11-14-08 Vol. 30 No. 15 by The Leaven

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 15 NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Help for our heroes

Retired Col. Rolly Dessert (left), a parishioner of St. Ignatius Parish at Fort Leavenworth, and retired Brig. Gen. Stan Cherrie announce the formation of Helping Our Own at Home (HOOAH), a program intended to bring attention to the needs of the nation’s “military wounded warriors.”

Photos by

Elaina Generally

Concern for returning soliders spurs former Leavenworth educator to action By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff LEAVENWORTH — The family members of soldiers returning safely from Iraq count themselves lucky. But “safely” is a relative term. A loved one’s return finds many families adjusting to a new life entirely — one that often looks much different than what they expected. And sometimes it’s undertaken without the help they need to move on. The Henry Leavenworth Chapter

DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN? Tell us your favorite story about Father Michael Koller, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul in Seneca. But keep it short and send it fast to: anita@theleaven.com.

of the Association of the United States Army is hoping to change all that for military personnel returning to the Leavenworth area. “We’re ultimately wanting to set up an assistance program in Leavenworth and the surrounding counties in Kansas and Missouri,” explained retired Col. Rolly Dessert, “and build a network that will help us identify the needs out there that are going unmet.” Dessert, a parishioner of St. Turn to RETURNING on page 6

3 REACT TO BARACK Catholic leaders react to Barack Obama’s election as president of the United States.

VETERANS HONORED Topeka honors its veterans with a memorial service and rosary.

ARCHBISHOP

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Never despair of the power of God’s love for lost loved ones

his summer my family suffered a terrible tragedy. A close relative committed suicide. The number of suicides and the rate of suicides have increased significantly in the past 25 years. Particularly alarming in recent years has been the number of young people who take their own life. Preaching the memorial Mass for this relative was a challenging task. As I worked through my own thinking and emotions about this tragic death and attempted to offer support and consolation to members of my own family, it became clear to me that this was a topic I needed to teach about in a future Leaven column. The unexpected death of a parent, spouse, child, sibling, cousin, or friend is painful and difficult enough in the most benign circumstances, but grief and other emotions are magnified when the loved one has taken his or her own life. Our family was very sad about the despair and pain that motivated the suicide of our relative. Some of us felt guilty, thinking that there was something more we could have done to prevent this tragedy. Others felt anger that our loved one did not permit us the opportunity to provide more help. In the homily, it was important to offer consolation and hope to family members who were suffering profoundly because of the tragic circumstances of our relative’s death. At the same time, it was essential to communicate the church’s teaching and understanding of the

morality of suicide. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in addressing this matter, instructs us that taking one’s own life is a serious evil first and foremost because it is a rejection of God’s sovereignty over life. It denies the truth that we are not the owners of our lives, but rather stewards of the gift of life which has been entrusted to us by God (no. 2280). At the same time, the catechism points out that suicide is “gravely contrary to the just love of self” and causes an injustice to others because “it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family” (no. 2281). Part of the reason my family felt a mixture of emotions — sadness, frustration, anger, etc. — at the memorial Mass was because a tie had been severed that it appeared impossible to repair. While making clear why suicide is a grave evil, the catechism also states: “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide” (no. 2282). Several of these qualifiers for moral culpability certainly applied to the circumstances of my relative. The catechism also offers these words of encouragement to families, like mine,

concerned about the eternal destiny of a loved one: “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (no. 2283). The Gospel that I chose for the memorial Mass was a portion of St. Luke’s Passion narrative (Lk 23: 33, 39-43). The episode, unique to Luke’s Gospel, recounts the dialogue with Jesus and the two criminals crucified alongside of him. The one criminal joins the crowd by mocking and reviling Jesus. The other criminal, who is unnamed but in Christian tradition is known as Dismas, rebuked his companion by acknowledging that they had been justly condemned and sentenced. On Calvary, Dismas alone defends the innocence of Jesus by stating: “This man has done nothing criminal.” Dismas also demonstrated a remarkable faith by humbly requesting of Jesus, who at the moment seemed completely defeated and humiliated: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The reply of Jesus is equally startling as he promises Dismas: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” In all of Scripture, Dismas is the only one who receives such a personal assurance of his salvation. This passage reveals the remarkable mercy of God. What were the chances of being executed alongside the Savior of the world? Dismas is sometimes given the title “the good thief,” because he was able to “steal” heaven. Dismas is a sign of hope to all of us because he illustrates God’s perseverance and persistence in

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pursuing us. The Lord never ceases to offer us opportunities of grace right up until the very last moment of our earthly existence. The church teaches that suicide is always a grave moral evil. It offends God by usurping his authority as the Lord of Life. It can be the ultimate repudiation of faith. It is also gravely evil because of the serious wrong that it perpetrates on others. Suicide can be an attempt to inflict a profound pain, difficult to heal, upon surviving family members. For some of us there may have been moments when we have contemplated suicide as a benign way to end great suffering. In such circumstances, it is important to remember the clear teaching of the church. Suicide is an affront to God, the giver of life. It does not end pain but creates profound and unjust suffering in many lives. At the same time, the church teaches us never to despair of the power of God’s mercy for our loved ones. We find cause for hope in the mitigating circumstances for moral culpability that are mentioned in the catechism. Moreover, the reason why Jesus came into the world was to bring mercy, not condemnation. God has a long and well-documented history of rescuing, at the last moment, those who seem to be in an impossible circumstance. The catechism reminds us to pray for those who have taken their own lives. November is a special time in the church’s liturgical calendar to offer prayers for the dead. Next week, I will share some reflections on our responsibility to offer prayers for the deceased, no matter the circumstances of their death.

“My hope and prayer is that our new president will truly treasure and advance the principles that make us who we are as a great nation.” Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh, in a letter to Catholics in his diocese

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

“The people of our country have entrusted you with a great responsibility. As Catholic bishops we offer our prayers that God give you strength and wisdom to meet the coming challenges.” Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, in a letter to president elect Obama on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

“I am quite disappointed, from a policy perspective, that Obama won the election.” Amy Welborn, Catholic cultural critic, on her blog

Catholics react to Obama win Catholic leaders congratulate Obama, offer prayers for administration

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Catholic bishops, congratulated President-elect Barack Obama on his “historic election” Nov. 4 as the first African-American to win the White House. “The people of our country have entrusted you with a great responsibility,” the cardinal said in a letter to Obama on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “As Catholic bishops we offer our prayers that God give you strength and wisdom to meet the coming challenges.” But he also said, “We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person.” In Nov. 5 statements, blog postings and other comments, Catholic leaders praised Obama for his history-making victory. Some said the Democrat’s win “best reflected” Catholic values “of hope, personal responsibility and care for the common good.” But others, including Catholic bishops, said they hoped the new administration would make decisions that show a “commitment to the sanctity and dignity of all human life.” Still other Catholics, including pro-life leaders, expressed profound disappointment that a candidate who supports keeping abortion legal was elected and vowed that the pro-life movement would grow in strength. In his letter to Obama, released by the USCCB in Washington, Cardinal George said that “the country is confronting many uncertainties. We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world.” Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington said in a statement: “We offer our prayers today for our nation and for our newly elected leaders, including President-elect Obama, as they take on their new responsibilities.” “We rejoice with the rest of our nation in the significance” of Obama’s victory, Archbishop Wuerl said. “May our nation’s new leaders be guided in their decisions with wisdom and compassion and at the heart of all of their decisions may there be a deep respect for and commitment to the sanctity and dignity of all human life and support for the most vulnerable among us.” “My hope and prayer is that our new president will truly treasure and advance the principles that make us who we are as a great nation,” said Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh in a letter

CNS photo/Jim Bourg, Reuters

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama acknowledges supporters during election night victory rally in Chicago Nov. 4. to Catholics in his diocese. “As he spoke to the nation for the first time, our newly-elected president offered a litany of hopes for our country. To each of those hopes, the crowd gathered responded: ‘Yes we can!’ May that litany also include ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’” Bishop Zubik said. In an e-mail response to a Catholic News Service query, Rick Gebhardt, founder of Knights for Obama, said: “I believe we made a difference.” Patrick Whelan, president of Catholic Democrats, said his organization “is thrilled that Sen. Obama has been elected to the highest office in the land today, and that Sen. Biden will be our first Catholic vice president.” He added that his group “argued all along” that Obama and Biden “were the candidates that best reflected our Catholic values of hope, personal responsibility and care for the common good.”

He said the two Democrats also “best addressed the issues of meeting our energy needs, feeding our families, ensuring access to quality health care, promoting peace and prosperity, and restoring the progress that was made against abortion during the 1990s.” Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, said in a statement the electorate made “a grave mistake,” pointing to a comment Obama made during the campaign that the priest paraphrased by saying that “he does not know when a human being starts to have human rights.” “Governing is about protecting human rights; to do it successfully, you have to know where they come from, and when they begin. The presidentelect has already failed that test miserably,” Father Pavone said, adding that the pro-life movement will grow in strength. “We will keep marching toward that

pro-life America we seek, and won’t stop until we get there,” he said. In a posting on dotCommonweal, a blog run by the Catholic magazine Commonweal, journalism professor Paul Moses said: “John F. Kennedy blazed the trail for Catholics. But it has taken nearly 50 years for another Catholic to follow him to victory on a national ticket,” with Biden winning the vice presidency. He noted that “Biden had to weather some serious criticism from bishops about his views on abortion — and his bad theology on the subject.” Moses, who teaches at Brooklyn College in New York and the journalism graduate school at the City University of New York, said Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Pa., “became a national emblem of the fight for Catholic votes.” Despite Scranton Bishop Joseph F. Martino’s condemnation of the Obama-Biden ticket because of its support for abortion and “Catholics who supported it,” Moses said that there, “as in the nation, a majority of Catholics” supported the winning ticket. “It would appear from the preelection polls that more than half of American Catholics voted for Barack Obama. How could they do that when their bishops ordered them to vote for John McCain?” said priest-sociologist Father Andrew Greeley in a column in the Chicago Sun-Times daily newspaper. “In fact, no such order was issued, though some bishops came pretty close to it.” “Some bishops and priests argue that abortion is such a horrible evil that there can be no proportionate reason” to vote for a candidate who supports legal abortion, Father Greeley said. He argued that view “goes beyond Catholic ethical demands” and said opposition to abortion doesn’t “exhaust the moral obligations of the Catholic social ethic. . . . Catholics must strive to persuade others by the depth and power of their commitment to life issues.” In a posting on her blog, Catholic cultural critic Amy Welborn said, “I am quite disappointed, from a policy perspective, that Obama won the election. I’m fearful of what his presidency will mean on many issues, particularly that of life as well as religious freedom and transparency in government.” Still, she said she was “very glad that the barrier has been broken,” with Obama becoming the nation’s first African-American president, and looked “for more barriers being broken in the future.”

4 ELECTION 08

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

“The task of the president of the United States is an immense and heavy responsibility, not only for his own country, but for the whole world, given the weight that the United States has in every sphere on the world scene.”

“As the president-elect underlined in his victory speech in Chicago, America really is the country where anything can happen,” a country “able to overcome fractures and divisions that not long ago seemed impossible to heal.”

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman

Giuseppe Fiorentino, in an article in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano

Pope sends congratulatory message to Obama By CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI sent a personal message to President-elect Barack Obama Nov. 5, congratulating him and offering his prayers for Obama and for all the people of the United States. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said that because the message was addressed personally to Obama, the Vatican did not plan to publish the full text. However, he said, the papal message opened by referring to the “historic occasion” of the election, marking the first time a black man has been elected president of the United States. The pope congratulated Obama, his wife and family, Father Lombardi said. “He assured him of his prayers that God would help him with his high responsibilities for his country and for the international community,” Father Lombardi said. The pope also prayed that “the blessing of God would sustain him and the American people so that with all people of good will they could build a world of peace, solidarity and justice,” the spokesman said. Asked if the pope mentioned any specific issues he was concerned about, Father Lombardi responded, “peace, solidarity and justice.” The message to Obama was sent through the office of Mary Ann Glendon, the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, he said. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, also sent a message. Father Lombardi said it is likely a formal message also will be sent on the occasion of Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration; in past years, the Vatican custom has been that the pope congratulates a new U.S. president only when he formally takes office. Hours before he made the general content of the pope’s message public, Father Lombardi told reporters that Catholics “are praying that God will enlighten and assist” the new president. “The task of the president of the United States is an immense and heavy responsibility, not only for his own country, but for the whole world, given the weight that the United States has in every sphere on the world scene,” Father Lombardi said. “We all hope the new President Obama will be able to respond to the expectations and hopes that have been placed in him, serving human rights and justice, finding the best ways to promote peace in the world and favoring the growth and dignity of persons with respect for essential human and spiritual values,” Father Lombardi said. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, was published Nov. 5 with an opinion piece headlined

CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful at his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 5. The pope sent a personal message to President-elect Barack Obama, congratulating him and offering his prayers for him and all the people of the United States. “A choice that unites.” “In the end, change occurred. The slogan that accompanied Barack Obama’s whole electoral campaign found its expression” in the results of the Nov. 4 election, said the article by Giuseppe Fiorentino. “As the president-elect underlined in his victory speech in Chicago, America really is the country where anything can happen,” a country “able to overcome fractures and divisions

that not long ago seemed impossible to heal,” it said. But, the article said, the vote for Obama was “very pragmatic” because he was the “more convincing” candidate for “an electorate needing new hope, especially for a quick economic recovery.” The newspaper said Obama and his supporters know “not everything is roses and flowers,” because of the “huge political, social, economic and

moral challenges” the United States is facing. Obama must unite the nation, a process L’Osservatore said will be helped by the concession speech of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who referred to Obama as “my president.” Vatican Radio called the election of Obama a “historic day” for the United States and underlined the overwhelmingly positive reaction around the world.

LOCAL NEWS

With the elections finally over, the advocacy begins KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Being a good citizen isn’t just about showing up to vote on Election Day, said Bill Scholl, archdiocesan consultant for social justice. It’s also about pressure. “[President Franklin D. Roosevelt] once had a meeting with a young man who was very passionate about an issue,” said Scholl. “About halfway through his talk, the president interrupted him and said, ‘Young man, you’ve convinced me. Now force me and Congress to do the right thing.’” Teaching participants how to put pressure on politicians to do the right thing — and empowering their Christian witness — was the goal of two “Faith and Freedom” advocacy workshops held on Nov. 8. The Savior Pastoral Center event in Kansas City, Kan., drew 40 participants; the workshop held at Assumption Church in Topeka drew 20. The workshops were sponsored by the Kansas Catholic Conference and the archdiocesan offices of pro-life and social justice. The morning was opened with prayer and remarks by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; he then introduced Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. A slide presentation by Theresa Bock, assistant for field coordination for the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, followed . “The Gospel calls us to be more engaged,” said Scholl, in an interview before the two events. “It’s not enough to get the right person in the right office. We’ve got to get them to do the right thing once they’re there. We want to equip Catholics with the tools to be good stewards of their citizenship.” In his remarks at the event, Archbishop Naumann told participants that being engaged in the legislative process between the elections was important. As individual voters, he said, our ballot is just one among

Tips for citizens/ advocates 1. Don’t be intimidated when you go to speak with elected representatives.

2. Don’t let an elected

Leaven photos by Joe McSorley

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann introduces Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, at the Faith and Freedom advocacy workshop held Nov. 8 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. There was also a workshop held the same day in Topeka.

official or a member of the staff bully you. The First Amendment guarantees every American citizen the right to lobby. Nor should you let them dismiss you with some version of the separationof-church-and-state argument. That principle was actually intended to protect the church from the state.

Don’t rely entirely on being able to communicate directly with your representative. Establish a relationship with relevant members of his or her staff and work through them when appropriate.

4. Always remember to be civil. You’re there to persuade people calmly and rationally. At left, Theresa Bock, of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment begins her PowerPoint presentation. At right, Bill Scholl, consultant for the archdiocesan office of social justice, opens the workshop with some remarks. millions of others, but as an advocate, individuals can wield much more influence. He also told those who might be disheartened by the results of the recent election to remember that an African-American president of the United States was “totally unthinkable” when he was growing up in the ’50s and ‘60s. Barack Obama’s election, he said, illustrates “the potential for change in culture and society.” “We see what active citizenship and engagement can do to

advance human rights issues,” he said. In his address, Schuttloffel, asked participants to serve as the Kansas Catholic Conference’s eyes and ears in the archdiocese. “That’s what you’re going to do in there,” he said. “You’re all going to become lobbyists.” He then listed six things to keep in mind as lobbyists for Catholic causes. (See sidebar.) Scholl hopes that workshops like these will be the first step to-

ward holding Catholic lobby days in Topeka. “We’re going to train Catholics so they can effectively communicate with their elected representatives,” said Scholl. “Recently, we’ve seen pieces of legislation drastically changed or stopped because citizens got engaged.” “We want to equip Catholics with the training and resources they need to effectively communicate and persuade their representatives in government,” he added.

5. Show gratitude. Don’t let your only contact with your representative be when you want something. Voice your support when they do something important, but unpopular.

6. Always remember there is strength in numbers. One in every four people is Catholic. An army of 60 million Catholics is behind you.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Returning soldiers to get the help they need and deserve Continued from page 1 Ignatius Parish at Fort Leavenworth and one of the founders of the program, said that Helping Our Own at Home (HOOAH) is intended to bring attention to the needs of this nation’s military wounded warriors. Dessert first heard of a similar program through friends of his in Huntsville, Ala. There, a support group was created to help military personnel returning from active duty with everything from loss of limbs to traumatic brain injury to post-traumatic stress disorder. “They saw a need to set up a group to help wounded warriors and help them get back into a new normal life,” said Dessert. “I thought we should be doing the same thing in our area, because we have men and families hurting here.” The creation of HOOAH, sponsored by the AUSA, was announced at a news conference held at the Veterans Day parade in Leavenworth Nov.11 by Dessert and retired Brig. Gen. Stan Cherrie, both members of the organization. Dessert said sometimes returning servicemen need something as simple as guidance on how to access benefits they are already entitled to from either the government or the Department of Veterans Affairs. “We have seen through research that many times soldiers are so anxious to get back home to their families they will completely forego applying for entitled benefits,” he said. Others could use help finding employment, obtaining counseling, or remodeling their home to make it more accessible for someone with a physical disability. And these are just a few of the ways Dessert sees HOOAH being helpful to wounded warriors. “This is one way for the community to support those who have made the difficult decision to sacrifice themselves in service to their country,” he said. Dessert began his 30-year military career during the height of the Vietnam War. “I saw those returning from Vietnam come home in various stages of woundedness,” he said, “and it was very difficult for soldiers to adjust to being back, as well as for their families.” Dessert said that the degree of support for active duty military personnel and their families is greater today than it was during the Vietnam War era. Whereas during Vietnam, individual members of the armed forces were shipped out for duty, now groups are trained together and sent to serve together in Iraq. As a result, families of those serving overseas in a specific unit know each other and are more easily able to support each other, he said. Even with the added level of support, however, there are still gaps and needs going unmet for returning military personnel. “There is a whole level of needs for someone coming back wounded from the war. I hope we can increase awareness in the community of their needs and plight, particularly in the private sector,” said Dessert. HOOAH also plans to conduct fundraising throughout the year to help set up a fund for wounded warriors and their families. For more information or to find out how you can help, contact Dessert at (913) 680-6571.

A veteran listens as Rolly Dessert and Stan Cherrie announce the formation of the Helping Our Own at Home (HOOAH) program after the Veterans Day parade in Leavenworth Nov. 11. Dessert said sometimes returning servicemen need something as simple as guidance on how to access benefits they are already entitled to from either the government or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dolores (Daniels) and Fred H. McClain, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 15 with Mass, followed by a dinner with family. The couple was on Nov. 15, ANNIVERSARIES married 1948, at St. Agnes Church, Roeland Park. Their children and their spouses are: Patricia and David Bryan; Catherine and David Rothwell; Phillip McClain; Tony McClain (deceased); Mary and Gary Somerfeld; Karen and David France; and Mary and David McClain. They have 11 grandchildren (one deceased) and six great-grandchildren. Kenneth and Maria (Garza) Campbell, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 22 with family and friends, beginning with a blessing at the 4 p.m. Mass and followed by an anniversary party at the Father Carl Zawacki Parish Hall at the church. The couple was married Nov. 22, 1958, at St. Mary Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children are: David Campbell, Peculiar, Mo.; Maria Colleen Metzger, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Cheri and Jerry Winkler, Shawnee. They also have two grandchildren.

Joseph and Catherine (Brinkman) Huber, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 1. The couple was married on Nov. 1, 1958, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Oak Park, Ill. Their children and their spouses are: Joseph Huber III, Denver; Matthew and Amy Huber, Olathe; and James and Elizabeth Connolly, New Albany, Ohio. They also have four grandchildren.

Pat (Schoenfelder) and Charlie Meers, members of St. Joseph Parish, Wathena, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 at the St. Joseph Parish hall. Friends and relatives are invited. The couple requests no gifts. Cards may be sent to: 1869 190th Rd., Wathena KS 66090. Hosting the event will be their children and their spouses: Ron and Terri Meers, Don and Cindi Meers, Randy and Nancy Meers, and Cindy and Curtis Richardson. They also have seven grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. The couple was married on Nov. 22, 1958, at St. Charles Church, Troy.

Jim and Joanne (Skradski) McCrary, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 15. The couple was married on Nov. 15, 1958, at St. John the Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Brian and April McCrary, Kevin and Ronda McCrary, Karin and Rich Morgan, Laurin and Andy Kratt, Maurine and John Grantham, and Shannon and Mike Mertz. The also have 15 grandchildren. A family gathering is planned for Thanksgiving weekend.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please include the following Information: • The couple’s names; their parish; the date they were married; church and city where they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; date of the celebration; names of children (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

LOCAL NEWS

Celebrate with Archbishop James P. Keleher The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas invites everyone to a Mass celebrating the ending of Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher’s golden anniversary year of ordination to the priesthood and the beginning of his silver anniversary Archbishop Keleher year of ordination as bishop. The Mass will be at 5 p.m. on Dec. 12 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood. There will be a reception immediately following Mass in the Curé of Ars Parish hall.

Corrections Father Carl Dekat was mistakenly identified in a photo of the anniversary celebration of St. Columbkille’s in Blaine as Father Earl Dekat. The renovation that was made at the priory in Scipio was paid for by the sale of farmland owned by the Carmelite order rather than the parish.

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Archdiocesan Financial Report

ear Friends in Christ, Transparency and accountability are important for any non-profit entity. All of the resources of the Archdiocese ultimately are the result of the sacrificial giving of the Catholic community of Northeast Kansas. Therefore, I want to hold myself and those who assist me, with the administration and management of the resources of the Archdiocese, to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. I am constantly inspired by the remarkable generosity of the people of the Archdiocese. This is manifested by the new building and renovation taking place in so many of our parishes and schools. It is also demonstrated by the remarkable support for such archdiocesan initiatives as the annual Archbishop’s Call to Share Campaign, the Catholic Education Foundation, Catholic Charities and the Future Full of Hope Capital Campaign. I hope that you will take some time to review the financial information contained in this condensed report. I also invite you to study more completely the financial status of the Archdiocese by visiting our website (www.archkck.org) where you can review our audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2008. We live in financially turbulent times. The Church is affected by these economically difficult times at several levels. Our investment income is not immune to the downturns in the market. However, more importantly the Church is affected because individuals and families in the Archdiocese are impacted. Some, who have contributed generously to the Church in the past, are not able to do so in present. At the same time, there are more who need scholarship assistance to be able to keep their children in Catholic schools and more individuals in need of the wide range of services provided by Catholic Charities. Difficult economic times force us to reevaluate our priorities. In the past, troubled financial times have actually resulted in an increase of giving to the Church and her charities. Previously, in times of economic recession, those who continue to be blest financially, have chosen to increase their own sacrificial giving in order to enable the Church to be able to respond to the needs of those who are suffering. It is because of my trust in the goodness and generosity of the Catholic community of Northeast Kansas that I remain hopeful the

Archdiocese will be able to meet our current and future financial challenges. Most importantly, we have the promise of Jesus to be with the Church until the end of time. Ultimately, our hope is not dependent on market results or economic indicators but on the absolute assurance of Jesus to be with His Church forever. I reported to you last year on the expansion of the membership of our Finance Council. I am so grateful for their generosity in sharing their time and expertise to help guide the financial decisions for the Archdiocese. Included in this Financial Report is a list of the Finance Council members. One of the tasks, that the Finance Council spent a great deal of time and energy upon during the calendar year of 2007, was undertaking a complete review of our investment policies. The result of this comprehensive study was to modify and adjust our investment strategies. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted and implemented a new investment policy. With the current market turbulence, it was certainly an advantageous time to have received the wise counsel and advice from those with great experience and expertise in the world of investment management. It gives me assurance and comfort that some of the best and brightest financial minds in the Archdiocese have assisted with the development and implementation of our current investment policies and strategies. The annual Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal continues to be a major funding source for many of our most important ministries. This year the total pledges to Call to Share reached almost $4.6 million. This is another record amount. By significantly exceeding the Call to Share goal this past year we will be able to rebate to parishes more than $500,000. The success of Call to Share has allowed us to increase funding for the Department of Catechesis and Evangelization as well as our Family Life Office. With these additional resources, we will be able to strengthen the formation of our Catholic School teachers and our School of Religion Catechists. We will be able to continue our Evangelization Initiative to reconnect those who have lapsed in the practice of their Catholic faith as well as to share the gift of our Catholic Faith with those who are unchurched. This increased funding will also help us to ramp up our existing efforts to provide opportunities for couples to strengthen their marriage and in so doing to strengthen family life.

FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS • Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann • Msgr. Thomas Tank Vicar General • Father Gary Pennings Chancellor • L. Joseph Bauman Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence • Frank J. Becker Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence • Gary D. Davis Church of the Ascension, Overland Park • Richard R. Dickason St. Benedict’s Parish, Atchison • Michael J. Easterday Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence • Fred M. Fosnacht Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe • John Gillcrist Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park • James A. Heintz Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence • L. Travis Hicks Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence • Kevin T. Kelly Church of the Ascension, Overland Park • Mel Lavery Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee • Ken Mellard St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood • Michael F. Morrisey Church of the Nativity, Leawood • Jody Olberding Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka • Malcom E. Robinson Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka • John D. Seitzer St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood • Father Jerry Volz Pastor, St. Matthew Parish, Topeka

Call to Share donations also are helping us implement a plan to fund properly the health care benefits for our retired priests. Call to Share has also allowed us to create a Parish and School Emergency Fund to assist parishes and schools with unanticipated capital repairs. The biggest new recipient of Call to Share funds, in recent years, has been the Catholic Education Foundation permitting the Archdiocese to assist the Foundation’s work in providing scholarships to our Catholic schools. Call to Share is the single largest funding source for archdiocesan wide programs and ministries. It is truly a Catholic moment each year in the Archdiocese when we pool our re-

sources in order to assist across parish boundaries and to meet needs that no individual parish could address adequately on its own. Future Full of Hope, the major capital campaign for the Archdiocese, is coming near to completion. The pledge payments this year were approximately $1.5 million. Most donors have completed the payment of their Future Full of Hope pledges, although there are a few with commitments extending through fiscal 2009. Total funds raised to date are approaching $38 million and have been distributed to the various beneficiaries of that campaign. For several years now, I have been reporting to you on our regional pastoral planning efforts. One of the purposes of these regional pastoral plans has been to evaluate and, where needed, to re-allocate the use of our limited financial and human resources in light of changing demographics. I believe that part of good stewardship is periodically examining the use of the precious resources, that the Lord has entrusted to us, to make certain that they are being employed in the most fruitful way to accomplish the Church’s mission. We have completed the formulation of pastoral plans and are in the implementation phase in five of our eight regions. We will complete the development of a pastoral plan for a sixth region (Johnson County) in the next few months. I am confident that these pastoral planning efforts will serve the Archdiocese well in future years by guiding our decisions for the most prudent use of our resources. I wish to thank each and every member of the Archdiocese for the sacrifices you have made and are making to support your parish communities, as well as our archdiocesan ministries. Your remarkable support of the Church and its ministries gives me confidence that together we will be able to meet whatever challenges the future may hold. Finally, I give thanks to God for his incredible blessings upon the Church of Northeastern Kansas. In light of the Lord’s abundant gifts how can we help but give Him thanks and praise always and everywhere!

Financial Review

he accompanying Condensed Financial Statements represent the activities of the chancery office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. These statements do not include the activities of our many parishes, schools and other ministries that are governed by their own boards and report their financial information separately to their constituents. The financial statements of the Chancery office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is audited by the independent CPA firm of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Their audit is conducted according to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States. Their complete audit report of the financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2008, and 2007 is available on the Archdiocesan website which is www.archkck.org. The condensed financial statements referenced above have not been audited by independent public accountants. References to 2008 and 2007 in this review relate to the Archdiocesan fiscal year ending June 30 of those years.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION Total assets as of June 30, 2008, were $112,300,000, which is down approximately $1 million from the prior year. Cash and investments have decreased slightly more than $7 million from the prior year. $1.2 million of this was a result of a decrease in the market value of our Cor Christi fund and the remaining $6 million is a reduction in short-term

investments which were held in anticipation of higher lending that was expected when we reported to you a year ago. In fact if you look at the loans receivable as of the two year ends, you will see that loans are up $7.2 million from where they were in June 2007. Pledges and accounts receivable are down about $900,000, which is primarily the result of pay downs on the Future Full of Hope campaign which is now approximately 95% completed. You will also note that loans receivable as mentioned above are up $7.2 million, which is the result of a high level of building activities primarily in the parishes, both new parishes and some remodeling or updates to existing campuses. On the liability side, the only significant change is approximately $3 million increase in deposits payable. Parishes and other ministries continue to be very supportive of our deposit and loan fund, which takes excess cash from parishes that have it and makes loans to those that are growing and building. I believe this is the first year in which both our loans and deposits exceeded $50 million, which is truly outstanding, and shows the high level of support that exists within the diocese for those parishes that are in their building phases. Unrestricted net assets showed a decrease of about $2.7 million, which is generally due to a decline in the value of the Cor Christi fund, and also a decrease in the health and dental reserves in excess of $1 million. Restricted net assets decreased approximately $1.2 million, which was almost exclusively due to pay downs on pledges for the Future Full of Hope campaign.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

Going now to Condensed Statements of Activities, total revenue for the year was $31.6 million, which is a decrease of approximately $3.5 million from the prior year. Reviewing the various income items, it is noted that investment income decreased from $5.6 to $2.5 million, accounting for almost all of this decrease in revenue. On the expense side, expenses increased from $31.5 million in 2007 to $34.3 million in the current fiscal year. The most significant change in expenses was a $2.8 million increase in health and dental expenses. We continue to see some significant volatility in our health care costs from year to year, although the swings have not been as dramatic as we experienced four or five years ago. Expenses also include contribution,s of property and cash of almost $400,000 versus no such expenditures in 2007. The Archdiocesan policy is to give a gift of land when a new parish is established and this expenditure is related to the new parish Mother Teresa of Calcutta which completed its building project early in 2008 and the ground was transferred to the parish at that time. Also we see a significant reduction in Future Full of Hope distributions, and again that is a result of our having completed about 95% of the collections on that campaign and the numbers are simply winding down at this stage in that campaign. Overall net assets of the diocese decreased from $55.8 million to $51.8 million from 2007

to 2008. The significant factors contributing to that were the expenses of health care over and above the premiums collected of almost $1.5 million and the roughly $1.5 million decrease in the outstanding pledges in the Future Full of Hope campaign. In recognition of the fact that Archdiocesan financial information should be as transparent as possible, we take this opportunity each year to give you an update on costs relative to clergy sexual misconduct. In last year’s report we told you that over the fifty one years ended in 2007, the diocese had paid out a total of $957,000 in settlements and assistance to victims. Of that total amount, $477,000 was provided by our insurance carrier. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, the diocese provided an additional $121,000 for assistance and counseling for victims, of which $20,000 was covered by insurance. Subsequent to the end of our fiscal year to the date of this report, the diocese has not paid out any monies for these issues.

CONCLUSION We are pleased to provide you with this brief review of our financials for our year just ended. I would encourage those who have a keen interest in financial information to please visit our website and review the complete audit report that is provided there. The religious and lay employees of the chancery are committed to transparency and to good stewardship in the strictest sense of the word as we are tasked with overseeing the financial resources available to us.

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS Condensed Statements of Financial Position JUNE 30, 2008 and 2007

Sincerely yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES

ASSETS Cash and Investments Pledge and Accounts Receivable Interest in Catholic Foundation of NE KS Loans Receivable Land, Buildings & Equipment Other Assets Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accrued Health and Dental Care Claims Deposits Payable Deferred Revenue Total Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted Restricted Total Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

2008 $29,053,813 5,607,689 6,795,776 53,949,106 16,018,993 882,458 $112,307,835

2007 $36,274,114 6,521,380 6,872,619 46,767,454 16,369,071 592,752 $113,397,390

Condensed Statements of Activities YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, and 2007 REVENUES 2008 Contributions, bequests and pledges $748,204 Archdiocesan assessments 2,835,071 Fees and Services 3,471,765 Investment Income 2,556,281 Health and Dental Premiums 13,918,222 Gain on disposal of Land, building and equipment 38,408 Total Unrestricted Revenue 23,567,951 Net assets released from restriction 8,057,397 Total Unrestricted Revenue and Other Support 31,625,348

2007 $568,806 2,546,261 3,291,270 5,675,232 13,539,165 22,358 25,643,092 9,518,857 35,161,949

EXPENSES Ministry, program and auxiliary services expenses Administrative Fundraising Deposit and loan interest Health and Dental Care Expenses Cor Christi Fund Distributions Contributions of property and cash Future Full of Hope Distributions Parish Rebates (FFOH and ACTS) Total Expenditures

8,908,987 3,792,238 576,634 2,301,389 15,440,727 936,000 396,087 1,474,468 434,959 34,261,489

8,530,806 3,570,908 602,154 2,107,831 12,587,066 826,500 2,386,617 923,465 31,535,347

$896,563 1,500,000 57,473,269 559,601 60,429,433

$1,075,622 1,500,000 54,469,175 591,325 57,636,122

40,064,747 11,813,655 51,878,402

42,700,888 13,060,380 55,761,268

Change in Unrestricted Net Assets

(2,636,141)

3,626,602

$113,397,390

Change in Restricted Net Assets Total Change in Net Assets Net Assets Beginning of the Year Net Assets End of the Year

(1,246,725) (3,882,866) 55,761,268 $51,878,402

(1,558,010) 2,068,592 53,692,676 $55,761,268

$112,307,835

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Economic crisis may leave nonprofits on shakier ground WASHINGTON (CNS) — Nonprofit organizations, often seen as the last bastion separating people from poverty, may themselves on BRIEFLY find shakier financial footing because of the current economic upheaval, a panelist suggested during a Nov. 4 forum in Washington. Federal grants, a significant source of nonprofits’ funds, are likely to be reduced as hundreds of billions of dollars have already been committed to various bailout and rescue packages, said Tom Pollak, program director for the Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics. As it is, Pollak said, “many organizations are barely surviving at the edge.” A Catholic Charities USA survey of its affiliates, issued Nov. 6, bears this out. Overall, a staggering 95 percent of Catholic Charities agencies cite “an immediate need for financial contributions to effectively meet the increased demand for food, utility and rent or mortgage assistance over the winter months,” Catholic Charities said in an announcement. Individual giving, which accounts for about 12 percent of all nonprofit income, also could be at risk, suggested Roberton Williams, a principal research associate at the Urban Institute and the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.

Singing Irish priests ink major recording deal in U.S. NEW YORK (CNS) — Three tenors, who also happen to be diocesan priests from Northern Ireland, have been signed to a recording contract with the RCA Victor label of Sony BMG for 1 million euros (US$1.27 million). They are the Priests and their debut album, titled “The Priests,” is scheduled to go on sale Nov. 18. The Priests sing sacred music, including “Panis Angelicus” and “Ave Maria.” Their album was recorded, in part, in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, during a break from their pastoral duties. Each priest is associated with a parish in the Diocese of Down and Connor. Their arrangement with Sony BMG acknowledges the priority of their priestly duties. Their share of the proceeds will be used for their parishes and to support retired priests. The three — Father Eugene O’Hagan, his brother Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy — began singing together in high school, where their schoolmates called them “Holy Holy Holy” because of their shared goal to enter the priesthood.

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

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As murders mount, Mass memorializes victims By PAM DEFIGLIO Catholic News Service CHICAGO (CNS) — As Chicago surpassed New York and Los Angeles for the number of murders this year, Catholics in the city attended an annual memorial Mass for victims of violence at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. Many of those in attendance lost loved ones a few years ago but the pain is still fresh. Six years after her son was killed, Lucida Montelongo struggles with the loss every day. “I couldn’t cry for the first two years,” she recalled. “At first, I wanted to kill. Anger is normal. It’s mixed emotions. But as time passes by, your emotions change,” said Montelongo after the Oct. 27 memorial Mass for victims of violence. After an assailant shot 26-year-old Arthur Montelongo to death in 2002, Lucida Montelongo lost interest in talking to people and performing the routines of daily life, like running a household. With time, the intensity of the emotions diminished, she said. But Montelongo, her husband and her four remaining children still wrestle through their grief with tears, a lack of joy in life and what she describes as feeling “emotionally lost.” To cope, she attends monthly healing circles put on by the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, a ministry for offenders, at-risk youths and people who have lost loved ones to violence. A few days before Auxiliary Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of Chicago came to Immaculate Heart of Mary to celebrate the annual memorial Mass, the Chicago Sun-Times newspapers reported the city’s 2008 murder toll had reached 426 as of Oct. 24, compared with 417 in New York and 302 in Los Angeles. Before the Mass began, volunteers invited Massgoers to write the names of loved ones lost to violence on 10inch-tall white wooden crosses. Precious Blood Father David Kelly, one of the priests who founded the ministry, welcomed participants and said, “The violence has not stopped, but we work for peace.” Bishop Garcia-Siller delivered his homily in Spanish and English. He expressed worry that the nation’s

By REGINA LINSKEY Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Reuters

WOMAN CONSOLED BY NEIGHBOR — Jane Kanyere is consoled by a neighbor after her son, a teacher, was killed in fighting in Kiwanja, Congo, Nov. 6. U.N. peacekeepers found the bodies of a dozen civilians who had been shot in an eastern Congo village occupied by Tutsi rebels who have seized fresh territory in North Kivu province.

CNS/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World

WOMAN PLACES FLOWER NEAR DAUGHTER'S PHOTO — Gloria Barrios places a flower near a picture of daughter Blanca Luna, a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force, during a special Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Chicago Oct. 27 to remember victims of violence. As of Oct. 24, the Sun-Times newspaper reported that Chicago posted 426 killings, compared with 417 in New York and 302 in Los Angeles. economic instability means more violence will occur. “But we can let Jesus find an answer to it,” he said. “Jesus was able to find through his death an answer to life and give us hope, because he knew we would face many moments of death.” More than 200 people listened as he acknowledged his own angry human reaction when he hears about acts of violence. “We get tired and angry — we become like the offenders — filled with violence,” he said. “I can feel it in myself when I hear these stories, filled with feelings that are not from God. And I have to turn back to God.” “This violence is taking our love, so let us love one another more. Let us pray more and listen more,” he said. After the homily, two young women slowly carried a large wooden cross, about 5 feet high, up the center aisle of the church and positioned it on a black fabric screen placed to one side of the sanctuary. Congregants filed up to the screen and affixed the small white crosses bearing the names of their lost ones. Many also placed photos of the deceased on display shelves. Some shed tears and were comforted by relatives; others remained solemn.

After the Mass, Bishop Garcia-Siller praised Precious Blood Ministry’s work with survivors, explaining, “We need to listen with loving care to people’s stories, and not to judge who was right and who was wrong.” Such caring is very healing for those who have suffered violent loss, he said. Earlier in October, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia led a Holy Hour for peace in his city at Christ the King Church in northeast Philadelphia. At the cardinal’s urging, similar prayer services took place in other churches throughout the archdiocese. The cardinal chose to spend the hour at Christ the King because it was the home parish of police Sgt. Patrick McDonald, whose funeral Mass he had celebrated there in September. He was joined by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter along with hundreds of people on their knees “expressing our profound dependency on God,” Cardinal Rigali said. “What cannot be accomplished by our own power, God can accomplish by his. He can build up a city of peace and justice. The power of prayer opens hearts and doors to peace in our city. This has been the prayer and aspiration of our hearts this evening.”

East European youth risk losing sight of faith struggle By JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI warned that Eastern Europe’s young people risk losing sight of the long struggle to preserve the faith under communism. This new generation tends to take political freedom for granted and is less tied to the long Christian tradition in European culture, the pope said. He made his remarks at a welcoming ceremony Nov. 7 for the new Lithuanian ambassador to the Vatican, Vytautas Alisauskas. The pope said Lithuania suffered domination and oppression as a Soviet republic, but the Christian faith sustained its people. “Communities that have lived under such circumstances acquire a deep conviction that true happiness is to be found in God alone. They know that any society which denies the Creator inevitably begins to lose its sense of the beauty, truth and goodness of human life,” he said. That lesson could be lost among the country’s younger generation, who live

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Christians, Muslims release joint forum statement VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians and Muslims must work together to protect religious freedom, they must more about BRIEFLY learn each other and they must witness to the world the reality of God, said members of the Catholic-Muslim Forum. The forum participants, 28 Muslim and 28 Catholic representatives, met at the Vatican Nov. 4-6 to discuss their faiths’ understanding of the obligation to love God and to love one’s neighbor. The final statement said both Christians and Muslims recognize the dignity and sacredness of human life because each person is “created by a loving God.” Christianity and Islam teach that love for God and genuine faith lead to love for one’s neighbor, it said, and “genuine love of neighbor implies respect of the person and her or his choices in matters of conscience and religion.” Religious minorities deserve protection, they have a right to their own places of worship and their sacred figures and symbols “should not be subject to any form of mockery or ridicule,” the leaders said. In an increasingly secularized and materialistic world, forum participants called on Catholics and Muslims to give witness to “the transcendent dimension of life.”

Experience of suffering needed to understand beauty of life VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The beauty and promise of life cannot be understood without the experience of suffering, Pope Benedict XVI said. At his Nov. 5 weekly general audience, the pope focused on St. Paul’s emphasis on the resurrection as the key to understanding Christ and the eternal life to which all people are called. The death and resurrection of Jesus have important consequences for the way Christians are called to live, he said. “We are called to participate with our whole being in the entire event of the death and resurrection of Christ,” Pope Benedict said. “We have, the apostle says, died with Christ, and we believe we will live with him.” The affirmation that those who have been baptized into Christ's death will rise with him implies that there will be suffering, but that suffering and death will not have the last word, the pope said.

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increasingly in a society that is free, but fragmented and morally confused, he said. He said this fragmentation threatens Christian identity and tradition in Europe, as well as its social cohesiveness. “It is both a paradox and a tragedy that in this era of globalization, when the possibilities of communication and interaction with others have increased to a degree that earlier generations could scarcely have imagined, so many people feel isolated and cut off from one another,” he said. The pope said the church has a vital role to play by proclaiming the Gospel message of hope — love of God and neighbor. It’s a message that should appeal to young people, he said, because “the practice of Christianity leads naturally to solidarity with one’s fellow citizens and indeed with the whole of the human family.” Christianity in practice, he said, “curbs the desire to amass wealth for oneself alone” and helps people rise above the allure of material goods, focusing instead on values that promote the human being and protect society’s weakest.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Church in India and Ecuador is working to protect women, children and indigenous people, the most vulnerable victims of human trafficking, said church workers. In northern Ecuador, women and children who fled the civil war in Colombia are increasingly susceptible to sex and child traffickers, said Yazmina Zambrano, the Quito-based global securities coordinator in Ecuador for Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international aid agency. Colombian women arrive in Ecuador without documentation and money, Zambrano said on Nov. 5 while in Washington for a CRS-sponsored human trafficking seminar. The women are offered jobs working in a bar, she said, but are forced into prostitution. Zambrano explained that, in northern Ecuador, the church not only must fight a culture that accepts girls being sexually active at a young age, but police and other authorities are involved in human trafficking. The church’s main response is awareness through education, she said. Children, especially indigenous Ecuadoreans, also are victims of human trafficking, she said. Organized criminals “go to rural communities, hire children [from their impoverished families] and take them to the city” to work as beggars, she said. Zambrano said that when she sees children begging she knows they are forced to beg by human traffickers. Ecuador’s constitution, passed in late September, includes articles to protect migrants and refugees, she said, so Catholic leaders are working with a larger coalition to develop legislation to protect those vulnerable to human trafficking. She noted that on Nov. 4 legislation was passed providing access to education for refugee children.

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THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 4220610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com. C a re g i v e r p os i t i o n w a n t e d - Retired nurse looking for full- or part-time work. Available days, nights and/or weekends. Hospice experience. Call (913) 579-5276. C aregi v in g - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Andrea, Sara or Gary.

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008 T o p s o i l a n d f i l l d i r t d e l i v e r e d - Southern Johnson County area. Other landscape materials and hauling services available. Aquinas alumnus. Call (913) 626- 9500. Contractor - Commercial and residential work — painting and renovating. Free estimates; insured; 20 yrs. experience. Call (913) 206-4524. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Cus tom-kit chen coun tertops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

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

Ma sonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336.

W h e n w a s t h e la s t ti m e y ou u p d a t e d yo u r wil l? Is it valid? Would you like to make changes? Does it include your parish or a local Catholic organization? For free estate planning information or to speak with a confidential adviser, call the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas at (913) 647-0365 or visit our Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

Ti m t he Ha n dy ma n - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

L a wn a n d l a n ds ca p e w ork - College student looking for landscaping and mowing work. Four years experience. Will do trees, mulching, deck refurbishment and landscape design and install. Johnson County. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. L e a f re m ov a l - Commercial and residential. Vacuum, blow and haul away. Also ask about our monthly-average snow removal plan which can save you up to 30% off of all seasonal work. Licensed, bonded, insured; references. Call now for a free estimate. (913) 620-6063. Granite countertops No obligation quote and consultation Turnkey service available Removal, installation and plumbing Member of St. Agnes – Call Tim (913) 626-5020 STA ( Su re T hi ng A l w ay s) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing. Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998

H om e s ec u ri t y s y st e m s on ly $ 9 9 ! - Protect your family and property. Monitor existing system for $16 per month. Call Mike at (913) 269-1394. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Overland Park. El sol y la tierra *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376.

■ VACATION

Bahamas beachfront condo - Enjoy the crystal clear waters, beachfront pool or the beautiful sunrises from our newly remodeled condo that sleeps four. $125/night; $750/week. Local owner will rent to mature adults and families. Visit the Web site at: www.coralbeach1602.com, or send an e-mail to: coralbeach1602@gmail.com. Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 6423027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com. S k i v a c a t i o n - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

■ MISCELLANEOUS

H el p s t ock u p C a t h ol i c C h a r i t i e s ’ d ec l i n i n g food pantry - Bring in a nonperishable food donation anytime during the month of November and receive a one-week membership free. Fitness Plus, 4500 W. 107th St. (off Roe), Overland Park.

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

■ WANTED TO BUY

The Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host a retreat entitled “Ministering to the Body, Mind and Soul,” presented by Sister Linda Zahner, OSB, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 15. The cost is $40; a $10 deposit is required. For information, call (913) 360-6165.

The Holy Rosary Sodality of All Saints Parish will host its annual turkey bingo at 5 p.m. in the St. Joseph Church hall, 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on Nov. 15. The cost of $7 includes a sandwich, drink and one bingo card. Additional cards will be available. For information, call Pat Waliczek at (913) 371-4728.

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher will be the celebrant for the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on Nov. 15 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing, with Benediction concluding services at 10 a.m. A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Nov. 15 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be “A Journey Through Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026. The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host a polka dance featuring the Brian McCarty Combo on Nov. 15 at their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the music begins at 7:30 p.m. The cost of $10 includes sauerkraut and sausage sandwiches and beverages served at 9 p.m. For information or to purchase tickets, call Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633.

***Wanted to Buy*** Antique/Vintage Costume Jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

■ ENTERTAINMENT

Prairie Vi llage - 5430 Somerset in West Riding subdivision. 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA home with updates throughout, including kitchen with granite, Anderson repl. windows, doors, light fixtures, and entry tile. Exterior stucco, large fenced yard, and a full basement. Price reduced to $265K. Call Jim Thome, Reece and Nichols, at (913) 548-8700. MLS 1484268.

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

TO PURCHASE A CLASSIFIED Send an e-mail to: jennifer@theleaven. com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 per column inch, five lines or less. Each additional line is $1.50. Classified ads will also be posted online at The Leaven’s Web site: www.the leaven.com.

The eighth-graders of Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host a chili supper from 5 - 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. A freewill donation will be collected and proceeds will benefit the graduation fund. For information, call the school at (913) 533-2462.

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

SKRADSKI FUNERAL HOME

Plug into The Leaven

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

www.theleaven.com

▲ St. Pius X Parish, 5500 Woodson, Mission, will host the John Paul II holiday shoppe from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 and from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 . There will be a variety of crafts, jewelry and baked goods available to purchase. Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa, will host a community health and business fair from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the parish center. For information, call Jennifer at (913) 599-3682, or send an e-mail to her at: jsgryska@everest kc.net. The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host a pancakes-and-more breakfast from 8 a.m. - noon on Nov. 16 in their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee. The cost is: $7 for adults; $4 for children; or $20 per family.

▲ Queen of The Holy Rosary-Wea, 22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host a poker tournament on Nov. 15. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.; play begins at 7 p.m. The cost of $50 includes beer and food. There will be prizes for first, second and third places. Proceeds will benefit the parish PTO. For information, call the school at (913) 533-2462.

Holy Cross School, 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park, will host a family bingo night on Nov. 15. A sloppy Joe and hot dog dinner will begin at 6 p.m., with bingo following. The cost is $5 for dinner; $1 per game. Advance registration is requested by contacting Kathy Keary at (913) 6422665 or by sending an e-mail to: keary@sbcglobal.net. All proceeds benefit the Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality

tion, sponsored by the St. Agnes Altar and Rosary Society, entitled “How to Raise and Keep Our Kids Catholic,” at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 20 in the parish center, located at 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. Tom Martin, a lawyer and Catholic apologist, will be the featured speaker. There is no cost to attend. Free babysitting will be provided in the St. Agnes convent. A healing Mass sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Kiplagat will preside. Fellowship follows.

The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park. Jane Zaccardi will lead the team this season. Beginners are welcome. We have room for everybody! Join us for fun, tennis, and good company. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards. For information, send an e-mail to Jane Zaccardi at: service@son-ministry.org.

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

■ REAL ESTATE

L a k e h o u s e f or s a l e - Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than 2 hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2-car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove with great neighbors. Call Cy at (316) 262-0888.

Nov.

Network in its mission to empower area families faced with homelessness. There will also be a raffle and silent auction.

Open house - Nov. 16 from 1 - 4 p.m. at 31119 W. 169th Terr., Gardner. 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA; two-story, on a cul-de-sac; fireplace. For recorded info, call 1 (866) 653-9586, ext. 1031, or call Suzie Townley, Keller Williams Realty, at (913) 208-2873.

The newly created Catholic Business Network will host its second monthly after-hours networking meeting from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Enterprise Bank, 4717 Grand , Kansas City, Mo. The meeting is free and open to all Catholic businesspeople in the area. For information, call (913) 226-6675 or visit the Web site at: www.CatholicBusinessNetwork.net.

18 & 25

“How to Discipline Without Yelling, Threatening or Putting Down,” a two-part program, will be offered from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 and 25 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central, Kansas City, Kan. Reservations are required; there is no cost for the class. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc/

Join the Singles of Nativity to celebrate all November birthdays at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Kansas City Public House, 12030 Blue Valley Pkwy., Overland Park. We will meet in the back (game) room. Come and celebrate your birthday with us!

21-22

The Mardi Gras committee at Ascension Parish, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host its annual holiday bazaar from 7 - 10 p.m. on Nov. 21 and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 22 in the lower level of the church. Community vendors will share their products, including jewelry, personalized children’s gifts, religious items, bath and beauty products, home décor, scrapbooking supplies, food items, health services, unique Christmas gifts and more. Friday is ladies night; light appetizers and wine will be served. There is no admission charge. For information, call Rhonda Kelly at (913) 8512816 or send an e-mail to her at: rlkelly@kc.rr.com. The Benedictine Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, will host a comeand-see weekend from 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 through noon on Nov. 22 for single women, ages 18 to 45, to spend time with the Sisters and with others in discernment of their vocation. For information or to register, contact Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB, vocation director, at (913) 360-6219, or send an e-mail to her at: vocations@mountosb.org.

The Men’s Society at St. Casimir Church, 719 Pennsylvania Ave., Leavenworth, will host its annual golumbki dinner from noon - 3 p.m. on Nov. 23 in the parish hall. Carryouts will be available beginning at 10 a.m. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children. Christ the King Parish, 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, will host a fall festival on Nov. 23. A turkey dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The cost is: $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 3 - 11; children under 3 eat free. There will be a Christmas craft shop, a silent auction, a drawing, and several carnival games.

19-21

St. Joseph Medical Center, I-435 and State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., will sponsor a book fair from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 - 21 in the medical mall, featuring quality books and unique gifts from Reader’s Digest.

Have you been saved? Are you born again? Come and hear the answers to these questions and more at a presenta-

▲ Blessed Sacrament Parish will host a fall dinner from 1 - 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 at the Blessed Sacrament Family Center cafeteria, 2215 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost is $8 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Super bingo will begin at 3 p.m.

CALENDAR

All are invited to a night of shopping from 5 - 8 p.m. on Nov. 25 at Ten Thousand Villages, 7947 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters, whose mission is to empower women in the urban core through education, advocacy, personal and spiritual development.

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 26, at Trolley’s Bar & Grille, 9100 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Look for the yellow balloon and our greeters who will be at the table until 7:30 p.m. Questions? Send an e-mail to: social@son-ministry.org.

St. Joseph Parish, 5901 Flint, Shawnee, will host a presentation, entitled, “A Christmas Story for Grievers: Comforting Lessons from the Birth of Jesus,” from 1 - 3 p.m. on Nov. 30. For information, call the Catholic Community Healthcare office at (913) 621-5090.

Dec. 4,6-7

St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, will serve three Madrigal dinners at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4, 6 and 7. During dinner, the St. James Academy performing arts students will entertain with a presentation of “The Prince Finds His Peace.” The performance will include music and mirth with a medieval flair. Tickets cost $30. To purchase tickets, call (913) 254-4219, or visit the Web site at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org/ store.

Tom Jacobs will perform his 20th anniversary concert “Advent into Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Mo. Tickets cost $15 if purchased before Dec. 1; $20 afterwards. For information or to purchase tickets, visit the Web site at: www.tomjacobs.com.

Misc. The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City offers an Advent guidedprayer program that focuses on the true source and inspiration of Christmas. For information, visit the Web site at: www.ignatiancenterkc.org, call Jeanne Langdon at (816) 361-7456, or Joseph Cirincione at (816) 501-4109. There is no cost. Register by Nov. 19. Do you have overwhelming medical bills? A volunteer, who is a CPA and who has survived the avalanche of paperwork and crippling debt, will be available to help you wade through the paperwork and the system to find help. Women are scheduled for onehour appointments, and there is usually at least one follow-up meeting. As you contact us, your name will be added to our waiting list. When we have an opening, you will be called to confirm your appointment at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central, Kansas City, Kan. For an appointment, call (913) 906-8990. Project Rachel is offering weekly support groups throughout October in the KC metro area for those hurting from an abortion. Registration is required. For information, call Patricia at (913) 621-2199 or 1 (888) 246-1504. Calls are confidential.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

MARK MY WORDS

Don’t worry, be grateful

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

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

ow’s your 401(k) doing?

I opened a homily several weeks ago with this little question. It seemed to capture where the minds of many people were and still are. With the continuing fluctuation of the stock market, the increasing price of food, and reports of more and more layoffs, there is understandably a pall of anxiety over the nation. But all is not hopeless. A little story about a man named Mike McAdams of Nashville, Tenn., might provide a very practical solution to our worries. After visiting his wife Cheryl in the intensive care unit of a hospital, McAdams was asked about her condition by an anxious friend. “It’s touch-and-go, said McAdams. “She recognized me. We prayed together and held hands. And then we quoted the passage about thanksgiving in the Book of James that says: ‘Consider it joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds.’” “You know,” McAdams continued, “it’s impossible to be anxious and thankful at the same time!” (Found in “Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes” by Robert J. Morgan.) Can it really be that something as

simple as thanksgiving is an effective solution to anxiety? I’d answer with an enthusiastic, “Yes.” Martin Luther once observed that “the greater God’s gifts and works, the less they are regarded.” Who, for instance, regularly thinks about his health with gratitude, unless it’s endangered? Or who truly appreciates a roof over her head, until the house is in foreclosure? Or who is even aware of the blessing of electricity, until a power outage disrupts our lives? Because we have a tendency to take things for granted, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only seeing what we don’t have rather than all the blessings that are already there. That’s why I’m writing this Thanksgiving Day column a bit earlier than normal. Given the present nervous mood that many find themselves in, perhaps we all need a little more time this year to prepare for this holiday, to bring things back into balance, to refocus our eyes on the gifts God has

so generously showered upon us. I’d suggest a couple of enjoyable and low-cost (in terms of time and effort) ways to get into a “Thanksgiving state of mind.” Each day our lives are touched in countless positive and helpful ways. Make a conscious effort in the next two weeks to say thank you to those who serve you — from the person who collects your money in the drive-thru lane, to a clerk who points you in the right direction in a store. Let no kindness go unnoticed or unacknowledged. Secondly, take a hint from the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, who several years ago sent out a neat Thanksgiving card that I’ve kept and regularly pull out. At the top it says: Thanksgiving ABC’s; underneath are the words “We thank thee, O Lord . . .” The rest of the card has each letter of the alphabet written down the lefthand side, followed by a blank line. On that line people are invited to think of something (or someone) that starts with that letter and write that blessing down. It’s fun. Why not try out the Thanksgiving ABC’s for yourself? You’ll probably feel better instantly and find, as did Mike McAdams, that you really can’t be anxious and grateful at the same time.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SCRIPTURE READINGS THIRTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 16 THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Prv 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Ps 128: 1-5; 1 Thes 5: 1-6; Mt 25: 14-30 Nov. 17 Elizabeth of Hungary Rv 1: 1-4; 2: 1-5; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 18: 35-43 Nov. 18 The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Rome, apostles; Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin Rv 3: 1-6, 14-22; Ps 15: 2-5; Lk 19: 1-10 Nov. 19 Wednesday Rv 4: 1-11; Ps 150: 1b-6; Lk 19: 11-28 Nov. 20 Thursday Rv 5: 1-10; Ps 149: 1b-6a, 9b; Lk 19: 41-44 Nov. 21 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rv 10: 8-11; Ps 119: 14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Lk 19: 45-48 Nov. 22 Cecilia, virgin, martyr Rv 11: 4-12; Ps 144: 1-2, 9-10; Lk 20: 27-40

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Has the master’s investment in you paid off?

eople invest money for a variety of reasons. Some speculate in the stock market. They hope to make a lot of money quickly. Others invest without expecting instant results. They are in it for the long haul.

God interacts with human beings. It is not economic advice about the workings of capitalism. In the parable, a master entrusts large amounts of money with three servants without giving them specific instructions on what to do The current economic criwith the money. He then goes sis has really hurt speculaTHIRTY-THIRD off on a journey. tors, whether in the stock SUNDAY IN That raises the question: In market or in real estate. On ORDINARY TIME leaving his money with his the other hand, long-term inMt 25: 14-30 servants, does the master vestors can wait the crisis have making more money as out, until the market springs his ultimate goal? Or instead, does he back. Then their holding should regain have as his principal goal the testing of in value. their competence? Is he in it for the Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 25:14money, or something else? 30, provides us with a parable in which The servant who digs a hole in the investing money figures prominently. ground and buries the money takes the We usually call it the parable of the talfirst approach. He explains his decision ents, from the unit of currency which with the words: “Master, I knew you eventually lent its name to any human were a demanding person, harvesting ability or aptitude. where you did not plant and gathering Since the parable deals with the where you did not scatter; so, out of subject of investing, we might try to fear, I went off and buried your talent mine it for insights into our own fiin the ground.” He repays the trust nances. If so, we will be sorely disapthat the master placed in him with mispointed. It is a parable, a story which trust. That is why he loses the little he draws upon everyday activities in orhad to begin with: “Take the talent der to teach us something about the from him and give it to the one with workings of the kingdom of God, how

ten.” But notice how badly the mistrustful servant misread his master. Rather than demanding his money back with interest, the master lets the enterprising servants keep the money, and even gives the one talent to the servant with the ten. The master does not appear to be in it for the money. He has bigger fish to fry: “Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” Notice the term “small matters.” Scripture scholars have remarked that ten talents amounts to an astronomical sum of money, equal to the gross national product of a small Middle Eastern country. The master does not appear to be in it for the money, not at any amount. He envisions responsibilities that go beyond the financial. If we think of the master as standing in the place of God, those responsibilities would extend to the spiritual. They would provide a lasting value, far beyond any material possessions. That points to the master’s ultimate goal. By investing in his servants, he wants a return, but not a financial one. He wants a solid character, a generous heart, one not afraid to risk, a nobility of soul which bears fruit in deeds of wisdom. And the parable suggests that God also wants the same from us. Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Veterans honored By MARC and JULIE ANDERSON Special to The Leaven TOPEKA — Approximately 50 people braved strong winds and freezing temperatures on Nov. 8 to gather at Topeka’s Great Overland Station, site of the All Veterans Memorial, for the fourth annual Veterans Day memorial service. Sponsored by the Topeka Knights of Columbus, the event included a scriptural rosary with military meditations written by Father Peter Jaramillo, Kansas Army National Guard major and chaplain. The service also included the singing of the national anthem and “America, the Beautiful,” a flag ceremony, and the playing of taps. Knight Art Balandran, retired from the U.S. Army, said it was an event he’ll never forget and hopes more people will participate next year. “You always hear, ‘Freedom is not free.’ It’s paid for by the lives of men and women who serve our country to protect our freedom,” he said. “We, the American people, must not take that for granted.”

IN PRAYER Father Pete O’Sullivan (left), pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka and a former Marine officer, along with Father Peter Jaramillo, Kansas Army National Guard major and chaplain, leads a scriptural rosary to honor all living and deceased veterans. This fourth annual memorial service was held Nov. 8 in front of the All Veterans Memorial on the grounds of Topeka’s Great Overland Station.

MILITARY COUPLE Bill Kastens, a member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 8411 of Christ the King Church in Topeka, prays the rosary with his wife Monica during the memorial service in Topeka sponsored by area Knights of Columbus councils to honor all veterans. Approximately 50 people braved freezing temperatures to pray in front of the All Veterans Memorial. The couple served in the Navy during the Korean War — Bill, as an electronics technician; Monica, as a yeoman, although part of her service was also spent in the Coast Guard.

Photos by

Marc Anderson

SALUTE Art Balandran, a retired Army staff TAPS Lawrence Smith, who served in the Marine Corps, plays taps with his friend, Lee Barnett (not pictured), a member of Christ the King Parish. Smith, who played in the Navy band during the 1960s has performed taps at military funerals and other ceremonies since he returned to Topeka from the Navy in 1964.

sergeant and a parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka, stands at attention for the playing of taps. Balandran served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years, retiring in 1993.