means, “Wind is Stirring the Leaves.” “He told me that he was very pleased you were having this celebration today, and that he is in Rome for the canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha along with six other saints of the church,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He asked me to assure you that he was
By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
W
Leaven photo by Julie Holthaus
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates the Oct. 21 Mass marking the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Leaven photo by Joe Bollig
From left, Monnie Wabaunsee of Our Lady of the Snows, Father Curtis Carlson, OFM Cap., of the St. Lawrence Center, and Jean Finch of the Haskell Catholic Campus Center chat following Mass. united with us in prayer.” Saint Kateri grew up in the context of the rich culture of Native Americans, which had a great affinity for the spiritual and the divine, said the archbishop. This affinity disposed her heart to receive the Gospel from French Jesuit missionaries. Despite much hardship — she lost her family to disease, was left partially blind and scarred by smallpox, and was persecuted for her Christian faith — St. Kateri lived a life of heroic Christian virtue. “She had found the love that could never be denied,” said the archbishop. “She knew the joy of being loved by the One who was love itself.”
Kernel of truth Last week, the apostles were feuding over their place in the kingdom. This week, they seem to be shoving the folks who need the Lord most out of his path. But why? The answer is rooted in the entirely different worldview the apostles held from ours today. The Judaism of Jesus’ day did not teach a developed theology of divine reward and punishment in an afterlife. In their afterlife, Sheol was the destination of the righteous and unrighteous unlike. Instead, the Jews of Jesus’ day connected God’s rewards and punishments with this life.
The Mass was followed by a dinner, which included Native American foods such as fry bread and buffalo stew. The canonization celebration had been planned since June by a joint committee of representatives from the Haskell Catholic Campus Center and Our Lady of the Snows Shrine. Rey Kitchkumme, a member of the celebration committee, said St. Kateri now gives Native Americans a saint of their own. “On a personal level, knowing there is a Catholic Native American who in her lifetime lived devoutly . . . is an inspiration to people like me, Native American Catholics,” he said.
In other words, if you were rich, God obviously approved of you and was rewarding you with your wealth. And if you were poor or blind or lame? You were obviously a sinner — and being punished. But wait. It gets better. To be blind or lame you didn’t necessarily have to commit the sin yourself. Perhaps, instead, you were being punished for the sins of your father. That’s why in Sunday’s Gospel, Bartimaeus was originally rebuked for bothering Jesus. In a similar story in John’s Gospel, the apostles actually ask Jesus whether the man seeking his healing touch was himself the sinner, or was the son of a sinner.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was born into a time of great difficulty for Native Americans, whose world was changing dramatically because of the arrival of Europeans. She was born near what is now Auriesville, N.Y., in 1656, to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father. Both of her parents and a brother died from smallpox, a disease brought by the Europeans. The young Kateri survived the disease, but it left her partially blind and scarred. An uncle and two aunts raised her. When she was 11 years old, she met French Jesuit missionaries, who introduced her to the Catholic faith. Although her uncle was hostile to the faith, Kateri was baptized at age 20 on April 18, 1676. A short time later, she fled to the Christian Native American village of Kahnawake, in Canada. There, she became known for her devotion and piety. She became ill and died at age 24 on April 17, 1680. Miracles began to be associated with her intercession almost immediately, but it wasn’t until 1943 that Pope Pius XII declared her venerable. Source: Catholic Online, CNS
Suddenly, the apostles’ “vetting” of Jesus’ followers makes more sense — they’re weeding out the obvious sinners. It just doesn’t make Jesus’ kind of sense. So you can’t really blame the disciples for never getting it right. Or the Sadducees, Pharisees and Romans for growing so worried. Jesus was not only not the Messiah they were expecting. He was someone who was systematically turning upside down the whole social order of this world — with far-reaching implications for rich and poor alike in the next. — A.M.
washington letter 7
october 26, 2012 | theleaven.com
ASHINGTON (CNS) — When the U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new Christmas stamp Oct. 10 featuring an image of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, there was no uproar about religion in the public square, or in this case, rectangle. “We didn’t get a single phone call or email from anyone who took exception to the stamp,” Roy Betts, a spokesman for the Postal Service, said Oct. 11. “And with the speed with which people can respond today, they would have if they wanted to,” he added. He said he thought people were more concerned with other things such as the presidential election. He also said the post office doesn’t “really get comments” about the holiday stamps in general, most likely because of the diversity of stamps — besides stamps with Christian imagery, there are those that commemorate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Muslim festivals. As an aside, he said one year the Postal Service inadvertently left out the image of its Eid stamp — commemorating the Muslim festivals of Eid al-
Fitr and Eid al-Adha — from a poster about its holiday stamps. The Postal Service heard about it, and then some, and within 24 hours, he said, new posters were displayed that included all the holiday stamps. As he put it: “People are passionate about this [issue].” But right now, he added, “they’re not complaining.” The diversity in stamps, which may have quelled the naysayers, is fairly new. The first U.S. Christmas stamp debuted in 1962 with a wreath, two candles and the words “Christmas 1962.” Four years later the postal service issued what became more of the traditional Christmas stamp featuring a Renaissance painting of the Madonna and Child. By contrast, the other holiday stamps took longer to get their corner of the market. The Hanukkah stamp marking the eight-day Jewish festival of lights debuted in 1996. The Kwanzaa stamp for the African-American holiday first appeared in 1997 and the Eid stamp was not issued until 2001. Charles Haynes, a senior scholar at the Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center, told Catholic News Service in an Oct. 11 email that stamps with religious images aren’t a problem “as long as the government is acknowledging a variety of religious and nonreligious communities at various times of the year.” “The fact that religious — including explicitly Christian — symbols are in the mix raises no First Amendment is-
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One of the official holiday stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service features a silhouette of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt. The image, released Oct. 10, is a change from the portrayal of Madonna and Child featured on the Christmas stamp for close to 50 years. sue — but simply reflects our diversity,” he said. Haynes noted that Christian symbols on stamps should only be allowed if a variety of other faiths are represented. “Government may not privilege one faith over others,” he added. When the traditional Christmas stamp stood alone, it faced at least one sticky situation. In 1995, a Postal Service
advisory committee voted to replace the traditional Madonna and Child stamp with a Victorian-era angel. This vote stirred such negative reaction that even then-President Bill Clinton got into the fray, prompting an immediate reversal. Marvin Runyon, postmaster general at the time, said the Madonna and Child stamp would stay, at least while he was in office, because it “occupied an important place” for so many years and was “meaningful to so many Americans.” This year’s Christmas stamp does not feature the traditional Madonna and Child image but instead a silhouette of the Holy Family on their flight into Egypt. At the stamp’s unveiling at Washington National Cathedral, the Rev. Gary Hall, the Episcopal cathedral’s dean, said the stamp’s image has its own universal message. He said the “story of this new family forced to leave their home” can remind people to care for those who are marginalized: “the poor, the elderly, the immigrant, and the refugee.” He also said the image of the Holy Family “embarking for an unknown land” is a reminder that “we are in God’s hands and we trust in God to guide our journey.” If that isn’t to one’s liking, the Postal Service has plenty of other options, from its popular angel stamps to those without any religious undertones: the forever evergreens and pine cones.
Life Matters
Conscience protection in health care
A
Conscience protection also has critical implications for the performance of medical professionals. As physicians and medical professionals, we constantly confront moral dilemmas in our practice.
s a medical student, I was amazed by the experience of great beauty and love when a baby is delivered. In fact, one of the main reasons I became an obstetrician was for the privilege of helping
a mother welcome her child into the world and into the life of her family. I wanted to share in those precious moments when the miracle of life and the grace of God can be felt in an incomparable way. So I decided to seek a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. In the months before graduation from medical school, students go through the residency interview process, one of the most exciting, and also career-defining, periods in one’s professional life. It’s the time when students visit various hospitals to learn more about their training programs and to be interviewed for the few residency slots available. My excitement turned to dismay as three training programs in the New York and New Jersey area offered me residency positions, but only on condition that I would learn to perform abortions during my training, despite my having informed them multiple times that performing abortions was against my Catholic faith and values. When I stood up for my beliefs, I was told that I would not be eligible. Several of my medical school friends encountered similar situations at other medical residency programs, but we didn’t know what to do or what legal protection we had. Fortunately, I was successfully matched to a residency program that did not ask me to violate my beliefs. Years later, I learned that federal law prohibited those institutions from forcing medical personnel to perform abortions and other procedures against their conscience and faith. When I became the 13th U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, I worked with numerous professionals and legal experts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help defend the constitutionally protected rights of conscience of the many health care providers who are discriminated against because of their beliefs and ethical values. Over the years, I’ve met countless numbers of students, nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other health care providers who were or who are today confronted with the same dilemmas.
Catholic health care Catholic health care providers have been leaders in the delivery of care in the United States and across
Conclusion
the globe. There are over 600 Catholic hospitals in the United States alone. Catholic community hospitals represent one out of every eight hospitals and one-sixth of all patient admissions in the United States. The establishment and growth of Catholic health care has a rich history beginning in 1823, when Catholic Sisters first began staffing hospitals. These women manifested their love of God in the midst of their own hardships and suffering, while leading others to discover the love of Christ in suffering. Thus, they sought to integrate their care for the sick and dying with their spirituality. Catholic faith-based health care has been and remains an integral part of our nation’s health delivery system.
The need for conscience protection in law It is increasingly evident that there are efforts in our country to force medical providers to either perform actions against their personal conscience or leave the profession completely. Faith-based professionals are being driven out of medicine, which in turn will also limit access for patients. Only robust legal protection of conscience rights will ensure the continued services of many Catholic medical professionals who are working tirelessly to heal and prevent illness. The Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision gave new meaning to the need for conscientious objection. Following this decision, many physicians, particularly Catholic doctors, refused to take part in procedures that would violate their moral or religious convictions. Recognizing this real problem, Congress passed the Health Programs Extension Act of 1973, which included the Church Amendment. Named after, and introduced by, Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho), this amendment was the first federal leg-
It is increasingly evident that there are efforts in our country to force medical providers to either perform actions against their personal conscience or leave the profession completely. Faith-based professionals are being driven out of medicine, which in turn will also limit access for patients.
islation establishing a conscience clause in health care. It states that public officials may not require individuals or organizations who receive certain public funds to perform abortion or sterilization procedures, or to make facilities or personnel available for the performance of such procedures, if this “would be contrary to religious beliefs or moral convictions” (42 USC 300a-7). It remains in law today. Complementing the Church Amendment, the Coats Amendment was passed by Congress in 1996 to amend the Public Health Service Act. Named after Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), this amendment maintains federal funding and legal status of medical institutions that do not offer or refer for abortion training, and protects individuals who decline to receive such training. A third federal conscience clause
provision is the Weldon Amendment, named after Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.). Signed into law in 2004, the Weldon Amendment prohibits federal agencies and programs, as well as state and local governments, from discriminating against health care entities because they do not offer abortion services or provide coverage or referral for abortions. The Weldon Amendment covers a diverse group of health care entities, including physicians and other health care providers, hospitals, provider-sponsored organizations, HMOs, insurance plans and any kind of health care facility, organization or plan. It is also widely accepted, and guaranteed in law, that physicians, nurses and prison employees have a right to refuse to participate in executions for reasons of conscience.
Conscience protection creates better medical professionals Conscience protection also has critical implications for the performance of medical professionals. As physicians and medical professionals, we constantly confront moral dilemmas in our practice. Our work environment exists in an increasingly complex health care system with economic pressures as well as physician and nurse shortages. Emerging moral stressors associated with proposed changes to our profession may have drastic repercussions on the level and quality of care we are able to provide. Several studies have shown that it is important that caregivers work in
accord with their moral convictions. A 2009 descriptive study explored the relationship between moral distress and the performance and retention of medical professionals. The study concluded that moral distress played a significant role in whether a medical professional intends to continue practicing. A 2004 study found that emotional exhaustion is significantly related to moral distress. Finally, a Swedish study in 2008 examined factors related to stress and conscience in health care. It found that stress increased from not being able to follow one’s conscience or deal with moral problems at work. In order for conscience and moral sensitivity to become an asset instead of a burden, health care employees need to be able to express their moral concerns.
What the Second Vatican Council declared in “Dignitatis Humanae” is as true for medical professionals as it is for all of us: “All are bound to follow their conscience faithfully in every sphere of activity so that they may come to God, who is their last end. Therefore, the individual must not be forced to act against conscience nor be prevented from acting according to conscience, especially in religious matters. The reason is because the practice of religion of its very nature consists primarily of those voluntary and free internal acts by which human beings direct themselves to God. Acts of this kind cannot be commanded or forbidden by any merely human authority.” As medical providers, we do our very best to provide care and medical advice according to our knowledge and conscience to ensure that the patient is receiving appropriate care. As a Catholic physician, I have a spiritual obligation as well as a legal right to offer and perform clinical services that do not violate my ethical, moral, personal, or religious convictions or beliefs — in short, my conscience. As a doctor, the freedom to practice based not only on scientific knowledge but also on my faith and conscience allows me and all physicians and health care providers to offer the best quality of medicine possible. As a patient, I want my doctors, nurses and other health care providers to offer the same type of care. The moment we allow our conscience to be replaced by a government “conscience,” we begin to lose our freedom. — Joxel García, with Terry Michael Rauch II García is a principal of the International Health care Solutions Group (IHSG), past president and dean of Ponce School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and former Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Rauch is a partner in IHSG.
10 local news Mary
Anne
(Walker)
and Mike Dougherty, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 30. The couple was married on June 30, 1962, at St. Francis Church, St. Paul. A dinner was hosted by their children and their spouses: Patrice and Bob Haynes, Overland Park; Michael and Jill Dougherty, Indiana; and Kathleen Dougherty, New York. They also have two grandchildren.
Anniversary policy
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012 Donna and Marion Cox, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 8. The couple was married on Nov. 8, 1952, at St. Mary Church in Waterloo, Iowa. They have six children, 17 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with family and friends.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (CNS) — Mexican Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniguez said he sees “many possibilities here in the United States for vocations from the Spanish -speaking people,” and urged priests and other church leaders to work for vocations among Hispanic Catholics. “Go to the children, speak to the children” to cultivate new vocations, he said in an interview with The Record, newspaper of the Louisville Archdiocese. He also had a message for Hispanic Catholics in the United States. “Don’t lose your faith in Christ. Maintain yourselves inside the church,” he said. Cardinal Sandoval, retired archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico, was one of the keynote speakers at the annual conference of the Asociacion Nacional de Sacerdotes Hispanos (National Association of Hispanic Priests). Held Oct. 8-11 in downtown Louisville, it drew nearly 100 Hispanic priests from around the nation. The conference focused on the new evangelization to coincide with the theme of the world Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which opened Oct. 7 and closes Oct. 28.
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops’ subcommittee on marriage described as “unjust and a great disappointment” the decision by a federal appeals court striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act, which says marriage is a legal union of a man and a woman. “Redefining marriage never upholds the equal dignity of individuals because it contradicts basic human rights,”
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of Oct. 23 after a major cleanup of mud left behind by the waters of the flooding Gave River. Shrine officials had reported up to four feet of water in the grotto. Pope Benedict XVI publicly expressed his concern about the flooding Oct. 21 during the recitation of the Angelus after canonizing seven new saints and celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Square. “We turn to the one who is queen of all the saints, the Virgin Mary, with a thought for Lourdes, struck by the serious flooding of the Gave, which has flooded even the Grotto of the Apparitions,” the pope said.
Cardinal urges vocations among U.S. Hispanics
Rejection of Defense of Marriage Act ‘unjust’
Marriage Day of Enrichment
news briefs 11
october 26, 2012 | theleaven.com
Australian bishop warns: Don’t target the elderly CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters
Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with U.S. Jesuit Father Brian E. Daly during an awards ceremony at the Vatican Oct. 20. Father Daly, a patristics expert and professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame, was awarded a major prize in theology through the Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) Vatican Foundation. said San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. He issued a statement Oct. 19 about a 2-1 ruling handed down a day earlier by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, which said the federal marriage law was unconstitutional because it failed to give equal protection to New York spouses in same-sex marriages. It was the second appeals court ruling to find a key provision of the 1996 federal law unconstitutional. The Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.” The U.S. Supreme Court is expected this term to take up an appeal to rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act.
world
Cleanup begins at Lourdes shrine after flooding VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Flooding at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Oct. 20 temporarily closed much of the popular French pilgrimage site and led to the evacuation of several hundred pilgrims. The shrine church was partially open Oct. 21, but the pools where the sick bathe in hopes of spiritual and physical healing were to remain closed indefinitely, said Bishop Nicolas Brouwet of Tarbes and Lourdes. The Lourdes grotto, where Mary is reported to have appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, was to reopen the evening
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) — Western nations must resist the pressure to “scapegoat, abandon, even kill, the elderly as a cost-cutting measure,” an Australian bishop said in a major bioethics lecture. Bishop Anthony Fisher of Parramatta, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said health economists and utilitarian philosophers were placing the elderly at risk by treating them as a “swarm of voracious but unworthy consumers of a resource which doctors must guard from them.” Delivering the 2012 Anscombe Memorial Lecture at St John’s College, Oxford University, he accused health economists who focused disproportionately on costs of “showing us how to get most efficiently to the wrong place. In the process we may be led to compromise basic moral principles against killing, harming and abandoning, and favoring respect for the dignity and equality of all, promotion of health, reverence for the elderly and support for the disadvantaged,” Bishop Fisher said in his Oct. 15 lecture. “The elderly are not a problem, a market, a budget: They are real individuals, our own people, our ancestors, in due course — ourselves,” he said.
12 classifieds Employment Executive assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an executive assistant to the archbishop. This individual oversees the daily operations of the office, maintains the daily and long-range calendar of the archbishop, handles incoming calls to the office, coordinates travel arrangements for the archbishop and provides administrative support for correspondence and projects. The ideal candidate will have a Catholic school education, be a college graduate, have a minimum of five years’ recent experience in a professional or executive support environment and possess exceptional communication skills. As a visible representative of the archdiocesan church and the archbishop, the individual must be a practicing Catholic, registered in a Catholic parish or Catholic faith community, and embrace in word and in deed the church’s teachings on faith and morals as articulated by the church’s magisterium. Interested individuals should send a resume, letter of support from their pastor, and cover letter expressing their interest in the position to: Kathleen Thomas, Human Resources Director, at: kthomas@archkck.org or by mail to 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Submission deadline is Oct. 31. Business development and account services manager - High growth, creative promotional products company seeks individual with several years’ sales experience — ideally in the promotional product industry. Must have proven track record in pursuing and closing new business from lead generation through sales presentation and follow-up. New business sales activity will include, but not be limited to, lead generation, sales prospecting, scheduling appointments, preparing for and delivering sales presentations, client sales follow-up, sales planning by market, proposal research and development, and getting the sale to the order stage. Send resume and references to: info@wellingtonpromotions.com. Administrative assistant - St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Leawood is seeking an administrative assistant for the religious education office. This position is a 25-30 hour per week position and requires a flexible work schedule (some evening and weekend). The ideal candidate will be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher; have the ability to multitask; have good communication and organizational skills; and work well with volunteers. Send letter of interest and resume to Denise Ogilvie at: denise.ogilvie@stmichaelcp.org Substitute teacher - Holy Trinity Catholic School in Paola is seeking a long-term fourth grade substitute teacher beginning in February. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application available online at: www.archkckcs.org and email/mail a letter of interest and resume to the principal, Josh Cavender, at: mrcavenderhts@gmail.com or call (913) 294-3286 for more information. Youth minister – Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Lenexa, a vibrant parish of 2500+ families, is seeking a proactive and enthusiastic youth minister to lead our senior OR junior high youth ministry. You will be joining a committed team of two youth ministers and over 30 core volunteers. Given the type of work we do, you will design and lead small/large weekly gatherings; train and motivate diverse volunteer teams; coordinate retreats, events and trips; develop relationships with students and work somewhat eclectic hours. We pay competitively, we’re good to work with, and we have a bunch of fun with all we do. If creative ideas are common, you have a passion for Christ and his church, you’re willing to be a part of a parish ministry team, and have a love for the hearts of teenagers, this might be the right fit. The college degree and theological credentials are a BIG bonus. Email letter/resume/references to: kwalters@ htslenexa.org or mail to: Kris Walters, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john.mahon@kofc.org. School minivan drivers - Assisted Transportation seeks caring, compassionate and safe drivers to transport children to and from school in Johnson and Wyandotte counties. Part-time morning and afternoon hours, competitive wages, CDL not required, retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply online at: www.assistedcompanies.com.
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012
Services Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop is open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting services. Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc. We specialize in memorial quilts – wrapping you in your cherished memories. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. To see samples, visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com. 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. bankruptcylawinkansascity.com. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammermoving@aol.com. Get your yard ready for winter with a FALL CLEANUP. Full Service Lawn Care - gutters, mulching and more. Call John @ 913-825-4353 or visit www.foleyslawncare.com St. Joseph Parishioner, Shawnee Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services (913) 627-9222
Home Improvement Affordable cabinetry - 20 years experience creating quality woodworking, design, and detail for all your custom cabinetry and furniture needs. Competitive rates; references available. Serving the KC Metro area. Call Dennis at (913) 850-3956. Visit the website at: www.dennisbilt.com. Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230. Fall Cleanup Leaf Removal. Tree/Shrub Trimming Aftin Lawn And Landscape Free Estimates/ Insured/ Refs Local Parishioner (913) 620-6063 Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307. Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.
Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Brack Home Repair - Call Dan when you need it done! Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting, tile, wood-rot and much more. No project too big or small. For free estimate, call (913) 219-5388 or visit the Website at: brackhomerepairkc.com. Insured; senior discount available. Philippians 4:13. 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. 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. Garage door and opener sales and service - 24hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and tile work - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. House painting - Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.
Caregiving Experienced, compassionate caregiver — Available to work throughout the Kansas City metro area. Available all shifts and weekends. With over 10 years of service, I provide compassionate personal caregiver services to you or your family member. Please call me to discuss your individual needs and how I can assist you. Trinity Caregiving (816) 337-7493; info@ trinitycaregiving.com Compassion - Trust - Quality Care Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com. CNA – Would you like to keep your senior loved one in the comfort of their own home? Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from
themselves. Compassionate, nurturing, attentive home health care professional provides quality service and personal assistance for over 20 years. Available anytime. Live-in optional. Non-smoker. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455. Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.Comfort CareKC.com. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.
Real estate For sale - 160 acres m/l; 2+ bedroom home, new roof & windows, new bathroom, new hardwood floors, tankless hot water heater, rural water; 3 ponds plus creek, good pasture, good hunting, lots of timber; good school district. Mineral rights. Call Tom at (913) 683-4488 or Theresa at (913) 362-3024 Investors - Why play the stock market? Become a passive real estate investor. If you want to discuss the possibility of investing in real estate that produces positive income with a seasoned investor, call (913) 980-3559. For sale - Two-story home seeks loving family to continue four-decade tradition; 5 BR w/1st-floor office, hardwood, finished basement, large lot. Round Hill area, w/ local pool, tennis, clubhouse. Near Curé, Queen, St. Ann, and Holy Cross parishes/schools (SM East HS). $255K. 6007 W. 91st Terr, OP. Open house 10/27 & 28, noon-5. Call (913) 341-7012 for showing/info.
for sale Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557. Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236. Mausoleum for sale - At Prince of Peace Resurrection inside the main chapel at eye level. Price well below actual value. Call (913) 341-3149.
vacation
<< Continued from the previous page
for rent For rent - 1 BR, 1 BA apartment in St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Near Nieman and Johnson Dr. $520/month; utilities included. 10911 W. 59th Terr. Nonsmokers only. For a virtual tour, visit the website at: www.shawnee-rentals.com. Call (913) 649-7596.
wanted to buy Wanted to buy- Lionel Trains. Call (913) 4856700 Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wrist watches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 2382473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee
Caregiver wanted Providers Needed For Child with Autism in Overland Park Hours: after school and weekends Training required If interested, contact Eileen at (785) 317-0220 or eileen.madelen@gmail.com
Concrete Work
Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish
Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
Branson condo nightly rental - 2 king BRs, 2 BA; sleeps 6. Sunporch overlooks public golf course. Walk-in level (no steps), flat screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchen. Near the Hwy. 76 strip. No smoking; no pets. Members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park. Call (913) 851-8886. Want to go to Ireland? - Here’s a great opportunity. Join our small group of singles and couples going for 12 days in April 2013. Act quickly; we have just a few spots left in our group of 30 for a few more “fun” people. Our local guide was born and raised in Dublin, so knows the country well. For more information, call (913) 599-2940 or (913) 469-6211.
$3.50 for children ages 6 - 12; and $2.50 for children ages 2 - 5.
The Amphion Men’s Ensemble of Kansas City will perform a concert at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan. The concert, “A Journey into the Dark,” will feature the “Dies Irae” chant and a variety of classical and contemporary choral music. Admission is $5 at the door; children and students are free. For information, go to the website at: www.amphionkc.com.
The Daughters of Isabella will hold a luncheon and meeting at noon on Oct. 28 in Rossiter Hall at Assumption Church, 8th and Jackson Sts., Topeka.
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About 40 craft and gift vendors will be at the St. Joseph Ladies Guild gift and craft bazaar from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct. 27 at St. Joseph Parish’s McDevitt Hall, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. For information, call Shannon Foley at (913) 302-8505. The Holy Family Social Club will host a Halloween dance from 7 - 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Msgr. Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The Don Lipovac Orchestra will provide music. Children are welcome. Wear a costume. Tickets cost $12 per person. For tickets, call Richard Schutte at (913) 6693677, or Mike Waliczek at (913) 342-1785.
The Little Sisters of the Poor — Jeanne Jugan Center will host the “Of Saints and Miracles” luncheon at 11:15 a.m. on Oct. 30 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Tickets are $100 for individuals and $1,000 for a table. For information or to register, call Michelle Biondo at (816)7614744.
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November
St. Matthew Parish, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka, will host a fall festival on Oct. 27 and 28. Events on Oct. 27 include a 5K race with registration at 7 a.m. and a run/walk at 9 a.m. There will be a chili dinner and cupcake war after the 5 p.m. Mass. Sunday events include a turkey dinner from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults; $3 for children age 3 and younger. There will be games and activities.
Holy Cross in Overland Park is hosting its annual Friendship Tea at Holy Cross Church in Father Lickteig Hall at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 3. Sister Anna will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $10. For reservations, call or email Maxine Rodriguez at (913) 383-2012 or Maxine@rmckc.com, or Donna Heit at (913) 383-2014 or Dheit@kc.rr.com.
Beginning Experience will host a Halloween dance at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at St. Thomas More Parish, 119th and Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. Music is by Zep. The cost is $15 at the door. Costumes are encouraged. For information and questions, call John at (913) 219-3465. The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 7909, will present the movie, “Restless Heart: Confessions of St. Augustine,” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 and at 2:30 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park. For ticket information, send an email to: mpkmue@aol.com.
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Holy Angels Parish will host a bazaar and dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Oct. 28 at St. Rose School, 520 E. Fourth St., Garnett. Tickets are: $8 for adults; $5 for children age 10 and younger; and $9 for carryouts.
Call Toll Free 888-246-1504
The Immaculate Conception Altar Society will host its quarterly luncheon and meeting of the Leavenworth Region of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women on Oct. 28 in the church basement, 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth. Enter at Kiowa Street. The potluck luncheon will be at 12:30 or 1 p.m. Please bring used cards, stamps, and other items for ditty bags and pennies for seminarians. For information, email Judy Brose at: brosej2002@yahoo. com, or call (913) 773-8334.
Sanctuary of Hope will host Paths to Peace from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 at 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Guest speakers are Elder David Hepworth of the Mormon faith and Appachu Kodira of the Hindu faith. For more information, contact Julie at: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org or at (913) 321-4673. Cost is $20, including lunch.
There will be a pancake breakfast and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Cathedral of St. Peter Parish center, 425 N. 15th, Kansas City, Kan. Tickets are $6 for adults; $4 for children younger than 10. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (913) 371-3423. The breakfast will benefit the Sisters, Servants of Mary.
miscellaneous
Classifieds continue on the next page >>
October
There will be a dedication on Oct. 27 of the new veterans memorial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel Pkwy., in Kansas City, Kan. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate a 10 a.m. Mass in the Holy Redeemer Mausoleum chapel. The archbishop will bless the outdoor memorial following the Mass. For information, call Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040; contact Catholic Cemeteries by email at: information@cathcemks.org; or go to the website at: www.cathcemks.org.
Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $115/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.
Calling All TWA, Ozark, and American cabin attendants - TWA Clipped Wings, a philanthropic/social organization, is planning a “Welcome Home” convention in Kansas City, Oct. 3 -5, 2013. We hope this will be the best chance ever to reconnect with our dear friends. For more info, contact Cheryl Molinaro at: molinarozc@hotmail.com or (239) 498-6777; or Judy Gerling at: judygerling@gmail.com or (913) 631-7118.
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october 26, 2012 | theleaven.com
Sacred Heart Parish in Paxico will host a sausage supper, served buffet style, from noon - 5 p.m. on Oct. 28. Activities include a silent auction. Admission is: $9 for adults;
A Taize prayer will be held on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in Ross Chapel at the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. Find information online at: www. marillaccenter.org or call (913) 758-6572.
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The Curé of Ars Parish 5K and One-mile Fun Run will be on Nov. 3. The race will be followed by a free breakfast. All proceeds benefit the parish. Participating team members must register. To register, go to the website at: www.cureofars5k.com. There will be a craft fair from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 3 in Father Quinlan Hall at Holy Angels Parish, 154th and Leavenworth Rd., Basehor. For information, call Annie Clark at (913) 724-2212. St. Patrick Parish in Corning will host its soup lunch and auction on Nov. 4 starting at 11 a.m. Auction will start at 2 p.m. Cost of the lunch is a freewill donation.
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There will be an hour of prayer for the election with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann from 3 - 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, 17th and Stone, Topeka. For information, call (785) 246-1334. A pancake breakfast will be held from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Nov. 4 at St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict. The cost to attend is a freewill offering. There will be a turkey dinner from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Holy Trinity Parish, 601 E. Chippewa, Paola. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and younger. The cost of carryouts, served from noon to 2:30 p.m., is $9 for adults; $5 for children. Activities include bingo and a raffle. Annunciation Parish in Frankfort will host a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a silent auction on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Cigna Center. Tickets are $9 for adults; $4 for children age 10 and younger. Boy Scout Troop 295 is hosting a pancake breakfast and bake sale on Nov. 4 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish hall after all the morning Masses. Tickets are $6 per plate; $20 for a family of four or more.
The Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., will offer a volunteer informational meeting from 7 - 9 p.m. on Nov. 5 at 11644 W. 75th St., Shawnee. For information or to RSVP, call Mary Newcomer at (913) 9620200 or send an email to: volunteer@ adviceandaid.com.
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The Sophia Center in Atchison will offer a presentation on the illuminated St. John’s Bible: Letters and Revelation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 8. The cost to attend is $60. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151, or visit the Sophia Center’s website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia. html.
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The Women’s Club of St. Ann Parish will host its annual luncheon and card party from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the parish hall, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village. Men are welcome. The cost is $10 a person. For reservations, call Mary Cheney at (913) 648-1026 or Bev Vyhanek at (913) 362-7397. A Marked Men for Christ retreat will be held at the Tall Oaks Conference Center near Linwood from 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 11. For information or to register, go to the website at www.markedmenforchrist. org, or call Marc at (913) 306-2803.
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The Sanctuary of Hope will hold its Hope Benefit dinner, dance and auction on Nov. 10 at the Reardon Civic Center in Kansas City, Kan. The tickets are $65. For information or reservations, call Julie at (913) 321-4673 or email her at: julie@sanctuaryofhope.
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Holy Family School will host “Flashback to the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s” dinner, dance, raffle and auction on Nov. 10 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Activity Center, 216 N.E. Branner, Topeka. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a dance from 7 - 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 for individuals, $110 reserved onehalf table for eight, or $15 dance-only ticket from 7:30 -11 p.m. Child care is available for $5 a child. Please RSVP for this service by calling (913) 234-8980 by Nov. 7. To purchase tickets for the dance, call Debi Meier at (785) 640-4662. Holy Family Church is hosting its annual chili supper/turkey bingo on Nov. 10 at Msgr. Mejak Hall, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Supper is from 6:15-7:15 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. A $15 donation includes chili dinner, dessert, beer, pop, and a bingo card until the games end. No one under 21 admitted. For tickets, call Marcia Wolf at (816) 454-1378. High school men grades 10 –12 are invited to visit a college seminary while classes are in session Nov. 10-11 at Conception Seminary in Missouri. There is no cost. Vocation director Father Mitchel Zimmerman will provide transportation and accompany visitors, leaving at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 and returning at 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. Registration is required by Nov. 5 at: Kckvocations. com or by email to: vocation@archkck.org.
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St. Ann Parish in Effingham will hold its ham and beans and chicken and noodles fall meal on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The St. Anthony Guild of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish will host a bake and craft sale from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 at St. Joseph Church basement hall, 227 Van Buren St., Topeka. The Women of Spirit of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, are hosting a tour of the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center, an ethnic lunch, music by Don Lipovac, a visit to the museum’s gift shop, and a tour of St. John the Baptist Church. It departs from Holy Spirit at 9 a.m. on Nov. 30. Cost is $40, which includes bus transportation, tours, and lunch. Receipt of your check confirms reservation. Call Mary at (913) 486-3285 or Kathy at (913) 599-2940 for information.
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14 commentary
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012
que pasa en hispanic ministry
mark my words Scripture Readings Thirtieth week of ordinary time Oct. 28 Thirtieth SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 31: 7-9 Ps 126: 1-6 Heb 5: 1-6 Mk 10: 46-52 Oct. 29 Monday Eph 4: 32 — 5: 8 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 13: 10-17 Oct. 30 Tuesday Eph 5: 21-33 Ps 128: 1-5 Lk 13: 18-21 Oct. 31 Wednesday Eph 6: 1-9 Ps 145: 10-14 Lk 13: 22-30 Nov. 1 ALL SAINTS Rv 7: 2-4, 9-14 Ps 24: 1-4ab, 5-6 1 Jn 3: 1-3 Mt 5: 1-12a Nov. 2 THE COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS) Wis 3: 1-9 Ps 23: 1-6 Rom 5: 5-11 Jn 11: 17-27 Nov. 3 Martin de Porres, religious Phil 1: 18b-26 Ps 42: 2-3, 5cdef Lk 14: 1, 7-11
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commentary 15
october 26, 2012 | theleaven.com
Where is the highway to heaven?
hey say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I believe that hell is the road.
I’m embarrassed how many times I’ve written here about driving and its negative effects on me. What triggers those reactions? Sometimes it’s a simple thing, like people not using their turn signals. But it can also be more serious, like people choosing to treat speed limits as suggestions, rather than the law (especially in school zones). And then there are the folks who have their eyes glued to their cellphones and not the road. I want to erect a two-way (facing front and back) rooftop sign on my car, mirroring a bumper sticker that said: Hang Up and Drive! (But they’d probably not see it.) There is, however, one irritant that stands head and shoulders above every other. My most recent experience was a few weeks ago when I was taking my mom to a
Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. doctor’s appointment. We were on I-435 and, due to construction, the number of lanes went from three to one. When I saw the sign saying, “Left two lanes closed ahead,” I moved to the far right lane as soon as it was safe to do so. Naturally, there was a snakelike column there, moving slowly forward. Occasionally, people from the right were being let into the line. I was totally OK with that, as these were cars merging from an entrance ramp to the highway. What I was definitely not OK with was the people zooming by on my left, long after the initial warning
sign and a secondary sign that featured a huge arrow pointing to the right. In my more charitable moments at times like this, I just sigh and roll my eyes; in less charitable moments, I groan and shake my fist as they zip pass. In my least charitable moments, I’m tempted to throw out some stop sticks and then taser the blasted driver once he screeches to a halt. What possesses people to ignore these merge signs until the very last minute, when they have to force their way in and thus delay everyone already in the line? Do these lane crashers think that no one else has places that they’re going? Well, I’m happy to report that I contained myself in this most recent incident. I’d love to say it was because doing any of the “charitable” things mentioned above would violate my commitment to be particularly attentive to respecting life in this month of October. Actually, I was only well behaved because my mom was sitting in the passenger seat and would not have tolerated any outbursts (especially the tasering).
Remarkably, I did a little bit of thinking and praying instead. I tried to give the “speeders” the benefit of the doubt: Perhaps they were attending to the needs of some small kids in their car and missed the signs until the last minute. Or maybe they were running late for an interview for a job desperately needed to support the family and had to jump the line in order to arrive on time. I doubted either of those scenarios was true, but they were possible. I suspected that the folks rushing down that left lane were probably just selfish people, who figured their time or task was more important than mine and everyone else who was dutifully crawling along. If that was the case, I prayed that the Lord would one day soften those hearts and help them notice the presence and needs of others and, maybe for once in their lives, willingly sacrifice the first spot in favor of a lesser one. In the meantime, I’ll keep working on myself so that, with God’s grace, my nemesis the road will become a highway to heaven.
In the beginning
Jeremiah offers message of hope to exiles everywhere
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n the winter of 1838, about 15,000 Cherokee were forced to leave their homes in the southeastern United States, in order to relocate to reservations in the Indian Territory, in present-day Oklahoma. To make the journey, they traveled over 1,000 miles, mainly on foot, poorly clothed, often without shoes or moccasins. They suffered tremendously from harsh weather, disease and malnourishment. About 4,000 died. That is why their journey is called the Trail of Tears. Sunday’s reading, Jer 31:7-9, tells us: “They departed in tears.” Thousands of years before the Cherokee made their death march, the Israelites had similarly been forced into exile. The conquering Assyrians had taken them to the land of the north, to Babylonia. But now, the prophet
Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. anticipates their triumphant return home: “I will bring them back from the land of the north.” Unlike the difficult conditions in which they left Israel, the returning exiles will not endure hardships along the way. Even though they may walk through desert lands, God will take care of them. God will provide abundant water for them to drink and make an easy path for them to travel on: “I will lead them
to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble.” God will ensure extremely favorable conditions for travelling. Even those with physical handicaps, even pregnant women, will be able to manage the trip: “I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child.” This explains why the returning exiles can be so happy. Not only are they going home, but they are travelling first class. That is why the prophet exhorts: “Shout for joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel.” Jeremiah’s message of hope can encourage any who have been forced to leave their homes. Ordinarily, that happens because of war.
THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC 707. For airplane enthusiasts, that number signifies a mid-size Boeing jet. For me, it represents money — specifically, how much I’ve been able to save so far this month. Unfortunately, it’s not $707, but $7.07. On the positive side, though, that isn’t too shabby, considering it’s just the spare change retrieved from my pocket over these past three weeks. For Respect Life Month, I’ve been collecting the money in a
Refugees flee in order to seek shelter from the fighting. Most recently, thousands of Syrians have been moving to nearby Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and even Iraq, to escape the bloodshed of the civil war raging in their country. Once again, the words of the prophet Jeremiah have come true: “They departed in tears.” In Sunday’s reading, God assures the people: “For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.” And through Jesus Christ, we know that God claims all of us as sons and daughters. God is our Father. With that in mind, we can once again take comfort in Jeremiah’s message of hope, that God will enable all those forced to leave home to return. Just as God brought the exiles back to the promised land centuries ago, so also God will bring the refugees of our world back to their homes.
plastic baby bottle on my kitchen counter to donate to the Wyandotte Pregnancy Center in Kansas City, Kan., as part of Baby Bottle Boomerang. It’s a really painless way to raise some money for a good cause. How about trying it out? Over the course of a month, pick a charity that you’d like to support and each night throw your spare change into this container. At month’s end, count it up and write the organization a check. It’s one easy action to “change” the world around you. — M.G.
Spanish-speakers invited to ‘Love It, Learn It, Live It,’ too
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eptember 13 was a special day in the life of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
It was a great experience to see the leadership of our Catholic Church gathered to kick off the historic initiative of faith that encouraged us all to “Love It, Learn It, Live It.” Let me assure you that this enthusiasm is shared equally by the Spanishspeaking members of the Catholic faith community. And so it is with great joy that I share with our readers
father pat murphy, cs Father Pat Murphy, CS, is the archdiocesan animator for the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry. our seven-point plan for the Year of Faith: Love it: 1) Spiritual missions — A series of one-day retreats (Dec. 8 and 15; Feb. 15 and 16) will be based on the themes of faith, prayer and sacra-
ments. 2) Migrant Family Retreat — A one-day retreat to be held in four different regions that will offer Hispanic couples a way to reflect on the role of faith in the migrant journey. 3) Impactos — A two-day retreat experience in four regions of the archdiocese that bring together Mom, Dad and children to reflect on their experience of faith as a Catholic family. Learn it: 4) The Catholicism Project — We are happy to offer this 10-week course in five different parishes during the Year of Faith. 5) Catechism of the Catholic Church — In the fall of
2013, the School of Faith will be ready to offer a six-week course in Spanish on the catechism. We hope to offer this course at the cathedral. Live it: 6) Marriage For Keeps — This very exciting program to strengthen marriages is being offered in four different parishes in Spanish in 2012-2013. 7) Immigration Round Tables — This will be a series of 90-minute workshops held in four different parishes that bring together immigrants and non-immigrants to share some food and conversation about their common journey of faith. We may come from different places, but we are all moving toward the same
final destination. So let’s get together and talk about it during the Year of Faith. Our first workshop will be Dec. 11 (5:30 – 7 p.m.) at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kan., so please call us at (913) 281-6644 to reserve your place at the table. In addition to this seven -point plan of action we also hope to offer some workshops on the documents of Vatican II, a Lenten mission and some special events for Hispanic youth. Yes, the Year of Faith will be an exciting time in the life of the local Catholic Church, and our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters look forward to loving, learning and living their Catholic faith.
Building the culture of Life
Reason, not emotion, is our best guide to good decisions
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t seems that much of our public discourse these days is emotional and contentious, perhaps even more so during this tumultuous election season.
Civil discourse appears to be rare; subjectivity tends to prevail over objectivity; and disrespectful attitudes reign. Emotions rule over reason. This scenario is certainly witnessed in the public debate on important social and pro-life issues. I believe that most people would agree that when we
Ron Kelsey Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can email him at: prolife@archkck. org or call (913) 647-0350. make decisions based solely on our emotions it often leads to poor decisions. Making good decisions normally involves utilizing our gift of reason, our ability to think in a comprehensive way. Why then, in today’s culture, do we often set aside the use of reason? Certainly, this is representative of our weakened human nature. But I
would like to offer that this is aggravated by three societal trends: moral relativism; radical secularism; and so-called sexual freedom. Moral relativism essentially means that what I think or feel is right, and objective truths do not exist. Under moral relativism, emotions are all that are required for my decisions, because what I feel is morally right for me — no need to be burdened by reason. Radical secularism pushes God out of the way and any boundaries that consideration of God involve. Humility, that is, dependence upon God, vanishes and pride fills the vacuum. Considerations of eternity are brushed aside by worldly considerations. So-called sexual freedom
allows me to dispense with any moral constraints that limit my ability to act in the sexual manner that I desire. People become objects to be used by me, rather than children of God who deserve my love and respect. All three of these trends can be boiled down to a common denominator of acting in accordance with my will, not God’s will. Self-love trumps respect and love of others. It is easy to see how public discourse is negatively impacted by the above. Respect for individuals is minimized with minimization of objectivity and reason. I submit that the above three trends — each missing proper reason — are, logically, unreasonable. Proper use of reason
brings one to thoughts and actions in accordance with church teaching. Surely, it makes no sense that a loving God would give us the faculty of reason that, properly used, could bring us to decisions contrary to church teaching. Church teaching is our compass to truth, our compass to Christ. Reason is indispensable in both civil public discourse and in good decisionmaking. We must resist the temptation to make important decisions only emotionally. Society is advanced authentically when we align our will with God’s will. Therefore, reason — not emotions, not subjectivity, not party loyalty — should be our primary guide in voting in the upcoming crucial election.
do unto others
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‘Hack’ your way into heaven through simple acts of charity
n “The City of God,” St. Augustine spoke of taking the best of pagan culture and applying it to Christian life, like the gold that Moses took from the Egyptians was transformed into the Ark of the Covenant. One piece of secular gold I would propose to transform your faith life is the “lifehack.” The original “hack” was any shortcut to a computer programming problem,
bill scholl Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org. hence the term “hacker.” Hackers started applying the term to their everyday lives, calling them “lifehacks,” which are practices that increase productivity in a creative way. As disciples of Christ, we can apply this concept to our practice of God’s love as charity. Hence,
here are a few charity hacks to try in your practice of Christianity. Sock it to homelessness We’ve all had that minor conscience crisis driving past a homeless man asking for help. We don’t want to be like the rich man, ignoring Lazarus only to discover in hell that he was passing by Christ himself. However, we fear giving money could enable the man to drink or drug his problems away. There is a way to avoid this pitfall. Give him socks. These guys do a lot of walking, and socks wear out quickly, especially in the winter. So buy a big pack of thick tube socks and keep them in the car. 2-for-1 medicine By law, the medicine
in name brands has to be exactly the same stuff in the generic, which often sells at half the price. So when you buy medicine, buy two of the generic brand and give one to a health clinic that serves the poor. Duchesne Clinic and St. Vincent are always in need of over-the-counter medicine to give their patients. So find a clinic and stop by with your donation after you go to the drugstore. Don’t leave your clothes hanging Take all your clothes that you have hanging and turn the hangers with the hook end facing you. When you wear a garment hang it back as you would normally. Schedule or pick a holiday that’s three months
away to check your closet. Any clothes where the hook end hasn’t been turned are clothes you don’t wear. Give them to a charity like Catholic Charities TurnStyles. The practice of charity is not optional for Catholics. Reading Scripture and receiving the sacraments alone aren’t enough to get you into heaven. If study and prayer don’t translate into concrete acts of love, especially with an eye to helping the poor in your everyday practice, your faith life is stunted. So try adding some charity hacks — and you may hack your way into heaven. What are your charity hacks? Email them to me at: socialjustice@archkck, and I’ll pass them on.
16 local news
theleaven.com | october 26, 2012
St. Matthew School in Topeka named CEF School of Excellence n Gamble on principal pays huge dividends for topeka school By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com
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ather Jerry Volz, pastor of St. Matthew, Topeka, is not a gambler by nature. But four years ago, he took a gamble on Heather Huscher when he appointed her principal of St. Matthew School. “When I came on board,” said Huscher, “I had no administrative experience. I had no elementary school experience.” Father Volz’s gamble paid off. Saint Matthew has been named the 2012-2013 CEF School of Excellence. Four years ago, Huscher was a highschool teacher feeling the need for a professional change and praying for guidance. “I was praying about it a lot,” she said. “And then, within weeks, the job announcement was in The Leaven and I thought, I don’t have any experience in these areas, but I’m going to give it a try. “Father Jerry took a risk, and I hope he thinks it’s paying off.” “Definitely,” said Father Volz. “She’s made a great impact and is very strong in spiritual formation as well as her academic background. “She’s definitely helped our school greatly.” CEF executive director Michael Morrisey said St. Matthew stood out among CEF-sponsored schools be-
Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden
Heather Huscher, principal of St. Matthew School in Topeka, accepts the CEF School of Excellence Award at the Gaudeamus event on Oct. 20. cause of the way it infuses catholicity into its curriculum “St. Matthew’s is just doing more of it,” said Morrisey. “And they’re doing it better. “They also did well in the other three categories.” To win the School of Excellence, a CEF-sponsored school must stand out in four categories: catholicity, academic progress, resource management and stewardship. “It’s a lot to be proud about,” said Huscher. Stewardship is another standout feature of the Topeka school. In a partnership with the veterans’ hospital in Topeka, students go once or twice a month to help with lunch and
visit with the veterans. They collect toiletries and underclothes for the veterans as well. The students also donate time to Let’s Help Topeka, an organization that provides clothing and meals to the poor. They help with the sandwich ministry at Mater Dei-Assumption Church, and they spend a day each spring getting the parish grounds ready for Holy Week. “They are what I consider to be an under-resourced school,” said Morrisey. “Yet they still have figured out ways to go out and help other people, which I think is a very important trait for a School of Excellence.” Academically, St. Matthew is a clear leader, too.
“On the Kansas State Assessments,” said Huscher, “we had the requisite number of kids get in the highest performance category at several grade levels.” Huscher credits that success to a hard-working faculty that supported her from the start. “I had no Catholic school experience,” she said. “Yet they trusted me enough to work toward a vision I had created for the school. All the credit is theirs.” The school celebrated the win with a fun day and an assembly. “We were really honored,” said Father Volz. “I think it shows the effort of our parish, especially our Catholic school staff and our Catholic school parents.” Both Father Volz and Huscher are grateful for the help and support of CEF. “It helps us greatly financially,” said Father Volz. “Also, it helps us to know about the greater support of the archdiocese. “It gives us an opportunity to educate our people about the fact that there are other people within the church that are supporting them.” Morrisey is impressed with the teamwork apparent at St. Matthew. “Father Jerry has been very supportive of Heather,” he said. “And I think between the two of them they make a very nice tandem in making Saint Matthew this year’s School of Excellence. “It’s nice to be honored,” said Huscher. “But we’re doing what we’re doing not to earn awards, but to bring kids closer to Christ.”
Past and present bishops honored as Angels Among Us By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com
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VERLAND PARK — The sound of Topeka’s Mater Dei drum line leading guests into the Overland Park Convention Center ballroom resounded almost as joyfully as Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) executive director Michael Morrisey’s opening remark at the 2012 Gaudeamus event. “This evening we have a record crowd of 1,211!” It was just the beginning of a festive evening filled with food, fellowship, and a celebration of Catholic education. Morrisey first recognized grand chairpersons Sandy and Tom Long and the CEF board members, then asked Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, to give the blessing, which he did with an a capella rendition of “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman.” After dinner, a short film entitled “The Best of CEF,” featuring former CEF students and their parents, was followed by a moving account by Bishop Ward junior Tony Subasic, who shared
his personal experience as a CEF scholarship recipient. Tony’s family came to the United States as Croatian refugees in 1997. He and his three siblings attended Catholic schools with the help of CEF, and Tony attributes his college aspirations to his Catholic education. “Having faith is having hope,” he said. Morrisey told the audience that CEF scholarships enable 1,214 underprivileged children like Tony to attend Catholic schools this year, but there are another 400 students CEF couldn’t help because it simply didn’t have the funds. Superintendent of schools Dr. Kathleen O’Hara commented on St. Matthew’s outstanding community service saying, “It’s amazing how much our CEF schools give back.” Archbishop Naumann joined O’Hara in presenting the School of Excellence Award to St. Matthew School in Topeka. Sacred Heart School, Emporia, was recognized as the runner-up. Accepting the award for St. Matthew was principal Heather Huscher, who
Home improvement Family sing-a-long
Parents often complain that their children lack enthusiasm when it comes to singing in church. Singing, like any skill, improves through practice and confidence building. Singing together is a good bonding activity for a fam-
asked members of her faculty to stand, saying they “represent all Catholic school teachers who sacrifice.” Huscher said she was both honored to receive the award and grateful to CEF, which helps support a third of St. Matthew students. The next highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CEF “Angels Among Us” award to all bishops and archbishops, past and present. A video presentation briefly highlighted the 11 men who presided over the archdiocese for the last century and a half. Then Pat McAnany, CEF board chair, presented the award to Archbishop Naumann and Archbishop Emeritus James Keleher, who accepted on behalf of all bishops. The two received a standing ovation. In his acceptance remarks, Archbishop Naumann said the foundation of Catholic education in the archdiocese had been laid by true leaders of the faith. “We’ve had great leadership,” he said. “I feel blessed because I stand on
ily. And plenty of studies show a link between music and academic success. So why not have musical evenings at home? Work with your children to choose some favorite hymns, find the words online and print them out for everyone. Then have a family singalong. Encourage everyone to sing loud. Lead by example. Praise your children for their efforts no matter how off-key they may sound; it’s all about fun.
About CEF The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) provides scholarships for needy families in northeast Kansas, so they can attend Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation. To learn more about CEF or this year’s Gaudeamus dinner, visit the website at: www.cefks.org.
the shoulders of those who came before me.” At the end of the evening, Morrisey announced that the audience had raised $268,000 toward scholarships. That amount, combined with the $175,000 matching gift and $258,861 in sponsorships made before the evening, gave the event a grand total of more than $700,000 pledged. In his closing prayer, Archbishop Keleher gave thanks for the generosity of CEF patrons saying, “If we fail to pass on the faith, we have failed our greatest mission.”
You may find out your family chorus is so good you want to take your show on the road — or at least around the cul-de-sac — Christmas caroling. And you’re sure to see an improvement in your children’s participation at church. —J.R.E.