11-04-11 Vol. 33 No. 14

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 14 NOVEMBER 4, 2011

THEY’VE GOT SPIRIT, YES, THEY DO . . .

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Family’s faith shines on the football field and through struggles

ENEXA — Scott Charpentier has seen the heartwarming stories.

A coach puts a player with special needs into the game at the last minute.

To everyone’s delight, the youngster scores the winning point — whether it be a basket, a touchdown, or whatever — and the crowd erupts in cheers.

But Scott doesn’t believe his youngest son is “ever going to experience that.”

For the simple reason that “he’s truly playing the sport.”

Sam, who is a junior at St. James Academy in Lenexa, has Down syn-

Story by

Jessica Langdon Photos by

Susan McSpadden

drome. He’s a wide receiver for the school’s football team, with two seasons under his belt.

Sam’s parents sometimes have to look for his jersey number to spot him when he’s in uniform. He’s just one of the guys.

And that makes his face light up brighter than the stadium lights.

In the stands, the faces of his parents — Scott and Jessie — are beaming as well.

Sam can hear them cheering from the field.

“Sammmmmmmmy!” he mimics, with a laugh.

When he’s cheering for his team, though, you can’t miss him either.

“He’s just always on the sideline

cheering everybody on, encouraging everybody,” said Jessie. “You can hear his voice!”

He likes to get people pumped up.

There’s a lot of that quality in his dad, too.

Only Scott is just beginning to realize it.

Since he was first diagnosed in January, Scott has been battling Stage IV cancer. As he fights his own illness, he has been boosting the spirits of fellow patients and living life to its fullest.

And missing one of Sam’s games isn’t in this dad’s playbook. If Sam suits up for a game, Scott is sure to be in the bleachers.

Story continues on page 8

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

TWO TIMES A CHARM

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

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Archbishop carries on old family tradition

ith much fear and trepidation, I want to make a public confession. I hope you will continue to accept me and not lose confidence in me. I have found the northeast Kansas Catholic community to be very understanding, so I am hopeful you will not reject me after I reveal this dark secret. I am — dare I even write it — a St. Louis Cardinals fan! Before you go into catatonic state of shock, let me state unequivocally I am also a true-blue Royals fan.

Being a Cardinals and Royals fan is not a contradiction, though it can present some minor challenges during interleague play. It could become a bit more difficult if we should ever have another I-70 World Series. However, this possibility does not appear to be something to lose sleep over. What are the chances?

This Cardinals fever I suffer from is part hereditary and part the result of early socialization experiences. My Father was a professional baseball player.

He played several years in the Cardinals’ minor league system and went to spring training with them in the late 1930s.

My Dad was a catcher. He was a contemporary of Stan Musial. Musial, like Babe Ruth, was originally a pitcher. My Father caught Musial when they played together on the same minor league team. Fortunately for the Cardinals, someone in the organization eventually realized that Musial was more valuable as a hitter and everyday player than as a pitcher. Musial went on to an illustrious baseball career and in St. Louis is known as “Stan the Man.” My Father, on the other hand, was drafted into the army and served in the Pacific Theater. He married my Mother shortly before being shipped overseas.

Though many of his comrades did not return, fortunately for me, my Father survived the war. Once honorably discharged, he never resumed his baseball career, though he continued playing amateur baseball in St. Louis.

My Father was a serious Cardinals fan. He attended a public high school in St. Louis. In those days, even in public schools students were required to take Latin. In the fall of his senior year, the Cardinals were in the World Series.

His Latin teacher warned the class that anyone who skipped to go to the World Series, no matter what they did the rest of the semester, would flunk. My Father did not believe her. Consequently, he attended high school for an extra semester.

My Dad was killed in December of 1948. I was born in June of 1949. In

part, as a way of honoring the memory of my Father, my Mother made certain that my brother and I developed a love for baseball.

A woman in my home parish, because she was a secretary in the Cardinals’ front office, received complimentary tickets to every home game. She and her husband had no children. Her husband would often take my brother and me to the Cardinals’ game. Some years we attended almost half of the home games.

This season, I had given up on the Cardinals several times. They appeared to be going nowhere. They had flashes of brilliance, but then would lose several in a row. During parts of the season, it was too painful even to check the box scores.

In late August, the Cardinals caught fire. Aided by a couple midseason trades that strengthened the team and by the collapse of the Atlanta Braves, the Cardinals made it into the playoffs as the wild-card entry. Despite being underdogs throughout the playoffs, a week ago, against all odds, they won the World Series.

Incredible comebacks are part of the reason many of us enjoy sports. We like to see the improbable happen. It gives us hope witnessing someone else overcome seemingly impossible odds that we can triumph over the struggles of our lives.

The sixth game of this World Series is already being touted as a classic.

The Cardinals faced elimination with a loss. Both in the ninth and the tenth innings, the Cardinals were within one out — actually one strike — of losing.

Both times, they rallied to tie the game, eventually going on to win in the 11th.

Even more improbable than the Cardinals winning the World Series, was the most valuable player for the series, David Freese. With all the stars on both rosters, no sports pundit predicted Freese would win the MVP. A native of St. Louis, who, because of injuries, had never played a whole season in the Cardinals starting lineup, hit a triple to right field, tying the game in the 9th inning, and then hit the walk-off home run to win the game in the 11th.

If someone had written a movie script

with this plot, it would have been rejected as too improbable.

In a postgame interview, Freese was crediting all those who had helped him succeed as a baseball player. He acknowledged his father as being his first coach who taught him, because he was small for his age, to hit to the opposite field — right field.

Great hitters are reputed to be able to recognize the spin on the ball and adjust their swing to the ball’s movement.

Being able to hit a pitch that is bobbing and weaving while thrown at more than 90 miles per hour is incomprehensible for most mortals. However, being able to hit that pitch when the pressure of the whole season is riding on this one swing is even more amazing. We admire athletes not just for their physical talent, but more for their ability to control their emotions, remaining focused under incredible pressure.

In 1997, my Father was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. It was a thrill to attend the induction ceremony, but even more to witness the affection and respect my Father’s former teammates manifested for my Dad almost 50 years after his death.

I was an unexceptional athlete, and baseball was not my best sport. However, it remains my favorite sport. It is not just because of all the drama that I just described. It is my favorite sport because it was my Father’s sport. It connects me with The Man, whom I never knew in this life, but long to meet in heaven.

For me, he is truly The Man! He was part of the Greatest Generation, who sacrificed everything to defend our nation’s freedom. He gave me life.

He chose for me the most incredible Mother. From all I know of him from others, he provided me with an extraordinary example of what it means to be a Catholic and a man.

This month of November is a special month in the church to remember those who have died. Actually, we do much more than remember them.

Our lives and their lives continue to intersect through prayer. We assist with our prayers those souls, who are in the midst of being purified by God’s merciful love, to enjoy the fullness of life that is heaven. We ask those already in heaven to intercede for us so that we can successfully negotiate the pilgrimage of this life to join them someday in our true homeland.

In my prayer on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, I thanked my Dad for choosing my Mom, for giving me life, for making me a Cardinals fan, and for

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Nov. 4 Red Mass — St. Michael, Leawood Nov. 5 Mass/dinner — Bishop Miege benefit Nov. 8 Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting Finance Council meeting

Nov. 9 Lunch meeting with Catholic Charities staff Ex Corde Ecclesia meeting with Benedictine College Nov. 10 Conference call with Religious Alliance Against Pornography Johnson County Regional Priests meeting Mass & dinner with Knights of the Holy Sepulcher — St. Ann, Prairie Village Nov. 11 Liturgy day for priests Mass for Catholic Charities on the feast of St. Martin of Tours — St. Joseph, Shawnee Nov. 12 Mass of thanksgiving for Venerable Sister Maria Catherine IrigoyenEchegaray — Sisters, Servants of Mary Nov. 13 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee meeting — Baltimore

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Nov. 7-10 Teach class at Mundelein Seminary giving me the gift of my Catholic faith.

P.S. And congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on their Monday night miracle!

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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral wins CEF’s School of Excellence again

By Jill Ragar Esfeld

Visiting the School of Excellence

Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “We keep plugging along, and it’s working,” said Lynda Higgins, principal of Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral here, this year’s recipient of the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence Award — and the 2009 recipient as well.

But “plugging along” is hardly how Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) director Michael Morrisey describes the school’s success.

“You have to be good to win the award once,” he said. “You really have to be excelling in all four categories to win it two of the last three years.”

To win the School of Excellence honors, a CEF-sponsored school must excel in four separate categories — catholicity, academic progress, resource management and stewardship.

When Resurrection got word of the award, Higgins said, “Everyone was thrilled.”

Thrilled, but not entirely surprised.

“We’re doing really good things here,” said Higgins. “We work really hard and we try a lot of different and new things.

“And it’s paying off.”

Resurrection is the result of a recent consolidation of three schools, and its students draw from five different parishes.

Higgins was hired as a resource teacher the first year the school was consolidated. Eventually, she also took on the role of assistant to Ann Connor, who was principal when Resurrection won its first award.

The two worked well together and Higgins was the natural choice to step in as the next principal, when Connor moved to the archdiocesan school office.

“Like any good follower who now becomes the leader, she has taken the approach of ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,’” said Morrisey.

“However, she has strategically made tweaks to enhance the learning process at Resurrection,” he added.

But Higgins is the first to shy away from taking credit for the award. “[Connor] really should have been accepting the award because she really put her blood, sweat and tears into making Resurrection what it is today,” said Higgins. “I was just basically accepting it on behalf of everyone.”

Faith is what led Higgins to

Leaven photo by JIll Ragar Esfeld

Archbishop Joseph Naumann and Father Dan Gardner, pastor of All Saints Parish, answered questions from students during a visit to Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kan., as teacher Karen Thurston and kindergartner Carlos Zamora look on. Resurrection is this year’s recipient of the Catholic Education Foundation School of Excellence award.

“We’re doing really good things here. We work really hard and we try a lot of different and new things.

“And it’s paying off.”

”

Lynda Higgins, principal of Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral Resurrection and what keeps her there.

“I do feel like I had a calling to come here,” she said. “When I heard that they were opening up Resurrection, I just kept feeling the call to come.

“And each year I continued to have the call to stay. I truly can say [that] this is where I’m meant to be.”

One factor in her school’s success, said Higgins, is a

wealth of pastors active in youth formation.

Father Harry Schneider, rector of Cathedral of St. Peter, Father Dan Gardner, pastor of All Saints Parish, and Father Peter Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Family and St. Mary-St. Anthony parishes, are all active in supporting Resurrection School.

“They have done many good things in the catholicity category, highlighted by the parish priests personally working with the students who have not received the sacraments of baptism, holy Eucharist and/or reconciliation,” said Morrisey.

“I couldn’t ask for better pastors,” said Higgins.

That sentiment is returned by the pastors.

“I hear positive things,” said Father Schneider. “The word is going around; people say, ‘We really hear that’s a good school.’”

“And the word around with teachers is we’re a good staff,”

The Catholic Education Foundation The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) provides scholarships for needy families in northeast Kansas, so children may attend Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation.

CEF has awarded over $9.3 million in scholarships to struggling families over the years.

At its annual Gaudeamus dinner on Oct. 8, a record-breaking crowd of over 1,100 raised more than $610,000 to fund future assistance.

To learn more about CEF, visit the website at: www.cefks.org.

added Higgins. “They’re all really good people who want the best for kids.”

Academically, Resurrection has made dramatic improvements in their reading and math proficiency scores in the last 12 months.

Higgins attributes that to dedicated teachers and continued professional development.

“We’ve all had yearlong professional development in teaching English as a Second Language,” she said. “We’ve all had a yearlong training of differentiated instruction because so many of our students are on different levels, have different needs.

“This year, we’re all having professional development on writing skills.”

The success of Resurrection is particularly impressive in light of its challenges.

“Our ESL (English as a Second Language) population is 57 percent English language learners,” said Higgins. “We have 78 percent of our students eligible for free and reduced lunch.

“Truly, those two factors are our biggest challenge.”

Most Resurrection families speak Spanish, but it also has a pocket of families that speak Croatian at home.

“We’ve come together with different backgrounds,” said Higgins. “But we’re working together and we’re finding success.”

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

If you could ask Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann anything you wanted, what would you ask?

That was the opportunity presented to students at Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral when the archbishop came for a visit recently.

Archbishop Naumann, along with CEF director Michael Morrisey and director of development Patty Morrisey, was taken on a tour of Resurrection by principal Lynda Higgins and two of the school’s supporting pastors, Fathers Dan Gardner and Harry Schneider.

Students stood and greeted the archbishop, then were given the opportunity to ask him anything they wanted.

Questions came timidly at first — and then with greater enthusiasm as students warmed up to the archbishop.

The youngest students’ curiosity was uncomplicated: Favorite color? Purple.

Favorite candy? M&Ms. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla.

Favorite sport? Baseball.

As the students got older, though, the questions became more astute and the archbishop found himself explaining the clothes he wore, the significance of his cross and ring, why he chose to become a priest, and how that led to the responsibility of being an archbishop.

He then spent time with the eighth-graders, discussing their upcoming confirmation, with a special emphasis on how they chose their confirmation saint.

The group finished its tour in the music room, where students performed a new hymn they were learning. The archbishop was clearly charmed by the young voices.

The archbishop bid goodbye to the principal under the 2009 School of Excellence banner. It will soon be joined by a new banner, proclaiming Resurrection as the 2011 School of Excellence.

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.

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4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

BROTHERS FOREVER

Missouri bishop sends thanks for Joplin help

Even a bishop needs a friend

Archdiocesan parishes, groups opened wallets and hearts to tornado-stricken city

By Jessica Langdon

A

Leaven staff

t first glance, Cassie Hurst saw only the devastation, pain and suffering in tornadostricken Joplin, Mo. “You look at the ruined homes that stretch on for miles and the lives that have been forever changed, and you can’t help but think that things will never get better,” said Cassie, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Louisburg.

It didn’t take long, though, for the youth group member to see much more.

“But then you take a closer look and you start to see the little things — the notes, spray-painted [on] homes, saying, ‘God loves Joplin’ and ‘God bless the volunteers.’

“You see people everywhere trying to make a difference.”

And in the five months since an EF5 tornado devastated Joplin, the people there have noticed the difference those touches — big and small — have made.

“When they see their city, they don’t see a pile of rubble,” said Cassie.

“They see hope and God’s love. They see the little things.”

People from across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas opened their hearts to the people of Joplin after the May 22 tornado.

They gave money — about a quarter million dollars — to help Joplin and other tornado-ravaged areas.

Groups helped in the cleanup efforts.

Many donated items. And thousands offered their prayers.

Beginning to heal In September, Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau wrote to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to express his appreciation for the generosity the Catholics of the archdiocese had showered on the people of Joplin in their time of need.

Along with the personal letter, Bishop Johnston sent a copy of his column that appeared in his diocesan paper, The Mirror. In

that, he provided an update on the progress that had been made, and an accounting of how financial gifts have been used.

“There is still much to be done — still great suffering and uncertainty in the lives of many citizens,” Bishop Johnston wrote in his column. “Yet, there are also many signs of God’s grace at work, pointing to a future full of hope.

“It is inspiring and gratifying to witness such a generous and unselfish reaction and outpouring to this tragedy.”

Although donations used to accomplish work on every front, from debris removal to immediate financial needs, much focus, he wrote, went into preparing a place for students at St. Mary Elementary School to return to in the fall. The school was destroyed by the tornado.

Research and discussions led to a remodel of a building on the campus of McAuley High School in Joplin, and the students seemed to be getting off to a good start, wrote Bishop Johnston.

From Kansas to Joplin Parishes across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas took up special collections to help after spring tornadoes swept across several communities.

Groups quickly made plans to help.

Few acted faster than the folks in Louisburg, where more and more people spent sleepless nights worrying about their neighbors a few hours away.

When the youth group’s idea of going to Joplin reached Msgr. Robert Bergman, the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish quickly gave his blessing.

“Do it,” he said simply.

Coincidentally, it just so happened that Durham School Services in Louisburg had also been looking for a way to help Joplin. When it learned the Louisburg group was going, donating the bus was the perfect answer.

Immaculate Conception parishioner Mary Jo Shelton, who was a driver, donated her time behind the wheel.

When the group’s leader called St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Joplin, she was connected with a volunteer

named Dottie Elbert. The parish was just beginning to work with the Matthew 25 Project, a national ministry that pairs faith with service. Elbert couldn’t have been more receptive to the idea.

So 30 people squeezed onto a single bus — packed with rakes, toys, food, money and other donations from across the state — and set off to Joplin June 24-26.

They didn’t know where they were going to sleep.

All they were certain of was they were going to help.

There were tears when the kids first saw the destruction.

But when the busload of teens hit St. Peter Parish for a meal that first day, at least one problem proved to have a simple solution: The principal offered them the keys to the school so the teens would have a place to stay.

Making a heartfelt difference The next day, the group went house to house, distributing water and other items, working on cleanup efforts, and praying with people.

During the trip, the group also met Father Justin Monaghan, pastor of St. Mary Parish, who had held onto a faucet to survive the tornado.

When the group went to Mass in Joplin, the priest accepted the check they had brought and was moved by a poster the youth presented. A young Immaculate Conception parishioner who had lost both of her parents and now lived with a relative painted a picture of a tornado. She added the words: “A tornado cannot ‘brake’ your heart.”

The group also had rosaries, crosses and Bibles for the people of Joplin.

“The best part was that our youth group attended Mass, and the priest announced who we were and what we were doing there,” said Jacob Dow. “We also presented some gifts, and everyone got up and applauded for us. It was a long and heavy applause for us. I was near tears, and people were hugging us, shaking our hands.

All the hard work paid off. They may have lost many things, but they’ll never lose hope and friends and God.” On the bus trip back to Louisburg, they wrote down their thoughts about the trip.

“I am so glad I got to experience doing something like this,” said Anna Renfro. She had wanted to go to Japan and help when the tsunami hit, but that wasn’t possible. With Joplin just a few hours away, she could go.

“I am so happy that I got to make a difference in Joplin, even though it was a small difference,” she said. “I definitely plan on going back as soon as possible. The people of Joplin need all the help they can get, or at least our thoughts and prayers.”

Another group of 30 left Louisburg for Joplin in early August. Nancy Hermreck and part of her youth group from Garnett also went along.

That time, Msgr. Bergman spent a day working alongside the volunteers.

The teens shingled a roof, did yardwork, and worked at a Salvation Army distribution center, among other projects.

Planning for the future Now back in Louisburg, they’re planning to return to Joplin as soon as they can.

“The total support of our parish family got us there,” said Immaculate Conception high school youth director Linda Roberts. “The young people certainly have created a spark in our parish.”

They know a lot of work lies ahead in Joplin, and they want to be part of it.

“Going to Joplin made a lasting impression on me,” said Beth Renfro.

“I have never seen devastation like they have suffered. It puts life in perspective and reminds me of the value of serving others. I will definitely go back to help again and encourage others to do the same.

“I am truly thankful to our youth group for providing the opportunity to serve.”

Immaculate Conception Parish of Louisburg took members of its youth group to Joplin, Mo., twice this summer to help in the aftermath of the EF5 tornado. The group took on a number of cleanup projects and also prayed with the people affected by the storm.

LOCAL NEWS 5

T

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

hey were once rookies, full of fire and gungho for the vital work ahead.

They did great things.

But they’re grayer now and fewer in number. But not everything has diminished with the passing of years. Some things — like friendship — have gotten better.

Six Catholic bishops have met regularly for some 26 years to pray, laugh, cry, think, talk, relax and share together. One of their number lives here in the archdiocese: Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher.

Good times The early Oct. 11 afternoon was gorgeous, but the bishops were inside for one last huddle in the living room of Archbishop Keleher’s residence. Then, one by one, they grabbed their luggage and left for the airport.

Only Archbishop John G. Vlazny, of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, and Archbishop Keleher remained.

They moved to the dining room to chat with their visitor.

Both archbishops are natives of Chicago and their shared history dates back to high school — Quigley Preparatory North School, where Archbishop Keleher was a senior; Archbishop Vlazny, a freshman.

Even after young Keleher’s graduation, they would be reunited soon enough — but this time, they were the teachers.

“We were assigned to teach at the same school at the same time, in 1963,” said Archbishop Vlazny. “We all taught religion. I taught Spanish, music and religion. He taught history and religion.”

“Those were the days,” said Archbishop Keleher, “when there were 40 kids in a class.”

Those ties of friendship stayed strong through the several assignments that followed. Archbishop Vlazny became an auxiliary bishop in 1983, and Archbishop Keleher became a bishop in 1984. The bishops’ group formed soon after their ordinations.

All for one Eight bishops have been members of the group, but not all at the same time.

Two of the eight are deceased.

The current roster includes Arch-

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Archbishop John G. Vlazny (left), of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, and Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, have been in the same spirituality and support group since they were ordained bishops in the early 1980s.

“We have a common spirituality. We keep prayer very high on our agenda because we really feel that it’s gotten us through very many difficult moments.”

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher

bishop Vlazny and Archbishop Keleher; Archbishop Daniel Buchlein, retired from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis; Bishop Robert J. Banks, retired from the Diocese of Green Bay; Bishop William Higi, retired from the Diocese of Lafayette, Ind.; and Bishop Daniel Ryan, retired from the Diocese of Springfield, Ill. In the beginning, the group, like other bishops’ groups, was somewhat defined by geography and the date of ordination. Some asked to join and some were invited.

“We were all new bishops,” said Archbishop Vlazny. “Priests had these prayer support groups, and we thought it would be important to get with a group of bishops.”

“We had very similar experiences, and we could be helpful to each other,” added Archbishop Keleher.

As has been the tradition throughout the years, the six member bishops still take turns acting as hosts for their gatherings, which used to be four times a year but now are three. Their gatherings last from late Monday to early Wednesday. They have meals together, pray the Liturgy of the Hours together, talk, relax, and celebrate Mass. They suggest books to each other and homily ideas.

In many ways, the bishops’ group is like Jesus Caritas, the support groups for priests, active here in the archdiocese.

“The idea is that three to six people who are similar in age and experience would get together and support each other through prayer and conversation,” said Archbishop Vlazny. “We’re all called to live lives as celibates, but we’re not called to life in isolation. We need support, forgiveness at times, and understanding.”

Such groups are also very practical.

“When you explain to someone your situation or question,” said Archbishop Keleher, “when you have people who have had somewhat similar experiences, they can give you insight into how you might handle that situation.”

At the heart of the group, of course, is the shared faith of its members.

“We have a common spirituality,” said Archbishop Keleher. “We keep prayer very high on our agenda because we really feel that it’s gotten us through very many difficult moments.”

No man an island The bishops’ group is a living embodiment of an important teaching reiterated by the Second Vatican Council: collegiality.

“We bishops are reminded on the day of our ordination as bishops that we are called not just to be a bishop, but called to be members of the college of bishops, working in collaboration with one another and under the leadership of the Holy Father,” said Archbishop Vlazny.

What one bishop does in his diocese can have an effect on another diocese, just like neighboring parishes. That’s why bishops get together in small groups, provinces and national conferences.

“We aren’t called to private practice,” said Archbishop Vlazny. “We are called to be members of group of priests and bishops working together.”

Bishops remind us that all Christians are supposed to have a mission-

ary spirit and a connectedness to the whole church throughout the world, said Archbishop Keleher.

Passages When you’re a bishop, the personal and professional can become very intertwined. And then one day, it stops.

That letter comes from Rome accepting one’s retirement.

“One thing I have found [the group] very helpful for is the transition from being the active archbishop of a diocese, moving to emeritus or retired status,” said Archbishop Keleher.

“That has its own challenges,” he continued. “And it’s really helpful to have other bishops, who’ve had that experience, assist you in how you are supposed to react, deepen your prayer life and do other good things.”

A person’s spirituality is a pilgrimage of faith, said Archbishop Vlazny.

None of us are called to walk alone.

“Jesus has this wonderful idea that there be a company of believers who walk together, which he calls the church,” said Archbishop Vlazny.

“Obviously, you walk more closely with some people who share similar challenges and responsibilities,” he continued. “They keep you from wandering off the path too far.”

Receiving one-on-one spiritual direction is useful and necessary, but getting spiritual direction from a group of peers — just opening your heart to those who’ve been there, done that, and truly care about you — takes it to a whole new level, the two bishops said.

Since the group members are now elderly and travel is sometimes a challenge, they are not sure how much longer they will be able to continue to meet.

“It will end, I suppose, as we just ‘check out’ one by one,” said Archbishop Vlazny. “I think we’ll meet as long as we’re able.”

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Free concert puts tough sacred pieces on display

Marie (Gunther) and Ronald Evanson, members of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 4. The couple was married at St. John the Evangelist Church in Kansas City, Kan. They will celebrate with family at the FOE Wyandotte 87 Club with a reception from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Their children ANNIVERSARIES and their spouses are: Steven and Saunda Evanson, Leavenworth; Shelly and Bill Whitson, Mesa, Ariz.; and Scott and Charlotte Evanson, Lathrop, Mo. They also have six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

By Kevin Kelly

Catholic Key Associate Editor KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Give them points for sheer courage.

The fall concert of the Te Deum Chamber Choir, opening at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Mo., will consist of three of the most difficult works, spanning four centuries, that any choral group could undertake.

It will begin with Concert info Johann Sebastian Date: Nov. 12 Bach’s “MoTime: 7:30 p.m. tet No. 3 Location: Cathedral in E minor, of the Immaculate BWV 227, Conception, 11th and ‘Jesu, meiBroadway, Kansas ne Freude’ City, Mo. (‘Jesus, My Joy’),” writDate: Nov. 13 ten in 1723 Time: 3 p.m. in Leipzig Location: Village for the fuPresbyterian Church, neral of Jo67th and Mission hanna MaRd., Prairie Village ria Kasin, No admission charge wife of the city’s postmaster, and is based on the St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

The program will then jump to the 20th century to Benjamin Britten’s recently “discovered” treatment of seven sacred poems and prayers of Victorian poet and Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins. It is entitled “A.M.D.G.,” an abbreviation of the Jesuit motto: “Ad majorem Dei gloria” (“For the greater glory of God”).

After performing the first two-thirds of the concert a capella, the 20-voice choir will then move from the altar area to the cathedral choir loft to join organist Karen Engebretson for the final piece of the one-hour performance, “Te Deum.”

Written by the devoutly Catholic Scottish composer James MacMillan for the 2002 celebration of the golden jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, “Te Deum” borrows its text from the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

The concert will be repeated at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Village Presbyterian Church, located at 6601 Mission Rd. in Prairie Village. The choir will then begin work on its spring concert.

The best news of all is that both concerts will be free to the public.

It’s an ambitious program for the

Photo by Kevin Kelly

Rachel Basham (right), one of five sopranos in the Te Deum Chamber Choir, practices before the Nov. 12 opening at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Mo. three-year-old Te Deum Chamber Choir, but their members will have it no other way.

“I love to sing. It’s an outlet,” said tenor Tom Assel. “This is a much higher level of music, much more challenging.”

Alto Natalie Parish said she has been singing in church choirs since the sixth grade.

“Eleven years of choirs, and here I am,” she said. “I love to sing. I just adore it.”

Tenor James Levy teaches music in the Kansas City, Kan., public school system.

“This is a clinic for me to be singing at a high professional level with a professional-level ensemble,” he said.

That’s what Te Deum is all about, said Matthew Shepard, conductor and artistic director, who first pulled the choir together in 2008.

“I had been singing in a number of groups and assistant conducting in others, and a number of people would approach me and say, ‘Why don’t you start your own choir?’” said Shepard, a Catholic whose day jobs include conductor of the Benedictine College Symphony and associate music director at Village

Presbyterian.

But Shepard didn’t want just another choir.

“Kansas City has a lot of choirs,” he said. “The city didn’t need another choir doing things that were already being done. So I came up with Te Deum, which means [in Latin], ‘To you, God.’ We wanted to do sacred music in a sacred context.”

And Te Deum wants to do sacred music not often heard in Kansas City.

Shepard said he had no problem finding the talent to fit that lofty goal. His chamber choir consists of five sopranos (Rachel Basham, Cory Ganschow, Meredith McFarland, Rebecca Roper and Terri Teal), five altos (Parish, Josepha Haden Chomposy, Rachel Gilmore, Ann Lewis and Lynn Thorman), five tenors (Assel, Levy, Chris Gilmore, Alan Murray and Kristopher Taylor) and five basses (Andrew Cunard, Justin Greene, Cory Reames, M.J. Stockton and Alex Tracy).

Though most of the singers are in their 30s, they range in age from 22-year-old Tracy to Stockton, who will celebrate his 72nd birthday exactly one week before the Cathedral concert.

LOCAL NEWS 7

Though culled from church choirs, Te Deum includes a combined 16 university degrees in music, including three doctoral degrees. Six of the members also work full time in music as church choir directors and as teachers.

“It’s intimidating to me as conductor,” Shepard joked. “They all know what they are doing.”

To prepare for the two-performance fall concert, Te Deum has spent nearly 20 hours in rehearsals together, plus countless hours on their own learning and perfecting the music, their timing, their phrasing, and the intricate weaving of each voice into a product even greater than the sum of its parts.

But all the hard work — and no pay — is worth it if the audience buys into the mission, Shepard said.

“Sometimes, choirs are forced to hold back the sacredness of the music. They don’t want to feel like they are preaching,” he said.

“We don’t hide or hold back anything,” Shepard added. “We hope the listener has not only a wonderful aural experience, but maybe a spiritual one, too.”

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Kenneth and Mary Louise (Soetaert) Agnew, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 10. The couple was married at St. Ann Church in Prairie Village by Father Patrick Fitzgerald. Their children and their spouses are: Neal and Mary Agnew, Roeland Park; Elizabeth and Larry Zawada, Overland Park; Ann and Patrick Carletti, Rayville, Mo.; Leo and Sara Agnew, Columbia, Mo.; John and Dorothy Agnew, New Market, Ala.; Paul and Marisa Agnew, Woodland, Calif.; and Mark and Pam Agnew, Spring Hill. They also have 21 grandchildren (four are deceased).

Herschel and Carol (Miller) Keithline, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will renew their wedding vows on the 50th anniversary of their wedding, Nov. 11. They celebrated with family and friends at a reception in their honor this past summer. The couple was married at St. Louis Church in Good Intent

by Father Cosmos Schneider.

Their children and their spouses are: Dana and Dan Carroll; Jay Keithline; Jeff and Kim Keithline; and Jerry and Julie Keithline. They also have seven grandchildren.

NEW EAGLES

Eight members of Leawood’s St. Michael the Archangel Boy Scout Troop 333 have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. They are: (front row, left to right) Nicholas Dwyer, Eric Carter, Michael Mullen, and Jack Willnauer; (back row, left to right) Hank Riscoe, Jonathan Sinclair, Daniel Krouse, and John Mitchell. Their Eagle projects are as follows: Dwyer planted a butterfly/perennial garden at Ironwoods Park, Leawood; Carter raised awareness about natural streams and buffers, and performed community stream and trail cleanup; Mullen built benches at Ironwoods Park; Willnauer built a shelving unit for Gillis Center, Kansas City, Mo.; Riscoe built benches, mulched trails, and rebuilt a fountain at Ironwoods Park; Sinclair built benches and installed landscaping at Ironwoods Park; Krouse built birdhouses and benches at Ironwoods Park; and Mitchell collected and repaired bikes for the Urban Kansas City Community of Cycling in Kansas City, Mo.

Larry Krische joins Catholic Cemeteries’ team TOPEKA — Larry Krische, a lifelong Krische attended St. Joseph Grade Topeka resident, has joined Catholic School and Hayden High School, then Cemeteries’ staff as a family earned his degree in business service counselor. Krische administration from Washhas served as chair of the burn University. He worked Mt. Calvary Cemetery advifor the Atchison, Topeka and sory board, Topeka, since Santa Fe Railway (currently October 2010, when that BNSF) for 32 years in purchasgroup was formed. es and materials management “His familiarity with and in process management.

Topeka and strong ties to During that time, he was also the community make Larry a Dale Carnegie instructor for a tremendous asset to our 17 years, teaching in Topeka Larry Krische team,” said Robert W. Cheand the surrounding area. noweth, executive director of Catholic For the past 11 years, he was Cemeteries, which manages Mt. Calinvolved in development and fundraisvary and seven cemeteries in Johnson ing. He was on the staff of the St. Lawand Wyandotte counties in Kansas. rence Catholic Campus Center at the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, and a consultant with Petrus Development.

The past five years, he was development director at Hayden High School.

Krische and his wife Sue are members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka.

They have three sons and five grandchildren.

“Mount Calvary Cemetery is very important to the Catholic community in Topeka. So many of us have family buried there,” Krische said. “I look forward to working with and helping the people of the Topeka region and am proud to join the Catholic Cemeteries’ staff, who are dedicated to caring about the individuals and families they serve.”

Family takes what life gives them and thrives Continued from page 1

‘He’s living it’ The Charpentiers’ story began at a neighborhood pool in Lenexa where Jessie and Scott met.

They fell in love, got married, and began a family.

First came sons Casey, then Corbin.

Next was daughter Danielle, and finally, their youngest, Sam. Only Jessie was Catholic, but the children were raised in the church, and the family belongs to Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

Jessie prayed over the years that her husband would convert. But all in all, day-to-day life, four kids and two jobs — Scott as a trim carpenter; Jessie as a nurse practitioner — kept them busy.

Sam spent his freshman year of high school at Olathe Northwest. Even after transferring to St. James in 10th grade, he still spends several hours at Olathe Northwest each day before taking a bus to St. James, where he takes five classes.

But his late entry into St. James didn’t slow Sam down one bit.

He will tell you he knows “a lot” of the school’s nearly 700 students — but don’t expect him to leave it at that. His friends — teachers and coaches included — are important, and he wants to mention each one by name.

“People will walk by and see us in the hallway, and every person will stop and wave at Sam. Sam is like a star. He makes everybody feel loved. It’s really cool.”

Madison Nearmyer, a senior at St. James

For Sam, the few minutes between classes exist for “Hello” and “How are you?” and a host of high-fives.

A group of friends invited him to go to homecoming, so he dressed up, went out to dinner and danced the night away.

He got to school early the morning in October when KCTV came to feature St. James as a “Cool School.”

“He’s probably the most friendly person that I know,” said Madison Nearmyer, a senior at St. James and one of the peer mentors who work with Sam in each of his classes.

“People will walk by and see us in the hallway, and every person will stop and wave at Sam,” she said. “Sam is like a star.

He makes everybody feel loved. It’s really cool.”

In theology class, peer mentor Kaitlyn Gingrich, who is also a senior, made up memorization games to help Sam learn the beatitudes.

“It was fun,” said Sam. “You have to be on top of your game with Sam,” said Kaitlyn. “You always get the latest update on football. You have good conversations. It’s a good way to learn outside of class, as well.”

Sam’s days are long — he starts school before 8 a.m. and sometimes doesn’t get home from football until evening — but he doesn’t complain, said Terry Kopp with St. James’ guided studies program.

“He really is a special kid and really is experiencing the high-school life,” said

Family grateful beyond words for support from all around

W

hen Scott Charpentier was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, friends — and even strangers — wanted to help.

It took him some time, he said, to learn to accept their support. Every gesture has touched the family deeply.

Groups prayed for Scott.

People delivered food to the family.

There were prayer blankets.

People called, emailed, and wrote to the Charpentiers.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The family set up a Web page on Caring Bridge for Scott, so family and friends could follow his story. Jessie updates it as they have news.

Scott is embarrassed by all the attention — and moved beyond words.

To share in Scott’s story, visit the website at: www.caringbridge.org; search for ScottCharpentier.

John Muehlberger, dean of students.

“He’s a real student, he’s a great friend, and he’s living it.”

‘One of the guys’ Muehlberger is part of St. James’ Response Team, which works with students who have special needs. He first met with Sam a few months before he started school there.

Muehlberger was also the head football coach at the time. Sam went to some of the summer workout sessions.

“He was just oozing with enthusiasm and excitement, and our community was very, very welcoming from day one,” said Muehlberger.

Jessie had always hoped one of her boys would turn out to be a football player. In her two oldest, she had a soccer player and a lacrosse player.

“Little did I know my football player was going to be Sam,” she told Scott.

Sam learned to tackle new — and sometimes tough — challenges.

“I wanted him to certainly feel like he was one of the guys,” said Muehlberger, “and really, to be honest with you, I was hard on him.”

He expected Sam, just like the rest of the team, to finish his sprints and do the conditioning.

His hard work paid off.

“He was able to perform when we put him in,” said Muehlberger.

And the team is learning from him, too. At first, his teammates were afraid of hurting him. He showed his mettle, though, and they came to see him as just part of the team.

Sam dresses out for junior varsity and varsity games. At the end of his first season, he got to play in a varsity game, a coveted opportunity for an underclassman.

“It was a neat experience because it didn’t come with a ton of fanfare. You weren’t going to find it on YouTube,” said Muehlberger. “He was just one of the team.”

Sam’s family has seen him undergo a tremendous transformation since he started playing.

In fact, Scott remembers watching the boys running sprints while carrying big wooden crosses and not immediately spotting Sam. He thought Sam might be dragging his cross. But no, he held his high, just like his teammates, and was running with them.

“This is incredible,” thought Scott.

One of the things he likes best about St. James is the way they “walk the walk,” infusing faith even into the competitive world of high school football.

Finding faith As Sam was finding his way around the football field, however, Scott was growing increasingly ready to get off the sidelines when it came to his faith.

Throughout 2010, things just seemed to click. He had always been in love with Jessie, but he fell deeper in love than ever before.

He went to Mass with her. And knowing she prayed the rosary in the car, he thought briefly of giving it a try.

No, he finally decided, he would just listen to the radio.

Two days later, though, the radio broke.

ACADEMICS

St. James seniors Hillary Podrebarac (left) and Annelise Feder chat with Sam in American History and Film.

FRIENDSHIP

Sam and St. James junior Darin Feist cut up before academic time. At St. James, Sam is just one of the guys.

FATHER & SON

Sam and Scott share a laugh following the St. James game against Blue Valley Southwest. places, he said.

He turned to Dr. Jaswinder Singh, an oncologist at Research, for treatment, and chemotherapy started within days of his diagnosis.

At the beginning, the doctor saw a man dealing with the five stages of grief, as can be expected with a diagnosis like this.

Scott had been healthy before. Cancer isn’t what he expected at 51.

‘One of the most blessed things’ Little things like that kept happening, each moving him a little closer to God. He believes now his faith was being fortified in order to see him through what was to come.

A devastating diagnosis As fall 2010 and its chill set in, the season started to wear on Scott.

Normally healthy, he just wasn’t feeling well.

One afternoon, he helped line the football field at the old St. Joseph Stadium in Shawnee, where St. James’ team was to play that night.

It took about four hours, and he came

home that chilly October day feeling as if he had the flu. It had just been the worst day, he told Jessie.

Things didn’t improve. He didn’t feel like doing much, and he was eating less and losing weight.

Eventually, he went to one of those mini-clinics at a local pharmacy. The nurse prescribed some medicine, thinking he had a flu that had turned into a secondary infection.

Whatever it was, the medicine seemed to do the trick — for a while.

Around Christmas, though, the sick feeling came back.

Although Scott didn’t like going to the doctor, he made an appointment after the holidays.

By that point, he was also experiencing some pains in his side.

The early-January visit brought news

SPECIAL PLACE

Sam and Scott Charpentier enjoy a few minutes on the deck outside their home. Scott built the deck after he was diagnosed with cancer. The deck has become a symbol of Scott’s daily battle with the disease. Photo by Jessica Langdon

none of them expected.

His symptoms, it turns out, were classic for cancer. A blood test showed his liver enzymes were elevated. They were seeing signs of metastasis of cancer in his liver.

He had an ultrasound and a scan.

When the person performing the scan gave him a hug, he knew something had to be wrong.

He started to drive home, still not sure what it might turn out to be. He didn’t make it far.

“They called me up as I was driving home,” said Scott, “and they go, ‘You need to get back here right now.’”

He called Jessie.

The doctor wanted to talk to him. Scott was told to call his family physician right away.

He had to wait until the next day to see his own doctor, and that gave reality time to sink in.

It wasn’t any easier to hear the next day.

“I’ve got some bad news,” Scott’s doctor said.

They looked at one another for a moment without speaking.

“You have Stage IV cancer.”

Later, they would learn the cancer that had begun in his colon had spread to his liver.

Scott’s sister-in-law helped get him quickly into Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. — so fast, in fact, he was beating his paperwork to some of the

But Singh soon saw changes in Scott, and noted the way his patient began to grow through his interaction with others.

He has a “very strong personality,” said Singh.

Scott began to share his story with the people around him — often seeing tears in others’ eyes or receiving hugs — and learning the stories of his fellow patients.

“He’s helping others,” said Singh simply.

Scott has a breakfast club going with one group of patients. They’ve become what he likes to call the cheerleading section.

He also prays for the people he’s gotten to know.

Scott remembers prayers from his younger days when he used to ask for things for himself.

“Please let me win the lottery,” was one, he recalled with a laugh.

Today, he doesn’t remember the last Continued on the next page

Spirit of family inspires those who know them

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Sisters, Servants celebrate beatification

Continued from previous page prayer he said for himself. They’re all for others now.

But Jessie and Sam have him covered.

And this year, Jessie got an answer to one of her prayers.

Scott decided that he wanted to move forward with becoming a Catholic.

So he and Sam, who had not yet been confirmed, went through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program together.

Jessie’s dad, who converted to Catholicism as an adult, was Scott’s sponsor.

It was a day Scott will never forget.

He had his son by his side, his family surrounding him, and longtime friend and neighbor Deacon Dana Nearmyer on the altar during the Mass.

“I was weeping when we were going through the entire service,” recalls Deacon Nearmyer. But he remembers the grin on Scott’s face.

“Sam wanted to chest bump me,” he said, laughing. “It was one of the most blessed things I’ve ever participated in.”

Under construction The chemotherapy wasn’t easy on Scott.

Even on the hardest days, though, he wanted Jessie to know he was doing something she could be proud of.

When Deacon Nearmyer learned what that “something” was, however, he could hardly believe it.

Scott’s brother had taken up a collection from family members to buy the wood it would take for Scott to build the deck of his dreams . . . and threw the lumber in the driveway.

“I saw this pile of wood — I mean giant pile of wood,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “I thought he was going to build an ark.”

Often wearing the portable pack that delivered his chemo treatments, Scott threw himself into the work of building that dream deck, doing a little something every day, even if it was just putting down 10 boards.

“I’d be, like, ‘Scott, you can’t dig with a chemo pack on,’” laughed Deacon Nearmyer. Scott would tell him he had to get this hole finished — he had a lot of concrete coming.

Scott often showed up for his infusions happily covered in dirt and sawdust.

He needed the outlet.

When he grew tired or overwhelmed, he would sit down on the steps, put his face in his hands, and rest or pray.

Deacon Nearmyer often came across the street to visit and would find Scott sitting there. They’ve shared many conversations about life through the iron posts under the railing.

The deck is more than a sanctuary; it’s Scott’s story under construction.

“I can walk you through the deck, and I can tell you the good days and the bad days,” said Scott. He can point to certain places and say, “This was a very bad day.”

He thought at first he would fix the parts that aren’t perfect, but has since changed his mind.

“This is a true tribute to how I felt,” he said. “Some places are fantastic.

Some are kind of rocky.”

One of the posts is crooked and has warped over time.

And that’s the way it will stay.

“That’s probably how I felt when I

LOCAL NEWS 11

stood it up,” said Scott.

“It was just beautiful to watch that go up,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “He had to just use his strength for something other than fighting cancer.”

‘Our poster child’ In his physical battle, Scott has given all he has.

His doctor has also used every medicinal weapon possible against the cancer cells.

The drugs — the same ones given to many patients fighting cancer — are part of the equation, believes Singh. A patient’s outlook and attitude can go a long way, too, and he noted the spiritual

“This is a true tribute to how I felt. Some places are fantastic. Some are kind of rocky.”

Scott Charpentier impact.

For a patient, it can be scary entrusting your life to another person.

Scott knew he was in good hands when his doctor told him, “I look at you like my brother.”

The difference between his first colonoscopy and the second was night and day.

The first time, the cancer blocked the tools from even moving through the way they should.

That weighed on Scott’s mind as he went in for a second one this summer, after having started chemotherapy. With this colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist would internally mark — with a tattoo, grinned Scott — remaining tumors so they could be surgically removed.

But there was no cancer to remove.

Scott remembers hearing Jessie say “miracle” a couple of times to someone else after his procedure.

“The doctor came out and he said the tumors are all gone — totally gone — in his colon,” said Jessie.

He checked five or six times to be sure.

Scott acknowledges the outcome will likely be different with the cancer in his liver.

He’s still going through treatment, but doing it with sense of humor and a smile. He keeps his medical team on its toes, thinking beyond cancer to the everyday things like wanting to have his cholesterol checked or his teeth cleaned.

“He’s just doing really well,” said Singh.

Singh sees in him an attitude of “Don’t just stop — keep going.”

“He’s been . . . basically my role model,” said Singh. “He’s our poster child.”

SUPER FANS

Despite being stricken with Stage IV cancer, missing one of Sam’s games is not in Scott’s plans. Scott and his wife Jessie cheer Sam on against Blue Valley Southwest.

life as one. New and longtime friends can expect a hug.

He doesn’t fight the tears that come during life’s poignant moments.

He wouldn’t wish this illness on anyone.

But he will tell you he’s happier than he’s ever been.

Living in the moment

‘Squeeze’

Most people probably wouldn’t guess Scott has been so sick by looking at him.

Sometimes he wishes he had a Tshirt or something that tells people he has cancer, because many find it hard to believe.

He stands tall and has actually put on some weight since he was diagnosed.

He credits his wife for keeping up his spirits — and his weight — through her constant encouragement.

When he feels good, he’s out and about. He loves going to St. James. He has been deeply touched by kids he hasn’t even met — but who know him through Sam — telling him they’re praying for him.

On the bad days, he tends to stay home.

Jessie has drawn inspiration from a book by Mother Angelica, who founded the Eternal Word Television Network.

She offers a lot of humor, as well as the advice that you can’t live in the past or worry about the future.

“So that’s how we try to live,” said Jessie. They don’t know exactly what the future will bring, so they make the most of every moment they have now.

Somehow, things work out. Moving from two incomes to one hasn’t changed them.

The only changes Scott has noticed from being sick have been good ones.

They’ve kicked stress out of their home; it’s their sanctuary.

The extended family has grown much closer.

Scott was never really a hugger before, but has come to embrace his new

The spirit of this family inspires the people who know them.

“They certainly talk the talk and walk the walk,” said Muehlberger. “They live life like you’re supposed to live life.”

He sees a lot of Scott’s attitude shining in Sam. Neither has ever met a stranger, he says.

The little moments are priceless.

Scott and Jessie celebrated their 25th anniversary this fall.

Deacon Nearmyer and Scott sat outside in October, both of them laughing as Nearmyer’s youngest daughter ran through the sprinkler in her pajamas.

Even in the tiniest moment like that, there’s so much life and camaraderie.

“Scott has taught me and continues to teach me through this epic struggle that every day is important,” said Deacon Nearmyer, “to tell the people around you that you love them and to just squeeze, squeeze the most out of life that you possibly can.”

Celebrating life Scott has more doctors to visit these days and chemotherapy to go through but, other than that, their family is living as they always have — except maybe savoring each moment a little more.

And, naturally, that means they’re in the stands during every football game, cheering on Sam and just celebrating life.

“What else would you do, though?” asked Scott.

BREAKING GROUND Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the ground where the new parish hall for St. Theresa Parish in Perry will be built at a ceremony on Oct. 16.

Archbishop Naumann, Father Thomas Aduri, pastor, and Norbert Otter, chairman of the parish building committee, throw the ceremonial scoops of dirt at the St. Theresa Parish hall groundbreaking.

Photos by Susan McSpadden

Kansas City, Kan. — The Sisters, Servants of Mary here, who serve the sick and dying in their own homes across the metropolitan area, have reason to celebrate this year. Sister Mary Catherine Irigoyen, a member of their order, was beatified in Madrid, Spain, on Oct. 29.

On Nov. 12 at 10 a.m., Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan., to commemorate Sister Mary Catherine’s beatification.

Sister Mary Catherine is the second of the Sisters, Servants of Mary to be beatified. Sister Maria Soledad, foundress of the community of women religious, was beatified and later canonized in 1970.

Five additional Sisters, Servants are being considered for canonization.

Sister Mary Catherine was born in Pamplona, Spain, in 1848. In 1881, she met Sister Maria Soledad, and she felt deeply moved to enter her order, which she did on Dec. 31, 1881. The following March, Sister Mary Catherine received the habit of the Sisters, Servants of Mary from the hands of Sister Maria Soledad.

“From the very beginning of her religious life, Sister Mary Catherine’s only aspiration was to love God with all her heart and to serve him in the sick,” said Mother Carmela Sanz, mother provincial of the Sisters, Servants in the United States and Mexico.

Despite a paralyzing illness, Sister Mary Catherine continued serving the sick and dying. She underwent two knee operations due to problems attributed to the long hours she spent kneeling in prayer. The reality was that she was suffering from tuberculosis of the bone.

“She died of this illness after four years of suffering on the cross of pain.

It was four years of immolation, joyfully living what the Lord asked of her,” Mother Carmela said. “She reached the point of saying, ‘I am very happy with the cross that Jesus has given me.’”

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We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Services

QuickBooks® for small business - Setup, customization and maintenance; quarterly and/or yearly accounting; support to your CPA, balance monthly statements, profit and expense tracking. Free consultations! Call Ann Evans Consulting LLC at (913) 4069778.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Websites - A professional website for your business or organization, starting at $75 per month; lower after the first year. Examples of work are available.

Call Pat at (913) 909-7917.

Fall lawn cleanup Aeration, seeding, fertilizing & leaf removal Excellent references; licensed and insured Local parishioner; free estimates.

Insured; excellent references.

Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Rodman Lawn Care - Lawn mowing, leaf removal, hedge trimming, power washing, snow removal. Call (913) 548-3002 for a free estimate. Member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree and shrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460.

Foley’s Lawn Care - fall is coming!

Aeration, verticutting & over-seeding Fall cleanup, mowing, mulch, landscaping & gutters. Free estimates; call (913) 825-4353 www.foleyslawncare.com Serving Johnson County for over 10 years.

Member of St. Joseph Church, Shawnee

Caregiving

Utility bills skyrocketing? - I can help you save 10 - 30% on your heating and cooling bills and reduce the allergens and dust in your home. The solution is Aeroseal. Call Bryan at U.S. Solar G at (913) 602-2264.

Member of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee.

Math tutor – For grades 5 – 12. Johnson County area. Call (913) 236-4495.

Voice, piano, and beginning guitar lessons For information, call (913) 206-2151 or send an email to Kathleen at: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor.

Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Housecleaning - I have over 30 years of cleaning experience and I am looking for new clients. Call Sandy at (913) 788-7676 or (913) 956-1626 (mobile).

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Computer repair and upgrades/virus, spyware & malware removal - Microsoft certified, 11+ yrs. experience. Member of Sacred Heart Parish. Call Matt at (816) 876-6619 or send an email to him at: mattcomputerfix@gmail.com. unplanned pregnancy? decisions to make?

Replace pressure and panic with thoughtful, and rational reflection. A confidential, caring friend is waiting for your call.

Topeka- (785) 234-0701 Lawrence- (785) 843-4821 Leavenworth- (913) 682-2700 Kansas City-(816)444-7090 Emporia- (620) 342-8600

IRTHRIGHT

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4 , 2011

or call 24 hrs. toll free 1-800-550-4900

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

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011 Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Father and son team - We do roofing, windows, doors, siding, brick masonry, all types of wood rot, fences and decks, retaining walls, landscaping and concrete. You name it, we can do it — no job to big or small. Reasonable prices; fully insured. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Tim the handyman - Small jobs are my specialty! Faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, handrails, window screen repair, bush trimming and garden tilling. Free estimates. JoCo only. Call (913) 859-0471.

Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repair for your kitchen and bathrooms. I also do custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years experience; insured. For a free estimate, call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to him at: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

Garage door and opener sales and service 24-hour, 7 day-a-week service on all types of doors.

Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com.

Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M.Ed., today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation* Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Retired nurse - Available to care for your loved one. Days, nights, and weekends. Will consider livein; willing to relocate. References; salary negotiable.

Call (913) 579-5276.

Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

Home Improvement Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.

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

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Brick masons - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work — brick, stone, and concrete.

17 years of residential and commercial experience.

Small and large jobs accepted. KC Metro area. For a free quote, call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work.

Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

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

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR

MUD JACKING

v Wall Bracing v Waterproofing v Steel Underpinning

v Patios v Drives v Garage Floors v Slab Houses

Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair

Kansas City (913) 262-9352

Raise & Level

Lawrence (785) 865-0006

Topeka (785) 246-0128

Vacation Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027.

To view, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Child Care On-call nanny - Shawnee Catholic family with two small boys is looking to form relationship with a “grandmotherly” nanny. Minimal hours that will vary by week, probably 4 - 10 hours/month; some on weekdays. References required. Call (913) 745-5321.

For Sale For sale – Medical equipment and supplies; new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman (913) 299-9176.

Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation. Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 839-3106.

American Girl-type solid wood doll furniture - Heirloom quality furniture, complete with bedding.

In-home showroom. Call John Hember at (913) 6314060. Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Visit the website at: www.bedsandthreads.com.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Wanted to Buy Cash for your antiques - Coins, watches, silverware, old rifles and shotguns, pocket knives, old military items, Zippo lighters, duck decoys, antique toys, old signs, old pine or primitive furniture. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Want to buy *** Antique or vintage jewelry Single pieces or entire estate Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Miscellaneous Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

To purchase a classified ad:

Send an email to: jennifer@theleaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 for the first five lines; $1.50 per additional line.

3-5

Nov.

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City will host their annual holiday boutique from 4 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, and from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park. A “Cruising to the Emerald Isle” gala and dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 There will be a silent auction, live music and a chance to win a trip to Ireland. A luncheon and fashion show sponsored by Coldwater Creek will be held at noon on Nov. 4. For information or to purchase tickets, call Donna at (913) 631-4097. All proceeds will benefit Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan., Seton Center in Kansas City, Mo., and Villa St. Francis in Olathe.

5

Sanctuary of Hope will host its annual Hope Benefit — a dinner, dance and auction — on Nov. 5 at Reardon Center, 500 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or tickets, call (913) 321-8469 or visit the website at: www. hopebenefit.org.

The Catholic Women’s Organization of Holy Angels Parish, 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor, will host its annual craft fair from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 in Father Quinlan Hall. There will be 25 booths featuring a variety of items for purchase; refreshments will be available. Admission is free. For information, call Annie Clark at (913) 724-2212.

Catholic Cemeteries will host a special outdoor Mass to commemorate deceased relatives and loved ones at 9 a.m. on Nov. 5 at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 801 S.W. Westchester Rd., Topeka.

Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host its annual Fitness for the Soul 5K and one-mile fun run at 9 a.m. on Nov. 5. Families are encouraged to join in one or both races and enjoy a post-race breakfast and award ceremony. Strollers are welcome. Registration deadline is 6 p.m. on Nov. 4. To register, visit the website at: www.cureofars5k. com/registration.html.

The Militia of Immaculata will host a mini-retreat from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Redemptorist Church, 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. Presentations will be given by Father Patrick Greenough, president of the Militia of the Immaculata in the United States and Canada, and by Father Steve McKinley, rector of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Marytown-Libertyville, Ill. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The cost of $10 includes lunch. For information or to RSVP, call Christine Rossi at (913) 268-0208.

The Amos Family Funeral Home will host a grief seminar, entitled “Handling the Holidays,” from 2 - 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Shawnee chapel, located at 10901 Johnson Drive. The seminar is open to the public and free of charge. For information, visit the website at: www.Amos Family.com. To RSVP, call (913) 631-5566 or send an email to: mark@amosfamily. com.

Good Shepherd Church, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee, will host a fiesta to celebrate the twinning anniversary with its sister community, El Buen Pastor in El Salvador. A taco dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in Seuferling Hall. The cost is: $7.50 for adults; $4 for children ages 5 - 11; children under five eat for free;

$20 maximum per family. To purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.good shepherdshawnee.org.

The Altar Society of Holy Family Church, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., will host a chili supper and turkey bingo on Nov. 5 in Msgr. Mejak Hall. Dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m., followed by bingo at 7:30 p.m. The cost of $15 includes dinner, dessert, beer, pop and a bingo card. This event is for adults only.

Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Sandy Cannon at (913) 492-2612 or Marcia Wolf at (816) 454-1378.

5&6

The theater department of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm, Lenexa, will present “Aida” at 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 and at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 and 6 in the school’s theater. For tickets, visit the website at: www.stasaints.net/theater.

6

St. Marys, St. Benedict, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Nov. 6. A freewill offering will be collected. All are welcome.

The St. Anthony’s Guild of Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, will host its annual bake and craft sale from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the basement of St. Joseph Church, 227 Van Buren.

St. Benedict Church, Bendena, will host its annual turkey dinner with all the trimmings from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. There will also be a country store, homemade baked goods, craft items, raffles and more. Carryouts will be available at the parish house garage.

9 The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer

“Getting It All Together: Job Readiness and Life Skills for Women” from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 9. This program is designed for women seeking entry-level positions or who have had a hard time finding and keeping a job. There is no charge to attend; lunch will be provided.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host “Surviving the Holidays with Grief,” a grief program facilitated by Mary Kay Whitacre, from 7 - 9 p.m. on Nov. 9. For information, visit the website at: www.sanctuaryofhope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

10

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will offer a one-day retreat, entitled “Biblical Characters in the St. John’s Bible,” presented by Benedictine Sister Irene Nowell, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 10. The cost is $50. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/ sophia.html.

11

Catholic Cemeteries will host a flag-raising ceremony and tribute to be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira, Lenexa.

The American Legion Band will provide a patriotic musical prelude at 1:30 p.m.

For information, call Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040; send an email to: information@cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks.org.

The Ladies Guild of St. Bernard Parish, 1102 8th St., Wamego, will host its annual stitch ’n’ stuff bazaar on Nov. 6. Chili, beef stew and homemade desserts will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a country store, baked goods, a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games, a quilt raffle and more. For information, call Pam at (785) 456-9529 or the parish office at (785) 456-7869.

Holy Cross School, 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park, will host a family fun night on Nov. 11. A taco dinner will be served from 5 - 6:30 p.m., followed by bingo until 9 p.m. The cost is: $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 3 - 10; children under three eat for free. For information, call the school office at (913) 381-7408.

Holy Trinity Parish, 601 E. Chippewa, Paola, will host a fall bazaar on Nov. 6.

A turkey dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children under 10 years. Carryouts will be available. There will be bingo, raffles, a cakewalk, a country store, quilts, children’s games and more.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Patrick Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a Chicken Parmesan dinner from 5 - 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 in the parish hall. The cost is: $8 for adults; $5 for children; $30 per family maximum. For information, contact Manuel Ortiz at (913) 287-0239.

The Altar Society of Our Lady of Unity Parish, 2901 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual smothered steak dinner from noon - 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the parish hall. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children under 10 years of age. Carryouts will be available.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host a holiday luncheon at 1 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the Formation Room at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. Stone, Topeka. There is no cost to attend. For information, call (785) 272-0055.

A presentation on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be given

by Mary Mirrione, national director, at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the Father Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Church, 9201 Summit, Lenexa. A fellowship hour and registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. For information, send an email to Bonnie Mendoza at: bmendoza@everestkc.net.

St. Ann Church, Effingham, will host a ham & bean and chicken & noodle dinner from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the parish center. A freewill offering will be collected. Carryouts will be available. For information or carryouts, call (913) 833-2268.

St. Francis de Sales Parish, 900 Ida, Lansing, will host a concert, featuring Allen Asbury and the Brooks Brothers, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 - 12.

Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund in memory of Justin Johnston, who was a parishioner of St. Lawrence Parish in Easton. For information or to purchase tickets, call Katie Peterson at (913) 7728871. Tickets may also be purchased at the door; cash only.

12

13

St. Patrick Church, Corning, will host a soup luncheon from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Corning Community Center. There will be bingo, cards, children’s games and an auction following the luncheon.

13-14

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will offer “Forgive And Remember” from 9 a.m. on Nov. 13 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 14. The retreat will be presented by Donna and Robert Bacic. Don-

CALENDAR 13

na is a clinical social worker in Overland Park and Robert is a pastoral minister at the Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park. The cost is $100; registration is due

by Nov. 1. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

17

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Tom Kearns will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

18 & 19

The Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host its annual marketplace from 7 - 10 p.m. on Nov. 18 and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the parish hall. A number of community vendors will offer a wide variety of products for purchase.

19

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Nov. 19 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Looking at Grief with Verse.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Mothers of Young Children of Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host its annual gift gallery on Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the school. Over 45 artisans and vendors will offer items for purchase. The admission cost is $3, payable at the door.

A portion of every purchase is donated to local children’s charities. For information, visit the website at: www.gift gallerykc.com.

The Mother Teresa Circle of Holy Cross Church, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host a friendship tea at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 19 in Lickteig Hall. The cost is $10 per person. To purchase tickets, call Maxine Rodriguez at (913) 383-2014 or Donna Heit at (913) 402-6843.

St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Church will host its annual fall fest at St. Lawrence Church hall, 211 W. Riley, Easton, on Nov. 19. A soup and chili supper will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. Bingo and raffles will follow dinner.

The 27th annual Viviano Variety Benefit Show will be held on Nov. 19 at Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The show will feature performances by Joseph Vincelli, flutist and saxophonist; 4’s Company, barbershop quartet; Savannah Miller, baton artist; the Viviano family; and more.

Proceeds will benefit the Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

Tickets cost $35 for reserved seating, or $25 for open seating. The doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.catholic charitiesks.org.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Thomas More Parish, 11822 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo., will host a Texas hold ‘em tournament on Nov. 19 in the parish hall. Registration is at 7 p.m.; tournament play begins at 7:30 p.m. The suggested donation per player is $30 in advance; $35 at the door. To register in advance, call Dave Markus at (816) 9419368.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“You have to be good to win the award once.

You really have to be excelling in all four categories to win it two of the last three years.”

Michael Morrisey, executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation

See story on page 3

W

Nov. 7 Monday Wis 1: 1-7; Ps 139: 1-10; Lk 17: 1-6 Nov. 8 Tuesday Wis 2:23 — 3:9; Ps 34: 2-3, 16-19; Lk 17: 7-10 Nov. 9 THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA Ez 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3: 9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2: 13-22 Nov. 10 Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the church Wis 7:22b — 8:1; Ps 119: 89-91, 130, 135, 175; Lk 17: 20-25 Nov. 11 Martin of Tours, bishop Wis 13: 1-9; Ps 19: 2-5; Lk 17: 26-37 Nov. 12 Josaphat, bishop, martyr Wis 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9; Ps 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43; Lk 18: 1-8

them to buy something that would fill his large office. “Spend no more than I have given you,” he directed, “and be sure you are back by sunset.”

All day long each nephew attempted separately to fulfill his uncle’s instructions. Finally, at twilight, the nephews returned.

The first dragged in huge sacks of “packing peanuts.” When the bags were emptied, the “peanuts” nearly filled the office.

After the room was cleared, the second nephew brought in bunches of helium-filled balloons that floated through the office, filling it more completely than the “peanuts.”

The third nephew stood silent and forlorn. His uncle asked, “So, what have you to offer?”

“Uncle,” he replied, “I spent half of my money to help a family whose house burned down last night. Then I ran into some kids in trouble and gave most of the rest to an inner-city youth center.

With the little bit I had left, I bought this candle and matches.” Then he lit the candle and its glowing light filled every corner of the room.

The wise old man realized that here was the noblest member of his family.

He blessed the nephew for making the best possible use of his gift and welcomed him into his business. (Adapted from “Sower’s Seeds That Nurture Familty Values: Sixth Planting,” by Brian

T. Cavanaugh, TOR) This weekend we “fall back” into standard time and enter into a season of increasing darkness. It’s a good time to remind ourselves of one of our primary tasks as Christians: Fill the world with the light of Christ.

Like the nephews above, sometimes we try to do it using the things of this earth but, like those “peanuts,” they can only take us so far. Other times we want to fill the world with “hot air,” like those balloons. But all the talking in the world cannot substitute for action. The best solution is to be a light to others — see the people around us and respond to their needs in whatever way we can. In doing so, Christ shines through us to touch every corner of the world.

Because sunlight is in short supply during these months, it causes some to get S.A.D., or seasonal affective disorder.

This triggers depression, which can in turn lead to poor eating (with weight gain), excessive sleeping, an inability to concentrate, a loss of interest in work, social withdrawal and general unhappiness and irritability.

Just as those who suffer from S.A.D. get the best relief from exposure to light, even artificial light, so we should be aware of the debilitating effects of spiritual S.A.D. and seek to cure it by being a light for others. Reaching out and maintaining connections through frequent phone calls, cards, email or visits can truly brighten the day of another and lift the pall of isolation.

We can bemoan the state of things like Peter the Monk, or do something practical like that third nephew and flood our world with healing love. We might be very surprised at how differently things look when seen in the light of Christ.

SECOND THOUGHTS ON THE SECOND READING

THIRTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 6 THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 6: 12-16; Ps 63: 2-8; 1 Thes 4: 13-18; Mt 25: 1-13

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

Sometimes it’s fine to be light-headed

ow, what a world we live in, right? Sometimes all you can do is shake your head. Here’s a great summary of the situation: “The world is passing through troubled times. The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age.

They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they know everything, and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness to them. As for the girls, they are immodest . . . in speech, behavior and dress.” (Found in Anthony P. Castle’s “Quotes & Anecdotes.”)

If you find yourself nodding in agreement, then you and Peter, a monk who uttered those words, should get along well. But you won’t get to chat with one another until you get to heaven. You see, Peter the Monk penned that paragraph in the year 1274.

Honestly, things — or at least our perception of them — haven’t changed much in the intervening 737 years. I read Peter’s words every now and then when it seems everyone is saying that the world is heading to the “hot place” in a handbasket. His observation gives me a much needed perspective: Probably every generation has lamented the sad state of its affairs and longed for the mythical “good old days.”

A more productive approach to life is seen in this little story: A man built a thriving business through hard work and honesty. As he aged, he felt concerned about the future of his enterprise because he had no children or close relatives, except for three nephews.

One day he called in the three and declared, “I have a problem, and whoever comes up with the best solution will inherit all that I possess.” Giving each an equal amount of money, he instructed

S

‘Left Behind’ based on faulty reading of St. Paul

everal years ago, the “Left Behind” series of novels appeared.

They take place in an apocalyptic future as interpreted by a branch of fundamentalist Protestantism and describe how various individuals would suddenly and mysteriously disappear in a phenomenon known as the Rapture.

Those individuals, the saved, would be headed for heaven. On the THIRTY-SECOND other hand, SUNDAY IN those unfortuORDINARY TIME nate enough to 1 Thes 4: 13-18 be left behind would be headed for damnation. These events would prepare for the end of the world, for the second coming of Christ.

These fictional stories are based on a theory of evangelical Protestantism known as the Rapture. The word “rapture” derives from the Latin verb “raptire,” meaning “to catch up.” The verse that supplies the basis for this notion is found in this Sunday’s second reading, 1 Thes 4:13-18: “Then we, the living, the survivors, will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord.”

We should note that the theory of the Rapture only emerged relatively recently and is not held by all Protestants, much less by Catholics. It depends upon

an interpretation of Scripture that does not bear up under close scrutiny.

Specifically, the scenario that St. Paul describes does not involve leaving behind unfortunates doomed to eternal damnation. Rather, St. Paul draws a distinction between those Christians already dead and those who would still be living at the time of Christ’s second coming. Because of the resurrection of the dead, those who had died would not suffer any disadvantage compared to those still living.

That is why St. Paul concludes this passage with the words: “Therefore, console one another with these words.”

We should note that this passage is often used as a reading at funeral Masses, to console mourners with its teaching on the Resurrection.

St. Paul’s motive in writing remains crucial and offers a guide in evaluating other writings. He does not wish to terrify unbelievers with threats of

COMMENTARY 15

eternal damnation, although he does elsewhere take that possibility seriously.

Neither does he wish to make believers complacent in presuming their salvation or smug in regard to non-Christians.

Rather, he wishes to console. This motive is the opposite of the “Left Behind” books.

That is a good criterion by which to judge writings on the end of the world, as well as writings on any religious topic. Do they wish to scare people, more in fitting with Halloween stories or slasher movies? Or, do they seek to build up the reader in faith, inspire in hope, and motivate us toward love of neighbor? We would not ingest a food whose primary effect is to make us miserable or engage in an activity that results only in our unhappiness. Why would we do the same when it comes to our religious faith?

Admittedly, following Christ will inevitably lead to some suffering. Our faith frequently will challenge us. At the same time, that is not the primarily goal. Rather, our faith seeks to bring us joy.

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

Changes to the Mass can’t change the Eucharist

I

have enjoyed the privilege of offering reflections in parishes on the revised texts of the upcoming Roman Missal. And I have witnessed firsthand the desire that these new words may not encumber us in our prayer at Mass, but rather may help us grow in faith and understanding.

There should be little doubt that, in time, these aspirations will be fulfilled.

Certainly, this Advent will teach all of us the meaning of patience. But the

seasons beyond will equally witness a renewal of our faith rooted in “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.” This alone is worth the burden of change.

And so, as I have said to those who have come to listen and reflect, I say one last time to each of you: I have both bad news and good news. The bad news, if you will, is that the Mass is going to change, and change is hard for many of us. But the good news is that the Eucharist is not going to change. It

will always be what it always has been.

Consider these words of the Second Vatican Council on the nature of the Eucharist: “The Church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful . . . should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration. They should be instructed by God’s word and be nourished at the table of the Lord’s body . . . by offering the Immaculate Victim, not only through the hands of the priest, but also with him, they should learn also to offer themselves . . . they should be drawn day by day into an ever more perfect union with God and with each other, so that, finally, God may be all, in all” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 48).

No change is coming to the mandate that all the faithful participate in the celebration of the Eucharist “with

devotion and full collaboration,” a participation which always begins interiorly, and only then bears external fruit.

The Liturgy of the Word remains essential. The economy of the eucharistic sacrifice, in that each of us is called to become an offering to God, will continue to draw us into that one perfect sacrifice offered on the cross for us by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our union with Christ, through the eating of his flesh and the drinking of his blood, will still draw us into that ever more perfect union with God and one another, which Christ himself has made possible. And, finally, God will indeed “be all, in all.”

The Mass is changing. The Eucharist is not. Thanks be to God. Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy office.

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

A

Dress according to who you’re going to Mass to see

couple months ago, I got a call from a parent asking what was the appropriate dress for an upcoming Teens Encounter Christ weekend.

“Comfortable causal is the norm for the retreat. But for Mass, dress the best your wardrobe will allow,” I told her.

“That’s what I thought and also what I like to hear when it comes to dress for Mass,” was her response.

That phone call really got me thinking about the attire I see at Mass on a regular basis, a conversation that comes up frequently in the youth office and among youth ministers when it

comes to dress. Where do we draw the line when it comes to retreats, rallies, and camp Masses? Who are we going to see? Jesus! What message are we sending our young people?

So, naturally, it got me to looking at everyday life and how we dress for work, for going out with friends, going out to plays, eating out for dinner, and anywhere, for that matter. We try to look our best because of who we are and who we represent when we go out

in public. We want to look our best.

We live in a busy world these days.

Life is a constant, going from one event to another, and many times those events are at times that conflict with Mass times.

So what do we do? “Well it’s just Mass,” we tell our children, “so put on your team uniform or T-shirt and shorts, and we’ll leave Mass early to get to the game on time.” Really. Wait a minute. Let’s stop and think about who we are going to Mass to see. As Catholics, we believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We’re not just going to Mass; we’re going to see a king.

And not just any king — we’re going to see the King of Glory, the Prince of Peace, the Great I AM, who REALLY and TRULY is the Son of God. If a king

were to invite us to a royal palace for dinner, we would want to look our best. When we come to Mass, we are invited to a banquet. At that banquet, we will receive something truly special, the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So the next time you are getting ready to send your son/daughter on a retreat, rally or conference, and you know there will be Mass, make sure they pack their best for Mass. And the next time you’re ready to head out the door for the weekend liturgy, ask yourself, “Who am I going to see? JESUS! How do I want to present myself and my family to look in front of him?”

Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

CHURCH AND STATE

‘Contraceptive mandate’ will not protect Catholic institutions

“L

et’s honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded not only in sound science, but also in clear ethics.”

— President Obama at Notre Dame, May 2009 “Trust not their presents, nor admit the horse.”

— “The Aeneid” Two-and-a-half years after President Obama was given an honorary degree at America’s flagship Catholic university and delivered its commencement address, at least we have clarity. The folly of those Catholics who issued and defended that invitation, like the Trojans who wheeled the great wooden horse inside their city walls, have been laid bare. Willful blindness regarding this administration’s true intentions is

no longer possible.

With the eager assistance of old friends at Planned Parenthood, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently unveiled a list of “preventive services” that all private and public health plans will eventually be required to provide. It includes contraceptives, sterilization, and even the abortifacient ella, which has the capacity to end a pregnancy after fertilization. Because the new policy prohibits co-pays or deductibles for these “services,” they will be provided for “free.” Which means they will be paid for with the premiums and taxes

of people who do not use these services and who object to them.

The most insidious aspect of this new “contraceptive mandate” is the so-called religious exemption, which only applies to religious employers that have the inculcation of religious values as their purpose and that employ and serve people who share their religious beliefs. It will therefore not apply to Catholic universities, hospitals and charitable organizations that serve the general public.

This is in line with the Obama administration’s various efforts to define religious freedom down to mean nothing more than the freedom to worship in private. The broad, two-centuriesold understanding of the First Amendment’s guarantee of “free exercise” is being eviscerated. A new, circumscribed understanding of religious liberty is being implemented, by fiat, by those who reject religion’s legitimate contribution to the public square.

Thus, under the new policy, religious institutions are only rewarded with a religious exemption if they restrict their activities to worship. But if they function as full participants in society, bringing their faith to bear on public life through education, health care, and advocacy, they will then be forced to provide medical services they find deeply immoral.

Religious freedom is the cornerstone not only of our constitutional order, but of the American project itself.

Four hundred years after the Pilgrims set sail for these shores, a generation seemingly anesthetized to all concerns other than self-gratification stands on the verge of forfeiting our most precious inheritance, like Jack and the beanstalk, for some free pills.

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

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 4, 2011

EVENT FILLS HEARTS

Hundreds turn out to hear Christopher West speak on theology of the body

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

OVERLAND PARK — Bernadette Myers and Tonja Kernell have both heard author and speaker Christopher West’s presentations before. But his message strikes a deeper chord every time.

It proved true again when West spoke to hundreds of people at Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall on Oct. 29.

The two women, both members of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, were among the attendees, who ranged in age from teenagers through long-married couples.

“I didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” said Myers. “He brings out the different aspects of the Catholic faith — the Christian faith.”

Both women have children, and they believe West has a message that can help make things clear and meaningful, especially in today’s culture.

And they were impressed with the combination of music, art, dance and discourse that combined to create “Fill These Hearts: God, Sex and the Universal Longing.”

The presentation was a multimedia reflection on Blessed John Paul II’s theology of the body, which treats the question of what it means, according to God’s plan, to have been created male and female — and basically what it means to be human.

“Think about a time in your life when you were pierced by beauty,” West told the crowd at the beginning of the night.

They were there to unfold the beautiful teachings on this topic, he said.

West is an internationally known “translator” of the late pope’s teachings, and his presentation brought those teachings to life, partly through the music of folk-rock band Mike Mangione & the Union, sand painting, and other forms of expression.

“There’s a hunger, there’s an ache, there’s a longing for something,” said West.

“I want us to get in touch with that ache.

“God put that there to lead us to him.”

West explained to the audience the ancient Greek concept of “eros,” which was not tied only to sexual fulfillment, but to a yearning for what is true, good and beautiful.

He then identified three different “gospels,” or paths taken to address that hunger.

First, there’s the starvation diet, he said, which places the desire in a negative light and leads to denial.

Given the choice between starvation and the “fast-food diet,” the second gospel, “people are likely to choose the “greasy chicken nuggets,” said West.

Because the fast-food gospel provides “immediate gratification for the hunger we feel.”

There’s a third option, though.

“Tonight I’m here to give you hope,” West told the crowd. There is the “banquet.”

Pope John Paul II described the human body as “gratuitously beautiful,” West said. Bodies are not only biological, but theological — made in the image of God, he said.

“There’s a code written into our bod-

Above, Christopher West engages the audience in the conversation about Blessed John Paul II’s theology of the body. Using pop-culture references, songs, art, dance and discussion, West shed light on the beauty of the late pope’s teachings during “Fill These Hearts: God, Sex and the Universal Longing.”

Left, Mike Mangione & The Union perform on stage during the event Oct. 29 at Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall.

ies,” he said. “Perhaps we could call this code the ‘Da-Vinity’ Code,” he said with a laugh.

He pointed to desire as the biblical framework for this idea — and spoke about desire for spousal union.

He pointed to the words in the Bible that speak of the desire of the bridegroom for the bride and those that relate the desire of the bride for the bridegroom.

“How do we know that God wants

to marry us?” he said. “Our bodies tell the story.”

When elementary school-aged children recite, “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage,” they probably don’t have any idea they’re actually talking about some pretty serious theology — theology of the body, he said.

The sand art, which captured the audience’s attention on a large white screen, started with the story of creation and moved through the fall of humanity. It showed death, and then the embrace of a man and woman, which was transformed into the image of Jesus on the cross with Mary at the foot of the cross.

“It’s all about God and his love for the church,” said West.

Kate Woulfe has a friend who was involved in the production of Fill These Hearts, and she attended with her husband Larry.

She enjoyed the sand painting, in particular, while her husband was drawn to the message West shared about the human body. Both enjoyed the evening.

“The band was awesome,” added Larry Woulfe.

Myers also loved the sand art and the way it seemed to trace the Bible from creation through Revelation.

“It was like reading the Bible but seeing it in art form,” she said.