THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 15 | NOVEMBER 15, 2019
HAYDEN PARKS/UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
University of Saint Mary president Sister Diane Steele, SCL, and Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher are pictured together after a ceremony to bless the renovated and newly renamed Keleher Learning Commons on Nov. 10. The space was formerly called the DePaul Library.
Archbishop Emeritus honored by University of St. Mary Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven
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EAVENWORTH — University of Saint Mary staff, faculty, students, donors and members of the board of trustees gathered here in the newly renovated Keleher Learning Commons, formerly DePaul Library, Nov. 10 to witness its namesake, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, bless the space in a special ceremony. It was named after the archbishop in recognition of his many years of friendship and commitment to the university, said Sister Diane Steele, USM president. “Someone asked me why our picture of the archbishop is not in his formal regalia, with his formal red or his miter,” said Sister Diane. “I said, ‘Oh no. That’s not our Arch Jim. . . . Our Arch Jim is the one who makes our students feel comfortable, loved and cared for. Our Arch Jim is our shepherd. “And so, Arch Jim, thank you. Thank you for being here for our students and for each of us.” Archbishop Keleher said the honor was a surprise — and a bit humbling. “I thought it was a bit much,” he said. “I didn’t feel I deserved it.” But he had to admit he had a heart for education. “I’ve always been attracted to teaching. I involve >> See “USM” on page 5
HAYDEN PARKS/UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
Danielle Dion, vice president for the Keleher Learning Commons and student development, shares the vision of the renovated space with students, alumni, donors and other guests.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ARCHBISHOP
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National initiative will identify gaps in support for mothers
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n the liturgical calendar, November is a month during which Catholics remember those who have died. Beginning the month with the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, we are reminded that, for Catholics, death is not an absolute barrier. We can prayerfully intercede on behalf of the dead and they can intercede for us. We also honor and treat with the utmost respect the bodies of the dead because the body of a baptized Christian served as a temple of God. We also believe in the resurrection of our bodies — that our souls and bodies eventually will be reunited in heaven. Recently, the bodies of 2,400 aborted babies were discovered in the home of the late Dr. Ulrich Klopfer. It is estimated that before his medical license was suspended in 2015, Klopfer aborted more than 30,000 children. This is the just the most recent example of the disrespectful treatment by abortion doctors and other abortion clinic personnel of the bodies of aborted children. Of course, the deeper cultural problem is the many in our society who assert a right to kill children in the womb. We should not be shocked by the callous treatment of the bodies of these children when powerful cultural voices champion abortion as a moral good. Sadly, Kansas is not immune to this distorted moral view, as evidenced by the Kansas Supreme Court claiming to have discovered a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution. I am grateful for
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN the many parishioners throughout the archdiocese who have signed petitions or postcards urging state senators and representatives to support placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot, making clear that there is no such “right” in Kansas and reclaiming the right of Kansans through their elected representatives to determine public policy regarding abortion and the protection
Baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family interested. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy@ archkck.org.
of human life. I urge every member of the archdiocese to join the Kansas Rosary Crusade, praying a rosary every Thursday for the specific intention of the passage of a state constitutional amendment returning the power to Kansans to protect human life that has been usurped by our Supreme Court. The rosary is a powerful prayer that asks our Blessed Mother to intercede for the success of our efforts to protect the lives of innocent unborn children, as well as to protect parents from living with the terrible emotional, psychological and spiritual burden of abortion. This past week at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meeting, on behalf of its pro-life committee, I was able to propose a Nationwide Initiative of Prayer, Service and Witness to Life. A centerpiece of this initiative is for each diocese to examine the resources available to mothers and families who are experiencing an untimely pregnancy. Through this study of the resources, we are hoping to be able to identify where there are deficiencies or gaps of available support services — as well as opportunities to coordinate better existing
ANNUAL GOLUMBKI DINNER IN LEAVENWORTH
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he St. Casimir Men’s Society will host its Annual Golumbki Dinner on Sunday, November 24th, in the St. Casimir Parish Hall at 719 Pennsylvania Avenue in Leavenworth. Dinner will be served from noon to 3 p.m. Takeout will be available beginning 11 a.m. Tickets cost only $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Come join your friends in Leavenworth for this traditional Polish feast. Meatloaf will also be served. AD COURTESY OF DOUG SCALARD, CFP®
resources — so that we can serve mothers and families more effectively. Our culture often attempts to pit the best interests of women against the lives of their children. In reality, the opposite is true. The church seeks to love both mother and child. We strive to surround mothers and families with love and practical help so that parents and children thrive. I am grateful to all those who serve, volunteer and support our pregnancy assistance clinics. You are on the frontlines of our pro-life ministry, saving lives and empowering families to be places where life is cherished, love is nurtured and joy abounds. Sadly, in our post-abortion ministry we witness the tragic consequences of abortion upon the lives of mothers and fathers. Abortion is presented to individuals in crisis as a quick and easy solution to the challenging circumstances of their lives. In reality, abortion results in years of regret, guilt and grief that only God’s grace can heal and relieve. When you pray the rosary on Thursdays for the passage of the constitutional amendment, please also remember to pray for our pregnancy assistance clinics, that they can surround with love, compassion and practical resources those facing a difficult pregnancy. Together, we can save the lives of children and protect parents from the painful consequences of abortion. The protection that we are unable to provide through the law, we can provide with love.
Confirmation — St. Philippine Duchesne, Mission Nov. 21 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Nov. 15 Women of Nativity event — Church of the Nativity, Leawood Nov. 16 Mass — St. Ann, Prairie Village St. Lawrence Divine WineFest — Fiorella’s, Overland Park Nov. 17 Mass — St. Ann, Prairie Village Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 18 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Confirmation — St. Boniface, Scipio; St. Therese, Richmond Nov. 19 Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas new member meet and greet Retired priests meeting Administrative Team meeting Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Mound City; St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie; and Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne Nov. 20 Donnelly College board meeting
Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas annual board meeting Santa Marta board meeting and reception Nov. 22 Retirement reception for Jeanne Gorman and Leon Roberts — Savior Pastoral Center St. Cecilia Guild Mass and reception — Church of the Nativity, Leawood Nov. 23 Pastoral visit — Holy Spirit, Overland Park 35th Anniversary Viviano Variety Show benefit — Rockhurst High School Nov. 24 Crosier Mass and brunch — Savior Pastoral Center Pastoral visit — Good Shepherd, Shawnee Nov. 25 Filming of “The Chair” — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Finance Council meeting Nov. 26 Envisioning Team meeting Nov. 27 Chancery staff Thanksgiving Mass and breakfast — Savior Pastoral Center
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Marty and Joe Bichelmeyer, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 15. The couple was married on Nov. 15, 1969, at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee. Their children are: Joelle Peterson, Matt Bichelmeyer, John Paul Bichelmeyer and Jill Norman. They also have 16 grandchildren.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
From left, seventh-grade students Parker Benz, Fin Arthur, Franny Chaffee-McClure and Clare Hansen manage recycling in the cafeteria at St. Agnes School in Roeland Park. The students have come up with several ways to make St. Agnes a more sustainable school.
Students lead the way on sustainability By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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OELAND PARK — Their time at St. Agnes School here is running short, but seventh-grade students are taking action to leave the school a better place for future generations. “It feels good to actually help make a difference in our school,” said Parker Benz, “and make our school a more eco-friendly place. “Even in what little time we have left at St. Agnes, we know that we’re making a difference.” Last year, four sixth-graders initiated a recycling program at the school, which started out with them collecting plastic cups from the cafeteria and taking them home to recycle. This year, they obtained a recycling bin and work hard during lunchtime to ensure the recycling process works efficiently. “This was something that we realized we could work on together to make a difference,” said Franny Chaffee-McClure. “We thought about what was a big issue that we could [work on] and would be simple and effective.” Seventh- and eighth-grade students at the school are also working on grant-based proposals, which they will submit to KC Healthy Kids in December, to reduce waste by utilizing reusable utensils in the cafeteria and adding simple recycling bins throughout the school. Clare Hansen is proud of their efforts, particularly in the cafeteria. “It shows ambition because we
could’ve just left it how it was,” she said. “Or we could’ve just continued on collecting the cups, but we wanted to find a more permanent solution to this.” The students draw inspiration from a few school subjects. “Sometimes, in science, we learn about recycling and giving back to the earth,” said Fin Arthur. “I think the biggest area we touch on this is religion class,” added Franny. “God gave us this, and so [we discuss] what can we do to give back to future generations,” she said. Students at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood are also striving to create a more sustainable environment at their school. Fifth-graders approached principal Mike Cullinan with a PowerPoint presentation filled with ideas on how to reduce paper use at St. Michael. He wasn’t at all surprised by their enthusiasm. “We work hard to empower the students to recognize problems in society or school and brainstorm ways to effectively address them and make the world a better place,” he said. The students’ ideas included using more clay in art class, reducing the number of notebooks required in school supplies and encouraging students to write down only the highlights when taking notes. Cullinan emphasized the importance of offering students ways to express themselves on issues they’re passionate about. “If we give them a voice in school, they will have the confidence to share ideas about improving the
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
greater good in society,” he said. “When we have a food drive,” he explained, “we talk about bringing food to school for Catholic Charities because people are hungry. “Then we take it an extra step and introduce Catholic social justice teaching by asking them to brainstorm the question, ‘Why are people hungry in the first place?’ And, ‘What can we do as responsible Catholic citizens to help change that?’” St. Agnes principal Jane Sullivan explained that putting ideas into action and finding permanent solutions to problems are the biggest challenges her students face. “We talk a lot about it,” she said, we want to do it. But then, after the energy of the excitement of the beginning of the program, that’s where we get frustrated. “That’s a challenge I put to these four [students] — to say, ‘What do I do after you graduate?’” Fin said he and his peers are up for the task. “It’s really great because even with how many challenges we’ve faced when trying to do this, we’ve gotten through a lot of them,” he said. Their determination inspires Sullivan to help them go further. “I know that sometimes I like to almost give them a little bit of a challenge, to say, ‘I’m not sure we can do that,’ because I want to see if their hearts [are] into it and if they really want this,” she said. So far, their zeal hasn’t let her down. “I couldn’t be more proud,” she said.
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Tom and Toni Spencer, members of Holy Spirit Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 22. The couple was married at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, Overland Park, by Father Carl Zawacki. Their children are: Sarah, Emily and Matthew. They also have six grandchildren. The couple celebrated this past summer with a family vacation in Destin, Florida. They are also planning a trip to Northern Ireland. Jan (Sunneberg) and Gerald Heinen, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24 with a 7:30 a.m. Mass at the church. The couple was married on Nov. 24, 1959, at St. Bridget Church, Axtell. Their children are Brenda Sweezey and Tammy Koch. They also have four grandsons and one great-grandson.
ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.
Correction In the Nov. 8 edition of The Leaven, the story “Fundraisers like golf tourney support special ministry” stated that the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) provided a grant to kickstart the ministry. The special-needs ministry is funded through the Archbishop’s Call to Share. KDADS provided a grant to start the BREATHE respite care program. In order for the respite care program to continue when the grant monies are expended, fundraising events are being held and contributions are being sought. 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) 721-5276; 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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
JESUIT MASSACRE
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Murder of Jesuits was marked with horror, but inspired defense of the poor By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — No one can deny that the act was horrific. Six priests found face down on a lawn with bullet holes through various parts of their bodies. One was in his bathrobe. “Before the end of darkness on the morning of Nov. 16, with unspeakable and barbaric cruelty, armed men burst into the Jesuit residence at the University of Central America in San Salvador and shot six Jesuit priests to death. At the same time, the community’s cook and her daughter were murdered in their bed. According to reliable reports, several of the priests, my brothers, had their brains torn from their heads,” wrote Georgetown University president Father Leo Donovan Nov. 19, 1989, three days after the killings, in The Washington Post. He had known well one of the victims, perhaps the most notable, Jesuit Father Ignacio Ellacuria, who along with Fathers Ignacio Martin Baro, Segundo Montes, Juan Ramon Moreno, Joaquin Lopez y Lopez, and Amando Lopez were beaten, then dragged to their deaths in a garden. The bodies of their Salvadoran housekeeper Elba Ramos and her teenage daughter Celina Ramos were nearby. But 30 years after their murders, and well before then, what they left behind in their heroic deeds, their writings and speeches has inspired others to continue the slain Jesuits’ work on behalf of the poor. “When I’ve been at the commemorations, it always strikes me that the celebration is filled with joy, with a sense of resurrection, and with the sense that these men, and these two women continue to be alive, that they are present and they are present in a way to remind us that in every Christian life, we are
supposed to try and make a difference in the world,” Mercy Sister Ana Maria Pineda, a theologian born in El Salvador who teaches at California’s Santa Clara University, told Catholic News Service in an Oct. 31 interview. The murders took place at Central American University in San Salvador, the capital, and the school — popularly known as the UCA (pronounced ookah) — becomes a place where people from all over world gather on the date of their martyrdom, said Sister Pineda. They discuss the priests’ writings, their legacy and how they can carry out the mission of these Jesuits, of serving the poor and vulnerable, in their respective parts of the world. Though they are largely lauded for their academic work and for trying to broker peace through political circles, they also were men of action and close to the people, recalled Congressman Jim McGovern, who came into contact with them in the 1980s as a staffer for then-Congressman Joe Moakley of Massachusetts. “If somebody disappeared, they would show up at the security forces, then police headquarters, demanding to find out where they were. When there was a massacre, they were there. When people were hungry, they brought them food. They would [celebrate] Masses in some dangerous parts of the country,” he recalled during a Nov. 6 chat with students at Georgetown University. “The fact that they were being threatened, persecuted, that was OK because so were the poor,” added McGovern, a Democrat who represents Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District. Father Ellacuria had been the most vocal of the group and was likely the main target. He urged for years a peaceful end to a war that had dragged on for more than a decade thanks to U.S. aid that was only leading to more civilian deaths in El Salvador. They would total more than 70,000 in the end. Father Ellacuria often took to the
CNS PHOTO/LUIS GALDAMEZ, REUTERS
A memorial marker seen Nov. 11, 2019, shows the engraved names of the six Jesuit priests who were killed in San Salvador, El Salvador, Nov. 16, 1989.
CNS PHOTO/REUTERS
Then-Archbishop Arturo Rivera Damas of San Salvador, El Salvador, prays over the bodies of six Jesuit priests who were killed Nov. 16, 1989. In mid-November U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern will attend a commemoration in El Salvador marking the 30th anniversary of the priests’ deaths. radio to urge negotiations, at great risk debated on television with Maj. Roberto D’Aubuisson, who commanded death squads in the country, and often met with U.S. delegations urging a stop to military aid. He also visited the U.S. on several occasions, trying to sway public opinion, and thanked organizations trying to get U.S. lawmakers to understand the damage military aid was causing. “Some churches and religious groups, such as the Catholic bishops of the United States, have exerted themselves on our behalf,” Father Ellacuria said during a June 1982 commencement speech at Santa Clara University. “They have pressed the present administration not to intensify our conflicts through military reinforcement, but to facilitate a just, negotiated solution.” He also traveled to the United States to testify on behalf of migrants who were leaving El Salvador because of the violence, recalled McGovern, who would later lead a commission investigating the murders. Though the Jesuits’ deaths helped put an end to U.S. aid, justice for their murders has been elusive through the decades, he told CNS in a Nov. 1 interview. “The intellectual authors of the murders were members of the high command of the Salvadoran armed forces and nothing happened to them. They had a trial and a couple of them were to be convicted, but then there was an amnesty that followed. So, everybody essentially skipped justice,” he said. But justice is important in the Jesuits’ case, he said.
“The reason why it’s important is . . . if you can’t get justice in cases like that, that everybody knows about, where there’s lots of documentation, lots of investigative reporting, lots of evidence, there’s no way to get justice in cases that are not so well known,” he said. Their case has gone unpunished, along with the assassinations of St. Oscar Romero, fellow Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande and four American churchwomen, as well as thousands of murdered and disappeared Salvadorans for whom justice has not arrived. However, that doesn’t mean Catholics and others haven’t found meaning in the priests’ deaths, added McGovern. “So, 30 years have gone by. What is gratifying to me is that every time I go to the commemorations in El Salvador, the crowds of people get bigger and bigger and bigger, from all over the world,” he said. “People want to be inspired and live their lives in a way that honors the Jesuits.” In the United States, the Ignatian Solidarity Network focuses one of its main events, the Ignatian Family Teachin, around the date of the murders and gathers throngs of young Catholics from Jesuit high schools and universities in the nation’s capital to learn about social justice and inequality. One of the main components is having those who attend visit lawmakers and advocate for the poor, said Christopher Kerr, the organization’s director. They also celebrate a Mass to talk about and remember the priests and their companions.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Relics lead us to Christ through the example of others By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org
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OPEKA — Hundreds. That’s how many relics Father Tim Haberkorn has collected over the years. Pastor of Sacred HeartSt. Joseph Parish in Topeka, Father Haberkorn has lent his relics to be displayed at the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City, Kansas, where all are free to venerate them. But what is a relic? What does it mean to venerate them? Father Haberkorn explains the basic ins and outs of relics in this week’s CatholicSpeak. Q. What are relics? A. Relics are physical remains of a saint (or someone who is considered holy but not yet officially a saint) as well as objects that have been touched to the saint or holy person’s body. There are three types or “classes” of relics, Father Haberkorn explained. “First-class relics are the actual teeth or bones or hair of a particular saint,” he said. “Second-class relics . . . would be like a habit they wore or items they used personally. Third-class relics are like a cloth or material that has been touched to a firstor second-class relic.” Q. Why does the church have relics? A.“The purpose of them is to foster devotion to the saints because they help lead us to Christ,” said Father Haberkorn. “They remind us of the communion [of saints] that we are [a part of] — the
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FATHER TIM HABERKORN Pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO
connection we have in the body of Christ.” Q. Where does the tradition of venerating relics come from? A. The veneration of relics originated during Christ’s life. The woman in the Gospel of Matthew who was healed by touching Jesus’ cloak as he passed by is an example of this. The veneration of relics of the saints comes from the early history of the church. Documentation exists from the year 156 that the early Christians venerated the remains of St. Polycarp, an early bishop in Smyrna, which is in present-day Turkey. Venerating relics became a widespread practice when Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire in 313. Q. How do you know something is a relic? A. First, a relic must come from a credible source. A cardinal, bishop or other delegated person will conduct a “scrutiny” to authenticate the relic, which
can include interviews and research for documentation of its validity. Once a relic is deemed authentic, the person conducting the scrutiny provides a document of authentication and his seal, which is then attached to the relic. Also, a relic is housed in a reliquary. Q. What is a reliquary? A. A reliquary is a container for relics. Lockets, glass cases and altars are some examples of reliquaries. Q. What does it mean to venerate a relic? What does it look like? A. Venerate means to show honor. Venerating relics often involves an exterior display of respect, such as touching or kissing the reliquary, bowing, kneeling, or making the sign of the cross. Father Haberkorn explained that venerating relics serves as a reminder that the temporal and eternal are linked. “We need the tangible,
Father Tim Haberkorn looks over the relics he has collected over the years in this file photo. The pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, Father Haberkorn has lent his relics to be displayed at the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City, Kansas, where all are free to venerate them. we need the concrete,” he said. “That’s why the relics of saints are so important to us — because they help us remember these were actual human beings, flesh and bone just like us. “They can inspire our humanity to seek . . . heaven.” Q. How are relics different from mummies on display at a museum? A. “Every human is the work of God’s hand and needs to be respected and needs to be honored,” said Father Haberkorn. “So, in that sense, there is no distinction.” The true distinction is the fact that relics come from people who have verifiably lived exemplary lives in terms of faith. “We distinguish them with a greater honor because they’re kind of like our heroes,” said Father Haberkorn.
Q. Are Catholics required to venerate relics? Is it a sin to be skeptical about them? A. No, Catholics are not required to venerate relics and it is not a sin to be skeptical about them. However, venerating relics is an opportunity for deeper devotion to Christ through his saints. Q. Why do Catholics care so much about relics when they have the Eucharist? “The relics are not on the same level as the Eucharist because that’s God,” said Father Haberkorn. “But [relics] help ground us in who we are today and what our future holds in Christ.” Ultimately, the veneration of relics is useful not in developing devotion to a particular saint, but in helping direct the faithful to Christ through the example of another person’s life.
USM both challenges and encourages students, says archbishop >> Continued from page 1 myself in students,” said Archbishop Keleher. “I really enjoyed [teaching],” he continued, “and I always had a way of keeping them awake and alive and not putting them to sleep. “I couldn’t stand teachers that put you to sleep. I kept talking, reacting, even getting upset sometimes, but I enjoyed it. I still do.” Archbishop Keleher said USM is a unique institution. “What is especially unique about this university is the individual care that the teachers — that the professors — shower upon all the students,” he said. “They are challenged, but they are encouraged more than anything else. “That makes them a success — and that success makes this university very, very successful. . . . It is only going to get better and better.” The blessing ceremony, which included Scripture readings, a performance by the USM chorale and special prayers of the faithful, marked the successful completion not only of the KLC,
but also the Campus for Tomorrow capital campaign, said Matt Astleford, vice president for university advancement. “Thanks to the generosity of many of you, as well as other alumni and friends of Saint Mary, the Campus for Tomorrow campaign raised more than $14 million toward some academic structural advances on the main campus, including remodeling of the Saint Joseph Dining Hall, the creation of the Charles J. Berkel Memorial Stadium, the renovation of Miege Hall’s science labs and more,” Astleford said during the ceremony. “It truly takes a village here to do something as remarkable as this,” he added. “The impact of this will be felt for generations of students to come.” In addition to study and collaboration areas, which are known on campus as “think tanks,” the Commons houses student success and leadership development offices, career services and the LeBeau Special Collections. The collections are an esteemed and historic archive, made up of the Bernard H. Hall Abraham Lincoln Collection and the John & Mary Craig Scripture Collection.
Donors had different reasons why they wanted to donate to the KLC. “My wife [Janie] and I both felt like it was an opportunity to raise the bar for the kids for their place of study,” said Alan Lankford, private donor and chairman of the USM board of trustees. “The environment in which kids want to study today is more of an open, inviting environment with the opportunity to collaborate,” he said. “The library was aged. It needed a facelift,” he continued, “so it was a great opportunity to make a difference for the students.” Private donor Joe Contrucci said he wanted to donate because of the special place USM holds in his heart as an alumnus of the class of 1994. “[DePaul Library] was a place that had served its purpose, but it was time to make a change,” Contrucci said. “As student learning evolves . . . we at Saint Mary needed to evolve, too. I think [this space] will end up being a focal point for the university.” Lankford and Contrucci agreed that the end result was more than expected. “Wow,” Lankford said. “It is just the
wow factor.” Contrucci called it unreal. “Before, it was dark, it was old, it smelled and it had a ton of books that nobody checked out,” he said. “So, now, just to have a spot where students can learn how they want to learn is amazing.” Feedback from the students has proved to be positive. “I love it,” said Taylor Groen-Younger, a senior studying exercise science. “The study rooms were a great addition just because it gives you some privacy, and it is just a good, quieter place to study.” Logan Swank, a junior studying biology and chemistry, said the spaces provide more opportunities for students. “It is a central hub for a lot of students on campus,” Swank said. “It provides more opportunities for students to collaborate, for them to study, but also for them to form those mutual connections.” Additional reporting by Sara Bell.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FAMILY LIFE
Put the glow back in your holidays with a little preparation, honesty
By Libby DuPont Special to The Leaven
about your previous experiences visiting with these relatives. Share with each other: • What do I love about getting together with these people? • What has been a challenge for me in past visits? • What do you need from me during this visit? How can I meet that need? My husband and I discovered that, for us, the key to an extended family visit is slipping away a few times to run errands together. This gives us a private place to talk and connect so we can be “on” for others.
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ne year at Christmas dinner, I was recovering from a stomach bug. I was well enough to visit with people, but not to partake of the rich Polish food that is traditional for my family. While e v e r y TOOLS FOR one else FAMILIES enjoyed Growing as pierogi and Disciples of kielbasa, Jesus I nibbled saltine crackers. My illness prevented me from entering fully into the day. While an upset stomach can put a damper on festivities, an upset spouse is much worse! When there is tension in our most significant relationship, it is hard to enjoy a holiday. Here are a few common struggles and some suggestions on how to prepare to navigate them.
Traveling trouble The problem: Whether you
Not-so-great expectations
are hosting or being hosted, having extra people sleep under that same roof can be challenging. Different schedules, close quarters and family
dynamics can all take their toll. The solution: Before travel plans are complete, have a gentle, but honest discussion
The problem: Advertising and social media give an unrealistic view of what a “perfect holiday” should be, so it can be easy to be disappointed. The solution: Take some time to reflect together on your values and make a plan to prioritize them. Consider: • What is most important to me during this season? • How will we keep God at the center of these celebrations?
• What do I need help with? How can I help you? We decided several years ago that we wanted to be sure to celebrate Advent, so we began lighting an Advent wreath and doing a Jesse Tree. Conversely, sending Christmas cards got very stressful and expensive, so we stopped.
Mistletoe to the rescue The problem: With so much to do, spouses can slip into “task mode,” which makes them brusque and businesslike. This makes us prone to hurts and arguments. The solution: Prioritize being “in love.” This may seem trivial, but it actually makes everything so much easier. Ask your spouse which of the following small actions he/she most appreciates, then do it! • Words of affirmation • Flirting or lighthearted banter • Small gifts • Moments of connection • Acts of service • Hugs, back rubs or other loving touches
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Nearly 100 pilgrims journeyed to the Holy Land from Oct. 18-28 for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ 30th anniversary pilgrimage. Above, they visit the Israel Museum to see a model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period.
ON HOLY GROUND Leaven reporter recounts her ‘life-changing’ pilgrimage to the Holy Land — with a successor to the Apostles
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY MOIRA CULLINGS
he night before I left for the Holy Land, I found myself pondering a deep and philosophical question: What had I gotten myself into? A million thoughts swirled through my mind as I waited desperately for sleep to come before a 4 a.m. alarm blared through my phone. “Who will I hang out with? What will my workload look like? Will I be able to appreciate the sites we visit or will I be too overwhelmed to even try?” Or, more importantly: “How will I survive 10 days without my famous home-cooked meals of cereal and Eggo waffles?” And, finally: “Why did I decide to go on a trip to the Middle East with mostly strangers?” As you might guess, I was a bundle of nerves when I arrived at Kansas City International Airport the morning of Oct. 18 for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ 30th anniversary pilgrimage to Israel. But my anxiety slowly melted away when I ran into Michael Podrebarac, the archdiocesan consultant for the liturgy and sacramental life office and a familiar face from the chancery, right at the front door. It turns out Michael didn’t know how to print his boarding pass (I’m guessing he wasn’t the only one on the trip), so I felt relieved that I was at least one step ahead of a fellow pilgrim. >> STORY CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE >>
Leaven reporter Moira Cullings never expected to visit the Holy Land but, when the opportunity came knocking, she couldn’t say no.
>> Continued from previous page I discovered that Michael was facing similar fears as I. Although we chatted nonchalantly about running out of the airport as quickly as we could and trading the trip for the safety and comfort of home, we ultimately took a leap of faith and stepped onto the plane. It was a moment that couldn’t have been further out of my comfort zone. I was given the opportunity to attend the pilgrimage, organized by the Holy Family School of Faith and Trinity Travel, thanks to Lesle Knop, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. My initial role was to take photos for social media channels of both CFNEK and The Leaven. I quickly realized once I arrived in Israel that I would also be the group photographer for the pilgrim blog since Rich and Trudy Boynton from Trinity Travel, who normally take those pictures, were unexpectedly unable to attend at the last minute. But despite the additional responsibilities, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I couldn’t pass up. And regardless of my initial reservations, I couldn’t be more grateful Lesle gave me the chance to try out my photography skills in a place I never dreamed I would visit. Working while attempting to take in the sites wasn’t easy. In times of stress and exhaustion, subtle encouragement from Lesle, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, and trip leaders Cari and Chris Hillyer kept me going. Their example made me eager to walk in the footsteps of the Holy Family. During the trip, I walked in the footsteps of Jesus and his apostles in the company of one of their successors, Archbishop Naumann, which I can only describe as surreal and humbling. I visited the towns where Jesus performed miracles and walked inside what is believed to be his tomb. My feet touched the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. I pondered everything I thought I knew about the Catholic faith as I knelt at the site of the Crucifixion, then photographed my fellow pilgrims as they venerated the spot where Jesus died. “How the heck did I end up here?” was a constant thought in the back of my head. And then, “I wonder what the people from the Bible would think of me, just chilling here, thousands of years later.” I listened as Mike Scherschligt, School of Faith director and guide to the pilgrimage, explained the significance of each site to us and then prayed the rosary at these places so essential to the faith. I walked alongside the Garden of Gethsemane and touched a tree branch filled with thorns. I ate ice cream with Archbishop Naumann and experienced his dry sense of humor and authentic concern for the people around him. I shared meals with strangers twice my age who I now consider my friends. I gained arm muscles I didn’t know I had as I carried my Nikon around for eight days straight. I proved that someone an entire foot and four inches shorter than the archbishop can still keep up with him enough to get a decent picture or two. Most powerfully, I witnessed what was once a distant land full of mystery become a tangible reality for people who traveled far and wide to see the sites where Jesus changed the world. Of the 4,323 photos I took during my time in the Holy Land, these are a few of my favorites. I hope they help you see the truth of the Catholic faith and God’s love the way they have for me.
Archbishop Naumann gives absolution to Zach Jaworski, a parishioner at Curé of Ars, Leawood, at confession on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Archbishop Naumann comes out of what is believed to be the tomb of Jesus prior to the pilgrims receiving Communion at Mass there.
Mike Sche Jesus’ mir
Roman Enriquez, a parishioner at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, lights a candle in the Tomb of the Virgin Mary located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in J
The backdrop behind the altar inside Dominus Flevit Church, located on the Mount of Olives where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, offers visitors a panoramic view of the city.
Pilgrims waited in line for hours before they descended this stairca born inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
erschligt, School of Faith director, explains the significance of racle at Cana before Mass at the Wedding Church there.
Pilgrims pray the rosary as they walk through the Kidron Valley, which Jesus crossed on his way to the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest.
Within the walls of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are what is believed to be the site of the crucifixion and the burial place of Christ.
Pilgrims walk alongside a wall filled with Bible verses on their way to the Wedding Church at Cana, where couples on the trip had the opportunity to renew their wedding vows during Mass with Archbishop Naumann.
Jerusalem.
ase and venerated the spot where it’s believed Jesus was
From left, Father Kent O’Connor, Deacon Tom Mulvenon, Deacon Mike Moffitt, Father John Riley and Father Bill Kneemiller from Davenport, Iowa, celebrate Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the site of the Cenacle, or Upper Room, where the Last Supper was held.
CFNEK offers scholarship fund to help with Holy Land pilgrimage
K Many of the pilgrims set their alarms in time to catch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee outside their hotel in Tiberias.
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas has established the Holy Family School of Faith Scholarship Fund to benefit adults from any parish in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to partially offset expenses for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the School of Faith. This fund was founded by Edward and Debbie Trompeter, pilgrims on the 2019 30th anniversary pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Other pilgrims have already indicated their interest in sharing this extraordinary experience by committing donations to the fund. Carl and Shirley Antes, pilgrims on the 2019 pilgrimage, have set up a challenge grant of $5,000. If you are interested in contributing to this scholarship fund, or to see if you qualify to receive one, go to: www.cfnek.org or call the CFNEK office at (913) 6473062.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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U.S. bishops examine challenges faced by church, society By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
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ALTIMORE (CNS) — On the agenda for the U.S. bishops’ Nov. 11-13 meeting in Baltimore were elections and discussions of key challenges in the church and the nation. Unlike recent previous meetings, their response to the clergy abuse crisis was mentioned but was not the primary focus. On the second day of the meeting, Nov. 12, the bishops elected Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles to a three-year term as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit as conference vice president. Archbishop Gomez, the first Latino to be elected to this role, was chosen with 176 votes from a slate of 10 nominees. He has been USCCB vice president for the past three years and his new role begins at the end of the Baltimore gathering. Among the other votes Nov. 12, the vote with the most discussion was about new materials to complement “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” their long-standing guide to help Catholics form their consciences in public life, including voting. The bishops voted to approve the additions, including the addition that abortion is the preeminent social issue of our time. On the first day of the meeting Nov. 11, the bishops raised pressing issues that included the priesthood shortage, gun violence, young people leaving the church and the need to provide support services for pregnant women. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States, mentioned some of these challenges in his opening remarks, along with the need to welcome migrants and fight racism. He also urged the bishops not just to focus on the challenges before them but to consider how they could further develop collegiality and collaboration with one another. In his final address as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston told his fellow bishops that it has been “an honor to serve you, even in the difficult times.” The 70-year-old prelate thanked the bishops, whom he called brothers, for the past three years and was thanked by them in return when the group gave him a standing ovation at the end of his nine-minute presentation. “Let’s begin anew,” he said, at the close of his address, veering away from prepared remarks, and quoting St. Augustine. The cardinal, who suffered a mild stroke earlier this year, did not elaborate on specifics of the abuse crisis in the church, particularly highlighted this past year, but spoke of the bishops’ continued work of transparency related to dealing with the crisis. He said the abuse measures adopted by U.S. bishops at their meeting last June are “only a beginning. More needs to be done.” At the start of the meeting, Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing, Michigan, asked for an update on the Vatican’s report on the McCarrick situation, which many of the bishops, by voice vote, also said they wanted to hear. In a brief presentation, Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley told the bishops the Vatican has not yet published
CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., congratulates Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, after Archbishop Gomez was named the new president during the fall general assembly of the USCCB in Baltimore Nov. 12 a report about its investigation of now-defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, but a report could be ready by Christmas, or in the new year. He said he and other bishops at the Vatican for their recent “ad limina” visit said they were “anxious to receive the Holy See’s explanation of this tragic situation, how he could become an archbishop and cardinal, who knew what and when.” He also stressed that the “long wait has resulted in great frustration on the part of bishops and our people and indeed a very harsh and even cynical interpretation of the seeming silence.” In another vote, the bishops voted overwhelmingly on a revised set of strategic priorities to take them into the next decade. They also discussed upcoming votes during their gathering, such as news materials to complement “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” their long-standing guide to help Catholics form their consciences
CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER
Retired U.S. Army Col. Anita Raines, chair of the National Advisory Council, speaks during the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore Nov. 11.
in public life, including voting. Retired Army Col. Anita Raines, who chairs the National Advisory Council, said in a report to the bishops that the group supported the prelates’ effort to promulgate its “Faithful Citizenship” document and supplemental materials. To help ensure the document’s wide distribution to parishes and individuals, the council recommended the USCCB implement “a strong communications strategy fully leveraging social media.” This wasn’t the only mention of social media during the start of the meeting. Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of Los Angeles urged the bishops to promote social media in their dioceses as one way to link young people with the church. He said the church is losing young people in greater numbers and must face the challenges of how to get the religiously unaffiliated, or “nones,” particularly young people, back to the Catholic Church. The bishop presented a three-minute video on the issue and spoke of his concerns and ideas for bringing young people back to church which involved: not dumbing down the faith and involving young people in the social justice aspects of the church. His presentation led to discussion that lasted for more than an hour with bishops from across the country agreeing that this issue is of great concern and sharing other ideas to bring young people back which primarily involved catechism but also an increased devotion to Mary. Bishop Barron, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, who is known for his website, “Word on Fire,” and for hosting the documentary series “Catholicism,” initially brought up this topic during the bishops’ spring meeting. He
said at the time, and reiterated Nov. 11, that this topic needs to be a priority for the church today. The bishops also heard about societal issues such as gun violence and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, said Catholic clergy and lay leaders can play a role in bringing together people along the rural-urban divide to build understanding of the need for sensible policies that can end the scourge of gun violence. The bishop, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, outlined the USCCB’s long-held stance of the need for “common sense” legislation that governs the availability of guns. But he also said it was time for people to come together so that there is greater understanding of how gun violence affects urban communities in particular. He told Catholic News Service that the USCCB’s work on the legislative front was important, but that a pastoral response to gun violence was needed. “It’s time for a different approach,” he said. In a new approach for the bishops’ pro-life efforts, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, invited his fellow bishops to devote a year of service to pregnant women starting next March. He said Catholic parishes can be one of the first places a woman facing an unexpected or challenging pregnancy can turn to for assistance rather than think of seeking an abortion, and they could offer a variety of support services to women who may be thinking about whether to carry their child to term. The bishops also heard about plans to revise the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ existing Program of Priestly Formation for U.S. dioceses.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
WORLD
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Concern for inmates is obligatory act of mercy, pope says By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
V CNS PHOTO/STEFAN ROUSSEAU, REUTERS
Young people living on the streets of Manila, Philippines, are seen amid garbage May 3, 2019. A Catholic bishop in the Philippines said an increasing number of child workers are exposed to dangerous working conditions.
Filipino child workers face alarming conditions
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ANILA, Philippines (CNS) — A Catholic bishop in the Philippines said an increasing number of child workers are exposed to dangerous working conditions. Ucanews.org reported that Bishop Roberto Mallari of San Jose, chairman of the bishops’ Commission on Catechism and Catholic Education, said the situation was alarming and sad. “The root of this sad reality is poverty and lack of livelihood options,” he said, adding that children have the right to the basic necessities of life that society has failed to provide. “The situation of the suffering children and those who are deprived of their rights and dignity leaves a great challenge to us as a church and
as a society,” Bishop Mallari said. The Labor Department, in a recent report, said there are more than 7,000 child workers, ranging from ages 4 to 17, in and around the capital, Manila. The report said most of the children work as street vendors, while others are engaged in waste management, construction, transportation, domestic work and manufacturing. The report also showed that 24 percent of child laborers are not attending school due to lack of financial support or are not interested in education at all. Meanwhile, estimates put the number of child laborers across the Philippines at more than 2 million. A study by the International Labor Organization found that about 95 percent of these child laborers are engaged in hazardous work.
Bishop Mallari called for a cooperative effort in solving the problems that lead to child labor. “God entrusted to us his beloved children,” he said. “Ours is a task of taking care of them and being with them in their values formation.” In 2018, the U.S. Labor Department warned in a report that a large number of children in the Philippines are still forced into sexual exploitation and drug trafficking. The report, however, noted that the Philippines had made “a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.” It noted that the government had started a process of profiling child laborers and introduced guidelines to remove them from child labor and connect them with the services they need.
Seal of confession unbreakable, says cardinal By Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service
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ANCHESTER (CNS) — Catholic priests would die rather than break the seal of confession to report child abusers to the police, said an English cardinal. Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster told the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse that the English and Welsh bishops would reject any attempts to compel priests to report Catholics who admit to committing sexual abuse during confession. “I think the seal of confession is an essential part of the exercise of priesthood as a nexus between my sinful humanity and the mercy of God, and I would defend the seal of confession absolutely,” he told the inquiry in London Nov. 7. “The history of the Catholic Church has a number of people who’ve been put to death in defense of the seal of
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“THE HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN PUT TO DEATH IN DEFENSE OF THE SEAL OF CONFESSION. IT MIGHT COME TO THAT.” confession,” he continued. “It might come to that. “But the seal of confession is of a sacred nature and it’s at the heart of the priest ministry acting in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Brian Altman, a lawyer for the inquiry, asked Cardinal Nichols, president of
the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, how the church would respond if mandatory reporting of penitents who confessed to abuse were introduced. “If this inquiry, and I am not saying it will, were to recommend, as did the Royal Commission in Australia, breaking the seal of confession, would it be well received by the bishops’ conference?” Altman asked. Cardinal Nichols replied: “It would not be well received. It would be rejected.” He said mandatory reporting would “put every priest in this country in a position of great liability, because a priest would not be able to defend himself if somebody went forward and said, ‘I told Father X that I’m an abuser.’” He said: “Anybody could do that and no priest could defend himself. Therefore, I hope you consider very carefully this matter.” The cardinal added that he never heard anyone confess to abuse during his ministry as a priest and bishop.
ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Visiting the imprisoned is an act of mercy that has implications for all Christians and not just those involved in prison ministry, Pope Francis said. Speaking Nov. 8 to participants at an international meeting of national and regional directors of Catholic prison ministries, Pope Francis urged greater efforts to reform prison systems, address the root causes of crime and ensure acceptance and reintegration once a person completes his or her sentence. “The whole church in fidelity to the mission received from Christ” is called to show the most vulnerable people the mercy of God, the pope said. “We will be judged on this.” While not arguing against all prison sentences, Pope Francis urged Catholics to reflect on sentencing guidelines and the motivations behind them to ensure they do not promote “a throwaway culture.” “Many times,” he said, societies “in a supposed search for good and for security, seek the isolation and imprisonment of those who act against social norms,” believing that locking them up is “the ultimate solution to the problems of community life.” In that way, he said, people think it “is justified that large amounts of public resources are destined to repress offenders instead of truly seeking to promote the integral development of people, which reduces the circumstances that favor committing illegal acts.” “It is easier to repress than to educate and, I would say, it is more comfortable too,” Pope Francis told the group. “Denying the injustice present in society and creating these spaces to put offenders is easier than offering equal development opportunities to all citizens.” The aim of a prison sentence should be to educate and prepare people to return eventually to society as law-abiding and contributing citizens, he said, but that often is not the case because of a lack of “resources to address the social, psychological and family problems experienced by detainees.” “You cannot talk about paying a debt to society from a jail cell without windows,” Pope Francis said. “There is no humane punishment without a horizon. No one can change their life if they don’t see a horizon. And so many times we are used to blocking the view of our inmates.” “Take this image of the windows and the horizon,” the pope told the prison ministers, “and ensure that in your countries the prisons always have a window and horizon; even a life sentence — which for me is questionable — even a life sentence would have to have a horizon,” a way of offering hope to the inmate.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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EMPLOYMENT Bus drivers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of preacademics and social-emotional development, children grow with us, build confidence, and a strong self-esteem. At Special Beginnings, we believe providing the right environment will give children the foundation to be successful in life. Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking a part-time bus driver (15-20 hrs/week; no weekend hours) of a 15-passenger bus to drive children to school and/or pick them up after school. Duties include: safely transport children to and/or from school following ALL safety & security procedures; safely transport children to and from field trips and other off-site activities; follow a planned route on a time schedule; help children get on and off the bus; ensure children stay in their seat at all times; follow traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations; carefully navigate roads and watch for ice, debris or slippery spots; report accidents immediately; maintain “clean” driving record during off hours. We require the following: driver must be at least 25 years old (due to insurance requirements) with a “clean” driving record for at least 2 years; pass a background check; must maintain and practice safe driving and have a “clean” driving record; have patience and understanding when working with children ages 5-12 years old; enjoy working in a child friendly environment. Benefits: competitive benefit package; excellent support and training from an experienced leadership/management team; pay: $11-15/hour depending on experience.
Substitute teachers wanted! - Are you retired from teaching or a teacher staying home to raise children? Could you use a few extra dollars? The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is looking for faith-filled substitute teachers at all levels from pre-K through 12th grade in our Catholic schools. We have many opportunities for the right candidate, and you can prioritize the schools, subjects and grades you wish to serve. Applicants should hold a Kansas teaching license, or be eligible for an emergency substitute license. For questions regarding substitute teaching, contact (913) 721-1570. To complete the application, go online to: www.archkckcs.org and click on “Employment.” Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 3564849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org. Volunteers - Do you want to have more meaning in your life, do something that is satisfying and of great service to your community? Become a volunteer at Saint John Hospital. “Music and art therapy - activities galore” — Volunteers needed for the Senior behavioral unit. For more information, call (913) 596-4195.
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School cafeteria workers – Holy Spirit School is seeking school cafeteria workers willing to learn all duties in assigned areas including: production; preparation; storage of food/supplies; accountability; and safety/sanitation. Workers may perform sales transactions and must interact with students in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Compliance with sanitation and safety requirements is essential, and basic math skills are required. Shifts will be Monday – Friday during the lunch hour when school is in session. Previous kitchen/cafeteria experience preferred but not required. If interested, please contact Larry at: lgroce@hscatholic.org to schedule an interview.
Community assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of day service assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.
Elementary school principal – St. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood is seeking an individual to serve as principal with demonstrated skills in spiritual and instructional leadership in Catholic schools beginning with the 2020-21 school year. The successful applicant will provide leadership, direction and oversight to teachers and staff, as well as set goals and ensure successful completion of learning objectives for students. The principal will also establish and execute the school budget and be responsible for hiring teachers and staff and managing disciplinary and other personnel issues. Applicants must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org. Select “Employment” and “Principal Application” and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vincent Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy,, Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.
General office assistant - Established company looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented general office assistant. Position involves customer care; ordering product; receiving; shipping; filing; invoicing; and other duties as assigned. QuickBooks knowledge is a plus. The company is also looking for someone with computer skills as well as ability to do light lifting. Dependable transportation is a must. Qualified candidates would demonstrate dependability, trustworthiness and excellent customer service abilities. If interested, send resume to: yourcareer101@gmail.com. Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: Assisted Transportation.com. EEO. Service technicians - Established company is growing their business and looking for enthusiastic and detail-oriented service technicians. This position involves small equipment servicing at corporate customers; electrical knowledge a plus. Position involves lifting and walking as well as regional travel; dependable transportation is a must. The qualified candidates would have demonstrated dependability, trustworthiness and customer service abilities. If interested, send resume to: yourcareer101@gmail.com. Administrative assistant - Looking for something new? Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com. Enrollment manager – Resurrection Catholic School is seeking a part-time enrollment manager for the 201920 school year. This individual must be fluent in both English and Spanish. The ideal candidate is organized, a self-starter, has strong written and verbal communication skills, feels comfortable initiating and maintaining conversation with others, and has experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Marketing and sales experience are an asset. Interested applicants should send a resume to principal Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org.
HOME IMPROVEMENT The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Interior painting Update your ceilings and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Cracks repaired with no mess! Serving the Leaven readers for over 25 years. Call Jerry anytime at (913) 206-1144. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. Popcorn ceiling removal - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years’ experience. Call Jerry anytime: (913) 206-1144. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118. Quality work - Kitchens, bathrooms, painting and home repairs. Nothing too big or too small. Insured. Call Jimmy at (913) 206-4524.
DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions. All interior and exterior work. Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned. Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. (913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net
SERVICES Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. 2 Blond Chicks Home cleaning service You dirty it, we clean it. Jackie, (559) 816-4398 Janice, (913) 265-9448 Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit montemacedisability.com. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Loving marital mediation - Retired Catholic lawyer and certified mediator will mediate your marriage to MEND IT - NOT END IT. Mary Ellen Rose. (913) 381-6400. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. 8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002
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Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. ??Caregiver/retired nurse/housekeeper - Looking for live-in nursing job beginning the first of the year. Will maintain the home and care for client so he/she can stay in home. Has years of nursing experience. Call (913) 6021289. Caregiver - CNA has many years of experience with elderly and dementia patients. Will do meal prep, doctor appointments, errands, medication setup and companionship. Call Johnna at (816) 786-1093.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
PILGRIMAGE Holy Land pilgrimage - Join our Holy Land pilgrimage, led by Father Brian Frain, SJ, Thomas More Center for Catholic Thought and Culture director, and Father Thomas Curran, SJ, Rockhurst University president, June 12 - 22, 2020. For more information, email Mary Beth Cary at: mary.cary@rockhurst.edu, or call her at (816) 501- 4140.
REAL ESTATE We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com WE SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market. Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblau fuss@remax.net. Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.
Erin Barrett, Agent www.InsureKCMetro.com
Call or Text: (913) 648-1100 | erin@insurekcmetro.com | St. Joseph Parishioner 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee, KS 66216 | Bishop Ward Alum
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR TALK ON ST. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN Holy Angels Parish 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Sister Kathleen Dietz, FSO, will make a presentation on the newly canonized saint as preacher, friend, convert and Catholic. There is no charge to attend.
USM FALL LUNCHEON Grand Street Cafe 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.
The KC Alumni Council of the University of Saint Mary invites alumni, family and friends to its fall luncheon honoring Sister Susan Rieke, professor emerita of language and literature. The cost is $35 per person; additional contributions benefit students scholarships. RSVP to Maxine Mitchell Staggs at: Maxinestaggs@gmail.com or call (816) 304-3268.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Nov. 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Following a Memorial Mass, there will be a business meeting and a social. If anyone knows of a member or family member in need of the circle’s prayers, call Bobbie Graff-Hendrixeson at (785) 271-0145. If you are interested in or would like more information about Daughters of Isabella, call Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
panionship. No RSVP is needed. We can help each other ease the pain and get through this time in life. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail.com
‘GIVING TRANSFORMS YOU’ Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish 106 Exchange St., Emporia Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Come listen to Bill Eckert and others speak at this seminar on planned giving and enjoy lunch during this educational talk. Learn about ways to minimize the effect of taxes, maximize your legacy and be transformed by giving. For an agenda, details and to register, go online to: www.archkck.org/Emporia Seminar or call (913) 647-0365.
FALL CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
A variety of items will be available for sale, including: quilts, tea towels, table runners, placemats and many other craft items. There will also be homemade cookies, candies, rolls and breads. Homemade soup and cinnamon rolls will be on sale and served during the sale.
ADVENT RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Nov. 22 - 24
The retreat will begin Friday, Nov. 22, at 5:30 p.m. and end on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 4:30 p.m. Take time to prepare for the coming of our Lord on this Advent retreat. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. There are cabins/ courtyard rooms: $170 single/$150 couple or single guest rooms for $80. To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.
TAKE-A-LOOK THURSDAY Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Nov. 21 from 9 - 11 a.m.
Join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a learning environment that is welcoming and Christcentered. For more information, call Anita Pauls at (913) 492-2582 or send an email to: apauls@hscatholic.org.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION RETREAT Conception Abbey Guest Center 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, MO Nov. 22 - 24
Experience the intimacy, joy and peace of being reconciled with God. For more information or to register, call (660) 944-2809 or go online to: guests@conception.edu.
HIGH ADVENTURES Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (St. Vincent’s Building - 2nd floor) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Nov. 17 from 4 - 5 p.m.
Venturing is a high adventure outdoor organization for males and females ages 14 - 20 who would like to develop leadership skills and earn awards. Adventures include sailing in the Florida Keys, kayaking local rivers, hiking, caving, repelling and more. For more information, call Venturing adviser Irene Haws at (785) 249-1913 or send an email to: irene@idesighgs.com. Parents are welcome.
ANNUAL ST. CECILIA MUSIC FESTIVAL Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
Come enjoy an afternoon of choral music and singing hymns of faith at the 11th annual St. Cecilia Music Festival. The cost to attend is a freewill donation.
SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Johnson County Central Resource Library (Conference Room 1) 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park Nov. 18 at 6:45 p.m.
A $35 fee is charged for this introductory class and may also be applied toward the cost of a complete NFP class series offered by the Couple to Couple League. To preregister for the class, as required, send an email to Alison and Allen Greenlief at: aagreenlief @gmail.com.
WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join other women of faith for lunch and com-
HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. Father Peter Jaramillo will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
BRIDGES TO CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING WITH THOMAS MERTON Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Nov. 21 from 10:30 a.m.
Various selections from Thomas Merton will be used to awaken insight and wisdom for the journey toward spiritual transformation and a more peace-filled life. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go online to: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR THOSE LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 S. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Nov. 22 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Living with a chronic illness can be challenging. Join a group that will support you on your journey. Find a sense of spiritual healing and renewal when we gather for meditative prayer and contemplative sharing. For more information or to RSVP, go online to: www.pbrenewalcenter. org/events-news/ or call (816) 415-3745.
their Nativity sets. For more information, call Julie at (913) 515-0675.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner Dec. 8 from 7:30 - 10 a.m.
Come enjoy fun and fellowship and eat a hot and hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and all the fixings. The cost is: $6 for adults; $3 for kids 6 - 12; and kids 5 and under eat for free.
DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 2nd and 4th Sundays from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self, which helps us fulfill the call to love again. Various topics will be discussed. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ giftofself143 or send an email to: called tolove143@gmail.com. There will be no meeting on Dec. 22.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE Johnson County area Twice monthly
‘PRAYERFUL PAUSES - PRAYING WITH OUR LOVED ONES IN THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Nov. 21 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Remembering the stories of our deceased loved ones keeps their love alive. We will talk about how they touched our lives and how we are giving witness to their influence today. The day will begin with spiritual sharing and joining the Sisters in the monastery for lunch. The afternoon will be your time. The $30 fee includes the noon meal. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or go online to: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
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This will be a safe, supportive environment to talk about the impact to your lives, to know you are not alone, and to promote healing. To protect the privacy of potential participants, contact Linda Slater-Trimble for information on days, times and location of meetings by email at: lslater-trimble@archkck.org; or by phone at (913) 298-9244. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
TURKEY BINGO All Saints Parish (hall) 809 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 23 at 5 p.m.
Turkey bingo is sponsored by the Holy Rosary Sodality. For the cost of a $10 donation, you will receive one card, a Polish sausage and kraut sandwich, and a drink.
DUKE MASON IN CONCERT Christ the King Parish 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.
Duke Mason and Lorena Prater will perform in concert as part of a Christ the King day of celebration to raise funds for the Early Education Center. Father Matthew Schiffelbein will make a guest appearance. The cost to attend is a freewill donation.
CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia Dec. 7 and 8 after all Masses
The Sacred Heart Altar Society will hold an Advent craft and bake sale after the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass and the 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Masses on Sunday in the parish hall.
NATIVITY DISPLAY Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 7 after 4 p.m. Mass Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join the Cathedral Parish at its annual Nativity display. There will be over 200 unique Nativity sets on display. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. There will also be a bake sale. All parishioners and non-parishioners are welcome to display
MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st. St., Overland Park Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Come join this group who prays this devotion weekly. Prayer includes the Mother of Perpetual Help novena and Benediction. For more information, call Martin at (913) 213-8810.
CALENDAR submissions CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.
Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.
Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY THIRTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 17 THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Mal 3: 19-20a Ps 98: 5-9 2 Thes 3: 7-12 Lk 21: 5-19 Nov. 18 The Dedication of the Basilicas of Peter and Paul, apostles; Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin 1 Mc 1: 10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 Ps 119: 53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158 Lk 18: 35-43 Nov. 19 Tuesday 2 Mc 6: 18-31 Ps 3: 2-7 Lk 19: 1-10 Nov. 20 Wednesday 2 Mc 7: 1, 20-31 Ps 17: 1bcd, 5-6, 8b, 15 Lk 19: 11-28 Nov. 21 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1 Mc 2: 15-29 Ps 50: 1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 Lk 19: 41-44 Nov. 22 Cecilia, virgin, martyr 1 Mc 4: 36-37, 52-59 (Ps) 1 Chr 29: 10b-12 Lk 19: 45-48 Nov. 23 Clement I, pope, martyr; Columban, abbot; Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priest, martyr 1 Mc 6: 1-13 Ps 9: 2-4, 6, 16b, 19 Lk 20: 27-40
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Birthdays should be a laughing matter
harles Schulz once said, “Just remember: Once you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.” Ain’t that the truth? As I was clearing out a file the other day, I found this card from last year: The front said: “Once upon a time, a very special person was born who was destined to change the world.” Inside was this message: “Calm down! It’s not you; it’s Jesus. I think he’d want you to have a happy birthday, though.” Well, this coming Wednesday, I’ve got another birthday rolling in . . . and it honestly seems like the previous one was only a few weeks ago! Although I can’t control the passage of time, I sure can adjust my attitude toward growing older. Like the card above said, I do think Jesus would want me to have a happy birthday and to celebrate. And the older I get, the longer I drag out the celebration! Last Sunday’s Gospel reminded us that our God is “God of
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MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
the living.” A birthday reminds me of the gift I most take for granted: being alive. A birthday makes me thankful, especially for my mom and dad, but also for the many people who have touched my life and formed me into the person I am today. In our world, which seems so often filled with bad news, we need reasons to celebrate the good more than ever. Particularly as Catholics, Pope Francis has
invited us to rediscover the joy of the Gospel. He embodies that by his gentle smile and welcoming personality. He represents a corrective to an issue that bothered the late humorist Erma Bombeck. Apparently, one Sunday in church, she was seated behind a small child who was turning around and smiling at everyone — not misbehaving, mind you, just smiling. Suddenly, the kid’s mom spun him around and “whispered” loudly, “Stop that grinning! You’re in church!” With that, she smacked his bottom and, when the tears streamed down his cheek, said, “That’s better!” Then, she re-
turned to her prayers. Bombeck’s reaction bears pondering: “We sing, we make a joyful noise unto the Lord while our faces reflect the sadness of one who has just buried a rich aunt who left everything to her pregnant hamster. “Suddenly, I was angry. It occurred to me the entire world is in tears and, if you’re not, then you’d better get with it. I wanted to grab this child with the tear-stained face close to me and tell him about my God, the happy God, the smiling God, the God who had to have a sense of humor to have created the likes of us. “What a fool, I thought, this woman sitting next to the only sign of hope — the only miracle — left in our civilization. If this child couldn’t smile in church, where was there left to go?” (Found in William J. Bausch’s “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”) My birthday reminds me of the joy I’m called to radiate because I’m a Christian . . . and so incredibly blessed. My
birthday humbles me to acknowledge I couldn’t get through this life without the grace of God and the support of so many people. Each birthday, as I look forward to another year of life, I pray for “enough,” using these words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “Health enough to make work a pleasure. Wealth enough to support my needs. Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them. Grace enough to confess my sins and forsake them. Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished. Charity enough to see some good in my neighbor. Love enough to move me to be useful and helpful to others. Faith enough to make real the things of God. Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.” Sure, I’m over the hill and picking up speed, but not without a joyful shout of “Wheeeeeeeee!”
‘Day of the Lord’ can bring victory — or judgment
ow does God decide? When Notre Dame plays Texas Christian, who will win the game? We often tend to assume that God is on our side. Surely, God thinks the same way that we do. We are not the first to take such an approach. The ancient Israelites believed that God would fight with them against their enemies. After all, the Lord is the God of Israel. The day of battle on which God would come to their aid, the Israelites called “the day of the Lord.” For example, in the Book of Isaiah the prophet, God promises to destroy Israel’s enemy, Babylon: “Howl, for the day of the Lord is near; as destruction from the Almighty it comes.
IN THE BEGINNING
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
Therefore all hands fall helpless, the bows of the young men fall from their hands” (Is 13:6-7a). Similarly, the Book of Ezekiel the prophet predicts destruction for
another enemy of Israel, Egypt: “For near is the day, near is the day of the Lord; a day of clouds, doomsday for the nations shall it be. Then a sword shall come upon Egypt, and anguish shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain fall in Egypt, when her riches are seized and her foundations are overthrown” (Ez 30:3-4). Eventually, the prophets of Israel began to understand that the day
POPE FRANCIS The Catholic Church must follow Jesus’ command to preach the Gospel to every person, otherwise it will not fulfill its mission of bearing witness to Christ, Pope Francis said. In an excerpt of a new book-length interview published Nov. 4 by Fides, news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the pope said the phrase he uses — “a church on the move” — is not meant to be a “fashionable expression” but a summary of the church’s mission.
of the Lord could also come as punishment for their own sins. During the day of the Lord, God would exercise judgment on the people of Israel. That is the idea that we see operating in Sunday’s first reading, Mal 3:19-20a: “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire.” This understanding continued on into the time of the New Testament. Two Sundays ago, we heard a reference to it in the second reading, from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians: “We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly,
or to be alarmed either by a ‘spirit’ or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand” (1:11 – 2:2). We might note that here the notion of the day of the Lord combines with the return of Christ, the second coming. It is the day of judgment, when Christ will act as judge of the living and the dead. Besides warning about the coming judgment of the wicked, the passage from Malachi also offers hope for the righteous: “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” As Christians, we can identify the sun of justice with Jesus Christ. He is the one who can shine his light in the midst of a day of doom.
“The church is either on the move or she is not [the] church. Either she evangelizes or she is not [the] church. If the church is not on the move, she decays, she becomes something else,” he said. The book, titled “Without Him, We Can Do Nothing: A Conversation About Being Missionaries in Today’s World,” was released in Italian bookstores Nov. 5. It was written by Gianni Valente, a journalist for Fides. Reflecting on evangelization, the pope said that to evangelize means to deliver Christ’s teachings “in simple and precise words like the apostles did” without the need to “invent persuasive discourses.” — CNS
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Have your eyes been opened to those waiting on the peripheries?
uring Mass on Oct. 6, I hit a wall! All of a sudden, I experienced this overwhelming physical sense of exhaustion. The time spent at the archdiocesan convocation up to that point had been fast-paced and intense, incredibly uplifting, inspiring and validating! Yet, I was tired! I thought, “I’m not sure I’m going to make it.” I looked around the vast convention space filled with a wonderful representation of diversity from every parish in our archdiocese participating in holy Mass with Archbishop Naumann as the main celebrant.
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REACHING OUT
TOM RACUNAS Tom Racunas is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: tracunas@archkck.org.
One thousand five hundred and ninety-nine people were probably
just as tired as I was. They inspired me to ignore my fatigue and focus on experiencing the miracle of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist once again. So proud to be Catholic! We are missionary disciples. As the archbishop so powerfully but simply stated, we are
called “to grow as disciples of Jesus and make disciples for Jesus.” My heart was enflamed! St. Mother Teresa was walking down a street in Calcutta with yet another journalist who was doing a story about her work. Suddenly, the journalist realized that Mother Teresa was not beside him. He turned back and saw her bent down over a man lying in the curb of the street where they had been walking. He rushed to her side and said, “Mother, I am so sorry. I didn’t even see him.” Mother Teresa said, “That’s because you were not looking for him.” It seems to me if our hearts are enflamed,
our eyes will be open to see those to whom we should reach out (in convocation language, our 3, 12 and 72) — to those on the peripheries, to those who are longing for a place to belong, to those who need an invitation to come home! Obviously, my desire is that we enflame our hearts and open our eyes to find those people with disabilities and their families who still do not feel welcomed and valued in our parishes. The third goal of the archbishop’s mutually shared vision states that by the beginning of this Advent (less than one month away now), each parish is asked to begin to plan for outreach to people with disabilities
to ensure their participation in the liturgy and faith formation including sacramental preparation. There is good progress toward the goal. The more I get to know our priests, the more I can see that they are aware of and sensitive to the pastoral needs of people with disabilities. Twenty-two parishes have advocates for people with disabilities. Several parishes have established special-needs committees. Individuals and families have expressed their deep gratitude! We are growing as disciples of Jesus, making disciples for Jesus. Come Holy Spirit, enflame our hearts!
When parenting is not possible, adoption is a loving option
recently heard an interesting talk about the history of adoption in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City was once considered the “baby hub” of the United States, placing about 1,000 babies a year by 1950 (kchistory.org). Kansas City’s simplified court adoption system and railroads connecting rural communities to the city were the two main reasons that parents from across the country would send their pregnant, unwed daughters to one of the many maternity homes in the area. Once attitudes and laws began to change in the ’60s and ’70s, most of these homes closed.
LIFE MATTERS
DEBRA NIESEN Debra Niesen is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.
Though times were very different than today, we pray this history was kind to the babies and mothers involved. November is National
Adoption Awareness Month. As people of faith, we know that adoption is a loving and beautiful way for a child to be welcomed into a family. We ask God to bless all of those whom adoption is a part of their life story — an adopted child or a child waiting
for their “forever home,” parents placing their child for adoption, adoptive families, couples in waiting and those with a loved one touched by adoption. Though there are trials and uncertainties involved in every adoption, our Catholic community needs to celebrate and share the message that adoption is a beautiful option! Unfortunately, there is much work to be done. It is estimated that for every infant that is adopted in the U.S., another 61 babies are aborted. As pro-life people, it is difficult for us to understand this statistic, especially when we know there are around
two million couples waiting to adopt in the U.S. Studies show that a woman in a crisis pregnancy will not consider adoption for many reasons that are often very complicated. Therefore we, as the body of Christ, must share positive adoption messaging in our culture to help her see that when parenting is not possible, adoption is a courageous and loving option for her, the baby and a waiting family. Adoption is free to the biological mother and there are numerous resources to help her through a process that may seem overwhelming. Education is always
key to help a woman know that tremendous good can come from this gift of self. You can help support adoption this month by sharing positive adoption messages on social media and educating yourself and others. I recommend watching the documentary “I Lived On Parker Avenue,” (ILivedOnParkerAve. com) to hear one of many adoption success stories. Finally, invoke the intercession of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, for all touched by adoption. Perhaps Kansas City can once again be an adoption leader in the U.S., this time due to our culture of love and life!
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NOVEMBER 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
Veteran says ‘Little Flower’ kept him alive during months of bombing runs By Dave Hrbacek Catholic News Service
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EW HOPE, Minn. (CNS) — A German Messers c h m i t t fighter plane was bearing down on Don Stoliel’s B-17 bomber as he flew a mission during World War II. Stoliel, the pilot, looked out the windshield of his cockpit and saw the enemy plane zooming straight at him with machine guns blazing. “This is it,” he thought, as he braced for the barrage of bullets that he expected to blast through the glass and tear into his body. It didn’t happen. Not one piece of lead penetrated the cockpit. The reason? Stoliel, a member of Sacred Heart in Robbinsdale, believes he had a layer of protection no German machine gun could penetrate — a first-class relic of St. Therese of Lisieux. Tucked into the pocket of his uniform pants, it was with him on every mission. He believes St. Therese kept him alive in the cockpit during six months of bombing runs that ended in 1944 when he reached the end of his tour of duty and returned to the United States. The then-22-year-old got the relic from a chaplain, Father Edmund Skoner, at an airfield in Molesworth, England, shortly after arriving in December 1943. After surviving 31 bombing missions into Germany, Stoliel came to believe that St. Therese was watching over him. He escaped several close calls and saw other planes flying near his get hit and go down. Nary a bullet touched his cockpit. Only once did a member of his 10-man crew get injured. None were killed. “St. Therese, oh, she took care of us — absolutely,” Stoliel told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “She means just about everything because I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for St. Therese.” Today, the 98-year-old, who married after the war and had four children with his late wife, Shirley, is as passionate as ever about his favorite saint, “The Little Flower.” Fittingly, he lives at a facility in New Hope that
CNS PHOTO/DAVE HRBACEK, CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Don Stoliel of Sacred Heart Parish in Robbinsdale, Minn., holds a picture of himself Sept. 6, 2019, which was taken near the end of his tour of duty in World War II as a B-17 bomber pilot. He carried a relic of St. Therese of Lisieux in the cockpit during all of his 31 missions and credits the saint for his survival.
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“ST. THERESE, OH, SHE TOOK CARE OF US — ABSOLUTELY. SHE MEANS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING BECAUSE I WOULDN’T BE HERE NOW IF IT WASN’T FOR ST. THERESE.” bears her name: St. Therese of New Hope. He has told his story numerous times, both to Sacred Heart parishioners and students at Sacred Heart Catholic School. Stoliel crossed paths with the relic by chasing his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot. He had what he called “a romance with the clouds.” Growing up in Olivia about two hours west of the Twin Cities, he often would run out of his house to watch World War I-era planes fly overhead. After graduating from high school in 1938, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1940 with the hope of becoming a pilot. He was placed into the regular Army after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Transferred to
Camp Haan in California, he noticed a nearby aviation training facility called March Field. “I used to watch those B-17s take off over at March Field,” he said. “My body was in Camp Haan; my heart was over there across the road at March Field. I wanted to get in the [Army] Air Corps.” It took some persistence. Initially, he was assigned to operate anti-aircraft artillery. That landed him in Alaska, where U.S. forces were anticipating a Japanese attack. For several months, it looked as though his military tour would involve firing at enemy fighter planes. “But, I still had my heart in the air,” he said. “I wanted to do that more than anything else in the world.”
With the help of a commanding officer, he was able to go to Anchorage to apply for aviation cadet training in the Army Air Corps (now called the Air Force). He was rejected the first time because of a medical condition, but eventually passed in June 1942. The news “was like going to heaven,” he said. Once in flight school, he chose to be a bomber pilot and was assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group in Molesworth. There he met the chaplain who gave him the relic. Stoliel wants to make sure his story — especially the part about the relic — lives on. After carrying the relic in his pocket for decades after coming home, he gave it to the pastor of Sacred Heart, Father Bryan Pedersen, three years ago. The two met just a week after Father Pedersen came to Sacred Heart in 2008. They forged a friendship through weekly breakfasts at a local restaurant after morning Mass, and built a trust that motivated Stoliel to place the relic in his pastor’s care. “I just felt humbled that
he would want me to have that relic,” Father Pedersen said. Meanwhile, Stoliel continues his devotion to St. Therese. He currently is reading her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” and also makes regular visits to a smaller, secondary prayer space at his care facility called Little Flower Chapel. He goes to this chapel for Mass twice a week and tries to stop by daily to acknowledge the saint’s help in the cockpit of his B-17. “I go by there and I’ll say, ‘Thank you, Therese, for 31,’” he said. “She got me through those 31 missions without a scratch. There were some mighty, mighty, mighty close calls.” Father Pedersen is glad to have the chance to know someone from what is known as The Greatest Generation. Stoliel is “a man of service, and dedicated to country, to family and to his faith, the Catholic faith in particular,” he said. “We need more men like Don Stoliel today. Our world, our country would be far better off.”
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