10 28 22 Vol. 44 No. 12

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF TECHNOLOGY

Dan Norman helps get Holy Name of Jesus School up to speed

BY MOIRA CULLINGS

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — It started with the Wi-Fi.

A few years ago, Dan Norman, a pa rishioner at St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, was searching for technology-related volunteer work.

He asked Father Andrew Strobl, pastor of Holy Name Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, at the time, if he knew of any op portunities.

Father Strobl told Norman that Holy Name of Jesus School needed help with some Wi-Fi problems.

“Wi-Fi problems was an understate ment,” said Norman with a laugh.

When Norman got to the school, he realized its technology issues were much more daunting.

But he was eager to help.

Since that initial visit in 2016, Norman has rewired the entire school, replaced old computers with Chromebooks and helped with several small projects.

“Dan has been a true godsend for our

school,” said Holy Name principal Randy Smith. “His knowledge and wanting what is best for our children at Holy Name does not go unnoticed.”

Tech genius

Shortly after starting his volunteer work at Holy Name, Norman joined the school’s business team — a community of volunteers from around the archdi ocese who use their talents to serve the school.

Holy Name’s business team is a product of the archdiocesan School Advancement Program (SAP), which was developed to assist schools — especially those in rural and urban areas — with enrollment and sustainability.

The archdiocese currently has nine SAP schools, and business teams like the one at Holy Name have helped them not only survive but thrive thanks to volun teers like Norman.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Dan Norman, a parishioner at St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, works with Holy Name of Jesus School first grader Annabelle Alumbaugh and second grader Mateo Ocegueda on their new Chromebooks. Norman has been instrumental in getting Holy Name in Kansas City, Kansas, the latest technology and infrastructure.

Help reverse the moral breakdown of our society with your vote

Earlierthis month, Pres ident Biden stated that his number one legislative priority for 2023 was a federal law that would make it legal to kill unborn children in all 50 states.

A few days lat er, President Biden expressed support for federal funding for anyone needing to take off work to procure an abortion. This was his major talking point for encouraging Ameri cans to elect members of his party to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

President Biden couched his support for abortion in the an tiquated term of being pro-choice. Evidently, the president forgot that this is no longer the preferred language of abortion support ers. Pro-choice was the term that was used in the old days before abortion advocates began to claim that killing one’s children is a fundamental right and is basic health care.

President Biden forgot that his admin istration supports coercing every Amer ican to participate in the killing of children in the womb by using federal tax dollars to pay for abortion. He forgot that he supports coercing Catholic hospitals to provide abortions and forcing doctors and nurses, who conscientiously object to abortion, to have to participate in abortion procedures.

Not to be consid ered a single-issue president, this admin istration is outspoken regarding so-called transgender rights, which include minors being given hormon al blockers without parental consent.

The president’s education department is already attempting to force secondary and elementary schools to indoctrinate students in gender ideology. The president’s Justice Department has at tempted to intimidate and silence parents who object to gender ideology being inflict ed on their children. Again, all of this is being done in the name of choice.

St. John Paul re minded the world that authentic freedom has to be anchored in truth. Without accepting there are truths accessi ble to everyone through reason, we devolve into what Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI called the tyranny of relativism.

The biggest dan gers for our nation

are not inflation, rising interest rates or other threats to our economy. Hostile external threats from nations like Russia or China are not the most serious enemies to our culture and society.

In my opinion, what should concern us most is the moral breakdown of our society, where sexual freedom is considered the supreme good, the killing of our own children a sacred right, and the abolition of marriage and family viewed as cultural progress.

I do agree with Pres ident Biden on at least one issue. I believe that we are in a battle for the soul of our nation. Unfortunately, the president is fighting for the wrong side.

We need to pray for the enlightenment and conversion of Presi dent Biden. His advoca cy for abortion, gender ideology and govern ment usurpation of parental rights are not only opposed to Catholic moral teach ing but the violation of the most fundamental of human rights.

We need to engage in the battle for the

soul of our nation by being active citizens who take the right to vote seriously. We must choose wisely those who will rep resent and lead our nation.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to look with kind and merciful eyes upon the wom an who procured an abortion, the man who deserted his pregnant girlfriend, the father who failed to mentor and support his child, the man living a gay lifestyle, the young woman who will use hormonal blockers in an effort to become a man and the politician who supports public policies that deny the most fundamental of human rights.

Though we may disagree strongly with many of the behaviors and beliefs of others, we recognize them as children of a most loving Father and of such value in the eyes of God that Jesus gave his life on Calvary. We must speak the truth, but always with com passion and mercy.

At the same time, we have a responsi bility to do our best to protect the sanctity of human life wherever it is threatened. In the battle for the soul of our nation, we must choose to be on the side that cherishes the beauty of every human life.

Sitting on the side lines is not an option for a true Catholic. Jesus never prom ised his disciples that following him would

Oct. 29

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

Gaudeamus — Overland Park Convention Center

Oct. 30

Mass of Innocents — Holy Spirit, Overland Park Oct. 31

Blessing of New Sparrow Women’s Clinic — Lan sing

Nov. 1

Bishop Ward all-school Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

Blessing of All Saints rectory, church and religious education center — All Saints, Kansas City, Kansas

Nov. 2

ACTS homily recording

Nov. 3

Religious Alliance Against Pornography board meeting — Zoom

Communio update with Tory Baucum — Zoom

Confirmation for Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek; Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls; and St. Joseph, Nortonville — Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls

Nov. 4

St. Martin of Tours Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

Nov. 5

Annual Bishop Miege Foundation Mass and dinner — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park

be easy. However, Our Lord promised that he would be with his followers until the end of time. We are never alone. In the words of Jesus echoed by Pope St. John Paul: Be not afraid!

Stay tuned as the conversation continues

in next week’s Leaven column regarding our obligation to approach contemporary issues as followers of Christ, recognizing the innate dignity of every person made in the image and likeness of God.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

LEAWOOD

— Foster families have opened their homes to children in need.

This Respect Life Month, the archdiocesan Foster Care Task Force wanted to do something spe cial for them.

“Every day in Kansas, children, through no fault of their own, have to be removed from their homes for their safety and well-being,” said Debra Niesen, archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

“The church needs to raise up and sup port the couples and families who open their hearts and homes to love and care for these precious kids until it is safe for them to return home,” she added.

The archdiocese hosted a Foster Family Appreciation Mass and Respite Night on Oct. 8 at Church of the Nativi ty in Leawood.

The evening began with Mass cel ebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Nau mann and Nativity pastor Father Michael Hawken. Couples were then treated to a Garozzo’s dinner while their children played at a carnival and bouncy house in the school gym and enjoyed Chick-fil-A.

It’s one of many efforts Nativity has made to encourage and care for foster families.

DEBRA NIESEN ARCHDIOCESAN CONSULTANT FOR THE PRO-LIFE OFFICE

Susie Boster, a member of the arch diocesan Foster Care Task Force, launched Nativity’s foster care minis try in 2020.

“Our main mission is to inform pa rishioners about what’s going on in our own neighborhood,” said Boster. “In Johnson County alone, there’s over 500 children in foster care.

“And I think people are shocked when they hear that.”

Boster noted that “there simply are not enough homes” for foster children.

“If Christ’s people don’t open their homes,” she asked, “then who will?”

Nativity connects parishioners in terested in fostering to the appropriate agencies so they can begin the process.

FOSTER FAMILIES OPEN HEARTS, HOMES

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has made foster care a priority in the arch diocese, forming an archdiocesan fos ter care task force in 2019 within the pro-life office. A foster care ministry was launched in August 2020.

the solution’

“Some people are called to foster or do respite care,” said Boster. “Some people might be called to mentor a teenager.”

Boster said that youth who exit foster care without a family are more likely to face problems with addiction, incarceration, poverty and unplanned pregnancy.

Mentors can make a big difference in their lives, she said.

For those who want to help out in a smaller way, the foster care ministry pairs multiple parishioners up with a foster family to support them with child care, meals, prayers, tutoring and more.

The ministry has also held drives for items like backpacks, school supplies and hygiene products.

Answering the call

During his homily at the foster care appreciation Mass, Archbishop Nau mann spoke about how critical the pro-life ministry is in the archdiocese, which focuses on protecting both the unborn but also youth in need.

“Kansas, [like] most states, has some pretty significant struggles with the foster care program,” he said. “We don’t have enough foster parents.

“And I think our church really needs to be part of the solution.”

Archbishop Naumann expressed his hope that eventually every parish in the archdiocese will have at least one foster family — and that larger parish

President

Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Production/Business Manager

Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

es will have multiple.

Couples like Lauren and Sam Walton, parishioners at Holy Name Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, are an swering that call.

The Waltons have been unable to conceive since they married in 2017 and are in the process of becoming foster parents.

They were inspired by Lauren’s sister and her husband, who have been foster parents themselves.

“They have three kids of their own — they fostered and then ended up adopt ing,” said Sam. “We saw firsthand that this looks great.

“And we still want kids. It became our avenue of actually doing it.”

“We’ve been ready to be parents for a while,” said Lauren. “We have the space in our home and the time in our lives to do it.

“We’re excited to feel the purpose in the evenings.”

Boster, who has done respite care and short-term placements with her husband, and has adopted children, has seen firsthand how many young people can benefit from a faith-filled home.

“They are in dire need of a safe and loving place to be for a while,” she said. “It’s our opportunity to see Jesus in them and welcome these children and love them in the time that we have them.”

For more information on foster care in the archdiocese, go online to: archkcks. com/foster. To learn more about Nativi ty’s foster care ministry, visit the website at: kcnativity.org/foster-care-ministry.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

‘Our church really needs to be part of

THE CHURCH NEEDS TO RAISE UP AND SUPPORT THE COUPLES AND FAMILIES WHO OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND HOMES TO LOVE AND CARE FOR THESE PRECIOUS KIDS UNTIL IT IS SAFE FOR THEM TO RETURN HOME.

Workshop reminds ministers Christ is working through them too

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

transcendent service.

EMPORIA

— The work of lay people in liturgical minis tries is truly transcendent service honoring what the Second Vatican Council called “the source and summit of Chris tian life,” the Eucharist.

This was the message 40 liturgical ministers received at a Transcendent Service workshop on Sept. 9 at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, given by Mi chael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consul tant for liturgy and sacramental life.

“[This workshop was held] as a way to help our liturgical ministers and other stewards of the parish liturgy to recognize the need for a transcendent approach to their ministry, that we’re really doing this in God — not necessar ily in human function, but God work ing through us,” said Podrebarac.

Although the workshops are geared toward lay liturgical ministers — lec tors, sacristans, altar servers, Commu nion ministers and ushers — anyone in the parish is welcome to attend.

Workshops for musicians will be presented starting in January.

It was one of approximately 14 Transcendent workshops that will be offered between October and Decem ber at parishes throughout the archdi ocese. They are part of the liturgy of fice’s contribution to the archdiocesan initiative, Revival: Eucharistic Amaze ment.

The archdiocesan initiative is part of the three-year nationwide effort by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to the greater understanding of and belief

in the real presence of Jesus in the Eu charist.

“Sometimes, we can be the beneficia ries of a great gift and yet we don’t fully appreciate what we have received, and there may be some among us . . . who don’t return to Our Lord,” said Podreb arac.

“As we look at these next three years — we’re in the diocesan phase, and next year is the parish phase, and of course, there is the national phase — at heart [it] is to increase and rekindle our amazement in the Eucharist . . . so

missions are good. That’s what our mis sion is in this initiative or program — to strengthen in us our amazement at this singular, unparalleled gift,” he contin ued.

The Transcendent Service work shop was a guided meditation to “plant some seeds” in the participants, said Podrebarac. He organized his presen tation under the three transcendentals of our Catholic faith and the liturgy: truth, goodness and beauty. The fourth and final part of the workshop was about the values that are necessary for

We Catholics understand that Jesus’ incarnation continues with us in his word, our fellowship with each other, our memory, our apostolic works, but especially in the sacraments of his church, especially the Eucharist.

“When we gather for . . . the break ing of the bread, we believe that [Christ] is with us in a most august way,” said Podrebarac, “a most real and substan tial way.

“Body and blood, even his soul and di vinity — the whole resurrected Christ — is with us.”

One of the participants, Sacred Heart parishioner Regina Gieswein, is a cantor and an usher. She attended the workshop to gain a new perspective on her ministries.

“It’s a reinforcement of what we be lieve in, my faith,” she said. “You’re trying to make sure that you’re doing things the way you should. You’re also always want ing to know more about your faith — how it works with everyone else.”

If there was one thing that Podreb arac wanted participants to take away from the workshop, it was this:

“I would like them to have a renewal of the appreciation of the transcendent qualities of the liturgy,” said Podreb arac, “that the liturgy really is an exer cise in truth, goodness and beauty.

“Hopefully, what I presented will plant some seeds in them of seeing the divine mission which their ministry serves as opposed to just human volun teerism.

“We’re missing part of it if we don’t recognize that Christ is working through me when I serve in this minis try.”

Volunteer enjoys putting his IT skills to the test

>> Continued from page 1

From 2016-17, Norman worked on sta bilizing the school’s technology and get ting as much of it working as possible.

In the summer of 2018, he and a small group of volunteers realized they were “just putting Band-Aids on stuff,” said Norman.

“If we’re actually going to get over this hump,” he thought, “we’re going to have to pull out all the old infrastruc ture so that we can get Wi-Fi across campus and get set up for the next 20 years.”

From 2018-19, Norman, with help from then-principal Amanda Vega, pastor Father Anthony Ouelette, a couple teachers and some of St. John Paul II’s Knights of Columbus, got to work.

“In that time, we tore out the old net work cable, phone cables — stuff from all the different decades,” said Norman. Eventually, the group received fund ing to buy cabling and new network equipment.

“With that, and with some of my time and some other volunteers’ time, we were able to get the entire building re wired over that year,” said Norman, “and get all the systems back up to snuff.”

Norman also helped the school secure a grant to purchase 60 Chrome books, and this year, Holy Name re ceived even more Chromebooks from the government as part of a COVID-19 relief bill.

Norman was then able to add ChromeOS onto the school’s existing computers so those could be recovered, too.

Smith said Norman’s work is the

finest he’s seen.

“I have worked at several schools in my career,” he said, “including an award-winning public school district that has spent millions of dollars on their infrastructure and technology projects.

“With Dan’s help, his leadership and his volunteering of time, the tech nology infrastructure we have at Holy Name is the best I have ever used.”

Deep appreciation

Norman’s efforts to keep the school’s technology running smoothly don’t go unnoticed by Holy Name students.

“We are grateful for Mr. Norman’s help,” said eighth grader Felicity Pecina. “We can complete our assignments by using our updated information on the great working internet.”

Eighth grader Ailea Hernandez agreed.

“We have some great working Chromebooks that never break down, which allow us to use them to learn,” she said. “But [it] also helps our teach ers out with grading and giving us online assignments.

“We are very thankful that Mr. Norman helps out.”

Smith said new school staff are often surprised when they discover Norman is a volunteer and not an employee of the school.

“If we have any tech issues,” said Smith, “Dan usually handles it behind the scenes or walks us through any problems and solves them quickly.

“Schools would love to have some one with Dan’s talents.”

Norman, a software engineer at Garmin, said his career is “tangential ly related” to the volunteer work he’s done and that he enjoys putting his IT skills to the test.

“This is something that not necessar ily a lot of people have the knowledge or skill set [for],” he said, “and I can do it.”

Serving on the Holy Name business team is an added bonus.

“It’s really exciting to see people come together for this,” he said, “and the abilities they have now to really take care of some of the needs the school has. It’s amazing.”

Smith echoed his admiration for the team.

“Each business team member has their own God-given talents they give to our team,” he said, “but [the care]

Get rid of old tech and help a school

HolyName of Jesus School in Kansas City, Kansas, partnered with Adams Cable Equipment in Lenexa on Sept. 6 for an e-waste recy cling drive.

The school, which recently re placed its old computers with new Chromebooks, had much to recy cle and extended the opportunity to all parishes in the archdiocese.

The drive collected 7,016 pounds of electronics. Those who missed it can still drop off scrap electronics Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Lenexa facility.

The event was free, and since recycling larger technology items typically comes at a cost, organiz ers asked for goodwill donations for Holy Name.

The school raised some $2,000 to go toward a new phone, intercom and security system at the school.

Those interested in donating to the same fund can go online to: holynamecatholicschool.org/ shop-1.

they have for our school is heart-filling.

“Holy Name would have a hard time staying open without our business team and their leadership. Our busi ness team members have a common theme: a love for Holy Name.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy and sacramental life, offers a Tran scendent Service workshop on Sept. 9 at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia. Podrebarac will be offering 14 workshops between October and December. The workshops are geared toward lay liturgical ministers — lectors, sacristans, altar servers, Communion ministers and ushers — but anyone in the parish is welcome to attend.

WITH DAN’S HELP, HIS LEADERSHIP AND HIS VOLUNTEERING OF TIME, THE TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE WE HAVE AT HOLY NAME IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED.

RANDY SMITH HOLY NAME OF JESUS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

DANGER ZONE

Religious order flees mission because of terrorist attacks

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — In many places around the world, spreading the Gospel is still a dangerous business.

Local members of the Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ were reminded of this when they recently re ceived an urgent appeal for help from their order’s Mozambique mission, fol lowing terrorist attacks.

Insurgents of the group al-Shabaab, affiliated with the self-proclaimed Is lamic State group, began attacking villages surrounding the Mazeze mis sion in northern Mozambique on June 10. The terrorists killed several people (some by beheading) and burned, looted and kidnapped others. Some vil lagers fled into the nearby forest.

The friars and Sisters, warned that the terrorists would be coming to the mission to kill them, fled on June 12. Al though their house was not destroyed, they’ve been told it is too dangerous for them to return.

Mozambique is located on the east ern side of Africa roughly between South Africa and Tanzania, and across from the island nation of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.

This is the second time the jihadists have forced missionaries of the Fra ternity the Poor of Jesus Christ to flee. The fraternity, with male and female branches, is a public association of the faithful founded in Brazil but with mis sions in the United States and Africa.

The fraternity’s first mission in Mo zambique was founded on April 6, 2018, at Nangade, located near the border with Tanzania, in northern Cabo Del gado province, explained Sister Mag dalena, founder and member of the local branch of the fraternity. Another mission, located in Tete in northwest Mozambique, is so far untouched.

The Nangade mission served two parishes that encompassed a total of 63 villages, she explained.

“The priest there had to travel a lot for Masses, baptisms and confessions, doing all the things that a priest does,” said Sister Magdalena. “Sometimes, Father Boaventura would be hours hearing confessions at one place.”

In addition to their spiritual work, the missionaries worked to improve the health care, education and develop ment projects in Nangade.

“With our special funds account from donations received from people here [in Kansas] as well as people in Brazil, we built the church and a little school for poor children,” said Sister Magdalena. “We made a small clinic for malnourished children and visited all these little villages.

“[The missionaries] said the biggest challenge they found among the people at Nangade was illiteracy. There were many children who had no way to get schooling. They treated malnourished children and adults as best they could and helped families in extreme poverty as best they could.”

The area was peaceful when the Nangade mission was established, but soon the attacks came closer and closer. Then, in August 2020, it was Nangade’s

How to help

The Fraternity of the Poor of Jesus Christ missionaries in Mo zambique lost everything in the terrorist attacks and are trying to establish a new mission. To help:

• Donations can be made online at: poorofjesuschristspecialfunds. netlify.app.

• Checks can be sent to: PJC Special Funds, 40691 Hwy K-99, Wamego, KS 66547. Make checks out to: PJC Special Funds

• All donations are tax deduct ible. The EIN (Employer Identifica tion Number) is 85-4206019

• For information, call Sister Mag dalena at (785) 501-7703, or contact her by email at: magdalenapjc@ gmail.com.

turn to be terrorized. The fraternity missionaries fled with almost nothing.

“They survived the attacks because people from the neighboring villages began to approach to warn us and we had time to get some basic things and leave by the alternative routes,” said Father Israel do Amor Crucificado, PJC, based in Kansas City, Kansas.

“The attacks are usually very violent with the burning of houses, killing of people, kidnapping of women,” he said. “Also, they make proposals for young people to join the group.”

With the help of a bishop, the frater nity missionaries relocated to Mazeze, about 254 miles south of Nangade.

The Mazeze mission, founded in late 2020, had two parishes with a combined 30 villages. The missionaries began to establish their ministries as they had at Nangade until this latest attack. The missionaries found refuge in Mecufi, a coastal city in southeast Cabo Delgado province.

“They are [now] in a temporary house in the expectation that in the future we will be able to restart our mission in another place where we

can give continuity to our work,” said Father Israel. “Currently, [the mission aries] are four friars and four Sisters.”

CNS PHOTO/ALESSANDRO GRASSANI, COURTESY AVSI

Displaced children gather in a camp in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province in this 2019 photo. Residents in northern Mozambique have been grappling with an Islamist insurgency since 2017.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ had a small clinic for malnourished chil dren in the country of Mozambique at Nangade. The order was forced to flee when Islamic terrorists began attacking that area this past summer. Local members of the Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ support their order’s missions in Mozambique.

The key to a happy marriage? Start with patience.

morning, I look forward to opening my WhatsApp messenger to read La Stampa, the daily Italian newspaper that my brother and sisterin-law send me.

Recently, I was struck by a bold one-word headline: PATIENCE. That title called attention to the story of a couple celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary. The article was an indepth interview with the spouses — the upsand-downs of their life and their dreams.

Among the questions the reporter asked the couple was: “What does it take to stay married this long?” The answer was one simple word: “patience.”

Patience is one of the virtues we need to succeed in marriage. If you are married and are reading this, you are likely to recog nize the truth in this statement. Patience is not all that you need in a marriage relation ship, but without it, you can sure rock the boat . . . and probably too many times will capsize it.

St. Paul begins his description of Chris tian love with: “Love is patient and kind” (1

Cor 13:4). The Merriam Dictionary and other dictionaries define patience as the ability to tolerate discomfort and to persevere in difficult times.

The statement of the Italian couple celebrating their 80th anniversary reminded me of a series of inter views I did with cou ples a few years ago. The question I asked them was: “What do you pray for in your marriage?”

To my surprise the first response given by most was: patience. One couple explained: “Patience is something we need each day and

we never seem to have enough!”

When I reflect back at the stages of any marriage, I see that patience is a quality needed throughout the span of our life. For example, newlyweds face the challenge of merging their two lives into one. That is an enormous task that requires patience.

Each brings to the relationship differ ent values, different histories and different personalities with unique individual preferences. These dif ferences cause friction in the relationship. Merging their lives

requires the patience to listen and to un derstand each other, to hear one another’s stories and to acknowl edge the wishes, ideas and preferences. Then, patience is needed to work out a compro mise so the couple can move forward.

Much patience is demanded when we be come parents. From the night feedings, to the temper tantrums, to the childhood illnesses, to the teenagers’ moods and later, the decisions of our children about the schools to attend, the careers to follow and the lifestyle to embrace.

We need patience all the time. We need patience when we leave the house. We get in our car and every light is red!

Patience. Then, we are in a hurry and meet a slow driver. Patience. We are irritated by someone who speeds or cuts us off. Take a deep breath. Patience. We are annoyed by the poor road conditions or road construction. Patience. Without pa tience we are misera ble and we do not enjoy the ride. Patience is a virtue that helps us en dure the bumps on our life’s journey. Patience is the shock absorber

of life.

Even at the end, as we get older, we need patience to put up with one another’s physical shortcomings. We are slower; one has to wait for the other. We cannot hear each other well, so we have to patiently ask to repeat. One is sick and needs the other’s full atten tion.

Because we love that person, we put the needs of our spouse before ours. That requires patience!

For a person of faith, prayer and the sacraments are the sources of grace that help us grow in love. St. Paul writes: “Love is patient.”

Any act of patience is an act of self-giving love. I would dare to say that we can mea sure our love for our spouse by the degree of patience that we show.

Today, pray for pa tience, and try to be pa tient. Let your spouse finish their sentence and listen, instead of interrupting. Listen to someone’s opinion before giving yours. When someone is rude to you on the road smile and say a prayer for them.

JOHN BOSIO

John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and dioce san family life coordinator. He is a member of the National As sociation of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

Much patience is demanded when we become parents. From the night feedings, to the temper tantrums, to the childhood illnesses, to the teenagers’ moods

Cecilia and Dick Sandifer, mem bers of St. Joseph Parish, Shaw nee, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniver sary with family. The couple was mar ried on Oct. 31, 1952, at Guardian Angels Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Richard Sandifer, Michael Sandifer, Joanne Hanson and Laura Zauchenberger. They also have 14 grand children and 22 great-grandchildren.

Karolyn (Zimmerman) and Nick Tomasic, members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 60th wedding anni versary with a private family gather ing. The couple was married on Oct. 27, 1962, at St. Anthony Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Laura A. Schmidt, Mark J. Tomasic, Jane A. Wilkinson, Matt J. Tomasic, Nick J. To masic III and John J. Tomasic. They also have 21 grandchildren.

Billy and Marcia Dinkel, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wed ding anniver sary on Nov. 4. The couple was married on Nov. 4, 1972, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka. Their children are: Matt, Angie and Amanda. They also have two grandchildren.

Sister, scientist, environmentalist dies

ATCHISON

— Sister Seraphine Tucker, 95, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died on Oct. 15.

Environmentalist and scientist, she was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, on June 27, 1927.

Later, her family moved to Atchison, where she graduat ed from Mount St. Scholastica Acade my and then from Mount St. Scholasti ca College.

She taught sci ence and mathemat ics for 25 years in area elementary and secondary schools. She also earned a master’s degree in education. In 1972, she returned to the monastery to be maintenance director.

After leaving the supervisory po sition, Sister Seraphine was active in ecological activities, in managing a curriculum for training of child care providers, and in tutoring and GED in struction. Hardworking and energetic, she was always interested in ways to improve the environment and the care of the Sisters.

PRAYING WITH A FULL DECK

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

cards. They’re about the size of playing cards, and each one usually fea tures a depiction of Jesus, the Bless ed Virgin Mary or a saint while the reverse side fea tures a prayer, a poem or a Scripture passage.

With All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day fast approaching, three families shared their holy card collections and how they use them as tangible remind ers to pray for their loved ones. *****

Monica Becker, a member of St. Pat rick Parish in Corning, acquired her first holy card in 1999. That’s when her husband Royce lost his grandfa ther.

In 2013, a tornado destroyed the home she and her husband share with their children. The family lost nearly everything. Yet, some cherished pos sessions were “miraculously” saved, including the holy cards.

“I was in a daze, just picking up what I could, and I came across these,” Becker said, holding up a holy card from her grandfather’s funeral and another from her husband’s uncle’s funeral.

“When I picked them up,” she said, “the first thing was like, ‘Oh, thank you for protecting us.”

HolyAnd then her heart sank, fearing that her other cards must have been lost to the storm.

It’s not that they have monetary value, Becker said, but they are price less to her. The names and/or the photos printed on the cards represent family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors who have died, people who hold a special place in her heart.

The fact any of her holy cards were recovered after the tornado, Becker said, is somewhat of a mystery.

“We had a sofa table at the end of our dining room. There was a small drawer where they always sat. Our dining room table and the chairs were gone. Walls were gone. There was nothing,” Becker said.

Although most of her holy cards were eventually recovered, Becker said it was appropriate that the first one she found after the tornado was that of her grandfather. After all, he was the one who inspired her interest.

“He kept the stack of cards in his jacket,” she said, “and every day he and Grandma went to daily Mass at Sacred Heart [in Baileyville], and he’d pull one out, and that’s who they were praying for that day.

“Something about that stuck with me. Every single person [you meet] makes an impact on you, and that was his way of honoring them.”

Becker said she does not know how

many cards her grandfather had, but recently her uncle shared photos of the more unique ones, such as one of Anna Skoch, a 13-year-old girl who passed away in 1915.

Inspired by her grandfather’s ex ample, Becker uses her collection to pray for people.

“No one is living the perfect life. No one has lived the perfect life,” Becker said. “So, that is why you go to the rosary and you start it (praying) there, but you continue it because you want to help them to make right any wrongs.”

Like Becker, Dan and Roxie Ortiz, parishioners of Our Lady of Guada lupe in Topeka, use their holy cards for prayer.

Lovingly maintained in order within an album of clear plastic pages, each with several pockets on them, many of the holy cards depict, as might be expected, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Other recurring images include the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Family.

Looking through their collection, Roxie and Dan said, fills their hearts with gratitude for their family mem bers and friends.

But there’s one special card not contained within the album — that of their infant son Dominic Andrew, who died in 1991 just 20 weeks into Roxie’s pregnancy.

“I’ve always kept that card in a little box, the box with the cross the funeral home gave us at the time,” Roxie said, her eyes starting to fill with tears.

Although she keeps her son’s holy card at home, Roxie displays several (including that of her father) at her office. That way, she remembers to reg ularly pray for the souls in purgatory as well as their loved ones still on earth.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Roxie and Dan Ortiz, members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka, look over their holy card collection, recalling family members and friends. The couple views their holy cards as tangible reminders of individuals, but also as reminders to pray for those who have gone before them and to ask for their intercession and protection.

Monica Becker, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Corning, sorts through in 1999 but her interest in them dates back to when she was just pocket and would pull one out on his way to Mass each day.

Monica Becker thumbs through some of her holy Then, she remembers the people in prayer.

Besides her father’s card, another one she keeps at work is for the child of a cousin. On the front is an image of a guardian angel.

“I keep it at work,” she said. “It’s just a reminder that there’s other people who are hurting from the loss of a child.”

Dan agreed, saying because he and Roxie know firsthand the pain of

losing a baby, he prays for the parents and families whenever he learns of a baby’s passing.

For the most part, though, the couple said their holy cards serve as reminders of the faith shared by their family and friends. *****

Growing up in Corning, Ken and Mary Lou Gudenkauf, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, both attended St. Patrick Grade School. The Benedictine Sisters who taught them often gave the stu dents holy cards for holy days, such as Christmas, or as prizes for good grades.

“I grew up really poor,” Mary

Lou said, “and they were just always special to me, the beautiful holy cards.”

Mary Lou and Ken estimate they have hundreds of holy cards, so it’s hard to have any favorites, although they have some unusual ones.

One card, for example, memorializ es Archbishop Edward Joseph Hunkel er, the archdiocese’s first archbishop.

Another one, given to Ken’s father Maurice in 1927, bore the simple in scription: “To Maurice, pray for me. Sister M. Priscilla.”

At the time, Maurice would have been 14 or 15.

Of their eclectic collection, Mary Lou said, “They do mean a lot to us, obviously, or we wouldn’t have saved them.”

But the devotion is more than a hobby. It’s a way of living their faith.

“Our Catholic faith,” said Mary Lou, “has always meant a lot to us.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Mary Lou and Ken Gudenkauf, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in north Topeka, exhibit just a select few of the hun dreds of holy cards in their collection. The couple has cards dating back to at least 1912.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

through her holy card collection. She began collecting holy cards just 10 or so years old. Her grandfather kept holy cards in his jacket

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

holy cards, recalling family members and friends. Every time Becker attends a rosary, visitation or funeral Mass, she makes sure to pick up a holy card.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Among the holy cards in the Gudenkaufs’ col lection is one dating back to the beginnings of the archdiocese. It’s a holy card from the erection of the archdiocese and the installa tion of Archbishop Edward Joseph Hunkeler, the first to serve as archbishop of the Archdi ocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The card is dated Aug. 9, 1952.

Catechists from Myanmar deliver supplies to those in hiding

By Paul Jeffrey Catholic News Service

MAE

SAM LAEP, Thailand

(CNS) — Pah Kler climbs onto a boat laden with bags of rice and disap pears around a bend in the Salween River, on his way to deliver lifesaving aid to families hiding in the jungle in Myanmar.

A Catholic catechist, Kler coordi nates cross-border aid to 43 separate groups of people displaced by the brutal violence that followed a 2021 military coup in Myanmar.

“People began showing up near my village at the beginning of the year, and new families continue to arrive. They can’t go back to their villages because they’re afraid of airstrikes by the mili tary,” Kler told Catholic News Service.

“They’re in bad shape. When they left home in a hurry, they couldn’t carry anything. They look for root crops in the jungle that they can boil. They’ve gotten some help from other villagers, but this is the time of year between crops when there’s no excess food. When we get this rice to them, they’ll boil it with forest greens and bamboo shoots. It will keep them alive for a while.”

More than 1.3 million people remain displaced across the country; more than 1 million of them have been displaced since the 2021 military takeover, ac cording to an Oct. 1 report from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humani tarian Affairs.

Over 14 million people — roughly one-quarter of the country’s population — need humanitarian assistance, ac cording to the World Food Program. Yet the military continues to restrict or out right block their access to aid, so getting food and other supplies to the needy is challenging.

Kler works closely with officials from Thailand’s Diocese of Chiang Mai. With support from Maryknoll — the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America — diocesan officials purchase food, med icines and shelter materials and trans port them to where the Salween River forms the international border.

There, Kler and other volunteers

from Myanmar’s Diocese of Hpa-an take over, transporting the material along the river to a point where it can be off loaded. The rice is then transported on the backs of volunteers, who walk cir cuitous forest paths that take them far from military checkpoints along the roads. Some routes take up to two-anda-half days, Kler said.

During one recent trip, he and other volunteers carried in one month’s supply of rice to 429 families living in one displaced settlement.

While food — particularly rice — re mains the priority, the Catholic supply chain also brings in medicines; Kler said malaria, diarrhea and malnutrition are commonplace among the displaced.

Kler told Catholic News Service his

faith motivates him to help.

“I do this because I witnessed the suf fering of the people. When faced with the sick and hungry, as a catechist my role is to make church teaching real in the lives of the people,” he said. “And I am the one who knows the people on the Thai side, so I try to be the bridge between the church es on each side of the border.”

Father John Barth, a Maryknoll mis sionary from Buffalo, New York, with the aid operation, said poor Myanmar residents carrying food through the jungle to their suffering neighbors is an image of the church at its best.

“The catechists and other volunteers are amazing. They take tremendous risks simply to feed hungry people. If we can provide the food, they’ll get it

where it needs to be,” he said.

“I grew up hearing the stories of the saints, and these people are as close as I’ve come to meeting real saints. They are heroes.”

Father Barth said the church is in a unique position to aid the displaced in a political environment where other hu manitarian agencies are not welcome.

“Thais are in general very hospitable, but the Thai military walks a tightrope. They’re pressured by the U.S. and other countries to crack down on Myanmar. Yet Thailand doesn’t want to [anger] the Burmese,” he said, using the alterna tive name for people of Myanmar. “The last time they went to war, the Burmese [were formidable opponents.] So the Thais don’t want to antagonize them by allowing a highly visible humanitarian operation.”

Father Barth said because the churchrun operation relies on clergy and lay people already on the ground, it is both efficient and low-profile.

Yet church workers express frustra tion that they can’t reach more people. Their operations are largely limited to communities that can be reached on foot from the border.

“People are starving. In the past year, with so many people on the run, farm ers haven’t been able to plant. And U.N. agencies and NGOs are not allowed to help them,” said a church worker in volved in getting assistance to settle ments of displaced Myanmarese near the border. He asked not to be named for security reasons. He fled Myanmar ear lier this year after the killing of several coworkers, yet his family remains.

He says the Myanmar military gov ernment has criminalized the provision of food to the hungry.

“Helping anyone is against their rules. Even if you are just bringing a bag of rice or some medicines, they can arrest you and do anything to you. And the Thai military is very close to the Myanmar military. If they arrest me in Thailand and deport me back to Myan mar, then I am dead,” he said.

CNS PHOTO/PAUL JEFFREY

Pah Kler, a Burmese Catholic catechist who supervises the movement of food and other humanitarian supplies to internally displaced families hiding in the forests of Myanmar, loads food on a boat in Mae Sam Laep, a Thai village on the Salween River, which marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar, Sept. 29, 2022. Boats are loaded here with food and other humanitarian supplies, the first stage of transporting the material to communities of displaced people within Myanmar.

ALL SAINTS’ EVE VESPERS SERVICE

Redemptorist Church 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.

Celebrate the saints in the presence of the King of saints. Join us for a beautiful hour of evening prayer with eucharistic adoration, a special Litany of the Saints and Benediction for the solemnity of All Saints.

ALL SAINTS’ DAY CELEBRATION

Holy Angels Parish

15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.

Holy Angels invites you to come cele brate All Saints’ Day. Join us for Mass at 6 p.m. Food, games and drinks will follow in the parish hall. Saint costumes are en couraged.

‘GRATEFULNESS: THE HEART OF PRAYER’

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Nov. 4 and 5

The retreat begins at 5:30 on Nov. 4 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5. Living a life of gratefulness is a life that brings us into the place where joy, prayer and praise are the atmosphere in which we live and move and have our being. Join us as we learn how awareness and the ability to see into things helps us find the grace that awaits us in everyday life through the intermingling of our reality and God’s grace. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple or single guest rooms: $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

CHILI AND BINGO

St. Patrick Parish

94th and State Ave.

Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

There will be chili, hot dogs, corn bread, dessert and drinks for $10. The cost for 10 games of bingo is $10. Call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621 with questions.

CRAFT FAIR

Holy Angels Parish

15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission is free. There will be 20 ven dors. Food will be available for purchase. There will be a special raffle drawing. Tick ets are available at the craft fair for a carved wood Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. You do not need to be present to win. This event is sponsored by the Catholic Women’s Organization of Holy Angels.

‘THE CHANGING SEASONS & GRIEF’

Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica

Via Zoom

Nov. 5 from 2 - 4 p.m.

What wisdom and hope do the chang ing seasons have to share with us about living in grief? How can they help us name our loss and reach out for healing? Where can they lead us to find peace in the midst of our pain? A new normal has been thrust on us that can be hard to navigate. This session will be an opportunity to share our grief and search for meaning with others who understand. For more infor mation and to register, go online to: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

LUNCH AND LEARN

St. Joseph Parish

11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee

Nov. 5 from noon - 1:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free lunch and learn about the “Catholic Circle of Protection for End-of-Life

Planning.” The staff of Catholic Cemeter ies of Northeast Kansas will host the event and discuss preplanning funeral arrange ments and streamlining steps from funeral to burial/entombment. Attendees will re ceive a complimentary planning guide and discount offer toward their preplanning arrangements. Preregistration is request ed. Go online to: endoflifeplanning.rsvpify. com; call (913) 371-4040; or send an email to: balonzo@cathcemks.org.

FALL GALA 2022

Fiorella’s Event Space

9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park Nov. 5 from 8 - 11 a.m.

Registration and silent auction will be at 8 a.m., brunch at 8:45 a.m., and the program and keynote speaker will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $50 each; table sponsorships are at $1000, $2599 and $5000 levels. The keynote speaker will be Diane Olsen. She has been the coordina tor of Holy Trinity’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program since 1999, developing and structuring the religious formation pro gram for children ages 3 - 11. She travels across the country training future CGS cat echists.

SOUP LUNCHEON AND FALL BAZAAR

Holy Family Parish 1st & Kansas Ave., Alma Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Serving chili, as well as chicken noodle, potato, and vegetable soups with home made pie for dessert. The cost is a free will donation. There will be a country store, bingo, bounce house and raffle for many prizes and cash. For more information, send an email to: holyfamilyparishalma@ gmail.com.

OUR LADY OF UNITY FUNDRAISER

Our Lady of Unity Parish 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Ending Nov. 6

This is a major fundraiser for Our Lady of Unity Parish. For raffle tickets, call Sherry Johnson at (913) 207-0900 or Jolene Pryor at (913) 302-2575. The cost is $10 each or a book of 10 for $100 . First prize is $150; second prize is $1000; and third prize is $500. The drawing will be held after the 9:30 a.m. parish Mass on Nov. 6.

FALL BAZAAR AND TURKEY DINNER

Holy Trinity Parish (school) 601 E. Chippewa, Paola Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Enjoy a turkey dinner, cakewalk and adult bingo. There will also be a raffle, in cluding a handmade quilt and gift cards. The cost for dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

PARISH MISSION

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Nov. 6 - 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Father Peter Schavitz, a Redemptor ist priest from St. Louis, will be giving the retreat. Each night will feature a different topic and concludes with refreshments and fellowship in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend. Child care and chil dren’s liturgy activities will be available. For more information and to register, or to watch the mission online, visit the website at: mtcctopeka.org.

ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER

St. Benedict Parish 676 St. Benedict Rd., Bendena Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All are welcome to this meal of turkey and all the trimmings. There will be a wide variety of salads and desserts. Takeout meals are available in the parish house and garage. There will also be a raffle for a queen-size quilt, cash amounts and other donated items. Be sure to look for the giant turkeys on Highway 20, just west of Bendena.

FALL CRAFT AND BAKE SALE

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish

2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

There will be handcrafted items, baked goods, and a soup and cinnamon roll lunch served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Two quilt raffles will be offered. Shop for Christmas!

HOPS ’N’ DROPS - HAPPY HOUR FOR HUNGER

Redemptorist Center at Boulevard Brewing 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 7 from 6 -9 p.m.

Join us for beer, wine and appetizers. Redemptorist Center constantly strives to combat hunger by providing food to those in need in our community. Tickets are available online at: eventbrite.com.

BINGO NIGHT

Sacred Heart Parish 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

The Sacred Hearts Knights of Colum bus will be hosting bingo for cash prizes. Refreshments will be sold. For more infor mation, call Bob at (913) 850-3348.

‘FINDING GRATITUDE IN ALL THINGS: AN IGNATIAN DAY OF REFLECTION’

Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Give yourself the gift of a mini-retreat with God. Father Derrick Weingartner, SJ, rector of the St. Peter Claver Jesuit Com munity of Kansas City, Missouri, will lead this retreat. Father Derrick will help retreat ants explore ways to connect with God through the gift of gratitude. There will be an opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation near the end of the retreat. A continental breakfast and lunch are includ ed. For more information and to register, go online to: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/ events/2022/finding-gratitude.

‘HUMILITY’

Church of the Nativity (Magi Room) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Nov. 12 at 8:15 a.m. Dec. 3 at 8:15 a.m.

The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales invite women to learn more about its for mation for deepening and practicing ho liness in everyday life. Come reflect with us after Mass on the topic of “Humility” in the tradition of Salesian spirituality. All ma terials are provided, and coffee and light refreshments will be served. To attend, please contact Ruth Owens by email at: rowens4853@gmail.com, or call Barba ra McClung at (816) 535-4531 or send an email to: willabird1960@gmail.com. For more information, visit the website at: https://www.sfdsassociation.org/.

ST. CECILIA CELEBRATION OF THE SACRED LITURGY

Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The Catholic Fine Arts Council invites everyone to the annual St. Cecilia Cele bration of the Sacred Liturgy. Dr. Lucas Tappan, founder and director of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, Schola Can torum will be present for the celebration. Please RSVP to Mary Ann Caffrey at (913) 345-8210 or by email at: maryannpiano@ sbcglobal.net.

TURKEY BINGO

All Saints Parish (hall) 809 Vermont, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. Turkey bingo is sponsored by the Holy

Rosary Sodality. The cost is $15 for one bingo card, a Polish sausage/kraut sand wich and drink. For more information, call Pam at (913) 787-7869.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Patrick Parish (center)

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 20 from 8 - 11 a.m.

This Knights of Columbus Bicentennial Council 6781 pancake breakfast will fea ture pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Juice and fresh coffee are included. There will also be ro saries for sale. Questions? Call Fritz at (913) 515-0621.

HISTORIC HOMES TOUR

St. Benedict School

201 Unity St., Atchison Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Atchison’s Christmas historic homes tour, benefiting St. Benedict School, will include a tour of homes decked out for Christmas, along with a tour of the historic Muchnic Art Gallery where a Nativity set collection will be on display. A complimentary beverage will be served at the mobile coffee bar. Tickets also include a soup/sandwich/dessert lunch and a Christmas Market and bake sale served in the school’s commons. To purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.stbenedicthomestour. com or call (913) 462-3035.

EAST HILL SINGERS IN CONCERT

St. Joseph Parish

11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.

Arts in Prison presents a concert from the East Hill Singers, the only men’s prison choir in the country to perform outside prison walls. Prisoners, former convicts and community members unite their voices for this program. Come and participate in this great corporal work of mercy. There is no cost to attend.

CATHOLIC ADVISORS NETWORK

Offices of Polsinelli

900 W. 48th St., Kansas City Missouri Nov. 30 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

You are invited to the inaugural event of the Catholic Advisors Network. Attorneys, financial planners, accountants and life insur ance consultants are invited to a reception and networking sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, Bill Ma loney, executive director. RSVP online at: cfnek.org/events/catholic-advisors-networkinaugural-event.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired pub lication date.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

Concrete Work

Any

Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

SOLUTION

EMPLOYMENT

Sales coordinator - New Roots for Refugees, a program helping refugees start their own small farm businesses in Kansas City, is hiring a sales coordinator. This position will coordinate all sales outlets for New Roots farmers (farmers markets, wholesale and farm shares) and will be responsible for planning, forecasting and sales growth. If you have experience in sales, local food and farming, or restaurants, please check out our job description here and apply at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/ Recruiting/Jobs/Details/939277.

Multimedia marketing specialist - Catholic Chari ties of Northeast Kansas is actively seeking an expe rienced multimedia marketing specialist to support and promote the agency’s mission of providing help, hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable. This position will be responsible for creating compelling visual stories of hope from those we serve, staff and volunteers, utilizing video, audio and photography. Must also be skilled in graphic design. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.”

Administrative assistant to the vicar generalThe Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph seeks to fill an administrative assistant position for the office of the vicar general for administration and chancellor. This position will provide professional support in the areas of communication (written and verbal), organi zation, recordkeeping and general office tasks. This position is full time, benefit-eligible based on 40 hours per week, and offices in the chancery building in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

Administrative assistant - Queen of the Holy Rosa ry, Bucyrus, is seeking an administrative assistant for the parish. General assistance in many areas such as managing the church calendar, creating the bulletin, registering new families and other dayto-day office duties. The applicant will be working 30-35 hours per week with archdiocesan benefits. Please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs to apply for this position.

School Advancement Program (SAP) consultantThe Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accept ing applications for a full-time School Advancement Program (SAP) consultant for the Catholic schools of fice. This position is responsible for consulting with school principals, board chairs, business teams, presidents and pastors on fundraising, develop ment, financial analysis and strategic planning. Preferred experience to include: sales, marketing, fundraising, grant and event planning. A working knowledge of Catholic school operations is helpful. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and an eagerness to promote Catholic education. Please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs to apply for this position.

Part-time companions needed - Perfect job for any kind-hearted, energetic person wanting to be a team player in a small growing family company. Must have reliable transportation. Job entails driving clients to appointments and running errands. Person must be personable, able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a hands-on caregiving com pany. Some clients may be standby assist. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given. Drug and background checks are mandatory. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795. Clarkson Companion Care.

Business manager - St. John the Evangelist Parish and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time business manager. The manager will administer the finances of the parish and school, and maintain accuracy of all financial operations. Applicants need computer/ new technologies competencies. Candidates with a degree in business/accounting with 1-3 years of experience or its equivalency, and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job de scription and requirements at: www.sjevangelist. com. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package. The position will be open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Director of faith formation - St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, is seeking a full-time director of faith formation. This person would develop, articu late and administer a vision and direction for parish faith formation programs. He/she would oversee all faith formation programs and evaluate their effec tiveness, and develop/implement ideas and pro grams that would be available for parishioners from womb to tomb. Ideal candidate will be a bilingual (English/Spanish), practicing Catholic who holds a degree in catechesis or theology and/or has equiv alent work experience relating to faith formation. This person would also have strong knowledge of Catholicism, inter-cultural competence in ministry, strong interpersonal skills, proven organizational and leadership skills, and computer/technology competencies. 2-4 years of parish ministry experi ence preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This is a full-time position and eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package. The position will be open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com (use DFF on sub ject line) or 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retir ees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 5214955 for more information. EEO

Administrative assistant - St. Joseph Parish, Shaw nee, is seeking a full-time administrative assistant. Interested individuals should mail cover letter and resume to the attention of the pastor at St. Joseph Parish, 5901 Flint St., Shawnee, KS 66203 or by email to: frscott@stjoeshawnee.org. For more infor mation, you can call (913) 631-5983.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnel ly College, Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology; clinical nursing, math; information systems coordinator. Faculty job opening available for the nursing school. Find job descriptions and de tails at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Accountant - Corpus Christi in Lawrence is seeking a full-time accountant. This position assists in the stew ardship of the parish’s financial resources; ensures the effectiveness of financial operations, informing and advising the parish administration and various parish councils as needed; and performs all financial and accounting tasks in compliance with archdioce san policies and procedures. This person must have accounting/finance degree or equivalent, three - five years’ experience in accounting-related position. They must also have exceptional computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and database management. Candidates should have the ability to multitask, be highly organized, prioritize tasks and pay attention to detail and accuracy. A full job description can be found at: www.cccparish.org/ our-parish/employment-opportunities. Interested ap plicants should email a resume and cover letter to: jdahlstrand@cccparish.org.

Custodian - Bishop Miege is seeking a FT eveningshift custodian. Hours are M - F, 3:30 p.m. – mid night, with occasional days and weekends. The cus todian will maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds, and ensure a safe and pleasant learn ing environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general house keeping and sanitation duties, event setup and light maintenance. Candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or email to: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

Investigator/auditor - The office for protection and care (OPC) is seeking a full-time investigator/ auditor. The investigator/auditor is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse by persons of au thority in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. This is a safety-sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion. The investigator/auditor will operate under the guidelines set forth in the poli cies of the archdiocese and will collaborate with the director of the OPC and the victim care advocate. For a complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs .

Parish business manager - St. Ann Parish in Prai rie Village is seeking a full-time business manager to oversee all financial, human resource and other administrative aspects of the parish. The position will have responsibilities for budgeting, financial reporting and cash flow management, as well as managing the human resource and IT functions. The individual will work closely with the pastor, school principal and young child care director regarding financial, human resource and other administrative matters, and positively interact with volunteers and parishioners to support the parish mission. The suc cessful candidate will have a business-related or human resource degree with a working knowledge of accounting principles and practices. The ideal candidate will also be a proactive, team-oriented leader and possess strong communication and in terpersonal skills. The position should have at least five years of demonstrated supervisory experience. A complete job description can be found at: www. stannpv.org. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@stannpv.org.

Youth ministry assistant - Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee is seeking a youth ministry as sistant to support our youth ministry coordinator in helping plan, organize and administer youth ministry and confirmation preparation. This 10hour a week position includes time commitments on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 8 p.m.; Sundays from 6 – 9 p.m.; and 2.5 hours during the week for plan ning and relational ministry. For a full job descrip tion and to apply, please go to: https://shoj.org/ employment-opportunities.

Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches in the following sports for the 2022-23 winter season: assistant bowling and assistant boys wrestling. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.

Early childhood position - Wonderful opportunity for adults interested in working with young children! Catholic preschool seeks caring individuals to work with children in our three-year-olds classes. Position is part time. Great working conditions and immedi ate benefits. Call Ms. Theresa, director, at (913) 2484589, or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org.

Custodian - The Church of Nativity Catholic Parish School has an immediate opening for a full-time hour ly custodian. Qualified applicants should have prior custodial experience, specifically in a school environ ment, and must be able to work 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. shift with some holiday work expected. Applicants must have compatible work history, references, depend able transportation and be willing to participate in a background check. Compensation of $17 to $19 per hour will depend on experience, negotiable with the right qualifications. The Church of Nativity is located just west of 119th and State Line in Leawood. Nativi ty offers a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should email resumes and work history to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org. Resumes welcome by fax or mail. No phone calls please. Fax: (913) 491-5065; mail to: Church of the Nativity, Attn: Custodial Position, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209.

Maintenance technician - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is looking for a full-time maintenance tech nician with a strong work ethic. We prefer a candidate with general knowledge in electrical, plumbing, main tenance and grounds keeping. This position also in cludes setting up for events. A maintenance technician is a thorough professional with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and responsibly. The candidate needs to be able to lift 50 pounds and work on a ladder or lift. All employees are required to be Virtus trained and background checked. This position may include some weekend and evenings as needed. Competitive pay, including benefits, vaca tion/sick time and 401(k) match. Interested candidates should send a resume to the facilities director at: matt. rocca@cureofars.com.

Development director - Come be a part of the mission of Catholic Charities as a director of ma jor and planned gifts. Drive major, monthly and planned gift strategies. Prospect, cultivate and engage major supporters of the agency, drive initiatives to engage volunteers and support ers in all fundraising events and in all 21 coun ties served by the agency. To apply, go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers, scroll down to “Job Openings” and then scroll down to: “Director of ma jor and planned gifts.”

Part-time maintenance/custodian - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is looking for a part-time maintenance/ custodian person. Position is four hours a day and five days a week. Qualified applicants will primarily work in a school and early education environment. Applicants must have similar work history, references, dependable transportation, be Virtus- trained or attend a Virtus training, and participate in a background check. Inter ested applicants should email resumes to: mthomas@ stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 631-0800.

Part-time custodians - Bishop Miege is seeking to hire two part-time night custodial technicians for the north campus facility. One position is M - F, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.; the second position is Saturday/Sunday, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Contact Ryan Wrigley for more information or to apply. Email: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

Director of liturgy and music - St. Ann Church in Prairie Village is seeking a director of liturgy and music to facilitate worship experiences that cele brate and strengthen our parishioners’ faith journey. This position serves as the principal musician and choir director for the parish and assists the pastor in liturgy planning. The director is responsible for: playing the organ and/or piano at weekend, school and holy day Masses; recruiting and directing adult, children and hand-bell choirs; training cantors; and providing art and environment direction. The direc tor will also assist the pastor and families in planning funerals and weddings. The director must be flexi ble and work well with staff and parishioners. Hours are negotiable. The qualified candidate should be a practicing Catholic; have a bachelor’s degree in mu sic or equivalent program of study; and have prior experience as a music director. Please email your resume with cover letter to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

Music director - Queen of the Holy Rosary Catho lic Church, Overland Park, a parish of close to 1200 families, is seeking a music director and organist. The director is responsible for a range of ministries includ ing volunteer recruitment and support; musical direc tion of the choir; hand-bell choir; and accompanist responsibilities. The director will collaborate and co ordinate with families on music for weddings and fu nerals. The director must be flexible and demonstrate good collaborative skills with staff and music volun teers. Hours are negotiable. Contact Paul Coquillette for more information or to apply. Email: qhradmin@ qhr-opks.org or call (913) 432-4616.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings avail able: admissions counselor; advancement officer; business curriculum coordinator and director of stra tegic enrollment; financial aid counselor; part-time accounting assistant and vice-president of business affairs/CFO chief financial officer. Find job descrip tions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Full- and part-time policy support center repre sentatives - Americo is seeking full- and part-time support representatives. The policy support cen ter department is the primary point of contact for policy holders calling Americo regarding their life insurance and annuity policies. Full-time hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Training in-office 6 weeks and hybrid option 3 days in, 2 days re mote). Compensation starts at $19-$20/hour (more for bilingual) and semiannual bonuses. Part-time hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in-office. Compensation starts at $20/hour. To apply or learn more, go to: https://www.americocareers.com/ and click on “Open Positions” and then click on “Open Positions” again.

Assistant director - Prince of Peace Early Educa tion Center is seeking a highly qualified, flexible, resourceful, self-starter for our assistant director. The ideal candidate has previous teaching/admin istrative experience and demonstrates excellent communication skills with staff and parents. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: as sisting in supervision and operation of the center; staff schedules; assisting with facilitation of staff and program events; ordering and purchasing sup plies as needed; opening and/or closing the center; acting as director when the director is not present; and assisting with marketing and tours. Job require ments: All applicants must meet the following re quirements in order to be considered for hire: a min imum of six months or more teaching in a licensed child care center with proof of work; have a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or related field with 12 or more college credit hours in early child hood education. We offer competitive pay. Benefits include: paid vacation and sick time; paid holidays; 401(k) match, and health, vision, dental, life, as well as short- and long-term disability insurance. To ap ply or for more information, call Jamie at (913) 8292718 or email: jwessel@popolathe.org.

DSPs needed - Direct care professionals needed in Overland Park in an intentional living community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Training provided. Live-in or live-out options. Weekends, evenings and overnight shifts available now. $13 - $15 per hour. Email: heartland@larcheks.org.

Part-time center coordinator - Regina Caeli Acad emy Home-school Hybrid is hiring a part-time cen ter coordinator. The center coordinator is the local administrator who oversees the day-to-day quality of the classroom instruction, promotes admissions, provides ongoing coaching of the local staff and provides Christian leadership for the local families in Overland Park. Regina Caeli is a private, indepen dent, classical home-school academy operating in the Catholic tradition. Preschool - 12th grade stu dents attend classical academic and extracurricu lar classes two days a week, and home-school the remaining days following lesson plans provided by Regina Caeli. Apply online at: https://rcahybrid. isolvedhire.com/jobs/.

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

Nurses and nurse aides - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are currently seeking full- and parttime registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aides at our beautiful long-term care facility. Our private nursing facility offers a quiet and pleasant working environment plus low resident (Sisters only!) to staff ratios! We offer a generous paid time off and benefits package, which includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance for as low as $90/month! Work 36 hours a week and get paid for 40, plus you’ll receive shift differentials and bonuses! To apply, please email your resume to: recruiting@scls.org or visit our website at: scls.org.

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique des tination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on con crete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Volunteer Engagement coordinator - Are you com passionate, motivated, mission-driven and desire to empower others? Do you have experience with vol unteer coordination? Catholic Charities is seeking a volunteer engagement coordinator to serve on our volunteer engagement team and assist with our re cruiting and on-boarding initiatives for the 21+ pro grams at Catholic Charities. To learn more or apply, Visit: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.

Bilingual counselor needed - The Keeler Women’s Center, located at 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B, in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a Spanish-speaking counselor. Please contact Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, at (913) 689-9375 or email: kwc@mountosb.org.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assis tance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeep ing/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation ser vices for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandato ry. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Part-time receptionist - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a part-time receptionist to work two to three days per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a job-share position with flexibility to arrange specific workdays with another reception ist. Duties include routing incoming calls, welcom ing guests, scheduling Mass intentions, data entry, database upkeep, and other office duties. The pre ferred candidate will be a practicing Catholic, com passionate, possess excellent communication skills, proficient with Microsoft Office, and comfortable learning new computer skills. Receptionists report to the parish administrator. Pay is based on skills and experience. Additional details at: stmichaelcp. org/employment. Send resume and cover letter to Denise Greene at: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org.

Extended day care position - Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park is seeking an enthusiastic person to be the group leader in our after-school care program. This well-established program runs from 3 - 5:45 p.m. each school day. We are looking for a faith-filled, responsible, organized and creative person. Applicants should have knowledge of child development and be able to implement age-appro priate activities. The ability to communicate clearly with children, colleagues and parents is most import ant in order to foster positive relationships. Appli cants must attend Virtus training, ongoing childcare training and be at least 18 years old. Contact Tessa Piscitello at (913) 492-2582 or email: tpiscitello@hs catholic.org for more information.

Teacher - Teacher needed to fill a position in St. Jo seph, Shawnee, Early Education Center with the twoand-a-half year olds. Related experience is preferred, and candidate must meet state and local require ments. Submit resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. Questions? Call (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589

WANTED TO BUY

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sa cred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Thinking about downsizing? - Just want to get some stuff gone? I am always buying: old jewelry; old coins; pocket watches, pocketknives; old trains; crocks; oil lamps; old toys; glassware; old clocks; old fans; Coca Cola items and spool cabinets. Most old items considered. Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!

I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING

*CLEANUP AND HAULING

*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION

*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES

HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!! CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 9274118.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal

Interior painting

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Gearing up for spring! We now offer financing on all your home improvement projects with approved credit. Here is a list of the construction services I offer: flooring; tile; interior/exterior painting, as well as deck and fence staining; ceiling scraping/re-tex turing; bathroom, kitchen and basement remodeling; siding; decks and covered porches. We also do cab inet refinishing! Look me up on Facebook at “Father & Son Home Exteriors & Remodeling.” I work on all jobs, no subcontractors. Thank you to all my clients! (913) 709-7230.

Garage Door Repair

New Garage Doors

A Total Door - KC family owned since ‘83. www.ATotalDoor.com or (913) 236-6440

A Total Door (913) 236-6440. (913)205-0926 cell

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Re taining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Ful ly insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Resi dential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/ Overland Park Metropolitan area.

FOR SALE

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

For sale - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe with 239K km (148.5K miles) and a couple of little problems; needs new owner who can repair and appreciate it. Dents in one door, leaks oil, but a steal for $5500 or best offer. One owner, no wrecks. Photos, details available. Text (913) 948-3127 for more information.

For sale - Double marble niche at Resurrection Cem etery in Lenexa. Located in Prince of Peace, Queen of Saints, tier H2, niche 715. Conveyance fee included. Valued at $6185, asking $5000. Call (913) 908-1373 or by email at: rjdubs@hotmail.com.

SERVICES

Housecleaning/organization - Looking for a house cleaner or someone to help with organization tasks? Call Molly or Mark at (913) 238-6687. Members of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

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

Tutoring - for K - Adult. Sessions are fun and mean ingful. For more information please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, fam ilies, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth.

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

REAL ESTATE

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commis sions and can close on the date of your choice. Sell ing your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE - There are so many new companies in town advertising to buy houses. But we’re the only ones that have been here and we’re local Holy Trinity parishioners. I will give you a fair price on any conditions you are up against. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905.

CAREGIVING

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFE LY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Christian private duty care – Retired nurse with years of experience. Medications, showers, walker. Day-to-day general care. I’m a reliable, trustworthy, positive person. References available. Covid and flu vaccines. Prefer southern Johnson County. Call Bar bie at (913) 645-3779.

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

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - March 14 - 22, 2023. The cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Sol do. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

Classified Advertising

Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

DAILY READINGS

THIRTY-FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

Oct. 30

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY

IN ORDINARY TIME

Wis 11:22 – 12:2

Ps 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14

2 Thes 1:11 – 2:2 Lk 19: 1-10

Oct. 31 Monday

Phil 2: 1-4

Ps 131: 1bcde, 2-3 Lk 14: 12-14

Nov. 1 ALL SAINTS

Rv 7: 2-4, 9-14

Ps 24: 1bc-4b, 5-6

1 Jn 3: 1-3 Mt 5: 1-12a

Nov. 2

THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

(ALL SOULS’ DAY) Wis 3: 1-9 Ps 23: 1-6 Rom 5: 5-11 Jn 6: 37-40

Nov. 3 Martin de Porres, religious Phil 3: 3-8a Ps 105: 2-7 Lk 15: 1-10

Nov. 4 Charles Borromeo, bishop Phil 3:17 – 4:1 Ps 122: 1-5 Lk 16: 1-8

Nov. 5 Saturday

Phil 4: 10-19

Ps 112: 1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9 Lk 16: 9-15

One good deed deserves another

Themonth of November gives me pause, inviting me to reflect on life.

There are many reasons for this: It’s the end of the church, or liturgical, year. It’s the month set aside by the church to remem ber those who have died. And it’s also my birthday month, when I mark another year of life gone by.

The focal point of my pondering is the Last Judgment passage in Matthew’s Gospel where the Son of Man separates folks into two groups: the sheep and the goats (25: 3146). The basis for this judgment is simple and practical: Who took time to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit prisoners? Doing these corporal works of mercy makes real the Gospel, the good news — not only for the receiver, but for the giver as well.

One of the criticisms leveled at Mother Te resa was that she dealt only with the symptoms of the world’s illness, not the disease. In other words, what good was it to take dying people off the streets to care for them, when nothing was being done to change the system, the reason why they were dying on the streets in the first place?

Mother Teresa re

MARK MY WORDS

into perspective:

Not too long ago in a place not too far away, a field mouse asked a wise old owl, “What is the weight of a snow flake?”

“Why, nothing more than nothing,” an swered the owl.

plied that although she had no solution to the problem of poverty, she could show the love of Christ to one person at a time. And so can we.

Most of us are aware of our sins of commis sion, the bad we’ve done. We’re much less diligent about confess ing sins of omission, those good things we could have done, but chose not to.

Often, we let our selves off the hook for these sins by saying: What good will my small action do, giv en the immensity of problems like poverty, racism, materialism or violence? This little sto ry can help put things

The mouse went on to tell about the time she rested on a branch in a fir tree. She was counting each snow flake until the number was exactly three million, 471 thousand, 952. Then, with the settling of the very next flake — CRACK! The branch suddenly snapped, tumbling the mouse and the snow to the ground.

“Humph,” said the mouse, “such was the weight of nothing!”

(Story adapted from Brian Cavanaugh’s “Fresh Packet of Sower’s Seeds: Third Planting.”)

That last little snowflake — number 3,471, 953 — had a tre mendous impact. This attitude is what Mother Teresa lived: Show

Christ’s love to just one person at a time. Imagine what would happen if all 1.3 billion Catholics throughout the world did this consistently each day? In no time at all, cracks in systemic poverty, racism, materialism and violence would no doubt appear.

November is a perfect time to truly prepare for the holi days . . . and for the Last Judgment that we’ll all have to face one day.

Look for and act on opportunities to live the Gospel each day. Pick up extra cans of soup or vegetables to donate to a food pantry; smile and encourage weary parents strug gling with a fussy child; send a few bucks to an organization asking for donations as they help the needy; volunteer some of your time; listen attentively and speak gently to others.

In this new month, let’s concentrate our efforts to look out for number One, no matter how he’s disguised.

Creator of the galaxies does not hold his love distant from us

Thissummer, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope began revealing de tailed infrared images of our immense and beautiful universe. This new space telescope was designed to give scientists unique, mindboggling images of distant galaxies.

BORROMEO 1538-1584

Though Charles suf fered all his life from a speech impediment, his intelligence and zeal made him an outstand ing figure of the Catho lic Reformation. In 1560, he was named a cardi nal and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan by his uncle, Pope Pius IV, but was kept in Rome to assist with the reconvened Council of Trent. He helped draft the council’s catechism and liturgical books, and in 1563, was ordained a priest and bishop. Fi nally, in 1566, he was allowed to go to Milan, where he worked tire lessly to reform priestly training and lay cat echesis. He also ex hausted his own funds to provide relief during periods of famine and plague. He is the patron of seminarians and cate chists.

One image, released shortly after the tele scope launched into space, showed numer ous galaxies in front of and behind a galaxy cluster as it appeared 4.6 billion years ago!

In Sunday’s first reading, the Book of Wisdom offers a timely reminder that “before the Lord the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop

of morning dew come down upon the earth.”

While we stand in awe of the splendor and vastness of galaxies, now seen in unparal leled detail, the Bible invites us to draw near

,

seen especially in Gos pel encounters when Jesus goes out to meet sinners and outcasts.

In Sunday’s Gospel, we read of one such personal encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector.

transformed as Jesus, the son of God, looked at him with the fullness of divine love and mercy.

to God, the all-powerful creator of this universe in all its immense and ancient beauty.

The Bible tells us that divine love does not remain distant, like faraway galaxies. Rather, God sent his only son Jesus to become one of us in all things except sin, so we might draw close to God in friend ship and be renewed in the power of divine love.

This personal nature of divine revelation is

This wealthy man, despised by his commu nity, desired to see Jesus and was prevented from seeing him because of the crowd and his small stature.

As he climbed a tree to see Jesus passing by, we are told that Jesus looked up to him and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”

Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus was person al and life-changing. Zacchaeus was radically

Zacchaeus respond ed with faith in Jesus and embraced a new life of love of God and neighbor, expressed in sharing half his posses sions with the poor and restoring what he had taken unfairly from his community.

God desires your friendship and the friendship of all those who are lost. And this divine desire inspires us to the same awe and wonder we experience in seeing telescopic im ages of the universe.

May we recognize God’s face in the poor and the lost as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

Love, solidarity must be part of plan to end hunger, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Success in eradicating hunger will require acts of love and solidarity, not just carefully planned and executed in ternational programs, Pope Francis said.

“This requires, first of all, that we see others as our brothers and sisters, as members of the same human family, whose suf ferings and needs

affect us all,” the pope said in a mes sage Oct. 14 to a ceremony in Rome ahead of the U.N. celebration of World Food Day Oct. 16.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s latest estimate puts the global hunger figure for 2021 at between 702 million and 828 million people.

“These estimates imply that, since 2015, the increase in the number of undernourished people in the world

has practically eroded all progress that had been made during the pre ceding decade, bringing the world back to hunger levels that prevailed in 2005,” the organization said.

The theme chosen for the 2022 World Food Day was “Leave no one behind,” and official events looked at ways to ensure that by promoting “better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.”

JEM SULLIVAN

Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

Father Mark is the pastor of Sa cred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

CHARLES

Repeating simple truths lays foundation for future faith

Banktellers are trained to recog nize counterfeit currency by repeatedly handling the real thing.

For parents trying to raise faithfully Catholic children in a world full of increasingly hostile ideologies, the same methodology can be very helpful. Repeating simple truths to our children from an early age can help them rec ognize and reject “coun terfeit” ideas about the human person, sexual ity and morality. Here’s a few examples: You are wonderful ly made. Read Psalm 139 with your children fre quently and take every possible opportunity

FAMILY MATTERS

to point out what a gift from God their bodies are: “Look at how your body put a scab over your cut to protect it. Isn’t it amazing how God

designed that?”

Your body is the perfect package for who you are. As Cath olics, we believe that body and soul are inex tricably linked. We can help even small chil dren understand this by linking their outer and inner qualities when we affirm them:

“I know you wish you had straight hair, and it’s OK to straighten it sometimes, but I love how your curly hair fits your bubbly personal ity!”

Masculinity and femininity are com plementary gifts. In the first chapter of the Book of Gene sis, we hear that God created people male and female. This is the one diversity we do not celebrate in our culture. We can help our children appreciate this gift by affirming the specifically mascu line and feminine gifts of those around us, and specifically in our children themselves: “Thank you, son, for

putting your muscles to work to serve the family!”

You are unique and unrepeatable. One of the reasons we tend to downplay gender dif ferences in our culture is that we instinctively know that stereotypes are ridiculous. There are so many wonderful ways to be authentical ly masculine or femi nine, and children can understand this when we explicitly point it out in friends, family or even book and movie characters: “Some girls are into sparkles and makeup, and others like to get dirty exploring. . . . Some do both! Isn’t it cool that there isn’t just one way to be a girl?”

Shifting from inclusion to a sense of belonging

Octoberis Respect Life Month.

Have you ever stopped and thought just how broad of a statement “respect life” is? There are so many ways that we as Catholics respect all life.

Advocating for an end to abortion and re specting the dignity of the elderly are import ant things that we must continue to fight for. But what are we doing to help the others that are perhaps left on the margins?

The special-needs ministry and the deaf ministry offices of the archdiocese have worked together and have created an acces sibility checklist that

will be available as a resource for parishes to evaluate how their parish currently is helping individuals

with special needs to feel that they belong to their parish family.

This list of course covers the basics of physical accessibility. But perhaps most im portantly, this check list encourages parish es to look at what they are doing to ensure that those with special needs are included

in their parish social and faith formation activities.

This checklist is an encouragement to par ishes to go above and beyond the minimum accessibility and inclu sion “requirements” so that when we say we respect all life, we really mean all life.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus told us that “the one who humbles himself will be exalt ed.” Making changes to allow for total belong ing is not an easy ask and will require us all to humbly step outside of our own shoes and see our parish life through the eyes of someone who perhaps has special needs.

Do they have the

opportunity to ex perience the love of God and feel a sense of belonging at our parishes in the same manner as those with out special needs?

We all have special needs. We all desire to feel a sense of belong ing and God desires us all to feel his love. Are we as the Catholic church of northeast Kansas doing all we can to allow everyone to feel a sense of be longing? Most impor tantly, are we doing all we can to help those souls grow closer to Jesus and heaven?

When we step outside of ourselves and help those around us grow closer to Jesus, we ourselves grow

God knows what makes us happy. Since God loves us and made our bodies as a gift, we can trust that the “rules” he has given us are for our good. Even young children can recognize that what we want isn’t always what’s best for us: “Remem ber when you ate five pieces of cake at the birthday party when no one was looking? You thought it would make you happy, but do you remember how sick you felt?”

Repeating simple truths like these in daily life when our children are small lays a foundation on which we can build as they grow.

closer to him because we have experienced his love through those we have encountered.

I encourage you to reach out to your par ish and learn about the steps it is taking to help parish families feel a sense of belonging. To access the accessibil ity checklist, visit the website at: archkck. org/special-needs/ resources/.

For assistance with resources for your par ish or if you have ques tions about making improvements at your parish, please contact the special-needs ministry of the archdi ocese at (913) 647-3054 or by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

Loving, then losing, is what leads us to ‘agape’ love

Weare blessed to expe rience the fullness of seasons in Kansas.

Fall is my favorite season for a number of reasons — football, sweaters and pumpkin spice to name a few. But none of those compare to the beauty of nature that surrounds us as the leaves change, exhibiting an incredi ble array of colors and textures.

Amid the busyness of daily life, I’m dazzled by God’s gift of beauty in offering us an exqui site display that draws our eyes toward him. It has been a bitter

ALONG THE WAY

EMILY LOPEZ

sweet season for our family: We celebrated a wedding in September and recently mourned the sudden passing of a

close family friend.

The irony of cele brating life — in very different ways — at both gatherings is not lost on me. I’m remind ed of this work by one of my favorite poets, E.E. Cummings: “time is a tree (this life one leaf)

but love is the sky and i am for you just so long and long enough”

Just as the leaves on the trees change, so do we throughout our lives. In all circum stances, we’re called to continue to grow in our faith and strength en our relationship with Christ. This call is easy in days of joy and laughter, but can become a challenge in times of pain.

How do we pursue a God of love when we’re struggling to find some sense in understanding tragedy? The answer can only be found in knowing that the pain of grief is the loss of

great love.

In creating us in his image, we’ve been gift ed a soul with a divine capacity to love. As we exercise this favor, we expand our hearts to hold a tremendous depth.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), when we lose a love, that expanse does not contract. Instead, our hearts are left with a void . . . an emptiness that aches within our core. This “agape” love is what connects our heart so intimately with another and reflects the sacrificial love that Christ has offered each of us.

Agape love is

selfless; it recognizes the good, accepts the bad and chooses to act despite human flaws. It is the most divine form of love that we can offer — a gift of the heart freely given. We never know the num ber of days we have to love, but we trust that loving enough every day offers that ultimate favor.

This fall, the chang ing leaves offer me a beautiful and bitter sweet gift. They remind me that time is passing and seasons in life are changing, but love is the constant that fills our soul “just so long and long enough.”

LIBBY DUPONT

Libby DuPont is a consultant for the archdiocesan office of mar riage and family life.

LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM

JOSHUA RUOFF

Joshua Ruoff is the lead con sultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

Emily Lopez is the lead consul tant for adult evangelization.

An introduction to the

DAY OF THE DEAD

Deceased loved ones honored on day that fuses faith, culture

By Amy Wise Taylor Catholic News Service

BLUFFTON, S.C. (CNS) — When Jennifer Ber mejo was growing up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, her family celebrated Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, every year.

Bermejo, assistant for Hispan ic ministry at St. Gregory the Great Church in Bluffton, South Carolina, re calls it as a fusion of culture and reli gion, noting that her family and neigh bors always attended Mass to pray for their deceased loved ones.

Afterward, everyone joined togeth er for La Catrina parades and gathered in cemeteries, where they continued to offer prayers but also reminisced and paid tribute to their family through song, skits, and favorite foods and drink.

Dia de los Muertos begins at mid night Oct. 31, when it is said that the gates of heaven open and the spirits of the little children (“angelitos”) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. This is Dia de los Ino centes, the Day of the Innocents, and coincides with All Saints’ Day.

The following day, Nov. 2, is the actual Day of the Dead. It also is All Souls’ Day.

Bermejo said that for her family, the tradition of Dia de los Muertos fell away when they moved to Bluffton in 2005, because they have no cemetery or relatives to visit there.

This year, however, she was bring ing some of those cultural aspects to St. Gregory on Oct. 31, having the chil dren dress as their favorite saints and participate in Day of the Dead tradi tions such as painting sugar skulls in bright colors.

“We’re showing them that the day is about praying for family members who have passed away and remember ing them,” Bermejo told The Catholic Miscellany, newspaper of the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina.

The purpose of both Dia de los In ocentes and Dia de los Muertos is to remember the dead and pray for their souls in purgatory, to help them atone for their sins and move into the pres ence of Christ.

Dia de los Muertos evolved in Mexico from the rituals of Aztecs and Mayans. When the Spanish arrived, indigenous beliefs and Catholic reli gious practices merged, combining for

a mix of somber celebration in homes and churches, and more lively festivi ties in secular spaces.

Bermejo said the heart of each day centers on prayer, but there are cul tural traditions unique to Dia de los Muertos.

One of the most important aspects in Mexico is the creation of altars in homes in honor of deceased family members. The displays range from one to seven levels; from simple to extrava gant. They are decorated with a cross, candles, and tissue paper cutouts, and filled with objects meant to draw the spirit of the loved one, such as photos, personal objects and favorite foods.

Bright orange flowers, “cempa suchil,” are placed all around the altars and in the cemeteries. A type of mari gold, the blossoms are said to guide the spirits with their vibrant colors and scents.

Another custom is the sugar skulls. They have become so popular that they have evolved into an art form for tattoo artists. People have images of their loved ones inked in elaborate sugar skull designs, in honor of the

deceased and in hopes it will bring their blessings.

Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead, also is placed at altars and cemeteries. Traditional loaves have a crust shaped into crossed bones, but Bermejo said her family and others also shape the crust into a cross to represent Christ.

Another aspect that has spread far beyond Mexico is La Calavera Catrina, first created between 1910 and 1913. Bermejo said the artist, Jose Guada lupe Posada, is from her hometown and the Catrina parade is a huge affair that draws artists and participants from all over.

People walk in parades to the cem etery, where they often spend the day and night. Prior to the celebration, people spend time cleaning, repairing and decorating the gravesite. While there is prayer and reciting the rosary, time at the grave also celebrates the living memory of the deceased, and gatherings become family picnics, with food, drink, music, flowers and even fireworks.

CNS PHOTO/JORGE LUIS PLATA, REUTERS

A woman takes a nap near the grave of a relative at a cemetery in the town of Santa Maria At zompa in the Mexican state of Oaxaca on Nov. 1. Mexicans mark the Day of the Dead, Nov. 2, by paying homage to their dead relatives, through the decoration of their graves and the preparation of meals.

CNS PHOTO/DANIEL BECERRIL, REUTERS

A woman dressed as “Catrina” takes part in a parade ahead of Day of the Dead in Monterrey, Mexico, on Oct. 27, 2019. Day of the Dead is a Mexican custom traditionally observed Nov. 1 and 2 to remember family and friends who have died.

CNS PHOTO/DAVE CRENSHAW, EASTERN OKLAHOMA CATHOLIC Candles and miniature skeletons adorn a shrine to a deceased family member at St. Francis Xavier Parish in 2008 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.