11 06 20 Vol. 42 No. 14

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 14 | NOVEMBER 6, 2020

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Five-year-old Savannah Joerger was fascinated by the relics on display at Holy Spirit’s first-ever Saints & Sweets event held on Oct. 30 and hosted by the Overland Park parish’s youth group.

SAINTS & SWEETS

Parish delivers a holiday treat focused on saints

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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VERLAND PARK — Families who visited Holy Spirit Parish here on the evening of Oct. 30 were taken on a journey through space and time — from Auschwitz concentration camp in 1941 to Mesero, Italy, in 1962.

The event, known as Saints and Sweets Luminary Walk, brought well-known saints to life in the form of youth group members who dressed up in costumes and shared the saints’ stories.

“There’s nothing better than the witness of the saints to inspire people to strive for holiness in their daily life,” said youth minister and confirmation coordinator Doug Leikam.

“This is a little foretaste of not only heaven, but of the community we could have [after the pandemic],” he added.

It was the parish’s first-ever Saints and Sweets event, and more than 100 families and 300 children attended.

The saints spread out at several stations along a sidewalk outside the church, where families, many dressed in their own costumes, approached them to hear about the saints’ lives and receive candy.

At the end of the walkway, families had the chance to look at and read about real saints’ relics on display.

The event evolved from Holy Spirit’s annual Trunk or Treat event, which parish staff worried would be too crowded to host during COVID-19, said Leikam.

This year’s event allowed each family to arrive during a specific time slot so they could spread out on the sidewalk.

Leikam wanted the event to “put some beautiful Catholic culture back into the feast of All Saints, rather than just celebrating Halloween,” >> See “YOUNG” on page 7

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Holy Spirit parishioner Chloe Wannamaker portrays St. Gianna Molla, an Italian pediatrician who refused both an abortion and a hysterectomy while pregnant with her fourth child, despite knowing that her refusal could result in her own death.

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LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Announcement Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann began exhibiting possible symptoms of coronavirus on Thursday, Oct. 29.

He quarantined immediately and was tested for the virus on the same day.

The archbishop was informed on Saturday of the positive result. He will now be quarantined until Wednesday, Nov. 11. His symptoms have thus far been mild, and all those whom he came into close contact with during the days immediately preceding the onset of his symptoms have been notified. Please keep the archbishop, and all those struggling with illness, in your prayers.

Protecting youth from porn is focus of webinar LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

The archdiocese’s mutually shared vision features three key initiatives: build a culture of evangelization, strengthen the vocation of marriage and family life, and cultivate relationships by engaging in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Planners adjust to pandemic setbacks

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Despite the disruptions and delays that COVID has caused across the country, here in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, leaders are moving forward with planning for the future.

“The mutually shared vision is an attempt to frame our purpose, vision, pastoral priorities and key initiatives so we can focus our efforts to get the very best results,” said Steve Ehart, outgoing consultant for the archdiocesan office of mission strategy.

The archdiocesan pastoral plan, called the mutually shared vision, was formulated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and his Envisioning Team and was announced and implemented in August 2015.

The vision features three key initiatives, but the articulated goals have been periodically revised.

“The newest version [this year] is the fourth revision,” said Ehart.

These goals will be developed now through 2022.

In the past, revisions were called for as various goals were achieved.

But this time, while some goals have been reached, others have been delayed due to the pandemic.

The first key initiative is to “build a culture of evangelization across the archdiocese.” The revised goals are: •With guidance from the archdiocesan office of evangelization, parishes will accelerate the cultural shift to individual missionary discipleship by fostering eucharistic amazement, scriptural engagement, personal prayer and intentional accompaniment through October 2022.

Parishes will submit annual reports documenting evangelical activity and progress on the “Enflame Plan.”

• Using resources from the Enflame initiative, parishes and schools

will grow and equip missionary disciples by offering experiences that prepare and empower individuals to enflame hearts, homes and communities through October 2022.

• Foster the living of a simple way of life by expanding the School of Faith’s Movement of the Holy Family to 11,000 subscribers and 1,000 members.

“The Movement of the Holy Family is a movement of families and friends who live a simple way of life of friendship, good conversation and the rosary,” said Mike Scherschligt, CEO and president of the lay apostolate Holy Family School of Faith. “We are a movement of friendship because people come to God through other people.”

The second key initiative is to “strengthen the vocation of marriage and family life.” The revised goals are: • By Advent 2021, the office of marriage and family life will help parishes to enflame homes across the archdiocese by providing practical tools for enriching marriages, strengthening Catholic identity and fostering family prayer life.

• The office of children’s catechesis will help parishes better equip parents to be the primary teachers of the faith by completing and distributing approved materials, including the “Parents as First Teachers of the Faith” video series, and supplying the appropriate directions for their use by June 1, 2021.

Even before the pandemic hit, the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life was providing activities in the home with the “Enflame Our Homes Initiative” through “The Joyful Homes Project.”

“For Joyful Homes, we were leaning toward this even before the pandemic hit, instead of having another event,” said Libby DuPont, consultant for the archdiocesan marriage and family life office. “The pandemic has changed the focus of the format. We wanted families to do

more together and less outside of the home.”

“One of the things we wanted to achieve was to equip families in their homes with digital resources to accomplish these goals,” said Brad DuPont, consultant with the archdiocesan marriage and family life office. “The pandemic made it the only option anyway.”

The third key initiative is to “cultivate relationships by engaging in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” The revised goals include: • In order to grow as companions in faith, by Pentecost 2021, all parishes in the archdiocese will have entered into an intentional partnership with at least one other parish to engage in projects of mercy and support in order to better encounter Christ in one another. For parishes that are currently twinned, a climate of collaboration will be fostered through coaching and sharing of best practices.

• By June 1, 2021, each parish, alone or in collaboration with other parishes, will commence outreach that is inclusive and supportive of parishioners with disabilities beginning with participation in faith formation programs (including sacramental preparation) and participation in the liturgy.

“One of my big thrusts within that goal is to secure a person in each parish, especially the 32 largest parishes in our archdiocese, to be a parish advocate and contact person [for] a person with a disability or a family of a person with a disability,” said Tom Racunas, lead consultant with the archdiocesan office of special-needs ministry.

The goals under the third key initiative were not revised because the goals were not reached due to the pandemic.

“COVID-19 just put brakes on all that because there wasn’t any activity in the parishes,” said Racunas.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Today’s pornography is far more violent and damaging than most adults understand.

That is why pastors, parents and others who work with teenagers and young adults are urged to participate in “Winning the Battle,” a free webinar about pornography use by youth at noon on Nov. 10.

The one-hour webinar is presented jointly by the Religious Alliance Against Pornography and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Adults need to assume that it’s only a matter of time before a young person is exposed to pornography, according to the webinar’s organizers. The exposure to, use of and addiction to pornography are at epidemic levels — leading to a greater risk of addiction, sexual promiscuity, depression and poor moral decisions as they move into adulthood.

The webinar will offer practical things that pastors, parents and those who work with youth can do to help teenagers and young adults.

To participate in this free webinar, register online at: bit.ly/winning-the-battle.

For additional information, contact the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life by calling (913) 647-0345.

Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has had to cancel its scheduled Veterans Day observance scheduled for Nov. 11.

Veterans Day observance at Resurrection Cemetery is canceled LENEXA — Due to uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to safeguard the health of individuals and families, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is canceling the Veterans Day observance and ceremony on Nov. 11 at Resurrection Cemetery here. For more information, call (913) 371-4040; send an email to: information@cathcemks.org; or go online to: www.cathcemks.org.

LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann tours Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, on Oct. 6 with Lamar Hunt Jr., far left, and Christ the King principal Cathy Fithian, far right. Christ the King was chosen as the Catholic Education Foundation School of Excellence. Hunt Jr. and his wife Rita were this year’s Michael and Patty Morrisey Angels Among Us honorees.

Christ the King honored as School of Excellence

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) held its annual benefit gala, Gaudeamus, virtually this year.

But that didn’t quell the enthusiasm or generosity of guests at more than 40 Gaudeamus-at-Home events throughout the archdiocese.

Highlighting the evening was Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann talking about his own mother’s devotion to Catholic education.

Louise Naumann, who died just a few weeks ago, was a principal and teacher for 40 years.

“She believed in our Catholic schools,” said the archbishop. “She believed there was nothing more important she could do than help young people develop the gifts and talents they’d been given so they could give honor and glory to God. “But she also believed that her Catholic school allowed her to be able to teach our young people to know Jesus Christ and experience his love in their lives.”

Archbishop Naumann shares his mother’s dedication to Catholic education as well and, each year, recognizes a CEF-sponsored school for providing superior Catholic education.

Schools apply for the award and applications are evaluated based on

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There is still time to donate to the Catholic Education Foundation

audeamus, which is Latin for “let us rejoice,” is the CEF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the celebration will support need-based scholarships for at-risk students throughout the archdiocese. Last year alone, CEF provided $2.5 million in K-12 scholarships to more than 1,500 students throughout northeast Kansas.

In the midst of this pandemic, many families are suffering greater financial burdens and so the need for scholarship funding is greater than ever.

By the end of the Gaudeamus-at-Home virtual event, $1.9 million had been raised.

But it’s not too late to help. To donate, go online to: cefgala.org/donate.

the following criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed and Forwardly Thinking.

During the online event, the 2020 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award was presented to Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas.

St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, was selected as first finalist for the award, followed closely by the second finalist, Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka.

According to the evaluation committee, what truly set Christ the King apart is the faith-filled, family-focused community the school has fostered, empowering students to take initiative on service projects ranging from greeting cards to homebound parishioners during the pandemic, to student-led

fundraisers for community members in need.

That community spirit is what draws families to Christ the King School.

“On the face of it, we don’t have a state-of-the-art school facility,” said Christ the King pastor Father Nick Blaha. “We’re celebrating 80 years of Catholic education.

“What they love is the commitment — first on the part of our parish to support this mission of education and also the ability of our families, our faculty and our students to really pull together.

“What this school is all about is heart.”

This academic year, Christ the King administration and faculty worked hard to reconfigure the school’s curriculum to a classical, liberal arts approach that reclaims Catholic educational traditions.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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The model has been successful in large part thanks to Cathy Fithian, who has been principal for 19 years and at the school for 36 years.

“I’ve always wanted to level the playing field for kids who might not have the economic advantage of things,” said Fithian. “Education does that for children. Education is the key.

“And so, we’re committed at Christ the King to providing the best education possible for students because that will open so many other avenues for them to be able to know what God’s plan is for their lives.”

CEF board of directors chair Derek Teeter presented Fithian with a banner to hang in the school and share with the Christ the King students, faculty and community.

Fithian expressed gratitude for the honor and related how important the CEF is to Christ the King “When you see a family come in,” she said, “and they want the Catholic education for their child, but they don’t believe they’re able to receive that and you’re able to say, ‘Wait, there are people out there that want to help you, such as the Catholic Education Foundation.’

“The CEF was there. It answered so many prayers.”

CEF executive director Vincent Anch agreed, saying “CEF is always more than willing to say we will do whatever we can to help our families.”

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

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LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG Mary and Ernest Fernandez, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g anniversary on Nov. 7. The couple was married on Nov. 7, 1970, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Newton. Their children are: John Fernandez, Vince Fernandez, Dan Fernandez and Raina Ochoa. They also have 10 grandchildren. They will celebrate with a family gathering at a later date.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

On Oct. 17, six members of the pro-life club at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park pray at the Center for Women’s Health, site of the 40 Days for Life campaign. The students are: (from left to right) Cydney Willenbring, Zach Stark, Sophia Fisher, Amy Winkler, Laura Benteman and Cecilia Fisher.

Public high school forms pro-life club

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VERLAND PARK — When Emily Yohon, a freshman at Benedictine College in Atchison, graduated from Blue Valley Northwest High School here this past spring, she left a little bit of herself behind — a pro-life club at the public high school.

It all began in the summer of 2019.

Yohon, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, found a video online in which a former abortionist describes a third-trimester abortion.

After watching it, she decided it was not enough for her to say she was prolife. She needed to do something about her convictions.

“I’ve always had that [pro-life] mindset,” she said, “but I just realized I need to reach out to other people who have the same views and beliefs and spread that word and get others to believe that.”

After discussions with her parents Curtis and Liz, she approached the school’s administration. She knew she needed a sponsor — someone from the faculty or staff — even if the group was student-led.

She was certain she knew the right teacher, but God had other plans.

“I asked another teacher if she would sponsor it,” she recalled, “and she said she had too much going on and couldn’t.”

But the teacher next door had overheard the conversation and said, “I’m in!”

After securing the sponsor, Yohon invited other students to join.

She was stunned when 50 students signed up. In the end, around two dozen or so students formed the core membership. The same is true this school year.

Not only that, but the group represents a microcosm of the school: It includes boys and girls, freshmen through seniors, different races and

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By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

“ I SIGNED UP BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THE MISSION, AND I BELIEVE IT’S A CAUSE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. ZACH STARK A SENIOR AT BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST IN OVERLAND PARK

ethnicities, as well as Protestants, Catholics and atheists.

Take, for example, Zach Stark, a senior and a member of Ascend KC Church (formerly Harvest Bible Church) in Olathe.

Stark joined the club last year.

“I signed up because I believe in the mission, and I believe it’s a cause worth fighting for,” he said.

“I’ve always been pro-life, but my big ‘I-need-to-do-something-aboutthis [moment]’ was after my family and I saw ‘Unplanned.’”

Since seeing the movie, he’s been active in the club’s activities and has found himself in a lot of online conversations about abortion. And while he realizes not everyone shares his beliefs, he said the abortion question is not a matter of opinion.

“I don’t feel like it’s an issue that you can agree to disagree on,” said Stark.

On Oct. 17, Stark joined five other club members to pray outside the Center for Women’s Health, an abortion clinic that has been the site of several 40 Days for Life campaigns.

Among the club members was Laura Benteman, a junior who serves as the club’s historian and posts messages and photos to the club’s social media.

“I was one of the first to join,” Benteman said. “I’ve been prolife since as long as I can remember. My parents helped me make that realization when I was pretty

young. They helped me understand the value of life.”

Some students, said Yohon, thought it inappropriate for a public school to sponsor such a club. Fortunately, she said, the administration did not see it that way.

“The administration said we have a right to be here,” she said. The administration also told anyone opposed to the club to form their own group.

“The people who complained to administration thought we were representing Blue Valley Northwest as a whole but, in reality, we’re representing the people who are pro-life, not the school as a whole. . . . The administration said of the club members that ‘they have done nothing wrong. They have only been peaceful. They have only been loving to everyone.’”

Benteman, a member of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, said she has experienced some difficulties in some of her friendships as a result of her participation in the club.

“I’m slowly gaining some of my friends back the more I talk about the issue with them and the more they understand my reasons for being pro-life,” Benteman said.

“It was hard,” she said, but Yohon’s respectful approach to all their classmates and their opinions helped set the tone and example for the whole school.

This year, the club is led by co-presidents Cydney Willenbring and Molly Thomas, both seniors and, like Benteman, parishioners of Church of the Ascension.

In addition to praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil site, the group plans to host another showing of “Unplanned.” It also plans to gather donations of personal hygiene products for Giving the Basics KC. Moreover, while there are no formal plans yet to attend either the Topeka or national March for Life, the group is hopeful to find a way to participate in one, if not both.

Carlos and Denise (Diaz) Garcia, m e m bers of All Saints Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 7. The couple was married on Nov. 7, 1970, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist) Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Cindy, Carlos Jr., Francisco and Vincent. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. They will celebrate with a family dinner.

Diana (Kuykendall) and Gerald Gearhart, members of St. Ann Parish, Effingham, celebrated their 50th we d d i n g a n n i versary on Oct. 3.

The couple was married on Oct. 3, 1970, at St. Ann by Father Theodore Leuterman, OSB. They have two sons: Christopher Gearhart and Timothy Gearhart. They also have three grandchildren. A family dinner was held on Oct. 3.

Sharon (Loun) and Jack Perry, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 7. The couple was married on Nov. 7, 1970, at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Their son Brian is in the Army in North Carolina. They will celebrate at a later date.

Maureen and Patrick Kearney, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 31. The couple was married at All Saints Church, Wichita, by Father Pat Malone. Their children are: Julie Bachkora, Krista Migely and James Patrick Kearney. They also have four grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with family at a later date.

LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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WORKIN’ ON THE CHAIN GANG Football dads give back to Saints under Friday night lights

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Jerry Nosbish leads the Aquinas chain gang downfield to reset the first down marker in the season opener against Bishop Miege High School.

By Jocelyn Sheets Special to The Leaven

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The St. Thomas Aquinas chain gang is composed of, from left: Ward Stoudemeyer, Tim Klumpers, Bruce Reike and Jerry Nosbish. The members of the crew are sporting new sideline uniforms this year.

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VERLAND PARK — Community, camaraderie and a love for the game drives the men on the St. Thomas Aquinas High School football chain gang here.

And, there’s no doubt about it: “It’s the best seat in the house,” believes Jerry Nosbish, the longest-tenured member of the Saints’ chain gang.

Nosbish is a 15-year veteran of the team on the sideline at Aquinas home football games. Mike Delaney and Ward Stoudemeyer have been volunteering for sideline duties for around eight years, while Bruce Reike has been helping the last three.

St. Thomas Aquinas rugby coach Tim Klumpers is on the chain gang this season after Delaney, who is battling cancer, opted out this year because of COVID-19 health concerns.

“We all have children who have gone or are going to Aquinas. We see this as a way to give back to the STA community, and that’s important to us,” Nosbish said. “I coached girls softball at Aquinas for 10 years and my daughters are Aquinas graduates. Mike, Ward and Bruce had sons who played football here.”

Each member has a story to tell about their start on the crew, but there is a common theme — they had friends who were part of the crew and they began as substitutes for former members.

Nosbish began filling in on the chain gang and now — 15 years later — he is the unofficial guy in charge.

He said he goes early on Friday nights to make sure the equipment — which includes two posts holding the chain to measure the 10 yards needed for first downs; the “box,” which is the down marker post; and a “clip,” which is clipped on the chain indicating the alignment of the closest five-yard line between the two rods.

“We meet as a group and talk to the officials before the game,” Nosbish said.

“One of the things I ask every game is which side of the line to put the clip — front or back — of the five-yard mark each time. Having the clip positioned wrong can cost a team during a game” Despite their personal support of the Saints, the men are all business when they’re on the field.

“We’re part of the officiating crew and we have to remain unbiased during the game and pay attention to the officials and the game,” said Nosbish.

Stoudemeyer had two sons play football for the Saints, spaced four years

WE ALL HAVE CHILDREN WHO HAVE GONE OR ARE GOING TO AQUINAS. WE SEE THIS AS A WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE STA COMMUNITY, AND THAT’S IMPORTANT TO US. JERRY NOSBISH SENIOR MEMBER OF THE SAINTS’ CHAIN GANG apart. He said following his oldest son’s senior year, he decided to help out on the chain gang. Stoudemeyer admitted it was tough to be in the stands during games.

“I know I can’t comment on the game while on the chain gang, but it is the best spot on the field. Jerry had an opening, so I spent my youngest son’s four years of high school football on the field,” Stoudemeyer said. “Then I stayed on be-

cause what else do I have to do on Friday nights? And I love high school football.”

For Delaney, giving up his spot on the chain gang for the 2020 football season was very difficult, but it had to be done.

He had worked throughout his eightyear battle against his cancer and didn’t want to give it up. He enjoyed being the “box” man and getting plenty of exercise running up and down the sidelines on Friday nights.

“With COVID, I couldn’t take a chance with my health. I had friends who had worked on the chain gang and I would substitute on it throughout the years. My son played football here and I just love the game,” Delaney said. “I helped run the freshman football game chains and moved up to the varsity with Jerry. I’m ready to be back out there next year.”

Reike’s son played his senior season a year ago for the Saints’ football team. He said the past few years he would jump in to fill a spot on the chain gang if needed.

“I love the camaraderie and getting to see the game up close. Volunteering is a fellowship with people around you [who] enjoy what you’re [all] volunteering to do,” Reike said. “I do it for many

reasons, but it’s about being a part of the school and community. You know . . . giving back. This is a great community to be a part of and a great school.”

Of course, chain gang members work through the heat of early-season games, rain, cold and all the rest of weather. In 2020, the Saints’ crew has had to deal with it all through COVID-19 restrictions as well.

“The football is the same. We wear masks. We all just have to be smart about this and do what we are asked to help stop the spread,” Nosbish said. “It’s about the kids getting to participate in activities, which is part of their educational experience.”

“This is all faith-based for us,” Delaney said. “It’s a group of Catholic guys giving back to the school and community for the good of all the students. We’ve created a close bond out on the field and off the field.”

“You couldn’t ask for a better school,” said Stoudemeyer.

“And to be part of the St. Thomas Aquinas community is great,” he added.

“Giving back and having fun doing it is what it is all about for me.”

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LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Sister Jane Albert Mehrens, SCL

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Develop a plan to follow after hurt occurs within a family. Share your feelings, affirm your love and follow things up with a hug.

Giving voice to hurt allows you to address it How do you express feelings when you are hurting? Do you slam cabinet doors and loudly rattle pots n our daily family lives, we and pans? Perhaps you choose to sometimes “bump” into one be silent, sitting with arms crossed, another. Perhaps we are too hoping the person who has hurt busy to give the attention an- your feelings will notice and ask you what is wrong. other person seeks.

We waste so much time being The result can be hurt feelings. distant with one another.

We might express our hurt There must be a better way. in words. One of our chilTOOLS FOR Our homes are meant to be dren at age 6 expressed it FAMILIES “little churches” where the this way: “I wish I could Growing as mercy and love of God are turn you into ice so you Disciples of present for all to see. Here would melt!” What a creJesus ative way to express hurt are some suggestions: feelings! Perhaps it was a • Do not be focused on way of saying “Get lost.” who is right or wrong. A lot of time A couple of years later, she would is wasted solving that question.

• Have a family routine or plan to go to her room, close the door loudly and express her frustration to follow when a hurt occurs. (Don’t the walls. Another daughter in her wait until a hurt occurs as we may teenage years would tell us: “Don’t not be thinking clearly.)

• The ritual or plan should begin talk to me!” She had a most irritating with prayer asking God to open our way of saying those words.

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

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Announcement Father Andrew Strobl, pastor of St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, announced to parishioners on Oct. 18 that he had asked Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for some time away for a renewal of his priesthood due to being overwhelmed by the responsibilities associated with starting a new parish, as well as difficulty balancing his professional and personal life. Father Strobl has therefore been granted a leave for a spiritual wellness and priestly renewal program.

Father John Riley has been appointed as parochial administrator of St. John Paul II in Father Strobl’s absence.

Cemeteries Masses canceled Due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is canceling memorial Masses scheduled on Nov. 7 at 9 a.m. at the following locations: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas; Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka; and Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

ears and hearts.

• Share your feelings without blaming, by using “I” statements.

• After sharing the feelings, apologize to one another and ask for forgiveness sincerely and grant it lavishly.

• Affirm your love for the other person and follow with a hug.

• Agree that once forgiveness is granted, the matter does not come up again.

• Celebrate the restored relationship. Share a bowl of celebratory ice cream. Be creative: You will find different ways to celebrate. As spouses, dance to your favorite love song.

Finally, frequent the sacrament of reconciliation. Bring to confession some of the struggles or behaviors that get you into trouble. Ask Our Lord for the grace you need to strive to be a better spouse, parent or sibling.

Catholic Cemeteries announces Veterans Garden in Topeka and veterans section expansion in Lenexa

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is developing a new Veterans Garden and Memorial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, and expanding the number of burial spaces available in the veterans section at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

Located on the south side of Mt. Calvary, 801 S.W. Westchester Rd., the new section will feature the Veterans Memorial and 800 burial spaces for veterans and their spouses.

The centerpiece of the new Veterans Garden will be a replica of the Marine Corps Memorial statue of the raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima. Flanking the statue will be flags of the United States, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

The new garden is being developed in the style of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, with rows of white headstones.

Headstones will be preplaced in this new garden section at Mt. Calvary. With preneed arrangements or at the time of need, a preferred location within this garden can be selected. Preneed selling will begin in December. Depending on the weather, headstones will be in place in early 2021. Projected completion date for the memorial statue is summer 2021.

Catholic Cemeteries is also adding 200 burial spaces to the veterans section at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd. For more information, call (913) 371-4040 in the Kansas City area or (785) 272-0820 in Topeka, or send an email to: information@cathcemks. org.

EAVENWORTH — Sister Jane Albert Mehrens, 84, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on Oct. 10 at the motherhouse here.

She entered the religious community after high school and served as a teacher before giving her energies to social services. She was known for her generosity, leadership and commitment to excellence.

She was described as a “Jiminy Cricket” who encouraged people toward excellence and service, but also loved fiercely and unconditionally.

More than anything, she was a tireless worker and advocate for the poor, the homeless, the oppressed and the needy.

Sharon Mehrens was born on Aug. 10, 1936, in Butte, Montana, the second of four children of Albert J. and Jane Mehrens. She had a strong Catholic heritage and an Irish lineage on both sides of her family, along with German and English.

Her father influenced her interest in public service and social concern.

She attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Girls’ Central High School in Butte before pursuing an education degree at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 19, 1955, and professed vows as Sister Jane Albert on Aug. 22, 1957.

Sister Jane Albert taught in elementary and secondary schools for 32 years in Missouri, Colorado, Kansas and Montana. She then served another 25 years in social service. She taught a variety of subjects and coached several team sports, while also encouraging student involvement in community service and social justice.

She left education in 1989 to pursue social ministry, which changed her life in many ways. She became the director of Catholic Social Services (later Catholic Community Services), an emergency assistance agency in Leavenworth, which she led for 10 years. During these years, she founded several transitional housing sites for the homeless. One of these, Reveille House, received a national award for innovative collaboration with the city of Leavenworth and the Veterans Affairs. Prior to her resignation in January 2000, the Kansas Senate paid tribute to her service on behalf of the state’s poor and the homeless.

She left Kansas to care for her ailing mother in Denver for several months.

After her mother’s death in July 2001, she worked as a case manager for Catholic Charities in Denver. In 2002, she returned to Leavenworth to serve as the outreach coordinator for the Alliance Against Family Violence, a shelter for abused women and children.

In 2003, her fundraising prowess and leadership enabled the Alliance to open a needed sexual assault center in 2003. She said the Alliance was her “heart and soul” and she gave all she had to combat domestic violence.

In 2015, she retired to help her brother in California, whose wife suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, before finally relocating to Leavenworth for the remainder of her life. Her life was constantly spent in service to others and to family.

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NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Young ‘saints’ find ‘light in the darkness’ of 2020 >> Continued from page 1 he said. “We wanted to enliven it a little bit with our faith.”

For the youth helping out, the event was a chance to create a happy memory for families during a year that’s brought all sorts of challenges.

“I’m just really excited to make the saints feel more real to children,” said Kristina Levich, a home-schooled high school junior who portrayed St. Catherine of Alexandria, a martyr who was tortured for her faith.

“They can often feel like paintings in a book,” she continued. “I’m hoping if they see them as real people, it’ll make it more personal and they’ll be able to develop a relationship with them.”

Levich was eager to brighten up the lives of parishioners this year.

“2020 isn’t all bad,” she said.

“There’s light in the darkness.”

St. Maximilian Kolbe was also present, portrayed by Shawnee Mission South sophomore James Wannamaker.

“When the Nazis invaded Poland, he was taken into concentration camps and moved to Auschwitz,” said Wannamaker. “There, he was starved.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

St. Catherine of Alexandria, brought to life at Saints & Sweets by Holy Spirit parishioner Kristina Levich, tells her story to, from upper left: Chris Lyon, Peter Lyon, Layla Bozarth and Luke Bozarth.

After a couple of weeks, he wouldn’t die, so they had to inject him with an acid to end his life.”

Wannamaker was grateful to share the story of a saint like Maximilian Kolbe, whose courage and strength can

serve as an inspiration for the suffering today, he said.

Like Levich, Wannamaker believes the event was one positive of this year.

“Good things can come out of bad situations,” he said. “We would’ve had Trunk or Treat if

it wasn’t for COVID, and this never would’ve happened.”

Standing beside Wannamaker to hand out candy was Olathe East sophomore Baxter Pascarelli, who was excited to play a role in a unique evening at the parish.

“Right now, there isn’t a lot of stuff you can do,” he said.

“So, I’m just hoping [the families] have a little bit of fun and learn more about the Catholic faith.”

For Shawnee Mission South senior Chloe Wannamaker, portraying St. Gianna Molla and sharing her story was personal.

“I’m taking some classes this year that have to do with health care,” she said. “I love Gianna’s story.”

Chloe hopes to be a nurse one day and looks up to Gianna Molla’s example.

“Sometimes, you feel like the whole world is against you, especially in the way of being pro-life,” she said. “I feel like her story was so uplifting.”

The evening for her was a way to inspire the adults and children present to strive for sainthood.

“I hope these families take away that saints are people like us,” she said. “They’re people that walked on this earth. They made mistakes.

“What they did [after] they learned from those mistakes is what brought them to sainthood. I hope that’s a reminder of how we can all be saints.”

Popcorn ceiling removed, or repaired Ceiling and walls painted 30 years experience

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOPHIA CENTER

Welcome to the Sophia Center “Centering Prayer” retreat, hosted on Zoom the last week of October. The retreat was broken into multiple sessions — some offline, some online — over three days. Following the offline morning session, which had been used for prayer and reflection, participants gathered in the afternoon for questions and discussions.

SHUTDOWN OPENS UP NEW CYBER HORIZONS

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

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TCHISON — They say when one door closes, another one opens. When COVID-19 forced the doors to the home and hospitality of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica here to close in mid-March, no one expected the doors to open to a global audience.

That unexpected pandemic outcome is exactly what happened, however, when the Sisters began taking their charism of hospitality and ministries online. According to Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, the Mount’s communications liaison, the Sisters have engaged online with people as far away as Hawaii, Canada, Australia and England — people who never would have had an opportunity to come to their door before the pandemic.

“Just as early monastic men and women used the copying of manuscripts — and, later, printed books — to reach beyond their walls,” Sister Judith said, “Benedictines are still using new technologies to offer hospitality and welcome others to seek God with us.

“While this tragic period of isolation has prevented us from the kind of interactions we used to have, it has also brought us opportunities to reach out in new and broader ways to a world so in need of comfort and hope.”

In the days since the Sisters acted on the early advice of health officials and, in effect, quarantined, they have grown personally and as a spiritual community, Sister Judith added.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF ATCHISON

Sister Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, OSB, sets up a prayer center to be used for a virtual Souljourners practicum. Souljourners is an ecumenical formation program for spiritual directors that now meets online for its monthly training weekends. The prayer center is what everyone sees on their screens for the duration of their scheduled prayer time.

Rapid shutter When the March shutdown came, the Sisters quarantined themselves — not only from outside visitors, but also socially distanced from each other inside, particularly at the Mount’s Dooley Center long-term care facility. Organized group prayer inside the Mount came to a grinding halt, as did community outreach through its ministries, the Keeler Women’s Center and the Sophia Spirituality Center.

It was hard on everyone, Sister Judith said, but particularly difficult for the Mount’s older members. As such, all the Sisters were eager to learn new technology to connect with one another, their faith and the community at large.

Knowing, too, that they could not minster to the needs of individuals served by Keeler and the Sophia Center, the Sisters were left with no choice but to embrace new types of technology. It would later be referred to as “cyber hospitality” among the Sisters.

Retreating to screen time A team of tech-savvy Sisters and staff didn’t waste time deploying the use of Zoom virtual meeting and Facebook livestream technology. Both are effective in bringing people together onscreen from their respective homes and offices instead of together, in person, in the same room. The Mount put those technologies to the test with the Sophia Center. Known for its retreats, such events were the first to transition from in-person to online, according to Sister Carol Ann Petersen, OSB.

The Sophia Center hosted its last and largest retreat for Catholic women on March 8. It included Mass with the Sisters and a brunch. The center was scheduled to host another retreat March 13-15. But even by the first of March, Sister Carol Ann said the Sisters had a sense that everything was coming to a close.

“We had lots of groups we had to cancel. Your heart just sank because you knew they were looking forward to coming and we were looking forward to seeing them,” Sister Carol Ann said.

“Many of these groups were people we welcomed every year.”

But by the end of April, the Sophia Center was equipped to move forward online with Souljourners, an ecumenical training program for spiritual directors with sessions one weekend a month. Each year, new enrollees begin the three-year program, which includes a retreat at the Mount.

Sister Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, OSB, oversees Souljourners. She said the program’s staff, made up of the Sisters and laypeople, has worked hard to recreate other aspects of the program online.

For example, during breaks in sessions, participants would typically move to a quiet space within the Mount for prayer and reflection. Now, online participants can log into a digital room with a burning candle and silence.

Additionally, the Souljourner’s staff has prepared a guideline for participants to successfully engage in Souljourners online. They offer tips for using Zoom, maintaining confidentiality and orientation sessions, as well as technical tips for enhancing a participant’s use of lighting, video backdrops and camera angles.

Despite the distractions of home or the office, there have been some silver linings, Sister Mary Elizabeth said.

“We strive to be concise and organized in our programming. Despite being online, people can give their total attention to the session,” she said.

“People miss being on-site at the Mount and getting away from their own communities. But the Spirit works through technology as well.”

Other, virtual retreats soon followed, and that’s when the Sisters realized the impact they were making, reaching people of faith from “all over the world,” according to Sister Carol Ann. Since moving their hospitality online, the Sisters have even added a weekly support group on Zoom for adoptive and foster parents. A full list of retreats and workshops at the center is available on the website at: mountosb.org.

Sisters just living up to ancient tradition

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOPHIA CENTER

Donna Coleman, director of guest services at the Sophia Center in Atchison, sets up a ZOOM retreat.

After the center hosted its last in-person retreat in March, they quickly switched to online retreats. through Facebook about changes, cancellations and resources, while providing messages of hope and inspiration.

As a result, the center has increased its number of Facebook followers.

Operating off grants and small user donations, the center’s funding has decreased since the beginning of the pandemic. Yet, the center continues to do what it can to help women in need. It still responds to calls from women in search of utility and rent assistance. And while the number of requests hasn’t increased, according to Sister Bridget, the amounts have.

“Keeler was always a safe place to go.

I worry about the homeless who would wander in for food and a safe social outlet,” Sister Bridget said. “I worry about how they are doing. I know the pandemic is taking a toll on us all.”

The center is following state and local health officials’ guidance on when it can reopen. However, given the physical vulnerability of the clients and volunteers who visit and work at the Keeler Women’s Center and rising cases of COVID this fall, a reopening may have to wait, Sister Bridget said.

“The biggest thing we miss is the hospitality — feeling connected to other people,” Sister Bridget said.

Cyber worship As parishes in the archdiocese have gone online for Masses, so, too, have the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. Sister Susan Barber, OSB, coordinates the liturgical life for the Mount.

At first, Sister Eleanor Suther, OSB, recorded prayers with her phone for the Sisters in Dooley Center. When all the Sisters were restricted to their rooms, Sister Susan gathered a small group of Sisters to record themselves singing their prayers while Sister Suzanne recorded them. The recordings were distributed to the Sisters and were a huge blessing during isolation.

The Mount’s efforts soon expanded, as did the prayers. Audio recording evolved into video so that the Sisters in quarantine and in Dooley could see the community.

Currently, the Sisters post their audio prayer recordings on the Mount’s website and livestream the compline service from the Liturgy of the Hours on Facebook.

“Our Wednesday night compline has received a lot of positive affirmation. It’s been a wonderful way to reach out to our community,” Sister Susan said. “We see this as a new way of outreach. We

As the oldest, continuous order in the Catholic Church, Benedictines have witnessed 1,500 years of events not unlike the current pandemic. St. Benedict envisioned monasteries as places of refuge. Since all are to be welcomed as Christ, Benedictines have created some of the earliest places of education, care for the sick and elderly, housing of pilgrims and places of spiritual nourishment, said Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, Mount St. Scholastica’s communications liaison in Atchison. Today is no different.

“As always, monastic women and men are adapting to the situation in which they find themselves,” Sister Judith said. “Because their institutions have endured through so many changes in the world, they move forward in confidence to do what must and can be done, as they always have. The Gospel impels them to serve and will continue to guide them through every trying time.”

have a regular attendee who worships with us from Brazil. We’re investing in better technology so it can be smoother and better.”

Silver linings The Sisters agree: There’s nothing better than greeting guests in person at the Mount. And while the pandemic has fueled feelings of isolation for everyone at some point, there have been silver linings. According to Sister Judith, technology has served them well. This is especially true for an aging population within the Mount.

“We’re always concerned about the community getting smaller and how we’ll maintain our outreach,” Sister Judith said. “This experience has really shown us an even greater path to evangelization.”

She also has been impressed with the new skills the Sisters have developed.

“There are Sisters in their 90s who are quite adept with their devices because it could be very depressing when you can’t leave your room,” she said. “It’s been a lifesaver.”

Serving the hard hit Not surprisingly, technology has played a role in other areas within the Mount. Its Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, which provides education, advocacy, and personal and spiritual development to women in the urban core, had to close due to COVID. Unfortunately, said Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, the center’s director, the closure affected those who needed the support the most. In light of job losses and other lost resources, many women were grateful for what the center could do.

The center quickly launched an online prayer and discussion group for its “mujeres” — or women’s — group for Latinas.

Brenda Mortell, one of the center’s associate directors, created a Zoom connection for the group, facilitating discussions on issues such as coping with the pandemic, dealing with isolation, schooling at home and developing technology skills.

Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB, also an associate director, was quick to update volunteers, clients and the community

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF ATCHISON

From her room in Dooley Center, Sister Evelyn Gregory, OSB, has a conference with the prioress via tablet.

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NATION

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

McGivney family members ‘thrilled’ Knights’ founder is beatified

By Karen A. Avitabile Catholic News Service

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ARTFORD, Conn. (CNS) — John Walshe of Bridgeport, Connecticut, remembers the unveiling of the Father Michael J. McGivney statue in downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, when he was in eighth grade.

Dozens of years later, he was proud to attend the beatification Mass for his relative, now-Blessed McGivney, which was celebrated Oct. 31 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.

“I thought it would never happen,” said an emotional Walshe, who is referred to as the McGivney family expert. One of Blessed McGivney’s sisters, Rose McGivney Finn, was Walshe’s great-grandmother.

Walshe’s first cousin, Joseph Finn, also in attendance, said, “We’ve been hearing about Father McGivney our whole lives.”

Walshe and his cousin were among the limited number of congregants who were allowed to attend the beatification Mass in person. They were among the attendees interviewed by the Catholic Transcript, the magazine of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

The number inside the cathedral was limited by COVID-19 restrictions, and those who were there had to wear face masks and remain socially distanced from one another. EWTN broadcast the Mass and the Knights livestreamed it online.

The Vatican announced May 27 that Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney, paving the way to his beatification.

The miracle involved the healing of Michael “Mikey” McGivney Schachle in utero from what would have been a fatal case of fetal hydrops. Michael, his parents, Daniel and Michelle Schachle of Dickson, Tennessee, and several of the couple’s other children, attended the beatification.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s indescribable,” said Daniel Schachle, a sentiment echoed by his wife. “It’s all very surreal and humbling.” He added that he hoped people walked away with a “really deep pro-life message.” Little 5-year-old Mikey said he was having “fun” on his trip to Connecticut, especially swimming in the hotel pool.

Sister Veronica Mary Sullivan, who was raised in Waterbury, credits Blessed McGivney with saving her brother Dennis, who had suffered a massive heart attack at age 41 in 2006.

His heart stopped beating for 26 minutes and doctors were ready to give up but gave him five more minutes. Doctors got a response in that time frame, but the situation still looked grim. But he recovered completely and went on to live life to the fullest for another 12 years.

A member of the Sisters of Life, Sister Veronica traveled from New York to attend the beatification, “the day my family has been waiting for,” she said. “I’m flooded with thoughts of how much grace is going to be poured on the world because of this.”

Father James Sullivan is another of Sister Veronica’s brothers. He is the rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, where Blessed McGivney received his sacraments, including his first Communion. The priest said he would do “cartwheels” if he could over the beatification.

“We are thrilled for the archdiocese,

CNS PHOTO/JEFF BRUNO, COURTESY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, celebrates a Mass of thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., Nov. 1, the day after the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights. the laity, everybody,” said Father Sullivan, who has had a lifelong devotion to Blessed McGivney. “We knew it would happen. It feels right now, during a pandemic.”

Msgr. John J. Bevins, a former rector of the basilica, called the beatification “a dream come true. It is just so great.”

Father Joseph Crowley, pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Thomaston, Connecticut, formerly St. Thomas Church, where Blessed McGivney served as pastor and later died there, characterized the beatification as “awesome.” He added, “It’s a great example of what an individual can do

for the rest of the world.”

Blessed McGivney, the first American parish priest to be beatified, can be viewed as a martyr of a pandemic.

When he died of pneumonia complications at age 38 in 1890, he was tending to the faithful during an outbreak of influenza known as the Russian flu.

Some recent evidence, according to the Knights, indicates the outbreak may have been the result of a coronavirus.

One of the authors of the biography “Parish Priest: Father McGivney and American Catholicism,” made the trip to Hartford from outside of Syracuse, New York. “I truly feel like he is a

friend of mine,” historian Julie M. Fenster said. “It’s a beautiful day.”

Fenster wrote the book with fellow historian Douglas Brinkley. It was published by William Morrow/Harper Collins in 2006.

Blessed McGivney served as parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and formed the Knights of Columbus in the basement church hall. The current pastor, Dominican Father John Paul Walker, said the beatification is a “unique moment in history” and to be part of it is a “great honor, a great joy and a great grace.”

Father Jeffrey V. Romans, the Knights’ Connecticut chaplain and pastor of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish in Cheshire, Connecticut, said it is incredible to be at the ceremony to “celebrate one of our own.”

Brian Caulfield of the Knights of Columbus, who has served as vice postulator for Blessed McGivney’s cause for sainthood since January 2012, called the beatification the “culmination of many years of hard work,” adding that he hopes a second miracle will be reported and confirmed soon to pave the way for Blessed McGivney’s canonization.

In 1997, Father McGivney’s cause for sainthood officially opened in Hartford by now-retired Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, 92.

“I didn’t think I would live this long,” Archbishop Cronin said at the beatification. “I never thought I’d live to see this day. It’s just wonderful.”

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

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Retired pope declines brother’s inheritance

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CNS GRAPHIC/TODD HABIGER, THE LEAVEN

COUNTING CARDINALS

Congregations, continents represented increase

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — With Pope Francis’ new picks for the College of Cardinals, the body will be more religious than ever — in the sense that the number of cardinals coming from religious orders will rise to 51.

The Jesuit pope’s confreres do not lead the tally; in first place are members of the Salesian order, which has nine cardinals. The Jesuits come next with seven.

Thanks to Pope Francis’ nominations Oct. 25, the cardinal-followers of St. Francis of Assisi would be tied with the Salesians if it weren’t for the fact that they live out their vows in three different communities: the Friars Minor, the Capuchins and the Conventual Franciscans.

Two Capuchins, a Conventual Franciscan and a Scalabrinian are among the 13 new cardinals Pope Francis plans to create during a consistory Nov. 28.

Those who will receive their red hats come from eight countries, including Brunei and Rwanda, which have never had cardinals before.

They will bring the total number of cardinals to 231 from 91 countries.

For the first time, the number of countries represented by members of the College of Cardinals will go over 90; it was only three years ago — at the consistory to create cardinals in June 2017 — that the number first topped 80 nations.

Eighty is a significant number for the College of Cardinals. Since 1971, according to a law issued by St. Paul VI, when a cardinal celebrates his 80th birthday, he is no longer eligible to enter a conclave to elect a new pope.

After the November consistory, there will be 128 cardinals eligible to enter a conclave, and they will come from 67 nations.

With 53 electors, Europeans will continue to have the largest number, but the situation is unlikely ever to be a repeat of the 1922 conclave when only 53 cardinals — all Europeans — entered the Sistine Chapel to choose the successor to Pope Benedict XV. The two eligible U.S. cardinals, one from Canada and one from Brazil, did not arrive in time to participate.

Since then, the amount of time between a papal death and the election of his successor has been expanded, but air travel also is a factor.

When the new cardinals are created, the geographical distribution of the electors will be: just over 41% from Europe; 14% from Africa; 10% from the United States and Canada; almost 19% from Latin America; 12.5% from Asia; and 3% from Oceania.

Italians, including Cardinal Mario Zenari, nuncio to Syria, will have the largest group of voters with 22. The United States will be next with nine electors, followed by Spain with six, and Brazil, Canada and France with four each.

The youngest of the new cardinals is Franciscan Father Mauro Gambetti, custos of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, Italy, who turned 55 Oct. 27. Two other cardinals are younger than he is: Portuguese Cardinal Jose Tolentino Calaca de Mendonca, Vatican archivist and librarian, is 54; and Cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga of Bangui, Central African Republic, is 53.

The newest cardinals will decrease the average age of the electors by only five months; the 120 cardinals under 80 and eligible to enter a conclave Oct. 25 was 72 years and seven months; after the consistory Nov. 28, the average age of the electors will be 72 years and two months.

Pope not changing church teaching on gay unions

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican Secretariat of State has sent an explanatory note to nuncios around the world insisting that when Pope Francis spoke about civil unions, he was not changing or challenging “the doctrine of the church, which he has reaffirmed numerous times over the years.”

The note, which was not signed,

explained that the pope’s remarks about gay people in the recent film, “Francesco,” come from his responses to two separate questions in a 2019 interview for Mexico’s Televisa network.

The pope’s comments were “edited and published as a single answer without the necessary contextualization,” the note said.

As Catholic News Service reported Oct. 26, when Pope Francis said gay

people have a right to be in a family and that gay couples needed some form of civil law to protect their rights, he was not advocating any form of “marriage” or marriage rights for gay couples.

Yet, in his documentary “Francesco,” director Evgeny Afineevsky presented the statements as if Pope Francis had been talking about the right of gay couples to form a family, including with children.

ERLIN (CNS) — Retired Pope Benedict XVI has declined the inheritance of his brother Georg, who died in July, reported the German Catholic news agency KNA. Because of this, “the estate of Georg Ratzinger goes to the Holy See,” Johannes Hofmann, dean of St. Johann Collegiate Church, told the newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

This was stated in the postscript of Msgr.

Ratzinger’s will, he said.

The house in Msgr. Georg Regensburg, GerRatzinger many, where Msgr.

Ratzinger lived, belongs to St. Johann’s, the report said. The monsignor’s estate consists mainly of compositions, sheet music by the Regensburg Domspatzen choir, a small library and family photos.

Bild am Sonntag anonymously quoted a confidant of retired Pope Benedict as saying he “will certainly still receive one or two mementos.” However, he carried the memories of his brother “in his heart,” so the 93-yearold “no longer needs to accumulate material things.” Msgr. Ratzinger, 96, died in Regensburg July 1.

Mexico’s ‘bishop of the poor’ dies of COVID

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EXICO CITY (CNS) — Retired Bishop Arturo Lona Reyes of Tehuantepec — known as “bishop of the poor” and famed for promoting an indigenous church — died Oct. 31.

He was one day shy of his 95th birthday and had tested positive for COVID19 earlier in October.

“With the passing of Don Arturo Lona Reyes, it closes a chapter of prophetic pastors who were committed to justice and the transformation of oppressive Bishop Arturo and exclusionary Lona Reyes structures,” tweeted Father Alejandro Solalinde, director of a migrant shelter in the bishop’s former diocese.

Known for his candor, salty language and informal appearance — he often wore blue jeans, a T-shirt and a large wooden cross — Bishop Lona served the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region in southern Oaxaca state for 29 years.

He put a special emphasis on ministering to indigenous communities, especially through indigenous education and the training of indigenous priests, and was among the first bishops in Latin America to focus on environmental matters.

“He was the last survivor of a group of young bishops appointed by either St. John XXIII or Pope Paul VI to some of the poorest dioceses in Mexico in the 1960s,” said Rodolfo Soriano, a sociologist who studies the Mexican church.

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Caregivers needed - Daughters & Company, a nonmedical, companion care provider is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home at this time. We provide light housekeeping, light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. Caregivers need to have reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired per week. Please contact Laurie or Gary at (913) 341-2500, or send resume to: ghamilton@daughtersonline.com if you would like to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

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Custodian - Bishop Miege has an immediate opening for a full-time, evening shift custodian. Hours are M - F, 3:30 p.m. – midnight, with occasional days and weekends.

The custodian will maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general housekeeping and sanitation duties, event setup and light maintenance.

The candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to: Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or email: rwrigley @bishopmiege.com.

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to be successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with co-workers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement.

Salary range is $9.50 - 11.50 per hour. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 8940131, option 3.

Art teacher – Holy Trinity School in Lenexa is seeking a full-time K - 8 art teacher starting as early as December 2020. Semester graduates awaiting licensure are eligible. Please contact Scott Merfen, principal, at: smerfen@htslenexa.org or call (913) 895-0610 to inquire further and apply.

Service technician - Are you a retiree who is looking for part-time work? We are looking for someone who is mechanically skilled and is handy with small equipment.

Our local, small, family-owned company needs technicians with a positive attitude, time management skills, dependable, self-motivated, results-oriented and, above all, adaptable. This team member would be trainable with exceptional relationship building skills. Electrical knowledge is a plus. Some regional travel is required so dependable transportation is a must. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

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

Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks.

I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 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.

Tree Trimming Licensed and insured Free estimates/10 years experience Call Tony at (913) 620-6063

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Cracks repaired.

Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

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, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patios) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Long Term Care Insurance - Planning your financial future can be overwhelming when it comes to providing protection to you and your family. I would like to help you get started with understanding an important piece of your financial strategy: Long Term Care Insurance. To arrange for a virtual meeting consultation without leaving the safety of your home, please contact me at: http://www.JEOrozco.com.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com

FOR SALE

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.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; secondgeneration bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

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.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

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.

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

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles.

Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

HOLY ART Religious items and church supplies Made in Italy http://www.holyart.com 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 - Handicap-accessible van. 2018 Toyota Sienna van with in-floor ramp and passengers’ transfer seat. 8000 miles and well taken care of. Please call (785) 273-4160.

REAL ESTATE Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant?

I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.

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.

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 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http:/www.buykcproperty.com

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.

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Leaven attempts to screen advertisers and copy, but is not responsible for claims and representations made in advertisements.

FALL DINNER St. Ann Parish (center) 301 William St., Effingham Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

We will be serving ham and beans, chicken and noodles, and pie for dessert. There will be curbside pickup and local delivery.

For more information or to order, call (913) 833-2268.

‘EVERYWHERE A BLESSING: A CELTIC RETREAT’ Via Zoom Nov. 10 & 11 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 & 18 from 2 - 4 p.m.

We will be exploring ancient poetry, art, song and storytelling, along with Celtic Christianity’s beautiful legacy of prayers and blessings. In true Celtic fashion, we will celebrate the goodness of creation, the nearness of the saints and the power of the Trinity. This retreat is for all who are seeking God in the ordinary of everyday life. The cost is $100. To register, Google “Sophia Spirituality Center,” click on “Retreats” and then click on “Program Offerings.” From there, scroll down to “Everywhere A Blessing: A Celtic Retreat” and go to the end of the description of the retreat to register.

REKINDLING THE LIGHT Online program Nov. 14 from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

This will be a live, online program of spiritual refreshment for caregivers in the holiday season. For registration and agenda information, go online to: www.archkck. org and click on “Ministries,” then “Special Needs.” For more information, contact Tom Racunas by email at: tracunas@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

OPEN HOUSE St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Nov. 14 from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Are you interested in having your child attend St. James Academy? Online registration for this open house is required at: sja keepingfaith.org/openhouse.

DRIVE-BY FISH FRY St. Theresa Parish 310 Oak St., Perry Nov. 14 from 4 - 7 p.m.

The meal includes fried fish, hot potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw, bread and homemade cookies for dessert. The suggested donation is $10. Call (785) 597-5558 or drive by. Reservations are not necessary.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS MASS Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Join us for the Project Chrysalis Mass for parents and grandparents who have lost children or grandchildren. The Mass is open to all in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. If you would like to celebrate with us and wish to reserve a memory candle, send an RSVP no later than Nov. 23 by email to: pbillinger@kcascension.org or call (913) 681-3348 and include the following information: correct spelling of the name of the deceased, your name and relationship, and whether you plan to be present.

‘ORA ET LABORA’ RETREAT FOR HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE STUDENTS Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer has openings for applicants to participate in an “Ora et Labora” retreat, designed for high school and college students who are looking for a fun and unique way to fulfill community service hours or simply have a new experience. There is no charge for this retreat. Masks and social distancing are implemented at this time.

Invite friends and schedule a date for a prayer and working retreat designed to your needs.

Contact us if interested at (913) 773-8255 or by email at: info@christspeace.com.

TECHNOLOGY

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

13

Catholic prayer, meditation app Hallow sees increase in popularity

By Ian Alvano Catholic News Service

W

ASHINGTON (CNS) — When the developers of the Catholic meditation app Hallow launched it in 2018, they hoped to attract young Catholics, but what is now the country’s No. 1 Catholic app has a bigger reach than that.

“It started as this focus on young adults but actually we’ve seen a lot more. . . . Parents and retired folks get really excited about it and start using it,” said Hallow’s CEO and co-founder, Alex Jones.

Hallow — https://hallow.com — has seen a dramatic increase in popularity and has been getting more and more users each day.

The No. 1 rating is based on “Apple’s algorithm, which they don’t disclose,” Jones told Catholic News Service in a July 21 interview. “It’s based on how many people have reviewed it in the last few weeks, how many people are downloading it, how many have viewed. We started off on the bottom of the list, went to No. 3, then jumped to No. 1 about six months ago.”

Hallow is based out of Chicago even though the company started off in California’s Silicon Valley. Creation of the app is integrated with Jones’ own faith journey. His family raised him as a Catholic, but he strayed from the faith in high school and college. He went to the University of Notre Dame but he was going through a “relatively dark time in life,” he told Catholic News Service.

After he graduated from college, he wanted to figure out what he believed in. One thing that had always fascinated him was meditation. He noticed that whenever he meditated, his mind would be pulled to something spiritual.

He said he’d ask priests, nuns and others in religious life if there was a specific connection between meditation and faith. They told him that indeed there was a connection: It was called prayer.

When he was growing up, Jones said, he only thought of prayer as a way to ask for certain things or that it was just basic memorization of words. He only felt that he was talking to himself and going through the motions.

A priest friend encouraged him to listen more during prayer, Jones said, and he began to study the Catholic

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CNS PHOTO/COURTESY HALLOW

Above, Hallow App co-founders Alex Jones, Alessandro DiSanto and Erich Kerekes pose together for this undated photo. Hallow — a Catholic prayer and meditation app — has experienced a dramatic increase in popularity.

Right, this is an advertisement for the Catholic app Hallow, which is centered on prayer and meditation.

The founders of the app recently added special features to help people cope during the pandemic.

faith more and he tried “lectio divina,” a meditative reflection on the Scriptures.

Jones said this process actually led him to tears and eventually brought him back to his faith.

“It was a beautiful combination of this deep sense of peace and love, deeper than any other secular mediation or mindfulness meditation. It was this deep sense of peace combined with this real purpose that calms our head space,” he said.

Jones recalled meditating on the Lord’s Prayer and the word that stuck out to him was “hallow” from the beginning of the prayer: “Our Father who

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art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”

He knew what hallow meant, to make holy or sacred, but he didn’t know how it pertained to his life. He pondered if he should be helping others grow in holiness.

That’s how the Hallow app came to be.

“If Headspace and Calm can be successful helping people learn secular meditation and [be] done through an app,’” he thought, “why can’t the same thing be done and be done better through teaching Catholic contemplative prayer?”

Headspace is an app that teaches you how to meditate; Calm is a leading app for meditation and sleep.

“It’s very important to us that everything on the app is 100% authentically Catholic and in line with church teachings,” Jones told CNS about Hallow.

He said the app’s developers have worked with priests, bishops and theologians to ensure they are conveying Catholic teachings correctly. He added that Hallow is a resource to people of all backgrounds, especially people who have fallen away from the faith. Its primary audience is Catholic, but users of the app include Protestants, Jews and even atheists.

It also is hard to ignore the impact of COVID-19 on Hallow’s popularity.

According to Jones, there was a large increase in usage and downloads when Easter came around since everyone was advised to stay at home.

While the pandemic has been terrible and brought so much sadness to people’s lives, with loved ones and friends dying from COVID-19, Jones said, it provides us with an opportunity to work on our spiritual lives from home. The app has a “Family” feature that allows users to connect with family and friends and share prayers, reflections and prayer intentions with them even while being physically separated.

It also has a feature called the “Daily Minute Prayer Challenge.” Users are encouraged to build a habit of prayer by spending at least one minute in guided prayer with Hallow each day.

“The hardest part about praying is just doing it. It’s easy in the seasons of Lent and Advent when it’s top of mind, but over the summer when you’ve got a lot of other things going on,” Jones said, “it’s easy to fall off that. We do a bunch of things. You can set goals on the app. You can add members of your family and friends to the app to hold yourself accountable. You can set daily reminders.”

Hallow, which has over 5,000 fivestar reviews, tries to be “an app that helps you disconnect from apps and technology,” according to Jones, which he admitted sounds like a contradiction.

But he explained that while other religious apps have users glued to their screen to read the Bible, Hallow allows its users to press “play,” close their eyes and listen to audio of a prayer.

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS THIRTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 8 THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 6: 12-16 Ps 63: 2-8 1 Thes 4: 13-18 Mt 25: 1-13 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 Ti 2: 1-8, 11-14 Ps 37: 3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29 Lk 17: 7-10 Nov. 11 Martin of Tours, bishop Ti 3: 1-7 Ps 23: 1b-6 Lk 17: 11-19 Nov. 12 Josaphat, bishop, martyr Phlm 7-20 Ps 146: 7-10 Lk 17: 20-25 Nov. 13 Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin 2 Jn 4-9 Ps 119: 1-2, 10-11, 17-18 Lk 17: 26:-37 Nov. 14 Saturday 3 Jn 5-8 Ps 112: 1-6 Lk 18: 1-8

Joachim and Anne First century Not mentioned in the Bible, Joachim and Anne are first named as the parents of Mary in the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James, which may date from the second century. In this story, they are old and childless, like the Old Testament Hannah, mother of Samuel, when angels deliver the news that Anne will conceive a child. Anne was an especially popular saint in medieval England, and her feast was celebrated in the West by 1350; Joachim’s feast was authorized or suppressed by various popes, but was joined with Anne’s in 1969. They are the patrons of married couples; Anne is also the patron of childless women, expectant mothers and miners.

D

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Why not live beyond your wildest dreams?

o you remember your dreams?

No, not those that come when you fall asleep. The dreams I’m thinking of are those that you had for your life at one time. Are you the person today that you thought you would be?

Or, as the years have gone on, have you settled for much less than you once hoped for?

For the past several weeks, I’ve been frequenting clips on YouTube from “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor.”

I’m sure I turn to these as an antidote to this relentless pandemic — and to the seemingly nonstop bombardment of political ads (which, sadly, even inserted themselves into YouTube videos).

When we’re tempted to be sucked down by the bleakness and division that’s all around us, it’s essential to remember that there’s a whole other

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.

side to life. Shows like “America’s Got Talent” help us to see dreamers having an incredible outlet to showcase their talents of singing, dancing, magic and comedy.

I can’t watch these clips without a sense of humility and thankfulness for all of the “regular” people out there who are so talented. And, yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that many times I get

teary-eyed hearing the backstory to some of these entertainers, who have often experienced serious illnesses, bullying, disabilities of various kinds and all manner of tough life situations.

Seeing their emotional reactions to accolades of the audience and the judges touches a deep place in my heart.

These performers risked following their dreams, no matter their ages. From the young kids who sing and dance to 89-year-old English Korean War vet Colin Thackery to Archie Williams, who spent 37 years incarcerated

for a crime he did not commit — these brave souls show what it means to dream.

As a dreamer myself, I often reflect on this “motto” of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, inspired by the poem “Youth” by American poet and humanitarian Samuel Ullman: “Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.

People grow old by deserting their ideals.

Years wrinkle the soul.

Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair — these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn the spirit back to dust. . . .

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubts; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fears; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.”

I sometimes wonder if we Christians have lost or abandoned our dreams. Have we resigned ourselves to the values of this world and given up

on the dream of “a new heaven and a new earth”? Do we treat the words of the Scriptures as wishful thinking, or embrace them as a pattern for a truly fulfilling life?

Finally, do we still dream of becoming saints, or believe instead that we could never attain such a level of holiness or goodness?

Take to heart these words of President Woodrow Wilson: “We grow great by dreams.

All big men [and women] are dreamers. . . . Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them through the bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”

Don’t ever settle for “what is.” Embrace the “what if” of the Spirit to live a life beyond your wildest dreams.

God’s wisdom is for the asking, says Sunday’s reading

T

his Sunday’s first reading (Wis 6: 12-16) begins simply: “Resplendent and unfading is wisdom.”

It’s a kind of marketing statement, although unlikely ever to appear on a billboard. God’s wisdom is really good, it declares. Get it!

The next few lines are not so simple.

The author goes on to speak of wisdom as a person, a “she.” If you get up early and look for her, you’ll find her already sitting by your gate, it says. What’s with that?

The author is being poetic, obviously.

He wants readers to desire the wisdom that God is offering, so he speaks of it as

,

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.

an attractive woman (the biblical author, living in a patriarchal culture, addresses himself primarily to

male readers). “Get wisdom” is promoted in an imaginative way: “Seek her!”

But something more is going on here. In the author’s imaginative ad, the woman who represents wisdom goes looking for people. She does the seeking: “She makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them.”

God does not communicate wisdom to us like a teacher of an

online course — i.e., log on and listen to the lecture. He comes looking for us personally. He wants to make us wise.

Now, the author does underline the importance of our seeking wisdom. As noted, the whole reading begins with a marketing statement. God’s wisdom is available.

Act now! Wisdom is readily perceived, the author says, “by those who love her.”

That is to say, God doesn’t distribute wisdom to everybody whether they’re interested or not, like an activist handing out brochures to everyone passing on the street.

It’s only if we really want to be guided and instructed by God that

he will teach us.

But here’s the remarkable thing. God gives us the desire to learn from him: “She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire.” “In anticipation” means she gets there first — and stirs up our desire.

Before we begin to seek wisdom from God (and don’t we all need it!), God is at work to give us a sense of our need, a desire to hear his voice, a determination to seek his will. So, our longing to know how God wants us to live our lives is a sign that God is already at work in us. And because our seeking is a response to God’s grace, we can seek his wisdom with hope.

World, theology need intelligence, gifts of women, pope tells scholars VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church needs to rediscover its maternal heart and the world needs Mary’s motherly guidance so it can become a place where everyone is welcomed as brothers and sisters, Pope Francis said.

“We need maternity, those who generate and regenerate life with tenderness, because only giving, caring and sharing hold the human family together,” he said during an

audience Oct. 24 with professors and students of the Marianum, a pontifical institute for the study of Mariology in Rome.

A world without mothers has no future, he said.

“Earnings and profits by themselves do not offer a future,” said the pope, “rather, sometimes they increase inequality and injustice.

Mothers instead make every child feel at home and give hope.”

Pope Francis reminded the staff of the institute that they should be open to opportunities for collaboration with other institutes.

“Mary is a mother who teaches the art of encounter and walking together,” he said. “And so, it is wonderful that, like in a big family, different theological and spiritual traditions merge at the Marianum, which contributes to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.”

COLUMNISTS

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Every day can be a day of boundless joy

O

n a busy Sunday last month, we scurried from our parish to our daughter’s parish and then to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

First, we joined a bright young girl for her first confirmation sponsor meeting, then hurried to Mass and the baptism of our youngest granddaughter, and, finally, attended the Red Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

By the end of the day, I was both amazed and grateful for the way the Holy Spirit is at work in my life. But why “boundless joy” in the headline? Because I realized how God calls me to my lay vocation and

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

three ways I am blessed to serve him in this life.

First, I am called to be a wife, and mother, and, now, grandmother.

The joy in my heart at the baptism of my

daughter’s daughter was effervescent as cousins, aunts, uncles and friends gathered to pray for her.

Second, like all lay Catholics, I have been called to share and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus. It is an honor to be asked to sponsor a person as they prepare for their confirmation.

What a joy it is to

answer questions and shower someone with love as Christ loves me.

Third, I have been called to work, and in my job I am privileged to give people opportunities to share their gifts and to assist the church in ways that hardly seem like work at all.

Helping to organize events such as the Red Mass, which rotates annually between our archdiocese and the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph, allows me to participate in beautiful liturgies and hear amazing homilies.

When Msgr. Stuart Swetland, the president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, described the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his Red Mass homily, I thought of Mary who listened

at the Lord’s feet. “This surely is joyful work,” I thought.

In just a few weeks, I will retire from my position as executive director of the office of stewardship and development and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK).

Throughout the past 14 years writing this regular “Simply Stewardship” column, I have tried to think first about you, the reader.

My common themes have been family, our work on behalf of parishes and school communities, and how we are called to follow Jesus as Christian stewards.

Every day can be a day of boundless joy if we wake up with a

grateful heart. Each new day is an opportunity to love and serve the Lord. Each day is a chance to experience God’s presence in our lives. That is stewardship, my friends. It is a disciple’s response.

Note: Allow me to thank my co-workers for their kindness: my boss, Father John Riley, the chancellor, for his prayerful support; the CFNEK board of directors; and especially Archbishop Naumann, for his wisdom and steadfast love for all of us.

And, finally, please join me in prayer for all who serve the church.

May the Holy Spirit guide their words and actions in the years ahead and fill their days with “boundless joy.”

Return to classrooms has proven stressful, but rewarding

“L

ord, it is good that we are here.”

We are familiar with these words from Peter as he, James and John, witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus.

What a blessed moment this must have been. If we take the time to move past the busyness of our world, we, too, can experience such aweinspiring moments in our lives.

How can we not utter those same words as we kneel before Our Lord at Mass with the realization that he is truly present before us?

Who can stand before the majesty of a glorious mountain range or look into the eyes of one’s children

FROM THE SUPER

VINCE CASCONE Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

or grandchildren and not think, “Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift?”

The wonder and awe of God’s presence is all around us if we stop and take notice.

It is certainly present in our archdiocesan schools.

As you know, schools shut down for in-person learning in March. At that point, our principals and teachers began preparing for online learning.

Although it was less than ideal, they did a wonderful job. Before the school year ended, discussions were already taking place regarding reopening in the fall.

The summer

months were filled with hours of planning and a great deal of uncertainty as we discerned what was best for the children.

After careful consideration and consultation with various groups, the decision was made to return to in-person learning as quickly as we could safely do so.

Since Sept. 1, I have visited schools from Marysville to Emporia to Topeka and throughout Johnson and Wyandotte counties. This gave me the opportunity to speak with groups of students, teachers and staff members.

Here are the common themes I heard from them: • Faculty members are extremely glad to be back in school.

They love their students and wanted to be back for in-person learning. They felt strongly that online learning hindered student academic progress and created other challenges for the students.

• Faculty members have been stressed and tired. Nearly all schools have offered online learning for families who preferred to stay home for health reasons. This requires much more planning by the teachers. Despite the many challenges, teachers are glad to be back at school.

• Students were also happy to be back.

Many said they were bored at home, missed their friends and did not feel they were learning as much as

they wanted to learn.

They have adjusted well to the safety protocols including wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands often.

Since March, I have had many people tell me, “Your first year as superintendent must be so difficult dealing with COVID.” I explain to them the hard work is being done by teachers and principals. They have made it possible for the students to experience safe in-person learning. I am confident we have done it right and have done what is best for our families.

As I walk through the schools and speak with teachers and students, I cannot help but think, “Lord, it is good that we are here.”

16

LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

It’s never too late to improve your credit score

M

ost of the time, we don’t think about our credit score until we need to know it. Many of us don’t even know what our score is. Yet, by the time we need to know our score to qualify for a loan, it’s too late to raise it.

The good news is you can keep your credit score top of mind without overthinking it. The Leaven spoke with accounting and finance professional Mike M e u re r, a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, for some practical tips.

back to where it is if those mistakes are rare.

However, in the case of multiple missed and late payments, your score can be affected significantly and will take longer to get it to a high number.

Q.

What are the consequences of having a poor credit score?

A.

There are two primary consequences of having a poor credit score.

First, it affects your ability to get loans, and secondly, if you were able to get a loan, most likely it will be at a high interest rate. With a good credit score, you can typically negotiate a better interest rate.

Q.

How can you improve your credit score?

A.

A credit score indicates to lenders a person’s ability and risk factors to pay their bills or loans. The higher the credit score, the more likely the person will pay his or her bills, and pay them on time. Higher credit scores also give you greater loan power. A low credit score indicates you have a history of late payments or inability to repay a loan or bills.

With today’s technology, it’s easy to avoid missed and late payments by setting up automatic bill pay. These are scheduled payments you set up through your bank. Aim for scheduling the payment one day before it is due. The other thing you can do is to pay off credit cards in full — also one day before it is due.

Don’t be late and be vigilant about paying off the credit cards.

Additionally, there are many online tools that can help improve your score.

However, make sure to use a reputable service.

Q. Why is it important?

A. We live in a world that relies on

Q. What is the credit score scale?

A. Typically, credit scores range

Q.

you?

What does a credit score tell

A.

credit. Not only do banks loan money, but utility companies (water, gas, electric, phone) essentially bill after the service has been provided. Therefore, these companies rely on the individual’s credit scores when determining their ability to pay bills. Additionally, banks rely heavily on credit scores to loan money for houses, cars, student loans, etc.

Q.

At what age is a credit score most important?

A.

Credit scores are not necessarily an age question. Instead, it depends on the needs of an individual. Theoretically, you can say it is more important for younger people to monitor their credit scores because they are starting out with new jobs, buying their first house, having kids, etc. Older people are typically on the back end of their mortgage, their kids have graduated and they have saved for the future.

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Mike Meurer, a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, offers some practical tips on improving and maintaining your credit score.

However, in reality, as you get older, you may find you need to borrow money to cover a health care issue, or you may want to lease a car, rather than purchase one. So, it is important to maintain a good credit score all the time.

Q.

How is your credit score determined?

A.

A credit score is primarily determined on timeliness of bill payments.

Most, if not all, utility companies report to the credit agency. All banks do as well.

If you are late on a payment, then most likely it will get reported to the credit agency. Some creditors may have grace periods, but if those grace periods are

consistently abused, it will be reflected in your credit score.

Also, having too many credit card accounts, with high balances or high availability, can affect the way the credit agencies evaluate the individuals.

Q.

How many credit mistakes can a person make before it affects your credit score?

A.

Credit scores are definitely affected by the number of mistakes (missed and late payments) you make. The more mistakes, the harder it will be to get your higher score back. Even one missed or late payment can affect the score slightly, but it won’t take long to get your score

between 300 to 850, with 850 being the highest. The normal range for a good credit score is between 700 and 750.

Q. Any last words of advice?

A. With the internet, there are many

articles and resources to help people build their credit. Additionally, there are other resources, such as financial planners, that can help. With the economy being strong, but credit card debt at an all-time high, it takes discipline and sacrifice to build up a credit score.

However, once you are there and it becomes routine, then it’s easy to keep it high.

Mike Meurer is the CFO of Freeman Holdings Group in Overland Park. He is active in both his community and his parish and has previously held positions on Good Shepherd’s finance and parish councils.