10-31-08 Vol. 30 No. 13

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 13 OCTOBER 31, 2008

The Gospel truth

Soloist Peggy Robinson leads Our Lady and St. Rose’s gospel choir in a performance of “Only You Are Holy,” one of the early numbers in the “Give God the Praise” concert Oct. 19.

Story and photos by Anita McSorley

I

f you noticed a little skip to your step or sway to your hips the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 19, you might have been channeling the groove of the third annual Gospel Choir Concert of Our Lady and St. Rose Parish held in Kansas City, Kan. Certainly if you’d been among those gathered at the historic church at 8th and Quindaro, you’d have had a hard time resisting the urge to tap your feet — or maybe even stand up and shout out an amen or two.

Welcomed by Our Lady pastor Father Bill McEvoy, the 20member choir presented a wide selection of numbers. The choir was accompanied by parish pianist LaLetal Jones and guest musicians Bill Freeman, Anthony Garner, Robbie Easterwood, and Patricia Hodison. The group was directed by Lorraine Long.

The program also included a sprinkling rite by Father Roger Schmit, OSB; remarks by Sanctuary of Hope’s Father Dennis Wait; and a prayer by Sister Therese Bangert,SCL.

Members of the KC Heritage Dance Ministry, including Debra Burbanks (left) and Germaine Smith, joined Our Lady and St. Rose’s gospel choir for its third annual concert in Kansas City, Kan.

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FAITH AND POLITICS

PRIEST HOBBIES ARE BACK!

ALL AROUND THE TOWN

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann navigates tricky political waters at a talk in Lawrence.

See inside for our stories — and yours — about the archdiocese’s new chancellor, Father Gary Pennings.

Let our photo roundup show you what you’ve missed these last few weeks in the archdiocese.

ARCHBISHOP

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THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

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ne of the saddest moments for me during this year’s election campaign occurred during the vice presidential debate, when the “Catholic” vice presidential candidate, Senator Joseph Biden, bragged about his role in preserving Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision which in effect legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.

This outburst of pride by Sen. Biden occurred as part of his response to a question inquiring how his thinking had changed since he first entered public life. Senator Biden answered by noting that when he first became a member of the Senate, he believed judicial appointments should be made purely on the basis of the legal competence of a candidate. However, at some point in his Senate career, his thinking evolved. Senator Biden now believes that ideology must also be a factor in evaluating the suitability of a judicial candidate.

By his own admission, Sen. Biden’s leadership on the Judiciary Committee was critical in defeating a nominee who in his opinion, except for his opposition to Roe v. Wade, was qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. By helping preserve Roe v. Wade, Sen. Biden

was also assuming a share of responsibility for the deaths of millions of children who have died from abortion because of that Supreme Court decision.

Senator Biden’s debate comments serve as a reminder that our current permissive policies sanctioning abortion have come from the courts — not from Congress, the state Legislatures, or a referendum of the people. It was the decision of the Court in 1973 that struck down all the state laws restricting abortions.

Senator Biden says that he accepts the Catholic Church’s teaching on when human life begins, but asserts that it would be wrong for him to impose this belief on others. At the same time, he is happy and even proud to cooperate in preserving the Supreme Court’s imposition of abortion public policy on the entire nation.

Inadvertently, Sen. Biden also reminded American voters that ultimately we have the ability to change public policy, even those imposed by an overreaching Court. One of the most important responsibilities of any president is the appointment of federal judges and, in particular, appointments to the Supreme Court.

Senator Biden’s assertion that he preserved Roe v. Wade makes clear that it also matters whom we elect to the U.S. Senate. The Senate has the ability to block any presidential nomi-

nee. Also Governor Sarah Palin’s meteoric rise to national prominence demonstrates the importance of electing pro-life candidates as mayors and members of public school boards because of the values they bring to these important local offices and because they form the pool of potential candidates for higher office.

There are those who argue that there were illegal abortions before Roe v. Wade, so what difference does a law make? This is like arguing that since there are still murders, rapes, and thefts, we should just decriminalize these actions.

Of course, there will always be those who will not comply with the law. This does not mean that such laws are ineffective or unnecessary. There are no accurate records of the number of illegal abortions before Roe v. Wade. Doctor Bernard Nathanson, a former abortionist and one of the founders of NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League) admits that abortion advocates made up the statistics they used in their propaganda efforts to promote abortion’s legalization. The more honest estimates indicate that abortions increased by more than 10 times with legalization. This means that there are more than a million additional abortions annually because of Roe v. Wade.

The law really does make a difference.

Senator Barak Obama says that he does not believe in litmus tests for Supreme Court nominees, but he also pledges to protect Roe v. Wade.

Senator Obama has also stated that he wants, early in his presidency, to sign into law the so-called Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would eliminate the modest limitations of abortion permitted under Roe v. Wade.

Informed consent and parental notifi-

cation statutes have reduced the number of abortions.

FOCA, in its present form, would also take away conscience clauses. In other words, it could be used to coerce doctors, nurses, hospitals and health care systems to participate in abortion.

We should take Sen. Obama’s promises seriously because they are very consistent with his record as Illinois state senator and his brief career as a U.S. senator.

There are many in political life who would like the abortion issue to just disappear. They argue that abortion distracts from the much more important issues of the economy and the national security. The most important crisis in our nation today is a moral crisis.

It is a crisis about fundamental values and beliefs. The foundational issue of this moral crisis is whether we will continue to permit the state-sanctioned killing of our own children.

In a recently published interview Sen. Biden said that he is a “John XXIII guy” and “not a Pope John Paul guy.” I hope that he is not trying to imply that Pope John XXIII would bless or approve his action in support of legalized abortion. It is not my responsibility or my role to tell the people of the archdiocese for whom to vote. However, I can tell you there is no such thing as a “John XXIII Catholic” or a “John Paul II Catholic.” There are, however, “faithful” and “unfaithful” Catholics.

Senator Biden is proud to have helped preserve Roe v. Wade and thus to share responsibility for its consequences. Consider this when casting your vote: Are you ready to accept some responsibility for the more than a million unborn children who are killed every year by abortion? Think about it!

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‘What kind of society will we choose to be?’

Archbishop speaks on faith and politics at Dole Center

Leaven photo/Joe Bollig

The church has always cherished its right and responsibility to speak to the moral issues confronting the nation and to strive to properly form the consciences of its members, said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, during a speech on Oct. 21 at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. The event was sponsored by the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence.

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff AWRENCE — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann opened his address on faith and politics with the first recorded “gotcha” question posed to a public figure.

When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking him a question about taxes, the archbishop said, Jesus stopped them cold by replying, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Mt 22:22).

“Jesus, of course, is very shrewd in his reply,” said Archbishop Naumann. “He doesn’t allow his message to be reduced to political opposition or support for a particular regime.”

And so it was with Archbishop Naumann. He did not endorse any candidate or party during his talk on Oct. 21 at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, located at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.

Rather than offer endorsements, the archbishop explained how the church’s teachings should be used for dealing with society’s vital issues in the context of an election year.

The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center sponsored the archbishop’s speech as part of an effort to educate people about the church’s role in our democratic society’s political process and civic life. Approximately 125 people attended.

The stage was set early in America’s history when Archbishop John Carroll advised the clergy to keep themselves distant from politics, said the archbishop.

“It’s equally important to note that while adopting this policy of keeping ourselves disengaged from partisan poli-

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tics, declining to support particular parties and candidates, the Catholic Church in the United States has always cherished its right, but also its responsibility, to speak to the moral issues confronting our nation and to strive to form properly the consciences of her members,” he said.

The greatest issues that confront American society today, said the archbishop, are those that concern human life, including abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research, cloning and same-sex marriage.

“There are some actions and activities that are against the innate dignity of the human person and that really infringe on the rights and dignity of others,” said Archbishop Naumann.

Paraphrasing Pope John Paul II’s encyclical “The Gospel of Life,” the archbishop explained how relativism corrupts democracy and propagates outrages against human dignity.

“When the essential connection between freedom and truth is severed, then democracy itself is in jeopardy,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Freedom no longer anchored to the truth quickly becomes the freedom of the strong against the weak.”

The archbishop said that he believes that this is an important moment in our nation’s history, not unlike the 19thcentury struggle over slavery — another great moral issue.

“We are at battle for the soul of our nation,” he said. “What kind of society will we choose to be?”

The central question, said the archbishop, is: “What does it mean to be a Catholic in today’s democratic society?”

It means having freedoms and responsibilities, he answered. Every Catholic should be an active citizen, but simply voting is not enough.

“Our most basic civil responsibility is to vote; however, just voting is not sufficient,” he said. “In fact, it may be coun-

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When the essential connection between freedom and truth is severed, then democracy itself is in jeopardy.

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‘The most important crisis in our nation is a moral crisis’

Archbishop Naumann terproductive if we are not well- informed about policy issues pertaining to the common good and the positions of particular candidates.”

In addition to being knowledgeable about issues and candidates, Catholics have the obligation to properly form their consciences. They do this by learning the moral and social teachings of the church, he explained.

Catholic voters may have differing views on the application of Catholic teaching to a variety of public policy issues, he said, such as the economy or foreign policy.

“Because these prudential judgments do not involve a direct choice of something evil and take into consideration various goods, it is possible for Catholic voters to arrive at differing and even opposing judgments,” said the archbishop, quoting “Moral Principles for Catholic Voters,” published by the Kansas Catholic Conference.

Some choices, however, always involve doing evil — such as actions against the innate human dignity of the person, he said. These are intrinsically evil acts, regardless of motives or circumstances.

“Every Catholic should be concerned about a wide variety of issues,” said

Archbishop Naumann.

“While [many] issues are important, we must realize that those issues which involve intrinsic evils, such as direct attacks on human life . . . must assume a moral priority. While all issues are important, all are not equally important from a moral analysis.”

Catholic voters will probably not find “perfect” candidates, he said. In these cases, they must choose the “the choice that will yield the greatest good.”

“We should not allow ‘the perfect’ to become the enemy of ‘the good,’” said the archbishop.

It might be possible to vote for someone who supports an intrinsic evil like abortion, he continued, but that choice would be subject to a severe test.

He quoted a letter from then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, who wrote: “When a Catholic does not share a candidate’s stand in favor of abortion or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons.”

“Well, this inevitably leads to this question,” said the archbishop. “What could be a proportionate reason for more than 45 million children killed by abortion during the last 35 years?”

The goal is not to “capture” a party, but to move both of the major parties to the point where they will not tolerate these intrinsic evils, he said.

“If the Catholic community is impotent to influence public policy on such a fundamental moral issue such as the life issue, we’ll have little ability to influence public policy in other areas where there is less moral clarity,” he said. “On the other hand, if we can use our voice and votes to influence our nation in this area, we will be strengthened in our efforts to make a positive contribution in other areas of public policy as well.”

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

Maryvale program opens catechetical degrees up to all Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholics in the archdiocese can now get a worldclass catechetical education without ever having to leave Kansas.

The archdiocese is entering into partnership with the Maryvale Institute of Birmingham, England, to provide long-distance learning degrees in catechesis to lay, working adults.

“Maryvale is orthodox and faithful to the church, but Matt Karr they have a unique method that allows people who otherwise could not go back to school the chance to take up serious study,” said Matt Karr, archdiocesan consultant for evangelization and catechesis.

That method involves assigned reading and work on assignment modules from home, complete with step by step directions. Four Saturdays a year, students will come together at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., for in-person instruction, including one day of retreat.

“Going to class even once a week would be difficult for many, especially when they have already committed one

night a week to teaching RCIA or a School of Religion class,” said Karr.

“Four days a year is much more manageable for people who have families and work to balance as well.”

The agreement was made official in September 2007, and the program’s first students in the archdiocese are set to begin coursework this coming January.

“I was very impressed with their instructors and course offerings for lay, working adults, both on the graduate and undergraduate levels,” said Karr.

“Maryvale trains catechists all around the world, and they do that really well.”

There are two tracks available to adults participating in the program. The first culminates in a certificate in catechesis, a program which Karr said is for anyone interested or involved in handing down the Catholic faith.

“This is for people who help with RCIA, School of Religion at their parish, adult faith formation or preparation for sacraments. It’s for parents and grandparents who want to better learn how to hand on the faith to their families,” he said. “Anyone who wants to learn about what the church teaches for the sake of learning would be a good fit for this.”

If all goes as planned, students beginning the catechesis certificate program in January 2009 will complete it in December 2010.

The other option leads to a master of

“

Maryvale is orthodox and faithful to the church, but they have a unique method that allows people who otherwise could not go back to school the chance to take up serious study.

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By KARA HANSEN

Matt Karr, archdiocesan consultant for evangelization and catechesis

arts in catechesis, offered by the Maryvale Institute in conjunction with the Open University in England. The program is longer and more rigorous than the certificate program and targeted to religious educators and master catechists, said Karr.

The master’s program requires a commitment of three full weekends a year, the first of which will be held at the Open University in Birmingham, England. Students entering the program in January 2009 would be on target to finish it in December 2011.

“That type of educational format allows people the chance to form deep

connections and community with their group of fellow students,” said Karr.

“Both programs combine distance learning and coming together to form relationships in a unique way.”

Karr said the cost of the master’s program at Maryvale is only one-third to one-half the cost of comparable catechesis programs in the United States.

For more information about the Maryvale catechesis certificate or master’s program, call Stacy Niedbalski at (913) 647-0352.

To date, there are 30 applicants signed up for the certificate program and 15 for the master’s program. Karr also said there has been interest from out-of-state applicants, who could travel to Kansas City the three times a year required to meet the on-site requirements of the program. Space is still available, but the deadline to apply for the master’s program is Dec. 1; Jan. 1 is the deadline for the certificate program.

Father Anthony Putti, pastor of St. Gregory Parish in Marysville and St. Malachy Parish in Beattie, is hoping to enroll four of his parishioners in the Maryvale program after hearing Karr speak about what it had to offer.

“I think people can come back with this education and be very instrumental in evangelization and in reaching out to fallen-away Catholics,” said Father Putti. “I think it will be very fruitful.”

Area pastor elected to national post with Jesus Caritas

By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff OVERLAND PARK — Father Mark Mertes here at Holy Cross Church has had years of experience leading lay Catholics to Christ. Now he’ll be trying his hand at leading his brother priests as well.

The Holy Cross pastor was elected to the position of national responsible for the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests in the United States on Aug. 7, at the national assembly for Jesus Caritas in Cleveland.

“When I found out, I was a little scared, but overall very affirmed and confident we can continue doing good things,” he said.

As national responsible, Father Mertes will serve as the head of the national council of Jesus Caritas, the American branch of the Jesus Caritas Fraternity. The fraternity is an international association of diocesan priests who support one another in deepening their faith and spiritual lives. In particular, the group focuses on living out

the spirituality modeled by Charles de Foucauld, a Trappist monk who began a desert hermitage in the late 19th century.

“There are three main focuses of the spirituality — a regular Holy Hour of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, a monthly meeting for support with our brother priests, and consideration Father Mertes for the poor by trying to live as simple a life as possible,” said Father Mertes.

Priests who participate in Jesus Caritas gather once a month with the same group of five to seven priests for Scripture sharing, prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, review of life, fellowship and usually a shared meal. “[My Jesus Caritas group has] been a great help to me as I learn from the experience and wisdom of other priests. Especially now that I’m a pas-

tor without other priests nearby, I really look forward to the fraternal and community aspect of our group,” said Father Kent O’Connor, who has been participating in a small group with Father Mertes since his ordination in 2003. “It’s been a great addition to my ongoing priestly formation.”

Father Mertes has participated in Jesus Caritas since his ordination 21 years ago. During his three-year term as national responsible, he hopes to encourage other priests to become involved with and enriched by the organization.

“My goal as national responsible will be to increase awareness of all that Jesus Caritas has to offer for diocesan priests,” said Father Mertes. “Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests provides a common way of life for all priests. It can be a meeting place for diverse brothers to be encouraged in their common ministry through prayer, friendship and review of life. It provides a great response to the hectic and sometimes overwhelming challenges of priestly life in 2008.”

The Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests has 4,000 members worldwide and approximately 1,200 in the United States. Father Mertes is hopeful that number will rise — not just to swell the ranks, but so that other priests can experience a deepened spirituality with their fellow priests.

“I hope we can increase awareness of the priestly fraternity and offer opportunities for diocesan priests all around the country to participate,” said Father Mertes. “I encourage any local priests who are interested to contact me or other priests who are already involved.”

Father Mertes’ passion for the organization made him an ideal fit for becoming the national responsible, said Father O’Connor.

“Father Mark is a good selection for this position because he has a great love for Jesus Caritas. He’s always been very involved in our small group and on a national level as well. I think he will be a great responsible,” said Father O’Connor.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Blood drive to honor two St. James Academy students

By JOYCE A. MITCHELL Special to The Leaven LENEXA — You take it for granted, said Dave Miller, until someone close to you needs it desperately.

But his niece Lauren Dopp’s illness and death changed all that.

“I became acutely aware of how important blood is,” said Miller, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Louisburg. “Lauren needed blood products every six to 12 hours the last weeks of her life.”

The St. James Academy student had lived in Bucyrus with Dave and Desiree Miller, whom she called Mom and Dad, from the age of 14.

St. James’s first-ever blood drive was held last December as a memorial to the 17-year-old dance captain who had died of bone cancer the previous month. In preparing for the drive, Miller was surprised to learn how significant high-schoolers are to the blood supply of the nation.

Now he’s focused on encouraging this population to donate.

“They are what keeps the blood supply afloat,” explained Carol Vierthaler, Community Blood Center’s donor recruiter for Johnson County. “Highschoolers provide 15 percent of all blood in Kansas City.”

A high school blood drive like St. James’ provides a fresh group of donors senior class to draw from, it’s even more amazing. each year, as “a new set of 16-year-olds “For a high school drive with no sewho can donate” becomes eligible, niors yet, that’s great,” Vierthaler said.

Vierthaler said.

“I was just so excited and so happy I And it’s a win-win for everyone, since started crying,” said Krista Zuroske, the most students are happy to have a reason junior who organized the blood drive as to get out of class. a service project. She Nationwide, 60 had already started percent of the planning the event general populawhen the Millers aption could give proached her about blood, but only having the drive in five percent actuDopp’s honor. ally does, accordMiller said the St. ing to the blood James community center. “inundated” that If everyone first blood drive. who gave blood “Nobody comonce a year would Carol Vierthaler, plained about havdonate twice a Community Blood Center’s donor ing to wait,” Miller year, there would recruiter for Johnson County said. “People were be no shortage, happy to be there Vierthaler said. and giving.”

That first blood Zuroske said those who couldn’t dodrive at St. James yielded an impressive nate due to health reasons or a phobia of 124 units. The school went well beyond needles did their part, too, praying for its goal of 80 units — they had more than the success of the drive. that in first-time donors, with 93.

This year’s drive will be held on the With so many young donors lining up to give blood for the first time, “we anniversary of Dopp’s death, Nov. 7. It will recognize another student, Brooks had a lot of scared kids that day,” said Wisdom, as well; she, too, would have Miller. been a senior.

When you consider that the school, The event is a “good chance to reonly three years old, did not yet have a

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They are what keeps the blood supply afloat.

High-schoolers provide 15 percent of all blood in Kansas City.

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4 LOCAL NEWS

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Lauren Dopp (right), who died of bone cancer last year, inspired a blood drive at St. James Academy in Lenexa last November. Above, Lauren’s best friend Jessica Eisman, then a junior at St. James, gives blood. Last year’s blood drive was so successful that another is set for Nov. 7 at the high school. member how they lived their lives,” said Zuroske.

Caitlin Lewis, who is assisting Zuroske this year, was also inspired by the first effort.

“I tried three times over the summer to donate again,” she said.

The blood drive will be held Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the gym at St. James, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. Blood donors must be 17 or older, in good general health and weigh at least 115 pounds. Sixteen-year-olds can donate with parental permission. To avoid waiting, donors can make an online reservation at: esavealifenow.org; enter StJamesAcademy as the login code.

Miller will be at the drive, encouraging students and others to become active blood donors.

“You never know when it might be your mom, dad, brother or sister that needs blood,” he said.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s November calendar 1

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Mass and foundation dinner — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park

Welcome and prayer for Faith and Freedom Catholic advocacy workshop — Savior

National Committee for a Human Life Amendment meeting

Mass and dinner, Knights of Holy Sepulcher — Visitation Parish, Kansas City, Mo.

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To Baltimore for U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings

Mass — Good Leaders, Good Shepherds

Crosier Mass — Savior Pastoral Center

Mass and dinner — 150th anniversary, Sisters of Charity, Leavenworth

Mass and present St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award — Sacred Heart, Mound City

2 Masses and installation of pastor — St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie; Sacred Heart, Mound City; and Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne Mass and dinner — Didde Campus Center, Emporia

3

9 USCCB Pro-Life Committee meeting

10-13 USCCB meetings

Independent Review Board meeting

10

4

Breakfast/meeting with National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry

Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting

11

5

Task force meeting on Life and Dignity of Human Person

Project Rachel priest workshop

Region IX bishops meeting

6

12

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas Catholic philanthropy meeting — Olathe

Region IX bishops meeting Catholic Mutual meeting

16 Mass and installation of pastor — St. Agnes, Roeland Park Mass and visit — St. Lawrence Campus Center

18 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting

24 Presbyteral Council meeting

25 Administrative Team meeting

26 Mass and breakfast with chancery staff

19

27

Mass — St. Francis Hospital, Topeka

Thanksgiving Day

Planning meeting for 2010 Knights of Holy Sepulcher conference in Kansas City

Baptism — St. Louis

29 30 Mass and blessing of adoration chapel — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

Harold and Sarah (Crenshaw) Barrett, members of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish, Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 25. The couple was married Oct. 25, 1958, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their are: Beth and ANNIVERSARIES spouses Mike Woods, Lenexa; Hal and Jeannie Barrett, Kansas City, Kan.; Teri and Mark Protzmann, Lenexa; Kathy and Ed Wollmuth, Overland Park; Ron Barrett, Kansas City, Mo.; and Jeff and Christi Barrett, Kansas City, Kan. They also have eight grandchildren.

Rosemary (Werner) and Jim Simons, members of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a Mass on Nov. 8 and a reception on Nov. 9 in the church basement.

The couple was married on Nov. 8, 1958, at Sacred Heart Church, Paxico, by Father George Klasinski. Their children and their spouses are: Amy and Matt Jennings, Leawood; and Christy Simons, Overland Park. They also have three grandchildren.

Catherine (Sachen) and Frank Sosinski, members of St. Joseph/St. Benedict Parish, Kansas City, Kan., marked their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 23.

The couple celebrated with their family at a private dinner hosted by their children and their spouses: Richard Sosinski, Lawrence; Dave and Teresa Sosinski, Kansas City, Mo.; and Tim and Geralyn Sosinski, Kansas City, Kan. The couple was married at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan. They have eight grandchildren and reside at Santa Marta retirement community in Olathe.

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please 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 (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

Archbishop James P. Keleher’s November calendar 2-6

11

18

National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate Conference — Philadelphia

Breakfast meeting — Theological College, Washington, D.C.

Catholic Radio Program taping

8

12

Mass, Knights of Malta

20

Wedding Mass

Breakfast meeting — Blessed John XXIII Seminary, Weston, Mass.

9

15

Mass and dinner — Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, Visitation Parish, Kansas City, Mo.

To Baltimore for U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings

Pro-Life Mass — Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Kansas City, Kan.

27

USCCB Basilica of Immaculate Conception meeting

10-12 USCCB meetings

Thanksgiving Day First confessions — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood

16 Confirmation — St. Aloysius, Meriden

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M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Summer Months: Sat. 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

29 Mass — Sacred Heart, Shawnee

30 Mass — federal prison

There are a lot of good reasons to make Catholic Community Hospice your choice when selecting a hospice.

Some are more important than others.

913-621-5090 (Kansas City) 785-220-8387 (Topeka) www.catholiccommunityhospice.com

LOCAL NEWS

Father Regis Hickey, OSB ATCHISON — Father Regis Hickey, a monk and priest of St. Benedict’s Abbey here, died Oct. 21. He was 91. Father Regis was born on May 9, 1917, in Chicago, the son of John A. and Elizabeth Garvey Hickey.

Father Regis attended Holy Cross Catholic Grade School in and Chicago, Father Regis Mount Carmel High School, where he graduated in 1935. He graduated from St. Benedict’s College in 1939, and worked for Register System of Catholic OBITUARY newspapers in Denver.

In 1942, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served in the 340th Bombardment Group of the 12th U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. On Sept. 21, 1947, Father Regis professed his vows as a monk of the abbey.

On Dec. 21, 1950, he was ordained to the priesthood in St. Benedict’s Parish in Atchison by Bishop Charles LeBlond of St. Joseph, Mo. He served as an assistant prefect of the abbey scholastics in the fall of 1950.

From 1951-1953 he served as assistant pastor at St. Benedict’s Church in Kansas City, Kan., and then as chaplain and English instructor at Lillis High School in Kansas City, Mo., from 1953-1954. From 1954-1960 he was the director of publicity and an instructor in the English Department for St. Benedict’s College.

Through the years, Father Regis dedicated himself to various positions: editing the college yearbook and newspaper, as well as serving as a prefect in Freshman (now Ferrell) Hall.

During the summer months of 19481952, Father Regis worked at Camp St. Maur as a counselor, administrator, and chaplain.

Father Regis studied journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., during the summers of 1954 and 1955. He also studied education at Emporia State University in the summers of 1969, 1970, and 1971. In August 1971, he was awarded a master’s degree in education counseling from Emporia State University (then the Kansas State Teachers College).

Beginning in 1961, Father Regis served for a number of years as the stateside procurator for the Benedictine monks’ mission in Brazil. As part of that work, he started the publication Kansas Monks in Brazil in 1962.

From June 1967 to August 1978 Father Regis served as the director of vocations for the abbey.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 1981, Father Regis became the chaplain for the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. St. Scholastica Monastery, where he served for a number of years.

In later years, Father Regis also dedicated much time to serving with hospice. He was known for his compassion and prayerfulness as loved ones and their families prepared for death.

7

Priest trades mountain high for spiritual one

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Moses and Father Gary Pennings have something in common: They’ve both been to the mountain.

Not the same mountain. Moses had his Sinai; Father Pennings had his Indian Peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

When he was a younger man, one of Father Penning’s hobbies was hiking and backpacking in the mountains of Colorado’s Front Range and in the vicinity of Granby Lake.

This was before ordination, or even seminary, in his previous career as a paramedic and emergency medical service administrator.

“A friend of mine I used to work with turned me on to backpacking,” said Father Pennings. “The first time I didn’t have any gear, so I took his wife’s gear. I had to wear her backpack, which was embarrassing, because it was fuchsia and some other bright color. Pink, I think.”

Sartorial issues aside, one trip was all it took: The young paramedic was hooked on that Rocky Mountain high. He got his own gear and, before long, treks up the mountains became a regular part of his life.

Like any beginner, Father Pennings had to learn what to bring and what to leave behind. For example, bringing a Bible is good. But bringing a family-size Bible suitable for holding down a coffee table is bad.

Moses, who carried down the Law of the Lord written on stone tablets, could have told him that.

“The next time I went I brought a little, tiny Bible,” he said.

Photographs from those days show a vaguely piratical-looking Father Pennings with a bandana on his head and a healthy growth of beard.

“We used to have contests when we would go hiking to see how long our beards would get,” he said. “When I was young, my beard was red, although my hair was brown.”

Backpacking worked well in combination with another of Father Penning’s for-

THE PENNINGS FILE Name: Father Gary Pennings Current assignment and duties: chancellor; priest in residence at St. Paul Parish in Olathe Number of years ordained: 8 Hometown and Parish: Green Bay, Wis.; lived in Kansas since 1977, Prince of Peace Parish My favorite food it: Chinese (but I shouldn’t eat it) My favorite book to recommend is: “Mere Christianity,” by C.S. Lewis The last good movie or video I saw was: “Bella” As a child, my favorite toy was: a firetruck The most important lesson the priesthood has taught me is: Be humble enough to stay out of God’s way The thing that surprised me the most about life as a priest is: how God works even, and sometimes especially, through our weaknesses as well as our strengths It would surprise people to learn that I: used to be a backpacker (hiker) Favorite TV show: “This Old House” (a rerun) Favorite Web site: Word on Fire Favorite band or musician: REO Speedwagon Dream vacation: a month in the Colorado Rockies Worst job I ever had: busboy Best job I ever had: pastor If I couldn’t be a priest, I’d be: a paramedic (again) If I had a church history time machine, I’d: go back to the 1st century and be a fly on the wall as Jesus called and formed his first disciples

mer hobbies: photography. He caught that bug in high school, and carried it on until he went into the seminary. He got rid of all his equipment years ago, but he still has many great photos — especially of his hikes.

His favorite time of year to backpack

was the fall, and his favorite kind of terrain was at the tree line. He’d make camp in the woods and then hike up to patches of year-round snow.

He became so experienced that he even did it alone, although this is something even the most experienced backwoods hikers advise against.

Father Pennings doesn’t have any great bear stories to tell, although one did sniff around for food outside his tent once.

“Sometimes when you’re up there by yourself, you hear a lot of things at night,” he said. “I’ve never had any dangerous encounters with a wild beast. The place I went we didn’t have any grizzlies, just black bears, so we’d always put our food up in a tree.”

He has, however, experienced the awesome force of a mountain storm.

“Being caught in a thunderstorm up there in the mountains can be scary, when your tent is blowing in all directions, and all there is between you and the elements is a thin sheet of nylon,” said Father Pennings.

One of the best things about being in the mountains wasn’t the scenery, he said, but the feeling — the feeling of being close to God. There’s nothing he liked better than to sit on a rock and write in his journal, or to pray.

“One of the things I learned about [through backpacking] is the glory of God,” said Father Pennings. “There’s a reason the Bible talks about so many biblical figures – Jesus and others — going to a mountaintop to pray.

“It’s symbolic language,” he said, “but it’s more than that. There is a certain closeness to God at the top of a mountain.”

“You experience two things there,” he continued. “You experience the grandeur of God and the greatness of his creation — how beautiful it is.

“And you also get a sense of how small you are in comparison with the immensity of God’s creation. Yet, in your minute size, relatively speaking, you feel very close to God. You know that he loves you even in the midst of this immense creation of his.

“To be up in the mountains at night when there aren’t any city lights, you see

Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Gary Pennings was still a relative rookie when Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann threw him a curveball: How would you like to be chancellor?

“I was shocked when the archbishop revealed to me his intentions,” said Father Pennings.

He had only been a priest for seven years when, in the spring of 2007, the archbishop offered him the position of chancellor — an assignment normally reserved for a churchman with more experience.

“At the time, I was recovering from a ‘cardiac event,’ as they call it,” said Father Pennings. “Although nothing happened that year, it was the first awareness I had that he was thinking of it.”

A year later, the archbishop brought the subject up again, and Father Pennings felt he had to give him an answer.

“I’ve always operated under the

premise that, once we’re ordained, God calls us to ministry through our bishop, and I wanted to be responsive to that,” said Father Pennings.

“I told him, ‘If you’re brave enough to appoint me, I’ll be brave enough to try to do the job,’” he recalled.

The appointment became effective July 11. Unlike his predecessor, Msgr.

Tom Tank, Father Pennings would be a full-time chancellor.

Soon after agreeing to the proposal, Father Pennings asked something that might have given Archbishop Naumann pause.

“What, exactly, does a chancellor do?”

Father Pennings has spent the last three months finding out.

Although canon law requires that each diocese have a chancellor, it doesn’t enumerate all the officeholder’s duties.

First and foremost, the chancellor serves the primary record-keeper of a diocese. That means he keeps track of all the official decisions, actions and decrees of a diocese. A nun or layperson can serve as

As the new archdiocesan chancellor, Father Pennings has wide-ranging responsibilities.

B

efore Father Gary came to Nativity we seldom had people fainting or “passing out” during Mass.

All of that changed when he, a former EMT, became our associate pastor. Hardly a month would go by without someone requiring an EMT during the Mass. Father Gary would calmly leave the altar and attend to the fallen parishioner. After a few moments, he would come back and report the person’s condition before resuming the Mass. By then, the Leawood EMTs would have arrived and, thankfully, it was almost always something minor.

When my mother-in-law came from Chicago, I told her about this phenomenon and while we were attending Mass during her visit, sure enough, someone fainted and required Father Gary’s assistance.

We were sad when Father Gary left Nativity. We liked him very much, especially his “hands-on approach” to ministering to our needs.

Robyn Zwolinski Church of the Nativity, Leawood

M

the skies so full of stars you realize how huge the universe is. To me, it’s a very religious experience.”

Father Pennings would like to hike in the mountains again, but a lot has changed since he last strapped on his backpack. He’s not only added a few years and a few pounds, but that heart

attack he had a while back doesn’t help matters any.

Not to mention the fact that his job as the new archdiocesan chancellor keeps him tremendously busy.

Still, he’d like to give backpacking another try.

“Especially since my heart attack, I

don’t know if I could make it up to where I used to go, or at the same pace,” said Father Pennings. “I’d probably have to take it a little easy and get back in shape.

But I’d still like to do it someday — probably a little less aggressively than I used to.”

You can take the priest out of the mountains, but you can’t take the mountains out of the priest. Before his ordination, Father Pennings was an avid hiker, and he hopes to return to the Colorado mountains when he’s in better shape and as his duties permit.

Learning the ropes: New chancellor tackles the job description that has no end

By JOE BOLLIG

From our readers

chancellor, but more commonly the office is held by a cleric because only a cleric can notarize certain church documents.

The chancellor’s position is so critical to the governance of a diocese or archdiocese it is designated a “stable” office, meaning that the chancellor’s tenure does not coincide with that of a single bishop; a single chancellor could conceivably serve under several bishops.

One of the challenges of sorting out the duties of the position here in the archdiocese, explained Father Pennings, was the fact that the chancellor’s list of duties became quite long and varied under Msgr. Tank — and almost inseparable from his duties as vicar general.

“Every diocese adds duties to the role quite uniquely based on the needs of that diocese,” said Father Pennings, “so Archbishop Naumann summarized my role as being basically to assist him in the administration of the archdiocese, and that involves a variety of things.”

He works closely, for example, with the chief financial officer of the archdio-

cese and the vicars general. He advises the archbishop on a variety of topics and handles a plethora of correspondence. He grants faculties to priests and deacons, and writes the annual report submitted to Rome.

But he’s also involved in pastoral planning, archdiocesan construction, and oversight of the chancery building and of archdiocesan administration. He also oversees the operations of the archdiocesan archives and Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

As chancellor, Father Pennings is director of Savior Pastoral Center, sits on the board (often as president) of most archdiocesan corporations, and is on or chairs several additional archdiocesan boards. He is a consultor on the Presbyteral Council and is an ex-officio member of several committees and organizations.

And of course, he is subject to the infamous contract clause that, if he had a contract, would read “assigned to duties as deemed necessary by the archbishop.”

The big question is: How can he do all this?

“The bigger question is how did Monsignor Tank do all that, plus be vicar general and chancellor,” said Father Pennings. “Yes, it is a little daunting when you look at all the duties.”

Although he admits to still feeling a little overwhelmed right now, Father Pennings sad he’s gratified by the help he has received from the chancery staff and from Msgr. Tank, who continues to serve as one of the two archdiocesan vicars general. (Msgr. Charles McGlinn is the second.)

“I told [the archbishop], ‘Don’t expect me to be Monsignor Tank,’” said Father Pennings. “Monsignor Tank is an extremely skilled and wonderful priest and administrator, and has worked in a chancery role in some form or fashion since he was ordained. I always marveled how he could do so many things so well.”

When most men enter the seminary, they don’t envision living out their priesthood in an administrative role, and

Father Pennings is no exception. He misses being a pastor, although he still celebrates weekend Masses at St. Paul Parish, where he is in residence, and sometimes at Prince of Peace Parish, both in Olathe.

When the archbishop initially approached him about the position, Father Pennings assumed it was because of his skills from his pre-priesthood career as an administrator for an emergency medical service. This, however, was not the case.

“I asked the archbishop why [he chose me], and he said his main reason was that he thought I had a good pastoral sense, which kind of surprised me,” said Father Pennings.

“He said that he believed that administrators need to have a good pastoral approach — that they need to be good pastors — which is an interesting comment.

It showed me that he was concerned that, even in the administration of the archdiocese, we should always consider being good shepherds.”

y son, Jake, was diagnosed with cancer in December 2000. He faced his treatments fearlessly and optimistically throughout 2001. Father Pennings was introduced to us that year and developed a special relationship with Jake that included prayer and strengthening his faith.

After a year of chemo, radiation, and surgery, doctors deemed Jake in remission.

Friends and family rejoiced with Jake as he looked forward to a normal life once again.

Within just a few weeks, Jake's pain returned, and our rejoicing turned to despair.

Father Pennings devoted himself to Jake as he visited him often to cheer him up.

Jake, at the age of 14, was forced to look beyond this life on earth as he entered into more intensive and difficult treatments.

Jake remained strong spiritually, as his life was slowly taken from him by cancer.

Father Pennings prayed the rosary with Jake and reinforced his faith so that, when the time came, he had nothing to fear.

Jake died on Ash Wednesday of 2003.

Just that morning Jake had received the sign of the cross in ashes from Father Pennings. At that point he knew his battle would soon be over, and he would be whole again, forever with God. Marlene Shepard St Ann Parish, Prairie Village

W

e have been blessed to have had the opportunity to know Father Gary since 2004. He came into our lives during a most difficult time. We were fighting a devastating disease with our son. Father Gary was there for us and made trips to K.U. Medical (often in terrible weather conditions) to help in any way he could. He was with us when we lost our son and afterwards to offer comfort and help us try and heal.

We spent evenings playing Scabble and Blokus, and we soon learned Father Gary is quite competitive, as is our daughter Andrea, when it comes to games. I recall at the conclusion of a game of Scrabble Father and Andrea were the only two left in the game and Andrea was up by 45 points.

There were only the tiles they had left and Father had two (and not good letters either). He was determined to find a word that would at least tie the score up, or better yet, let him win. Needless to say, after about 20 minutes of trying to come up with a space to play those two tiles, he gave up and agreed we would just have to have a rematch. We all decided for the next game we would buy a timer and limit how long one could spend looking for a place to play those tiles. So a word of warning: Father Gary is one tough competitor when it comes to games, but he is also the best company a person could ever hope for.

Nancy Cudney St Gregory Parish, Marysville

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

Ruling on frozen embryos raises ethical problems PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) — An Oregon divorce ruling that frozen embryos can be considered as property confirms an outcome predicted BRIEFLY and feared by Catholic leaders decades ago. In the wake of the Oct. 8 decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals, Catholic ethicists say other technologies, like the genetic selection of infants before birth, will pose more problems soon. The court unanimously upheld a woman’s decision to kill six frozen embryos by thawing, despite an appeal by the husband to keep them alive. Though the court stopped just short of actually calling embryos property, the key to the decision was a determination that embryos are to be considered under property laws.

The mother, Dr. Laura Dahl, said she wanted the embryos killed because she did not want someone else raising the children if they were ever carried to term. She is a pediatrician in Lake Oswego, a Portland suburb. The father, Dr. Darrell Angle, argued that the embryos are alive and so their protection should override a pre-treatment agreement saying that the mother could decide on their fate. Angle’s lawyers also contended that the destruction amounted to an unfair distribution of property.

Arizona bishop welcomes idea of personal papal blog ROME (CNS) — Someone at the Synod of Bishops on the Bible suggested that Pope Benedict XVI start his own blog, and a blogging U.S. bishop thinks it’s a good idea. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said a papal blog might make the teaching pope more accessible to a wider audience. Bishop Kicanas has been blogging on the synod since Oct. 4. His first post described the early arrival of his luggage as a “miracle” and included a picture of the view of St. Peter’s dome from his room. Since then, he has offered colorful asides from his conversations with other bishops, reported on meetings with Catholics from back home and catalogued some of the synod’s bigger and lesser themes. So when a Hong Kong synod observer, Agnes Kam Leng Lam, suggested that the pope open his own multilanguage blog, it struck a chord with Bishop Kicanas. “I think it is a good idea. He has a way of inspiring young people,” Bishop Kicanas wrote. The pope did not give an answer, but he smiled at the notion, the bishop said.

Torture violates basic human rights, says Bishop Wenski

Bishops praise Belgian-born nun for her life of charity

By HORACIO GOMEZ and TANYA GOODMAN

PARIS (CNS) — Catholic bishops in France and Belgium have praised the veteran charity worker Sister Emmanuelle, who died Oct. 20 just before her 100th birthday.

At a Mass Oct. 22 in Notre Dame Cathedral, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris said Sister Emmanuelle’s personality and use of the media “made her an emblematic figure.”

“But the authenticity of her service showed itself in her capacity to gather all kinds of people behind her work,” he said of the Notre Dame de Sion nun.

In an Oct. 20 the statement, Paris-based Friends of Sister Emmanuelle said the nun had died peacefully in her sleep of natural Sister Emmanuelle causes in her order’s retreat house in Callian, in southeastern France.

The Belgian bishops’ conference said in a statement on its Web site: “For almost a century, this great lady radiated generosity and contagious enthusiasm throughout the world. Her life invites us to increase solidarity in times of trial and reminds us it is love which saves the world.”

Sister Emmanuelle was buried Oct. 22 in the Notre Dame de Sion cemetery in Callian.

In 1971 at the age of 63, Sister Emmanuelle went to live among garbage collectors outside Cairo, Egypt, building schools and dispensaries and promoting Jewish-Muslim dialogue.

“She understood that to love those needing food to survive meant being linked with them through her lifestyle, by sharing their misery and encouraging them to get out of it,” said Cardinal Vingt-Trois. “She became a ragpicker among ragpickers, plunging without exit into a solidarity of destiny with those who have nothing and are distrusted by all.”

Catholic News Service ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — Torture is a violation of fundamental human rights and has proven to be ineffective in obtaining worthwhile intelligence from foreign detainees, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace said.

“Intelligence experts themselves say that the individual being tortured will say whatever those torturing him want to hear, and in no way advances the goal of having reliable and timely intelligence,” Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., said during an Oct. 16 program sponsored by the Center for Victims of Torture at the main branch of the Orlando Public Library.

The bishop joined other interfaith leaders and retired military officials at the forum in calling for a presidential ban on torture and cruelty.

Bishop Wenski’s comments about torture were his most recent on the topic. In February in his column in the Florida Catholic diocesan newspaper, he wrote that the U.S. “should hold itself to the highest ethical standards and fully comply with earlier commitments to observe international law in its treatment of detainees.”

He said such standards should apply to detainees in the U.S. or abroad as well as those turned over to allies for detention. “This is important to how the United States is viewed abroad; but, more importantly, human dignity is undermined once we allow ourselves to pursue an ethic of ends justifying means,” he said then.

The program was part of the Minnesota-based center’s Campaign to Ban Torture, an effort to create broader awareness of the treatment of detainees captured during military exercises and being held in prisons in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

CNS photo/Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier

STUDENTS POSITION STATUETTE OF MARY — Students position a statuette of Mary while assembling an altar for the Day of the Dead at Casa Hispana, the Hispanic Cultural Center at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y., in 2007. The Day of the Dead is celebrated by Mexicans and Guatemalans on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, and All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2.

Economy no excuse to delay solving health care crisis

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — The nation’s current economic crisis must not deter efforts to achieve health care coverage for the 47 million uninsured Americans, the president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association told a New York audience Oct. 20.

Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity, delivered the third annual lecture in Catholic health care ethics at St. Catherine of Siena Church in New York.

“We can continue to do bailouts, bridge loans, interest cuts and other prop-ups, but we will not have a renewed and vibrant economy without enacting health reform that covers everyone with a reasonable, basic package,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter whether your priority is the stock market or the poor or anywhere in between,” Sister Carol added. “We need effective and efficient health reform to help all of us.”

The Catholic leader said it is “utterly incompatible with our pro-life agenda” that 9 million U.S. children are among the uninsured. “What child doesn’t deserve health care?” she asked. “What could possibly justify not giving a child health care?”

Sister Carol said Americans “have bought into so many misconceptions that have crippled our will and creativity for solving” the health care crisis.

Among these, she cited mistaken beliefs that: • The U.S. has the best health care in the world, when its system lags behind that of many less affluent countries.

• Government-run health care would “destroy American life as we know it,” when the Medicare program for U.S. seniors is “the most popular and generous health plan” in the U.S., with administrative costs half that of commercially run health plans.

• People lack health care because they are too lazy to work, when more than 80 percent of the uninsured live in households where someone is working one or two jobs.

She cited a number of recent studies showing that only 7 percent of Americans “feel financially prepared for their future health needs.”

“When it comes to health care reform, the common good is at its best,” she added. “We take care of not only the poor, the vulnerable, but ourselves best when we create a system that recognizes the dignity and worth of every single person.”

CNS photo/Mohammed Ameen, Reuters

DISPLACED CHRISTIAN SITS NEAR SUPPLIES — A displaced Christian woman sits near humanitarian supplies distributed by the Red Crescent at a church in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 23.

The organization distributed relief goods to about 45 Christian families displaced by violence in the northern city of Mosul.

Logic of market immoral, calls for changes, says Vatican official

By CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although many nations may be tempted to cut development aid in the midst of the international financial crisis, the crisis itself shows that an economic system focused only on making money for financial investors is bound to fail, said Cardinal Renato Martino.

The cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, invited a dozen economics and development experts to the Vatican Oct. 23 to discuss how the financial crisis will affect development.

The discussion was led by Oscar de Rojas, director of the Financing for Development Office in the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Cardinal Martino told Vatican Radio that he invited the experts to the Vatican “to help us understand the current situation and help us understand what the Holy See can say or suggest.”

In particular, he said, the Vatican wanted to speak to experts before the

Nov. 29-Dec. 2 Doha Review Conference.

The U.N.-sponsored gathering in Qatar will assess progress in getting nations to maintain the promises they made in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2002 to finance development projects in the Third World.

Cardinal Martino told Vatican Radio: “The logic of the market up to now has been that of maximum earnings, of making investments to obtain the greatest possible profit. And this, according to the social teaching of the church, is immoral” because the market “must benefit not only those who provide capital, but also those who participate in growing this capital by working.”

Too many families spend all of their energy on simple survival and, despite working, have become poorer while financiers have become richer, he said.

Too many people in the world are forced to emigrate and too many lack the basic necessities of life such as clean water and food.

The financial collapse of the past few weeks demonstrates how the world really is one and how all people’s fortunes or disasters affect everyone else’s, he said.

WORLD

11

Polish archbishop denies he acted as communist informer WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — A prominent Polish archbishop has denied claims he acted as an informer for the BRIEFLY communist-era Sluzba Bezpieczenstwa, or secret police.

Archbishop Henryk Muszynski of Gniezno said he never signed any secret police documents and felt “painfully shocked” when recently he was shown documents by the church’s historical commission listing him as a secret collaborator since 1984. Archbishop Muszynski told Poland’s Catholic information agency, KAI, that he had been required to meet with communist regime agents as a condition for obtaining a passport to travel abroad in the 1970s and had later faced pressure from the secret police. “I was placed under surveillance, interrogated and induced to collaborate, but I never agreed — instead, I encountered various forms of repression,” he said. “I wish to declare with total resolution that I never consented to any form of SB cooperation, whether verbal or written. Nor did I agree to any meeting voluntarily or at my own initiative. They were all either necessary or forced on me.”

Women travel to Mexico to look for missing migrants MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Fourteen Hondurans made their way to Mexico in October, part of an effort to discover information about loved ones who have turned up missing while on their way to the United States. Among them was Edita Maldonado, who walked for nearly two hours toward the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a recent Saturday morning, clutching a plastic-covered photo of a man who had gone missing while traveling through Mexico 17 years ago. “He was looking for better opportunities and to support his mother,” she said of Carlos Velazquez, the brother of her son-in-law. “In the mountains there wasn't much work, so he left.” Outside of two letters sent from southern Mexico, it was the last time anyone heard from Velazquez. The women searched for missing migrants in several Mexican cities Oct. 13-20. The Hondurans, who came in a caravan and are the fifth such excursion since 2000, also demanded better treatment for migrants, who are often victimized by criminal gangs and crooked public officials on their northward journeys.

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Compu ter ba si cs for s eni ors - Low-cost computer training for Mac or PC. Learn computer basics in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and on your computer. Call Becky at (913) 4921544. www.allaccountskc.com.

Mountain Movers Inc. - Big or small, we move it all. Insured movers specializing in antiques. Call Dennis Higgins, owner, at (913) 285-3399.

Does you car have di mmed, cl ouded-looki ng h ea dli gh t len s es ? We will come to your location and recondition your automobile headlight lenses. $77. Call Zep (816) 741-0999.

Piano tuning - Touch-up and full chromatic piano tuning for residential and business clients in the KC metro area. Call Bob at (816) 510-3125.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 4220610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts, too. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

H o u s e c l e a n i n g - WyCo and JoCo areas.

Reasonable rates. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Call Marcia at (913) 707-7166.

Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008 C aregi v i ng - 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 Andrea, Sara or Gary.

Eldercare support - Are you struggling to find the right support option for an elderly family member? We are providing families with consultation from our licensed social worker as a FREE community service. We can provide valuable information related to: nursing home and assisted living selection; Medicare and Medicaid coverage; home safety and fall prevention; safety assessments; home care options; and more. To get answers to your questions, simply contact Benefits of Home at (913) 422-1591 to coordinate a phone or in-home consultation.

Have you considered starting a donor-advised fund or family foundation? The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas can help. We help people with giving plans from trusts to gift annuities. If you are trying to stretch your philanthropy dollars, contact the Catholic Foundation for ideas and guidance. For a confidential meeting, call (913) 6470365, or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

L a wn a n d l a n d sca p e w or k - College student looking for landscaping and mowing work. Four years’ experience. Will do trees, mulching, deck refurbishment and landscape design and install.

Johnson County. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Granite countertops No obligation quote and consultation Turnkey service available Removal, installation and plumbing Member of St. Agnes – Call Tim (913) 626-5020 T o p s o i l a n d f i l l d i r t d e l i v e r e d - Southern Johnson County area. Other landscape materials and hauling services available. Aquinas alumnus.

Call (913) 626- 9500.

Professional sprinkler systems - New systems, repairs, mods, winterize. Most new systems under $2500. Family-owned; 30 yrs exp.; free estimates.

Call Mike at (913) 269-1394. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing.

Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Ma s on ry work - Quality, new or repair work.

Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair.

Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336.

Concrete crew looking for side work - Can do driveways, patios, and walks. Call Josh at (913) 7097230.

El ectrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008 Cu stom-kit ch en cou ntert ops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days.

Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

T im t he H an dy ma n - Insured; free estimates.

Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

ST A (S ur e Thi ng A l w ay s) H om e R e p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

H o me s ec u ri t y s y st e m s on l y $ 9 9 ! - Protect your family and property. Monitor existing system for $16 per month. Call Mike at (913) 269-1394.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Overland Park.

El sol y la tierra *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376.

■ REAL ESTATE

L a k e h o u s e f o r s a l e - Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than 2 hours from the KC area.

Only 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2-car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove with great neighbors. Call Cy at (316) 262-0888.

■ VACATION

Bahamas beachfront condo - Enjoy the crystal clear waters, beachfront pool or the beautiful sunrises from our newly remodeled condo that sleeps four. $125/night; $750/week. Local owner will rent to mature adults and families. Visit the Web site at: www.coralbeach1602.com, or send an e-mail to: coralbeach1602@gmail.com.

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (785) 8321518. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.

S k i v a c a t i o n - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

S a ni b e l I sl an d be a ch a n d g olf - Jan. 16 - 23, 2009. Beachfront condo with 2 king BRs. $1650 rent includes green fees and rec. privileges at Dunes Golf & Tennis Club. View at: www.tortugabeach club.hgvc.com; call Rose at (913) 530-0319, or send an e-mail to: rocuni@gmail.com.

On the b ea ch - St. Petersburg, Fla. 4-star condo/hotel. May be rented as a 1 BR for $99/night or a 2 BR with kitchen for $225/night. Sleeps 4 - 8. Call Chuck at (913) 710-2597. For details, visit: www.just letgo.com.

■ FOR SALE

For sale - Four cemetery plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Lot 76; section 3; spaces 5, 6, 7 and 8. Call Paul at (913) 314-1159.

For sale – Two cemetery plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Olathe. Section 1; lot 2; spaces 9 & 10.

Call John at (913) 909-3368.

Si ngle-d ep th lawn cry pt - Charity Gardens at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Includes bronze marker, vault, case and property. Lot 21; section D4. $5100 or best offer. Call (913) 254-9353.

Piano for sale - Baldwin M 5’ 2” baby grand piano with humidity control. Black satin finish; in excellent condition; tuned every 6 months; new in 1997. $12,995. Contact Janet at (816) 521-9553.

2000 Bu ick LeSa bre - Navy; one owner; good condition; new alternator; belts; water pump; motor mounts; $3,500 OBO. Call (913) 782-1705.

■ CHILD CARE

Nov. 1

The Catholic Women’s Organization at Holy Angels Parish, 15540 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor, will host its annual craft fair from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 1 in Father Quinlan Hall. Twenty-five booths will feature a variety of items, and refreshments will be available. For information, contact Annie Clark at (913) 724-2212.

The Beginning Experience group of Kansas City will host a day-after-Halloween BOO-gie singles dance from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the gym at Holy Trinity School, 92nd & Pflumm, Lenexa. No costumes. A $15 donation, payable at the door, is requested. Drinks and snacks will be provided. For information, visit the Web site at: www.beginningexperience.org.

2

The Singles of Nativity will host a progressive dinner on Nov. 2 at Bristol, 5400 W. 119th St, Leawood. Join us as we switch tables for each course of our meal and meet new people. Happy hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner following at 6:30 p.m. The cost of $39 includes a threecourse meal and gratuity. For menu options or to RSVP, by Oct. 30, send an email to Ken at: kenobks@aol.com or social @son-ministry.org.

L i t t le R a s c a l s C h r i s t i a n D a y c a r e - Over 20 years experience! Opening soon at 16550 W. 129th St., Olathe. Care provided for children 6 wks to 5 years. Limited enrollment. For information, contact Colleen or Donna at (913) 397-7100.

■ WANTED TO BUY

***ANTIQUES WANTED*** Postcards, old photos, military items, trains, coins, watches jewelry, political buttons, old toys and banks, Red Wing crocks, Indian rugs, signs and sterling silverware. Call Chris (913) 642-8269.

■ ENTERTAINMENT

Disc jocke y - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hip-hop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at (816) 741-4777.

TO PURCHASE A CLASSIFIED Send an e-mail to: jennifer@the leaven. com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 per column inch, five lines or less. Each additional line is $1.50.

Classified ads will also be posted online at The Leaven’s Web site: www.theleaven.com.

We are grateful to have served this community since 1929 and we are proud to continue the Skradski Family Tradition of compassion and caring.

Helen Skradski Funeral Director

SKRADSKI FUNERAL HOME 340 N. 6th • Kansas City, Kan. 66101 • (913) 371-1404

5

SOLT (Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) will host a 50th anniversary jubilee Mass at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. Bishop Robert Finn will be the main celebrant. A reception will follow in Donnelly Hall, with a talk by SOLT founder, Father James H. Flanagan. A display of SOLT’s 50 years will be available for viewing, and the official SOLT jubilee book will be available for purchase. For information or to RSVP, call (816) 561-8849.

▲ Most Pure Heart of Mary, 17th and Stone, Topeka, will celebrate All Souls Day on Nov. 2 with exposition, Benediction and a Divine Mercy Holy Hour at 3 p.m. Fellowship will follow. For information, call (785) 246-1338 or (785) 271-8010.

Mater Dei Parish, 10th and Clay, Topeka, will host a fall bazaar from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 2. A turkey dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be children’s games, crafts, a cakewalk, a raffle and more. Tickets are available for purchase in the parish office.

The Altar Society at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 308 3rd St., Onaga, will host a sausage and kraut dinner from 11 a.m.

- 2 p.m. on Nov. 2. A freewill donation will be accepted. There will also be a raffle for a variety of prizes.

Holy Trinity Parish , 601 E. Chippewa, Paola, will host its fall bazaar on Nov. 2.

Dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Carryouts will be available from noon - 3 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children under 10. There will also be a raffle for a hand-stitched quilt.

St. Bernard Parish, 1102 8th St., Wamego, will host its stitch ‘n’ stuff bazaar on Nov. 2. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be a country store, a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games and a raffle. For information, call Sharon at (785) 456-2994 or Pam at (785) 456-9529.

St. John the Evangelist Parish, 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host a smothered steak dinner from noon - 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. The cost is $7 for adults; $3 for children under age 10. Carryouts are available.

p.m. on Nov. 7 in the gym. The cost is $5 for 5 cards in advance; $7 at the door.

Concessions will be available. For information, call the school office at (913) 2621686.

8

The ACCW (Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women) will hold its quarterly meeting from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Nativity Parish, 3800 W. 119th St,. Leawood. All women in the archdiocese are invited. Father Richard McDonald will offer a reflection on “The Real Meaning of Love.”

6-7, 9

The theater department at Hayden High School, 401 S.W. Gage, Topeka, will present the musical “Godspell” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 7, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Alumni Hall at the school. Tickets cost $8 and are available at the door. For information, call the school at (785) 272-5210.

6, 8-9

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, will present its fall musical, “The Sound of Music,” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6, 8 and 9.

Tickets cost $6 and can be purchased at the school’s ticket office daily until 4 p.m.

For information, contact Kim Harrison at (913) 319-2433, or send an e-mail to her at: kharrison@stasaints.net.

7-9

Enrich your life, enrich your love, enrich your marriage by spending time with your spouse at the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend being held in Olathe from Nov. 7 - 9.

For information or to register, call (913) 469-8453, or visit the Web site at: www.neksme.org.

7

The PTO at Xavier Elementary School, Leavenworth, will host a fall dinner on Nov. 7 at the Riverfront Community Center, 123 N. Esplanade St., Leavenworth.

Dinner will be served from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., followed by bingo at 7:30 p.m.

The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on Nov. 7 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

St. Agnes Parish, 5130 Mission Rd., Roeland Park, will host a bingo at 6:30

13

will be a cakewalk, a raffle, a silent auction, door prizes and games for all ages!

Carryouts will be available; call (785) 4863311.

14

Abundant Life Hospice, a Christ-centered and faith-based ministry based in Horton, will host its annual Celebration of Hope from 6:30 - 10 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha. For information, call 1 (800) 983-3881, or visit the Web site at: www.

HospiceGala.org.

14-16

Holiday-proof your marriage! Do the holidays bring greater strife and anxiety to your relationship with your spouse? Make this year different with a Retrouvaille program for married couples. For confidential information or to register for the next Retrouvaille weekend on Nov. 14 - 16, call 1 (800) 470-2230, or visit the Web site at: www.retrouvaille.org.

6

SOLT (Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) will host a memorial Mass and celebration of the life of Father Thomas Gier at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City, 9810 W. 79th St., Overland Park. Father Thomas Gier (March 16, 1925 – Oct. 5, 2007) was a missionary for most of his 51 years of priesthood, serving for SOLT in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea from 1979 until 2005. He was instrumental in the ordination of nearly 70 Filipino men to the priesthood. To RSVP, call (816) 561-8849.

The women’s club at St. Ann Church, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, will host its annual card party and luncheon from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the parish hall. A donation of $10 is appreciated. For reservations, call (913) 648-1026 or (913) 362-7397.

Adult baby sitter - For all ages. I love kids and can do evenings and weekends. I will drive and can furnish as many references you need. Call Karen (913) 338-5679.

Registered home child care - Over 16 yrs. experience. Southern OP/Leawood, near 151 St. and Nall/Mission Rd. Call (913) 636-2782.

St. Benedict Parish, Bendena, will host a turkey dinner from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. A freewill donation will be collected. There will also be a country store with baked goods and crafts and a raffle.

CALENDAR

▲ The Mother Teresa Circle at Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will host a friendship tea at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8 in Pflumm Hall at the school. Vickie Broxterman will speak on getting through life with prayer and humor. For information or to RSVP, call Maxine at (913) 3832014, or Donna at (913) 402-6843. The cost is $10.

The Mothers of Young Children group of Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host its annual gift gallery from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the school cafeteria. The gift gallery features 34 local artisans with unique and upscale gift items. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit local children’s charities. The admission cost is $3 at the door.

For information, call (913) 385-0795.

Holy Family Church Club, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., will host a chili dinner and bingo on Nov. 8. Dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m., with bingo following at 7:30 p.m. The cost of $15 includes dinner and a bingo card. For tickets, call Annette at (913) 371-5063.

The third annual Hope Benefit, a fundraiser for the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will be held on Nov. 8. For information, visit the Web site at: www.hopebenefit.org.

9

Help the Little Sisters of the Poor at their fall festival being held from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 at 8745 James A. Reed Rd., Kansas City, Mo. Festivities will include a spaghetti dinner, craft sale, a raffle, and a bake sale. For information, call (816) 761-4744.

The Knights of Columbus at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 431 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a crown roast pork dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the parish center. The cost is $7.50 for adults; $3.50 for children 12 years old and under.

St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Nov. 9. A freewill offering will be collected. All are welcome!

St. Ann Church, Effingham, will host a ham and beans and chicken noodle dinner on Nov. 9 in the parish center. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. A freewill offering will be collected. Carryouts will be available; call (785) 833-2268.

The Altar Society of St. Leo Parish, 1340 First Ave. East, Horton, will host its annual chili soup dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the church center. There

16

St. Pius X Parish, 5500 Woodson, Mission, will host the John Paul II holiday shoppe from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 and from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 . There will be a variety of crafts, jewelry and baked goods available to purchase.

Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa, will host a community health and business fair from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the parish center. For information, call Jennifer at (913) 599-3682, or send an e-mail to her at: jsgryska@everest kc.net.

Misc.

Do you have overwhelming medical bills? A volunteer, who is a CPA and who has survived the avalanche of paperwork and crippling debt, will be available to help you wade through the paperwork and the system to find help. Women are scheduled for one-hour appointments, and there is usually at least one follow-up meeting. As you contact us, your name will be added to our waiting list. When we have an opening, you will be called to confirm your appointment at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central, Kansas City, Kan. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 906-8990.

Would you like to help troubled pregnant women? Birthright of Greater Kansas City, an emergency service offering positive alternatives to abortion, is looking for volunteers. They need men and women to answer hotline calls, run pregnancy tests and befriend mothers in crisis. A training session will be held on Nov. 8 at 6309 Walnut, Kansas City, Mo. For information or to register, call the office by Nov. 5 at (816) 444-7090 or Janet Cozad at (816) 741-2696.

Project Rachel is offering weekly support groups throughout October in the KC metro area for those hurting from an abortion. Registration is required. For information, call Patricia at (913) 621-2199 or 1 (888) 246-1504. All calls are strictly confidential.

■ Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@the leaven.com.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

A Day of Enrichment for Married Couples MARK MY WORDS

Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com Circulation sub@theleaven.com Intern Seán T.D. Kane

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003

CHRISTOPHER WEST

You can’t always trust your eyes

President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

H

Here’s a snippet of a recent conversation between my mom and I.

“What’s that over by the hedges?” asked Mom. “Oh, it’s just a skull,” I replied, “and there’s a whole bunch of bones down by the steps.”

Now the only time two sane people can have an exchange like this without screaming in terror or running to call 911 is at Halloween. (By the way, the skull and bones were from an elaborate display of spooky things over at the neighbor’s, blown into Mom’s yard by last Sunday’s powerful winds.)

Things are not always what they appear.

Take jack o’lanterns, for example.

Pumpkin carving is based on an ancient Irish myth about a character named Stingy Jack. One night he runs into the devil at a local pub, where Jack offers his soul in exchange for a drink. Gleefully, the devil turns himself into a coin to pay the bartender. As soon as he does, Jack snatches the coin and puts it in his pocket, right next to a silver cross. The cross prevents the devil from returning to his original form.

Jack promises to free the devil from this predicament, on the condition that he not bother him for up to ten years

(the legends differ on the exact time).

Naturally, the devil agrees.

After the specified time, the devil comes to collect Jack’s soul while he is walking down a country lane. Jack agrees to go, but only after convincing the devil to climb a tree and get Jack a juicy apple there. Once he’s up the tree, Jack carves crosses around its trunk, thus trapping the devil once again. This time, in exchange for his freedom, the devil forfeits all claim to Jack’s soul.

When Jack eventually dies and comes to the gates of heaven, he’s refused entrance, based on his life of drinking, stinginess and deceit. So, Jack heads down to hell, seeking admission. The devil, true to his word, says he made a deal with Jack and thus can’t take his soul and let him in. He suggests that Jack head back to earth instead.

Because the road back is so dark, Jack pleads with the devil for something to light his way. He hands him an ember straight from the fires of hell,

which Jack places in a carved-out turnip. (Apparently, Jack loved turnips and never went anywhere without one.) Thus, with no place to go, Jack continues to roam the earth to this day. He’s known as “Jack of the Lantern” or simply “Jack o’lantern.”

(When Irish immigrants came to America, the turnip in the legend gave way to the plentiful pumpkin.)

No, things are not always what they appear. The simple Halloween decoration of lighted pumpkins can actually teach a valuable lesson: Live differently than Stingy Jack!

A year or so ago, one of the shut-ins of the parish handed me a clipping that outlined how to live a good life: Drink, steal, swear and lie. Reading further, I discovered that things again were not what they first appeared to be. To get into heaven: • Drink from the “everlasting cup” each day.

• Steal a few moments to help someone who is in worse shape than you.

• Swear, with God’s grace, to be a better person today than you were yesterday.

• Lie down at night and put yourself into the hands of God, thanking him for his care and blessings.

Not living this way? Well, that’s something to really be scared about.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) 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) 7215276; 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.

SCRIPTURE READINGS THIRTY-FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 2 THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS) Wis 3: 1-9; Ps 23: 1-6; Rom 5: 5-11; Jn 12: 23-28 Nov. 3 Martin de Porres, religious Phil 2: 1-4; Ps 131: 1b-3; Lk 14: 12-14 Nov. 4 Charles Borromeo, bishop Phil 2: 5-11; Ps 22: 26b-32; Lk 14: 15-24 Nov. 5 Wednesday Phil 2: 12-18; Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Lk 14: 25-33 Nov. 6 Thursday Phil 3: 3-8a; Ps 105: 2-7; Lk 15: 1-10 Nov. 7 Friday Phil 3:17 - 4:1; Ps 122: 1-5; Lk 16: 1-8 Nov. 8 Saturday Phil 4: 10-19; Ps 112: 1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9; Lk 16: 9-15

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Faith frees us from life cycle of nature ince we observe All Souls Day this Sunday, any Gospel reading from the Mass of the Dead may be used.

S

I have chosen Jn 12:23-28, because The earth would come to life again and I believe that it reflects the change of bear fruit. seasons.

Those initiated into the mysteries of It was an imposing scene. The priest Eleusis believed that they also would held up a stalk of wheat. It glistened share in this cycle of death and resurrecgolden yellow in the beam of sunlight tion. They looked forward to life after flashing through a hole in the ceiling. death promised by the myth.

The sight contrasted sharply During the first part of the with the darkness surrounding THE COMMEMO20th century, some biblical the crowd of onlookers. They RATION OF ALL scholars noticed a resemblance were initiates into the mysterTHE FAITHFUL between the Christian belief in ies of Eleusis. As they gazed on DEPARTED Jesus’ death and resurrection the wheat, they recalled the (ALL SOULS) and the Greek mystery cults, myth of Demeter, the goddess Jn 12: 23-28 such as that of Eleusis, which who personified the vegetative were popular when Christianity life force, and her daughter was just beginning in the eastern Persephone.

Mediterranean.

According to the story, Hades, king of Those scholars, part of the history-ofthe underworld, had carried Persephone religions school, argued that the Greek off to be his wife. Mourning the loss of mysteries influenced the development of her daughter, Demeter caused the vegeChristianity, with its belief in a dying god tation to shrivel up and turn dormant. who rose to new life and similarly No grain grew, and the people had no promised the believer life after death. food.

According to those scholars, Christianity But Zeus, the king of the gods, interwas basically a new Greek mystery cult. vened and implemented a compromise That theory is now largely discreditbetween Hades and Demeter. For one ed. Scholars point out that Christianity is third of the year, Persephone would stay based upon a historical event, the death with Hades and winter would prevail of Jesus. It focuses upon an actual person over the earth. The remaining two thirds whose existence is not disputed, even if of the year, Persephone would return to some doubt his divinity. The disciples her mother and the earth would enjoy were receptive to the idea of Jesus’ rising the seasons of spring, summer and fall.

from the dead because of their Jewish belief in the resurrection.

On the other hand, the mystery cults were all based upon historical myths set in a timeless past. The characters who played the principal roles in those narratives were personified forces of nature, not real persons. The idea of resurrection arose from observing the life cycle of nature.

Sunday’s Gospel reading can shed some light upon this discussion. Some Greeks have approached Jesus to speak with him. Since they had come to Jerusalem to worship at the feast, they most likely were converts to Judaism from paganism. Even if they had not been initiated into the mysteries of Eleusis, they would have known something about it. In light of that, Jesus’ words resonate in a particular way: “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat to explain what his death will bring. Through his death on the cross, many will find eternal life. In contrast, the mysteries of Eleusis looked upon the wheat as representing the vegetative life force. Death and resurrection formed part of the cycle of nature, for human beings as well as for vegetation.

But for Christians, resurrection will come from the Lord of nature. It is a gift from God, through Jesus Christ. It depends upon our faith in him.

Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

“In the Beginning: Rediscovering the Beauty of Your Marriage” Church of the Ascension Parish 9510 W. 127th, Overland Park Saturday, November 15 8:30am (Mass) - 4:00pm $55 per couple (includes workbook & lunch for each person) Due to limited seating, pre-registration is necessary. Go to www.archkck.org to register or phone Mary Anne at 913-721-1570.

Christopher West will present his talk titled,

“God, Sex, and the Meaning of Life…An Introduction to Pope John Paul’s Theology of the Body” St. Michael The Archangel Parish 14201 Nall Avenue, Leawood Friday, November 14 7-9:30pm.

The talk is appropriate for everyone college-age and older.

Admittance is free.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • OCTOBER 31, 2008

Appointment With the recommendation, consent and permission of Father John Welch, O.Carm., the Prior Provincial of the Order of Carmelites, Father Chris Kulig, O.Carm., is appointed parochial vicar (associate pastor) of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth, effective Dec. 1.

Correction Father Dennis Wait’s name was inadvertently omitted from a list of concelebrants in a story about the 150th anniversary Mass on Sept. 21 at St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kan.

Veterans Day observance set for Nov. 11

Leaven photo/Susan McSpadden

Prayers for life

▲ Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the monthly pro-life Mass on Oct. 18 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Kansas City, Kan. Following Mass, the archbishop led a procession to a Wyandotte County abortion clinic where he led those gathered in praying the rosary.

▲

Praising Call to Share Dana Nearmyer, consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation, gives a presentation about the annual Archbishop’s Call to Share campaign to pastors during a luncheon on Oct. 22 at Savior Pastoral Center.

Leaven photo/Joe Bollig

LENEXA — Veterans, family members and friends are invited to a special observance on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery here, at 83rd and Quivira.

The brief ceremony will include a flag-raising, patriotic music, a recognition of veterans, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps. Small flags will be available for gravesite decorations.

The Veterans Memorial that was dedicated earlier this year features monuments and flags representing the five branches of the Armed Forces.

Family and friends can remember and honor veterans by arranging to have their names engraved on the granite walls adjoining the monuments.

Catholic Cemeteries has recently added a special monument at the memorial to recognize Merchant Marines. Adjacent to the memorial is a section dedicated for the burial of veterans and their spouses.

For more information, call Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040; send an e-mail to: information@catholic cemeterieskc.org; or visit the Web site at: www.catholiccemeterieskc.org.

Providence Medical Center hosts book signing

Around the Archdiocese Leaven photo/Anita McSorley

Keynote

▲ Dr. Laura Heap gave her keynote address, entitled “Daughters of God: Made in His Image and Likeness,” at the Day of Boundless Joy gathering of women on Oct. 18 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Excellent ▲

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presents the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence Award to Andrea Hillebert, principal of Mater Dei School in Topeka. The award was given at the annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 18 in Overland Park.

Leaven photo/Susan McSpadden

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Providence Medical Center here will host a book signing for the public and the opportunity to meet local Sister of Charity of Leavenworth and author, Sister Marie Brinkman.

The book signing will be Nov. Sister Marie 11, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby, located at 8929 Parallel Pkwy. A book signing also will be held for hospital employees and volunteers.

Sister Marie will present a brief discussion of her new book, “Emerging Frontiers: Renewal in the Life of Women Religious, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 1955 to 2005.” Sister Marie has been a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for more than 50 years and serves as the historian of her religious community.

“We are delighted to welcome Sister Marie to Providence,” said Sister Jennifer Gordon, SCL, mission integration associate. “She is a remarkable woman and an outstanding author, and I can think of no better way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our first Sisters’ arrival in Leavenworth.”