THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 13 | OCTOBER 29, 2021
RUNNING MATE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Jude Nickson, 9, a member of the Curé of Ars CYO cross-country team, makes his final push toward the finish line with the assistance of his guide — and mother — Joanna. Jude was born with bilateral microphthalmia, a condition in which the eyes are abnormally small and he has no vision. But that hasn’t stopped him from competing at a high level in cross-country.
Lack of vision doesn’t slow Curé runner down
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V E R L A N D PARK — Jude Nickson, 9, a member of the Curé of Ars CYO cross-country team, is just like most runners — highly competitive with a strong work ethic and a desire to get better every time he runs. There is one difference, though. Jude is blind. Jude was born with bilateral microphthalmia, a condition in which the eyes are abnormally small. In Jude’s case, the eyes were not formed properly in the womb. “He has no vision and no light perception,” said his mother Joanna Nickson. Jude’s condition was discovered
shortly after his birth and was a shock to her and her husband Matt. “We had to rely on our faith more than we ever imagined,” she said. “It allowed our family to grow closer together and closer to God through the gift of Jude.” Joanna said the family thought everything would change with Jude’s diagnosis. But to her surprise, things stayed mostly the same. Jude, now a fourth grader at Trailwood Elementary School in Overland Park, is in his second year of cross-country. He has an infectious smile, a quick wit and a bit of spunk. The Nicksons, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, have five children — all active in various sports. The family wanted something that Jude could call his own. They tried T-ball, but realized that wouldn’t be a long-term sport. They
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By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
“ [RUNNING IS] FUN. WHEN YOU GET BETTER, IT’S FUN. AND THE MORE YOU DO IT, THE MORE FUN IT IS. JUDE NICKSON CURÉ OF ARS CYO CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNER also tried wrestling, but Jude didn’t love it. Then, one day, Joanna stumbled upon an announcement that Curé of Ars CYO was offering cross-country starting in third grade. She and Matt thought that this just might be the perfect fit for Jude — and he was all for it. “It’s fun,” Jude said. “When you
get better, it’s fun. And the more you do it, the more fun it is.” “He really desires to do activities and to compete against peers and to compete in something that he is of equal to his peers,” Joanna said. But it wasn’t without its challenges. For one, as Jude was growing up, learning to walk and run, he didn’t have, what Joanna calls, a “true run.” “Our physical therapist said that a true run is when you’re elevated off the ground for a momentary second — when both of your legs are off the ground,” she said. “So, he really didn’t have a true run until the year before he started cross-country. For all the other third and fourth graders that started cross-country with Jude, they had been running since they were 18 months old. Jude just has a lot bigger learning curve >> See “MOTHER-SON” on page 6
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ARCHBISHOP
OCTOBER 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Catholic school teachers are the ‘secret sauce’ we celebrate
his past Saturday, the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) at its annual Gaudeamus gala honored our Catholic school teachers for their dedication in helping their students develop fully their God-given talents and abilities. Even more, our Catholic school teachers are to be saluted for their commitment and determination to be witnesses to their students of living our Catholic faith. Our Catholic schools not only teach their students about Jesus, but, more importantly, they create an environment where our young people have the opportunity to encounter the living Jesus through the sacraments and prayer. Our teachers strive to provide a daily witness of the joy of the Gospel. Years ago, McDonald’s boasted that their Big Mac’s delicious taste was a result of their secret sauce. One of their competitors mocked the fast food giant by suggesting the secret sauce was nothing more than Thousand Island salad dressing. The secret sauce for the excellence of our Catholic schools is the zeal, competence and dedication of our teachers. This was illustrated very powerfully and
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN beautifully this past year. It was the dedication of our Catholic school teachers that made it possible for the vast majority of our schools to provide an in-person classroom experience when so many other schools were only providing virtual learning. Though it was much more labor-intensive, most of our Catholic schools provided in-person learning, while at the same time offering virtual classes for families that preferred that option. One of the fruits of the generosity and hard work of our teachers was a 700 student enrollment increase for the current school year. Our teachers also inspired record-setting generosity from our Catholic Education Foundation benefactors. Gaudeamus raised this year more than
$2.4 million. All of the proceeds from Gaudeamus will be used to provide scholarships for our CEF schools, who serve a high percentage of students from families whose total income is below the poverty level. I am very grateful for the generosity of the donors to the Catholic Education Foundation for removing financial barriers for families who desire a Catholic education for their children. While every family is required to make a financial sacrifice for their children to attend one of our Catholic schools, I am determined to ensure that our Catholic schools are financially accessible to all families. Sadly, in recent weeks, in some parts of the country we have seen parents with children in public schools criticized for their objections to some of the ideologies to which their children are being subjected. It has been distressing
to hear some politicians, as well as some public school board members, disparage the rights of parents to object to the extreme ideologies that are being imposed on their children. Unfortunately, the secular model for education is overly focused on preparing students to do well on standardized tests and to prepare young people for successful careers. Of course, we want our Catholic school students to be well-prepared to enter college and equipped to be able to provide for themselves and their families. Yet, our Catholic schools strive to do so much more. We want our students to be exposed to truth, beauty and goodness. We want to spark within our students wonder at the complexity and order in the natural world, as well as awe for the God who created the cosmos. We want our young people to know their dignity as one created in the divine image, as well as their incredible worth that was revealed by the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. We want them to understand that they are beloved sons and daughters of the Creator of the cosmos who desires to have a friendship with them. If you were not able
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Oct. 29 Red Mass — Visitation Parish, Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 30-31 Congreso Pro Vida — Miami Nov. 1 Mass and lunch — St. James Academy, Lenexa Blessing of new hospice offices and meeting the teams — Villa St. Francis, Olathe Nov. 2 Vespers and dinner with recently ordained priests — Archbishop’s residence Nov. 3 Catholic Benefits Association finance committee meeting Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem annual Mass — Visitation Church, Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 4 Bishop Ward High School Mass, Kansas City, Kansas Confirmation — St. Bernard, Wamego, and St. Joseph, Flush Nov. 5 St. Martin of Tours Mass —Curé of Ars School, Leawood Nov. 7 Installation Mass of Father Brandon Farrar — John Paul II Parish, Olathe African Catholic Community of Kansas Mass — Prince of Peace, Olathe
to attend Gaudeamus but want to contribute to scholarships for our Catholic schools, please Google the Catholic Education Foundation website. If you know a Catholic school teacher, please thank them for
their amazing service to their students and families. Please communicate to them that they are truly heroes and heroines. They are the secret sauce of Catholic education.
LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Project Chrysalis offers an evening of hope By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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VERLAND PARK — Hope. Although it’s one of the three theological virtues, it can be elusive. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says hope “keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude (No. 1818)” Yet, how does one find hope, especially in the midst of tragedy? Deacon Ed Shoener and Jennifer Hubbard said it’s possible. The two spoke to approximately 100 people on Oct. 6 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park during “Finding Hope: Surviving Suicide, Accidental Death and Sudden Loss,” an event sponsored by Project Chrysalis, a ministry “to help parents who have lost a child find hope through sacred Scripture and community.” A permanent deacon in the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a founding member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, Deacon Shoener said his daughter’s death led him to a new ministry. As a teenager, the deacon’s daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For 14 years, Katie received treatment, but tragically lost her life to suicide in 2016. “One of the ways I dealt with my grief was to read. I needed to read about what happened. I wanted to understand this, and I particularly wanted to understand the Roman Catholic perspective,” the deacon said. Finding little to no Catholic literature on suicide and/or mental health, and few Catholic ministries, he was eventually led to collaborate with Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego, who had lost two siblings and a brother-in-law to suicide. Their first book, “When a Loved One Dies by Suicide,” features nine chapters, most written by prominent church leaders who have lost someone to suicide. Both society and the church need to get to a place of open dialogue about mental illness, said Deacon Shoener, so “we can openly talk about this and recognize it for what it is.” In his second book with Auxiliary Bishop Dolan, called “Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders,” the two men said they had three goals in writing it. First, they wanted Catholic clergy to understand the experience of families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Additionally, they want people to understand the church’s teaching — that while suicide is a grave matter and an evil act, the church also teaches it cannot know with certainty what happens to the souls of those who die by suicide. “One of the most comforting things in the catechism is that the church prays for those who have died by suicide,” Deacon Shoener said. The book’s final goal is to encourage others to minister to those affected by mental illness, something he is passionate about after losing his daughter.
LEAVEN PHOTOS BY MARC ANDERSON
Deacon Ed Shoener (above) and Jennifer Hubbard (left) spoke on their experience of losing a child on Oct. 6 at Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. The event — “Finding Hope: Surviving Suicide, Accidental Death and Sudden Loss” — was sponsored by Project Chrysalis.
For help Project Chrysalis
www.hopeinscripture.com
Carl’s Cause
www.carlscause.org
Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers www.catholicmhm.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org
The three lessons of loss Like Deacon Shoener, Hubbard found that the death of her daughter led her on an unexpected journey of grief, but also one of healing and hope.
Catherine Hubbard was just 6 years old when she was killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. And while the journey was painful, Hubbard found herself trusting God more as a result. “We have to take God at his word. We really do, and God’s word is that he will restore beauty from ashes,” she said. From the long road she’s walked, Hubbard said she has learned three main lessons. First, God protects you and your loved ones, even when it doesn’t seem like it. “I know Catherine is where we want all of our children to go, and, God willing, someday we will be reunited,” she said. “I can’t take that away from her. So, God protected Catherine, and God protected me.” Second, Hubbard said she learned God always provides a path from grief to hope. The path might lead to big things or more modest accomplishments. She
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
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now serves as executive director of an animal sanctuary named in honor of her daughter, for example. Either way, the path is there for a person to find. “God will provide a way,” Hubbard said, “and it is his will, through the one that you lose, that his glory will be illuminated.” For a long time, Hubbard said, her purpose was to simply get out of bed and attend to the needs of her son Freddy, who was 8 at the time. Every morning after Freddy got on the bus, Hubbard said she returned home and sat at her table, trying to make sense of things. “If this is where you’re at and you don’t know what to do and all you want to do is sit and read, then I beg you to read the Bible,” she said. “You will encounter God in some way.” In Hubbard’s own life, an encounter at the grocery store led her to begin journaling. Eventually, Father Peter Cameron, OP, then editor-in-chief of Magnificat, heard of something Hubbard wrote and asked her to write for the monthly magazine. And writing has been one way Hubbard said God has healed her. So, that has been the third lesson this experience has taught her. “God will heal you,” she said. “You may not want to hear that. You may think that when your heart is healed you’ve disrespected your loved one. But I beg to differ. Because when your heart is healed, you will embrace your loved one.”
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LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Mary (Green) and James Farrar, members of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary at the noon Mass on Oct. 31 followed by a family dinner. The couple was married on Nov. 3, 1956, at Guardian Angels Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Deborah Konomos, Thomas Farrar, Jeanne Cruse, Joan Cobb and Kerry Mercer. They also have 17 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
PHOTO BY GRETA HEIMAN
Sacred Heart Parish, Sabetha, offered an event called “Hope Arising” which featured performance artist Mike Debus, a soup supper with live music from the Mikey Needleman Band and eucharistic adoration.
Sabetha parish hosts ‘Hope Arising’ event By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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ABETHA — Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And that usually means there’s a problem. In the case of Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha, though, smoke and fire were features of a four-hour event held Oct. 10 before an overflow crowd. Planning for the event — called “Hope Arising” — started months ago in response to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s May announcement that the Sunday Mass obligation would be reinstated the weekend of June 5-6. In writing to the archdiocese’s pastors, he encouraged them to consider hosting events to welcome people back to Mass and participation in parish life. Taking the archbishop’s words to heart, Father Zarse, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, St. Augustine Parish in Fidelity and St. James Parish in Wetmore, began praying in earnest, both on his own and with his parishioners. “I kept playing with this idea that beauty will save the world,” he said. “We have to draw the human heart which has been so wounded and so fearful for so many different reasons in the last two years and gently draw this heart out with experiences of beauty,” he added. Over time, Father Zarse, along with a committee of five parishioners — Amber Deters, Annie Deters, Kerry Glynn, Jody Reel and Deb Wenger — concluded that while there had been so much darkness in the world, the parish should look to the future with an increased focus on Jesus, the source of all hope. The overall vision for the event consisted of three main parts. First, Mike Debus, a Kansas City, Missouri, performance artist, created three paintings as the audience watched. Depicting Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin Mary in succession, Debus
paused in between the second and third painting to share his testimony, something he had not done publicly before. Event organizers and attendees alike said that it really added to their admiration of him. “That testimony, for a lot of the people, was even more powerful than the art he was creating because it made him a real person with a real story,” Amber Deters said, leaving the audience “feeling closer to him.” After Debus finished his last painting, the event moved into its second phase, that of a soup supper during which the Mikey Needleman Band, from Olathe, provided live music. Originally, the event was supposed to be held outside, but rain forced everything indoors. Being inside though, organizers said, brought people closer in terms of physical proximity which, in turn, created more fellowship opportunities. “No one wanted it to end,” Reel said of the fellowship. In fact, organizers ended up extending the meal portion a little bit to offer people more time to enjoy one another’s company. After supper, everyone returned to the sanctuary for eucharistic adoration, complete with fire and smoke — and a lot of it. The lights in the church were turned completely out, and the sanctuary was lit by candles, 150 of them to be exact. They were placed on the floor, on pedestals, on the altar and on the back altar. The monstrance was placed front and center, towering above all of the candles. And then there was the incense. “We had two thurifers coming in swinging the thuribles followed by the crucifix and our four processional candles, and then the younger kids carried the devotional candles,” Reel said. In total, the procession featured 10 altar servers ranging from third graders to sophomores in high school.
Additionally, people were given the opportunity to write their prayers on slips of paper, and then add them to the fire and watch them burn. The exercise was reminiscent of Psalm 141, which reads, “Let my prayers arise like before you like incense and my raising of my hands like an evening oblation.” Calling it overwhelmingly beautiful, Reel said that specific hour of eucharistic adoration was “hands down one of the best moments” — not only for her but the entire parish. Amber Deters agreed. “Being in front of Jesus for an extended amount of time in this beautiful setting was their favorite part, and I think that having that as the capstone of the night really honed in on what our focus was, where our hope was and what it’s all about — our hope in God,” she said. Jacob Gruber, who attended the event with his fiancee and her 6-year-old son, said the Holy Hour was unlike any he’d experienced previously and provided a “deeper level of intimacy” than he’d ever experienced. “I think until you have [an event like this], you don’t realize you need it,” he said. “It’s a great way to have something besides Mass to draw people into the church. I think that’s something that a lot of parishes today are missing. Most families come to Mass, and that’s the extent of what they see. They don’t see the parish community outside of that, and this is something that can draw not just the Catholics but also fellow Christians within our communities to bring us all into greater fellowship with Christ.” Betty Niehues agreed. “It was a very unique time of feeling close to God,” she said. Perhaps it was D’Ann Niehues, though, who summarized everyone’s feelings with only four words. “It was just awesome,” she said.
Cyril and Joyce (Stallbaumer) Schmitz, m e m bers of St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g anniversary on Nov. 7. The couple was married Nov. 13, 1971, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict. Their children are: Lisa Holthaus, Seneca; Tina Palic, Baileyville; Ryan Schmitz, Leawood; and Sara Kramer, Corning. They also have 12 grandchildren. Betty
and
Tom
Dobelbower, members of Christ the King Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 65th anniversary on June 16. The couple was married at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City, on June 16, 1956. Their children are: Kevin, Phillip, Peggy and Steve. They also have five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Roberta (Brown) and Steven G u e t te r m a n , m e m bers of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Bucyrus, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 6. The couple was married on Nov. 6, 1971, at Queen of the Holy Rosary. Their children are: Ryan Guetterman, Kris Guetterman and Angie Galloway, all of Bucyrus. They also have two grandchildren. They plan to celebrate with a family dinner. Raymond and Edith (Maretoli) Martin, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Oct. 27 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Oct. 27, 1956, at St. Mary Church, Independence, Missouri. Their children are: Michael, Joseph and John. They also have nine grandchildren.
OCTOBER 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
5 Appointments Father John A. Riley, vicar generalchancellor, announces the following appointments by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective immediately unless otherwise noted: Father Ramiro Sanchez Chan, CS, from priestly ministry outside of the archdiocese, to director of the office of Hispanic Ministry, effective Oct. 1. Father William McEvoy, from pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, to leave of absence for health and wellness reasons, effective Sept. 20. Father Balachandra Miriyala, from parochial administrator for Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, to parochial administrator for St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, effective Sept. 20. Father Joseph Sellas, from parochial vicar for Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, to parochial administrator for Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, effective Oct. 25. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Father Dennis Wait, above, founded the Sanctuary of Hope in 1996. The Sanctuary hosted its last retreat on Sept. 18. The property will now be used by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for a ministry to be announced later.
KCK retreat center closes after 25 years By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan — Father Dennis Wait remembers the time a woman knocked on the front door of the Sanctuary of Hope and startled him with a profound question. “Where is Jesus?” she asked. “My first thought was, ‘He’s in the Blessed Sacrament upstairs in the chapel,’” said Father Wait, the former director. “Then I thought, ‘Well, we have an image of him down here on the first floor.’” Then she clarified her question. “No, the one that overlooks the highway,” she said. Sheepishly, Father Wait directed her to a walking path that led to a statue of Jesus that overlooked Interstate 70, which was on the southern border of the property. A lot of seekers have made their way to the Sanctuary of Hope since it was founded in 1996. Sometimes they were seeking God, or answers to questions, or healing, or even just a little peace and quiet. The Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes says: “There is a season for everything, and a time for every occupation under heaven. A time for giving birth, and a time for dying; a time for planting, and a time for uprooting what has been planted” (3:1-2). The Sanctuary of Hope, an interfaith prayer and retreat center near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 635, has reached its 25th anniversary while it is also undergoing its season of ending. The last retreat was held on Sept. 18 for a Hispanic ministry group from St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. Since then, the concentration has been on emptying the building, which should be finished by the end of November. The 27,000-square-foot building and the approximately 30 acres of surrounding property will be used
by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for a ministry to be announced later. The building was originally built in 1893 as a mental health asylum and tuberculosis sanitarium. The idea of Sanctuary of Hope came to Father Wait after a series of inspirations, the last of which came during a retreat at the Franciscan Brothers of Peace Monastery in St. Paul, Minnesota. “I heard these simple words in my heart,” Father Wait later wrote: “‘Dennis, just bring the people to Me.’” Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher gave his approval to the mission of Sanctuary of Hope to be “a contemplative, ecumenical community committed to knowing, loving and serving God and each other and those in need. They will be working with people of different faiths, cultures and social understandings. The site is easily accessible to the inner-city people.” “We [welcomed] all faiths and cultures and backgrounds,” said Father Wait. “Each was permitted to go to God in their own way. . . . If they were Catholic, they could attend Mass and receive reconciliation. Sometimes, I would do anointings for people who were associated with us.” Father Wait was assisted by a small staff — some resident — and a large group of volunteers, both Catholic and non-Catholic, said Sue Ryan, a longtime volunteer of 20 years. “Even though he was a Catholic priest, [Father Wait] welcomed people of other faiths so we could come together, know each other and grow together in our spiritual life,” said Ryan. “Even though we were of different faith beliefs, we still believed in the same God. It was a very loving environment of people of different faiths.” Julie Elwell, a retreat coordinator for 20 years, remembered how Sanctuary of Hope sponsored 5K races, concerts, prayer walks and other events for the surrounding community.
“It was the best job I ever had or will ever have,” said Elwell. “They were wonderful people to work with, all dedicated to the mission.” Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, who succeeded Father Wait as director in 2017, praised the latter’s vision and leadership. “Sanctuary of Hope was the vision and dream of Father Wait,” said Father Joseph. “He entered into prayer and trust of God and made that vision a reality. It really was his openness and trust in God that allowed it to continue for 25 years. “Miracle after miracle took place. When there was a need to fix or purchase something, money just appeared to make it happen. It was a great grace in the lives of people [Father Dennis] touched with this ministry. It’s beyond words. People are so grateful for how he ministered to them and was open to sharing God with them.” There are two things, in particular, that Father Joseph both appreciates and will miss about Sanctuary of Hope. The first, of course, is the people. The encounters he had with visitors, staff and volunteers was “a tremendous blessing and gift,” he said. Their generosity was overwhelming. The second thing he’ll miss, though, is the space itself — a peaceful, prayerful, quiet oasis in the middle of the city — a wonderful place to encounter God. He struggled writing his farewell note in the final Sanctuary of Hope newsletter, he said, but then he was inspired. “I was having a hard time. . . . Finally, I sat down and asked, ‘What’s deep in my heart?’” said Father Joseph. “Two things came to me: gratitude and hope. “Gratitude for the 25 years and vision of Father Wait, and hope for what will happen there, the future with Catholic Charities. Gratitude for what has been, and hope for what will be.”
Barbara
(Paschke)
and Tony Eidson, m e m bers of St. Agnes Parish, Ro e l a n d Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 6. The couple was married on Nov. 6, 1971, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: John Eidson, Matie Mieras and Sara Runions. They also have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Matthew and Louise Gladbach, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 6. The couple was married Nov. 6, 1971, at St. Paul Church, Olathe, by Father John Yadrich.
ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: • Emailed photos need to be 200 dpi or 200 KB in size. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
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LOCAL NEWS
OCTOBER 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Mother-son make for a winning cross-country combo >> Continued from page 1
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Jude and Joanna Nickson compete in the CYO of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties City Meet Oct. 16 at Savior of the World Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The two ran the half mile in 4 minutes and 33 seconds. The city meet marked the end of the CYO cross-country season.
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when it comes to running.” There were also issues with Jude’s form and overcoming some fears. “Without vision, he tends to lean back and obviously he was pretty fearful when he first started that he was going to hit something,” Joanna added. “When I started out, yeah,” Jude interrupts. “Right now, I’m not.” Two of Jude’s coaches, Robbie and Julie Overlease, have known him since he was born. “To be his coaches is really special. He’s an amazing young boy,” Julie said. And Jude has the same strong feelings about his coaches. “My favorite thing about crosscountry is probably my coaches,” he said. Jude said his coaches have taught him a lot about being a runner and how to improve. “They’ve told me a lot of strategies — like taking longer strides when I run and leaning forward,” he said. Robbie said that Jude is at a disadvantage because of his lack of sight but is convinced that, with time, Jude can overcome that. “It’s just so difficult when you’re running cross-country and can’t see the change in the terrain ahead of you,” he said. “He can’t run with the reckless abandon that other kids run with. That’s what we’ve been trying to help him with, to try to unlock the potential that he has. He can go a lot faster than what he goes now.” While Jude can’t see, he does have a set of eyes on the course in the form of his guide — who happens to be his mother. Joanna was the natural choice to be Jude’s guide since she was a crosscountry runner in her high school days. “She was horrible,” Jude blurts out with a devilish grin. “I am not very fast, but I enjoy the mental aspect of running and being able to push myself,” Joanna said, smiling at Jude. So, when Jude practices, Joanna practices, too. “We have a good understanding of each other and our frustrations and the accomplishments that we want,” she
“ HE CAN’T RUN WITH THE RECKLESS ABANDON THAT OTHER KIDS RUN WITH. . . . THAT’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN TRYING TO HELP HIM WITH, TO TRY TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL THAT HE HAS. ROBBIE OVERLEASE CURÉ OF ARS CYO CROSS-COUNTRY COACH said. “There have been times where I’ve been frustrated and pushed him to run faster because I know that he can. And
there have been times when I’ve been kind of tired and he will say, ‘Mom, you’ve got to do this today. We have to push through. We have practice.’” Joanna guides Jude with a short rope. Communication is the key to their success. Joanna calls out obstacles, turns, dips and changes in terrain. “A lot of it is me describing what we are about to go through,” she said. Another part of guiding is staying in sync. “It’s about me getting in sync with him,” Joanna said. “Keeping pace where he’s pacing. Watching our feet. Getting our breaths. If he’s working way harder than me, then we have to make adjustments.” Jude admits that his mother is a pretty good guide. But that’s not to say he doesn’t have some complaints. For one, he doesn’t like when she
ACROSS 1 French capital 6 Popinjay 11 The Creator 14 Mutiny 15 Anesthetic 16 Bard’s before 17 Metric capacity unit 18 Brief 19 Airport abbr. 20 Brother of Mary and Martha 22 Became electrically charged 24 Eastern Time 25 Poisonous snake 26 Lily type 27 Defunct football league 30 Leave out 32 Plastic wrap 33 Mr. 34 Revolve 35 Travel term 36 A wife of David 38 Sidelined 42 Wing 43 Possessive pronoun 44 Precedes an alias 45 Swagger 48 Nativity scene pieces 49 City in Yemen 50 Smooth COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION
says, “Let’s go, baby.” He also thinks his mother sometimes gets a little too excited. He particularly objects to her celebratory dancing. As a fourth-grade runner, Jude runs the half-mile. His best time is 4 minutes and 21 seconds. Next year, as a fifth grader, Jude will run the mile. Joanna plans to continue to be Jude’s guide, but wonders how long she can keep up with her son. “He’s going to out-pace me pretty soon,” she said. “I’m not very fast and as he’s going farther, he’s getting a lot faster.” But she’s OK with that. She mostly loves the fact that he’s found a sport he enjoys — one that allows him to be with and compete with his friends. “Running with him is one my greatest joys as a mother,” she said. “I love being able to be with him and share in the struggles and in the success.”
51 Female (abr.) 52 Sonny 54 Not a Jew 56 Let ____ be _____ 60 BB association 61 Capital of Senegal 63 Athletic field 64 Every 65 Feudal superior 66 Ross ___, philanthropist 67 Headed 68 Goofed 69 Uneven DOWN 1 Lose interest 2 Opera solo 3 Round cracker brand 4 Middle East nation 5 Visionaries 6 Baseball team 7 Dined 8 The Messiah 9 Fable writer 10 Small bird 11 Old man 12 Mexican food brand 13 Completely accurate (2 wds.) 21 Ideal place 23 Son of Abraham
25 own (Scot.) 27 N. Amer. country 28 Bro. or sis. 29 Friday (abbr.) 31 Cc 32 Transgressions 34 Pepper’s pal 35 Truly 37 Emaciated 38 Plead 39 Owned 40 Stretch to make do 41 Tribe of Israel 43 Youngest son of Noah 45 Transmit thoughts 46 Threefold 47 McDonald’s clown 48 More patient 49 Worshiper 51 Talent 53 Love (Greek) 55 Bored 56 Ill __ 57 A Roman emperor 58 Son of Seth 59 Satiate 62 Ripen Solution on page 15
OCTOBER 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Mothers of disappeared migrants plead for help finding loved ones By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — A group of women looking for sons and daughters who were never heard from again after migrating to the U.S. traveled in mid- to late October throughout the country to plead for better immigration laws. The Caravan of Mothers of the Disappeared, a project backed by Pax Christi USA and the Sisters of the Mercy of the Americas, helped spotlight the plight of the group of women, who made a stop in Washington Oct. 19 to meet with members of Congress. “As I listened to them, the women, it’s heart-wrenching,” said Mercy Sister Anne Marie Miller in an Oct. 20 interview with Catholic News Service. “It touches you to hear the suffering.” On Oct. 20, the mothers, often only giving their first names, participated in an online event and talked about their family members, how and why their sons and daughters left their home countries, their last whereabouts and the last time they spoke to them. They also shared how they had dropped off samples of their DNA with authorities at the border in hopes of one day finding out what happened to them. Many of the stories mirrored the one told by Aracely, a mother from El Salvador, who last heard from her son Edwin Alexander Colindres more than nine years ago. He had set off for the U.S. to work. He was in communication with his mother through part
CNS PHOTO/ELIZABETH FRANTZ, REUTERS
Karen Morales of Honduras stands with other women with the Caravan of Mothers of Disappeared Migrants on Capitol Hill in Washington Oct. 19 as they share stories of family members who have gone missing along migration routes. of the journey north, then she never heard from him again. A woman named Bertila said she found her son, “but not the way I had hoped. . . . I never expected to find him among the dead,” she said. He was kidnapped by drug cartels in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and his remains were later identified in a mass grave. “I’m here to support the mothers,” she said. “All along the border, there are thousands and thousands of remains. I had to fight for years for the remains of my son. I asked everyone for help, but no one wants to help the poor.” Like many of the other mothers,
she had seen her son leave, looking for work he couldn’t find at home. She called for better paths to enter the U.S., ones that won’t put people in danger. Sister Miller, who joined the women when they gathered outside the U.S. Capitol Oct. 19, said it was important to advocate for them in Congress, pointing out that past U.S. policies “have not helped” the situation of certain countries, including root causes that have caused so many to leave. “We have to do something . . . use our voices as women religious,” she said, adding that organizations such as the Leadership Conference of Women
National Vocation Awareness Week is Nov. 7-13
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, is encouraging dioceses to use National Vocation Awareness Week, Nov. 7-13, as a time to foster vocations in their local faith communities. “Studies of those recently ordained and religiously professed consistently show that the encouragement of the parish priest is the most influential factor in vocational discernment,” Bishop Checchio said in an Oct. 20 statement about the upcoming weeklong observance. “But the accompaniment of the whole faith community is key for genuine vocational discernment — from one’s parents and family members, to the Catholic educators, as well as the vital role that youth ministers and fellow parishioners play as the early encounters for young people to the faith,” he added. National Vocation Awareness Week is an annual celebration of the U.S. Catholic Church dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and calling the faithful to pray for and support those who are considering such a vocation. The observance of National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year to call
Religious have long advocated for justice in such situations. During the online meeting, the women traveling around the U.S. joined a group of women who also had lost their sons and daughters during a migration journey, but on the other side of the world. Many of them, in Tunisia, were looking for children who had died in the Mediterranean, likely by drowning. They comforted their counterparts in the Americas saying they joined them in the global fight. “We look for them because we love them,” shouted one of the women from the caravan in the United States. Sister Miller said that as women religious, the Mercy Sisters wanted to offer them comfort, letting them know that “there’s always welcoming and compassion,” for them. “Just from the human factor, no one should have to endure separation from their children,” she said, adding that that’s why there’s emphasis on solving problems in the countries where migrants come from. “There’s a reason they leave. There’s violence, economic conditions — the extractive industry is really ruining communities, causing great devastation, climate change, drought, kidnappings.” And as Christians, Scripture says that “in our tradition, we welcome the stranger,” Sister Miller said. “We treat one another as we want to be treated,” she said. “We really want to support and send our love to these women and the migrants who are coming, let them know we’ll help.”
Bishops urge Senate to include pro-life provisions in appropriations bills
W CNS PHOTO/RICK MUSACCHIO, TENNESSEE REGISTER
Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, Tennessee, blesses eight members of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia during their perpetual profession ceremony at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville July 25, 2019. National Vocation Awareness Week is Nov. 7-13. attention to the importance of upholding vocations and praying for those discerning a religious vocation and celebrating those who were in ordained ministry and consecrated life. In 1997, the celebration was moved to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and in 2014, the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations moved the observance to November to influence youth and young adults by engaging Catholic schools and colleges. In his message for the 58th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 25, Pope Francis offered St.
Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as a model for vocational discernment. He urged the church “to look to St. Joseph as an ‘outstanding example of acceptance of God’s plans.’” “For St. Joseph, service — as a concrete expression of the gift of self — did not remain simply a high ideal, but became a rule for daily life,” the pope said in his message. “I like to think, then, of Saint Joseph, the protector of Jesus and of the church, as the protector of vocations. In fact, from his willingness to serve comes his concern to protect.”
ASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life and religious liberty committees urged U.S. Senate leaders Oct. 22 to include the Hyde and Weldon amendments and “other long-standing, bipartisan pro-life provisions” in appropriations bills being advanced in the chamber. By eliminating these provisions, “the Senate is staking out an extreme position of forcing taxpayers to pay for the taking of innocent unborn human life and forcing health care providers to participate in this injustice” against their deeply-held beliefs, the prelates said in a joint statement. In addition, employers and insurers will be forced to cover and pay for abortion, they added. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued their statement in response to the Senate committee’s action. “We recognize and appreciate that these bills also include many lifeaffirming provisions that help vulnerable people, including pregnant moms, refugees, low-income families and the elderly,” they said. “The laudable concern and support these provisions represent must also extend to our vulnerable brothers and sisters in the womb.”
DO-IT-YOURSELF: BIBLE STUDY CAN BEGIN AT HOME It is our own human condition that lets us enter so easily into the world of the Bible, says scholar “The challenge for me was not to focus on what the limitations might be,” she said, “but instead where the doors were open and what the possibilities were.”
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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ITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In 1974, Catherine “Cackie” Upchurch participated in her first Little Rock Scripture Study (LRSS). Only in high school at the time, she could never have predicted how the experience would change the course of her life. “I thought it was life giving,” she said. “I didn’t know we could read the Bible and get so much out of it. It was such a new opportunity at that time.” Years later, Upchurch became the director of LRSS, a role she held for 20 years. H e r Check out Cackie UpScripture church’s new Scripture series apseries, “Be-Attitudes for peared in Believers,” starting this The Leaven week in The Leaven on last fall and page 16. will be published again this year. “I think the Scriptures have rubbed off some of the rough edges in my life,” she said, “and, at the same time, sharpened some other things that needed to be in better focus — what my value system is, how I order my day [and] the commitments I make. “It’s given me a sharper sense of who I’m called to be and how I can contribute to building the kingdom of God.”
Becoming a biblical scholar
New Scripture series
er.
Upchurch has always been a trailblaz-
She studied theology in college and focused on patristics — the study of the writings of the Church Fathers — in graduate school, which was rare for a layperson at the time. “There was no one I knew when I was in high school that studied theology unless you were a priest or a Sister,” she said. After graduating, Upchurch taught theology and worked as a campus minister at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock. During that time, she began volunteering with LRSS on weekends. After she was asked for the second year in a row, she said “yes” to joining the LRSS team full time. “It seemed to me to be a natural progression in my life,” she said, “because the Bible became more and more important to me as I began to understand it
better and appreciate it better.” Upchurch started out as associate director of LRSS and eventually took on the director role. She was the first layperson and the first woman to do so. She was involved in many groundbreaking projects that took her all over the world. Most notably, perhaps, she helped create LRSS’s study Bible, which was published in 2011. The journey was a roller coaster for Upchurch, who recently retired but keeps busy through various writing projects. “At the time, I think the biggest challenges were finding my footing,” she said. But she didn’t worry about being accepted within the field. Instead, she sought to confirm the credibility of her own faith.
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Making her own way
Cackie Upchurch was the first layperson and first woman to serve as director of Little Rock Scripture Study, a Bible study program begun in 1974.
“ [BIBLICAL LITERACY IS] LEARNING TO RECOGNIZE ITS THEMES AND MAYBE SOME OF THE PATTERNS OF EXPERIENCES WITH GOD. BIBLICAL LITERACY IS ABOUT CREATING THAT LEVEL OF EASE WITH MAKING OUR WAY THROUGH THE BIBLE. CACKIE UPCHURCH
Catholics don’t have to memorize Scripture passages to become better acquainted with the Bible, said Upchurch. “Biblical literacy is more about becoming at home with God’s word,” she explained. “It’s learning to recognize its themes and maybe some of the patterns of experiences with God,” she continued. “Biblical literacy is about creating that level of ease with making our way through the Bible.” That literacy also helps people grasp the original context, culture and language of the passages they read. Because of the abundance of resources that exist today, it’s a “prime time to access the tools of biblical scholarship so that we can become more at home in that way,” said Upchurch. Those tools can be particularly helpful, she said, since the Bible is not arranged chronologically. “It’s a library of books that’s put together, and some of them are grouped by genres, like the Letters of Paul and the Psalms,” said Upchurch. “It reflects all these periods of history, so it’s hard to keep it straight.” Upchurch said putting in the effort to comprehend the Bible is worth it. “If we really take seriously what the word of God talks about — in its full context, not just isolating passages here and there, but getting a sense of the fullness God reveals in Scripture — we’re going to be different as a result,” she said.
Above is the fresco “Peter Walking on Water Towar
Moving the masses Colleagues like Amy Ekeh, current director of LRSS, are inspired by Upchurch’s relationship with Scripture. “Cackie reads Scripture as a conversation, a push-and-pull [and] an experience that values questions, searching and even tension over pat answers or distilled truths,” she said. It’s no surprise to Ekeh that Upchurch has spread the truth of Scripture far and wide. “For Cackie, the sacred truths of Scripture are as real as taking a walk with a friend or listening to an old family story,” said Ekeh. “They aren’t ‘out there’ or ‘up there’ — they are as close to us as the air we breathe and the people who cross our paths every day.”
“The Crowning with Thorns” by Michelangelo Meris Peter Dwyer, director of Liturgical Press, has also worked with Upchurch over the years. He’s moved by the ease with which she teaches Scripture. “The curiosity and wit that feed her scholarship also feed her creativity — whether promoting Scripture study, working out covers or ad designs or brainstorming new programs,” he said. “Cackie has contributed enormously to biblical literacy among Catholics through her work as director of Little Rock Scripture Study, commissioning, editing, writing, filming and teaching
rd Jesus in Duomo” by Italian painter Lattanzio Gambara, found in Parma, Italy.
The fresco of Jesus calling Lazarus forth from the tomb is in the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, Italy.
Start with what you know By Catherine Upchurch Special to The Leaven
si da Caravaggio is on display at Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. in person in most of the dioceses in the United States,” he added.
Living the faith If dedicating her life’s work to Scripture has taught Upchurch anything, it’s that God is all around her. “You learn to see God’s hand and hear God’s voice in a lot of ways,” she said, “because you see that emerging in these stories of these people in Scripture.” Upchurch hopes more Catholics will
take advantage of the graces they can receive by reading the Bible. “I think on the one hand, we don’t know that it’s really going to be relevant or meaningful enough,” she said, “and on the other hand, we’re afraid it might be. “And if it is, we’re going to change. And change is never easy for anybody. And to be countercultural is definitely not easy to be. “But if we’re biblical people, we really will be countercultural.”
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hen you read the Bible, you are never alone. The Spirit of God assists you and the community of God’s people accompanies you. The Bible was written in a very different time and culture than our own, but we share the same human condition (experiences of jealousy, fear, joy, love, forgiveness, etc.). Those common human experiences help us enter into the world of the Bible. We have more access to excellent Catholic biblical scholarship than any other generation in history. Footnotes, cross-references, atlases and commentaries help us to appreciate the original context of a passage and to ground our understanding there first. You may find some surprising insights by first spending time with the parts of the Bible that are most familiar (a Gospel or the Book of Exodus, for example). Then move to the parts of the Bible that are less familiar. The Scriptures tell us over 350 times to “be not afraid.” God is assuring you that he can handle whatever fear you have of delving into the Bible — fear of feeling ignorant, or being challenged, or simply making the time. Be confident: A faith-filled reading of the Bible will lead to an encounter and deeper relationship with Christ and with the people of God.
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OCTOBER 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
‘What is love?’ Pope shares his story for Netflix By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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OME (CNS) — Pope Francis, Martin Scorsese, Jane Goodall and a group of less famous “over 70s” talk to young filmmakers about love in the first episode of a four-part documentary available worldwide on Netflix on Christmas Day. The episode “Love,” part of the series “Stories of a Generation,” premiered at the Rome Film Festival Oct. 21. The documentary is based on “Sharing the Wisdom of Time,” a book in which Pope Francis called for creating “an alliance between the young and old people” by sharing their stories. Simona Ercolani, director and producer of the Netflix series, told reporters Oct. 21 that she started working on the project after reading the book, and then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, hitting Italy early and devastating its elderly population. The idea to make the series “became urgent because every day we had a bulletin of deaths,” she said. “We spoke with Netflix, which also felt the urgency of collecting the stories of people, who at that moment were more fragile. They liked this idea of a dialogue between generations — filmmakers under 30 and contributors over 70.” “The stories are extraordinary in their normality, because everyone, including Pope Francis, put themselves in a position of relating [to the filmmaker] not just as a grandchild, but human being to human being,” she said. Giovanni Bossetti, nonfiction man-
By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
V CNS PHOTO/SIMONE RISOLUTI, VATICAN MEDIA
Pope Francis is interviewed at the Vatican for “Stories of a Generation,” a Netflix series based on the pope’s book, “Sharing the Wisdom of Time.” The documentary features the pope and other people over 70 sharing their life stories and experiences with filmmakers under 30. The documentary is scheduled to be available on Netflix Dec. 25. ager for Netflix Italy, told reporters that the streaming service is all about sharing stories, so “besides the incredible access to the Holy Father” that Ercolani had, the series gave Netflix an opportunity “to tell stories that are completely different and that touch themes that are central” to the life of every person. Eighteen elders from five continents and speaking four different languages appear in the series’ four episodes: Love, Dreams, Struggle and Work. Pope Francis’ commentary on the four themes and reflections from his own life appear in each episode. While the series is not “didactic” at all, Bossetti said, the elders share important, universal values with the young filmmakers and the viewing
audience. For the Netflix series, Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, editor of La Civiltà Cattolica, interviewed Pope Francis while young filmmakers interviewed the other elders. Francesca Scorsese, 21, interviewed her father, the director and producer, Martin Scorsese. Father Spadaro told reporters that Pope Francis agreed to participate in the series on the condition that he would not be “the star” of the project but would simply enter into the conversation like the other elders interviewed, “talking about himself and his personal experiences.” “The stars are the people the pope likes to refer to as ‘the saints next door,’” he said. “They are normal people who are the heroes of daily life.”
It takes a lot of faith to do science, Jesuit astronomer says By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — According to a selfdescribed “fanatic” about science and “a bit of a nerd” for the Catholic Church, people should not ask this Jesuit astronomer why a scientist would believe in God. The more interesting question is, “Why do I believe in science?” which is actually a “brave thing to do nowadays when people try to throw up doubt about science,” said Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno. “But I believe in it, and I believe in it so much that I am dedicating my life to being a scientist,” he said in his introductory remarks Oct. 21 during an online “MasterClass for Global Leaders” focusing on the work of NASA and the Vatican Observatory. The class was organized by the CTN Foundation and the Pontifical Council for Culture. The three-hour event featured several speakers and expert panelists from the world of science, technology, philosophy, art and economics to discuss themes related to the event’s title, “The Future of Man, Economy and the Universe.” Brother Consolmagno, who specializes in planetary science, said he had once lost his faith in science. Before becoming a Jesuit, he had worked as
Conference will study early Christian history
a postdoctoral fellow at MIT and suddenly felt science was no longer worth doing. “Why am I wasting my time worrying about these ice-covered moons” when there are people starving in the world, he said. “So, I quit science and went into the Peace Corps” in 1983 where he served in Kenya, teaching astronomy and physics at the University of Nairobi and bringing a little telescope with him to small villages. When everyone showed the same excitement and interest gazing at the night sky, Brother Consolmagno said he realized, “it didn’t matter if they were [living in] remote villages . . . or students at the university or my friends back in America, as human beings we all have the same curiosity and the same delight because we didn’t live by bread alone.” “The thing that makes us human is this curiosity, this not being satisfied with the answer,” he said, and that is the key to doing science. A lot of scientists aren’t churchgoers, he said, “but all of us believe in truth” and “all of us look for the joy in doing science.” Brother Consolmagno said science is built on the belief that the physical universe is not a dream or an illusion but is real and can be studied. This belief is compatible with his faith in God, who “created the universe deliberately, step by step in a logical way,” saying
throughout the process, “It is good.” In fact, Genesis is not the science of creation but is the story of how “God deliberately chooses to have entities like us who are self-aware,” he said. The high point of the story is the seventh day — a day of rest and reflection, “when we can make the discoveries,” ask the questions and enjoy the discussion. He said what gives him faith in science, confidence in a particular theory and a belief he is on the “right track” are “the same tools that we can apply to our faith in God.” For example, he said, people can admit they have been wrong and realize there was more going on than they realized; they can discover one solution can be applied to a whole host of problems and that these same solutions are discovered over and over again or are successful for many other people elsewhere. “That gives me confidence that I am doing something that’s right.” A scientific theory also must be “elegant” and “so gorgeous there’s got to be truth in here someplace,” he said. In the end, science, or more specifically, astronomy, is an open-ended, evolving conversation “among thinking, feeling, emotional but rational people looking at the universe, searching for understanding,” beauty, joy and the truth. “And love and joy and truth are the markers of the presence of God,” he said.
ATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Vatican conference will gather both Christian and non-Christian historians and experts to delve deep into the history of the church in the first centuries of Christianity. Speaking to journalists at the Vatican press office Oct. 26, Norbertine Father Bernard Ardura, president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences, said the conference program was inspired by Pope Francis, who urged him “to work with scholars from all scientific backgrounds, from the most varied culturNorbertine Father al sensibilities and P. Bernard Ardura, from the most dipresident of the verse historiographPontifical Commit- ical methods.” “Pope Francis intee for Historical sisted on the need Sciences. for the committee to promote a fruitful collaboration in the scientific field, not only with Catholic academic institutions, but as well as with all historians and specialists in auxiliary sciences of history who are ready to work together in the search for the truth, taking into account only their scientific expertise,” Father Ardura said. The Oct. 27-29 conference, titled “Inquiry into the history of the first centuries of the church,” will bring together scholars from across Europe as well as India, Iraq, China and the United States to focus particularly on the first two centuries of Christianity. The two main historical accounts of the early church have several points of conflict, Father Ardura said. The first account is that of Eusebius of Caesarea, the fourth-century bishop who chronicled the church’s development from the first century to the fourth century. The Norbertine priest noted, however, that Eusebius’ account of the first-century church was so similar to the Christian church that existed in the fourth century “as if it had always been as he knew it.” “It is as if we were to say today that the early church was like that of the 21st century. It is obvious, instead, that there has been a development,” Father Ardura said. The second historical account, he continued, was more in line with Martin Luther’s perspective, which chronicles the “progressive degradation” of the church over the centuries until the Protestant Reformation. Father Ardura emphasized the importance of the conference in studying the church’s history and searching for truth no matter where it may lead. However, he also noted that the conference is only the beginning. “We will not arrive at certain conclusions,” Father Ardura said. “We want to give space to researchers who in various disciplines have acquired knowledge” of early Christian history.
CALENDAR
OCTOBER 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
RAFFLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Our Lady of Unity School 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 30 - Dec. 10 (online)
Win cash prizes of $1,000, $500 or $250 and help fund scholarships for Our Lady of Unity School. Tickets are: $10 per ticket; $25 for three. Tickets are available online until Dec. 10, or can be purchased at the school. Winners will be announced on Dec. 16. To purchase online, go to: member ship.faithdirect.net/events/details/7554. For more information, send an email to: development@olukck.eduk12.net.
ALL SAINTS VESPERS SERVICE Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.
Experience the communion 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.
SAUSAGE SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish 22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico Oct. 31 from noon - 3 p.m.
This is a drive-thru-only event. Approach from the east; no pre-orders. The parish hall is located one-and-a-half miles north of Paxico. The cost for the sausage supper is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 4 - 12; and kids under 4 eat for free.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS ‘GREASE’ St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, Kansas Nov. 4, 5, 6 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School students will present the musical “Grease” at our school theater. Please join us for this family-friendly version of “Grease” that all will enjoy. Tickets may be purchased at the door or visit our website at: www.stasaints.net. Scroll down to
the bottom of the page and click on the “Grease” button to purchase tickets. For more information, contact the student life office at (913) 319-2416.
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Franciscan Prayer Center 2100 N. Noland Rd., Independence, Missouri Nov. 5 -7
The Beginning Experience Weekend is for divorced and widowed persons. Our program helps those suffering these losses through the grieving process, enabling them to look to the future with renewed hope and deepened faith. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc.org or call Maria at (913) 314-9844.
CHILI DINNER AND BINGO St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 6 at 6 p.m.
Come join our all-you-can-eat chili dinner and bingo event. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.
IGNATIAN AFTERNOON RETREAT Rockhurst High School 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 6 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Conversion is always happening. In this retreat, we will be led through the light of Scripture and the narrative of St. Ignatius’ own life to help us to see our own story of conversion in our life today. To learn more and to register, go online to: www. ignatiancenterkc.org/events/birthingnew-life-retreat.
FALL BAZAAR Holy Trinity Parish 400 S. East St., Paola Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Takeouts will begin at 11:30 a.m. The
cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 5 - 10; and free for kids under 5. This year, there will be no games or country store, just the raffle. Please wear masks except when eating. The raffle will be for a quilt, a $100 gift card and $100 cash.
INAUGURATION OF THE AFRICAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF KANSAS Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming you, celebrating Mass with you and fellowship with you after Mass the African way.
SOUP LUNCHEON/FALL FEST Holy Family Parish 1st & Kansas, Alma Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Serving chili, homemade chicken noodle, vegetable beef and potato soups and pie for dessert. There will also be bingo, a country store and a raffle drawing at 2 p.m.
PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
11 for virtue, confidence, healing and a game plan that is life-giving and life-changing.
‘THE TENDERNESS OF GOD’ Sophia Spirituality Center Via Zoom Nov. 12 from 1 - 3 p.m.
As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s explore how we can enter deeply into a spirit of gratitude in the midst of busyness, suffering and uncertainty. This online retreat seeks to explore the tenderness of God and how we can respond in kind. There will be time for personal reflection and small group discussion, as well as time to connect with yourself and others in a personal, meaningful way. Learn more and register at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter. org, click on “Retreats,” then on “Program offerings” and finally scroll down to “The Tenderness of God” to register.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE ‘I DO’S’ ARE DONE Kansas City area Nov. 12 - 14; and Feb. 25 - 27, 2022
All parents and grandparents who have lost children or grandchildren are invited to participate in the Project Chrysalis Mass for our children. You may reserve a memorial candle for your child or grandchild by emailing Patty Billinger at: pbillinger@kcascension.org. There will be no October Project Chrysalis meeting.
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will give couples five proven tools to help them thrive as they navigate through the hills and valleys along the way. There are two in-person events happening in November and February and a virtual format is being offered on Dec. 3 - 5. For more information, or to apply for a weekend, visit the website at: www.WWME. org; call/email Deacon Tony and Barb Zimmerman at: tonybarba@prodigy.net, or (816) 741-4066.
‘JOURNEY TO JOY’ Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
TAKE-A-LOOK THURSDAY Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Nov. 18 from 9 - 11 a.m.
This is an evening of renewal for women ages 16 and older. Join nationally known speaker Sarah Swafford as she speaks on topics as diverse as perfectionism, competition, insecurities, anxieties and fears. Swafford targets this battle with a vision
Join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a learning environment that is welcoming and Christ-centered. For more information, call Anita Pauls at (913) 492-2582 or send an email to: apauls@hscatholic.org.
SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins. Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits. Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com
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12 EMPLOYMENT Teachers - Teachers are needed to fill positions in our Early Education Center (infant/toddler and preschool). Related experience is preferred, and all candidates must meet state and local requirements. Please submit your resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawneee.org, and call if you have questions: (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589. Benefits are included. Live-out coordinator - This person (a direct support person) is to share life with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other assistants in relationships of mutuality in daily life activities and live fully the identity and mission of L’Arche, an intentional faith community. This includes: assisting individuals with the activities of daily living, including personal care and passing out medications; implementing support plans; documenting care given; and providing transportation. Job requirements include: embracing the mission and values of L’Arche; must be 18 or older; must have a high school diploma or equivalent; must possess a valid driver’s license; must pass a background check; must be eligible to work in the United States; and should be dependable, people-oriented and very adaptable/flexible (enjoy doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction). Preferred experience: direct support provider with one year experience; caregiving/direct patient care, one year. Benefits include: simple IRA; IRA matching; employer-paid dental insurance; employer-paid disability insurance; employee assistance program; employerpaid health insurance; paid time off; employer-paid vision insurance. To apply, email resume and references to: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Company’s website: www.larcheheartland.org. Facebook page: larcheks.org. Liturgy coordinator - The liturgy coordinator of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, is responsible for the development and maintenance of liturgical ministries within the parish, ensuring that each Mass and special liturgical service is run smoothly. This position is approximately 25 hours per week. Essential duties and responsibilities include: coordinating with the minister of music, planning liturgies, including development and preparation for various rites of worship for weekend liturgies, parish reconciliation, school Masses, special events, feast days and holy day liturgies, funerals and weddings as needed; maintain schedules of priests and deacons as well as coordinate visiting priests and other assignments such as special liturgies and regularly scheduled Masses; coordinate, schedule and oversee all volunteers and special activities/requirements pertaining to sacramental celebrations, weddings and funerals; initially, must be present before weekend Mass, all-school Masses and special liturgies in order to ensure that preparations are complete and liturgical roles are adequately filled; and train and manage sacristans to serve the liturgy. The coordinator serves as backup as needed; ensures initial and ongoing recruitment and training for liturgical ministers; oversees a staff member in charge of the liturgical ministerscheduling database; and ensures timely preparation and distribution of monthly schedules, including holy days of obligation, altar servers, eucharistic ministers, lectors, gift bearers, greeters and ushers; manages liturgical ministry leads for all liturgical ministries; oversees the arts and environment committee to assist in the direction of the aesthetic decor and overall look of the worship space; attends staff meetings, parish leadership meetings and other committee meetings as deemed necessary; maintains inventory of worship supplies (candles, hosts, wine, altar linens, etc., and other priestly needs. This position requires flexibility and varied hours throughout the week, depending on the liturgical calendar. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing; having knowledge of sacred music beneficial but not required; possess a good knowledge of the liturgical norms of the Roman Catholic Church, functions and services of the church’s liturgies and understanding of the full liturgical cycle. Training and/or experience in faith development and celebration of faith/liturgy in community a plus; possess a degree or certification in theology or liturgy or equivalent experience and education (preferred, not required) or willingness to achieve such certification during employment; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, rapport and communications with others; be able to prepare and distribute documents, training materials and communication materials that are thorough and understandable; ability to work in team environment; ability to work variable hours with periodic evenings and weekends; proficiency with computers and current office software; must maintain Virtus compliance; other duties as needed or directed by the pastor. To apply, go to: http://shoj.org/jobs. Financial representatives - Knights of Columbus has full-time openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri for full-time financial representatives. Ideal for determined, disciplined, professional, highexpectation individual desiring to serve others. We work exclusively with the families of brother Knights and Catholic gentlemen who are eligible to join the Knights. We have established territories where agents devote their working day to the needs of the members in their assigned councils. Excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits are provided, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is a career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or possibly for someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon, general agent, at (785) 408-8800 or email: john.mahon@kofc.org.
Catholic elementary school principal - St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Leawood is seeking an elementary school principal beginning with the 202223 school year. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills and success in an academic setting. The principal ensures successful completion of learning objectives for students and creates/executes the school budget. The principal also serves as manager for the preschool director and coordinates activities and priorities with the pastor and parish staff. The successful applicant will be a faith-filled, practicing Catholic, understand the mission of Catholic education, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org (then select “Employment”) and send resume and credentials to Superintendent Dr. Vincent Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109, or email to: vcascone @archkckcs.org. Choir director - The choir director of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, is responsible for recruiting and sustaining membership in our choirs to actively engage the parish community in song at weekend Masses, holy days of obligation, Triduum and other parish events that occur. Works in collaboration with the pastor and liturgy coordinator to provide an overall inspiring worship experience. Duties and responsibilities: arrange music for all weekend liturgies, holy days, feast days and other prayer services throughout the year; arrange organist/ pianist/musicians for all weekend liturgies, holy days, feast days and other prayer services throughout the year; conduct regular rehearsals with instrumentalists and choirs; overall responsibility for recruitment, training and retention of choir members with emphasis on growing the music ministry to include multiple choirs for adult, teen, children, and praise and worship; coordinate and arrange for additional musicians and ensure quality of musical performance during Masses/events; responsibility for arranging, transposing and composing material as needed or required; ensure all copyright licensing and usage reporting to the major music licensing companies is done in the proper manner; design and print weekly, seasonal, and/or special occasion worship aids; works in conjunction with youth ministry to assist in prayer services. Other duties include: collaborating with the pastor and liturgy coordinator to guide bereaved families in planning the musical aspect of funeral liturgies; collaborate with pastor and liturgy coordinator to guide couples in preparing musical support for the wedding liturgy and provides or arranges for musical support for the wedding if needed; attend staff meetings, parish leadership meetings and other committee meetings as deemed necessary. Must be available during the office workweek, for parishioners during the evenings, weekends, holiday, holy days, special services and events. Must be a practicing Catholic; music directing skills/experience required; bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience required, master’s preferred; vocal, piano and organ proficiency preferred but not required; highly collaborative and ability to work with a variety of people; ability to work in a team environment; ability to work variable hours to include some evenings and weekends; a proficiency with computers; ability to communicate effectively both written and orally; public speaking and meeting facilitation skills; organization and management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks; ability to present oneself professionally to staff, parishioners and public; must maintain Virtus compliance; other duties, as needed or directed by pastor. Executive director - Hot Lunch Service, Inc. (dba St. Mary’s Food Kitchen) is seeking an executive director. The responsibilities include executing all day-to-day operations, including staffing, employee evaluations, budgeting, social media, equipment procurement and repair, and working with all coordinators whose groups provide the daily meals for our guests. Other key duties include fund-raising, marketing and community outreach. The executive director reports directly to the board of directors. This position will be a full-time salaried position with benefits. Requirements include: bachelor’s or higher degree in business, a related field or its equivalent; food service experience is preferred; 3-5 years’ demonstrated history of leadership skills; 5 or more years of nonprofit 501(c)3 management experience working with a board of directors; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through social media; solid organizational abilities such as planning, delegating and financial management. Interested candidates, please submit a current resume, letter of interest and references with contact information to: hotlunchserviceinc@gmail.com.
Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102. Assistants coordinator - Heartland is seeking an assistants coordinator. The position includes the following duties: recruitment; human resources/training; state documentation; in-home training; annual trainings; scheduling; coordination of assistant meetings/ team meetings; accompaniment of house coordinators; supervision of assistants (accompaniment); quality assurance in home: maintenance, cleanliness, fire extinguishers, monthly drills and yard upkeep; rotate on-call. Salary $40,000. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Community care coordinator - The community care coordinator’s primary responsibility is to be an advocate and ally to our 17 residential core members (adults with intellectual disabilities). Candidate will be responsible for coordinating appropriate and effective services for the core members of L’Arche Heartland Residential Programs. The community care coordinator will aim to ensure that core members are affirmed, supported and encouraged to grow with dignity and respect in all areas of their life. The community care coordinator will oversee the house coordinator and the assistants to ensure quality care, advocacy and support of core members within the community. In collaboration with the community nurse, the coordinator will ensure quality of medical care for core members, including: scheduling appointments; coordinating follow-up care; coordinate with pharmacy for monthly medications; coordinate with the community nurse for initial and ongoing medical training. In collaboration with the assistant coordinators: supervise house coordinators and assistants in the provision of services concerning medical, emotional, psychiatric and physical needs of core members. Oversee the implementation of core member person-centered support plans and completion of their goals in partnership with the house coordinators. Collaborate with assistant coordinator to provide initial and ongoing training on personcentered support plans and BASIS tracking. Oversee the record keeping for each individual core member’s permanent records (legal documents, risk assessments, behavioral support plans, medical information and documentation, annual plan documentation, and financial information). Attend house team meetings, professional services meetings and other meetings as needed to effectively support high quality care provision for the core members. Attend house meetings on a monthly basis. Requirements: show up with kindness and strengthsbased leadership; be someone who sees value in every person and communicates respect and encouragement to people at all levels; exhibit a passionate investment in the well-being and success of staff and organization; nurture the gifts and growth of all and core members; approach work from an organizational perspective with an understanding of how individual actions can impact the whole; hold the complexity of the needs of an individual and the needs of the team; ensure that each core member has a voice in decision-making and planning for his/her own life; support the development of each core member’s capabilities; represent the mission, strategic plan and work plan of L’Arche in meetings, in the community and events where appropriate; good judgment to manage sensitive and confidential matters; high degree of personal integrity; strong self-awareness, cultural competency, emotional intelligence and humility; grounded and flexible with a high degree of integrity and transparency; ability to adapt as needed, self-manage, and prioritize between and manage multiple demands. The care coordinator is responsible to the community leader. Compensation based on experience and qualifications. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled.
Live-in caregiver - Looking to hire a full-time, mature, compassionate, experienced live-in caregiver for a senior woman. Responsibilities include: meal prep; housekeeping; laundry; medication management; bathing/ grooming assistance; errands; and meaningful companionship. Must have reliable transportation, cellphone and references. Please call (215) 733-9600.
Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
Part-time maintenance opening at Good Shepherd, Shawnee - Make a difference in our school and parish by providing midday janitorial/custodial cleaning, ensuring an attractive and sanitary facility. This is a parttime position, Monday - Friday, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. that will assist with the operation and maintenance of daily activities. If interested, contact Brad Roder at: broder@ gsshawnee.org or (913)-563-5304.
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. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO
0CTOBER 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG L’Arche Heartland house coordinator - Responsibilities of the house coordinator regarding quality of life for the core members are: to provide direct support in the house and actively participate in the sharing of daily home life; serve as an advocate and contact for core member parents and guardians for house-related needs and as liaison to the coordinator of professional services/ community life for other core member needs; cooperate with the coordinator of professional services to ensure that the medical, financial, safety and spiritual needs of each core member are fully met, and that all documentation is completed and submitted in a timely manner; schedules and facilitates weekly house meeting with core members to ensure everyone has opportunities to be meaningful members of the home; encourages and helps build a family atmosphere; supports household prayer life and spiritual growth by way of evening prayer, celebrations, observation of religious seasons and core member involvement in their local faith community. Key responsibilities regarding quality of life for assistants are: facilitating weekly team meeting and participating in regular formations and trainings to develop a relationship of trust and collaboration; serving as a liaison between assistants, coordinator of community life to ensure that the personal and spiritual needs of assistants are being met; preparing the home for guests or volunteer visits; and creating a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere in the home. Administrative responsibilities include: attending and actively participating in weekly leadership team meetings; ensuring that core member goal tracking, MARs and other required paperwork are being completed and sent to the coordinator of professional services; with the coordinator, ensuring that home and vehicles are maintained and that safety precautions are followed and documented; in cooperation with coordinator of professional services and the coordinator of community life, monitoring home environmental needs and coordinating repairs and purchases as needed with the approval of the community leader; ensuring that the household finances and spending are organized and in agreement with the designated budget. Share the mission of L’Arche by: working with other members of the leadership team to share and spread the mission of L’Arche to the Kansas City metro area; assist in the planning and facilitating of community nights, holiday gatherings, retreats, trips and fund-raisers; foster communication and sharing between Heartland and other L’Arche communities. Requirements for the job: embrace the mission and values of L’Arche; previous L’Arche or other community living experience preferred; maturity and commitment to one’s own personal and spiritual growth; experience with people with developmental disabilities strongly preferred. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. L’Arche Heartland house assistant - L’Arche is an organization where people both with and without developmental disabilities choose to share life together to promote the dignity of every human person. L’Arche’s unique model of care seeks to offer more than a job; it’s an opportunity for personal transformation through relationships. L’Arche homes are regulated by he state of Kansas and are part of an international federation with written practices and guidelines based on 55 years of experience lived out in 37 countries around the world. The role of an assistant (direct support provider) is to share life with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other assistants in relationship of mutuality; to support the individuals in daily life activities; and to live fully the identity and mission of L’Arche in the context of an intentional faith community. This includes; assisting individuals with activities of daily living, including personal care and passing out medications; implementing support plans; documenting care given; and providing transportation. The job is full time; pay is $13.25 - $15 per hour. Benefits include: simple IRA; IRA matching; employer-paid dental insurance; employer-paid disability insurance; employee assistance program; employer-paid health insurance ; paid time off; and employer-paid vision insurance. Must have a driver’s license; have a high school diploma or equivalent; have one year of experience as a direct support provider of caregiving/direct patient care. Must embrace the mission and values of L’Arche: must be 18 or older; pass a background test and be eligible to work in the United States. Finally, must e dependable peopleoriented and adaptable/flexible. Interested candidates, submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: Harmony@larcheks. org. Position open until filled. Director of development and stewardship - St. John Church and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time director of development and stewardship. The director will develop and administer development plans to ensure the long-term viability of the church and school. The director will oversee all advancement activities necessary by building relationships with a broad range of parishioners, parents, alumni, volunteers and community members. Candidates with three to five years of fundraising experience and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This position is eligible for an archdiocesan benefits package. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or mail to: 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. >> Classifieds continue on page 13
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OCTOBER 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 Nursing faculty - A full-time nursing faculty position carries the primary responsibility of helping students to master subject material and skills that will contribute to their personal and intellectual development and success in the nursing program. This person works with the director of nursing to schedule coursework/activities that will help students to complete their goal of becoming health care professionals and to support the program. Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Qualifications include: MSN or BSN with MSN in progress; unencumbered Kansas nursing license; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population; ability to communicate well and assist students in gaining practice and knowledge in the clinical situation; adult teaching experience preferred; excellent leadership and communication skills; experience with instructing technology-based courses; alternative teaching strategies preferred; demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of use of electronic communication and audiovisual equipment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nursing instructor” in the subject line. Join the Santa Marta team - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team. We are looking for part-time servers. Responsibilities include: serving meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and co-workers is required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session. Part-time servers are normally scheduled for three to five shifts per week (evening from 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). Pay is $10 - $11 hourly rate depending upon relevant experience. Part-time associates earn paid time off for hours worked. Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Marta team. Check out Santa Marta at: https://www. facebook.com/SantaMartaRetirement/. Advancement officer - Donnelly College is looking for a driven advancement officer to join the college’s advancement team. This exciting opportunity requires an individual who is attentive to details, works well with a diverse array of constituencies, enjoys meeting people, works well individually and as part of a team. Responsibilities include: serve as integral member of the advancement team with the primary goal of securing major gifts to support Donnelly’s mission and vision through new and existing donor prospects; manage the cultivation cycle leading to the successful solicitation and securing of major gifts for annual fund, capital projects, endowment, event sponsorships and planned gifts; manage (and help grow) a portfolio of major gift prospects (up to 125 in portfolio); develop and coordinate major gift prospect strategies with donor database analyst, annual fund coordinator, vice president of advancement and, when appropriate, the president of the college; schedule and hold individual meetings with prospects and donors to qualify interest and capacity; create individualized prospect engagement and stewardship plans for all constituents in your portfolio; recruit membership into the Jerome Society by securing annual gifts of $1,000 and above. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly. edu with “Advancement officer” in the subject line. Nurse intake coordinator - The position of Allied Health intake coordinator is responsible for building relationships with area schools, health facilities and the community at large to recruit prospective students who are interested in the health field. The successful candidate will help students understand career paths within the health care industry, particularly those related to CNA, LPN and RN licenses and guide students along academic paths in these areas. This position works closely with the director of nursing in candidate selection for both the nursing and CNA programs. Qualified candidates should have an associate degree with health care-related experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred; maintain confidentiality of health care paperwork and sensitive information provided by students who apply for a seat in the Allied Health programs; understand nursing profession and Allied Health curriculum and experience advising students; be aware of the impact of cultural patterns on student retention and student learning; have the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, staff; proficient in Microsoft Office products; be detail-oriented; and be philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Practicing Roman Catholic preferred. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nurse intake coordinator” in the subject line. Fifth grade teacher - St. Ann is seeking a 5th grade homeroom teacher for the 2021-22 school year. This teacher will be responsible for teaching 5th grade religion and 5th/6th grade social studies classes. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org/jobs and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.
WE LOVE OUR TEACHERS - COME SEE WHY YOU WANT TO WORK HERE! - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in nurturing environments, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. Full- and part-time positions available. No experience? We will train the right person. Ask about our $600 hiring bonus. Janice Kennedy, owner. Email: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com or call (913) 768-4499.
HOME IMPROVEMENT DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist. Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Call with questions STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokey cabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. 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 and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Two cemetery plots at Chapel Hill Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas; lot 102B, spaces three and four. Asking $1695. Call Ernest at (913) 706-5958 or email: ecowden11@yahoo.com. For sale - Two side-by-side crypts, tier B 13 and 15, located in the beautiful St. Joseph Chapel at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. The only two left in the chapel. Discounted below retail. Call (913) 269-6176.
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 commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it. Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.Benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
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For rent - Beautiful, recently renovated Orlando condo. One bedroom; one bath; queen sleeper sofa; full kitchen and pool. Two miles to Disney, three miles to the Gulf Coast. $800 per week. Call (913) 492-7617.
SERVICES Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more. I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230. 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. 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: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. $$ PAYING CASH $$ - Looking for special Christmas gifts for my family such as: antique furniture; crocks; tin and cast iron toys; old tools; glassware; American coins; jewelry; most anything old! Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.
Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.
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COLUMNISTS
DAILY READINGS THIRTY-FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 31 THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Dt 6: 2-6 Ps 18: 2-4, 47, 51 Heb 7: 23-28 Mk 12: 28b-34 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 Rom 13: 8-10 Ps 112: 1b-2, 4-5, 9 Lk 14: 25-33 Nov. 4 Charles Borromeo, bishop Rom 14: 7-12 Ps 27: 1bcde, 4, 13-14 Lk 15: 1-10 Nov. 5 Friday Rom 15: 14-21 Ps 98: 1-4 Lk 16: 1-8 Nov. 6 Saturday Rom 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Ps 145: 2-5, 10-11 Lk 16: 9-15
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ow many times has the Bible been through you? I like that question and the sentiment behind it. It comes from this little story: One day, an elderly man approached his pastor and said, “Father, I’ve just finished reading the entire Bible for the fifth time in my life.” The priest looked at the man and said, “The important thing, Mr. Jones, is not how many times you’ve been through the Bible, but how many times the Bible has been through you!” (Story adapted from Brian Cavanaugh’s “Sower’s Seeds Aplenty: Fourth Planting.”) A quick question: Is reading the Bible a regular part of your prayer life? My suspicion is, for many Catholics, the answer is either “no” or “not often.” In years past, we Catholics were rarely taught how to read the Bible, or the Bible translations were dense and cumbersome. So, the Bible became a decorative item to be displayed in Catholic homes, rather than
E Martin de Porres 1579 - 1639 This illegitimate son of a freed Panamanian slave and a Spanish knight became a hero to the people of Lima, Peru, his birthplace, for his compassionate care of the sick and poor. Apprenticed at age 12 to a barber-surgeon, Martin also learned herbal medicine from his mother. After working for several years at a Dominican monastery as a Third Order member, he made his profession as a lay brother in 1603. He founded an orphanage and foundling hospital, ministered to African slaves, practiced great penances and experienced mystical gifts. Martin was carried to his grave by prelates and noblemen and all Peruvians acclaimed him their beloved saint. He is the patron of hairdressers and interracial justice.
ffective communication involves listening and speaking, hearing and responding in written or spoken words. From the moment we wake to the time we rest at the day’s end, we listen and respond to sounds, words, news and communications that make up our daily existence. The same holds true for our relationship with God. “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” These words
OCTOBER 29 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Live your life by this book MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
a tool for spiritual growth. People’s sole exposure to the Scriptures was at Mass, a kind of formal prelude to be endured before the “main event” of the consecration and reception of holy Communion. One of our goals at The Leaven has been to change that. In each issue on this page, we list the Scripture readings for daily Mass on the left and provide a short commentary on the Sunday readings below this column. But
we want to do even more. On pages 8 and 9 this week, we introduce readers to Catherine Upchurch, an inspiring laywoman and Scripture scholar, who wants to help Catholics become more comfortable with not only reading the Bible but letting it guide their lives. Page 16 is the beginning of her new series to accomplish that. When people ask how to read the Bible, I steer them away from starting at the very beginning with Genesis and then reading all the way through to Revelation. That’s because the Bible is more like a newspaper than a novel. In other words, when reading a newspaper,
you can go right to the comics or the sports page first if you like and it makes perfect sense without having to start with the hard news on the front page. It’s the same with the Bible. You can delve into the Gospel of Mark (my favorite!) or the Psalms or the Acts of the Apostles without slogging through the Book of Deuteronomy or the Book of Numbers first. That doesn’t mean that the whole Old Testament isn’t important; it’s just not the ideal place to start. Fundamentally, the Scriptures are meant to be, first and foremost, a spiritual exercise rather than an academic one. That being said, I do recommend that readers use various “tools” as they read to help understand better a biblical culture and time far removed from our own. Upchurch suggests using a Catholic study Bible like the one produced by Little Rock, of which she was the general editor. In addition to the words of Scripture, of course, this
Bible includes many helpful maps, graphics and other explanatory material. If you’re new to using the Bible for prayer, I’d also recommend a marvelous little book, “Conversing with God in Scripture: A Contemporary Guide to Lectio Divina,” written by Stephen J. Binz, a former classmate and good friend of mine. His writing is clear, inviting and includes questions at the end of each chapter for reflection or discussion. So, dust off your Bible, pray to the Holy Spirit as you begin and ponder these wise words from Mark Twain: “Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand; but as for me, I always noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me the most are those that I do understand.” He’s so right. It’s those passages that go through you . . . right to the heart.
The first act of faith is an act of listening ,
JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.
of Moses to the people of Israel form the heart of Jewish prayer, also known as the “Shema Israel.” To address God with these words is the
most important part of Jewish daily prayer and is taught to children from a young age. Moses’ words embody the monotheistic faith of Judaism and express the covenant relationship of love of God that engages heart, mind, soul and body. And the first word of this prayer, “hear,” reminds us of the importance of listening to God in the midst of the
daily communication of sounds and voices we hear and respond to in our daily lives. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks with a teacher of the law, who asks a fundamental question: “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus responds by recalling Moses’ words that sum up the double commandment to love God and neighbor. This is the heart of discipleship. Then, Jesus praises the scribe for understanding that the essence of faith is love. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the high priest, forever intercedes for the world.
Jesus, the Son of God, has no need to offer sacrifices day after day because he offered himself once for all on the cross to reconcile us to friendship with God forever. As we hear the daily voices of the world around us, God’s word invites us to pause and to listen to God’s voice in his holy word, in the Eucharist and in our neighbor. The first act of faith is to listen to God who speaks a word of love and mercy into our lives. Today, may we renew our desire to listen attentively to God as we pray with confident faith, “Speak to me, Lord.”
Pope calls for an end to forcing migrants back to unsafe countries VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis denounced the “inhuman violence” waged against migrants, refugees and other displaced peoples in Libya, and called for an end to sending people back to unsafe countries. “Once again, I call on the international community to keep its promises to seek common, concrete and lasting solutions for the management of migratory flows in
Libya and throughout the Mediterranean,” he said after praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 24. “We must put an end to the return of migrants to unsafe countries and give priority to saving lives at sea, with rescue devices and predictable disembarkation, guaranteeing them decent living conditions, alternatives to detention, regular migration routes and
access to asylum procedures,” he said. The pope said that when people are turned away and forced back to Libya, they face real suffering because “there are real dangers there.” The U.N. Refugee Agency, the UNHCR, recently called on the Libyan government to address the “dire situation” of asylum-seekers and refugees with a humane plan that respects their rights.
COLUMNISTS
OCTOBER 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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A deacon exercises his ‘ministry’ every day of the week
hese are exciting times as we look forward to forming our next cohort of men preparing for the diaconate next year. As is common, the vast majority of men who are discerning a possible call are married with children, work a full-time job, and are already active in their respective parishes and local communities. They are all good men, and they are very busy men. Therefore, most of our inquirers rightly wonder how they are going to balance everything. They are already juggling many balls in the air. Would adding the diaconate to the mix cause everything to fall to the ground?
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LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.
And while the church desires younger family men to consider the diaconate, the question is even more difficult when they still have young children at home. This question of
“balance” is a very good one. And certainly part of the answer involves a clear set of priorities, often in the context of a “plan of life” that enables the men to more fully devote their time to the things that are most important to them. For the archdiocese’s part, we are sensitive to the challenges of diaconate formation
and strive to create a family-friendly program in such a way as to make it as “doable” as reasonably possible. The men in formation appreciate the “retreat atmosphere” of the formation weekends and the fellowship that develops within the cohort. However, I do think when it comes to the question of “balance” that it’s important to stress who a deacon is rather than what a deacon does. Sometimes, we define ourselves by what we do, and so we might think of the diaconate as simply entailing a set of functions. Therefore, one might envision adding these functions to an already busy life and feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
The idea, however, is not to load up deacons with new responsibilities, but to effect an interior change that affects and enriches the entirety of one’s life. Configured to Christ the Servant through the grace of holy orders, the deacon exercises his “ministry” at home and at work, at the soccer game and at Walmart. He takes sacramental grace out beyond the four walls of the church to those who are on the outside looking in. For the married man with small children and a full, secular career, his diaconate will be exercised, at least for the time being, mostly at home and at work. His formal ministry
“in church” will likely be much less than that of the retired widower whose children are all grown. But it can be every bit as fruitful. Just as we are Catholics 24/7 and married men with children are husbands and fathers 24/7, so are men who enter the diaconate deacons 24/7. Making all these beautiful dimensions of one’s vocation work together is not so much about juggling many things, but rather about integrating the diaconate into the fabric of an already flourishing Catholic life. When this is done successfully, the marriage wins, the family wins and the church wins . . . to the glory of God.
Accountability partners can help you set goals, stay true to them
once was told that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” As Catholics, we are called to love sacrificially. We must, however, be mindful not to pour so much of our cup for others that we are unable to meet our own needs. Even God needed to rest on the seventh day. After Jesus preached, he would go off on his own to pray and fill his cup. If all we do is love others, no matter the cost to us, eventually our cups will be empty. This can possibly lead to physical, mental and spiritual ailments. How can you tell
LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM
JOSHUA RUOFF Joshua Ruoff is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@archkck.org.
if your cup is empty? The best way to “check your cup” is to do a self-check every
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morning and evening. God uses our minds, bodies and spirit to send us messages. If you find yourself feeling more tired than normal, if your temper is shorter than it usually is, or if your eating habits have changed, those are probably messages from God
that it is time to love yourself more. It also may be a sign that your mental and physical health need some attention. Contact your doctor to rule out any physical ailments. Your doctor should also ask you about your mental health and offer you resources. The archdiocese has a list of Catholic counselors. Please reach out to the office of special needs for assistance. There are so many things that you can do to fill your cup. You should always consult a doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes.
After you determine what your mind, body and spirit are in need of, make the necessary changes. Set goals for yourself and make them goals that you will realistically be able to achieve. I personally think there is one factor that will help you be more successful at loving yourself, and that is having an accountability partner that you can rely on to regularly check in with you. Make it a priority to call, text or visit them at least once a month to hold yourself accountable to loving yourself and the goals you set for yourself. Most of all, pray for
yourself. Ask God to give you whatever it is that you are lacking, or to help you with whatever area of loving yourself you are struggling with. If you struggle with praying for yourself, ask your accountability partner to pray for you. The special-needs ministry of the archdiocese is working to promote and assist others in improving one’s mind, body and spirit. If you have ideas or want to get involved in expanding this ministry, please contact me at (913) 647-3054 or by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org. Fill our cups, O Lord!
Crossword solution
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SCRIPTURE
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Take on the same attitude as Christ Jesus By Catherine Upchurch Special to The Leaven
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n a recent visit to my niece’s home, her 2-yearold son became fussy and disgruntled. After several attempts to calm him down, my niece looked him straight in his eyes and said very calmly, “Thomas, I think it’s time you go to your room and adjust your attitude. You can come back and play when you find a new attitude.” He wasn’t h a p p y about it, but he went straight to his room and in just a few minutes he came out ready to get back to his toys and be in the company of his family. Thomas’ time in his room gave him the opportunity to catch his breath and break his momentary pattern of fussing for what he wanted. Maybe, in some ways, we too are like children who need a change of space and time to reorient ourselves, to find a new attitude so we can better engage with the world in which we live. In a beautiful passage from a letter to the church in Philippi, Paul writes about an attitude adjustment. His letter is filled with joy and thanksgiving and a deep desire to pass on to the community what he is no doubt also learning even while he is in prison. He encourages believers with a hymn about the humility and exaltation of Christ, and to introduce it, he says, “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5). Some translations use the word “mind” in place of attitude, or even the word “heart.” Attitudes involve moving beyond impulses to cultivating a mindset or, we might even say, a disposition of heart. In the hymn found in Chapter 2 of Philippians, Paul praises the attitude of Christ, who set aside his equality with God to become one of us. He emptied himself, humbled himself and even suffered death. It is only because of that life of emptying that he experienced the exaltation of rising from the dead. There is no better way to get an attitude adjustment than to take on the mind, the heart and the attitudes of Jesus. Although in the form of God, he refused to take advantage of a position that was already his. He did not exploit his position for his own advantage. Instead, Jesus chose to renounce the trappings of his divine status; he
Attitude Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him . . . (Phil 2:5-9)
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION OR DISCUSSION
In what circumstances have you become aware that you might be in need of an attitude adjustment? What steps do you take to reorient yourself?
Review in your mind some of your favorite stories of Jesus. What attitudes do you find rising to the surface in the ways that Jesus acted?
refused to be trapped in what others might have believed was necessary for God’s anointed one. Rather than becoming a king of Israel or a military commander, Jesus became a servant, even “taking the form of a slave,” serving humanity’s need for mercy at the cost of his life. It is no small irony that the highest form of being (God) chose to be clothed in the form of humanity, even to the extent of being fully humbled by obedience to death.
Prayerfully read the hymn found in Philippians 2:511. At this time in your life, how are you being asked to humble yourself?
So, what does that mean for us? At the very least, it means that we, too, must be ready to empty ourselves of anything that stands in the way of being humbly obedient to our Creator. It means that we search our minds and hearts, identify and root out those dispositions that are alien to our true selves and cultivate attitudes that reflect God’s image and likeness. We will be exploring a few of those attitudes each month in these articles. Paul urges: “Be transformed by the
What regular spiritual practices help to keep you open to being renewed in mind, heart, and attitude?
renewal of your mind . . . to know the will of God and what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2). What we put into our minds and hearts matters. Ultimately, what we feed on with regularity will transform us, and so we must choose wisely. Catherine Upchurch is the general editor of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and contributes to several biblical publications. She writes from Fort Smith, Arkansas.