THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 17 | NOVEMBER 29, 2019
ADVENT
With Advent just around the corner, Teresa Wobker (age 4), left, and Rachel Wobker (age 5) practice their candle lighting skills on the traditional Advent wreath. They are the children of Brett and Emily Wobker, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. Advent begins on Dec. 1.
NO LEAVEN NEXT WEEK PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no Leaven on Dec. 6. The next issue of The Leaven will be on Dec. 13.
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ARCHBISHOP
Beauty in art, music leads us to the Creator
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his past Friday on the feast of St. Cecilia, the patroness of music, I celebrated a Mass at the invitation of the St. Cecilia Guild of the Catholic Fine Arts Council, for pastoral musicians, cantors and choir members. I shared with the congregation that my being the celebrant of the Mass is another confirmation that God has a sense of humor. The music professor during my college seminary years began the semester by declaring that he could teach anyone to sing. By the end of the semester, he called a few of us aside and asked: “Do you know what happens to seminarians who cannot sing?” With much apprehension, we replied: “No!” Our music professor reassured us by responding: “As far as I can tell, we ordain many of them!” Recently, at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting in Baltimore, Bishop Robert Barron, the chairman of our Evangelization and Catechesis Committee, gave a presentation in which he proposed five pathways by which we can evangelize young adults. First, he encouraged us to engage young people in the church’s social justice apostolate, providing them with opportunities to serve at crisis pregnancy centers, soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, prison ministry, the care of creation, etc. Bishop Barron suggested that we use these ministries, toward which many young adults already have a natural passion, to engage them with the church and to combine their desire to serve with some catechesis about the church’s rich social justice theology. Bishop Barron suggested another pathway is not to “dumb down” the faith for young adults but, instead, to share with young adults the rich intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church. A third pathway, Bishop Barron proposed, was vibrant, attractive parishes that are mission-oriented. A fourth pathway, Bishop Barron suggested, is to use wisely social media
Confirmation — St. Gregory, Marysville, and St. Malachy, Beattie Dec. 10 Staff open house
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN and other modern means of communication to evangelize young adults. A fifth recommended pathway for our evangelization of young adults is beauty. The five proposed pathways include the transcendentals — truth, goodness and beauty. Bishop Barron recommended: “The best evangelical strategy is one that moves from the beautiful to the good and, finally, the true. Especially with our cultural matrix, so dominated by relativism and the valorization of the right to create one’s own system of meaning, commencing with either moral demand or the claim to truth will likely raise insuperable blocks in the person one wishes to evangelize.” Similarly, Pope Emeritus Benedict suggested some years ago that many are weary of intellectual arguments but are open to beauty. Bishop Barron echoed Pope Benedict’s insight: “There is something unthreatening about the beautiful.” Recently, I participated in a Donnelly College board meeting where we had a lively discussion about displaying art in the new academic building that is under construction. Though there were many points of view about the selection of the particular art for display, there was unanimity about the importance of exposing college students to excellent art. This past September, Bill Donaghy from the Theology of the Body Institute was the principal presenter at the continuing education workshop for our priests. He illustrated his presentations by sharing clips from films. One such clip
was taken from the movie, “The Mission.” This 1986 awardwinning film with a cast that included Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro was based on the evangelization in the 1700s of the Guarini tribe in Paraguay and contiguous countries. Several Jesuit missionaries had failed and some were martyred in their evangelization efforts of the Guarini people. Despite these past failures, the film depicts Father Gabriel (played by Irons) attempting a new evangelization initiative with a very different approach. Upon his arrival in Guarini territory, he is surrounded by a menacing group of warriors. It appears that he is about to meet the same fate as his predecessors, when he begins to play a beautiful and haunting melody on his oboe. The majority of these fierce warriors are disarmed and enchanted by the beauty of the music. The Guarinis welcome Father Gabriel and his teaching about the source of all beauty. A key element of the successful evangelization of this indigenous people was the formation of incredibly talented musicians and choirs. Beauty has the ability to create in us a yearning for its source — the Creator whose imprint is on the spectacular beauty of the natural world. Every true artist, whether of the visual or the performing arts, derives his or her inspiration from the divine artist. Beauty moves the heart of the viewer or listener. It inspires a celebration of joy. In my visits to parish communities, I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of the liturgy when it is properly celebrated. I am grateful for all those who contribute to the beauty of the liturgical music in
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Dec. 1 Pastoral visit — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Dec. 3 Wyandotte regional priests meeting Administrative Team meeting Dec. 4 Catholic Education Foundation parents Mass and dinner Dec. 5 Confirmation — St. Theresa, Westphalia; St. Patrick, Emerald; St. Francis Xavier, Burlington; and St. Joseph, Waverly Dec. 6 Deacon formation evening prayer and social hour — Savior Pastoral Center Dec. 7 St. Lawrence board meeting, Mass and social Dec. 8 Pastoral visit — St. Malachy, Beattie, and St. Gregory, Marysville
our parishes. In the Office of Readings for the feast of St. Cecilia, there is a beautiful reflection on Psalm 33 by St. Augustine. I conclude by sharing a portion of St. Augustine’s discourse: “Praise the Lord with lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song. Rid yourself of what is old and worn out, for you know a new song. A new man, a new covenant — a new song. This new song does not belong to the old man. Only the new man learns it: the man restored from his fallen condition through the grace of God, and now sharing in the new covenant, that is, the kingdom of heaven. To it, all our love now aspires and sings a new song. Let us sing a new song not with our lips but with our lives. “Sing to him a new song, sing to him with joyful melody. Every one of us tries to discover how to sing to God. You must sing to him, but you must sing well. He does
Dec. 11 Serra Club leadership meeting Lunch with Kansas City, Kansas, Serra Club Confirmation — St. Dominic, Holton, and St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta Dec. 12 St. James Academy Mass Catholic Education Foundation board meeting and social Dec. 13 Juvenile Correctional Facility visit Dec. 14 Deacon community Mass and lunch — Savior Pastoral Center Pastoral visit — Holy Family and St. John the Baptist parishes, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 15 Vespers, blessing and dinner — Sacred Heart, Emporia Dec. 16 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Confirmation — Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca
not want your voice to come harshly to his ears, so sing well, brothers! “If you were asked, ‘Sing to please this musician,’ you would not like to do so without having taken some instruction in music, because you would not like to offend an expert in the art. An untrained listener does not notice the faults a musician would point out to you. Who, then, will offer to sing well for God, the great artist whose discrimination is faultless, whose attention is on the minutest detail, whose ear nothing escapes? When will you be able to offer him a perfect performance that you will in no way displease such a supremely discerning listener? “See how he himself provides you with a way of singing. Do not search for words, as if you could find a lyric which would give God pleasure. Sing to him ‘with songs of joy.’ This is singing well to God, just singing songs of joy.”
Treat yourself to an Advent retreat
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ed up with the commercialization surrounding Christmas? Struggling with grief amid the holiday cheer? Several retreats at the Sophia Spirituality Center in Atchison and the Marillac Center in Leavenworth offer time for quiet prayer, guided reflection and a break from the chaos this Advent season.
Atchison • Sister Mary Pat Johnson, SCL, will lead a silent retreat called “Entering into the Season of Advent Light,” from Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. to Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Participants will explore ways the light of Christ touches our daily lives during Advent. Time for personal prayer and small group faith sharing will be provided. The fee of $150 (with a $40 deposit) includes a room and meals. • During the “Finding the Sacred Through Depression” retreat, Sharon Highberger, chaplain, grief counselor, spiritual director and author, will share an inspired pathway out of clinical depression. The retreat will begin on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and end on Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Participants are invited to hear about the value of deepening spiritual practices to find new hope and discover one’s own path to the God of grace and compassion. The fee of $140 (with a $75 deposit) includes a private room and meals. Go online to: www.mountosb. org/ministries/sophia-spiritualitycenter to register or for more info.
Leavenworth • “Linger over Coffee” will occur on Tuesdays during Advent (Dec. 3, 10 and 17) from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Team members will facilitate presentations based on the theme “In the bleak winter . . . darkness to light.” Participants will have time for input, prayer and conversation and can attend one or more sessions. A freewill offering can be made, and advance registration is not required. Email: retreats@scls. org or call (913) 758-6552. • Marillac Center will offer an opportunity for silent retreat days in early December. Participants can enjoy a single day retreat on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or a two-day retreat from Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. to Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. The single day retreat is $35 per person and includes a noon meal. The extended version is $100 per person and includes overnight accommodations and meals. For an additional fee of $40, participants can meet with one of five spiritual directors. Email: retreats@scls.org or call (913) 680-2342. • Sister Charlotte White, SCL, will facilitate the Advent Day of Prayer on Dec. 7 in the Ross Chapel at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth motherhouse. The theme will be: “The Longing That Is Advent.” Two conferences will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. with time for reflection and silence. The day will conclude with Mass at 3:45 p.m. The fee is $35 and includes lunch. Reservations are requested by Dec. 2. Email: staylor@slcs.org or call (913) 758-6572. Go online to: www.marillaccenter. org to register or for more info.
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NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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PASSING THE TORCH
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
New archdiocesan legal counsel Chris Arth and retiring legal counsel Jeanne Gorman discuss archdiocesan business. Gorman served as legal counsel for the past 15 years. Arth has been the parish administrator at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood for the past 16 years.
New legal counsel ‘where God wants him’ By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In his work as parish administrator for St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, Chris Arth was involved in just about everything that happened at the parish. He did this for 16 years. And he loved it. But recently, another opportunity came along and it seemed that God was moving him toward another role — that of legal counsel for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Arth took the matter to prayer — and got his answer. On Nov. 4, Arth began as legal counsel for the archdiocese. He succeeds Jeanne Gorman, who served in that role for 15 years. “Many times, I’ve said, ‘Jesus, I trust in you,’ and I trust this is where he wants me to be,” he said.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was pleased with the hire. “Chris comes with great legal acumen but also an understanding of the church and its culture,” said the archbishop, “and I think that’s going to be a big benefit. “He really understands the legal issues important to the church, and he understands the culture of the church, which is not easy for someone who hasn’t worked closely in the church to understand.” Chris and his wife Dana have five children, two still at home. One of them attends St. James Academy in Lenexa. They moved to Overland Park four years ago, but St. Michael is still their home parish. Dana works for Blue Cross in Kansas City, Missouri. Arth went to the University of Kansas and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business >> See “ARTH” on page 10
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
‘I was practicing law with a Catholic twist’ By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It almost goes without saying that when you’re an attorney, your job is about the law. But that’s not quite right, according to Jeanne Gorman, archdiocesan legal counsel for the past 15 years. It’s also about people. And in her work, she has met a lot of really wonderful people. “I enjoyed the work; I enjoyed the people,” said Gorman, a member of St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village. “I was committed to try to assist them with the legal needs of those who serve the archdiocese. I always said it was practicing law with a Catholic twist.” Gorman was succeeded by Chris Arth on Nov. 4. She will remain available to help Arth with the transition until the end of the year. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
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
had high praise for Gorman. “Jeanne has a real love for the church,” said the archbishop. “She is a person of integrity, has a great understanding of the law and is very intelligent. Because of her years of experience, she became very familiar with the particular issues that are important to the church.” One of Gorman’s great accomplishments was overseeing the legal reorganization of the archdiocese. “Sometimes, from the outside, people think the church is very centralized,” said the archbishop. “But in many ways, we’re a very decentralized organization. We went through a process of the separate incorporation of the parishes and other entities.” Gorman grew up a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor of >> See “ATTORNEY” on page 10 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 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Catholics must challenge end-of-life confusion head on By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven
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ENEXA — On Nov. 3, the Washington Post published an article entitled, “At 94, she was ready to die by fasting. Her daughter filmed it.” The article explains how the woman, Rosemary Bowen, made the decision to end her own life by fasting when a back injury, due to her osteoporosis, prohibited her from living independently any longer. Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, and professor of leadership and Christian ethics, read the article aloud in his address to the fourth annual Catholic Medical Association of Kansas City’s Fall Bioethics Dinner held Nov. 9 at St. James Academy in Lenexa. The Post article, written by staff writer Tara Bahrampour, quotes Bowen’s daughter Mary Beth, saying, “‘She said, ‘I’m sorry, but I have to do what’s right for me.’” Further, in the 16-minute short film, which debuted at the End of Life Expo on Nov. 2, Mary Beth said her mother also wanted to hasten her death because she didn’t want to suffer a long decline in her health and become a burden to her family. “We have to ground ourselves in reality [in discussing end-of-life issues] and the reality is this mindset,” Msgr. Swetland said. “This is what we’re dealing with. “Two things in particular that are part of the American ethos that quite frankly are anti-Gospel are the idea of self-reliance and the idea of control.” But the self-reliance described in the Post article was not a real one. “I don’t want to impose on everybody. I don’t want to be a burden,” he
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON
Monsignor Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, and professor of leadership and Christian ethics, begins his lecture “Respecting the End of Life” at the fourth annual CMA Bioethics Fall Dinner Nov. 9 at St. James Academy in Lenexa. said. “My friends, when did any human person become a burden? There is no human person who ever was, who ever will be, that is a burden.” “A person in need is [. . .] but an opportunity for us to love and serve,” Msgr. Swetland added. He said it is no wonder people think it is a good idea to end their life when society raises children with that anti-Gospel mentality because that’s what it means to be a “good American.” “They feel like they can’t raise themselves up by their bootstraps anymore. Well, they never could. It is that false idea that we achieve what we achieve on our own. No one has ever done anything of merit on their own,” Msgr. Swetland said. “The only thing we can do on our own is sin. Every good act is aided by the grace of God. Jesus himself said, ‘Without me, you can do nothing (Jn 15:5).’” The idea that one has to be self-
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“HOSPITALS DON’T CALL [PRIESTS] ANYMORE. . . . THAT SACRAMENTAL SENSE HAS BEEN LOST AND THAT’S WHERE YOU ALL CAN HELP. SUFFERING IS REAL, AND WE HAVE TO HELP PEOPLE CARRY THAT BURDEN. reliant is something he said has to change. This, in turn, leads to the question of the ethic of life. “Catholics believe in a consistent ethic of life,” Msgr. Swetland said. “It is the right to life from the womb to the
tomb.” “‘Every human being is a person,’” he added, quoting Pope John XXIII. “That means there are no non-persons in our theology.” He went on to discuss the difference between entitlement rights and immunity rights and how it is applied to the difference between providing care and providing treatment, which he said can all be determined by the Golden Rule. “The Golden Rule is how we judge what is disproportionally burdensome. It is not a utilitarian calculation,” he said. “It is: ‘What would we want?’” People should never die alone and should never die without first receiving the sacramental and spiritual care the church can provide, which brings the saving grace of Christ, Msgr. Swetland said. “Hospitals don’t call [priests] anymore. . . . That sacramental sense has been lost and that’s where you all can help,” Msgr. Swetland said. “Suffering is real, and we have to help people carry that burden. “[The Gospel of] John [Chapter] 1 says that Jesus ‘tented with us,’” he said. “We are called to have that kind of attitude toward others, especially those who are suffering. To tent with them, to abide with them, to give an accompanying presence as they make the journey from this life to fullness of life.” Angela Baalmann, a third-year pharmacy school student at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, said Msgr. Swetland’s lecture helped her answer questions she’s had about medical ethics. “I got a lot of insight [from Msgr. Swetland],” Baalmann said. “He has a way of making things sound really clear.” Msgr. Swetland’s full lecture is available online at: catholicmediakc.org.
National collection for retired religious pays dividends at home By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — They educated you in Catholic schools. They cared for you (or a relative) during illness. They provided the sacraments in your parish and served in a plethora of ministries. And now that these members of religious orders are retired, they need your help. On the weekend of Dec. 7 and 8, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will participate in the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection. This is a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office. The fund helps hundreds of religious orders care for aging members — some 30,000 senior religious Sisters, Brothers and priests. Last year, archdiocesan parishioners donated $90,522.71 to the collection. This year, the Servants of Mary Ministers to the Sick in Kansas City, Kansas, and the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison received a combined total of $137,931 from the national collection. The Retirement Fund for Religious was established in 1988 to address the serious lack of retirement savings
On the weekend of Dec. 7 and 8, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will participate in the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection. This is a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office. among U.S. religious communities. For many years, religious served for low wages that did not include retirement benefits — no 401(k) plans and no pensions — so now, their communities face a critical shortage in retirement savings. Moreover, retired religious now outnumber wage-earning members. The
result is that these communities face declining income and rising costs for caring for elderly religious. Nationally, the 2018 appeal raised $27.7 million, and 360 religious congregations across the nation received funding. Distributions are sent to each eligible congregation’s central house. Communities combine this assistance
with their own income and savings, and apply it toward various retirement expenses — such as medications and nursing care. “We are humbled and profoundly grateful for the countless Catholics who honor the service and witness of senior religious through their prayers and generosity,” said Presentation Sisters Stephanie Still, the NRRO executive director. Proceeds from the annual collection allow the NRRO to offer assessment tools, educational programming, series and resources that enable religious communities to evaluate and prepare for long-term retirement needs. The office also coordinates an extensive network of volunteer consultants, including experts in eldercare and financial planning, to help congregations lower costs while enhancing care. “Donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious enable our office to provide financial assistance for an array of direct needs,” said Sister Stephanie. “They also underwrite education and resources that help religious communities stretch retirement dollars and plan for the future.” To learn more, visit the website at: retiredreligious.org.
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
TACKLING HUMAN TRAFFICKING HEAD ON By Marc and Julie Anderson
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EAVENWORTH — Swarming. It’s a military tactic familiar to Army veteran Maria Minchew and John Nelson, both members of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth and their business partner Dr. Rick Morris. The concept is simple: In a well-coordinated and deliberate attack, a target is struck simultaneously from all directions. The trio has seen the technique work successfully against terrorism networks and drug trafficking. The tactic can be used, they said, not only in military operations but also to confront societal problems. In fact, that’s just what the trio hopes to do within the Topeka region as they confront one of the area’s most pressing problems — human trafficking. In December 2017, Minchew was bowled over by an article she read in her archdiocesan paper. The Leaven article — “Think it’s not happening near you? Think again” — focused on human trafficking in the region. “When I read that article, I was stunned,” said Minchew. “I was actually pretty amazed because we were so used to working with the problems down on the border in terms of drug trafficking. I was surprised to see what a network of illicit activity was happening right here in the Kansas City and Topeka areas.” But that wasn’t all. “We studied the article,” said Minchew. “I’ve got notes all over my copy that I still have.” She wasn’t the only one
with that reaction. Around the same time, Nelson and Morris were discussing lessons learned from their antidrug-trafficking efforts and the complexities of fighting transnational crime networks. Then, the article showed up in Nelson’s mailbox. “The article came out and
versations, calls and emails, the three were finally connected to the Rev. Barry Feaker, executive director of the Topeka Rescue Mission, who introduced them to Topeka’s Safe Streets Coalition. Founded in 1995, the coalition’s mission is to create “a healthier community by addressing substance abuse and crime through prevention education and citizen empowerment.” The coalition meets monthly to assess crime and safety issues facing the community. For the past two years, the coalition has partnered with Freedom Now USA to
they can creatively come up with ways to attack that problem and solve it,” said Nelson. “It takes a network of people to beat a network of people,” he added. Earlier this year, the trio sat down with each of the more than 20 sectors identified as having a stake in the communitywide problem, and studied each’s mission, objectives and day-to-day operational details. The information was then shared with the entire coalition in April at a two-day conference. Next, the team turned
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“YOU DON’T FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN A VACUUM. YOU HAVE TO FIGHT IT AS A COMMUNITY. IT’S TIED TO HOMELESSNESS. IT’S TIED TO POVERTY. IT’S TIED TO MORAL DECAY. . . . YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS THEM ALL, OR YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE EFFECTIVE IN THE LONG RUN.” I read it. Maria read it, too, and we forwarded it to Rick,” said Nelson. “At the same time, Rick was talking to some close associates of his from years past who minister at Vineyard Church. They had a counter-trafficking ministry.” “So, there was a collection of these things and events,” Nelson added, “and we said, ‘Maybe we should get involved in this fight and make a difference.’ “We recognized many of the people involved in the drug trafficking trade were also involved in the human trafficking trade.” Through a series of con-
combat human trafficking within the region. After meeting with the coalition, the team learned there was a host of people and organizations already working in areas of prevention and education, victim services and law enforcement. Still, the trio felt the experts could leverage those relationships and more effectively attack the problem using swarming tactics. “Each of [the various sectors] is looking at the problem from its own lens. Together, they can create a holistic picture of what it looks like and, together,
its to attention to the threat networks. For example, one systemmapping exercise involved creating diagrams of how the “supply chain” works and investigated how trafficking relates to neighboring communities such as Lawrence or Kansas City. It also identified the location of vulnerable neighborhoods and addressed the role of drugs within the networks, as well as the connection among the key traffickers. “You don’t fight human trafficking in a vacuum. You have to fight it as a community,” Nelson said. “It’s tied
to homelessness. It’s tied to poverty. It’s tied to moral decay. . . . You have to address them all, or you’re not going to be effective in the long run. One deeply disturbing trend the team has noted is the ease with which illicit human trafficking occurs in plain sight on the internet. In a matter of seconds, a simple internet search can produce a list of “providers” and “services” within the region. The ease of finding such information online, the team said, has led to an increase in pornography use among children, sexual assault of children by other children and trafficking of children by other children. “Human trafficking is extremely profitable because it’s a non-rivaled good, and it’s one that can be repeatedly used,” Morris said. Nelson agreed, adding the average trafficked person is used five to seven times a day. “Run the numbers,” Nelson said, “That one girl can make a trafficker an enormous amount of money.” Relying upon those numbers, Minchew said, an average trafficked woman is assaulted around 3,000 times each year. “You have a woman who is being assaulted five to seven times a day. Every single time, that’s a crime,” Minchew said. “You look at the number of crimes committed. People don’t really wrap their heads around that. Every single time, a woman is bought and violated.” “It’s probably much worse,” she continued, because the numbers are probably underreported. Despite it all, Nelson said they have found much hope and solace in their faith, as well as in the growing awareness of the problem within society. “The community actually gives me hope because you have 20-plus sectors of individuals who have been committed to changing this [system],” he said. “It’s not going to happen overnight. I have hope that they will make a difference. I have hope that all different faith communities have been engaged.” Morris agreed. “It’s begun to cross genders, political divides, religious divides, etc.,” he said. “Things have definitely shifted for the better and this, in turn, is bringing a whole bunch of folks who were not engaged before. “I think by the grace of God we will figure out how to work this problem.”
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NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FAMILY LIFE
Advent activities should prepare us for a much-anticipated guest By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven
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y wife and I began dating in high school. I spent a lot of time around her family and home. (Perhaps her parents wondered, “Is he here again?”) Her grandmother’s Thanksgiving visit from Pennsylvania was always a time of expectation and hope. The children marked off each day on the calendar in expectaTOOLS FOR tion of the FAMILIES day of her Growing as arrival. Disciples of HandJesus m a d e signs and a banner that would be hung in the home to welcome her grandmother were created. A cherry tart and other treats were prepared. When the much-awaited day arrived, the family would go to greet her at the train station. Her presence made family dinners a time of prayer, joy and laughter. This time of anticipation and preparation is somewhat like
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the atmosphere that should be present in our homes in the season of Advent. We look forward to the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day. We prepare to open our hearts in order to welcome Jesus more deeply into our homes and families. Mark down the days from Advent to Christmas with the following tools:
• Advent calendars have a door to open for each day as we move toward Christmas. (Choose one from a religious supply store so that Christ, and not Santa, is the focus.) • Use the traditional Advent wreath, complete with the three purple and one pink candle (one for each week of Advent). Place it on your dinner
table. Before the start of each evening meal, light the candle for the week. Ask God to stir up in your hearts the desire to prepare to receive his Son. • Obtain for personal and family use a book of daily Advent meditations. We should have a family plan to prepare our hearts by consciously offering little acts
of love to others. Here are some suggestions: • Go around the table and share one thing that we are thankful for today in another family member. • Balance out the time spent at pre-Christmas parties at work or with friends and neighbors by preparing food to be served at a local food kitchen, such as St. Mary’s. Offer to go and serve the food to the hungry as a family. • Add your own ideas and traditions on how to celebrate the Advent season. Finally, we prepare to open our hearts and minds to Jesus by receiving the sacrament of reconciliation. Going as a family helps build a faith tradition. Most every parish will have an Advent penance service. It is difficult to not be overwhelmed by our culture’s off-focus center to this beautiful liturgical season and miss the preparation. I promise that if you and your family focus on preparing to welcome Our Lord during the days of Advent, the word “Gloria” sung at Christmas Mass will seem as if sung by angels and bring true joy to your hearts.
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NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Mary plays unique role in salvation history
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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ittle is written in the New Testament about Mary, the mother of Jesus, yet Catholics around the world have had a special relationship with her since the time she walked the earth. What do we really know about Mary, and why was she chosen to answer God’s call in such a unique way? The Leaven spoke with Father Jerry Williams, O. Carm., pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Scipio and St. Therese Parish in Richmond, about Mary’s life and impact on Catholicism. Q: Before she became the mother of God, who was Mary? A: We don’t know much factually about Mary, other than what we can gather from the few times she’s mentioned in the Gospel, said Father Jerry. “She would’ve been a young woman who would’ve been immersed in Jewish faith and culture,” he explained. “That would’ve been what prepared her to be open to hearing God’s word.” Father Jerry said it’s safe to presume that Mary was raised in a faithful Jewish family with exposure to Hebrew Scripture but no formal study. “[Her knowledge] would’ve been more through hearing it discussed and then seeing it lived out in the practical dayto-day experience of being part of a Jewish family,” he said. Q: Why did God choose Mary, in particular, to be the mother of Jesus? A: Although God could’ve chosen anyone to be the mother of Jesus, he prepared Mary, who was born without sin. “We’re all uniquely called
with
FATHER JERRY WILLIAMS, O.CARM. Pastor of St. Boniface Parish, Scipio, and St. Therese Parish, Richmond
[by God], but Mary was uniquely called in an extraordinary way,” said Father Jerry. “She, because of her faith, was prepared to respond in the affirmative.” We have that same opportunity, he explained, “not to do the same thing, but to be responsive and attentive to God’s will and God’s word in the same way Mary would have.” Q: Some passages in the New Testament refer to Jesus’ brothers and sisters. Did Mary have other children besides Jesus? A: “In Middle Eastern culture, the idea of a family unit — meaning mother, father and children — was a much broader understanding of relationship [than ours],” said Father Jerry. “So there were patriarchs and matriarchs and more of an extended family idea,” he added. Those referred to as Jesus’ brothers and sisters might have been cousins or other close relatives. Q: How did Mary become such a central figure in Catholicism when there is so little written about her in the New Testament? A: Father Jerry explained that Mary has drawn people
closer to God because she is relatable and a strong example for our own lives. “I don’t think there’s a people on earth who don’t have some connection with Mary that reflects some of their own world understanding, their own faith understanding, of how things are continuing to unfold in God’s plan for us,” he said. “She works for all people at all times.” “She’s not frozen in time 2,000 years ago,” he added, “but is rather an active reflection to us of being faithful to God, being open to God’s word [and] being God’s disciple even today.” Q: How do other Christian denominations think about Mary? A: Not only do Christians acknowledge Mary “as a unique figure in their understanding of the divine story as it unfolds,” but people of other faiths do, too, said Father Jerry. “Mary is certainly recognized, but perhaps not with all the titles or all of the intensity of the veneration that might be more Catholic in nature,” he said. Father Jerry explained that even with many of the reform movements, Mary wasn’t completely lost. “There are a lot of people
Despite there being very little written about Mary, she is regarded as a unique figure in Catholicism. “Mary was uniquely called in an extraordinary way,” said Father Jerry Williams, O.Carm. “She, because of her faith, was prepared to respond in the affirmative.” from reformed Christian churches who still hold Mary in a very preeminent place in the story of salvation history,” he said. Q: Do Catholics worship Mary? If not, what exactly is our relationship to her? A: “No, we do not worship Mary,” Father Jerry clarified. “As Catholics, that worship belongs to God alone in the Trinitarian understanding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” We honor and venerate
Mary, and pray through her intercession. “Mary directs us, she always has, toward God,” said Father Jerry. “Our vision of Mary has to take us beyond who she was to who brought her into existence.” Although she is not the central figure of our faith, her life “can give us openness [and] it can give us direction that we need so that we are living up to our call as children of God, just like Mary lived up to her call as a child of God,” he said.
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
BATTLING A
MATT TALBOT
An old friend on the journey to recovery
By Gina Christian Catholic News Service
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fter 30 years of drug and alcohol abuse, Pat — a Philadelphia native with tattooed arms and a Rocky Balboa accent — made an unlikely new friend: Matt Talbot, an Irish laborer who’d been dead for about a century. “I’d never heard of him until I got sober,” said Pat, now a member of the Calix Society, a Catholic support group for those in addiction recovery. During a Calix meeting that Pat attended after getting clean, the group’s national chaplain, Father Douglas McKay, showed a film on Talbot, who had battled the bottle throughout adolescence and early adulthood. After taking an abstinence pledge at age 28, Talbot remained sober for decades until his death in 1925, living a quiet, ascetic life that included daily Mass, prayer, Scripture reading and charitable works. Collapsing on a Dublin street en route to Mass, Talbot was discovered to have regularly worn penitential chains. Declared “venerable” by Pope Paul VI in 1975, Talbot is now invoked as an intercessor by a number of groups that minister to those suffering from addiction, including the Calix Society, which was founded in the U.S. some 20 years after Talbot’s death. During his August 2018 visit to Ireland, Pope Francis stopped at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Dublin to pray before several relics of Talbot, whose tomb is just feet from the church’s altar. For Pat, learning about
Talbot was life-changing, and he began praying to the would-be saint, whose intercession he also credits for his healing from an intestinal rupture that required 14 hours of emergency surgery. After his hospitalization, Pat attended a Matt Talbot-themed retreat, where he was able to release many of the resentments that had fueled his addiction. “I found forgiveness not only for myself, but for the people who had molested me as a child, and for anybody that had ever hurt me,” he said. “I finally saw everyone as being worthy of God’s love.” Longtime Calix member Kathy Diering said that Talbot, in his resolute example of holiness, “speaks volumes without even speaking.” “When you look at his hiddenness, his spirituality, you see that he really knew that the body and blood of Christ were his true source of life,” she said. “He was steadfast, and that’s been an inspiration for me, because he shows what is possible.” Talbot’s conversion from sot to saint, made all the more dramatic by the severity of his alcoholism, resonates with those looking to free themselves from addiction. In fact, many of those devoted to Matt Talbot say that his sanctity was the real key to his sobriety. “He knew that everyone else might leave him, but God wouldn’t,” said Diering. “And that’s where his strength was.” Holiness is a sign of authentic recovery from addiction, said Father McKay, who is looking to create a national shrine to Matt Talbot in Philadelphia. While addiction is a complex disease of body, mind and spirit, he said, too
often treatment only focuses on the first two, without addressing the soul’s deep hunger for connection with the divine. Globally, some 35 million people now struggle with drug addiction, according to the United Nations. A separate study projects that alcohol consumption (which rose 10% between 1990 and 2017) will increase by another 17% worldwide over the next decade. In the face of such daunting statistics, Talbot’s appeal as a role model and intercessor continues to grow internationally, thanks to the dedicated efforts of those who work to share, online and in person, the Irishman’s message of hope. From his native Poland, Gregory Jakielski has been diligently spreading devotion to this saint-in-the-making for the past seven years, maintaining both a website and Facebook page that feature a number of Matt Talbot resources. In August 2018, he collected hundreds of names that were placed by a pilgrim on Matt Talbot’s tomb in Dublin. “These seven years have passed like one day,” Jakielski wrote on Facebook Aug. 26, asking for the “strength and resources” to continue his mission. For Pat, Matt Talbot’s simplicity makes clear the path to both sobriety and sanctity. “He had no real possessions,” he said. “He didn’t need anything but God’s love, and he wanted to make others feel that, too.” Gina Christian is a senior content producer for CatholicPhilly.com and host of the Inside CatholicPhilly.com podcast.
ADDICTION
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY By Effie Caldarola Catholic News Service
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ope Francis described the church as a “field h o s p i t a l ,” and Father Thomas Hoar, who has worked with individuals with addiction at St. Edmund’s Retreat in Connecticut since 1993, says this is an apt description for working with those in recovery from addiction. “Our work as a church is providing for the needs of the broken,” he said. Father Hoar, a member of the religious order the Society of St. Edmund, is the president of the retreat center, located on Enders Island, an 11-acre haven with breathtaking Atlantic vistas near the town of Mystic. For over 50 years, St. Edmund’s mission has included hosting 12-step meetings, coordinating recovery retreats and providing a post-treatment residential opportunity for college-age men in a faithbased setting. This last ministry is unusual, but needed, said Father Hoar. “College life is very hostile to recovery,” he said, adding that over 130 colleges and universities have begun to address the issue through collegiate recovery programs. St. Edmund’s houses 12 young men at a time from a variety of backgrounds who have completed treatment. “Detox and rehab is one thing,” said Father Hoar. “But recovery is a long journey. We have men who work with tutors, attend community college, repair their academic records. We show them what they can achieve.” Success stories abound. One man, recovering from a heroin addiction, spent three years at the residence and is now a student at Columbia University.
In an era when the opioid crisis has placed addiction squarely in the national spotlight, Father Hoar emphasizes that faith is a vital component of recovery. Although the collegiate program is open to people of all faiths or none, each resident attends daily Mass and is surrounded by a Catholic atmosphere. “People with long-term sobriety have to have a spiritual life,” the priest asserted, even though that may look different for each person. “A lot of people have the position that ‘I want spirituality without religion.’ This is what got you where you are today,” Father Hoar said. “Who is going to guide us? It’s important that we understand God in the context of a worshipping community.” On the other side of the U.S., Father Tom Weston of the Western province of the Society of Jesus has worked in addiction recovery full time since 1984. Much of his work involves retreats for those in recovery. “Retreats are important in the Catholic tradition,” said the Jesuit. “Not for detoxing. But once you’re out of the cage of addiction, when you’re done dancing with the gorilla, retreats can be very helpful.” An advocate of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, Father Weston, who talked openly about his own recovery, said 12-step meetings “meet you where you are. If you’re just emerging from the train wreck, they’re right there with you.” But retreats provide the quiet space that meetings do not, and an intimacy with God that assists an individual’s faith journey on the road to recovery. “Meetings save lives,” Father Weston added, “but retreats have a different vibration, a different energy. Especially when
CNS PHOTO/ANDREW KELLY, REUTERS
The drug Naloxone sits on a table during a free Opioid Overdose Prevention Training class provided by Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y. In an era when the opioid crisis has placed addiction squarely in the national spotlight, faith is a vital component of recovery.
CNS PHOTO/MICHAEL ALEXANDER, GEORGIA BULLETIN
Counselor Andy Martin leads an afternoon group session at GraceWay in Albany, Ga. GraceWay is a home for women working to overcome an addiction. Building a relationship with God is a key part of recovery.
This is a screen grab of St. Edmund’s Retreat from the website www.endersisland.com. Retreats provide the quiet space, an intimacy with God that assists an individual’s faith journey on the road to recovery. someone has a little time to recover, a retreat provides refreshment, renewal, rest.” Father Weston gives many retreats on the West Coast, from the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos, California, to Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz, California. But his schedule takes him to retreat centers throughout the
U.S. and around the world. You can find retreats for those in recovery at most Jesuit retreat centers. In the Midwest, St. Gregory Recovery Center outside Des Moines, Iowa, offers rehab treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy and behavior modification training for a variety of addictions including alcohol, meth-
amphetamine, cocaine and opioids. Philip Leibhart, a community relations liaison for the center, said, “We’re not a 12-step program, but there are fingerprints of the 12-step program in our work. We say we are spiritually based and Catholic inspired. We offer Mass six days a week and the opportunity for the sacra-
ment of reconciliation.” St. Gregory’s program runs from five to seven weeks. Following treatment, a life coach is assigned to each participant for a year of follow-up contact. They do not discourage participation in follow-up 12-step recovery programs, said Leibhart. “Whatever works,” he said. Both Father Weston and Father Hoar describe the 12-step program, developed by recovering alcoholics Bill Wilson and Bob Smith in the mid-20th century, as having faith components in common with the Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius Loyola, who lived in the mid-16th century. Both acknowledge a need to turn lives over to God, or a “higher power” in 12-step parlance. Each calls for an examination of one’s life or “a moral inventory,” and both encourage service to others, or as the 12-step frames it, “carrying this message to others.” Caldarola is a freelance writer and a columnist for Catholic News Service.
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Arth brings fundraising, church-building experience to job
SHOWERED WITH LOVE Students at Nativity Parish School in Leawood surprise
sixth-grade teacher Diane Quinn on her way to her final chemo treatment for breast cancer Oct. 16. The students and staff dressed in pink, held signs and shouted words of encouragement as Quinn and her husband drove by the school.
>> Continued from page 1 administration in 1987. He graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1995. He and Dana, who earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Kansas School of Law, married in 1995. The Arths lived in Lawrence, with Chris working at a law firm in Topeka and Dana working for a law firm in Kansas City. Arth’s life changed when his high school friend, Kevin Kief, died in the crash of Swissair Flight 111 on Sept. 2, 1998. Kief’s family asked him for help. “I became the attorney who dealt with all the other attorneys for the family,” said Arth. “I was very close to his parents.” The Kief family wanted to memorialize their son with a scholarship, and that brought Arth into contact with John Flynn, the development director at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at KU. Flynn asked Arth to consider a position at the center in development; Arth wound up working there from 1999 to 2003. Arth learned a lot about fundraising and development work during his 14 years at St. Lawrence and it prepared him well for his next step. The Arths had moved and were members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish when, one Sunday, Chris saw in the bulletin that the parish wanted to hire a parish administrator. He applied and got the job in 2003. One of Arth’s greatest challenges at St. Michael was helping build the new church and school, which included raising funds. He also helped found the “fund-a-need” fundraiser to generate monies for all sorts of projects — which included buying a food warehouse for Catholic Charities in Kansas City, Kansas, and helping build a church in Uganda. Many of Arth’s duties while at St. Michael involved working with the archdiocese, and he got to know a lot of people at the chancery in the process. When the archdiocese began to look for Jeanne Gorman’s successor, his name came up. He was encouraged to apply by Gorman and others. Arth will serve as in-house counsel for the archdiocese. As such, he will deal with legal matters for all archdiocesan entities: schools, parishes and ministries. “Schools will call with questions; parishes will call with questions,” said Arth, who will keep an office in Overland Park. “There are 4,500 employees in the archdiocese — and that [can lead to] a lot of personnel issues.” But personnel matters are just the start. “There are contracts, real estate transactions and corporate matters — resolutions and annual meetings,” he said. “There are boards. There’s paperwork involved in all that, and annual filings.” One thing he won’t do is act as trial attorney — it’s not the thing that a general counsel does. When necessary, the archdiocese will hire the appropriate outside legal counsel with expertise in the specialized area. The church will likely face challenging times in the future as faith comes under attack in many arenas. “I’m going into this with my eyes open,” said Arth. “I love my faith, and I love the priesthood. I think this is where God wants me to be, and I’m going to do everything I can to help our church.”
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Photos by Moira Cullings
Attorney found joy in helping solve problems >> Continued from page 1 arts in speech communications and human relations in 1972, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1978. She was a research attorney for a judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals and also worked for the firm of McAnany Van Cleave & Phillips, PA, of Kansas City, Kansas. Among her clients during her 20 years for the firm was the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “As the work grew over the years, that’s pretty much what I confined my work to [at the law firm], because that also included Santa Marta, Villa St. Francis, Donnelly College, Catholic Charities and Catholic Cemeteries,” said Gorman. “I also represented all the parishes and schools.” Gorman succeeded John Jurcyk as archdiocesan legal counsel on Aug. 1, 2004. “A lot of the work is what you would do for any client that has a large organization, as does the archdiocese,” said Gorman. “There could be human resource issues, so you’re advising on employment matters. There could be property issues — buying and selling, and leasing real estate. “[There are] lots of school issues, which run the gamut of issues. Even though they are Catholic schools, they are governed, in part, by state statutes.” And there was transactional work, contracts, overseeing litigation and working on safe environment issues. She did not handle criminal law, although she would pay attention to archdiocesan employees involved in criminal matters. “A lot of the work is counseling
“
“I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH HOW WONDERFUL THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WHO HAVE WORKED WITH ME. THEY ARE KIND AND THEY WORK HARD. THEY’RE SO COMMITTED TO WHAT THEY DO, AND HAVE SUCH EXPERTISE IN WHAT THEY DO.” people, helping them to arrive at a solution to a legal issue they have,” said Gorman. “It’s very collaborative work.” She even found joy in her work. “I think the joy has to be in working closely with people,” said Gorman. “It’s really exciting when you can help someone with a problem that has presented itself. “I can’t stress enough how wonderful the people have been who have worked with me. They are kind and they work hard. They’re so committed to what they do and have such expertise in what they do.” “When I get to share a bit of that with them,” Gorman added, “it makes you happy. When you help someone get to a positive result, that’s a joyous thing. “I’ve always striven to try to get the best result we can get, and the best judgments we can get in light of the legal constraints out there.”
Janice (Funk) and Dave Johnson, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Galveston, Texas, and a family dinner with members of the wedding party. The couple was married on Dec. 6, 1969, at St. Patrick Church, Atchison. Their children are: Jason Johnson and Jeremy “Rusty” Johnson. They also have five grandchildren. Dorothy and Larry Kelly, members of the Santa Marta Community, Olathe, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 30 with a Mass with family. The couple was married on Nov. 26, 1959, at St. Joseph Church, Edina, Missouri. Their children are: Pat Kelly, Mike Kelly, Judy Wilkerson and Mary Lynn Berning. They also have 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. John and Margaret (Haefele) Hahn, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 14 with an open house from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Louisburg Senior Center. The couple was married on Dec. 12, 1959, in the Catholic chapel at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Their children are: Mary Ewing, Linda DeWick and Rita Burrow. They have eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Jesus Invites Us as He Knocks at the Doors of Our Hearts to Open to Abundant Grace! Come and Allow Him to Unlock Our Souls to This Grace!
Advent Parish Mission Beautiful Marian Liturgies by Dom Elias at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor December 9 – 12, 2019
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oin us as we turn to the Blessed Mother to encounter the grace that governs the world – Jesus Christ – during this four-evening Advent mission directed by Dom Elias Carr, Canon Regular from the 900-year-old Klosterneuberg, Austria. Each evening offers a beautiful Marian liturgy; rich spiritual food for thought presented during Holy Hour with Exposition; Benediction; and Night Prayer. Confessions will be heard on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Monday, December 9: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass with traditional choir 6:30 p.m. Holy Hour & Exposition with mission preaching, Benediction, and Night Prayer. Tuesday, December 10 Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto Mass: 6:30 p.m. Holy Hour & Exposition with mission preaching, Benediction, and Night Prayer. Confessions will be available during the Holy Hour. Wednesday, December 11 Votive Mass of Holy Mary, the New Eve: 6:30 p.m. Holy Hour & Exposition with mission preaching, Benediction, and Night Prayer. Confessions will be available during the Holy Hour. Thursday, December 12 The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass with traditional choir 6 p.m.* Holy Hour with Exposition and mission preaching. The Vocal Ensemble, Sursum Corda, chants Solemn Vespers, compline and Benediction within Holy Hour.
*Time differs from the first three evenings.
Holy Angels Catholic Church 15408 Leavenworth Road, Basehor, KS 66007 holyangelsbasehor.org | 913-724-1665
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS
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. Bookkeeper/accounting coordinator - The accounting coordinator is organized and detailed. Confidentiality and accuracy are important in this position, as well as flexibility and problem-solving. This person must possess a strong knowledge of general accounting principles; assist in day-to-day accounting needs including: processing accounts payable and receivable; prepare, distribute and follow-up on client and partner invoices; prepare and process wire transfer requests; be familiar with QuickBooks; set up payment terms with new vendors; pull and upload job reports; receive financial requests; and assist in monthly credit card reconciliation review and approval process. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or other relevant field, or equivalent in years of private sector accounting/bookkeeper experience is required, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and Google Docs. QuickBooks Pro Advisory certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification. The coordinator should be a multitasker with the ability to change direction quickly and frequently; be organized and able to prioritize; be detailed and thorough; have excellent written and verbal communication; high level of customer service; be a creative problem solver, self-starter and be resourceful. Must also be able to make quick decisions and work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. If interested, apply online at: www.wellingtonexperience.com/careers/. 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 coordinate activities and priorities with the pastor and parish staff. 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 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
2 Blond Chicks Home cleaning service You dirty it, we clean it. Jackie, (559) 816-4398 Janice, (913) 265-9448
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.
Bell ringers needed - Holy Cross Parish is ready to start “ringing” again by reorganizing the bell choir ministry. The choir needs a volunteer director to work with a limited number of dedicated members to enhance the parish music ministry at Masses. The parish has a complete set of bells and chimes, as well as music just waiting to be heard! Contact Dee Dee at (913) 897-1504 or send an email to: Deetecc@aol.com for more information. The bell choir also needs more ringers to help round out our sound. Interested persons need not be members of Holy Cross to play, just love beautiful music and fun people to join!
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.
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.
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
Custodian - Bishop Miege has an immediate opening for a full-time evening-shift custodian. The hours are M-F, 3:30 p.m. – midnight, with occasional days and weekends. The custodian will maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general housekeeping and sanitation duties, event setup and light maintenance. The candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to: Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205, or send an email to: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com. Substitute teacher - Nativity Day School is looking for a substitute KDHE lead qualified teacher for preschoolaged students. Interested and qualified persons should contact Jami Hudershi by sending an email to: jami. huderski@kcnativity.org.
HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 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. 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. 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 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.
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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.
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 - Relief help needed with bed-bound elderly client. $15 per hour for days; $10 per hour for nights. Rate is firm. Call (913) 602-1289. 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.
SERVICES 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. Give a Unique Piece of Art This Christmas Original art and prints by Karen Kaffenberger, Three Trails Art Studio (Holy Cross parishioner) Florals, animals, landscapes & more Visit www.threetrailsartstudio.com (913) 735-9080 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. 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/ HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com 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. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002
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.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Two spaces at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Everlasting Life on a hill with mature trees. Asking $1500 per space or best offer. Seller to pay $150 transfer fee. Call (719) 633-8292.
REAL ESTATE For rent - Condo with one bed/one bath, beautiful large open floor plan in the picturesque Tuileries. Secure building. Newly remodeled. In-unit washer/dryer and storage unit. Must see. Great location. Quiet and tranquil. New salt-water heated pool and active club house. Private patio overlooks residents’ private garden. Near 435 and Metcalf. $1,100/month. CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com 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. 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.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.
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 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR ADVENT DAY OF REFLECTION: ‘HE CAME INTO THE WORLD’ Conception Abbey Guest Center 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, Missouri Dec. 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Spend the day reflecting on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. The day includes reflections, private prayer time, Eucharist and lunch.
Did you miss your parish confirmation retreat? This is an opportunity for sacramental preparation to help parents and confirmation directors with this struggle. The Prairie Star Ranch team offers the Enkindle Confirmation program for all youth preparing for confirmation who are unable to attend their parish retreat. Register online at: www.archkck.org. Go to “Ministries,” then “Prairie Star Ranch” and click on “Enkindle Confirmation.”
TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342.
‘UNIVERSALITY’ Church of the Nativity (Magi Room) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Dec. 7 at 9:15 a.m.
CHRISTMAS GIFT AND BAKE SALE Immaculate Conception Parish (Miege Hall) 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth Dec. 7 from 5 - 9 p.m. Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. - noon
Come enjoy family learning activities, treats, an Advent craft and a visit from St. Nicholas (bring a camera for pictures). This is a free event for family fun.
‘ENTERING INTO THE SEASON OF ADVENT LIGHT’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Dec. 6 - 7
The retreat begins on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and ends on Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. This silent retreat will explore ways the light of Christ touches our lives during this season of Advent. Times for personal prayer and small group faith sharing will be provided. The retreat will be presented by Sister Mary Pat Johnson, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth. The suggested donation of $140 includes the retreat, a private room and meals. Scholarships are available. To register, call (913) 360-6173 or go online to: www.sophia spiritualitycenter.org.
ADVENT DAY OF PRAYER Ross Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
The theme of the day will be: “The Longing that is Advent.” Participants will focus on Advent as the opportunity to set aside hectic schedules and reflect on longing for light and peace. The day will conclude with Mass in the chapel. The fee is $35 and includes lunch. Reservations are due by Dec. 2 and can be made by calling (913) 758-6572 or by visiting the website at: www.marillac center.org.
ENKINDLE CONFIRMATION RETREAT Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Step back in time and experience the joy of the first Christmas. Join the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family for a living Nativity featuring live animals, music and more. There is no fee to attend.
PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension Parish (St. Luke’s Room) 9500 W. 127th St., Overland Park Dec. 10 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Come reflect on the topic of “Universality” in the tradition of Salesian spirituality with the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales after the 8:15 a.m. Mass. All materials are provided, and coffee and light refreshments will be served. To attend, contact Ruth Owens by email at: rowens4853@gmail.com. For more information, visit the website at: www.sfds association.org.
FAMILY ADVENT RETREAT Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner Dec. 6 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
LIVING NATIVITY Douglas County Fairgrounds (Community indoor arena) 1930 Harper St., Lawrence Dec. 8 from 4 - 8 p.m.
On Dec. 7, there will be baked goods, gifts for sale and a silent auction. On Dec. 8, there will be a breakfast of a sausage and egg casserole and biscuits and gravy for the cost of a freewill donation.
CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia Dec. 7 and 8 after all Masses
Project Chrysalis is a Catholic ministry designed to help parents who have lost a child find hope through sacred Scripture and community in a time of transformation. There will be a video with Father John Riccardo speaking about hope. Bring a couple of photos of your child for the photo board and for our Christmas remembrance candles. More information can be found on the website at: www.hopeinscripture.com. Grandparents and immediate family members are also invited to attend.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
The celebration will begin with Mass and be followed with a reception in the parish hall. There will be Mexican pastries and hot chocolate. Mariachi music will be provided by Beto Lopez.
HANDBELL CHOIR CONCERT St. Joseph Parish 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The Lawrence Community Handbell Choir will be giving this concert. The group is a notfor-profit organization. There is no charge to attend, but donations are accepted.
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 their Nativity sets. For more information, call Julie at (913) 515-0675.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPE Queen of the Holy Rosary 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Dec. 8 from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Christmas Shoppe is coming again this year to benefit John Paul II School. There will be 50 vendors with a variety of Christmas gifts and more. Shop with us, have lunch and take home a casserole for dinner. Santa will also visit.
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.
course dinner, a Christmas concert and a silent auction. This event is a fundraiser to help support Hayden High School’s performing arts and TARC. For more information, to make a donation or to buy tickets, go online to: HarkTopeka.com.
CELTIC CHRISTMAS St. Columbkille Parish (hall) 13311 Hwy. 16, Blaine Dec. 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
There will be holiday cookies and candies sold by the pound, homemade cinnamon rolls, kolaches, breakfast burritos, homemade soups, sandwiches and homemade pies. There will also be holiday shopping vendors. For more information, call (785) 927-0282.
HIGH ADVENTURES Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (St. Vincent’s Building, 2nd floor) 1800 Stone Ave., Topeka Dec. 15 from 4 - 5 p.m.
Learn about Venturing, a High Adventure youth organization for youth ages 14 - 20 that promotes leadership development and personal growth. Adventures include sailing in the Florida Keys, mountain climbing and exploring local areas for caving, hiking and more. Attend this session to learn more; call Venturing adviser Irene Haws at (785) 2491913; or send an email to: irene@idesigngs. com. Parents are welcome.
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.
Called to Love Again is a community of support and formation for divorced Catholics. The Nov. 24 talk will be: “The Art of Gratitude.” Enjoy dessert and fellowship while hearing witness talks from our recent retreat. The Dec. 8 talk will be: “Navigating Divorce and the Holidays” by family therapist Stacie Cordell, who will offer tips and insights. Visit our Facebook page at: www. facebook.com/giftofself143 or send an email to: calledtolove143@gmail.com.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE Johnson County area Twice monthly
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.
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PRAYER AND FASTING RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Dec 13 - 15
The retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 and concludes at noon on Dec. 15. The retreat will include eucharistic adoration, prayer and fasting, and silence for the healing of the family. Private intentions are encouraged. Mass, confession, adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours and various prayer services will be offered. The cost for overnight guests is $170 per person; $250 per couple. To attend, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christspeace.com.
CHRISTMAS DANCE Church of the Nativity Parish (hall) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Dec. 14 from 7 - 11 p.m.
The SON (Singles of Nativity) group is sponsoring its annual Christmas dance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes food and drinks. For more information, contact Ana at: agrobe2@gmail.com.
HARK TOPEKA Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center (Emerald Ballroom) 1717 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
There will be a craft beer festival, a three-
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.
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.
WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (Back Room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join other women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomen ofFaith@gmail.com
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.
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 2: 1-5 Ps 122: 1-9 Rom 13: 11-14 Mt 24: 37-44 Dec. 2 Monday Is 4: 2-6 Ps 122: 1-9 Mt 8: 5-11 Dec. 3 Francis Xavier, priest Is 11: 1-10 Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Lk 10: 21-24 Dec. 4 John Damascene, priest, doctor of the church Is 25: 6-10a Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 15: 29-37 Dec. 5 Thursday Is 26: 1-6 Ps 118: 1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a Mt 7: 21, 24-27 Dec. 6 Nicholas, bishop Is 29: 17-24 Ps 27: 1,4, 13-14 Mt 9: 27-31 Dec. 7 Ambrose, bishop, doctor of the church Is 30: 19-21, 23-26 Ps 147: 1-6 Mt 9:35 – 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Dec. 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 11: 1-10 Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Rom 15: 4-9 Mt 3: 1-12 Dec. 9 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Gn 3: 9-15, 20 Ps 98: 1-4 Eph 1: 3-6, 11-12 Lk 1: 26-38 Dec. 10 Tuesday Is 40: 1-11 Ps 96: 1-3, 10-13 Mt 18: 12-14 Dec. 11 Damasus I, pope Is 40: 25-31 Ps 103: 1-4, 8, 10 Mt 11: 28-30 Dec. 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Zec 2: 14-17 (Ps) Jdt 13: 18bc, 19 Lk 1: 39-47 Dec. 13 Lucy, virgin, martyr Is 48: 17-19 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Mt 11: 16-19 Dec. 14 John of the Cross, priest, doctor of the church Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11 Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Mt 17: 9a, 10-13
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ecember 1988. That was the last time that I celebrated Advent well. It helped immensely that I was a student in graduate school at the time, living in a seminary setting and residing outside the United States — in Rome, to be exact. It was easy in those days to enjoy a quiet preparation for Christmas. A proper Advent is practically impossible to keep in our society today. Radio stations are already “all Christmas songs, all the time.” Stores have had Christmas items displayed since before Halloween. Various mayors have already had their Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. Houses are now aglow with lights. Heck, even the chancery is going to decorate for Christmas on Dec. 2. So, keeping Christmas at bay during Advent isn’t going to happen for most of us. About the only place I can successfully celebrate Advent is while in church — reining in when we start singing the Christmas carols
Don’t fight the Christmas spirit 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.
and when we decorate for the holiday. My approach to Advent changed a number of years ago when I read Father Ed Hays’ “Meeting Christ at Broadway & Bethlehem.” In it, he suggested that we not fight all the glitter (think the lights of Broadway) already around us, but instead seek to find where the manger can be found (Bethlehem) amid all that showiness. After all, Christ is already here in our world, though not yet fully.
Advent helps us remember who is the cause for our celebration. I’ll give you a hint: It ain’t Santa. Sadly, we’re very much like the people in this story from CBS4. com: The party on June 3, 2006, was for Michael Emmanuel’s sixth birthday, and friends and family were celebrating at the local Chuck E. Cheese in Boca Raton, Florida. The party went just fine. The problem came when it was over. All the children and adults climbed into three different vehicles and headed home. Everyone, that is, except Michael. Apparently, the birthday boy returned to the play area and, when the partygoers depart-
ed, he was left behind. Employees found the kid wandering around the restaurant at 10 p.m. and called the police. Michael’s mother assumed that her son was staying with his grandmother and didn’t realize the boy was missing until the next morning. Unfortunately, for Michael (and his mother), it is possible to have a joyful celebration and still forget the guest of honor. (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) Is it just a coincidence that this boy’s last name is Emmanuel? Like in the story, we live in a society that loves the celebration, but has forgotten the guest of honor. During Advent, we should challenge ourselves to find a deeper spiritual meaning in the secular traditions. For example, I enjoy sending out Christmas cards. I’m picky, though, about the kind of cards I purchase. I get religious ones from the Benedictines at Printery House in Conception, Missouri. I also say a prayer for each recipient as I write
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the card. When out buying presents, I try to fit gift to specific person. It reminds me of the unique person that God created each of us to be and to celebrate that. And shopping reminds me to be thankful to God that I have money to buy gifts and the good health to go out shopping in the first place. As I see Christmas trees decorated, I’m reminded that the coming of Christ added an incredible beauty to a world that already carried the fingerprint of God. Christmas lights remind me of the Light, who came into the world to drive out the darkness of sin and death. Sometimes, in an effort to be Advent purists, we run the risk of being petty and gloomy people. Let’s face it: It’s often a tough world out there and, honestly, “we need a little Christmas,” as the song goes: “For I’ve grown a little leaner, grown a little colder, grown a little sadder, grown a little older. And I need a little angel, sitting on my shoulder, need a little Christmas now.” Don’t we all?
Peace in Jerusalem symbolizes world peace to prophet Isaiah
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oday, if you travel to Jerusalem, you can visit the Temple Mount, where the Temple built by King Solomon in 955 B.C. once stood. However, it was destroyed long ago. Now a Muslim mosque, the Qubbet es Sakhra, or the Dome of the Rock, stands on that location. This is the latest of the many places of worship on that spot. After the Babylonians destroyed Solomon’s Temple in 587 B.C., it was rebuilt by Jews returning from exile in 537 B.C. King Herod undertook a massive remodeling of the Temple in 29 B.C. That project was finished in 64 A.D., only to have it once
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.
again destroyed by the Romans in 70. In its place, the Romans set up a temple to the god Jupiter in 135.
After the Arab conquest, construction on the present mosque was begun in 691. As you can see, this piece of real estate has changed hands many times. Consequently, it is a point of contention even now between Muslims and Jews. It is surrounded by controversy. It is a favorite place for riots. Compare it to a similar
POPE FRANCIS A negligent and selfish culture of food waste is fueling the global hunger crisis, damaging the lives of individuals and preventing the progress of all people, Pope Francis said. “In many places, our brothers and sisters do not have access to sufficient and healthy food, while in others, food is discarded and squandered,” the pope said in a message sent Nov. 18 to David M. Beasley, executive director of the U.N. World Food Pro-
spot in India where a Muslim mosque built on a site sacred to Hindus was torn down in 1992. Recently, a court ruling has given permission to build a Hindu temple there. Understandably, the two groups are at odds over this. In Sunday’s first reading, Is 2:1-5, the prophet sees a vision concerning the Temple Mount, “the mountain of the LORD’s house.” He envisions that it “shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills.” Clearly, this does not refer to its physical height but, rather, to its importance for the world. Instead of a point of controversy, it becomes a place of unity for the nations. The prophet
says: “All nations shall stream toward it.” Similarly, it becomes a source of peace for the world: “For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” This wonderful vision of peace for Jerusalem and for the world has yet to come to fulfillment. It is something for which we should earnestly pray, following the instruction of Ps 122:6: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!”
gram. The organization provides food assistance to an estimated 80 million people in 82 countries. In his message, Pope Francis cited St. John Paul II and described the phenomenon of food inequality as a “paradox of abundance” that “involves mechanisms of superficiality, negligence and selfishness that underlie the culture of waste. Unless we recognize this dynamic and seek to contain it, it will be difficult to honor the commitments of the Paris Agreement on climate change and realize the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 agenda,” Pope Francis said. — CNS
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Inviting people back to the church begins with listening
hat if there’s more?” We all know of or have family members or friends who have, for whatever reason, left the church or have become lax Catholics. The words “what if there’s more” have been weighing on my heart ever since I heard them spoken by Lisa Brenninkmeyer at the “Enflame Our Hearts” convocation last month. I, like everyone else, want to jump right in and fix the problem, telling
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DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU
RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.
them what they’re doing wrong and why they should come home. But what we really need to do is more listening. I like what Bishop
[Robert] Barron says: “We need to do less talking and more listening.” When we take the time to listen and then take what we’ve heard to prayer, it gives our family and friends the idea that we really do care. I’ve asked several people who attended the convocation for their most important takeaway? All responses were: “I need to be a better listener.” It doesn’t get any clearer than that, and there’s not a better place to do that for them and for your own spirituality
than in front of the Blessed Sacrament. More and more, I hear from young people who have gone to camp, on a retreat or a pilgrimage, about what their favorite part was. Time and again, it’s that quiet time spent just sitting in front of Jesus in adoration. One of my favorite stories about St. John Vianney is when a visitor found him sitting at the back of church and before the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lord fully present among us. When this person asked, “What are you
doing all day with this?,” he answered, “Nothing. I just look at him and he looks at me.” St. John Vianney knew the beauty of true friendship; just to be with the beloved was all he asked. This enabled him to see everything in a different light and so he writes for us: “In prayer well made, troubles vanish like snow in the rays of the sun.” The next time you have that opportunity with a family or a friend who has left the church, leave them with this question: “What if there’s more?”
Welcoming the stranger pays dividends for both them and us
he Gospel of Matthew mandates we “welcome the stranger.” The Book of Leviticus commands that we not “mistreat foreigners who live in your land.” The Book of Deuteronomy and the Letter to the Hebrews follow the same notion. Clearly, the Bible confirms our obligation to treat strangers and foreigners with dignity and value. Last year, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas welcomed and provided support for 204 refugees. That number is nearly half of what it was two years prior. Why? This year, the limit for refugee admissions into the U.S.
INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES
LAUREN SOLIDUM Lauren Solidum is the executive director of Catholic Charities.
is capped at 18,000 persons — a 40% drop from last year’s historic low of 30,000. For perspective, the admissions ceiling was 110,000
refugees in 2017. While the number of resettlements decreases, the number of refugees being displaced still exists. Lowering the limit and turning them away does not remove the injustice. The text in the First Letter of Peter reminds us that we are all foreigners. So, by definition,
who can be a stranger? Everyone and no one. They are our neighbors — our friends, colleagues, students and acquaintances. They are business owners and consumers. They are the people we see every day and the people we have yet to meet. They are people like Liliane. Liliane is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who was resettled by Catholic Charities in 2017. Adept in hand sewing, Liliane wanted to continue utilizing this skill as a means of earning income. She didn’t, however, have any familiarity with modern electric or industrial machines. Through our Refugee Employment Program, we coordinated efforts
with a local organization, Rightfully Sewn, that offers sewing classes to at-risk women in Kansas City. Upon graduation, Liliane applied her craft at a local company performing custom-tailoring and alterations until she and her husband welcomed their new baby. Caring for her family, coupled with the need to contribute financially, led Liliane to fulfill her dream of operating her own sewing business. To support this endeavor, Catholic Charities paired Liliane with a mentor to teach her about tracking expenses and filing taxes. Liliane also learned valuable marketing skills about expanding her brand online. Before long, orders began pouring in.
Liliane is now responsible for making custom dresses, church uniforms, pants and blouses, creating a positive impact on the local economy. She plans to expand her business to employ more people as a way to give back to her community. Liliane is an example of the resiliency many refugees possess, despite the challenges they face in their new country. When we welcome the stranger, we put love into action and create opportunities that favorably affect our communities. Biblical scholars argue that “stranger” and “neighbor” are, in fact, synonymous. So, let’s welcome the stranger and love thy neighbor.
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NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ADVENT
16
ADVENT MATTERS
Three tips to experiencing Advent the way it was meant to be By Deacon Greg Kandra Catholic News Service
C
hristmas is still weeks away, and already we’re exhausted. We’ve heard too much Mariah, endured too much tinsel, watched too many Hallmark specials, been bombarded with too many ads for champagne and candy and cars. The calendar is out of whack. Black Friday actually began on a Monday, and Christmas music began on Halloween and for weeks now the mail has been delivering fat catalogs from long-forgotten pen pals like Harry & David and L.L. Bean. Is it January yet? In the middle of all this, we can easily forget a vital part of the Christian calendar: Advent. I once preached a homily in which I bemoaned the tendency to merge Advent and Christmas into one vaguely wintery holiday blur we might as well call “Chradvent.” It’s all the same, isn’t it? Might as well start early, right? Well, no. These weeks before Christmas are intended to make that singular holiday — and singular holy day — matter. Advent sets the stage, calling us to “prepare the way,” building in our hearts a sense of yearning, anticipation and joyful hope. Dorothy Day once compared Advent to a woman expecting a child. “She lives in such a garment of silence,” Day wrote, “as though she were listening to hear the stir of life within her.” Silence? It’s hard to appreciate that when every day is full of “Fa-la-la.” We’re left to wonder: How can we recapture the mystery and quiet of this beautiful season? How can we transform the incessant bell-ringing hucksterism into something more like a prayer? How can we make Advent matter? I’d suggest three ideas, three approaches to these days that can help us experience Advent the way it was meant to be. First, look. I live in New York City, and every corner during December gives you an eyeful. The lights, the decorations, the ads, the throngs — it’s thrilling. And exhausting. But we can appreciate it more, I think, if we strive to see beyond the early Christmas onslaught, to what lies beneath. Just like 2,000 years ago, we are still a world in waiting. Waiting for salvation. Waiting for sustenance. Waiting for hope. And significantly, we are a world desperately waiting for light. So much of what crowds these pre-Christmas days fulfills our ancient need to give this dark time of year light. We untangle chords and replace burned out bulbs and then we string wires around the house and over shrubbery for one explicit purpose: to beat back darkness and defy the night. God’s first words in all of Scripture become our anthem in December: Let there be light! During these weeks, when we see these extravagant displays — tasteful or not — we are seeing something that affirms creation and says, no matter what, there will be light. We see in all this signs of hope. Advent is about that hope, that expectation of the Sun of Justice. All of what we see around us, in ways large and small, reflects that. It is a prayer of
CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ
An Advent wreath is depicted in a stained-glass window at Christ the King Church in Commack, N.Y. Advent, a season of joyful expectation before Christmas, begins Dec. 1 this year. The Advent wreath, with a candle marking each week of the season, is a traditional symbol of the liturgical period.
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WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, EVERY YEAR WE GOT A LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE. . . . WE OFTEN DIDN’T GET A TREE OR BRING IT INSIDE UNTIL A DAY OR TWO BEFORE CHRISTMAS. IT MADE THE LAST HOURS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY MORE WONDROUS. anxious yearning. Second, listen. Do you hear what I hear? The soundtrack of Christmas makes itself heard, and heard, and heard, during Advent — and sometimes, even earlier. On top of that, there is the noise from, well, life. Cable TV, the internet, modern media of all kinds cry out for attention. The news will not be ignored. Impeachment! Invasion! Floods! Snow! Sales! It all runs together after a while. Where is that sacred silence that Day wrote about? We need to seek it, wherever and however we can. It takes effort, but the effort is worth it. Turn down the volume. Click off the computer. Turn
off the TV. Lower the lights and dim the glare. Work to make this season a time of gentleness, a time of quiet and thoughtfulness and peace. Remember the carol: “The world in silent stillness waits to hear the angels sing.” How can we hear the angels if the TV is screaming about how Wayfair has just what we need? Carve out moments in your day to have some of that “silent stillness,” and prayerfully reflect on something besides what you need to order on Amazon for delivery by Christmas. The world during the time of Christ had its own noise, its own distractions, its own conflicts and troubles. But into that came the Prince of Peace. How can we prepare ourselves to welcome him today in our own time? Finally, just let it go. That anthem from “Frozen” can offer helpful advice during this stressful time of year. Too busy? Too distracted? Some things can wait. Let it go. When I was growing up, every year we got a live Christmas tree, complete with roots, to plant when the holiday was done. That meant we often didn’t get a tree or bring it inside until a day or two before Christmas. It made the last hours before the holiday more wondrous. And it taught me the invaluable lesson of patience — something at the heart, I think, of Advent. The decorating can wait. The wrapping can wait. This is a season about waiting, after all.
And the season that follows, and starts Dec. 25, has more to it than the secular world may realize. A couple of years ago, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan wondered on his radio show, “You know, how come nobody writes devotions or prayers for the Christmas season? It’s a real season, you know! It doesn’t end for weeks.” He had a point. It always saddens me to see Christmas trees tossed to the curb before New Year’s. The Christmas season actually extends until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, in midJanuary. (I know of at least one parish that leaves its Nativity scene up in the church until the feast of the Presentation, in February.) Developing a better sense of the separate seasons of Advent and Christmas — breaking up “Chradvent” — can help us have a better sense, as well, of why these times of year matter. So save the Christmas greetings and wishes for later. Look to this time with gratitude and awe — the anticipation of what is coming and the joy of what will be. Enjoy this season’s special character. Savor it. Embrace its quiet wonder. Or, as a song might put it: Have yourself a merry little Advent. Deacon Kandra serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York. He is the author of “The Busy Person’s Guide to Prayer” (Word Among Us Press).