THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 14 | NOVEMBER 5, 2021
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
PHOTO BY JD BENNING
The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, twice pause in their day for lectio divina — reading and praying over sacred texts in silence. But with social media, people around the globe can glimpse Father Gabriel Landis, OSB, carrying on this ancient practice in the St. Benedict Room of the abbey. The Leaven is featuring local religious orders’ digital wizards as part of its National Vocation Awareness Week coverage.
Social media allows outsiders a glimpse into religious life By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
K
Where to find them
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Life at a monastery can be kind of mysterious,” said Julie Ferraro, social media and digital communications manager for the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. What goes on inside might sur-
prise people. Ferraro often finds herself documenting the Sisters celebrating birthdays, cooking, gardening, playing musical instruments and cuddling up with the Mount’s dog NATIONAL and cats. VOCATION “There’s no such thing as a AWARENESS typical workday,” she said of her role at the Mount. WEEK IS Life at many religious comNOV. 7-13 munities was once a mystery to the outside world. Now, thanks to social media — and the communicators behind the scenes — the public can get a unique glimpse into life inside a religious order.
Documenting history Stephanie Nash began working for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth 15 years ago. She wears a variety of hats, including overseeing
Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica
Visit: mountosb.org or search “mountosb” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
Visit: scls.org or find them on Facebook @ sistersofcharity; Twitter @scleavenworth; and YouTube @sistersofcharityks.
Sisters, Servants of Mary
Visit: sisterservantsofmary.org or find them on Facebook @servantsmaryministerstosickusa. PHOTO COURTESY OF JD BENNING
St. Benedict’s Abbey
JD Benning, director of communications at St. Benedict’s Abbey, tells the monks’ stories with photos and videos that capture everyday life and special events for a global audience.
Visit: kansasmonks.org or find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube @kansasmonks.
the Sisters’ social media accounts, which never run out of content to share. The order has been in Leavenworth since 1858. “Facebook is our place to tell our story of the SCL charism and how we give back to the communities we live in,” said Nash. “We share many archived photos,” she added, “because we love to jog people’s memories of the Sisters they knew once upon a time.” Photos of the motherhouse campus in Leavenworth are also a hit.
“It is a gorgeous campus,” said Nash, “and many of our ‘followers’ spent [or] spend a lot of time here. It generates comments and interaction on our posts.” Other posts revolve around holidays, the Sisters’ personal stories and even job openings within the order. The public will get to know the Sisters even better now that Bryon McLaughlin, their director of communications, is producing a podcast, where he interviews >> See “DIGITAL” on page 7
2
ARCHBISHOP
NOVEMBER 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Our saint friends can help us free ourselves from worldly attachments
T
he first two days of the church’s November liturgical calendar remind us that this world is not our final destination. In fact, our time on earth is very brief compared to eternity. November 1, All Saints’ Day, reminds us of all those people of faith and virtue who have gone before us and now dwell in heaven. In the Book of Revelation, St. John recounts receiving a vision of God’s heavenly court that contained “a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people and tongue” (7: 9). John is told that “these are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (7: 14). For those of us still on this earthly pilgrimage where there is much stress and distress, it is comforting to know about this huge, diverse throng in heaven who will not hunger or thirst anymore and for whom God has wiped every tear from their eyes (Rv 7: 16-17). November 2, All Souls’ Day, reminds us that a final purification will be necessary for most, before we enter into the New Jerusalem where there is no more hunger, thirst, tears, pain or death. Today, many Catholics appear to ignore the church’s understanding of purgatory. Some balk at the idea that someone who believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior will need to experience a purification. Purgatory, some argue, appears to place limits on God’s mercy. In reality, purgatory is the ultimate expression of God’s mercy. God desires to purify us, not to punish us. If we remain attached to the things of this world,
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN we will be incapable of experiencing the depth of God’s mercy and the fullness of his joy. In St. Mark’s account of Our Lord’s response to a question regarding what is the first commandment, Jesus refers the scribe to the Book of Deuteronomy, verses that are the foundation for Jewish spirituality: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength”(6: 4-5). Jesus immediately adds what he identifies as the Second Commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In so doing, Jesus makes clear that the love of our fellow human beings is an inevitable consequence or fruit of our love for God. Reflecting on these two commandments is an excellent tool for a good examination of conscience. We need to ask ourselves the question: Do I love God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength? Is God first in my life? Do I seek first consolation and strength from other sources than God? When I feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, do I turn to God or do I seek consolation in things, creature comforts, pleasures or
human relationships? What do you prefer doing rather than spending time with God? What do you choose to do rather than pray? Where do you first seek solace and comfort? Do I turn to distractions such as entertainment or sports? Do I seek comfort in material things, food, pleasures or friendships, rather than turning to God? None of these things are necessarily bad or evil in themselves. The question is what or who has my heart? God? Or something or someone else? We are created to be in communion with God. Only friendship with God can fill the deepest longings of our souls. However, our sin-fractured world seeks to entice us to believe that we need all sorts of “things” other than God. If we love God with all our soul, heart, mind and strength, we will actually be better equipped to love others as well as enjoy the beauty and consolations of this world. In the saints, we catch a glimpse of what is necessary to cultivate our hearts to desire God before everything else. Father Emil Kapaun, a Kansas priest who died in a prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War, has been in the news recently. Through DNA testing, the army was able to confirm finding his mortal remains that are now entombed in Wichita’s cathedral. Father Kapaun’s cause
for canonization is currently underway. A significant part of the impetus for his canonization was the testimony of the survivors of the POW camp where Father Kapaun died. At the cessation of the Korean War when the liberating forces freed the prisoners of this camp, they noticed something different in their attitude, distinguishing them from other liberated POWs. The POWs from Father Kapaun’s camp had a hope, a camaraderie and concern for each other. When these POWs were questioned about the source of their remarkable spirit, many attributed it to Father Kapaun. Through his example, Father Kapaun taught his fellow POWs that they were still free. They were clearly not free in the way our contemporary culture thinks of freedom — the freedom to do whatever I want, when I want, as long as it does not hurt anyone else too badly. Father Kapaun modeled for the men a biblical, Christian understanding of freedom — the ability to choose the good and the noble. Father Kapaun reminded his fellow POWs that they were still free to love and praise God. They were still free to care and sacrifice for one another. They were even free to love their captors who treated them harshly and at times cruelly. Father Kapaun witnessed for them that they could even use their suffering to grow in virtue. This kind of witness of heroic love and compassion for others is only possible from one who has given his heart completely to God. Another example of a relatively modern-day saint is Mother Teresa, who left her ministry as a teacher to care for
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Nov. 5 St. Martin of Tours Mass — Curé of Ars School, Leawood Nov. 7 Installation Mass of Father Brandon Farrar — St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe African Catholic Community of Kansas Mass — Prince of Peace, Olathe Nov. 8 USCCB pro-life committee meeting Nov. 9 Priests Personnel meeting — chancery Administrative team meeting — chancery Nov. 10 Presbyteral Council meeting — chancery Serra Club 50th anniversary and memorial Mass — St. Joseph Church, Shawnee Nov. 11 All school Mass — Curé of Ars, Leawood Deo Gratias appreciation dinner — Savior Pastoral Center Nov. 13-18 USCCB general meeting —Baltimore
the sick and dying on the streets of Calcutta. Once a benefactor of Mother Teresa, who had spent time observing her and her Sisters caring for the dying, the sick and the poor, confessed to Mother Teresa that even for a million dollars he could not do what she and her Missionary of Charities were doing. Mother Teresa responded that a million dollars could not motivate her either to do her special ministry. Only the love of Jesus could inspire and empower her to do what she was doing. In order to be able to experience what God has prepared for his saints, we must free ourselves from our attachments to so many things other than God. If we are unable to liberate ourselves from these worldly attachments in this life,
Burnace and Jennifer Hartman, members of St. Joseph Parish, Wathena, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a special dinner in St. Joseph, Missouri, with their son Ryan and his wife. The couple was married on Oct. 22, 1971. Their children are: Jason Paul Hartman, Ligonier, Pennsylvania; and Ryan Hartman, Lawrence. They also have four grandchildren.
then after our death, God with his merciful and unconditional love will free us from these idols. During this month of November, it is a time to remember the saints and all of our loved ones who have died. With our prayers we can accompany them as they experience this purification and liberation from their attachments to things other than God. It is also a time to ask the saints to intercede for us so that we can gain freedom from attachments to things, comforts and pleasures that can never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. We can ask the Lord and ask our saint friends to help us achieve this freedom now in order to speed up our reunion with them in heaven.
Janice and Jerome Holthaus, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 21. The couple was married on Oct. 21, 1961, at St. Patrick Church, Corning. Their children are: Doug Holthaus, Wayne Holthaus and Kim Bontrager. They also have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
As young people search for deeper meaning in life, religious life offers options others can’t
3
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
An event like Project Andrew (above) — a “come-and-see” program done in a single afternoon that offers basic information without a commitment — is one of the ways the archdiocesan vocations office promotes vocations.
By Joe Bollig Leaven Staff
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Young people have been there, done that and even bought the T-shirt when it comes to the secular world’s version of happiness and success. And it has left them unfulfilled and unhappy. This trend of dissatisfaction among the young means they’re open to a new message. “There is a NATIONAL real hunger and VOCATION thirst . . . especialAWARENESS ly among young people, to disWEEK IS cover their real NOV. 7-13 purpose in life,” said Father Dan Morris, archdiocesan vocations director. “They’re increasingly recognizing that they were made for more, and that is something only Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church can offer,” he added. “The hunger is there, and we need to speak into that hunger from the church’s perspective.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated Nov. 7-13 National Vocation Awareness Week, and this is a good time for all Catholics to consider the importance of cultivating vocations to the priesthood and religious life and what role they can play. First, Catholics should know that all of us have the responsibility to cultivate vocations, and that includes empowering others to be one of those voices calling young people to more, Father Morris said. Second, we must recognize that vocations to the priesthood and religious life are “sacred ground,” but not “secret ground.” “Sometimes, we can hold those two vocations up to such an extent that we don’t make public the fact that people are actually feeling called and are discerning those vocations,” said Father Morris, “such that when a young person may feel an attraction or a call to either of those, they don’t yet feel they have permission to make it known, so it stays within themselves, and they never respond.” Young people need to know it’s OK to discern a vocation. In other words, we need to normalize the pursuit of these callings. Since becoming vocations director, Father Morris has encouraged pastors and chaplains to be a voice of support for those who are discerning or
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Seminarian Alex Rickert prays morning prayer at Camp Tekakwitha. The archdiocesan seminarian spent his 2019 summer at Prairie Star Ranch before heading back to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. The camp is one way young people can discover what makes following a vocation so attractive. have made an application. “They are an extension of the vocations office as the pastor of someone who has reached out to us,” said Father Morris. And here’s another principle: Holiness attracts holiness. Young people need to meet other young people who have answered that call to explore vocations to the priesthood and religious life, he said. By normalizing relationships with seminarians at places like Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg, Prayer and Action and youth events, young people can discover what makes following a vocation so attractive. Father Morris has learned a couple of important things since he became archdiocesan vocations director in 2018. First, he has learned that sustained accompaniment and authentic friendship is most fruitful — and this includes listening, teaching, mentoring, encouraging, inviting and sometimes even challenging. Second, he’s learned having vocations events appropriate to different age levels works best. For example, a good entry-level event is the “Master’s Cup” golf tournament.
Another is Project Andrew, a “come-andsee” program in a single afternoon that presents basic information without a commitment. “Quo Vadis,” a two-day program for young men who are at least high school juniors, is a more intense discernment event. Finally, for those who have made an application, there is a formative and evaluative program called High Calling offered through the Avila Institute. It’s a yearlong program that prepares young men to enter the seminary. But before discovery sprouts, the seed of faith must be planted. It all starts with Catholic families living the faith in the home of their own heart and life, said Father Morris. And they must encourage others — their children, their friends — to take following Jesus seriously and trusting that he has answers to their questions. Catholics must live a sacramental life and be open to what God is asking of them or calling their son or daughter to. “We don’t have a crisis in vocations right now, we have a crisis in faith,” said Father Morris. “And that’s making a crisis in marriage and families and President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
priestly vocations.” “It’s not that something’s wrong with the priesthood per se,” he continued. “It’s that something’s wrong with our culture that says, ‘We don’t need God.’ And when you take God out as the start-point, then of course there’s a crisis in priestly vocations and a breakdown in marriage and the family.” Although many dioceses in the United States and around the world are experiencing a dearth of vocations, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is doing relatively well. Father Morris attributes this to the Holy Spirit at work, the faithfulness of the Catholics of the archdiocese and good leadership. “We’re blessed to have Archbishop Naumann as our shepherd and have had him for 17 years,” he said. “We’re blessed his predecessor, Archbishop Keleher, put some key initiatives into our archdiocese that are bearing fruit — Camp Tekakwitha, St. James Academy. All of those were [established] 17 to 25 years ago, but that’s where our vocations are coming out of now, and certain parishes play into that, too. Those things are coming into fruition as long as we keep watering them.” Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
4
LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
McAnanys, Donnelly to be recognized for outstanding service By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
K
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Melodi (“Mel”) and Pat McAnany are this year’s recipients of the Deo Gratias Award (Latin for “Thanks be to God”). The award is given annually to a couple and a Catholic institution in recognition of outstanding achievement, service and support of Catholic institutions that are CFNEK fund holders, as well as Catholic Legacy Society members.
“
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If the McAnany family had to be described in one word, it could be “generations.” The grandchildren of Pat and Melodi “Mel” McAnany (two granddaughters so far — another child on the way) are sixth-generation Kansans. McAnany Construction, Inc., from which Pat retired recently, is a third-generation family business. And as far as their Christian roots — those extend so deep that they are lost in the mists of time, albeit in two branches. Pat is a cradle Catholic. His great-grandfather was among the founders of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, to which he and Mel belong. He was educated at St. Joseph Grade School and Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Mel was raised in a devout Southern Baptist family in Stilwell. “My parents were very faith-filled Baptists — my mother still is, and still goes to the First Baptist Church of Stilwell,” said Mel. Mel’s family went to church three times a week. There was a priest at their wedding in 1984 — but it was held in a Baptist church. “I think both of us have examples growing up of the importance of our faith,” she said. “[Going to church] was just normal.” Mel became a Catholic on Easter 1998. What took her so long? She had always taken her faith seriously, and she had many serious questions that had to be answered before she would “swim the Tiber.” It was not only getting the answers, though. She got tired of “waiting on the bench” while her family received the Eucharist. “I love my Catholic faith now,” said Mel. “I love the fullness of it.” “She’s a typical convert,” said Pat. “She’s a better Catholic than a cradle Catholic.” “I’m a little overzealous, some think,” said Mel. “Oh, not at all,” said Pat. They have been blessed with three children — all married now. Daughter Katie is married to Jared Rottinghaus, with daughter Mary Rose and another on the way. Son Benjamin is married to Susan. And son Ryan is married to Moira and they have a daughter Beatriz. On Nov. 11, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas will present Pat and Mel — and Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas — the Deo Gratias Award (Latin for “Thanks be to God”) at a dinner in the Keleher Conference Center at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
“ I AM STRUCK BY THEIR GENEROSITY TO MANY DIFFERENT CAUSES. . . . I AM ALSO IMPRESSED NOT ONLY BY THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, BUT THEIR WILLINGNESS TO GIVE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION. BILL MALONEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST KANSAS
The award is given annually to a couple and a Catholic institution in recognition of outstanding achievement, service and support of Catholic institutions that are CFNEK fund holders, as well as Catholic Legacy Society members. “The CFNEK seeks to honor those who have made significant contributions to the church in northeast Kansas through their stewardship of time,
talent and treasure, and who are exemplary examples of legacy giving,” said Bill Maloney, executive director of the CFNEK. An example of legacy giving by the McAnanys is through their use of the instrument of Donor Advised Funds. “I am struck by their generosity to many different causes in the Catholic community, ranging from vocations to Catholic Charities, support of Catholic education and more,” said Maloney. “I am also impressed not only by their financial support, but their willingness to give their time and talent to the Catholic Foundation. They’re always willing to be a witness to their faith.” The McAnanys have given of their time, talent and treasure on both the parish and archdiocesan level. They have volunteered and given in both the spiritual and temporal senses. The list would be very long, but among many things, they have been co-chairpersons for Archbishop’s Call to Share and presidents of the Catholic Charities Snow Ball. They are members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and are lay members of the Community of the Lamb. They collect food for and work at a Catholic Charities food pantry. Pat has served on various boards
and committees, including for Rockhurst High School, St. Joseph Parish and St. Paul’s Outreach. Mel was on the CFNEK board and helped start the Catholic Fine Arts Council. They’ve both worked with the Catholic Education Foundation. Both were trained in the Spiritual Mentorship Program and led respective groups in spiritual formation. Yet for all they’ve done and are doing, they don’t think that they are exceptional. “We are an example of many parishioners who love God and give back to the church in many ways,” said Pat. “We’re don’t think we’re unusual in that. A lot of people do so many things quietly for the church for years and years.” Mel hopes they are setting an example for the next generations. “I hope and pray that my children and grandchildren will get from this that it’s not their money; you didn’t make it,” she said. “It’s a gift God gave to us, and to you, and it’s what you choose to do with that money, how you choose to be a good steward of the gifts God has given you in the time he’s given you to do it . . . it’s how you hand on that legacy of the gifts you’ve been given that is most important to your children.”
Catholic Cemeteries to host Veterans Day observances at two locations
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In tribute to veterans — living and deceased — Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas will host special ceremonies on Nov. 11 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, and at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. At Mt. Calvary, 801 S.W. Westchester Road, the American Legion Band will perform a prelude of patriotic music, starting at 9 a.m. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Mausoleum Chapel. Father Tim Haberkorn, pastor of Sacred Heart-St.
Joseph Parish, Topeka, will offer the invocation. Sergeant Dustin Dierenfeldt, member of the honor guard, will sing the “National Anthem.” Anthems honoring the five branches of the armed forces will be performed by the American Legion Band. Featured speaker will be Pat Fontaine, retired colonel, U.S. Marine Corps. At 1:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Road, patriotic music by the American Legion Band will precede the program. The program itself will begin at 2 p.m. in the
Prince of Peace Mausoleum Chapel. Father Peter M. Jaramillo, SSA, retired military chaplain and pastor of St. Mary-St. Anthony and All Saints parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, will give the invocation at Resurrection Cemetery. Louis Vallejo, retired senior master sergeant, U.S. Air Force, and retired captain, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, will be guest speaker. Small U.S. flags will be available for placement at gravesites at both locations. The Veterans Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery features monuments
and flags representing the five branches of the armed forces and the Merchant Marines. Family and friends can remember and honor veterans by arranging to have their names engraved on the granite walls adjoining the monuments. Veterans, families and friends are invited to attend the Nov. 11 programs. For more information, call Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040 (main number) or (785) 272-0580 (Topeka); send an email to: information@cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks. org.
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
5
School teachers called the ‘secret sauce’ of Catholic school success By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
O
VERLAND PARK — “This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the annual Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) Gaudeamus gala. “It’s so great to be back in person!” Indeed, Gaudeamus is considered one of the premier events in the Kansas City area and the archbishop wasn’t alone in being grateful it was held in-person this year. The Overland Park Convention Center was packed with CEF patrons the evening of Oct. 23, and the joy of being together again generated outstanding generosity. At the close of the evening, the total raised for CEF scholarships was $2,437,387. “It’s been a crazy last 12 months,” said CEF board chair Jeff Jaworski, who opened the evening’s festivities. “But, tonight we get to set all of that aside. “We’re going to reflect on, celebrate and be grateful for so many things that are Catholic faith and Catholic school related.” The foundation put Catholic school teachers in the spotlight this year, honoring them as recipients of the Michael and Patty Morrisey Angels Among Us Award. Presenting the award, archdiocesan superintendent of schools Dr. Vince Cascone said: “The true heroes of this past year are our Catholic school teachers, who bravely faced the pandemic to provide in-person learning all year long.” Archbishop Naumann called teachers the “secret sauce” of our Catholic schools. “As a son of a former Catholic school teacher and principal,” he said, “I salute all of our teachers for what you did this past year and are doing this year making a real difference in the lives of our young people.” The archbishop particularly thanked teachers for combining education with faith formation. “We try to give our young people the best quality education possible,” he said. “But even more importantly is to give them a relationship with Jesus Christ that will sustain them through a lifetime.” CEF also awarded the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award. Each year, schools submit applications for the award and are judged in five key areas: joyfully Catholic, diligently achieving, intentionally self-giving, prudently managed and forwardly thinking. “All of our schools scored very well this past year, in spite of the many challenges they faced,” said Cascone. “Three schools really stood out. “The first two are finalists: St. Rose in Garnett and Our Lady of Unity in Kansas City, Kansas. “One school, in particular, stood out the most in meeting the criteria for this coveted award — St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas.” Accepting the award, St. Patrick
PHOTO COURTESY OF CEF
The annual Catholic Education Foundation Gaudeamus gala raised $2,437,387 for CEF scholarships. The event was held Oct. 23 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
There’s still time to give With a gift to the CEF Scholarship Drive, you can rewrite the future for a child in need. The average CEF scholarship is $1,300 — and 250 students are waiting for scholarships right now. If you would like to help a student living in poverty attend a Catholic school, you can still donate to CEF. Make a gift today by visiting the website at: cefks.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CEF
CEF also awarded the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award to St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, at the Gaudeamus event. Accepting the award for St. Patrick was principal Tim Conrad (center). He is joined on stage by superintendent of archdiocesan schools Vince Cascone and St. Patrick pastor Father Mark Mertes. principal Tim Conrad thanked his staff and faculty, inviting them to stand and be recognized. “I truly feel like I’m blessed to have a Super Bowl team to work with every day,” he said. “And our kids are blessed to have the teachers that work with them; the sacrifices they make are incredible. “They’re truly passionate about teaching faith and teaching kids to be better every day. “I’m honored and humbled to accept this award on behalf of St. Patrick Catholic School and Parish.” Each year, a highlight of Gaudeamus is the opportunity to hear from a student who benefited from a CEF scholarship. This year, senior Matthew DeHaro, of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City,
Kansas, gave an impassioned speech expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to attend a Catholic school. “I’m here to talk about what a difference donors like you have made to my family,” he said. DeHaro’s parents immigrated to California in the 1980s and then to Kansas City, Kansas, where they raised six sons. “My mother has always taught us that education leads to opportunity,” he told the audience. “Putting six kids through Catholic education has not been easy. “It’s been a sacrifice for my parents.” CEF scholarships made it possible for these parents to keep their sons in Catholic schools. “Whenever things get hard,” said DeHaro, “my mom always says, ‘With
God’s will, it will work out.’ “And with God’s will, my two older brothers graduated from Bishop Ward. My brother Isaac and I are currently there, and my two youngest brothers are at Resurrection. “And with God’s will, we have had help along the way.” DeHaro told patrons he hoped to go to UMKC and major in business, then to law school to study real estate law. He ended his speech by thanking all the teachers at the gala. “Thank you for nurturing kids just like me,” he said. “Thank you for making sure we get to college and eventually to heaven.” Archbishop Naumann ended the evening thanking benefactors for their commitment to providing Catholic education for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status. “I’m not interested in running an elite private school system,” he said. “Elite in the sense of being financially out of reach for many people. “You help us to be able to compensate our teachers as well as make Catholic schools available to everyone financially. “Thank you for allowing our church to be able to do that.”
NEED HELP SELLING A HOUSE?
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.
Please call me. I’m local, I pay cash anytime. Leave items not needed. I’ll even pay your closing cost. MAKE IT EASY.
Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
Mark Edmondson 913-980-4905 www.Mark@BuyKCProperty.com Holy Trinity Parishioner
6
LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
What kinds of sacrifices are you willing to make for your spouse?
N
ovember 18, 1972. It was the day after our wedding. I remember driving on Interstate 70 East, away from Kansas City toward the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. It was a snowy and windy day, but inside our little car, a 1970 orange-colored Maverick, it was warm and cozy. It was the place where we wanted to be. It was our car. It represented our new world. It was just the two of us, starting our life together. We had dreamed of spending our honeymoon strolling the Ozarks hills and visiting many quaint places. The snow that was coming down, wet and heavy, was redesigning our plans. That did not bother us. What was important to us was that we were together. It snowed for two days. On the third day, although there were 10 inches of snow on the ground, we decided to get out to
JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.
explore the area. As we were leaving our hotel, I realized that Teri did not bring shoes that I thought were appropriate for walking in the snow. She was wearing dress shoes. So, wanting to exert my newly acquired role and responsibility of “provider,” I said to Teri, “Let’s go buy you a pair of boots.”
So, off we went in the car looking for a place to buy boots. After a few miles on winding country roads, we came upon a small town where the streets were barely passable. There we found a shoe store. I got out of the car and stood in the street, ankle deep in snow. I wondered how Teri would get to the store through piles of slush and mud without getting wet and dirty. Then I had an idea. I walked to the passenger side of the car, opened the door and picked Teri up in my arms. There I was, at the center of town, carrying my beautiful bride to buy her shoes. I carried her all the way inside the store while bystanders who had noticed what was happening started clapping. That was a gallant gesture that impressed my young bride, and it has remained a vivid memory in Teri’s mind. In fact, it has become the source of teasing
between us. From time to time, she reminds me of what I did and asks when I am going to carry her again with so much enthusiasm. The fact is that I have — and she, too, has carried me many times. Spouses that want to succeed need to learn to carry each other’s burdens. Teri carried me when I was sick; she looked after my needs and helped me recuperate after surgery. She carried me when I lost my job; she supported me for six months while I was looking for another job. I have done the same for her. When she went back to school, I accepted the sacrifice of evenings and weekends scheduled around her schoolwork. One critical lesson to be learned about helping each other is the importance of a positive attitude. Just imagine how Teri and I would remember that day had I picked
ACROSS 1 Sign language 4 Frosting 9 Food and Agriculture Organization (abbr.) 12 Sister of Rachel 14 Opp. of major 15 __ mater 16 Tribe of Israel 17 Miraculous food 18 Look 19 Bamboo bear 21 The devil 23 Put on 24 I am the __ and the Omega 26 South-Central Dravidian 29 Took away weapons 33 Flightless bird 34 Ditto (2 wds.) 36 Single 37 Beer container 38 Lager 39 Cain fled to this land 42 Poem of praise 43 Bard’s before 44 Store passageway 46 Turf 47 Song writer 51 NT church leaders 53 Sand hills COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION
Family Owned and Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1929 During this pandemic, we are still able to make arrangements and conduct services to honor your loved one in a meaningful way. Arrangements and Advanced Planning can be completed virtually or in the comfort of your own home. We are here to guide you every step of the way. 913-371-1404 | 340 N. 6th St. Kansas City, KS
| www.skradskifh-kc.com
up my new bride and complained that she was too heavy, or that my feet were getting wet and muddy, or that it was not worth the trouble. Instead, I wanted to take care of Teri, which is what I had promised in my wedding vows just a few days before. The fact is that taking care of one’s spouse’s needs demands sacrifice. A recent study called “Sacrifice as a Predictor of Marital Outcomes” published in the Family Process journal found that couples’ attitudes about sacrificing for each other affect their happiness and satisfaction. The authors write: “Sacrifice may be one of the more tangible ways that partners can demonstrate genuine commitment to the relationship in the dayto-day of life together.” Self-giving and sacrifice are essential elements of Christian love. Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his encyclical “God Is Love”
54 Avenue 55 Ice sheets 57 At no time 60 Saul, later 61 Loafed 65 Iran’s neighbor 67 Pen fillers 68 Elegant 69 Plague of Egypt 70 Compass point 71 __ of Babel 72 Blackguard DOWN 1 Every 2 Flow out slowly 3 Molten rock 4 God with us 5 Central Intelligence Agency 6 No room for them in the __ 7 Not (prefix) 8 Holds 9 Tiny insect 10 Last word of a prayer 11 Rowing device 13 Eastern religion 15 Sacrificial table 20 Belief 22 Expression of surprise 24 Hoopla
Question for reflection: How often do you pray for God’s help in the face of sacrifices you are asked to make for the sake of the relationship?
that married love is not self-seeking, but seeks the good of the beloved, and mature love is ready and willing for sacrifice. In embracing the necessary sacrifices required in marriage, Christian spouses have the benefit of their faith. They know that God stands by them with his graces, ready to help them carry one another’s burdens. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Christ dwells with [the spouses], gives them the strength to take up their crosses and to follow him, to rise again after they have fallen, to forgive one another and to bear one another’s burdens” (1642).
25 Daniel was thrown into the __’ den 26 Word written on the wall (Daniel) 27 Nail filing board 28 Type of gun 30 Deer-like animal 31 A witch lived here 32 Acts 35 Kid 40 Poisonous evergreen shrub 41 Dig into 45 __ A Small World... 48 Objects of false worship 49 Prompt 50 Be firm 52 Name for Satan 55 Groupies 56 A Gospel 58 Little Mermaid’s love 59 Biblical word for You idiot! 60 Pastry 62 Couple 63 Statute 64 Adam’s wife 66 It is proven Solution on page 15
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
7
Digital communication offers a chance to cultivate vocations >> Continued from page 1 the Sisters on a variety of topics. The team is planning to launch the podcast before the end of the year. Nash believes digital communication is a chance to cultivate religious vocations. “Posting real stories, real photos and real situations of real Sisters can be potentially inspiring and life-changing for young people,” said Nash. “It is exciting to think about.” Through social media, she hopes to illustrate that the Sisters are normal people living out their call in a special way. “They are relatable, dependable way-makers,” said Nash of the Sisters. “Sharing an intimate side of their lives gives us an opportunity to share the incredible Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth history.”
Streaming across the world Life is never dull for JD Benning, who started working at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison 13 years ago. “Social media is sort of the fire that constantly has to be fed,” said Benning, the abbey’s director of communications. “If you want to keep up engagement, you’ve got to constantly be posting things. “It’s a never-ending project, but it’s a great vehicle to share the good works that the monks are doing.” When it comes to following the monks online, there’s a little something for everyone. Benning and his team utilize a variety of communication tools, and they’re never lacking in the creativity department. Benning’s ingenuity might be summed up by the monks’ Abbot’s Table videos, which promote the order through humor, history and stories. “It’s easy to think of monks as stodgy old men that sit in silence all day long,” said Benning. “These guys are very much not doing that.” In actuality, the monks are engaged in community life, he explained, particularly at the Benedictine College campus where they live and work. Lately, the monks are communicating through a Gregorian chant series called “Communio,” which analyzes the Communion antiphon each Sunday. They also have a separate website — monkvocations.org — for men who are
PHOTO BY JULIE FERRARO
A team from the Newsy network visits Mount St. Scholastica in August of this year, suiting up in protective gear to film the beehives on the premises. Julie Ferraro (right), is the social media and digital communications manager for the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison. She documents daily life at the Mount for social media and other projects. nent except Antarctica participated in a retreat with the monks. “They can reach people around the world [with social media], which they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” said Benning. “It’s a powerful tool for sure.”
Bringing the light
COURTESY PHOTO
Sister Elizabeth Miles helps manage the Facebook page of the Sisters, Servants of Mary. The purpose of the order’s Facebook page is to spread awareness about its existence, promote vocations and connect with a vast audience. discerning a religious vocation. Benning said social media continues to open doors for the monks to reach more and more people. During Holy Week last year, for example, some 1,600 users from every conti-
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NASH
A group of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and staff members load a bus to travel to Chicago for the Sisters of Charity Federation Assembly of the Whole in the summer of 2019. Stephanie Nash (right) began working for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth 15 years ago. She wears a variety of hats, including overseeing the Sisters’ social media accounts, which never run out of content, thanks to archived photographs and the bustling life at the motherhouse.
Sister Elizabeth Miles helps manage the Facebook page of the Sisters, Servants of Mary Ministers to the Sick USA Province. More commonly known as the Sisters, Servants of Mary, the order has communities in Kansas City, Kansas, as well as California, Louisiana, New York and Mexico. Sister Elizabeth said the purpose of the order’s Facebook page is to spread awareness about its existence, promote vocations and connect with a vast audience. She believes religious communities’ online presence “lets young adults know that there is another vocational option and shares knowledge of the different ministries provided by religious.” “But most of all, it shows that God is what is most important in our lives,” she said, “and that it is in finding God’s will and following it that we will experience the fullness of joy possible in this life and give the greatest glory to God.” Sister Elizabeth also directs women who reach out about curiosities or questions to her own personal Facebook page, where they can talk privately. She emphasized that social media isn’t for everyone, but that a Catho-
lic presence is a necessary part of the church’s role in modern society. “There can be setbacks to social media,” she said, “but keeping our presence there is a way to bring light into the darkness.”
Behind the scenes Ferraro started her role at Mount St. Scholastica this past June after 30 years of journalism experience. She quickly became engulfed in the daily life of the Sisters. “They have that good balance where they stay in the real world, they understand what’s going on in the world and they want to deal with it and help people,” she said. Right now, Ferraro is busy working on content to promote the Mount’s “Night of Dreams” virtual fundraiser taking place Nov. 14. She most enjoys watching the Sisters care for each other and sharing that viewpoint with others. “I’m showing [the public] that they’re very human and they do a lot of the same things that everybody else does,” she said. Ferraro collaborates with vocation director Sister Marcia Ziska, OSB, to spark interest in vocations through a variety of efforts. That work is accomplished on social media, as well as the “Sisters in Ministry” page on the Mount’s website, where people can learn more about religious life and why it matters. Ferraro hopes the Mount’s social media will continue to inspire. “The Sisters have a lot to teach me,” she said, “and they can teach others by their examples and their lives. “It’s so great to be a part of it.”
‘GO LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THIS’ For Aquinas teachers, sacrifice is at the heart of Veterans Day
O
VERLAND PARK — The most profound lesson Leo Brown instills in his students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School here is hanging on his wall. Below a crucifix and an American flag is a framed photograph originally published in Life magazine. It portrays three U.S. Army soldiers lying dead on Buna Beach in Papua New Guinea during World War II in 1943. It reminds Brown of the lines at the end of “Saving Private Ryan,” when Capt. John Miller tells Pvt. James Ryan to “earn this” after he and his fellow soldiers sacrificed their own lives to save his. “In other words, we’ve given our lives for you,” said Brown. “Go live a life worthy of this. “And so, the message for our country and for our faith that I try to communicate with my students is that the freedoms we enjoy are because of these three guys on this beach — times thousands.” Brown, a senior master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force Reserve, has taught theology at Aquinas for 23 years. During that time, he’s completed two deployments. Two other Aquinas teachers — Andrew Lee, English, and Kathleen Mersman, social studies — also served in the U.S. military. The messages they share as the country prepares to celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11 are pertinent to all.
Lessons from the MASH Growing up with a dad in the military inspired Mersman to join the Army. “My dad was a 30-year officer in the Military Police Corps,” she said. “He did three [combat] deployments. I was impressed with that and what I saw of military life.” After high school, Mersman received a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship and went to college. But much had changed between her high school years during President Ronald Reagan’s administration and her college years when President Bill Clinton was in office and the military was being downsized. “A lot of people in college with me in ROTC were disappointed to discover they ended up going straight to reserve,” said Mersman. “They were looking for-
“
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
“ YOU ARE WITH PEOPLE AT THE VERY WORST AND VERY BEST TIMES IN THEIR LIVES. I HAD TO DO A DEATH NOTIFICATION WITH THE COMMANDER AND THE CHAPLAIN. I WAS ALSO INVOLVED WITH RETIREMENTS AND PROMOTIONS. LEO BROWN ST. THOMAS AQUINAS TEACHER AND SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT WITH THE U.S. AIR FORCE RESERVE
ward to active duty. “[The situation] changes depending on the needs of the military.” After graduating, she owed eight years of service and was on active duty as a lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps for four of those years. “The cool thing was I got assigned to a MASH [unit], like the TV show,” she said. The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital at Fort Riley, where Mersman was stationed, looked a little different from the 1970s TV program, since by that time it was the early ’90s. “That was a really interesting job because the Army had actually decided that the MASH was not a particularly useful size anymore,” she said. Mersman’s job as a supply officer was to give away equipment to other hospitals and units. The MASH also contained an emergency room, and one of the most astonishing things she witnessed was young people, who had been goofing off the day before, bravely take on high levels of responsibility. “You’d watch these people who were kids who seemed so immature,” she explained, “but then, all of a sudden, they’re handling this life and death situation with grace and poise and confidence. “That always inspired me.”
Rising to the occasion Lee’s time in the Navy was a period of self-discovery. “I think you really learn about yourself,” he said, “[and] you learn about people from other parts of the United
From left, Leo Brown, Kathleen Mersman and Andrew Lee, all teachers at St. Thomas Aquinas High Schoo Air Force Reserve; Mersman served in the Army at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH); and Lee serv
Leo Brown holds a photograph of his mother and father, who served in World War II. Displayed behind hi azine of three U.S. Army soldiers lying dead on Buna Beach in 1943. It’s a lesson for Brown’s students to a States. “Some of the people I served with came from wealthy families, and some people came from the option of going to jail or not.” Lee also grew up with a dad in the military. He decided to participate in the Air-Sea College Program, which required two years of active duty and four
years reserve, right after high school. He completed boot camp in San Diego before beginning an airman apprenticeship training and reporting to duty. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. “While I was there,” he said, “we did about three tours between different parts of the world, mainly the Caribbean, the
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The St. Thomas Aquinas cheer team collaborated with the school’s band and dance team for a special “Tribute to America” performance during halftime of the Aquinas football game on Oct. 22.
‘Tribute to America’ halftime show honors veterans By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
O LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
ol in Overland Park, hold mementos from the U.S. military. Brown is a senior master sergeant with the U.S. ved in the Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. craft flying over the aircraft carrier to take pictures. Like Mersman, he witnessed young people step up to the plate when challenges surfaced. “You’ve really got that camaraderie that you’re not going to find in other settings,” he said. “That was an important aspect that you don’t necessarily get in the civilian world.”
A powerful journey
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
im is a photograph originally published in Life magappreciate their freedom. North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. “My responsibility was to help move aircraft to and from the flight deck using the elevators and doing fire watches for the hangar deck.” Although being in the middle of the ocean wasn’t as dangerous as other assignments, Lee served during the Cold War and had encounters with Soviet air-
Brown was two days into his Afghanistan deployment when he received a taste of the danger lurking outside Bagram Air Base where he was stationed. It was a Sunday and, thanks to a Catholic chaplain, he was attending Mass. “We had a false rocket attack that night,” said Brown. “I spent the first part of Mass laying in a ditch with two Polish military members.” Brown said that having a chaplain on his deployments provided a sense of comfort and familiarity. “Knowing that those chaplains and their assistants were around offering everything from a friendly ear to the sacraments to some Bible studies was huge for me,” he said. “That’s not to be taken for granted.” Like Lee and Mersman, Brown looked up to his dad, who served during World War II. He joined the Air Force after college and was on active duty from 1988-1992. In April 2001, he joined the Air Force Reserve, a role he will hold for around three more years. Brown initially served as a public affairs specialist and worked as a journalist before becoming a first sergeant. In that capacity, he helped his commander in multiple ways with the goal of maintaining the morale of their unit.
VERLAND PARK — Three groups came together at halftime during the St. Thomas Aquinas High School football game here on Oct. 22 to honor the U.S. military, veterans and first responders. The “Tribute to America” performance was a joint effort between the cheer team, dance team and band. “The concept for this performance came from a campaign led by Varsity Spirit called ‘Together as One,’ aiming to encourage school spirit groups to work together,” said Tara Yantis, head dance team coach. The students worked before and after school to practice the performance, and Yantis incorporated service projects to benefit the military and first responders into the effort. “We believe every chance we get to step on a field to perform is a chance to make a difference,” she said. Senior and cheer team member
“You are with people at the very worst and very best times in their lives,” he said. “I had to do a death notification with the commander and the chaplain. I was also involved with retirements and promotions.” Brown completed two deployments during his time as a first sergeant — the first to Afghanistan from March to October of 2014 and the second to Kuwait from January to April of this year. One of his favorite moments happened in Afghanistan when he was talking with an Air Force doctor who was a spinal surgeon. “He said they found an Afghan girl who had horrible scoliosis in the village [outside of the base],” said Brown. The doctor performed a surgery to straighten her back out. “He said the mom and dad were floored,” said Brown. “He said people were just overcome.”
Fighting for good Lee and Mersman said watching the coverage of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan this past August was frustrating. But Brown said he focuses on the suc-
Emily Eckerberg was excited to collaborate with the band and dance team for the special event. “I have so much respect for our military and can never express how grateful I am for their sacrifice for this country,” she said. She hoped that Leo Brown, Aquinas theology teacher and senior master sergeant for the U.S. Air Force Reserve, who was the public address announcer that evening, felt supported. “Mr. Brown is a very loved teacher here at Aquinas,” she said. “I would say the school is very inspired by his sacrifice, and I know for sure that I am.” Brown said the support he’s received from the Aquinas community over the years has been “off the charts.” “It’s been an outpouring of good wishes and concern,” he said. “Everybody’s got my back. “There’s so much good in the world and so much good in people’s hearts and minds. To be the recipient of that goodness is very humbling.”
cess stories he experienced there. “We’re not there right now,” he said, “but I’m convinced from when I was there those seven months that we did do some good things.” Lee agreed. “You’ve got people who grew up in an American occupation that were hopefully given opportunities,” he said. “And hopefully that taste of freedom will live with them and give them hope for whatever they have to deal with.” Mersman said she worries that because the U.S. no longer has mandatory service and there is not currently a draft, people have become more detached from the military. “If you go back to Vietnam, Korea, even during the early ’50s Cold War, everyone had someone [they loved] in the military,” she said. “You understood what the risks and the costs were, and you paid attention. “There’s less paying attention now.” The three teachers pass on stories with their students so that veterans’ sacrifices are not forgotten. “Whether somebody does two years or 20 years or 30 years, everybody’s got their piece in this,” said Brown. “Everybody has a story.”
CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FAIR Holy Angels Parish 15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission is free for this event and food will be available for purchase. There will be 20 vendors. There will also be a special raffle drawing as well as tickets available for winning a carved cross. You do not need to be present to win the cross.
RAFFLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Our Lady of Unity School 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 6 - Dec. 10 (online)
Win cash prizes of $1,000, $500 or $250 and help fund scholarships for Our Lady of Unity School. Tickets are: $10 per ticket; $25 for three. Tickets are available online until Dec. 10, or can be purchased at the school. Winners will be announced on Dec. 16. To purchase online, go to: member ship.faithdirect.net/events/details/7554. For more information, send an email to: development@olukck.eduk12.net.
FALL BAZAAR Holy Trinity Parish 400 S. East St., Paola Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Takeouts will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 5 - 10; and free for kids under 5. This year, there will be no games or country store, just the raffle. Please wear masks except when eating. The raffle will be for a quilt, a $100 gift card and $100 cash.
INAUGURATION OF THE AFRICAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF KANSAS Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming you, celebrating Mass with you and fellowship with you after Mass the African way.
SOUP LUNCHEON/FALL FEST Holy Family Parish 1st & Kansas, Alma Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Serving chili, homemade chicken noodle, vegetable beef and potato soups and pie for dessert. There will also be bingo, a country store and a raffle drawing at 2 p.m.
PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
All parents and grandparents who have lost children or grandchildren are
invited to participate in the Project Chrysalis Mass for our children. You may reserve a memorial candle for your child or grandchild by emailing Patty Billinger at: pbillinger@kcascension.org.
‘JOURNEY TO JOY’ Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
This is an evening of renewal for women ages 16 and older. Join nationally known speaker Sarah Swafford as she speaks on topics as diverse as perfectionism, competition, insecurities, anxieties and fears. Swafford targets this battle with a vision for virtue, confidence, healing and a game plan that is life-giving and life-changing.
‘THE TENDERNESS OF GOD’ Sophia Spirituality Center Via Zoom Nov. 12 from 1 - 3 p.m.
As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s explore how we can enter deeply into a spirit of gratitude in the midst of busyness, suffering and uncertainty. This online retreat seeks to explore the tenderness of God and how we can respond in kind. There will be time for personal reflection and small group discussion, as well as time to connect with yourself and others in a personal, meaningful way. Learn more and register at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter. org, click on “Retreats,” then on “Program offerings” and finally scroll down to “The Tenderness of God” to register.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE ‘I DO’S’ ARE DONE Kansas City area Nov. 12 - 14; and Feb. 25 - 27, 2022
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will give couples five proven tools to help them thrive as they navigate through the hills and valleys along the way. There are two in-person events happening in November and February and a virtual format is being offered on Dec. 3 - 5. For more information, or to apply for a weekend, visit the website at: www.WWME. org; call/email Deacon Tony and Barb Zimmerman at: tonybarbz@prodigy.net, or (816) 741-4066.
MANAGING GRIEF THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS St. Michael the Archangel Parish (hall) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Nov. 14 from 6 - 7 p.m.
Are you or your family grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the pain of loss due to a broken relationship? Approaching the holiday season can often accentuate our feelings of grief and sadness. Deacon
Joe Allen, chaplain at Catholic Community Hospice, will offer helpful suggestions and offer practical tools for coping with grief during the holidays. For more information and grief resources, go online to: www. stmichaelcp.org/grief-support-groups or contact Mary Connor in the parish office at (913) 402-3920.
‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel (Gabriel Room) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
We who have experienced divorce understand. We, too, were sad, lonely, scared and angry. We have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, go online to: www.stmichaelcp.org/ divorce-support.
TAKE-A-LOOK THURSDAY Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Nov. 18 from 9 - 11 a.m.
Join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a learning environment that is welcoming and Christ-centered. For more information, call Anita Pauls at (913) 492-2582 or send an email to: apauls@hscatholic.org.
‘UNLOCKING DIFFICULT SCRIPTURE’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Nov. 19 - 21
The retreat begins on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m. In this retreat, we will learn to understand what
11 the word of God is telling us and begin to let it penetrate our hearts and enter into a deeper relationship with Christ. There will be conferences, workshops, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflecting and walking. The suggested donation is $170/single or $250/double for the cabins and courtyard rooms or $100 for the single guest rooms (meals included). To attend, sign up at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@ christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.
BLOOD DRIVE St. Joseph Parish (Knights of Columbus Hall) 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
As hospitals continue to ramp up their operations due to COVID-19, our local blood supply must increase as well. In addition to shirts from the Chiefs being given to donors, incentives will include drawings for four free Kansas City Chiefs stickers and a parking spot for a December game, as well as a gift card from the Rally House. Appointments are needed. If you wish to make an appointment, contact Virginia Wiedal, St. Joseph blood drive coordinator, by email at: vwiedel63@gmail. com or call (913) 268-3874.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
CLASSIFIEDS
12 EMPLOYMENT Liturgy coordinator - Sacred Heart Church, Shawnee, is seeking a part-time liturgical coordinator who is responsible for the development, recruitment and training of liturgical ministries and working with the pastor and choir director to ensure Masses and special liturgical services run smoothly. For a full job description and to apply, go online to: shoj.org/about-us/employmentopportunities/ Assessment fulfillment specialist - Catholic Faith Technologies is seeking an assessment fulfillment specialist who distributes, receives, scores and processes standardized assessments in an efficient manner to generate assessment reports for Catholic schools and parishes. This role requires 5 - 15 hours/week of work in the Overland Park office, depending on volume. The specialist should be an organized, process-oriented individual who practices excellent communication within a team environment. This is an occasionally physical position, meaning you must be able to stand, crouch and lift objects and parcels throughout your shift. For more information or to apply, please email: tcarani@ catholicfaithtech.com. Choir director - Sacred Heart Church, Shawnee, is seeking a part-time choir director. This person is responsible for recruiting and sustaining membership to our choirs and to actively engage our parish community in song at weekend Masses, holy days of obligation, Triduum and other parish events that occur. He/she will work in collaboration with the pastor and liturgy coordinator to provide an overall inspiring worship experience. For a full job description and to apply, please go online to: shoj.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/. Accounting assistant – Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is seeking a full-time accounting assistant. This position provides accounting and administrative support to the controller, marketing and operations coordinators. This role is responsible for assisting with financial statements, recording and reconciling investments, posting to the GL, year-end preparation. Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field required and at least one year of relevant work experience. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Application deadline Nov. 8. To apply, please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs. Pastoral administrative assistant - St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, has seen a burst of new growth, and is now in need of a new team member to anchor the parish office. The ideal candidate is one who enjoys relating with a wide range of people, is comfortable with technology, is detail-oriented, organized, flexible and eager to contribute to the mission. Previous experience in a church office is advantageous, but not required. Full-time position with benefits. Please send resume and cover letter to: meredithpatterson@jp2kc.org. Live-out/direct service provider - Are you caring and collaborative, joyful and adaptable? Are you perceptive to the needs of those around you? L’Arche Heartland seeks you to join our team! L’Arche Heartland is a qualified support provider offering excellent care in homes that are regulated by the state of Kansas. We share life in communities belonging to an international federation with written practices and guidelines. We celebrate the unique value of every person. The role of the direct service provider is to share life with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other assistants in relationships of mutuality to support the individuals in daily life activities and to live fully the identity and mission of L’Arche in the context of an intentional faith community. This includes: assisting individuals with the activities of daily living, including personal care and passing medication; implementing support plans; documenting care plans; and providing transportation. The job is full time, pay is $13.25 - $15 per hour. Benefits include: simple IRA; IRA matching; employer-paid dental insurance, disability insurance, health insurance and vision insurance, as well as paid time off. Job requirements include: must embrace the mission and values of L’Arche; must be 18 years or older; must have a high school diploma or equivalent; must have a driver’s license; have the ability to pass a background check; have eligibility to work in the United States. Preferred experience: one year of direct support provider experience; caregiving/direct patient care; dependable; people-oriented; adaptable/flexible. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Director of health services - The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey are seeking a qualified nurse to serve as the director of health services. This full-time role will lead a team in providing for the health and wellness of the monastic community. Learn more and apply at: Kansasmonks.org/jobs or call (913) 360-7908. Teachers - Teachers are needed to fill positions in our Early Education Center (infant/toddler and preschool). Related experience is preferred, and all candidates must meet state and local requirements. Please submit your resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawneee.org, and call if you have questions: (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589. Benefits are included.
Minister for marriage, family life and vocation – Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, has a full-time ministry position open. The minister for marriage, family life and vocation (MFLV) is the key collaborator with the pastor and the pastoral associate for adult formation. The minister serves as the staff point person in matters related to marriage, family life and vocational awareness and discernment. This position exists to equip and support couples so they can fruitfully live Christian marriage and experience family life illuminated by the truth, beauty and goodness of the Gospel. Additionally, the minister for MFLV works with the parish vocation committee, the parish school and the parish YFF program to help young people discern God’s call in their lives and to promote vocations to sacramental marriage, holy orders, consecrated life or other specific ways the Lord might call someone to live out their baptismal call to holiness. For a full job description or to send your cover letter and resume, email: sweems@kcascension.org. Skilled plumber - Kansas City Bathroom Remodeling is a residential bathroom, basement and kitchen remodeler. We only hire the very best. We are looking for a skilled plumber that has a good overall knowledge of residential rough-in and finish plumbing. As a plumber, you must display superb customer service skills. It will also include solid communication skills and the ability to interact in a positive manner with clients as well as fellow employees, management and office personnel. We are an incredibly busy remodeling company, doing an average of 5 - 6 remodeling projects at a time. The majority of our work is in Kansas City and surrounding areas. The plumber must be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pay is based on experience; overtime work is available. Please attach a resume or work history with three job references. Must be able to pass a background check. Job requirements: successful prior track record as a plumber with a minimum of three years’ experience; ability to perform rough-in and finish plumbing; familiar with free-standing bathtubs; familiar with diverter valves; proficient in using manual equipment and measurement tools; must own all your own hand tools (larger tools will be provided); willingness to follow safety guidelines at all times; respectfully leave job site clean at end of each day; good knowledge of English; current and valid driver’s license; good physical condition and endurance; high school diploma; and the ability to pass a background check and drug screen. The job is full time. Hourly wage is $26 - $34 per hour, based on experience. Benefits include: company sponsored health insurance; 401k match up to 5%; 4 paid holidays; 80 hours paid time off after six months; and a tool allowance program. If interested, call (913) 701-2500 or email: lisa@kcbathremodel.com L’Arche Heartland house assistant - L’Arche is an organization where people both with and without developmental disabilities choose to share life together to promote the dignity of every human person. L’Arche’s unique model of care seeks to offer more than a job; it’s an opportunity for personal transformation through relationships. L’Arche homes are regulated by he state of Kansas and are part of an international federation with written practices and guidelines based on 55 years of experience lived out in 37 countries around the world. The role of an assistant (direct support provider) is to share life with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other assistants in relationship of mutuality; to support the individuals in daily life activities; and to live fully the identity and mission of L’Arche in the context of an intentional faith community. This includes; assisting individuals with activities of daily living, including personal care and passing out medications; implementing support plans; documenting care given; and providing transportation. The job is full time; pay is $13.25 - $15 per hour. Benefits include: simple IRA; IRA matching; employer-paid dental insurance; employer-paid disability insurance; employee assistance program; employer-paid health insurance ; paid time off; and employer-paid vision insurance. Must have a driver’s license; have a high school diploma or equivalent; have one year of experience as a direct support provider of caregiving/direct patient care. Must embrace the mission and values of L’Arche: must be 18 or older; pass a background test and be eligible to work in the United States. Finally, must e dependable peopleoriented and adaptable/flexible. Interested candidates, submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: Harmony@larcheks. org. Position open until filled. Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102. Live-in caregiver - Looking to hire a full-time, mature, compassionate, experienced live-in caregiver for a senior woman. Responsibilities include: meal prep; housekeeping; laundry; medication management; bathing/ grooming assistance; errands; and meaningful companionship. Must have reliable transportation, cellphone and references. Please call (215) 733-9600.
Community care coordinator - The community care coordinator’s primary responsibility is to be an advocate and ally to our 17 residential core members (adults with intellectual disabilities). Candidate will be responsible for coordinating appropriate and effective services for the core members of L’Arche Heartland Residential Programs. The community care coordinator will aim to ensure that core members are affirmed, supported and encouraged to grow with dignity and respect in all areas of their life. The community care coordinator will oversee the house coordinator and the assistants to ensure quality care, advocacy and support of core members within the community. In collaboration with the community nurse, the coordinator will ensure quality of medical care for core members, including: scheduling appointments; coordinating follow-up care; coordinate with pharmacy for monthly medications; coordinate with the community nurse for initial and ongoing medical training. In collaboration with the assistant coordinators: supervise house coordinators and assistants in the provision of services concerning medical, emotional, psychiatric and physical needs of core members. Oversee the implementation of core member person-centered support plans and completion of their goals in partnership with the house coordinators. Collaborate with assistant coordinator to provide initial and ongoing training on person-centered support plans and BASIS tracking. Oversee the record keeping for each individual core member’s permanent records (legal documents, risk assessments, behavioral support plans, medical information and documentation, annual plan documentation, and financial information). Attend house team meetings, professional services meetings and other meetings as needed to effectively support high quality care provision for the core members. Attend house meetings on a monthly basis. Requirements: show up with kindness and strengths-based leadership; be someone who sees value in every person and communicates respect and encouragement to people at all levels; exhibit a passionate investment in the well-being and success of staff and organization; nurture the gifts and growth of all and core members; approach work from an organizational perspective with an understanding of how individual actions can impact the whole; hold the complexity of the needs of an individual and the needs of the team; ensure that each core member has a voice in decision-making and planning for his/her own life; support the development of each core member’s capabilities; represent the mission, strategic plan and work plan of L’Arche in meetings, in the community and events where appropriate; good judgment to manage sensitive and confidential matters; high degree of personal integrity; strong self-awareness, cultural competency, emotional intelligence and humility; grounded and flexible with a high degree of integrity and transparency; ability to adapt as needed, self-manage, and prioritize between and manage multiple demands. The care coordinator is responsible to the community leader. Compensation based on experience and qualifications. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Join the Santa Marta team - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team. We are looking for part-time servers. Responsibilities include: serving meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and co-workers is required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session. Part-time servers are normally scheduled for three to five shifts per week (evening from 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). Pay is $10 - $11 hourly rate depending upon relevant experience. Part-time associates earn paid time off for hours worked. Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Marta team. Check out Santa Marta at: https://www. facebook.com/SantaMartaRetirement/. Advancement officer - Donnelly College is looking for a driven advancement officer to join the college’s advancement team. This exciting opportunity requires an individual who is attentive to details, works well with a diverse array of constituencies, enjoys meeting people, works well individually and as part of a team. Responsibilities include: serve as integral member of the advancement team with the primary goal of securing major gifts to support Donnelly’s mission and vision through new and existing donor prospects; manage the cultivation cycle leading to the successful solicitation and securing of major gifts for annual fund, capital projects, endowment, event sponsorships and planned gifts; manage (and help grow) a portfolio of major gift prospects (up to 125 in portfolio); develop and coordinate major gift prospect strategies with donor database analyst, annual fund coordinator, vice president of advancement and, when appropriate, the president of the college; schedule and hold individual meetings with prospects and donors to qualify interest and capacity; create individualized prospect engagement and stewardship plans for all constituents in your portfolio; recruit membership into the Jerome Society by securing annual gifts of $1,000 and above. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly. edu with “Advancement officer” in the subject line.
NOVEMBER 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Director of development and stewardship - St. John Church and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time director of development and stewardship. The director will develop and administer development plans to ensure the long-term viability of the church and school. The director will oversee all advancement activities necessary by building relationships with a broad range of parishioners, parents, alumni, volunteers and community members. Candidates with three to five years of fundraising experience and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This position is eligible for an archdiocesan benefits package. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or mail to: 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team. Financial representatives - Knights of Columbus has full-time openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri for full-time financial representatives. Ideal for determined, disciplined, professional, highexpectation individual desiring to serve others. We work exclusively with the families of brother Knights and Catholic gentlemen who are eligible to join the Knights. We have established territories where agents devote their working day to the needs of the members in their assigned councils. Excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits are provided, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is a career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or possibly for someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon, general agent, at (785) 408-8800 or email: john.mahon@kofc.org. Nurse intake coordinator - The position of Allied Health intake coordinator is responsible for building relationships with area schools, health facilities and the community at large to recruit prospective students who are interested in the health field. The successful candidate will help students understand career paths within the health care industry, particularly those related to CNA, LPN and RN licenses and guide students along academic paths in these areas. This position works closely with the director of nursing in candidate selection for both the nursing and CNA programs. Qualified candidates should have an associate degree with health care-related experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred; maintain confidentiality of health care paperwork and sensitive information provided by students who apply for a seat in the Allied Health programs; understand nursing profession and Allied Health curriculum and experience advising students; be aware of the impact of cultural patterns on student retention and student learning; have the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, staff; proficient in Microsoft Office products; be detail-oriented; and be philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Practicing Roman Catholic preferred. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Nurse intake coordinator” in the subject line. Nursing faculty - A full-time nursing faculty position carries the primary responsibility of helping students to master subject material and skills that will contribute to their personal and intellectual development and success in the nursing program. This person works with the director of nursing to schedule coursework/activities that will help students to complete their goal of becoming health care professionals and to support the program. Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Qualifications include: MSN or BSN with MSN in progress; unencumbered Kansas nursing license; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population; ability to communicate well and assist students in gaining practice and knowledge in the clinical situation; adult teaching experience preferred; excellent leadership and communication skills; experience with instructing technology-based courses; alternative teaching strategies preferred; demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of use of electronic communication and audiovisual equipment; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity. Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@ donnelly.edu with “Nursing instructor” in the subject line. Fifth grade teacher - St. Ann is seeking a 5th grade homeroom teacher for the 2021-22 school year. This teacher will be responsible for teaching 5th grade religion and 5th/6th grade social studies classes. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org/jobs and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org. >> Classifieds continue on page 13
CLASSIFIEDS
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 WE LOVE OUR TEACHERS - COME SEE WHY YOU WANT TO WORK HERE! - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in nurturing environments, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. Full- and part-time positions available. No experience? We will train the right person. Ask about our $600 hiring bonus. Janice Kennedy, owner. Email: olathe2ks@goddardschools. com or call (913) 768-4499. Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO L’Arche Heartland house coordinator - Responsibilities of the house coordinator regarding quality of life for the core members are: to provide direct support in the house and actively participate in the sharing of daily home life; serve as an advocate and contact for core member parents and guardians for house-related needs and as liaison to the coordinator of professional services/ community life for other core member needs; cooperate with the coordinator of professional services to ensure that the medical, financial, safety and spiritual needs of each core member are fully met, and that all documentation is completed and submitted in a timely manner; schedules and facilitates weekly house meeting with core members to ensure everyone has opportunities to be meaningful members of the home; encourages and helps build a family atmosphere; supports household prayer life and spiritual growth by way of evening prayer, celebrations, observation of religious seasons and core member involvement in their local faith community. Key responsibilities regarding quality of life for assistants are: facilitating weekly team meeting and participating in regular formations and trainings to develop a relationship of trust and collaboration; serving as a liaison between assistants, coordinator of community life to ensure that the personal and spiritual needs of assistants are being met; preparing the home for guests or volunteer visits; and creating a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere in the home. Administrative responsibilities include: attending and actively participating in weekly leadership team meetings; ensuring that core member goal tracking, MARs and other required paperwork are being completed and sent to the coordinator of professional services; with the coordinator, ensuring that home and vehicles are maintained and that safety precautions are followed and documented; in cooperation with coordinator of professional services and the coordinator of community life, monitoring home environmental needs and coordinating repairs and purchases as needed with the approval of the community leader; ensuring that the household finances and spending are organized and in agreement with the designated budget. Share the mission of L’Arche by: working with other members of the leadership team to share and spread the mission of L’Arche to the Kansas City metro area; assist in the planning and facilitating of community nights, holiday gatherings, retreats, trips and fund-raisers; foster communication and sharing between Heartland and other L’Arche communities. Requirements for the job: embrace the mission and values of L’Arche; previous L’Arche or other community living experience preferred; maturity and commitment to one’s own personal and spiritual growth; experience with people with developmental disabilities strongly preferred. Interested candidates, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and references with contact information to the L’Arche Heartland discernment/search team at: heartland@larcheks.org. Position open until filled. Executive director - Hot Lunch Service, Inc. (dba St. Mary’s Food Kitchen) is seeking an executive director. The responsibilities include executing all day-to-day operations, including staffing, employee evaluations, budgeting, social media, equipment procurement and repair, and working with all coordinators whose groups provide the daily meals for our guests. Other key duties include fund-raising, marketing and community outreach. The executive director reports directly to the board of directors. This position will be a full-time salaried position with benefits. Requirements include: bachelor’s or higher degree in business, a related field or its equivalent; food service experience is preferred; 3-5 years’ demonstrated history of leadership skills; 5 or more years of nonprofit 501(c)3 management experience working with a board of directors; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through social media; solid organizational abilities such as planning, delegating and financial management. Interested candidates, please submit a current resume, letter of interest and references with contact information to: hotlunchserviceinc@gmail.com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist. Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Call with questions
DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark. com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Two cemetery plots at Chapel Hill Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas; lot 102B, spaces three and four. Asking $1695. Call Ernest at (913) 706-5958 or email: ecowden11@yahoo.com.
REAL ESTATE We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it. Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.Benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
FOR RENT For rent - Beautiful, recently renovated Orlando condo. One bedroom; one bath; queen sleeper sofa; full kitchen and pool. Two miles to Disney, three miles to the Gulf Coast. $800 per week. Call (913) 492-7617.
SERVICES 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. Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating. Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount. A Total Door (913) 236-6440.
Painting - Diamond Paining, (913) 648-4933, residential/commercial, exterior/interior. Free estimate, affordable, decks. DiamondPaintKc.com, KCMO/Overland Park Metropolitan area. Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more. I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230. 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) 252-1391 ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.
13 Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. $$ PAYING CASH $$ - Looking for special Christmas gifts for my family such as: antique furniture; crocks; tin and cast iron toys; old tools; glassware; American coins; jewelry; most anything old! Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950. 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.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.
14
COLUMNISTS
DAILY READINGS THIRTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 7 THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Kgs 17: 10-16 Ps 146: 7-10 Heb 9: 24-28 Mk 12: 38-44 Nov. 8 Monday Wis 1: 1-7 Ps 139: 1-10 Lk 17: 1-6 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 6: 1-11 Ps 82: 3-4, 6-7 Lk 17: 11-19 Nov. 11 Martin of Tours, bishop Wis 7:22b – 8:1 Ps 119: 89-91, 130, 135, 175 Lk 17: 20-25 Nov. 12 Josaphat, bishop, martyr Wis 13: 1-9 Ps 19: 2-5b Lk 17: 26-37 Nov. 13 Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin Wis 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9 Ps 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43 Lk 18: 1-8
“U
T Frances Cabrini 1850-1917 In 1946, Mother Cabrini was the first U.S. citizen to be canonized; she is the universal patron of immigrants. She was born in Italy, the youngest of 13 children, and became a schoolteacher. Denied admission to two religious orders because of frail health, she was given charge of an orphanage in Codogno. In 1880, she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart with seven of her former orphans. The order spread rapidly from northern Italy to Rome, and then in 1889 to New York City, where Mother Cabrini became famous for her work among Italian immigrants. Before dying of malaria in Chicago, she had opened schools, orphanages and hospitals around the United States, South America and Europe.
Approach this with all due respect
ncomfortable and
moving.” Those words were in my March 26 column here, anticipating an upcoming exhibit at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. On Oct. 20, I experienced this exhibit firsthand. To the adjectives above, I’d add another: sobering. I went on a Wednesday afternoon and was amazed at the crowd . . . and the reverential silence. I spent over three hours there and would have spent more had it not been closing time. The superbly organized exhibit, called “Auschwitz: Not Long Ago, Not Far Away,” contains some 700 artifacts and 400 photos. Adding greatly to the experience is a cellphone-like device and headphones which add an audio component to over 60 stops along the way. I had no idea of the physical scale of Auschwitz, the deadliest of
NOVEMBER 5 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
the six Nazi concentration camps. In its fourplus years of existence, over 1 million people, primarily Jews, were murdered there. The perpetrators of these atrocities considered themselves members of the “Master Race,” and those they were exterminating “Untermenschen” — in other words, “inferior races,” or “subhumans.” The question that refused to leave my mind was: If the Nazis
truly believed that murdering, torturing and starving these people was somehow the “right and moral” thing to do, then why, as the Russians and Allies were closing in, did they seek to destroy any evidence that these concentration camps existed? The only conclusion I can reach is that the Nazis knew on the deepest human level that these were horrors they were committing. In the end, it became clear that the “Master Race” — as with all who subscribe to some supremacist ideology — are in fact the least humane and the most morally flawed. But I digress. I do
highly recommend visiting the Auschwitz exhibit, though, as it is a memorable and unforgettable experience. It runs until Jan. 30, 2022, but tickets go fast. So, how can one make the world a holier place? The Otis Redding song, that Aretha Franklin literally spelled out, says it all: “R-E-SP-E-C-T.” This story illustrates that: Years ago, a boy climbed onto a stool at a soda shop. He asked the waitress, “How much is an ice cream sundae?” “Fifty cents,” she replied. The boy reached into his pocket and counted a handful of change. Next, he asked, “Uh, how much is a dish of plain ice cream?” The waitress rolled her eyes and said, “Thirty-five cents.” Again, the boy counted his coins and said, “I’ll have the plain ice cream, please,” as he set a quarter and two nickels on the counter. The waitress picked up the coins and delivered the ice cream. About 10
minutes later, she found the boy gone and the ice cream eaten. As she cleared the dish, she swallowed hard. Underneath, she found two nickels and five pennies. Although the boy had enough for a sundae, he ordered plain ice cream so he could leave a tip. (Story adapted from “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) Perhaps we can most respect the victims and survivors of Auschwitz by pondering these words of Charlotte Delbo found on a wall at the end of the exhibit: “You who are passing by, I beg you: Do something. Learn a dance step. Something to justify your existence, something that gives you the right to be dressed in your skin, in your body hair. Learn to walk and to laugh, because it would be too senseless after all, for so many to have died, while you live doing nothing with your life.”
Zarephath makes us uncomfortable in a good way
he first reading Sunday concerns an incident in a village called Zarephath, in present-day Lebanon, thousands of miles from us. It occurred thousands of years ago, so it is distant in time also. But whether the woman in the story seems distant may depend on our experience. The woman, her son of unstated age, and the other person in the scene — the prophet Elijah — are hungry. Not the “twingy” hunger from missing a meal. The emaciating hunger caused by chronic malnutrition. Deprived of food, the body consumes its stored fats, then consumes the muscles and
,
KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
organs. Starvation is a prolonged torment. If we ourselves have suffered it to any degree, we may naturally feel
close to the widow of Zarephath. Otherwise, we may view her from a distance, as just a character in a Bible story. Speaking for myself, I am in the latter category. I have to work hard to bring this woman into focus in my mind and penetrate her experience. Well, as Zarephath is being crushed by a drought-induced famine, Elijah shows up on the street and begs a mouthful of food from the woman. He
promises her a miraculous supply of food from his God if she will grant his request. Zarephath is not Israelite territory. The woman has no reason to take Elijah’s deity any more seriously than her own gods who have not been able to save the residents from impending death. And yet she goes home, bakes a little cake and brings it, hot from the oven, to the Israelite prophet. Why? You can make your own guess. Mine is that she looked in Elijah’s face and thought to herself, “Why shouldn’t I share our handful of food with this hungry man? We don’t have enough for a satisfying meal anyway. It’s what my
mother would have done.” The more I think about this woman, the more uncomfortable she makes me. In her extreme neediness, she shared what she had with a needy person. As I sit in my pleasant house, looking forward to a tasty and nourishing dinner, my circumstances are so different from hers. The real issue, though, is not the difference in our circumstances but the difference in the kind of person I am. And so? I like the widow of Zarephath. She makes me uncomfortable in a good way. I am going to keep thinking about her.
Faith cannot be reduced to suffocating ‘bureaucracy,’ pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The beauty of faith comes from opening one’s heart to love and not fixating on following rules and regulations, Pope Francis said. Similarly, the desire to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, especially in the sacraments, “cannot be suffocated by a bureaucracy that prevents access to the grace of the Spirit, the initiator of conversion of heart,” the pope said Oct. 27 during
his weekly general audience. “How many times we ourselves, priests or bishops, create so much bureaucracy to give a sacrament, to welcome people, that people say: ‘No, I do not like this,’ and they leave, and often they do not see in us the power of the Spirit who regenerates, who makes us new,” he said. The pope received a warm welcome from the many pilgrims
attending the general audience in the Paul VI audience hall. As hundreds applauded and sang loudly, the pope said, “So much enthusiasm!” Pope Francis continued his series of talks on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit which the apostle said were “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
COLUMNISTS
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
15
Children come to know their value as they experience God’s love
T
here are a series of Progressive Car Insurance commercials focused on how we get more and more like our parents as we get older. After seeing one of these commercials and noticing how accurate the premise is, I remembered a country song called, “Seein’ My Father in Me” by Paul Overstreet. Here are some of the lyrics: I’m seein’ my father in me, I guess that’s how it’s meant to be And I find I’m more and more like him each day I notice I walk the way he walks I notice I talk the way he talks I’m startin’ to see my father in me.
I
FROM THE SUPER
VINCE CASCONE Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.
In this song, there is a sense of pride in the man who is starting to recognize how his appearance, actions, and even the way he walks and talks are so similar to his dad’s.
I am seeing this play out more and more every day in my own life, although my dad is quick to point out that my hair turned gray at a much younger age than his did. Since kings ruled over such large areas of land in the ancient world and travel was
so slow, statues and monuments of the king were dispersed throughout the land. These images or likenesses of the king would let everyone know that the king’s rule extended through all of the areas where the image could be found. Of course, humanity being created in God’s image and likeness goes well beyond our mere physical appearance. This refers to certain God-given capacities which are not only a part of our human nature but also unique to it. Put simply, we are made in God’s image because we alone have been made capable of knowing and loving as
God does. We alone “of all visible creatures” are “called to share, by knowledge and love, in God’s own life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 356). This is an amazing reality that God has allowed us as humans to share in his divine attributes. God has allowed us to have a personal relationship with him, unlike any other being in his beautiful creation. Our Catholic schools strive to help the students in our care realize the profound significance of being created in God’s image and likeness. We show them the great dignity they possess in having God as their source and
in how their source has made them the greatest of all of his creation. By teaching them this truth, we are also teaching them about the dignity of those around them who have also been made in God’s image and likeness. When we truly understand this, we can live our lives in a way that reflects and points to our Creator. Please pray our faculty and staff members and their ministry of Catholic education as they continue to partner with parents in helping our young people to know their true dignity as those created in the image and likeness of God.
Interfaith dialogue proves singular grace for Catholic deacon
consider myself a conservative, but as my wife can attest, I am way too liberal in one area of my life: the snooze button. So, the fact that for six years I’ve promptly woken up at 5 a.m. every Sunday and driven to the Cumulus radio station to co-host “Religion on the Line,” I consider a signal grace. Recently, I and my co-hosts Rabbi Michael Zedek and the Reverend Bob Hill were informed that after more than 28 years 710 Talk radio had decided to “go in a different direction.” We negotiated to stay on a bit longer by purchasing some air time with the help of donations from our listeners.
DO UNTO OTHERS
DEACON BILL SCHOLL Deacon Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@ archkck.org.
However, it seems the Sunday after Thanksgiving is to be our last broadcast on their airwaves. I find myself left with only one response: gratitude. St. Paul teaches:
“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God.” After having participated in such a long conversation with Kansas City about God and religion, how can I be anything but grateful? I am grateful to my co-hosts who have been doing the show from the beginning. I am grateful to my Catholic predecessors — Father
Thom Savage, George Noonan and Deacon John Purk — and to the subs — Pastor Barry Freeze, Imam Bilal Muhammad, Rabbi Alan Londy and Deacon Jim Lavin — who helped us keep the trialogue going. Conversing with ministers of different faiths gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of my Catholic faith. Certainly, our conversations stretched and surprised me, and I learned what evangelists really mean about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sharing belief with different faiths puts one on a precipice that straddles the heresies of syncretism (God has no preference for us regarding religion)
and triumphalism (God only cares for my religion). We stand athwart the scandal of what one considers sacred and obvious not being sacred and obvious to others. This precipitous gaze is disorienting as one tries to measure response and silence. However, when one looks out, what a view! You behold people seeking God from where they are at, and God meeting them there. Perhaps I am most grateful to the listeners and the callers like: Madeline, Mike, Bebo, Elder Hall, Richard and everyone who called in (even the ones who were not so nice). God often minsters to us through the ministry we give
and I certainly experienced God’s grace from them. If I am sad at all, it’s because the conversation seems to be ending. We hope “Religion on the Line” might find another venue but the airwaves may now be closed to such conversation. Our show’s motto is borrowed from a quote attributed to Pope St. John XXIII: “Let us look at each other without mistrust. Let us meet each other without fear. Let us talk with each other without surrendering principle.” Such conversations are difficult, but I am grateful to have learned that these are the best kind when they are given over to God.
Crossword solution
SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins. Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits. Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com
THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.
NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free
LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
T
16
Retreat house director puts old skills to new use
his week, director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer takes us inside his ministry in Easton. Meet: Vince Eimer.
Q.
What is your title and where do you minister? I am the director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton. We are on 120 wooded acres with many cabins and guest rooms for guests to come and be with the Lord. This includes retreats and personal reflection.
Q.
What do you wish everybody knew about your ministry?
A.
I wish people knew how happy it makes me to take care of guests and their needs. There is such joy in giving of yourself once you try to do it all the time. I smile on the inside seeing the happiness in our guests or anyone else. One typical way of my helping guests is by listening to their difficult situations and helping them get a new spiritual perspective. One guest did not believe God loved her. Through God’s grace, she came away with a renewed faith after being reminded of God’s words of love for her that she had forgotten.
Q.
Please describe what you do.
A.
I have many jobs that I do as director. I lead retreats to help people come to know God better, I give spiritual direction to people who want someone to guide them in how to pray and live as followers of Jesus. I am also the main cook and take care of the finances by paying bills and making sure we pay those who work here. I also help in getting the living spaces cleaned for guests and taking reservations for those who want to come on retreat.
Q.
Why does the world need more of what you’re offering, especially now?
Q.
How would you describe how that fits into the larger mission of the Catholic Church?
A.
Time with God brings God’s life into people in a fuller way, in a way that can change them. Once they taste the deep joy and peace that is there with him, they are no longer the same people. This can totally transform our society and the world.
A.
Our role is to deepen the life people live in their home parishes by helping them grow closer to Jesus. We give people a place to get away and spend time with God in private or on group retreats where they can learn how to practically develop an intimate friendship with Jesus.
What have you learned about people in this job?
A.
Q.
Is this what you set out to do in life?
A.
Yes, but only in a very general way. As a young man, I wanted to be a baseball coach and studied physical education in college. I went to graduate school to learn how to be a psychological counselor as well, so I could help students in another way.
Q.
So, what road led you to this place?
A.
In graduate school, I had a conversion experience and fell in love with Jesus. Since then, my life has become a searching to do his will while fighting against my own selfishness. I first learned to serve him as a Benedictine monk. After a long time there, I left the monastery and went to California, where I learned to cook and looked for God in a few oddly placed nooks and crannies. I returned to Missouri in 2005 to care for my mother until she died in 2009. I came here in 2010 because one of my monk friends said they needed a cook. Surprising to me, I became director about a year later.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Vince Eimer is the director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton. As director, he leads retreats, gives spiritual direction and is even the main cook at the retreat house.
More about Vince Eimer Vince Eimer is not only the director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer — he is also a trained cook. The Leaven asked Eimer for the recipe to a simple dish his retreatants seem to like.
Rice and vegetables 1 cup uncooked brown rice 1 bag frozen mixed veggies 1 large onion diced One-half cup Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon cumin 4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste
Q.
What would the average Catholic be most surprised to learn about your job?
Cook the rice Saute the onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil Thaw out the veggies Add and mix all the ingredients, except the Parmesan When ready to serve, add the Parmesan and stir well Serve and eat
Q. Did you collect some
skills from other jobs along the way that have proved
College (in Conception, Missouri). I now lead retreats where I teach people about Jesus and our faith. It is not English, but it is the language of God’s love for us. I was trained as a cook in California and never thought I would use that skill at a house of prayer. We are body and soul, and both get hungry.
surprisingly applicable?
A.
I was an English teacher at Conception Seminary
I would guess that most people would not think I did as much cleaning and yard work as I actually do. When you think about it, 120 acres is a lot!
Q.
Who does your ministry primarily serve?
A. Our ministry primarily
serves the people of the archdiocese and other Catholics.
There are deep wells of kindness and generosity in people that would surprise many, especially once they discovered it in themselves. It is there!
Q.
What have you learned about yourself ?
A.
I have more patience than I would have ever believed possible. Living here gave me situations where I had to learn to be patient. I used to be impatient about physical work. It is a necessity here. I had to adjust by learning to accept what needed to be done and to just do it without wanting to be doing something else. It took about a year!
Q.
How has it changed the way you view your identity as a Catholic?
A.
My belief in the fullness of faith found in the Catholic Church is much stronger. Our church is the body of Christ, glorious and loving. Vince Elmer is a member of St. Lawrence/St. Joseph of the Valley, where he lectors and occasionally leads singing