Leaven 10-30-15 Vol. 37 No. 13 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 13 | OCTOBER 30, 2015

CNS PHOTO/UMIT BEKTAS, REUTERS

Syrian refugees warm themselves around a fire in Ankara, Turkey. The civil war in Syria created what Antonio Guterres, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, called “the defining humanitarian challenge of our times.”

‘FEAR HOLDS US BACK’ Catholic Relief Service’s Dr. Carolyn Woo sits down with The Leaven to talk about the refugee crisis that has seen 60 million people displaced By Moira Cullings

A few weeks ago, a single image of Aylan Kurdi, a drowned Syrian boy on the beach, came to crystallize the world’s refugee crisis. Why has it taken so long, do you think, to get the world’s attention on this issue?

“WE ARE ALL ONE FAMILY. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING HAPPENING TO ‘THEM’ — THIS IS HAPPENING TO ALL OF US.” Carolyn Woo, President & CEO of Catholic Relief Services

A. Why does it take so long? I think because the problem is so

complex — and the solutions are very difficult — that people pass on really taking it up. And it is not enough that one country, for example, takes it up; this is a multi-country coordination, planning. So I think that, until it really hits hard, we’ve been postponing it.

What is the scope of the problem? We often hear the phrase “not since World War II

Video to accompany this

story can be found at The Leaven’s website: www.the leaven.org.

have there been this many,” but what does that mean in terms of numbers of individuals, countries and continents in turmoil?

It is true this is the biggest refugee crisis since World War II. There are 60 million people who have been displaced. That is about the size of Italy. . . . Of those 60 million, about 20 million are crossing borders, which is what you see with the migrants going from Syria into Europe — these are refugees. There are another 38 million or so who are internally displaced. And what that means is that, like in Ukraine, when Eastern Ukraine experienced the conflict with Russia and the eastern part of the country

— the disagreement and the fighting — [many] moved to the west. It’s no less traumatic, because you cannot take your jobs with you, you cannot take your homes with you. Sometimes, you have no access even to your savings account. People who are on pensions have no access to pensions. They move from the east of the country to the west, which might as well be a completely different culture. So, 60 million — that’s a very large number. That is like one out of six people in the United States.

We often hear the Syrian flight attributed to the Assad regime’s war against its own people and the rise of ISIS. What are some of the other factors that have led to this unprecedented dislocation? >> See “THE PROBLEM” on page 8

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

oes anyone not desire to be happy? Each fall, the priests of the archdiocese gather for a convocation. This year’s presentation on the “Four Levels of Happiness” was given by Mr. James Berlucchi, the executive director of the Spitzer Institute. Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, founder of the institute and former president of Gonzaga University, proposes that happiness is the one thing we desire for itself and all our other choices are based on our concept of happiness. There are essentially four levels of happiness: 1) pleasure; 2) egogratification; 3) contributive, or making a positive difference; and 4) seeking transcendent or ultimate goods, e.g., truth, justice, love, and beauty. Each of these levels of happiness is

Archbishop offers baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family (by birth, adoption or blending through valid marriage) interested. The next baptism will be held on Nov. 8 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy @archkck.org.

Level up your definition of happiness

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

LISTEN to this article online at: www.theleaven.org. necessary and good. However, the levels of happiness that we value most will determine the important decisions of our lives. In our culture, many consider pleasure the same as happiness. Certainly, pleasure is very powerful because it gives an immediate and intensely gratifying experience that requires little effort on our part. Eating, drinking, sexual intimacy and material comforts are pleasurable and serve important purposes. For example, enjoying eating is good because it motivates us to address a fundamental human need to nourish our bodies. However, if satisfying this pleasure becomes the primary goal of our life, inevitably it will have some harmful consequences, such as becoming overweight and all the health problems associated with obesity. The problem with pleasure becoming our dominant notion of happiness is it does not last very long. Moreover, the same level of pleasure does not continue to satisfy us. We need more and more experiences of pleasure with greater and greater intensity.

Ego-gratification involves competing with others and, quite frankly, winning or succeeding. This type of happiness also has a very good dimension in that it motivates us to strive for excellence and achievement. However, the downside of ego-gratification, like pleasure, is that it is not very enduring. Sadly, the memory of yesterday’s victory dims fairly rapidly. In fact, a sense of depression often follows achieving our goal or setting a record. We have realized what we thought would make us happy; however, to sustain our happiness, we have to keep achieving at higher and higher levels. Ego-gratification also results in a constant comparison with others. If it is always important for us to win, that means it is also necessary for others to lose. Egogratification can become a vicious circle, creating a need to always achieve more. The third level of happiness involves making a positive contribution that in some way benefits others. We can experience this level of happiness by being able to do something for others, making their life better. It can also be experienced by just simply sharing life and love with another. The fourth level of happiness is striving for the ultimate. Deep within our hearts there is a yearning for complete truth, perfect

Concrete Work

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

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

justice, authentic love and the beautiful. In essence, this is a desire for God, the one who is the source of truth, justice, love and beauty. We have a need for something that is beyond ourselves. This longing for the ultimate can only be satisfied by God. Why is it important to reflect on these four levels of happiness? In part, because the default position for sin-fractured humanity is to seek pleasure and ego-gratification. While these can bring intense and powerful experiences of happiness, they are not enduring and cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Moreover, if these levels of happiness dominate our choices, the result is actually destructive of our own well-being as well as hurtful to others. However, if we choose making a positive difference in the lives of others as our dominant notion of happiness, this will require us to make some difficult decisions. Making a difference in the lives of others implies a willingness to sacrifice some things that might be pleasurable as well as a willingness to work for someone else’s success instead of our own. Seeking the transcendent — God and the things of God — also requires a willingness to relinquish what might give us intense and immediate pleasure or the gratification of worldly success in order to make room for God in our lives. It is only by creating space for God that we are able to drink from the font of the only love capable of quenching our thirst for what is enduring and eternal. Actually, seeking to make a difference in the lives of others as well as seeking God can also motivate us to excellence and high achievement. The difference is that our motivation to

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Nov. 1 All Saints Day Blessing and reception — St. Ann, Prairie Village Mass — Benedictine College, Atchison Nov. 2 Retired priests retreat Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Nov. 3 Solemn vespers for vigil of installation of Bishop James Johnston Nov. 4 Installation of Bishop James Johnston — Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 5 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas Deo Gratias dinner — Savior Pastoral Center Nov. 6 Priests retirement workshop — Savior Pastoral Center

Nov. 8 Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 9 “Trust One Greater” — Little Monastery, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 10 Archbishop’s Call to Share homily recording Confirmation — Corpus Christi, Lawrence

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Nov. 1 All Saints Day Mass — Federal prison camp Nov. 3 Confirmation — St. Dominic, Holton, and St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta Nov. 4 Installation of Bishop James Johnston — Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Missouri

St. Martin of Tours Mass — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

Nov. 5 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas Deo Gratias dinner — Savior Pastoral Center

Nov. 7 Bishop Miege Foundation Mass and dinner

Nov. 8 Mass — Federal prison camp

achieve is not our own ego-gratification, but to be better able to help others and to give glory to God. Often in surveys of the attitudes of various professional groups, priests rank very high in their experience of happiness. This should not be surprising. Priests are given daily opportunities to make a difference in the lives of their people by providing the Eucharist, being ministers of God’s mercy, accompanying individuals and families through difficult times and celebrating moments of great joy. Moreover, the daily activities of the priest

are always pointing the attention of his heart toward the transcendent — toward God. The life of the priest is not easy. Certainly, there are many sacrifices that are required. However, we have the great privilege to spend our lives doing what we consider to be most important. From this perspective, we live a very blessed life. This week think about what notion of happiness guides and determines the choices you are making in your everyday life. Is it time to make a happiness adjustment? Think about it.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

DONNELLY SHINES Fundraiser honors Archbishop Naumann, raises more than $200K

By Becky Haworth Special to The Leaven

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Donnelly College students, supporters, alumni, friends, faculty and staff recently came together for SHINE, an evening of testimonials, fellowship and socializing benefiting student scholarships. The Oct. 10 celebration honoring Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann saw nearly 600 attendees and has already raised more than $200,000. The ninth annual SHINE, held at the Sheraton Crown Center Exhibit Hall in Kansas City, Missouri, offered a chance for parishes around the archdiocese to learn more about Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, which is one of only 10 diocesan-sponsored higher education institutions nationwide. Phil and Mary Jo Doherty were the event chairs and formally greeted guests to the evening’s program. Later on, Phil, a 1962 Donnelly College graduate, shared his own recollections of his time at the college and its lasting impact on his life. In honor of his 40 years as priest and 10 years as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Archbishop Naumann received a formal tribute led by Donnelly president Msgr. Stuart Swetland for his service. A book with well-wishes and photos from parishes and ministries around the archdiocese was presented to the archbishop, as well as a St. Louis Cardinals-themed Monopoly set. “People say, ‘Archbishop, you work hard,’” said the archbishop in his SHINE presentation. “But I tell people I don’t work at all, because I get to spend my life doing what I believe in. I get to spend every moment doing what I really feel is most important. So, in that sense, we don’t work at all.” “I feel very, very blessed,” continued the archbishop. “The Lord, from the very beginning, has taken mercy on me, and he’s always surrounded me with great people.” Closing out his remarks, he reminded guests of the importance of serving the whole person — which the college has strived to do throughout its 66year history. “[Donnelly] teaches our students to succeed — yes, in academic excellence, but also that the greater happiness comes from helping others, from serving others, from making a difference in the lives of others and, that ultimately, our hearts are built for God,” he said. Donnelly board chair Dick Flanigan spoke to such transformation — a “sustained change of state,” as he described it — that students undergo at the college. He also noted that while it is Donnelly’s core mission, it is difficult to sustain from a resource perspective.

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

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was honored for his 40 years as priest and 10 years as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly President Msgr. Stuart Swetland talks with patrons of SHINE. The event had nearly 600 attendees.

“I have a proposition for you tonight,” he told the audience. “What we’re doing here at Donnelly in our case for transformation demands investors, not just contributors, to join us in this journey — join us in helping these young people not just finish the year, not just get their associate or their bachelor’s, but to succeed and grow in our community.” A four-student panel provided the most heartwarming moments of the evening as they described their personal paths to Donnelly and why the college is so special to them. Some are first-generation college students, others are parents, and still others grew up in a different country and now navigate the higher education waters at Donnelly. “Donnelly has not only made it possible for me to go to school financially, but I’m the first one in my family to ever really consider school,” said student Josh-Lynn Bruce. “Where I come from, they don’t really talk about anything past high school. Most of the people in my area don’t even graduate high school. “Coming to Donnelly helps me grow not only academically, but spiritually, too, and I’m thankful for that.”

“COMING TO DONNELLY HELPS ME GROW NOT ONLY ACADEMICALLY, BUT SPIRITUALLY, TOO, AND I’M THANKFUL FOR THAT.” Josh-Lynn Bruce, Donnelly student Each student in his or her own way talked about how the atmosphere at Donnelly College feels like a family. “This just feels like home,” explained student Stephanie Garfio.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

“This is where you want to be.” Daniel Tygart, another Donnelly student, spoke to the importance of being a role model for his two children. “I can’t very well preach to [my kids] about going on to higher education unless I pave the way and show them how it’s done,” he said. Information Systems student Diego Payan, who began his Donnelly career in the college’s English as a Second Language program, now holds his associate degree from Donnelly and is working toward his bachelor’s. “They make you feel like you’re a part of their family,” he said. “That’s pretty much why I decided to stay at Donnelly College. “And I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

MAGGIE’S STORY: Living like Dad

By Maggie Karner

was nervous and uncomfortable as I drove to the hospice facility to visit my dad. Just a few weeks prior, he had suffered a severe fall that damaged his spinal cord and left him unable to move from his neck down. It took my family and me quite a while to accept that my dad was a person with quadriplegia. It took Dad even longer. My formerly healthy and active father would no longer be doing much of anything for himself. His health was quickly failing due to his age and the stress the accident imposed on his system, and I realized we were entering a new phase of Dad’s existence: the end of his life. I struggled with how to reconcile this fact with my belief in a God who loved Dad and our family. Watching anyone suffer, especially a loved one, is one of the hardest human experiences. Physical and emotional pain seep into us and affect us profoundly. For me, watching my father come to terms with his prognosis was agonizing. At first, it was awkward trying to converse with a father I only knew as “Dad,” the guy who loaned me the car keys in high school and made sure I could balance my checkbook in college. But eventually, the conversation turned to life’s more significant topics. This was new, but refreshing, and it soon became a time that our family cherished. I learned more about my dad in those last five months than I had ever known. At one point, he even remarked how great it was to have the time to just talk together. As time progressed, his condition deteriorated, bringing dementia, and later, the end stages leading to his death. “Why doesn’t God just take him already?” my siblings and I cried. It was so hard to see him linger. Looking back, I’m convinced that walking through those moments with Dad made both of us different and better people. God loved us enough to allow those moments — even and especially moments of suffering — in order to teach us lessons which helped us to grow spiritually and emotionally. Dad left a legacy. He taught me how to live and die with faith and with dignity marked by patience and grace. He taught me that dignity can’t be diminished by pain or loss of personal control. Regardless of our circumstances and whether people acknowledge it, nothing and no one can take away our God-given dignity. Dad taught me that Jesus was walking along with him through “the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps 23:4). Christ’s journey to the cross

left him alone, in pain, and by all appearances, abandoned by his Father in heaven. Because of this, Dad knew Christ experienced and understood suffering more deeply than any of us can comprehend, and he taught me that our suffering is not meaningless when we unite it with Christ’s own suffering. I needed to know that message because my own life today is filled with chemo treatments, fatigue and a gradual loss of physical function. I’ve been diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma brain cancer. This is a terminal diagnosis, and I’m only 51 with three kids and a busy husband. It pains me to watch them struggle to care for me daily. I cry out to God every night with the same questions my father did. But I am certain my God hears my cries, which are sometimes angry, sometimes frustrated and sometimes exhausted. I know this because Jesus also cried out to his Father in pain and showed me that God can handle our questions, our fears and our uncertainties. My dad’s legacy of faith and courage have been a beacon for me, lighting my path as I walk through the valley of the shadow of my own death. I know that in some states, I could legally seek to end my life with a lethal prescription. However, I also know that there is much more to my story — and many more people involved in it — than just myself. Assisted suicide wouldn’t end suffering; it would increase it for those left behind. The current debate about legalizing physician-assisted suicide isn’t about me or any other individual; it’s about all of us together — as a society and as a community of faith. We are

RESPECT LIFE MONTH

meant to be interdependent, to serve each other in humility and to walk together in suffering. Assisted suicide also involves more than just the patient. It includes doctors, pharmacists, witnesses and the state, which we trust to protect and safeguard the most vulnerable: people with disabilities, the elderly, people with mental illnesses and others. Assisted suicide may sound like it provides choices for individuals but, instead, it’s taking choices away from people by radically weakening the promise of care and support at the end of life for terminally ill patients like me. When societies accept assisted suicide as a “quick fix” for terminally ill patients, they lose the incentive to improve genuine end-of-life care and pain control — or even to offer it to those who want it. For example, some cancer patients in Oregon have been denied coverage of treatment to sustain their lives, and instead offered coverage for assisted suicide. A critical part of end-of-life care is a trusting doctor-patient relationship in which a patient knows their doctor has their best interests at heart and will not abandon them; it is one which assures patients of the truth that their lives have meaning and are worth living. To this day, my doctor won’t give me a timeline for my survival because we know medical opinions can be, and have been, wrong. Many patients have lived full and active lives for years after receiving a six-month prognosis. Sadly, opinions about projected timelines can lead people to give up on treatment and miss out on years of life. I have decided to take part in a new clinical trial for my cancer, hoping to find a cure — if not for me, then for others who will follow me. I hope for the gift of healing from God, but I trust in his love for me and his plan for my life, however long or short that may be. This is very personal for me. My brain cancer — or what I can or can’t do — doesn’t define me as a person. But it does give me the opportunity to witness to the fact that every human life has incredible dignity, whether we are infirm or able. And all the while, my family and friends can daily learn the valuable lessons of caring for me in my last days with real compassion and respect. Through their loving care, they affirm what I also know — that my life is, always has been and always will be worth living. Maggie Karner was diagnosed with terminal illness at the age of 50, but did not give up hope. She embraced a “new normal,” cherishing each moment of life given to her.

Biblical scholar Stephen Binz will present a parish mission at Sacred Heart Church in Tonganoxie Nov. 9-11 entitled: “The Door of Mercy: Crossing the Threshold — A Mission for the Holy Year of Mercy.” Everyone is invited.

Biblical scholar to present parish mission for the Year of Mercy

ONGANOXIE — As a priest of almost 35 years, pastor and editor Father Mark Goldasich knows a thing or two about sacred Scripture. But he’s quick to admit that his knowledge can’t compare to that of longtime friend and biblical scholar Stephen Binz. That’s why he has invited Binz, of Little Rock Scripture Study fame and an author of more than 30 “The Door of books on the Mercy: Crossing Bible, to presthe Threshold ent a mission at — A Mission for his parish Nov. the Holy Year of 9-11 to prepare Mercy” will be people to celheld at Sacred ebrate the upHeart Parish, coming Year of 1100 West St., Mercy, called Tonganoxie, from for by Pope 7-8:30 p.m. Francis. “The Door of Mercy: Crossing the Threshold — A Mission for the Holy Year of Mercy” will be held at Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, from 7-8:30 p.m. each of the three evenings. Based on Pope Francis’ statement announcing the jubilee Year of Mercy — “The Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God.” — Binz will address the following topics, one each evening: The Divine Mercy of Our God, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. The parish has opened the mission to the wider community, and Father Mark invites everyone looking for a spiritual boost this Advent season and beyond to attend. “I can hardly think of anyone I’d rather hear speak to these topics,” said Father Mark. “It’s always kind of funny when someone you know well grows up to be — or perhaps, grows into — this really renowned Scripture scholar. He is passionate about the Bible and its relevance to our lives today. I’m thrilled to have Steve share his wisdom and passion here in the archdiocese.”

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Archbishop Joseph Naumann blesses and dedicates the new home of Mary’s Choices, located in north Topeka. Mary’s Choices is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping women facing unplanned pregnancies.

A HOME FOR LIFE

Mary’s Choices gets new home in Topeka By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

OPEKA — It’s closer to bus stops. It features an expanded store, and the building is located on one floor instead of three, making it more accessible for clients, staff and volunteers. Those are just three advantages that Dr. Melissa Colbern, director of Mary’s Choices, sees to the organization’s new home located in north Topeka. Opened in 2012, Mary’s Choices is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping women facing unplanned pregnancies. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed and dedicated the building on Sept. 9, three years after the organization first opened its doors in another building in the downtown area. Joining the archbishop were Father Greg Hammes, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka and one of the organization’s board members; Father Tom Aduri, pastor of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish; and Father Bill Bruning, former pastor of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and the one who encouraged Colbern, then one of his parishioners, to open the agency.

“It was the first building I looked at,” Colbern said. When she learned Mary’s Choices needed a new home, she started researching buildings, but all of the other buildings sold before she could tour them. Since she toured only one building, Colbern said there was no question in her mind it’s where the agency is supposed to be now. Plus, the organization purchased the building in May, the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The seller dropped the price by $40,000 upon learning of Colbern’s plans for it. Because Mary’s Choices helps those facing unexpected pregnancies, the building’s 1,800-square-foot interior features rooms dedicated to various saints, all of whom Colbern and agency volunteers regularly turn to for assistance. For example, the Gianna Room is named in honor of St. Gianna Molla — patron of physicians, mothers and preborn children — and serves as one of two counseling rooms for women making future plans relative to their pregnancies. Additional rooms are named in honor of other saints the agency routinely relies upon, including: St. Faustina, patron of those contemplating abortion; St. Monica, patron of mothers; and

St. Joseph, patron of families and workers. It might seem odd that St. Joseph, a male saint, is invoked regularly by the agency, but Colbern said he provides a perfect example of Christian fatherhood. “The male role is so important,” she said, adding that when a young woman comes in for a counseling session and the father of her child does not want her to have an abortion, more than likely she will not. All told, Colbern said the agency has expended only about $5,000 for its new home. More than 900 volunteer hours provided the time and skills necessary to transform the building. For example, a general contractor designed and remodeled the building’s interior, and another firm (along with an anonymous donor) provided a new roof and guttering. Others hung drywall, stained doors, painted walls and laid carpet. And Colbern said countless people from all of the Topeka parishes and the city regularly provide baby clothes, diapers and financial contributions, all of which help Mary’s Choices serve those in need. Not to mention the gift of a stateof-the-art ultrasound machine donated by the Knights of Columbus from Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish.

RESPECT LIFE MONTH

During the past three years, the agency has provided free, confidential services to more than 600 women in the form of pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and referrals, video courses, as well as more than $35,000 in baby clothes and diapers. Additionally, the agency has provided around 200 sonograms and more than 1,800 video education visits. Sometimes it’s hard to know what happens to some of the clients and their preborn babies after they leave the agency. Follow-up with the clients is not always possible. Still, Colbern estimates that at least two clients change their minds each month and choose adoption or parenting instead of abortion. And that’s the whole goal. “Our goal is to change how people look at life,” Colbern said. “It’s just the Holy Spirit that can change them.”

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Loretta (Barrett) and Raymond Colwell, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Oct. 28 with Mass at Holy Trinity and with their family in Minnesota the week before. The couple was married at St. Joseph Church in Mason City, Iowa. Their children are: Sheila Priebe, Woodbury, Minnesota; Colleen Hooley, Stillwater, Minnesota; Michael Colwell, Rochester, Minnesota; Kate Horst, Stillwater, Minnesota; John Colwell, Shoreview, Minnesota; Maureen Scarrella, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota; Kevin Colwell, Paola; Tim Colwell, Washington, D.C.; and Patricia Kerr, Springfield, Missouri. They also have 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Rosemary and Norman Luebbe, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 6. The couple was married on Nov. 6, 1945, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. They have five living children, 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices. • Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date. • Announcements must be typed. • They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time. Include the following Information: • 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 please) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Photo specifications: • Emailed photos need to be at least 200 dpi. • Mailed photos can be any size. • If you would like your photo returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Holy Hour for married couples to be offered on Nov. 12

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Not only is it important for married couples to spend time with each other, it’s important that they spend time with the Lord together. That’s why the archdiocesan offices of marriage and family life and of evangelization are cosponsoring a Holy Hour for married couples with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. The Holy Hour, followed by a time of fellowship and hospitality, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. This is the first time this has been done, at least under archdiocesan sponsorship, said Brad DuPont, consultant with the marriage and family life office. “It’s important to set aside time to pray together as a married couple,” said DuPont. “We need grace to fulfill our mission as married couples. There’s no better place to receive grace than before the Blessed Sacrament.”

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

“Jesus desires to be with married couples. Archbishop Naumann, as a sign of the church in northeast Kansas, wants to show his support of married couples in living their call to heroic love,” DuPont continued. “Marriage and parenting is certainly not easy, and we want to support them.” During the Holy Hour, participants may pray for their own marriage, for marriage in our culture and for children. It doesn’t matter whether or not participants have ever made a Holy Hour before, or make them frequently, said DuPont. The Holy Hour will be guided by Archbishop Naumann, with participation by Father Andrew Strobl and the St. Michael the Archangel choir. The event is free and no RSVP is necessary. Individuals may come if their spouse is unable to attend. For more information, contact DuPont at (913) 647-0301 or by email at: bdupont@ archkck.org, or call Betsy Sloan at (913) 6470352 or send an email to: bsloan@archkck. org.

Holy Trinity, Lenexa Address: 13615 W. 92nd St., 66215 Phone: (913) 888-2770 Pastor: Father Michael Koller Mass Times: Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m. Email: holytrinity@htlenexa.org Website: http://htlenexa.org

Video

A video tour of this church is available online at: www.the leaven.org.

More photos of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

Sister Mary Lenore Martin, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Lenore Martin, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died Oct. 14 at the motherhouse here. She was 89. Betty Lou Martin was born on Nov. 15, 1925, in Butte, Montana, one of three children of William Henry and Mary Ann (Sullivan) Martin. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Grade School and Girls Central High School in Butte, and then Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. She entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 14, 1947, and, as Sister Mary Lenore Martin, made her profession of vows on August 15, 1949. Sister Mary Lenore taught English and history in secondary schools staffed by the Sisters of Charity in Missouri, Kansas, and Montana for 20 years. At Central Catholic High School in Billings, Montana, she also served as principal. In 1969, Sister Mary Lenore began

teaching in the history department at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, and remained there as instructor, professor and chair of the department of history/political science from 1980-1996. Since retiring from what is now the University of Saint Mary in 1996, Sister Mary Lenore assumed the position of college historian and curator of antiques until 2005. She also researched the history of the Sisters from Ireland who entered the SCL community. When she wasn’t engaged with her professional duties, Sister Mary Lenore could often be found performing with a group of Sisters of Charity musicians called the Remnants, where she played saxophone and served as manager and emcee. The Remnants appeared on television with Lucille Ball, performed with Bob Hope, toured in Colorado, New Mexico, California, Nebraska, Montana, Kansas and Missouri.

Ward students work to fight world hunger

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Students at Bishop Ward High School here came together to help fight world hunger by raising $788 on Oct. 19 as part of the Cross Catholic Outreach’s World Food Day. John Williams, head of campus ministry, introduced the plan to students. Students were given the option of a dressdown day so they could wear something other than their school uniform if they made a donation to help stop world hunger. “As individuals, we can do great things. But when we come together as a community, we can do so much more,” said Williams. “Each student was asked for a small donation; together, combined, those small donations created an impact. That is exactly what our lives should be about: making a positive impact that builds up those around us.”

EQUIP YOURSELF TO DEFEND THE FAITH “The Role of Reason and of the Heart in Faith” Presented by Dr. Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College

Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Rockhurst University, Arrupe Hall auditorium Parking is available in the north parking garage (52nd St. and Troost Ave.) For details visit http://tinyurl.com/Peterkreeft or use this QR code. The Kansas City Chapter of the Order of Malta and the Thomas More Center for the Study of Catholic Thought and Culture at Rockhurst University are pleased to host Dr. Peter Kreeft, a major literary force in the world of English-language Catholic philosophy and apologetics for decades. The author of over 70 books, including “Handbook of Christian Apologetics.” Dr. Kreeft will give a second lecture Nov. 7 at Benedictine College, Atchison, at 10:30 a.m. He will speak on “Existence of God- CS Lewis’s argument from Desire” in the McAllister Board Room on the 4th Floor of the Ferrell Academic Center. Brunch will be provided.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM WENDLING

Pastor Father Michael Stubbs lights one of the candles along the walls, calling upon Christ to shine his light in his church.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Dan Himmelberg is one of four parishioners leading the procession into the renovated church while carrying the large sanctuary crucifix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM WENDLING

Archbishop Naumann, assisted by master of ceremonies Father John Riley, went through the main and side aisles of the church, blessing the people and the walls with holy water.

Holy Cross dedicates renovated church By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

VERLAND PARK — The pews were surprisingly full for a Friday night at Holy Cross Parish here on Oct. 23. It was, after all, a very special night — the dedication of the renovated church. Oh, and that “other place” across town? Kauffman Stadium was full, too. While the Mass was being celebrated, the Kansas City Royals played the Toronto Blue Jays for a shot at the World Series. It seemed as if the whole city was consumed with “Royals fever.” Except at Holy Cross. “Some might More photos be tempted tofrom this event can night to check be seen online at: their cellwww.theleaven.org phones, but I commend you for your priorities tonight, coming to this dedication,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in his homily, drawing laughter from the Mass-goers. Holy Cross Parish was formed in 1968 and, before the church was built in 1971, founding pastor Father Robert Burger celebrated Mass at the Glenwood Theater. Parishioners joked they were members of “St. Glenwood Parish.” “Father Don Cullen was a parishioner before he became a priest,” said current pastor Father Michael Stubbs. “He could tell who the Holy Cross parishioners were when he went to the movies. They were the ones who genuflected before taking their seats. That amused him.” The liturgy began outside. Parishioners waited behind a rope while parishioner and renovation committee member Megan Viviano handed Father Stubbs the front door key. After Father Stubbs unlocked the door, the rope was removed and four more parishioners processed in with the large sanctuary crucifix, which they mounted in a space behind the altar designed for that purpose. Archbishop Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist. The concelebrants were Fathers Michael Stubbs, parochial vicar Anthony Saiki, Gary Pennings, Thomas Kearns, Dennis Wait, John Reynolds, Al Rockers and Scott Kellal, AVI. Father John Riley was master of ceremonies. Before the Scripture readings, Archbishop Naumann blessed the altar, the walls and the whole church with holy water. In his homily, the archbishop talked about the importance of a church in

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann begins the dedication of the renovated Holy Cross Church with prayers outside before pastor Father Michael Stubbs was presented the key to unlock the doors and admit parishioners. Here, the archbishop is assisted by master of ceremonies Father John Riley and (right) Arturo Hernandez, a first-year seminarian at Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri, and a member of the parish. the lives of Catholics. “Churches are symbols of what we value and what we believe in,” he said. “And, in one sense, you could never build a church that in any way is worthy of God. But it’s important that, as believers, we make our churches the best expression we can of our love for God, of our absolute awe at what we celebrate here, what will transpire on this beautiful altar. That here, Jesus Christ will make himself present to this congregation, and all who come here, in a unique way.” “And what was accomplished on Calvary will be made present to us,” continued the archbishop, “the love poured out, the mercy that flowed forth from Calvary, will be present to us on this altar.” After recitation of the Creed, the choir led parishioners in the Litany of the Saints. Archbishop Naumann next anointed the altar with chrism (consecrated olive oil with balsam, also used for baptism, confirmation and ordination) and incensed it. Before the dismissal, Archbishop Naumann congratulated Father Stubbs and parishioners for the hard work and dedication and said he brought the prayers of the founding pastor. “Earlier today, I was able to visit

with Father Bob Burger, the founding pastor here at Holy Cross,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He regretted very much that he could not be here tonight. At 92, he’s the oldest priest in the archdiocese. I also told him he’s the smartest. He agreed with that. He has great love and affection for this parish community.” Holy Cross Church, originally designed to be a gymnasium, never served that purpose. It was one of many “gym churches” in the new suburban parishes of the 1960s and 1970s. It was renovated superficially during the early 1990s, but it was obvious in recent years that more than new carpet and paint were needed 20-plus years later. “The renovation doubled the size of the windows,” said Father Stubbs. “We held a town hall meeting for parishioners a few years ago, and they said they wanted more light in their worship space.” The church was gutted and completely redone. The carpet was replaced with offwhite tile. Inset in the center aisle are three tile medallions featuring Jerusalem crosses. The old pews were replaced with unpadded pews. The liturgical furnishings are a mix of new and old items refurbished to

match perfectly. Each item has dark wood with a gold-colored grapevine motif running horizontally near the top. The old altar was refurbished, covered with the darker veneer and gold grapevine motif and topped with white marble. One item is an adult-size, boxlike, above-floor baptismal font. On its wooden cover are the words “Buried with Christ, we rise to New Life.” Two new statues were ordered: the Child Jesus and Our Lady of Guadalupe (which did not arrive in time for the dedication Mass). Also replaced was the lighting, wiring and sound system, as well as heating and cooling ductwork. Renovation began in April, shortly after Easter, and was completed in time for the dedication Mass. A few minor projects still need to be completed: light wood paneling for the wall behind the altar, an 8-by-45-foot skylight above the altar, new doors from the narthex to the sanctuary and wood louvers for the top one-half of the sanctuary windows. The total cost of the project was $1.5 million. The architects were SFS Architecture of Kansas City, Missouri. The general contractor was Kelley Construction Company of Topeka.

CNS PHOTO/ANTONIO BRONIC, REUTERS

Migrants receive food at a railway station in Tovarnik, Croatia, Sept. 18. Leaders of European bishops’ conferences called on European states to act generously, justly and respectfully toward migrants and refugees reaching their shores.

‘The problem is so big, it overwhelms’ >> Continued from page 1

ers to us. These are brothers and sisters in God’s family.

What did you think of Pope Actually, the Middle East displacement is the result of different Francis’ recent instruction to European parish and religious orders things. Clearly, the whole Syrian breakdown, the internal conflict which then to each take in two refugee families gave place to many different factions, themselves, and the fact that the Vatmany different rebel groups fighting for ican is taking in two itself ? power, [are among the causes]. We also I think that’s wonderful. It’s see ISIS, for example, displacing people very practical advice, very feasible, very when they occupy whole cities. There is also displacement in other doable. It allows each of us to play a role parts of the world. In Central America, in resolving this crisis. I would say actually, because of his urging, we you have the whole issue of also see more governments violence in Colombia, a civil step up. conflict which has put a lot of people at harm. They are Most of us in moving, too. A year ago, we the United States are not saw people moving into the For more inforeven going to be in a pomation about United States from Central sition to take in a refugee. the mission of America. And that’s driven Catholic Relief But through CRS, Ameriby poverty, that’s driven by Services, or cans can help refugees in gang violence, that’s driven ways to help, all parts of the world. So by broken families where give and or get could you start by explainchildren are looking for their involved, go to: ing what CRS is, how long parents in the United States. www.crs.com. it has been in operation And I would say this and the scope of its work? round of huge displacements is due to unbelievable bloodshed and Refugees are very much an inthe type of insecurity that you would tegral part of [CRS’] history. We were not put your children through. So usually violence and extreme poverty are founded by the bishops’ conference of the United States in 1943 to take refugees the drivers of this type of movement. out of Eastern Europe in World War II. Pope Francis has clearly That’s how we were born — to serve refugees and to take them out of really called for Christians to view the refugee problem as something we are difficult situations. And so today, we operate in 103 counobliged to respond to. How do you tries. We serve about 85-100 million interpret his message? people every year. Our service is comThat we are all one family. This prehensive. Part of our emergency work is not something happening to “them” is to respond to natural disasters as well as man-made disasters. So, this type — this is happening to all of us. I think that the picture of Aylan Kurdi of massive suffering and movement of (the little boy on the beach) all of a people, we have experience of that, we sudden made the situation one that we have dealt with that in the last 70 years. can identify with. . . . We all know what What advantage does being it means to take the type of risk that puts your children at risk, on a journey an agency of the Catholic Church which has so many perils, where one of provide you? the outcomes could clearly be death. Well, we work in the name of [Seeing that picture made us recognize that] we know that this is unac- the Catholic Church to bring the Gospel ceptable, we know that this is not what message of God’s love everywhere. we want for ourselves and this is not That is our touchstone. And I would what we want for our children — and say whether people are Catholic or not so, let’s every one of us step up. Be- Catholic — Christian or not Christian — they understand that motivation. cause, in the end, these are not strang-

Q. A.

A sub-Saharan migrant gestures after the arrival of a Spanish rescue boat at Tarifa, Spain. Catholic bis and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. And with the long history that we have of working in these places, they trust that that is truly our touchstone. And, of course, everywhere we go in the world, pretty much, we have our Catholic sister agencies. We have the Caritas agencies in many different countries. We have Caritas Iraq, for example. There is Caritas Syria. There’s Caritas Albania. So, in places that people don’t think about [CRS], we actually have this family. This is a family of charitable services done in the name of the Gospel around the world. We connect with our Caritas brothers and sisters; we synergize; we build each other’s capacity; we lean on the local agencies to help us understand what is the right approach, what are their needs. . . . Being part of a global family is just a wonderful sense of solidarity, a wonderful sense of joint capability and a common touchstone: believing in the love of God.

What are the biggest challenges Catholic Relief Services faces regarding the refugee situation?

A. Oh, I think the problem is so big, it overwhelms. And so, the idea is to always focus on what we can do, rather than focus on what we cannot do.

What can people in the United States do to offer their own aid to refugees overseas? A: Oh, many different ways. Clearly, of course, this particular crisis right now requires a lot of resources. I think assistance to people in host countries, particularly through the whole Caritas network [is needed] because the Caritas network in these different countries is working very hard to meet both the short-term and longer-term needs of these refugees. And I think prayer is always important.

But the third way is to participate in the advocacy to our own U.S. government, on multiple dimensions. And that is for the U.S. government to also release the type of resources that are necessary. I mean, in a lot of places now, there are no health services or medications available because funding has been reduced. The World Food Programme will tell you that they are running out of resources just to feed people. So, one of the advocacies is for the U.S. government to release the type of funding necessary to support this. Also, I think that Americans generally do not know the Syrian cultures or the Iraqi cultures, so I think [seeking out] more of a broad-based education so that we don’t just get fearful of people, based on some perceptions that we have. I think that we, as Catholics, we in different parishes, can actually facilitate [that] type of conversation and dialogue and getting to know and being hospitable to new immigrants. I think that’s very important work to do.

How about refugees a little closer to home, like those being resettled into our communities, through agencies such as Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas?

I think my comment to the last question particularly applies to that, and that is to not think about these newly settled refugees as really strange people. It is “they,” and “they” have strange practices, and are “they” dangerous to us? All of these, I think, sometimes are natural when you don’t have engagement with “the other.” So, particularly in parishes, welcoming new immigrants, [there is a need for] a real genuine desire to get to know, to welcome, to engage, to integrate people into our community. I think that is the most important thing to do.

that has served you well at CRS, especially in the refugee crisis?

Absolutely. And, in fact, a lot of people in America probably have some history of that experience. For me, my parents left China — first of all, during World War II, because China was being bombed. And when they went back to resettle, they realized that China was going to be ruled by a communist government and they had to leave. And it was not only chaotic, but they also left everything behind. . . . So, I think how it has informed my work [is to give me] a sense that each day we can work toward is the foundation for another day, for another day, for another day — and that makes a life. That allows the family to experience and work toward a different future. And we have seen so many of those. You get to do this little part, and if you do it well enough, there are other things that happen. There are other people who come into the picture. There are schools and parishes that give furniture, that help with language training, that give the kids scholarships to go to school. And somehow, it all happens — and lives and livelihoods and happiness and joy and stability become possible. And that’s what I see for these Syrian refugees.

Pope Francis, the son of immigrants, also has firsthand knowledge of the struggles of refugees. What do you and Pope Francis know about refugees that you wish you could make everyone understand? CNS PHOTO/A. CARRASCO RAGEL, EPA

shops and aid agencies have condemned a European Union plan to scale down the rescue of migrants

CNS PHOTO/MUHAMMAD HAMED, REUTERS

A Syrian refugee man covered with dust arrives at the Jordanian border with Syria and Iraq, near the town of Ruwaished, close to Amman Sept. 10.

Q. In a reflection for “Give Us This Day,” you said that you’ve trav-

eled to many places that some might call godforsaken. But that it’s actually in places such as these that you have felt God most strongly. Could you explain?

It is hard to explain, [when] you go into these most difficult situations, why your faith would grow. I cannot explain it myself. When you are in a place where people are so close to death, there is so much dignity, and there is just a sense of this holiness. That in moments and days, these people will be seeing God face to face, and [that in] their last days on earth they experience the care, the love of strangers, which allows them to remember the dignity, and the person, on their journey to see God. When I’m in these situations, I say,

“God are you really here?” . . . and the answer that’s always come back is: “But you are there.” . . . It’s sort of that understanding that God sends himself through us. I think once you realize that, it comes with a sense of incredible privilege. You know, there is a saying that God has no feet, no hands but yours in this world. And it’s true. We are there; we are there making God’s love real, making human compassion real, reminding [everyone] that — in the end — we are not animals. We are one human family; we care for each other. And that we are sent by God. And so that whole feeling of “this is really God’s work through us,” it’s a realization that changes everything.

You have some personal experience of the refugee life. Could you talk a moment about it, and do you think it has given you an insight

That they’re not the “other.” That we don’t need to fear them. That when they come into the country, they don’t bear us ill will. I know there’s so much concern that if we accept these people, aren’t they terrorists? And I just want to say . . . immigrants themselves — the fact that they’ve bet everything they have, that they would go through a journey with so many dangers — [shows] that they want a new future. They are not trying to come into a place to make a home so they can disrupt that home. And they are willing to work very hard; they are ingenious in that way. Their strength is inestimable, you know, for people to go through these things. I think the most important thing is not to be fearful of refugees and migrants. We put a label on them and then they immediately become sort of like these scary people. . . . And, all of a sudden, we just become scared of people. I don’t think we are bad people or even mean-spirited people or selfish people, but I think fear holds us back. And I think that perhaps there are situations that you should be rightfully scared. But most of the situation really is to say, “I need to get to know these people,” because once you get to know them, there is sort of like a sense of ease, like, “Oh, yeah, I understand they want the same for their children as what I want for mine.”

Finally, is there anything you would like to add? Anything you would like our readers to know that we have not asked about?

I just want to say I think that as people of faith, the care for other people is so much part of that faith. It’s not possible, I think, to really believe in God and believe in God’s bounty if we hold on too tightly to that bounty. And that our worship, our lives of prayer, in the end, have to turn us outward. That any relationship with God requires a relationship with the other.

Dr. Woo addresses Benedictine students on global issues

TCHISON — Nearly 300 Benedictine College students, faculty and staff, along with many area residents, gathered in the college’s O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium here to hear Dr. Carolyn Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), speak on “Common Ground, Uncommon Excellence” Sept. 20. Her presentation was the 19th annual Mary L. Fellin Lecture, sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. “This lecture series is brought to you by [the Benedictine Sisters] as a gift from Mary Fellin, the aunt of Sister JoAnn [Fellin],” explained Sister Anne Shepard, OSB, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, in her introduction. Woo was one of five presenters in Rome at the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home” in June. She said CRS, the official overseas humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, works in more than 100 countries around the world, touching the lives of some 100 million people, giving her a unique perspective on environmental issues that affect the world’s poorer populations. “Tonight, I use the title ‘Common Good, Uncommon Excellence’ and that is the work that we (CRS) do, to serve the common good,” said Woo. “But we’re willing to do it with unmatched excellence in everything we have to bring to the table. And a lot of times, it’s not just hard work, it’s also about innovation. It’s about improving ourselves.” With a background as dean of the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business for 14 years prior to moving to CRS in 2013, Woo could see how technology could help around the world. She said cellphones are actually very common today, even in remote areas. By supplying applications for workers to use in the field, that technology makes the messaging clearer and more accurate. Plus, Woo said, the GPS system in the phones allows CRS to log every time a field worker meets with a particular client. She also explained the CRS tagline — Faith. Action. Results. “We are not the preaching branch of the church, we are the social action branch of the church,” she said. “So the way we take the Gospel into the world is through service.” She said the size of the agency means it has the resources to impact a lot of people around the world, but it’s more than just hard work. “We have to make sure that we are effective, that we are accountable, that we are getting results, that we are really making people’s lives better,” she said. “And not just for that moment, but hopefully for the long run.” Representing CRS, Woo was featured in the May/June 2013 issue of Foreign Policy magazine as one of the “500 Most Powerful People on the Planet” and one of only 33 in the category of “a force for good.” Her Catholic News Service monthly column took first place in the 2013 Catholic Press Association Awards in the category of Best Regular Column — Spiritual Life. Her faith journey and work at CRS are recounted in her recent book, “Working for a Better World,” published in 2015 by Our Sunday Visitor. Woo was born and raised in Hong Kong, and immigrated to the United States to attend Purdue University, where she received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, and served on the faculty. The Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery present the Fellin Lecture each year with the sponsorship of the Fellin Endowment Fund in order to support the liberal arts orientation of Benedictine College.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Stronger global response urged for refugee crisis By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Lawmakers and witnesses in a congressional committee hearing room Oct. 20 were not shown pictures of the vast number of refugees crossing East European borders each day. But there is no shortage of images from daily news reports of the throngs of men, women and children walking along streets, open fields and train tracks escaping their homelands. The refugees, primarily from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan have been crammed in boats and lined up behind barricades or barbed wire fences. Reports in recent days showed many refugees, including dozens in wheelchairs, stuck in mud-soaked fields in the rain trying to get to Slovenia. In the two-and-a-half-hour hearing convened by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, lawmakers and witnesses alike described the refugee situation as enormous, unparalleled and one that cries out for a stronger global response. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, the committee chairman, said it was “the largest refugee crisis since World War II” and Anne Richard, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration, said the influx of refugees is a “very challenging situation.” “The scale of this migration is much bigger than before,” she added in what was possibly the greatest understatement of the day. While congressional leaders heard accounts about the enormity of the challenge to provide food, clothing and shelter for the refugees and then find homes for them, the lawmakers repeatedly expressed concern that terrorists could be among the influx and wondered what was being done to make sure they were not part of resettlement efforts. Richard said resettlement agencies are particularly on the lookout for such a threat, which partially explains the 18- to 24-month vetting process for refugees. “No one just comes in,” she said. The committee is charged with looking at how the United States, European governments and regional bodies

CNS PHOTO/YANNIS BEHRAKIS, REUTERS

Afghan mother holds her baby as she struggles to disembark a raft during a rainstorm in Lesbos, Greece, Oct. 23. Members of Congress were told in Washington that Europe’s refugee crisis demands global response. such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Union, are responding to the flood of immediate and long-term needs of refugees. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, reiterated Pope Francis’ message to Congress in September, urging them to follow the Golden Rule. He said as a Jew, he understands that the U.S. is comprised of immigrants and said our country needs to do all it can to “save people from ravages of war.” Sean Callahan, chief operating officer of Catholic Relief Services, also mentioned Pope Francis, saying he has led in the effort to help modern-day refugees by urging every Catholic parish in Europe to reach out and assist them. “He reminds us of our moral obligation to help the stranger,” Callahan said, emphasizing that the needs in the crisis cry for much more than quick fixes.

Recounting a recent visit to the Balkans, where tens of thousands are making their way across the border of Serbia and Croatia, he said it is “heartbreaking to imagine walking” in their shoes and to picture “one’s own life in such chaos: first, suffering violence in one’s home community; then biding time in a neighboring country, humbly receiving charity.” He said CRS has been working throughout the Balkans to provide emergency assistance, but he said these efforts will become more challenging with the onset of winter and an increased need for shelter, medical assistance, and warmer clothes. In the past three years, he said CRS and its partners have helped nearly 800,000 people and spent more than $110 million in response to the Syrian crisis. Callahan was not the only one to point out the desperation in the current situation.

Shelly Pitterman, regional representative for the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, stressed that Europe must do more and can “no longer afford to continue with this fragmented approach.” He said the European response so far to the massive influx of refugees has created “chaos and desperation among thousands of refugee women, men and children.” And David Sullivan, the European Union ambassador to the United States, stressed the crisis is not just for Europe but is global and “fueled by conflicts, inequality and poverty.” He said the European Union and its member states are “firmly committed to the promotion and protection of the human rights of migrants. Despite the influx, we do not remove or return genuine refugees, we respect the fundamental rights of all persons arriving in the EU, and we invest major resources in saving lives at sea.”

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OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Synod report urges ‘accompaniment’ tailored to family situations By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — While not specifically mentioning the controversial proposal of a path toward full reconciliation and Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried, members of the Synod of Bishops on the family handed Pope Francis a report emphasizing an obligation to recognize that not all Catholics in such a situation bear the same amount of blame. The 94-paragraph report approved Oct. 24, the last working day of the three-week synod, highlighted the role of pastors in helping couples understand church teaching, grow in faith and take responsibility for sharing the Gospel. It also emphasized how “pastoral accompaniment” involves discerning, on a case-by-case basis, the moral culpability of people not fully living up to the Catholic ideal. Bishops and other full members of the synod voted separately on each paragraph and the Vatican published those votes. The paragraph dealing specifically with leading divorced and remarried Catholics on a path of discernment passed with only one vote beyond the necessary two-thirds. Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna told reporters Oct. 24 that the key word in the document’s discussion of ministry to divorced and civilly remarried people is “‘discernment.’ I invite you all to remember there is no black or white, no simple yes or no.” The situation of each couple “must be discerned,” which is what was called for by St. John Paul II in his 1981 exhortation on the family, he said. The cardinal told Vatican Insider, a news site, that although St. John Paul called for discernment in those cases, “he didn’t mention all that comes after discernment.” The synod’s final report, he said, proposes priests help divorced and remarried couples undergoing conversion and repentance so that they recognize whether or not they are worthy to receive the Eucharist. Such an examination of conscience, he said, is required of every Catholic each time they prepare to approach the altar. As Pope Francis said at the beginning of the synod, church doctrine on the meaning of marriage as a lifelong bond between one man and one woman open to having children was not up for debate. The final report strongly affirmed that teaching as God’s plan for humanity, as a blessing for the church and a benefit to society. While insisting on God’s love for homosexual persons and the obligation to respect their dignity, the report also insisted same-sex unions could not be recognized as marriages and denounced as “totally unacceptable” governments or international organizations making recognition of “‘marriage’ between persons of the same sex” a condition for financial assistance. The report also spoke specifical-

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis waves as he leaves a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 24. ly of: the changing role of women in families, the church and society; single people and their contributions to the family and the church; the heroic witness of parents who love and care for children with disabilities; the family as a sanctuary protecting the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death; and the particular strain on family life caused by poverty and by migration. The Catholic Church recognizes a “natural” value in marriage corresponding to the good of the husband and wife, their unity, fidelity and desire for children. But the sacrament of marriage adds another dimension, the report said. “The irrevocable fidelity of God to his covenant is the foundation of the indissolubility of marriage. The complete and profound love of the spouses is not based only on their human capabilities: God sustains this covenant with the strength of his Spirit.” But human beings are subject to sin and failure, which is why synod members recommend the need for “accompaniment” by family members, pastors and other couples. “Being close to the family as a traveling companion means, for the church, assuming wisely differentiated attitudes: sometimes, it is necessary to stay by their side and listen in silence; other times, it must indicate the path to follow; and at still other times, it is opportune to follow, support and encourage.” A draft of the report was presented to synod members Oct. 22, and 51 bishops spoke the next morning about changes they would like to see in the final draft. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters that several bishops mentioned specifically a need to improve the text’s references to “the relationship between conscience and the moral law.” The text refers to conscience in sections dealing with procreation and with marital situations the church considers irregular, particularly the situation of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics.

First, though, synod members promised greater efforts to be with couples in crisis and praised divorced Catholics who, “even in difficult situations, do not undertake a new union, remaining faithful to the sacramental bond.” Such Catholics, they noted, can and should “find in the Eucharist the nourishment that sustains them.” Those who have remarried without an annulment of their sacramental marriage must be welcomed and included in the parish community in every way possible, the report said. “They are baptized, they are brothers and sisters, the Holy Spirit gives them gifts and charisms for the good of all.” Quoting from St. John Paul’s exhortation on the family, the report insists that pastors, “for the sake of truth,” are called to careful discernment when assisting and counseling people who divorced and remarried. They must distinguish, for instance, between those who “have been unjustly abandoned, and those who through their own grave fault have destroyed a canonically valid marriage,” in the words of St. John Paul. Priests must “accompany interested people on the path of discernment in accordance with the teaching of the church and the guidance of the bishop,” the report said. While the report makes no explicit mention of absolution and the return to Communion, it seems to leave some possibility for such a solution by quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s affirmation that “imputability and responsibility for an action can be diminished or even nullified” because of different conditions. Just as the degree of guilt will differ, the report said, “also the consequences of the acts are not necessarily the same in all cases.” In several places the text praises the teaching of “Humanae Vitae,” the document of Blessed Paul VI on married love and the transmission of life. “Conjugal love between a man and a woman and the transmission of life are ordered one to the other,” the report said.

Bishops plead for climate change action VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The presidents of the U.S. and Canadian bishops’ conferences joined leaders of the regional bishops’ conferences of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Europe in signing an appeal for government leaders to reach a “fair, legally binding and truly transformational climate agreement” at a summit in Paris. Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, signed the appeal Oct. 26 at the beginning of a joint news conference at the Vatican. The appeal, Cardinal Gracias said, was a response to Pope Francis’ letter on the environment and an expression of “the anxiety of all the people, all the churches all over the world” regarding how, “unless we are careful and prudent, we are heading for disaster.” The appeal is addressed to negotiators preparing for the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris Nov. 30-Dec. 11. The bishops called for “courageous and imaginative political leadership” and for legal frameworks that “clearly establish boundaries and ensure the protection of the ecosystem.” The bishops also asked governments to recognize the “ethical and moral dimensions of climate change,” to recognize that the climate and the atmosphere are common goods belonging to all, to set a strong limit on global temperature increase and to promote new models of development and lifestyles that are “climate compatible.”

CNS PHOTO/MARIA VORONCHUK

Volunteers from Lviv, Ukraine, clear debris to repair sewer and septic tank lines Aug. 5 in eastern Ukraine. The home was destroyed by three mortar shells during the war.

Ukrainians help one another to rebuild LVIV, Ukraine (CNS) — Rebuilding in Ukraine does not just mean construction. “We restore walls of the houses and destroy the walls between people,” is the slogan of volunteers with “Building Ukraine Together,” an initiative of young people from western and central Ukraine, who are helping people in the eastern regions to rebuild their houses destroyed during fights between pro-Russian militants and the Ukrainian military forces. Sixteen months of fighting left nearly 7,000 people dead and more than 17,000 injured, according to the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Ihor Feshchenko, a journalism student from the Ukrainian Catholic University, is one of the volunteers. “Here in Lviv, we observe a war from 1,000 miles through tablets and computers or donate money sometimes. But during this camp, there was a sense that I was actually doing something that really helped,” he said. He added that he did not tell his mother that he was going to the east of the country, because the front line was just some 50 miles from the city in which they worked. Volunteers work in the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, strongholds for pro-Russian forces liberated by the Ukrainian Army after fierce battles. “We came to Kramatorsk after the city was liberated in late July 2014 on a weekend and saw great destruction. On some streets there were no buildings that survived,” recalled Vitaliy Kokor, executive director of Lviv Education Foundation, the nongovernmental organization that runs these small rebuilding projects.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Assistant to ReachKCK coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a part-time administrative position in the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. This position is approximately nine hours per week. Duties include supporting youth programs and events, creating publicity materials, data entry and responding to correspondence. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of three years’ work experience, including at least one year of administrative experience. Knowledge of youth ministry and related events preferred. A complete job description and required application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Nov. 2 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Youth Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@ archkck.org. Teaching assistant - A Montessori preschool located in Roeland Park is accepting applications for a teacher’s assistant position. We are seeking a caring and nurturing individual who enjoys working with children ages 3 - 6 years old. Send letter and resume to: The Children’s Garden, 4901 Reinhardt, Roeland Park, KS 66205, or send an email to: jpassantino@childrensgardenks.com. Customer service - Local company is looking to fill a position that requires computer skills, outgoing personality and great phone etiquette. Full or part time, with a minimum of 30 hours. Please send resume to: print@ bestgraphicsinc.com. Director of facilities - Sacred Heart Church in Shawnee is seeking a full-time director of facilities. Duties include management and maintenance of the campus buildings, equipment and grounds, including electrical, painting, plumbing, heating/ventilating, roofing, lawn care, snow removal, security and required inspections. Working knowledge of HVAC and control systems, working with outside vendors and contractors, and the ability to be “hands on” and assist in maintenance work (when needed) is strongly preferred. Supervision experience is required. If interested, please email Julie Krause at: julie. krause@shoj.org to obtain an application to complete. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Drivers – Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 8251921.

SERVICES 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.

Professional window cleaning - Residential only. Insured and bonded. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495. Tree Service - Certified arborist Chris Johnson at Tufts Tree Service performs all tree services, including restoration, pruning, training, removal and stump grinding. Fully licensed and insured. See Chris at: www. tuftstreeservice@gmail.com. Call (785) 218-1531. Need to lose weight, get in shape? Improve balance, coordination and flexibility. Nutrition packages available. Call Angela, personal trainer, at (913) 558-7759. www. angelanosworthy.jeunesseglobal.com. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661

HOME IMPROVEMENT Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 22 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. 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 you’ll be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service. Reduce clutter - Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp, insured. Call Tillar: (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. KIRK’S PAINTING WHOLE HOUSE PAINTING Interior and exterior, wood rot and siding repair and replacement. 25 years experience, licensed and insured, family-owned and -operated. (913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Local handyman and lawn care - Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing,doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish. Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

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

FOR SALE Jazzy Elite electric wheelchair - brand-new $3,000. Call Sheila at (913) 547-0549. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

For sale - Tandem crypt at Resurrection Cemetery, Queen of the Holy Rosary Patio. Today’s price is $10,850. Selling for $8500, which includes opening and closing for two. Call Jean at (913) 449-5007.

Get the job done right the first time Kansas City’s Premier Services Decks and fences Power washing, staining and preserving Call for a FREE estimate Brian (913) 952-5965, Holy Trinity parishioner Jim (913) 257-1729, Holy Spirit parishioner

For sale - At Mount Calvary Cemetery, tandem crypt in mausoleum. Today’s selling price is $7,935. Offering this space for $5,000. Call Marcie at (913) 712-8124.

Lawn/Landscaping - Mowing, mulch, dirt work, sod, tree trimming, landscape rock, gutter cleaning, and power washing. Mention this ad for special pricing. Call (816) 509-0224. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

CAREGIVING Trusted, private care for your loved one - Retired nurse providing assistance with bathing/dressing, medications, nutrition/meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping and transportation to appointments. Physical therapy background. Daytime hours available. Excellent references. $25 per hour. Minimum 3 hours. Contact Mary at (913) 231-2408. Live-in caregiver- Energetic, fit, dependable, 49-yearold Christian woman with two years previous hospice aide experience is available to provide live in housecleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, errand running, transportation, cooking and other misc. duties for an elderly or disabled person(s) 40-50 hours per month in exchange for no charge rent. I have a full-time position that requires me to work some nights and weekends. My job is in Olathe and I prefer to remain within 20 min of my employer. I do have a small house-trained dog. Contact Lisa at (913) 302-4384. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Caregiver, nurse aide - CNA certified. Looking for work in the Kansas City area. I live in Belton, Missouri, and have 35-plus years’ experience in all areas of care. Good references. Call Mary at (816) 308-6259.

For sale - At Gate of Heaven Cemetery, a double cremation niche with companion urn in the mausoleum. It is located in the St. John Corridor, #8 H. Today’s selling price for the double niche and urn is approximately $6,522; offering for $4,500. Call Colleen at (913) 269-6944. For sale - Two plots, side by side, at Chapel Hill Garden of Valor. $4,200 or best offer. Retails at $5,390. Please call David Nichols at (816) 686-1131 or send an email to: susannichols811@yahoo.com.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

FOR RENT Branson condo - Enjoy fall colors and Christmas programs. Condo sleeps 6. Fully furnished and close to entertainment. On golf course, has indoor pool, Wi-Fi and exercise room are available. Please call (913) 515-3044.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR LOSS AND SUPPORT: DEALING WITH THE DEATH OF YOUR BABY Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 1st Tuesday of each month 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

COME VENERATE THE HOLY RELICS Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 33rd and Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 7 at 11 a.m.

There will be a presentation by Dale Anderson in the Garden Room in the back of church. The talk will be followed by a potluck lunch. All are welcome; bring a friend. For more information, call (913) 268-0208.

TAP THAT KEG CRAFT BEER TASTING EVENT Mater Dei-Assumption Church (Rossiter Hall) 8th and Jackson, Topeka Nov. 7 from 7 - 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for the tasting from 7-8:30 p.m. There will be a live band from 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. (free admission). For more information, contact Tap that Keg at (785) 260-9873 or go online to: http://www.materdeiirishfest.com.

FALL FESTIVAL/SPAGHETTI DINNER Little Sisters of the Poor Home 8745 James A. Reed Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 8 from noon - 5 p.m. BAKE/CRAFT SALE St. Joseph Church (basement hall) 227 S.W. Van Buren St., Topeka Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The St. Anthony’s Guild of Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Parish will host this event.

CRAFT FAIR Holy Angels Parish 154th and Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Father Quinlan Hall Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A wide variety of crafts will be featured in 25 booths. There will be dried flower arrangements, woodworking, wreaths, jewelry, Christmas cards and more. Refreshments will be available; no admission fee. For more information, contact Annie Clark at (913) 724-2212.

The cost for a turkey dinner and all the trimmings is a freewill offering. Raffle tickets for a quilt and other offerings will be on sale. There will also be a country store. Look for the giant turkey on Highway 20, west of Bendena, to find the church.

FALL BAZAAR Holy Trinity Church 601 E. Chippewa, Paola Nov. 1 from 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

There will be a turkey dinner, raffle, bingo, cakewalk, country store and children’s games. Tickets are $9 for adults and $4 for children under 10.

TAIZE PRAYER Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes simple chants sung repeatedly, silence and chants of praise and intercession.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Saints performing arts department will present “Once On This Island,” a musical inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s book, “The Little Mermaid.” For information and tickets, send an email to: www.stasaints.net/theater, or visit the website at: www.seatyourself.biz/stasaints.

PRO-LIFE MASS AND ROSARY AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Nov. 7, Mass at 8:15 a.m., rosary to follow

After Mass, participants will drive to Planned Parenthood, 4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park, and pray the rosary. Signs and banners will be provided. The event will conclude at 10 a.m.

MATER DEI BAZAAR Mater Dei School 10th and Clay, Topeka Nov. 7 from noon - 7 p.m. Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The weekend will start on Nov. 7 with an art walk and marketplace, which includes a country store, silent auction, book nook, jewelry booth, homemade baked goods and a food concession stand. At 3:30 p.m., the Mater Dei School Drum Line will perform. A turkey dinner will be served on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Mater Dei School. Takeout dinners will be available. The cost is: $9 for adults (13 and up); $4 for children ( 4 - 12). There will be a country store, silent auction, jewelry booth, book nook, baked goods and food concessions as well as a basket booth, cakewalk, sugar poker and kids games from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, contact Nancy Cina at (785) 817-1708 or send an email to: romwi1973@yahoo.com.

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing v Steel Underpinning Kansas City (913) 262-9352

HOLIDAY GRIEF WORKSHOP Sanctuary of Hope 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 8 from 2 - 4 p.m.

MUD JACKING Raise & Level

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses Lawrence (785) 865-0006

Topeka (785) 246-0128

SUBMITTING CALENDAR ITEMS Please follow this format: • Name of even • Where the event will take place (name and address). • List the date and time of the event. Then add some the details about the event as well as contact information if relevant. Please keep this short. Send calendar items to: beth.blankenship@ theleaven.org. at Aquinas College Nashville and author of 20 books.

WOMEN’S DISCERNMENT RETREAT Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Nov. 13 - 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Women between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to participate and develop a deeper understanding of discernment and meet some consecrated women in the church today. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ranch; contact the retreat team at: psrministry@ archkck.org; or call (785) 746-5693.

Facilitated by Mary Kay Whitacre. A suggested donation is $25. RSVP to Julie at (913) 321-4673 or by email at: Julie@sanctuaryofhope.org.

FALL SOUP LUNCHEON St. Patrick Parish, Corning Corning Community Center Main Street, Corning Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be an auction, games and more. Cost is a freewill offering. For more information, contact Kelly at (785) 868-2155.

TURKEY DINNER St. Benedict Church 670 St. Benedict Road, Bendena Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park Nov. 5 - 7

Festivities will include dinner, holiday boutique, bake sale and cash raffle. Proceeds benefit the Little Sisters’ home for the elderly poor. For more information, call (816) 761-4744.

TURKEY DINNER Annunciation Parish, Frankfort Cigna Center, 402 N. Maple, Frankfort Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, a country store, food items, crafts, handwork items and more. Takeout meals are available (and delivery in Frankfort) by calling (785) 292-4351 the day of the dinner or (785) 292-4462 during the morning hours, Monday through Friday.

BOOK CLUB Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 10 from 6 - 7:30 (2nd Tuesdays)

The November book is “Our Souls at Night” by Kent Haruf. For more information, call the office at (913) 906-8990.

DIDDE CATHOLIC CAMPUS CENTER REDEDICATION EVENT Emporia State University Campus 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia Nov. 14 at 4 p.m.

Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Naumann at 4 p.m., followed by a reception. Tickets are $50 each or $80 per couple. Free child care is available. Register online at: http:dccc.ticketleap.com/re-dedication, or by phone at (620) 343-6765.

OPEN HOUSE St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. - noon

For more information, send an email to: kstrecker@sjakeepingfaith.org.

CHILI SUPPER/TURKEY BINGO Monsignor Mejak Hall 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. “G. K. CHESTERTON AND THE KEY TO HAPPINESS” Benedictine College (McAllister Board Room) Ferrell Academic Center 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

This is a free presentation by Joseph Pearce, director of the Center for Faith and Culture

The Altar Society of Holy Family Parish will host this event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; supper is served from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.; and bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. A $15 donation includes one bingo card, one chili supper, dessert and all the cold beverages you can drink until the games end. No one under 21 years of age admitted. For tickets, contact Sandy Sachen Cannon at (913) 396-1564 or Cathy Schneider at the church office at (913) 371-1561.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 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 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 12: 5-16b Ps 131: 1cde, 2-3 Lk 14: 15-24 Nov. 4 Charles Borromeo, bishop Rom 13: 8-10 Ps 112: 1b-2, 4-5, 9 Lk 14: 25-33 Nov. 5 Thursday Rom 14: 7-12 Ps 27: 1bcde, 4, 13-14 Lk 15: 1-10 Nov. 6 Friday Rom 15: 14-21 Ps 98: 1-4 Lk 16: 1-8 Nov. 7 Saturday Rom 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Ps 145: 2-5, 10-11 Lk 16: 9-15

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“P

It’s time to leave the ‘whinery’

ardon me, would you like a little cheese with your whine?” More and more these days, that expression pops into my head. It seems as if whining has become our national pastime. It’s found on practically everyone’s lips: from students to baseball players to politicians to parents to retirees to parishioners. I wish I could say that I don’t whine, but I regularly find myself nursing a large platter of cheese! The most effective antidote to whining is something called perspective. You don’t need a prescription for it or have to buy it over the counter. All you have to do is to take a good, hard, honest look around you. I find the following little poem insightful: “Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl with golden hair;/I envied her — she seemed so gay — and wished I were as fair./When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle;/ She had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, a smile./Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;/I have two feet — the world is mine. “And then I stopped

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.

LISTEN to this article online at: www.theleaven.org. to buy some sweets./ The lad who sold them had/Such charm. I talked with him — he said to me:/’It’s nice to talk with folks like you./You see,’ he said, ‘I’m blind.’/Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;/ I have two eyes — the world is mine! “Then, walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue./ He stood and watched the others play;/ It seemed he knew not what to do./I stopped for a moment, then I said:/’Why don’t you join the others, dear?’/ He

looked ahead without a word, and then/ I knew he could not hear./Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;/ I have two ears — the world is mine! “With feet to take me where I’d go/With eyes to see the sunset’s glow,/With ears to hear what I would know,/Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;/I’m blessed, indeed! The world is mine.” (Anon) I could hear this poem in the back of my mind as I read the interview in this week’s Leaven with Dr. Carolyn Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, the overseas aid agency of U.S. Catholics. CRS is our presence in situations of need throughout the world. Woo not only puts a face on refugees, she gives these people, our fellow human beings, a heart and soul. In other words, “they” are really not all that different from

“us.” The photos that accompany Woo’s interview should stop all of us whiners in our tracks. For example, when we open a fully stocked refrigerator and complain that there’s “nothing here to eat,” meditate for a while on the photo on page 8 where many hands are eagerly grabbing for just a small piece of bread. Or when we fret that it’s chilly outside as autumn takes hold, look at the picture on the front page, where refugee moms and children are trying to warm themselves by a small fire. Ever whine about how long it takes for a Web page to load? Check out the photo of the sub-Saharan refugee on the boat, who is so relieved and grateful that he’s being rescued and won’t face drowning at sea. And the next time we gripe about how cold the bathroom floor is as we head to the shower, let’s remember the Syrian refugee covered in dust on page 9. Carolyn Woo is knowledgeable about what it means to be a refugee, as she and her parents fled China years ago. She’s also passionate about alleviating suffering in the world. Head to The Leaven website at: www.theleaven.org

to see a short video of Woo’s interview, as well as many more photos of what refugees face daily. It’s hard to imagine that 60 million people — a number comparable to one in six Americans — are now displaced. We’re blessed that organizations like CRS minister to these brothers and sisters of ours . . . and don’t let us forget them. Woo believes that the one thing holding people back from helping the immigrant or refugee is fear — fear of the “other,” fear of the stranger. Let’s not allow fear to paralyze us. Since CRS operates in our name, how about sending them a financial “treat” this Halloween? Figure out how much you spent on candy, decorations and costumes and then send a donation to CRS, matching that amount. Seeing the real suffering of so many people worldwide puts our First World “problems” into perspective. Like the anonymous poet, we cry out, “Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;/I’m blessed, indeed! The world is mine.” And because the world is ours, let’s put away the whine and cheese and rush to help our scattered, wandering family in need.

We are all called to be dressed in white

ome stains are extremely difficult to remove from clothes. One of the worst is blood. It can ruin a dress or a shirt. It is not a good choice to use as a laundry additive. So, why does Sunday’s first reading — Rv 7:2-4, 9-14 — claim: “They have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb?” This goes against our experience of the world. That is because the reading is speaking in symbolic terms. Contrary to our own experience, this blood has turned the robes white. We are not told what color they were originally, but evidently not white. After all, white is not a very prac-

POPE FRANCIS

IN THE BEGINNING

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

tical color. It shows dirt easily. That is why the color white symbolizes purity. It is the color of heaven, not earth.

The attachment to money leads to broken families and causes wars, Pope Francis said at his early morning Mass. The pope said that although Jesus is not against wealth in itself, he does warn of the idolatry that is created when one becomes attached to riches, thus leading to division. In his homily at Mass Oct. 19 in the chapel of his residence, the

When Jesus appears transfigured on the mountain in presence of the apostles Peter, James and John, “his clothes became dazzlingly white” (Mk 9:3). After Jesus rises from the dead, and the women visit his tomb, “they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe” (Mk 16:5). The color white of the robe

denotes a heavenly presence. The people wearing the white robes in our reading from the Book of Revelation are the saints. That is fitting, because this Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints. The reading does not attempt to give their names, or even to estimate their number: “I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people and tongue.” The reading is making the point that these saints represent a huge number, from all over the church. And doesn’t that describe the church? I do not pretend to claim that we are all perfect, that everyone in the church is already a saint. At the same

Domus Sanctae Marthae, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Lk 12:13-21), which recounted Jesus’ answer regarding an inheritance dispute between two brothers. “Let us think of how many families we know who fight, who do not greet each other, who hate each other because of an inheritance,” the pope said. “And this is one of those cases. The love of a family, the love of children, of brothers and sisters, of parents

time, we are all called to become saints. That is our ultimate goal, to go to heaven and wear white robes — symbolically, of course. That is why, when we are baptized, when we become members of the church, we are clothed in a white robe. The priest tells us, “Bring it unstained to the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that you may have everlasting life.” Sin puts a stain on our robe. But fortunately, the Blood of the Lamb — that is to say, Jesus’ blood shed for us on the cross — can make it white again. Ultimately, we are saved through him. Ultimately, we become saints because of him. That is why we celebrate this feast of All Saints. It is our feast.

is not the most important; no, it is money. And this destroys.” Pope Francis also noted that this attachment to wealth is behind the conflicts afflicting the world today, particularly from arms trafficking and those who profit from war. Greed, he said, gives a false sense of security that “always ends badly.” — CNS

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Our rubric for success is our student’s closeness with Christ

ear friends of Catholic schools, It has been several years since I stopped reading the Kansas City newspaper. I realized that I was starting my days angry and frustrated about editorials with which I did not agree and desiring things I really did not need from all the advertising. Because I now had more time in the morning, I began to add to the spiritual reading I had started. I should not have been surprised (but I was anyway) that my days began to have a peacefulness about them, and I did not seem

FROM THE SUPER

KATHY O’HARA Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

busyness of the school day.” I typically read one or two of the reflections each morning, and I

have found so many of them to be profoundly eloquent and touching. The other day this quote jumped out at me: “As teacher, Christ gives us a new rubric for measuring success. Christian educators are charged with doing the same. We help our students de-

velop the skills that the world demands, but we instill in them a desire to use that education in ways that the world often derides. Though we give them the tools to earn power and wealth, we teach them to be with and to serve the weak and the poor. Though we give them tools to outperform their competition, we teach them to prize the others’ success above their own. Though we give them the tools to be leaders, we teach them to be servants. We remember that for Christ, the skills are important, but it’s the criteria on the rubric that make all the difference.” This passage beauti-

fully summarizes what we are about in our Catholic schools in the archdiocese. It also explains why the research shows that graduates of Catholic schools are more actively involved in their parishes and communities than their public school counterparts. However, we are not particularly interested in outperforming for its own sake. Rather, our rubric for success is our students’ closeness to Christ. This may be difficult to measure, but we must always strive for it, nonetheless. As it says in Scripture: “For God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26). ¡Vaya con Dios!

Friend’s death gave liturgy consultant a lesson in life

ometimes you learn the most important things from people after they have died. This is certainly the case with my dear friend Mary Jo Jensen from St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village. She passed from this world to the next in August. Our friendship began almost 19 years ago to the date of her passing, when I was a new and young parish music director, and she was a seasoned alto in the parish choir. She and her husband Phil, who survives, remain among the greatest of those who have encouraged and

to miss much — or maybe I was just blissfully ignorant of what I was missing! Now I read the Scripture for daily Mass and reflections from a variety of sources. Recently, I have added another volume to my daily meditation: “5 Minutes with Christ — Spiritual Nourishment for Busy Teachers,” edited by Father Lou DelFra, CSC, and Ann Primus Berends. “5 Minutes with Christ” is a collection of short meditations by Catholic school educators and was compiled to “provide spiritual nourishment for any teacher trying to connect with Christ in the

supported me throughout the years, with both their affection and generosity. Mary Jo was a good example of humanity to others and was faithful, placing her untiring confidence in Our Lord and the Blessed Mother. Fewer have been more devoted. These things alone — true friendship and holiness of example and piety — would certainly be enough of a legacy for any one person to leave behind. But two additional lessons from her emerged as she was dying and after her death: her insistence that she be prayed for after death, and her devotion to the souls of

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of liturgy and sacramental life.

the faithful departed. I’ve long shared her

devotion to the departed, and I promised her I would not be remiss in my intercession for her. I have kept that promise, even though my heart says she’s likely passing the graces along to those in true need. But during her funeral Mass, I learned some-

thing further that we also shared: holy cards. She kept holy cards from funerals. Dozens and dozens and dozens of them, we were told. And with regularity, she faithfully went through each and every one of those holy cards, pausing and praying for the soul named thereupon. I, too, have long collected holy cards, dozens and dozens and dozens of them, from funerals of those I’ve known well and even hardly known (as I serve as cantor at many funerals). I used to debate about what I ought to do with them. But no longer. Do you have any funeral holy cards? If

so, find them — all of them — and gather them together. And then regularly, just like Mary Jo, remember these souls before the loving gaze of the Lord. Never mind now if they’re already seeing that same gaze in the fullness of its beauty. They can still use our prayers and intentions for good. You see, God and his saints in heaven are experts at directing grace where it is most needed. So keep on praying for them, these folks named on your collection of holy cards, and let the good Lord do what he will with the gift of your intercessions. Thank you, Mary Jo. Now rest in peace.

Supreme Court’s decision goes against basic biology

ike the results of some sort of judicially administered lab test, the U.S. Supreme Court’s summer decision in Obergefell v. Hodges confirmed two preexisting conditions that do not bode well for the body politic’s long-term health. First, the court’s invention of a constitutional right to same-sex marriage ratifies the sexual revolution’s core, if unspoken, premise: that the desires of adults trump what’s best for children. Every child wants to know his or her mother and father, to be with them and to be loved by them. Yet 40 years of quick and easy divorce and exponential growth

in out-of-wedlock births have made family breakdown culturally acceptable and, in Hollywood’s reckoning, fashionable even. Now, Obergefell makes it national policy that children will be deprived of mothers, or fathers, by design. The law will now privilege — with the special treatment reserved for marriage — relationships where children will have two “fathers” but no mother, or vice versa. Commercials that celebrate two dads cuddling their bouncing baby ignore the cold reality that this child will never have a mommy, will never know a mother’s embrace and that the adults are doing this on purpose. Second, Obergefell

CHURCH AND STATE

MICHAEL SCHUTTLOFFEL Michael Schuttloffel is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

confirmed, once and for all, that on an increasing number of issues, the United States is a

democracy in name only. The Obergefell decision is fundamentally illegitimate — not only because the institution of marriage preexists the federal government and is not refashionable by judges, but because the decision is nakedly an exercise in results-driven legislating from the bench.

That this state of affairs is readily apparent to four sitting Supreme Court justices should alarm all Americans, whatever their views on marriage. In his dissent, Chief Justice Roberts writes: “The majority’s decision is an act of will, not legal judgment. The right it announces has no basis in the Constitution.” Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito offered similarly strong remarks, but perhaps most stunning is the beginning of Justice Scalia’s dissent, which he says he writes “to call attention to this court’s threat to American democracy.” Think about that. The country seems content to allow five

unelected judges — all born in California or New York City and all Harvard or Yale graduates — to serve as some sort of super-legislature, empowered to make law on marriage for 300 million Americans, even though they were picked, as the Scalia dissent points out, “for their skill as lawyers,” not because they are representative of the American people’s views or have demonstrated any sort of policy expertise. Perhaps it is fitting that a decision so in conflict with the basic facts of biology, sexuality and history is equally preposterous constitutionally. That all the wheels are coming off at once is, however, rarely much consolation.

LOCAL NEWS

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY What they are and how you can live them BY BILL SCHOLL

THIRSTY

Give drink to the thirsty

he average American is never more than a few steps away from clean, safe drinking water; sadly, such is not the case in the rest of the world. According to the World Health Organization, 2.6 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water. As a result, they have all kinds of health problems. Access to food alone won’t stop malnutrition when people can’t digest the food because of waterborne parasites. Ideas: Research charities such as Catholic Relief Services that work to provide the poor with access to clean drinking water. Some Catholics choose to show spiritual solidarity by fasting from a favorite beverage and donating some of the funds to help.

HUNGRY

Give food to the hungry

ccording to data gathered by Feedingamerica.org, “In Kansas, one in seven people struggles with hunger.” Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas reports that there has been a 25 percent increase this year in the need for emergency food assistance as desperate families struggle. Ideas: Have your parish organize a food drive, especially during the summer months when food needs go up and giving goes down. Many parishes help at local soup kitchens. Serving can also be a great way to encounter Christ by directly meeting people in need.

OCTOBER 30, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

he theme of mercy runs throughout the papacy of Pope Francis — so much so that he has declared an extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy to start this Dec. 8. But Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was not caught out by the “pope of surprises” this time. Before Pope Francis even announced his jubilee year, a key component of it — the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy — had already been incorporated into the archbishop’s specific initiatives for the archdiocese. For the next 10 years, in fact, the church in northeast Kansas will be encouraging and coaching Catholics on how to cultivate relationships through the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Archbishop Naumann is inviting all Catholics to learn the corporal works of mercy and look for opportunities to practice them.

IMPRISONED

SICK

Visit the imprisoned

Care for the sick

Ideas: Besides researching Mentoring4Success, Catholics interested in getting involved in prison ministry can check with their parish to find out what prison ministry opportunities are available in their area, or contact the archdiocesan office for social justice. St. Dismas Prison Outreach (SDPO.org) helps to coordinate visits to some jails.

Ideas: Find out how you and your family can volunteer to help at a nursing home. Reach out to the people in the parish who are sick by offering to make meals or help family members care for their sick relative. Volunteer with Catholic Charities Hospice.

he United States has the largest prison population in the world with one in every 100 American adults incarcerated at any given time, with the majority eventually returning to the community. Kansas has a wonderful mentorship program called Mentoring4Success that encourages people of faith to mentor inmates set for release. Each of the area Kansas prisons has Catholics who visit the inmates to minister to them.

ne of the most profound hardships is loneliness. When Adam was all by himself, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gn 2:18). The impact of loneliness is magnified by sickness, infirmity or old age. It is a great mercy to accompany someone when they are ill. As Christians, we encounter the suffering Christ. We are like Simon of Cyrene, helping Christ carry his cross when we visit someone in the hospital or at the nursing home.

Memorize the corporal works of mercy the easy way

HOMELESS Shelter the homeless

ur Lord himself experienced many episodes of homelessness, starting at birth and even ending with him buried in another’s tomb. In the face of the homeless, he challenges us when he says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). In our own day, it may not always be prudent to welcome strangers into our home, but helping charities that help the homeless and prevent homelessness can be a great way to start. Ideas: Besides supporting your local homeless shelter, carrying around Ziploc bags with things like socks and toiletries in your car can be a great way to help the homeless when you encounter them.

DEAD

NAKED

Clothe the naked

od imbued our body with great dignity and so it is important that everyone is clothed with necessary, appropriate attire. Whether it is St. Francis giving his fine clothes to a shabbily dressed, embarrassed knight or St. Martin of Tours cutting his military cloak to save a freezing beggar, Christian tradition has always celebrated the dignity of the body by clothing the naked. While helping the poor who have no clothes is a first concern, practicing this virtue also entails a reflection on how we dress as well. Ideas: Give your gently used clothes to charity. One great tip is to hang all your clothes with the hook facing toward you. When you wear and wash them put them back the normal way. At the end of the season give away the clothes you see you haven’t worn.

Bury the dead

hile Jesus Christ enumerated the first six corporal works of mercy in the Gospel of Matthew, the church adds a seventh. This merciful act is also drawn from Scripture by the example of Tobit in the Old Testament who is exiled for his righteous work of burying the dead. As Catholics, we believe that everyone who has ever lived will one day be reunited with their body. As it says in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit” (2300). Ideas: Help with your parish’s funeral ministry. Donate to Catholic Cemeteries to pay for the burial of the poor. For more ideas, visit the website at: www.archkck.org/mercy.

The archbishop is encouraging all Catholics to memorize the corporal works of mercy. The mnemonic device “THIS HaND,” can help. T is for thirsty, H is for hungry, and so on. Only the “A” in hand is silent.

T H I S H N D

hirsty: Give drink to the thirsty ungry: Give food to the hungry

mprisoned: Visit the imprisoned ick: Care for the sick

omeless: Shelter the homeless aked: Clothe the naked

ead: Bury the dead