12-09-11 Vol. 33 No. 17

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 17 DECEMBER 9, 2011

What cost, Christmas cheer?

Photo from iStockphoto.com

Don’t let the rampant commercialization and consumerism of Christmas get you down. Take control of your Christmas and don’t let outside forces dictate the type of Christmas you have.

B

emoaning the glut of consumerism at Christmas has become a bit like talking about the weather: Everyone does it, but no one knows what to do about it.

We talk about “putting Christ back in Christmas.” But what does that really mean?

Running around with a marker, scratching out Xmas signs? Setting up a Nativity scene on our lawn? Shouting “It’s CHRISTMAS!” every time someone wishes us

GRIEF AND HOLIDAYS

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker special to the leaven

“Happy Holidays”?

Probably not.

Combating the consumer culture this time of year has more to do with what’s inside us than what we do on the outside.

You can trim the tree, give the gifts, bake cookies and do the whole Christmas thing and not be caught up in the suffocation.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For those who have lost a loved one, the holiday season can be especially difficult.

8-9

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas will open its 14th Annual Christmas Toy Store to families in need Dec. 19–22 and would appreciate donations for this store. All donations will go to families in need. For more information, visit the website at: www. catholiccharitiesks.org/toystore, or call (913) 621-3445. Donations may be brought to 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

Or you can become a cross between the Grinch and Scrooge and spend the entire season ensnared in the grasp of consumerism.

Believe it or not, the choice is up to you.

Mind over matter If you truly want to cut out consumerism this Christmas, the first step is to simply refuse to let outside forces dictate the See “FAITH” on page 4

‘SAFETY NET’ CERTIFIED

Dr. Nancy Mikhaeel takes the position of first full-time medical director of Caritas Clinics.

3

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Stories do not reflect progress made, but independent study does

I

t has once again been a painful week for anyone who loves the church to read the series of front page articles in The Kansas City Star, detailing the tragic consequences upon the lives of former altar boys allegedly sexually abused 30 years ago by a Kansas City, Mo., priest. The priest denies the allegations. However, 10 years ago, he was removed from public ministry by Bishop second half of the 20th century. How Raymond Boland and required not to and why did this happen? How could present himself as a priest. priests violate so horribly the moral Two of the former four altar boys are teachings of the church and injure indead. Sadly, one of the two committed nocent young people? suicide during his freshman year of high In all of the ink that The Star has school. There is no greater pain for a spilled in its recent stories about sexual parent than the death of a child. When abuse of minors in the Catholic Church, that death occurs by suicide, the pain is there has been hardly any mention of only magnified. The the enormous safe accusation, that their pro‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ environment son was the victim of gram the Catholic abuse by a priest, has programming notes Church has implehelped his parents mented. Each year, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s make some possible in the archdiocese radio program on KEXS 1090 AM sense of why he took alone, we perform airs at 10 a.m. on Sunday and is his own life. thousands of criminal repeated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday The fourth boy, the and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. background checks only other living witon new employees ness to the events, The and volunteers who Star mentioned in the first article did will have contact with children. Current not recall the event. Buried in the back employees and volunteers have already page of the final article, The Star finally had background checks. quotes the other alleged victim who said Every bishop, priest, deacon, lay this about the allegations: “That just staff and volunteer who interacts with doesn’t sound right. I’ve got to be honest minors must also attend the Virtus — I’m very curious because I have no Safe Environment program. Moreover, memories of that.” they must also participate in an online Does this mean it did not happen? monthly follow-up that is designed to Certainly not. Perhaps, the fourth man keep them vigilant in the protection does not want to get immersed in a of children. The purpose in all of this public controversy. Maybe the accuser is is to create an environment in which wrong about the fourth boy even being all of the adults are attuned to the best present. There are many possible explapractices to prevent child abuse, as nations. However, it seems incredible well as how to protect themselves from that The Star built a three-page series of being the victim of false accusations by front page articles on an alleged event observing the proper protocols. All of that one out of the two living victims our children in our Catholic schools and does not remember ever happening. On School of Religion programs, with the the other hand, it is not so amazing beconsent of their parents, are taught how cause it fits the narrative that The Star to protect themselves and keep themhas been constructing for months with a selves safe. steady stream of articles.

Before we accept a candidate for the Sadly, what precipitated all of this seminary, he is required to go through was the indictment of a Kansas City-St. thorough and extensive psychologiJoseph priest for the possession and cal testing that is designed, in part, to production of child pornography and help screen out any individual who the mistakes made by the diocese in might pose a risk to children or others. the handling of the case. This was the Seminaries have strengthened their springboard for a series of articles that programs on human formation to enwould lead readers to believe that nothsure, as much as possible, the spiritual, ing has changed in the Catholic Church psychological and emotional health in the United States since it was rocked of those who will serve the church as in 2002 by the clergy abuse scandal. priests.

In my opinion, the saddest chapter The bishops, in the wake of the 2002 in the Catholic Church’s history in the scandal, commissioned two studies by United States was the sexual abuse of the John Jay College Research Team minors by clergy that occurred in the of the City University of New York — a

secular institution that specializes in the study of criminal behavior. The first was a “Nature and Scope” study and the second, a “Causes & Context” study.

The numbers are not pretty. In the “Causes & Context” study, the researchers give this summary of the scope of the problem: “The results of the Nature and Scope study showed that 4,932 priests (4%) had been the subject of allegations of abuse between 1950 and 2002, and that 10,677 individuals had made allegations of child sexual abuse against priests during that same time period. These data revealed that the annual count of abuse incidents over this time period increased steadily from 1950 through the 1970s and then began to decline sharply in 1985, with the decline continuing through 2002.”

In the mid-1980s, many dioceses became more aware and responsive to the problem of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The early efforts, adopted by many, if not most dioceses, had a significant impact. With the adoption of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” in 2002, the efforts of the church to eliminate this problem were intensified.

What has been the effect of the church’s efforts? The results of the audit of 2010 are encouraging. The 2010 Implementation Report for the charter provides the following summary: “During the 2010 audit period, 30 allegations were made by current minors. Of these, eight were considered credible by law enforcement, seven were determined to be false, 12 were determined to be boundary violations, and three are still under investigation.”

One case of child abuse by a minor

by Catholic clergy is too many. Obviously, the numbers for 2011 are not yet known. Sadly, we know that one allegation in 2011, deemed credible by law enforcement, happened in the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese. Nevertheless, positive strides have been made and the resolve of the church to eliminate this problem, as much as is possible, in an institution made up of vulnerable human beings, remains strong.

I conclude by quoting a section from the conclusion of the John Jay College “Causes & Contexts” study: “The Catholic Church has taken serious steps toward understanding and reducing the problem of sexual abuse of minors by priests. Diocesan leaders began these discussions as a body in the mid-1980s when the problem of sexual abuse was becoming known, but actions to address the behavior at the time were inconsistent. In 2002, at the height of the discourse relative to the crisis, the bishops

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Dec. 12 “The Shepherd’s Voice” taping

Dec. 13 Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting Catholic Education Foundation – parent Mass and dinner Dec. 14 Serra Clubs meeting and lunch Donnelly board meeting Dec. 15 Clergy (ecumenical) anti-pornography breakfast meeting Catholic Education Foundation meeting

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Dec. 11 27th anniversary as a bishop Dec. 13-14 Ethical Review Board Dec. 14 Cardinals’ dinner — Chicago Dec. 17 “The Catholic Way” program taping Dec. 18 Federal prison Mass Confessions — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

signed a charter committing to study the problem, address it, and implement policies to prevent it from occurring in the future. They are continuing through the model of organizational change and are on the way to implementing what are considered to be the best practices in terms of education about abuse for potential victims, potential abusers, and potential guardians. The church has responded to the crisis, and as a result, a substantial decrease in the number of sexual abuse cases has come about at present.”

‘SAFETY NET’ CERTIFIED

Dr. Nancy Mikhaeel takes position as first full-time medical director of Caritas Clinics

By John Shultz

P

Special to The Leaven

ursuing a personal commitment to help those less fortunate that dates back to her school days, Nancy Mikhaeel has earned some estimable titles over her professional life.

Doctor. Caregiver. Leader.

Now, add another honorarium to that illustrious list: trailblazer.

This fall, Mikhaeel accepted a position that hadn’t really existed before: full-time medical director of the local “safety net” Caritas Clinics — Saint Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth and Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan. “She brings a commitment to serving the underserved,” said Amy Falk, executive director of Caritas.

“She had experience in this kind of clinic and in this kind of environment.

“And she jumped right in.”

What Mikhaeel’s jumped into is an operation with limited resources and a seemingly ever-burgeoning patient base.

Demand for the clinics’ services, after all, drove the decision to turn what had previously existed as a part-time and volunteer position into a paid, full-time post.

As safety net operations, the Caritas clinics provide primary health care services to low-income, uninsured residents. And from 2009 to 2010, the clinics saw a 20 percent jump in the number of new patients seeking care. That meant the clinic served over 3,000 patients in 2010, or just about 65 a day.

“This is a thing I like to do,” said Mikhaeel. “I have experience working in a safety net clinic — working with the uninsured and those with very little resources. And I did some of the same work in my mother country, Egypt.”

She continued doing similar work here, after moving to the United States in 1999. And prior to taking the post at Caritas in October, she worked in family medicine at the like-targeted Silver City Health Center in Kansas City, Kan. Mikhaeel comes from a family of doctors. Her father and siblings are all doctors and, growing up, she never thought of doing anything else.

“Family medicine has always been very appealing to me,” she said. “It’s like you’re a mix of all specialties — a little bit of everything.

You can see a parent, a child. You build a relationship with an entire family.”

She takes over an operation that relies on a handful of full-time nurse practitioners and a few dozen

Photo by John Shultz

Dr. Nancy Mikhaeel has been named the full-time medical director of the local Caritas Clinics — Saint Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth and Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan.

“The patient is the center of the picture.

This is where they get their care, and where their providers know them.”

”

Nancy Mikhaeel, medical director of the Caritas Clinics

volunteer doctors — generalists and specialists of every stripe — to serve the clinics’ growing number of patients.

But Caritas has big plans.

In her new role, Mikhaeel will help work with staff and administration to have the clinics established as Certified Medical Homes.

The medical home designation is one created by the recently passed health care reform act. Medical homes are patient-centered, Falk said.

“The patient is the center of the picture. This is where they get their care, and where their providers know them,” she said.

On top of that, Mikhaeel will be responsible for overseeing all facets of the medical end of the operation. And she’ll carry her own load

of patients. Building a relationship with patients was one of the natural draws of the Caritas job for Mikhaeel, and she hopes to make her patients remember her.

Falk, for her part, is thrilled that Mikhaeel is on board.

“I think demand here will continue to grow,” she said. “Recruiting a physician or medical provider is a challenge anywhere, due to the workforce shortage. Getting someone so qualified who wants to work in a safety net setting is more so.

“Of course, our previous directors — volunteer and part time — are to be commended for all they’ve done.”

The challenges facing the clinics and Mikhaeel are predictable: resources — and the lack thereof.

“The lack of access to specialists is always a challenge,” said Mikhaeel. “There’s a waiting list to see our specialists, anywhere from two months to six months . . . up to a year.”

In her experience, that kind of shortage has sometimes meant watching patients suffer, she said.

“It can be very heartbreaking work,” said Mikhaeel. “It’s depressing a little bit. I didn’t expect in this country that I would see patients like this, patients with so few resources.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

ABOUT CARITAS “The clinics provide a wide range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses; ongoing management of chronic diseases; referrals for dental, optical and specialized medical care; and assistance with access to prescription medication for low-income, uninsured adult residents of Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties.”

(Source: Caritas Clinics) To qualify for services, patients must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Learn more at the website: www.caritasclinics.org.

“I’ll see them, and I’ll say a little prayer. And I do anything that’s possible for me to do for them.”

Not that she’d trade it for anything.

“Everything has been pushing me to this job. For me, it’s a very rewarding experience,” said Mikhaeel.

“If you’re not there, they don’t have anyone else who can help,” she added. “You’re truly making a difference.”

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 $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

Faith can help Catholics keep consumerism at bay thoughts in check this time of year.

Continued from page 1 type of Christmas you will have. The Scriptures tell us to “take every thought captive,” which, in the case of Christmas, means not letting your mind tell you that unless you have the kind of celebration seen only in Hallmark movies and Thomas Kinkade paintings, your holy day just isn’t measuring up.

Taking your thoughts captive also means banishing jealousy, envy and the desire to have more “stuff.”

Now this isn’t easy. Every time we turn on the TV or go to a store, we are bombarded with the message that we have to buy more RIGHT NOW. It takes concentrated effort to keep our minds from racing down those mental aisles. It takes focus, determination and, yes, prayer. We need to pray daily (sometimes several times a day) for the strength to keep our wandering thoughts in check.

‘And lead us not’ Which leads to step two: Avoid temptation. The most insidious temptations are the ones that don’t look like temptations at all.

“What’s the harm in going to the mall just to look at the decorations and get into the Christmas spirit?” you might ask.

For some people, there might not be any harm at all.

But for others (and I’ll raise my hand here), seeing all those bright, shiny things to buy creates an almost uncontrollable urge to whip out the credit cards. When I venture into the stores this time of year, I go with a specific purchase in mind. I don’t allow myself to linger and I don’t indulge in fantasy shopping, lest fantasy shopping becomes real-life buying. The old adage “Out of sight, out of mind” is most apropos.

If you don’t know that a waffle maker with reversible design templates is available, you are never going to want to own one.

Buy with recipient in mind Step three: Shop with intent. Searching the stores for gifts can be fun, but it can also mean making purchases that the recipient might not actually want or use. Far better is to consider each per-

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7 ways to outfox the marketers Ever get the feeling that advertisers have you in their sights all the time?

You aren’t paranoid.

They really do.

That’s because there are more avenues of marketing open to them. Now, in addition to television, newspapers and magazines, billboards, and direct mail, there is also email, Facebook, Twitter . . . ad nauseam.

And because there are sophisticated new methods of tracking your purchases, your online shopping “stops” and your interests, much of the newer forms of marketing are finely tuned to what you’re most likely to buy.

So here are seven ways to foil their plans.

1.

Never give out personal data.

When the sales clerk asks for your phone number, say no. Your phone number can be used to track all your purchases at that store.

2.

Create a “junk” email account.

Every time you buy online, you are asked for an email address so the company can send you more opportunities to buy. Have one address you use just for online needs and save your “real” email for genuine correspondence.

3.

Limit the number of places you register or subscribe.

Especially with the Internet, it’s all too easy to get on a mailing list just because you clicked a button. Read everything before you opt into newsletters or mailing lists — even if they promise to keep your information confidential.

4.

Toss out junk mail immediately.

Or better yet, send it back. You can write: “Delivery Refused” and have it returned to the sender. You’ll be taken off their lists pronto.

5.

Don’t browse the ads.

Advertising is designed to make you want to buy. Ignore those appealing flyers in the paper, especially for stores that you love to shop in.

6.

Stay out of stores.

Impulse purchases account for a high percentage of most stores’ sales. If you aren’t in a store, you can’t be lured into buying.

7.

Leave the credit cards at home.

Paying cash helps keep spending and consumerism in check, as well as preventing your purchases from being tracked. (And you thought those stuffers in the credit card envelopes were just random!)

son’s desires and decide upon a gift before hitting the mall.

You still can have the pleasure of deciding the details — “Do I want the red one or the blue one?” — but you will avoid the pitfall of buying just to buy.

While you’re at it, don’t overlook the

joy of the handmade or even the recycled. One of the most treasured gifts I ever received was a necklace that had been my mother’s.

Sure, this approach takes more time and energy, but it’s also a boon to keeping those errant “I want more!”

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Count your blessings Next, accept what is. We often create additional pain and stress for ourselves by clinging to the past, especially when it comes to the holidays. We torture ourselves with memories of Christmases when money wasn’t a concern or when the whole family was together or when, well, fill in your own blank.

If we aren’t willing to accept the reality of the present, we can get pulled into the maelstrom of consumerism all too easily. We may try to numb our pain with purchases, which often results in even more pain and creates a vicious downward spiral.

Or, we can become like Lot’s wife in the Bible, who looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt, frozen in memories and unable to enjoy the moment.

The best antidote for this pitfall is to express gratitude for the present. Before you get out of bed, list at least five things to be grateful for. Then, before you go to sleep, list five more.

If you wake in the night, list five more. If you find yourself becoming fretful, five more.

When you focus on gratitude, you change your mind which, in turn, changes your heart which, in turn, changes your behavior.

Sharpen your focus Finally, if you really want to cut out consumerism this Christmas, use the established rituals of the faith like the Advent wreath (it’s OK to start late), the “O Antiphons,” and the sacred carols (banish “Frosty” from your playlist) to keep your heart and thoughts focused.

Instead of cruising the mall, make a quick visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

Light a candle and spend a few minutes in prayerful meditation. Read the Scriptures. Attend Mass. Pray the rosary.

It’s not very likely that our culture is going to do away with Christmas consumerism anytime soon, since most businesses rely on holiday shopping just to break even each year.

But we, as individuals, can opt out of the madness and find a center of peace as we await the coming of the Prince of Peace once again.

LOCAL NEWS 5

Priest gave his all to the urban core

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — If a man’s life could be summed up in five words, the life of Father Matthew J. Horvat was distilled thusly by Archbishop Emeritus James Patrick Keleher.

“Grace is what moved him,” he said.

Father Horvat, 80, died on Nov. 21 at Garden Terrace at Overland Park, due to complications following a stroke.

Father Horvat was pastor of St. MarySt. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kan., from the time he reentered active ministry in 1997, until he retired in 2009.

“He loved the priesthood,” said Archbishop Keleher. “When the Holy See approved [his return to active ministry], he was delighted and was a most faithful priest. He did everything the archbishop asked him to do.”

One great need in the urban core of Kansas City, Kan., was for the expansion of ministry to the underserved Hispanic community.

“Father Matt was a great friend to the Hispanic community,” said Father Patrick Murphy, CS, animator of the archdiocesan Hispanic ministry. “He made the decision to open the doors of the [parish] and, because of that, the Hispanic community felt at home at St. Mary-St. Anthony.”

Father Horvat tried to learn Spanish, but unsuccessfully. Nevertheless, he attended the important celebrations of the Hispanic community.

“He’d say the concelebrant’s parts [of the Mass in Spanish], and sometimes stay after Mass and bless the children,” said Father Pat. “He didn’t speak Spanish, so he’d give them blessings in Latin.

He’d say, ‘That was close enough. They’ll understand.’ That was cute.”

Father Horvat also had a heart for the poor.

“I know that Father Matt would never turn anyone away,” said Farther Pat. “He’d invite people into the house. We told him not to, because it was dangerous. A couple of times we found him after he fell, but he never gave up. He didn’t want to retire. He gave it his all.”

Msgr. Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., remembers Father Horvat as a friendly person who was eager to work with other Wyandotte Region pastors.

“He was interested in advancing whatever was for the good of the parish

Father Matt Horvat 1931-2011

and its services to the people,” said Msgr.

Mullen.

Father Horvat had an artistic side, said his niece, Barbara Kaufmann, of St. Paul, Minn.

“He had an intellectual side and depth you don’t see in a lot of people, and he was quite an artist,” said Kauffmann. “He began painting landscapes and went into an abstract period, and ended up doing icons.”

More than 30 of his icons, mostly undertaken in the Russian style, were exhibited in August 2001 in the Greenlease Gallery at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. “As you reflect upon an icon, you

think about the kind of spirituality that the saint invoked,” said Father Horvat in an Aug. 17, 2001, Leaven article. “Artists aren’t supposed to put their own individual feelings into the face of the icon; it is the eyes that draw you in.”

Father Horvat was born on May 26, 1931, the son of Matthew and Barbara Horvat. He was one of 13 children, two of whom died in infancy.

His immigrant parents farmed near Welborn, now part of Kansas City, Kan. They were members of St. John the Baptist Parish, but later became part of Christ the King Parish.

Father Horvat attended Christ the King School, graduated from Bishop

Ward High School in 1947, and was a member of the first graduating class of Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kan., in 1950. He served in the U.S. Air Force for two years and spent one year at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1955, and spent his novitiate and juniorate at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Mo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and letters and a master’s degree in philosophy between 1958 and 1961 at St. Louis University.

The future priest taught at St. Stephens High School in St. Stephens, Wyo., and studied theology at the nowclosed St. Mary College in St. Marys. He was ordained a Jesuit priest by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler on June 9, 1965, in the Chapel of the Immaculata at St. Mary’s College.

Father Horvat was a U.S. Navy chaplain at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia from 1967 to 1968. He was a chaplain in the First Marine Division, Da Nang, Republic of South Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969. He received an honorable discharge and, shortly after, left the Jesuit order and active ministry.

He married Karen (Nickerson) Horvat in 1971 and they had two children, Sarah and Stephen. They divorced in 1988. He earned a master’s of public health degree from the University of Oklahoma, College of Public Health, in 1974.

In 1996, Father Horvat requested that he be released from the Society of Jesus and incardinated into the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. This request was accepted and he was appointed pastor of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish on July 12, 1997.

Father Horvat was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Joe and Michael; his sisters Mary Thomas, Emily Sercer, Anne Theno and Helen Horvat.

He is survived by brothers Father Frank Horvat, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and John Horvat, Lansing; and sisters Rose Waller in St. Paul, Minn., and Barbara Carroll in Kansas City, Kan. He is also survived by son Stephen and daughter Sarah.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Horvat was celebrated by Father Dennis Wait at St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish on Dec. 9. He was then buried with military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

‘World Youth Day for grownups’ Archbishop Keleher to lead pilgrimage to 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Good food, good company, sight-seeing and the spiritual adventure of a lifetime — all wrapped into one affordable package.

What could be better than that?

The archdiocesan pilgrimage to Dublin, Ireland, for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress is an opportunity Archbishop James P. Keleher will not pass up.

And he’s encouraging fellow Catholics to join him.

“For most of us, it is a once-in-a lifetime event,” he said. “Despite the fact that I’ve been a priest for almost 54 years, I have never had the privilege of being in a eucharistic congress.”

Rose Hammes, director of communications and pastoral planning for the archdiocese, planned the pilgrimage and will be joining the archbishop as tour guide.

“I’ve been working with the travel company to set the agenda for the congress,” she said. “And then we’ve added in the sightseeing we’re going to do around the outside of it.”

Hammes refers to the congress as a “World Youth Day for grownups.”

“I think that people who have not experienced that sense of the universal worldwide church will find that here,” she said.

The theme of the 50th congress is: “The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.”

Indeed, the diverse population of the Catholic Church will be brought together in unity with the Holy Spirit as pilgrims from all around the world converge in Dublin.

Congress participants will join in daily Mass celebrations at the RDS Arena in Ballsbridge, where there will also be a full program of workshops and cultural events.

The closing ceremony will be a liturgical celebration of the universal church held in Croke Park Stadium, which has the capacity to seat 80,000.

Planners are expecting to fill that capacity with 40,000 pilgrims from around the world and 40,000 from Ireland.

What is an International Eucharistic Congress?

An International Eucharistic Congress is a worldwide gathering of people who come together to deepen their understanding of, and devotion to, the holy Eucharist.

An international congress takes place once every four years, somewhere in the world, for eight days.

The 50th congress, which is being actively prepared for in parishes and dioceses all over Ireland, will be celebrated in Dublin June 10-17, 2012.

This Congress is particularly focused on the social dimension of the Eucharist and will also celebrate

“The highlight of the pilgrimage will be participating in a eucharistic congress in the great city of Dublin,” said the archbishop. “And at the same time, we’ll be able to visit a wonderful, old Catholic country at a beautiful time of year.”

Archbishop Keleher will share tour guide duties with Hammes during the nine-day adventure.

“My part of the pilgrimage will be to be with the pilgrims as they arrive in Dublin and tour that great city with them,” he said.

“And some of the most famous Georgian architecture of the world is in Dublin,” he added.

The group will also stop at Trinity College to view the Book of Kells.

Following their Dublin tour, pilgrims will spend three days participating in some of the most important moments of the eucharistic congress.

“It’s not just about the church or about the Eucharist,” said Archbishop Keleher. “Many aspects of our faith will be discussed in the course of the three days.”

Following the close of the congress, the group will have another three days to tour the Emerald Isle.

Archbishop Keleher has particular favorites among the many sightseeing stops arranged for the pilgrimage.

“We’ll go to Knock, Ireland,” he said, “where we’ll visit one of the places in the world that is recognized in the church as having been a visitation [site] by our Blessed Mother.

“And then from there, we’ll go to visit the famous Ballintubber Abbey.”

Mass has been celebrated daily at the abbey for over 800 years.

The pilgrimage will continue to Dingle, Killarney, Kerry and many other sites. It will conclude with a festive farewell dinner at Bunratty Castle.

The archbishop said Ireland is his favorite place to visit, and this pilgrimage is

the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.

The theme is: “The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.”

Daily celebration of the Eucharist is central to the congress and surrounded by a wider program that includes other liturgical events, cultural events, catechesis and testimonies, and workshops.

A eucharistic congress was held in Ireland in 1932 and memorabilia from that past congress will be on display at a special exhibition.

taking place at an ideal time of year.

“June is one of my favorite months if I were to visit,” he said. “The beauties of Ireland are certainly going to be all around during those days of the pilgrimage.”

Hammes agreed.

“I’ve been to Ireland once before,” she said. “It is truly a magical place, and I’m so excited to be able to go back.”

“I think it will be a very enjoyable trip and a very religious moment for those days of the eucharistic congress,” added the archbishop.

Join the pilgrimage Participation is limited, so early registration is recommended!

The pilgrimage to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress will take place June 13-21, 2012.

“We have put together a really good travel package, including the eucharistic congress and lots of sightseeing, for a price that I think is fairly reasonable,” said Rose Hammes.

“It’s first-come, first served,” she added. “The first 40 we have sign up will be the 40 that go.”

The cost is $2,999, plus taxes and fuel surcharges, tips, and the Congress registration fee.

Those interested only have to put down a $400 deposit now to hold their place.

The brochure that explains the trip in detail and registration forms are available at a link on the main page of the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck. org.

For more information, contact Hammes at (913) 647-0346 or, via email at: rhammes@archkck. org.

The pilgrimage will conclude with a farewell dinner at Bunratty Castle.

Virgil and Marilee (Strathman) Deters, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 11. The couple was married on Dec. 28 at St. Michael Church in Axtell.

They will have a Anniversary Mass of thanksgiving at Sacred Heart at 8:30 a.m., followed by dinner and a reception at Valentino’s in Seneca for invited guests, and then an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Their children and their spouses are: Keith and Jean Deters; Annette and Charles Koch; Eileen and Steve Hazzard; Tom and the late Deborah Deters; Robert and Cherri Deters; John and Pam Deters; Glen Deters; Bill and Brenda Deters; and Cathy and Scott Wempe. They also have 24 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Help bring shoes to the needy KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Elite Feet is partnering with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and City Union Mission for Shoe Kansas City 2011, bringing shoes to those in need in the community.

The Kansas City community is encouraged to donate shoes and money to this event up until Dec. 31. Shoes can be brought to any Elite Feet location, Catholic Charities’ TurnStyles locations, City Union Mission and McCarthy Auto Group locations.

Last year, Kansas City came together to collect 12,000 shoes and Saucony donated $15,000 in shoes. This year’s sponsors include McCarthy Auto Group and Saucony. To learn more, visit the website at: elitefeetkc.com.

Support group for addicts KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A support group for women dealing with any type of addiction, at any stage of recovery, will meet from 6 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the Keeler Women’s Center here, located at 2220 Central Ave. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

Ancient Order of Hibernians seeking new members KANSAS CITY, Kan. — If you are a Catholic male of Irish descent, join us to enrich your faith and your heritage in a brotherhood of like-minded men. Apply for membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Father Donnelly Division No. 1 of Johnson County. For information or to apply

for membership, contact Larry Shepard at (913) 205-6904; send an email to him at: mickeydowd@sbcglobal.net; or visit the website at: www.ksaoh.org.

Theology of the body groups forming KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Healing from pornography? Monthly theology of the body groups and weekly recovery groups are available for men and women. For information, visit the website at: LoveIs Faithful.com, or call Sam Meier, MA, LPC, at (913) 647-0378.

Appointment Father Lourdu Marreddy Yeruva (Diocese of Guntur, India), currently parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, is appointed parochial vicar of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego; Holy Family Parish, Alma; St. Joseph Parish, Flush; and Sacred Heart Parish, Paxico, effective Dec. 16.

Healing for the holidays

Expert advice

10 ideas for those grieving during the holidays

1

Plan for times you know will be hard The holidays are full of memories, and sometimes sadness can ambush you. But planning for what you can is a way to help you guide your grief.

When Mary Kay Whitacre’s father died, her family paid a lot of attention to the major holidays, knowing Thanksgiving and Christmas in particular would be different.

The one that wasn’t as obvious at the time was New Year’s, traditionally a couple’s holiday, which also carried many memories.

Another time that tends to hit people hard is tax time, said Whitacre. The change in marital status at tax time can be heart-wrenching for a widow or widower filing for the first time after their spouse’s death.

Planning can give you control over these times, instead of letting the holidays control you, said Whitacre.

Faith comforts family through grief

I

Story Jessica Langdon | Photos by Susan McSpadden

t’s as sweet as a scene out of any love story.

But it was real life for Jacob and Terry Mauer.

“We wrote love letters to each other,” said Terry.

“I’d slip one by his coffeepot, and he’d slip one by my teapot.”

The tradition wrote itself into the last six years of their marriage, a union that lasted a total of 45-and-a-half years — until Jacob died in March 2010.

Terry grew up in Wyandotte County; Rothering was her maiden name. Jacob, one of 14 children, was raised in Topeka.

The two met, fell in love and got married, settling after about a year in Liberty, Mo. Jacob was a teacher. He taught at Bishop Miege in Roeland Park, Bishop Ward in Kansas City, Kan., and in Liberty. Terry also taught in Liberty. She is now a formation director for a lay Carmelite group based at Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood.

The couple raised two children — son Michael Jacob Mauer, who eventually moved to Indiana, and daughter AnneMarie Luna, whose family belongs to St. Agnes Church in Roeland Park.

When Jacob began his battle with cancer, the family had a few months to prepare and say their goodbyes.

That wasn’t the case when Michael died unexpectedly a few months later in November 2010 at age 44.

“I had his funeral three days after Thanksgiving last year,” said Terry.

A ‘new normal’ Grief has touched the members of this family in these and other ways in the last few years. And like many families that have experienced losses, they feel the absence of their loved ones particularly acutely during the holidays.

“People will say, ‘I’d like to tear the calendar pages out on Nov. 20 and not step back in until Jan. 5,’” said Mary Vorsten, a licensed clinical professional counselor.

Vorsten, now in private practice, served for years as director of counseling with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Since that isn’t possible, the question becomes: How do I cope with life during those six weeks?

First, say experts, families experiencing a loss might want to take a moment

to examine their holiday traditions and give themselves permission to refrain from those that might be particularly painful.

Families experiencing grief should take a look at “what makes Christmas Christmas, and how it’s going be different this year,” suggested Mary Kay Whitacre.

Whitacre, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, has more than three decades of experience in pastoral care and facilitates workshops on how to handle the holidays with grief.

If Christmas dinner is a necessity, maybe it can come from a store this time, she said. That way, no one has to cook.

The Mauer family has started eating dinner out on Thanksgiving. Some different traditions are replacing those from the past.

They, like many, are tasked at this time of year — and year-round — with finding what some grief experts call a “new normal.”

Adjustments Jacob and Terry were “extremely close,” and that seems to ease some of the pain, said Terry.

She turns to her faith in her grief and finds herself focusing on the word “trust.”

She underlines it in everything she reads.

She knows God has a reason for everything, even if it’s not clear to her.

She feels blessed to have been able to care for her husband during his illness.

To her, this isn’t a time to be bitter or angry with God. “God writes straight on a crooked line,” said Terry. “He will get us through the hard times.”

The six years of letters she and Jacob exchanged help a lot, although reading them is sometimes bittersweet. It is much easier now than when he first died, however, when she had a hard time even looking at her favorite picture of the two of them together.

Fortunately, Catholic Community Hospice, the program of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas that provided services for the family before and after Jacob’s death, was there to help.

Brent Doster, bereavement coordinator of Catholic Community Hospice, suggested she turn the picture around to face the crucifix.

It worked. Terry could have her husband by her side as she prayed.

“We can still offer our prayers together,” she said.

She has also been keeping a journal, and it gives her a glimpse of her journey.

“I can see where I’ve made some growth in adjusting,” she said.

“Adjustment” is a good word for this, she has learned.

About three weeks after Jacob died, Terry turned to a friend and said, “Tell me it gets better.”

“No,” her friend told her, “but you adjust.”

“I’m finding that to be true,” said Terry.

3

Nurture your spiritual health Some people who have experienced the loss of someone close “might feel a little disenchanted by God,” said Schemmel.

“Just tell [God] your grief,” she said. “Just pour your heart out. He’s big enough to take that.”

Vorsten echoed that idea.

“They need to be able to do what they are comfortable doing spiritually,” she added.

Some people might not be able to consider going to Christmas Eve Mass without the person they have lost, she said. In that case, she suggests going on Christmas Day, instead.

“Stand in the back,” she suggests. You probably won’t be alone there on a holiday.

Terry Mauer looks over the letters she and her husband Jacob wrote to each other daily. Jacob died at home in March 2010, and Terry keeps boxes of the letters they exchanged.

5

Mention the loved one There is a sort of hesitation to bring up the name of someone who has died, said Whitacre.

“They don’t want to make you sad,” she said.

While people mean well, what they don’t always realize is that you’re already thinking about them.

“The reality is that loss is an ongoing presence,” she said.

Whitacre remembers the first holiday season that followed her sister’s death. Francie Huggins was 21 when she died in a car crash. There was some healing in the mere conversation about how to handle a family tradition — specifically, what they would do with Francie’s stocking.

“In the end, we turned it into a stocking for my newborn niece,” said Whitacre.

Terry prays the rosary in the couple’s prayer room. Jacob’s rosary hangs from his reading lamp. She has found ways to keep his presence close through prayer.

Holiday changes Michael had a heart condition and had been ill, but his death was unexpected.

Living several states apart, he and his mother had an understanding: If neither had heard from the other in three days, it was time to check on the other. When Terry got no answer on the third day, she knew someone needed to check on her son. He had passed away at home; his dog was by his side.

Knowing he had been happy the last time they talked comforts Terry.

She keeps his memorial holy card close.

With Michael’s death so close to the holiday season and Jacob’s death still heavy on their hearts, family members changed the way they did the holidays in 2010.

“We went out to a restaurant, which was a wise thing to do,” said Terry, recalling Thanksgiving.

Making it a new tradition, the family went out again this Thanksgiving.

While it wasn’t the same as the holidays they’re used to, it was a nice day.

Terry attends Mass seven days a week, so naturally it will be a part of Christmas.

In 2010, the Luna family went over to her house for the holiday.

“We fixed a small, nice dinner, and then we went to a movie — a happy, nice movie,” she said, adding that it was the “best thing” they could have done. She thought that might be a good thing to do again this year.

Terry also decided on a shorter-thanusual message in the few Christmas cards she sent in 2010.

“The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away,” she wrote. “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

She cries every day, she said, but she knows that’s part of this process.

“I think it’s a release,” she said. “I think God expects us to cry.”

She doesn’t know how someone can get through a loss like this without faith.

“We have to know they’re in good hands,” she said.

6

Seek outside support Not everyone grieves in the same way.

Some might want to talk, while others simply can’t. Whitacre encouraged people to have patience and to seek support outside the family system.

And you can always — even for just the few weeks surrounding the holidays — talk with a professional, said Vorsten. She also encourages participation in support groups, such as those offered at several parishes.

8

Recommended reading: Whitacre recommends: “Harvesting Our Tears: A Process of Grieving Our Loved Ones,”

by Susan Blum Gerding; “Praying Our Goodbyes,” by Sister Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.; “Angel Catcher: A Journal of Loss and Remembrance,” by Kathy and Amy Eldon; and “Praying Through Grief,” by Sister Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P. Vorsten recommends: “Healing after Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief,” by Martha Whitmore Hickman; and “How to Survive the Loss of a Love,” by Harold H. Bloomfield, Peter McWilliams and Melba Colgrove.

Schemmel recommends:“Letters from Heaven: Comfort for Those who are Hurting,” by Claire Cloninger.

2

Take care of yourself Karen Schemmel, who helps run the bereavement support group at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, often draws inspiration from the monthly H.O.P.E. newsletter from the Amos Family Funeral Home. The November issue, which appears online at: www.amosfamily. com, includes a list of ways to get through a “Blue Christmas” from the Rev. Victor M. Parachin.

One suggestion is simple: Take care of yourself physically. Eat well. Exercise. Get enough rest.

One thing Schemmel always recommends is to drink enough water.

“When you’re crying, you get so dehydrated,” she said.

“Take it one day at a time,” added licensed clinical professional counselor Mary Vorsten. “Take care of yourself today.”

Doing so now can make you more ready to take care of yourself when Dec. 25 arrives.

4

Keep expectations realistic Glittering lights. A perfectly decorated tree. A sprinkling of snow.

The holidays don’t always turn out so picture perfect, even under the best circumstances.

Families argue. Kids cry. Problems pop up.

“Holidays, I think, are hard because of expectations,” said Donna Kaberlein of the bereavement support group at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. “Holidays are so blown out of proportion because of what we expect.”

“Be gentle with yourself,” said Vorsten, “and set those expectations aside. Ask others to set those expectations of you aside, also.”

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral.

“We’re in a society that forgets that the grieving goes on,” said Vorsten.

“The first holidays are extremely difficult.”

And when someone is grieving the death of someone close to them — a parent, child, sibling, best friend — the holiday season can carry a new set of expectations, mainly that this time will carry extra weight or sadness.

“The expectations, or the worry about the holidays and what it’s going to be like, are often harder than when the day actually comes,” said Kaberlein.

This can be a time to remember and create new memories.

“They have to establish new traditions,” said Kaberlein. “A lot of people will set a candle at the table where the person used to be. Don’t forget about them, but include them in your new way of celebrating the holidays.”

7

Find opportunities for healing Maybe not the first year, but in years that follow, friends and family might organize walks or races to raise money for a cure.

Or they might put a present under the tree to give to someone in need in honor of the person they’re remembering.

A family grieving the loss of a child might find comfort in donating a special toy to a child who needs a gift to open this Christmas, said Whitacre.

And rituals, which can range from elaborate remembrance ceremonies to simple gestures, are key. They connect people to memories of the ones they have lost.

9

Find resources that work for you “Many are unable to furrow through a book on grief,” said Schemmel. In those instances, she recommends something simple, such as a prayer card.

For those who want to read more, Vorsten suggests going to the library, pulling four or five books on grief from the shelf, and sitting down to look through them. Then, she suggests, check out maybe two that most match your needs.

It’s OK to laugh “You always feel guilty laughing,” said Whitacre, “and yet laughter is so healing — and who doesn’t want to be remembered for laughter?”

When her great-aunt died, Whitacre’s mother and sister cleaned out her house, and there they found some old polyester jumpsuits. They wrapped the jumpsuits and put them under the Christmas tree, to the delight of the entire family.

“Aunt Grace was right there in the middle of that,” said Whitacre, adding that she would have loved it.

Looking for opportunities for laughter is important, although it can be hard to do right after you’ve lost someone, she acknowledged.

Storytelling is also one of the most healing things, she said.

10

Find your ‘new normal’ The bright lights and smiling faces during the holidays can make someone who is grieving feel different from the rest of

the world.

“We always compare our insides to everyone else’s outsides,” said Vorsten. It can feel as if life is going on as normal for everyone else except for them, but that’s not necessarily true.

Going to support groups can show people they are not alone, she said.

Support groups are open to anyone interested. They aren’t always for everyone, but many people find comfort there.

Schemmel has seen bonds of friendship formed among people who have attended the bereavement support sessions at Church of the Ascension Parish.

People come to find they don’t return to life as it was before, but instead reach “a new normal.”

The Prince of Peace group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Ascension’s sessions take place on the second Saturday of each month, following an 8:30 a.m. Mass. St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., offers a weekday group that meets each month on the third Wednesday at noon. And Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood has a support group that meets on the third Saturday of each month, following an 8 a.m. Mass.

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

Despite ‘rough spots,’ Catholics adapt to new missal WASHINGTON (CNS) — Years of planning went into it, followed by catechesis over the past several months via workshops, classroom and video presentations, diocesan communiques, bishops’ pastoral letters, parish bulletin inserts, and countless stories and special sections in Catholic newspapers. All of it was done to prepare everyone, from clergy to the people in the pews, for the first use of the new English-translation of the Roman Missal as Advent began with Masses Nov. 26-27. By all accounts, despite “a few rough spots here and there, and occasional ‘and also with your spirit’ and other hybrid responses . . . it looks like we made it!” said Father Richard Hilgartner, executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Divine Worship. “We are now praying with the Roman Missal,” the priest said in a Nov. 28 email to employees at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington.

He told The Catholic Review, newspaper of the Baltimore Archdiocese, his home archdiocese, that it will take time for people to grow accustomed to the new language, which is more literally translated from the original Latin than the earlier translation. While there may be a short-term sense of entering unchartered waters, he said, in the long term the new translation may provide opportunities to enrich prayer life. “We’ll have new words and new images in our prayer, so I hope that ultimately people will hear things that speak to their hearts.”

Death penalty opponents praise Oregon governor PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) — Catholic and other opponents of the death penalty praised Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber for placing a moratorium on the use of the death penalty for the rest of his term.

“Those of us who respect the dignity of human life from conception to natural death applaud this decision,” said Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny. “This is what we have been praying for and asking for,” said Ron Steiner, a member of Queen of Peace Parish in Salem and an organizer for Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Kitzhaber announced his decision Nov. 22, saying he regretted allowing two men to be executed during his first time in office in the 1990s. A Democrat, he was out of political life for eight years before being elected again in November 2010. His new term began in January and ends in January 2015.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

THE SLUGGING SISTER

Sister could have been a pro ballplayer but ‘caught’ a vocation instead PITTSBURGH (CNS) — She was the youngest of eight children growing up in McKeesport. Her brother Bill, closest to her in age, invited her to play baseball with the neighborhood kids in a nearby field — and she was hooked.

Ironic how her last name — Diamond — would be associated with the baseball “diamond” for most of her formative years.

Now 80, Mercy Sister Mary Bride Diamond recounted her years as a ballplayer — one good enough to go professional.

During an interview in the convent parlor, she explained that her ball-playing skills developed on sandlot fields.

When an eight-team girls’ fast-pitch softball league started in McKeesport, she was natural at catcher. A coach selected young Mary Bride and other star players from those teams to form one to play girls’ softball squads in the Pittsburgh area. In high school, she was chosen for a traveling team to play across Pennsylvania.

“I could play outfield, infield — everything but pitch,” she said proudly.

She recalled a game in which a “biggame” batter from an opposing team hit a potentially game-winning line drive to her when she played shortstop. She made a diving catch.

Her career batting average was around .290, she said, but sometimes her average was over .300. And she hit a “lot of” home runs, one of which won the game.

“I had a lot of key hits,” she recalled.

As a catcher, she stood her ground when runners tried to cross the plate as fielders threw her the ball.

“They never got past me. I blocked the plate well,” she said.

She played through injuries — being occasionally spiked in the legs, hit with a ball in the facemask several times as she squatted behind the plate, and once hit by a bat.

During World War II, Philip Wrigley, owner of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs, formed the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

With many men fighting overseas, Wrigley thought an all girls’ baseball league would be an attraction. In the late 1940s, league teams, the Chicago Colleens and Springfield Sallies, visited New Castle, Pa., for area tryouts.

One of Mary Bride’s coaches suggested she should demonstrate her skills.

CNS photo/Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Sister Mary Bride Diamond is pictured in this combination photo as a young woman striking a bunting pose and as an 80-year-old Mercy Sister. Sister Mary Bride was part of an eight-team girls’ fastpitch softball league in McKeesport, Pa., and was good enough to have gone pro in the late 1940s with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. But she chose to enter religious life in 1953.

Out of 125 girls who showed their skills on the field that day, only three were chosen to go professional. Mary Bride was one.

“I was excited to say the least,” she said. She explained that the teams would travel to major U.S. cities, stay in the best hotels, be chaperoned and, of course, play ball. Still a senior in high school, she had to ask her oldest brother, Jack, for permission to play professional baseball as her parents were deceased.

Jack’s answer: no. She had to graduate.

“Of course, I was disappointed,” Sister Mary Bride recalled. After graduation, she worked at G.C. Murphy’s home office in the silk-screening department.

But Mercy Sister Kathleen Heavill, who taught her at St. Peter High School, would help change her life.

“She thought I had good character, could stand on my own two feet and make good decisions,” said Sister Mary Bride. Sister Kathleen told her that she likely had a religious vocation.

“I didn’t think so,” Sister Mary Bride said, but Sister Kathleen kept in touch and one day called to say she had made an appointment for her to see the Sisters of Mercy mother superior in Pittsburgh.

That meeting led Mary Bride to enter the community — on Feb. 22, 1953.

“It was the best thing I ever did in my life. I am as happy as I can be,” she said.

She has been a teacher and program director at Mercy Hall, the Sisters of Mercy infirmary. She credited sports with helping her develop discipline, sportsmanship and getting along with others.

Even as a Mercy Sister, her interest in sports never waned. Over the years she sat in the stands, cheering on the Steelers and Pirates.

She never got to toss a first pitch from the mound at the start of a Pirates’ home game, a secret wish she has harbored.

Sister Mary Bride now uses a walker to get around and no longer attends games in person. But she still watches, in between prayer, working in the convent mailroom, making sandwiches for the homeless and visiting Sisters in Mercy Hall to help them laugh a little.

As much as she loved to play ball, she never regretted becoming a Sister.

“When God calls you, he calls you no matter what; that’s it,” she said. “I have had an interesting life, thanks be to God.”

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Traditionalist says Vatican statement needs changes VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The head of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X said a “doctrinal preamble” presented by the Vatican needs changes before it can be accepted as the basis for the group’s reconciliation. The statement by Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior of the society, appeared to hold out hope for further discussions with the Vatican, but it was unclear whether the Vatican would be willing to revisit the text. “It is true that this doctrinal preamble cannot receive our endorsement, although leeway has been allowed for a ‘legitimate discussion’ about certain points of the [Second Vatican] Council. What is the extent of this leeway?” Bishop Fellay said in an interview posted on the society’s website Nov. 29. In September, when Bishop Fellay was handed the preamble, the Vatican did not publish the document but said it “states some doctrinal principles and criteria for the interpretation of Catholic doctrine necessary to guarantee fidelity” to the formal teaching of the church. In his interview, however, Bishop Fellay said the preamble was “a document which can be clarified and modified, as the accompanying note points out. It is not a definitive text.” He said: “The proposal that I will make in the next few days to the Roman authorities and their response in turn will enable us to evaluate our remaining options. And whatever the result of these talks may be, the final document that will have been accepted or rejected will be made public.” Asked whether the past two years of talks with the Vatican have been pointless, Bishop Fellay said they have allowed the society to present their objections to the doctrinal difficulties caused

by Vatican II “and consequently show why adherence to the council is problematic.

This is an essential first step.”

Catholic officials call for calm after Congo’s election violence KINSHASA, Congo (CNS) — Catholic officials called for calm after a tense day of polling in which violent incidents claimed the lives of nearly a dozen people during Congo’s presidential and legislative elections. “The electoral campaign that took place in a tense atmosphere has ended with a funereal note,” the Congolese bishops’ conference said in a Nov. 29 statement that deplored deaths in a polling station in the southeastern city of Lubumbashi. Armed men in civilian clothes, reportedly members of a local Katanga separatist movement, attacked the polling station, killing two police officers and one female voter. In the same area, police also opened fire and killed seven or eight men who attacked a convoy carrying electoral materials. The bishops said that although the elections took place in an environment of calm in many areas of the country, violent incidents marred the day in other places. Apart from the armed attack on Lubumbashi polling station, news sources also reported that several dozen polling stations in the central city of Kananga, an opposition stronghold in the province of Kasai-Oriental, were set on fire early Nov. 28, when ballot boxes were found stuffed before the start of polling. The fact that many voters found that their names were not on electoral lists and many polling stations lacked ballot papers, ink and other materials, just added to the general confusion and tension of the day, the bishops said. The Catholic national justice and peace commission, which had deployed 30,000 Congolese observers throughout the country, said that, by early Nov. 29, it had received reports from only 25 percent of the observers, most of whom did not have rapid means of communication.

WORLD 11

Simple changes may help resist drought

By Patricia Zapor

Catholic News Service SAGAWIKA, Malawi (CNS) — With a little mulch from last season’s corn stalks, a deeper hole with more seeds and a few other tweaks of traditional corn-planting techniques, the villages of Nduwa and Sagawika might make it through the next drought in better shape.

Though Malawi — slightly smaller than Pennsylvania — is not generally included in the reporting and statistics about the current drought and famine in parts of the Horn of Africa, it is subject to frequent crises because of inadequate rainfall or devastating floods. With 87 percent of Malawi’s population employed in agriculture, the difference between keeping and losing a season’s crop of corn — or having something growing besides corn — can determine whether villages like this prosper or people start dying from malnutrition, said local staffers of Catholic Relief Services.

In collaboration with the local Catholic Church, the U.S. bishops’ aid agency has been teaching these two communities new techniques for planting, irrigation and simple local banking, with the goal of ensuring that more Malawians make it through the next crisis.

Gifts Luwe, an employee of the Mzuzu Diocese, translated as residents of the two adjacent villages described the process they had gone through to participate in the savings and agriculture programs.

Shakespeare a secret Catholic?

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — There is “little doubt” that William Shakespeare was a Catholic who was forced to hide his faith in Protestant England while leaving hints about his faith throughout his vast body of work, said an opinion piece in the Vatican newspaper.

Taking a cue from renewed speculation about Shakespeare’s true identity sparked by the film “Anonymous,” L’Osservatore Romano wrote, “There may be questions regarding his identity, but not his religious faith.”

The Nov. 18 op-ed piece said that this view was at least partly shared by the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, who said in a debate at a literary festival last May that Shakespeare “probably had a Catholic background and had Catholic friends.”

It also pointed out that shortly after the Bard of Avon’s recorded death in 1616, Anglican Archdeacon Richard Davies wrote, “He died a papist,” a pejorative term Protestants used to refer to Catholics.

The editorial said that while there is legitimate debate about who was truly behind the Shakespeare name, “there is little doubt about another question regarding the life of Shakespeare: his convinced adherence to the Catholic faith.”

Shakespeare’s work, it said, “is full of open references to the Catholic religion.” These references are especially evident in the play “Hamlet,” it said.

The editorial also said the argument that Shakespeare lived a life “fleeing and denouncing the bloody persecution that Elizabethan England inflicted on its subjects that were following the beliefs of their fathers” was worthy of further serious study.

CNS photo/Jennifer Hardy, Catholic Relief Services

A Samburu woman fills a jug with water at a sand dam in central Kenya. The newly upgraded dam is part of a Catholic Relief Services drought emergency program.

Catholic officials taught farmers simple crop-rotation techniques, irrigation and water conservation methods.

Luwe said farmers were unaware that the simple habit of using the last potatoes from a harvest to provide the seeds for the next season was why their potatoes had been growing progressively smaller. Officials taught other farmers that replanting the same variety of wheat for 10 seasons was stretching the soil nutrients and the viability of that strain of wheat six seasons beyond the recommended cycle.

Adam Weimer, head of programs for

CRS Malawi, said the water conservation techniques being tested in Sagawika have been shown to double the output of corn per acre of land in the first year and triple the harvest by the second or third years.

“These conservation agriculture techniques are being practiced worldwide as a way to help protect the soil from erosion, protect the nutrients and increase yields in a sustainable way,” Weimer said.

A plot of land that might normally yield 30-40 bags of corn is projected to produce up to 80 bags the first year using the conservation techniques, he said.

12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Outreach call representative - CFCA is a dynamic, international sponsorship organization serving children, youth and the aging in 22 developing countries. The call representative is responsible for initiating contacts within the national Catholic community and promoting CFCA to prospective parishes.

Communication is predominantly completed via the telephone, but will also utilize email, fax and U.S. mail. Job involves outbound cold calling and inbound customer relations. Submit resume, via email, to: hr@ cfcausa.org. $11 – 13 /hr., depending on experience.

St. Agnes Early Education Center - Roeland Park, is currently seeking to fill an opening. The right candidate will be at least 18 years old; meet Kansas state lead teacher requirements; be physically able to meet the demands of working with young children; have a positive attitude; and be energetic, flexible, creative and patient. To apply, submit resume, via email, to Neona Russ, director, to: russneo@stagnes kc.org.

Assistant wrestling coach - Immediate opening at Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan. Contact Greg Duggins, athletic director, at (913) 371-1201 or send an email to him at: gduggins@wardhigh.org.

Preschool teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is seeking qualified lead teachers and assistants. Full- and part-time positions available. In our warm, loving atmosphere, caring teachers support the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years of age. Candidates should be extremely organized, professional in attitude and appearance, prepared to plan and facilitate lesson plans according to Goddard requirements and able to communicate effectively with children, families, coworkers and administrators. Full-time benefits include competitive pay, benefits package, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations and have a desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree, a CDA, or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Owners are members of Church of the Ascension Parish.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison areas. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring 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. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Job Seeking Retired accountant - Seeking a part-time position as an accountant, bookkeeper or a clerical position in the Olathe or Lenexa area. Member Prince of Peace Parish. For a resume, contact Bob at (913) 3932805 or send an email to: rkerns2346@yahoo.com.

Female college student seeking job over Christmas break - Hardworking and dependable.

Available Dec. 21 - Jan. 13. KC metro area. Call (913) 634-9138.

Services Dog- and/or housesitting - My name is Seán Rielley and I’m a graduate of Rockhurst High School and Benedictine College. I am available for hire as a dog-/housesitter. I can also provide basic yard maintenance, moving help, errand-running and more.

Curé of Ars, Leawood, parishioner. Call (913) 563-9333 or send an email to: srielley@sbcglobal.net.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor.

Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011 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: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

Exercise at home! - Need to get in shape or improve balance and coordination? I offer personal training in the privacy of your home or mine. Certified; 15 yrs exp.; Olathe/JoCo area. Ten-session packages make a great gift. Call Angela at (913) 558-7759.

Custom home and business audio visual - If you need help with a home theater, data networking, or just hanging a flat screen television, turn to us.

Over 25 years of combined installation experience.

Visit the website at: www.crsightandsound.com or call (913) 904-8935.

QuickBooks® for small business - Setup, customization and maintenance; quarterly and/or yearly accounting; support to your CPA, balance monthly statements, profit and expense tracking. Free consultations! Call Ann Evans Consulting LLC at (913) 4069778.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011 Heating and air conditioning - Serving Johnson, Wyandotte and northern Miami counties. Seasonal tune-ups, full system replacements, and everything in between. 20 years experience. Call Jon at (913) 850-3376.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance, upgrades and chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and single-parent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, wood rot repair, deck repair, yardwork, small to medium tree trimming, gutter cleaning, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

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) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote.

(913) 709-8401.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998

The Innovative Event - Wedding and special event centerpieces, event design and décor. Using original creations and artistic flair, The Innovative Event can turn your vision into a very special occasion. Over 10 years experience with parish community events and weddings. Call Marilyn at (913) 707-8009 or send an email to her at: Marilyn@The InnovativeEvent.com.

Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repairs; kitchen or bathrooms; custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years exp.; insured. Free estimates. Call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount. Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Need some help? - Maybe I am the answer. I can get you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping. Perhaps you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur; I’ll get you there. I can also run errands for you, such as picking up your prescriptions or groceries. Just give me a call to discuss your needs. Johnson County only. (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Caregiving Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

CNA home health care professional - Provides quality, attentive, personal assistance for seniors and the homebound. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Let me reduce your stress by helping you keep your loved one at home.

Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

Private senior care - Registered nurse offering medical and nonmedical services. Keeping seniors at home and independent. Call (913) 522-4938 or send an email to: jcseniorcare@gmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Retired nurse - Available to care for your loved one. Days, nights, and weekends. Will consider livein; willing to relocate. References; salary negotiable.

Call (913) 579-5276.

Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

Home Improvement Handyman - Light hauling, electrical, plumbing, painting and carpentry. Efficient and affordable. Call Michael Broton at (816) 728-6109.

Real Estate Townhome for sale - 3 BR, 3 BA, move-in ready condition! Bonus bedroom on lower level with egress window. Fresh interior paint, new flooring and a fenced patio. HOA maintains exterior, driveway and walkways, roof, lawn, snow and trash removal.

Complex has two swimming pools, tennis court and a clubhouse. Located in Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. $169,500. Call Rosemary Connors, Reece and Nichols Realtors, at (913) 669-1229.

For Rent Office space available - Great location in the Ranchmart area of Prairie Village. Ideal for start-ups, professional and small businesses. Flexible terms.

Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.

Merriam - Large, 2 BR unit in fourplex. Private and quiet area, large country kitchen, private patio.

Electricity is only utility. Call Ken at (913) 484-6942.

Vacation Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollar view; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.

Colorado ski vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. Bus to ski area. $135/night; $800/ week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027.

To view, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Child Care In-home child care provider needed - We are looking for a child care provider/nanny, with references and experience, to care for our 9-month-old daughter at our home close to Mission. Hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Spanish speaking a plus. Call (913) 262-1609.

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, - Quality products, 20 years experience, references. Call (913) 206-4524.

For Sale

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M.Ed., today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

For sale – Medical equipment and supplies; new and used. Wholesale pricing. Scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, bath and shower items, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, ramps, hospital beds and other items. Call Ron Coleman (913) 299-9176.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-andafter pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com.

Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation* Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Roofing insurance specialist - Free estimates; repairs if needed. Hail/wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call Rob (913) 206-4524.

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.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.

Pool table - Foremost; in excellent condition. $500. Johnson County area. Call (916) 942-8069.

Wanted to Buy Cash for your antiques - Coins, watches, silverware, old rifles and shotguns, pocket knives, old military items, Zippo lighters, duck decoys, antique toys, old signs, old pine or primitive furniture. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Want to buy *** Antique or vintage jewelry Single pieces or entire estate Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 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.

Miscellaneous Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

10

Dec.

The Singles of Nativity will host a Christmas dance from 7 - 11 p.m. on Dec. 10 in the Nativity Parish hall, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. The cost of $10 for members or $15 for guests includes light appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks.

For information or to RSVP, send an email to Ken at: skiop@yahoo.com.

11

The Altar Society of the Cathedral of St. Peter will host a Christmas homes tour from noon - 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. There will also be a display of Nativity scenes in the parish center, 431 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan. The suggested donation of $10 per person includes the homes tour and refreshments. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Diane Hinkle at (913) 371-1891, the parish office (913) 371-0840, or Michael’s Heritage Florist at (913) 342-1573.

A Fatima rosary rally will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Christ the King Church, 8510 Wornall, Kansas City, Mo. Join in praying 15 decades of the rosary, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.

12

Holy Angels Church, 15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor, will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 with sung vespers by Sursum Corda.

Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 with Mass at 6 p.m.

Mariachi music will be provided by Beto Lopez. A reception will follow, featuring Mexican pastries, coffee and hot chocolate. All are invited to join the celebration.

14

The Serra Club invites all men of the archdiocese to pray with them to increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Meetings are held at noon on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, contact Jim Conrad at (913) 432-4162, John Muehlberger at (913) 441-5061, or Bill Peters at (913) 894-6967.

15

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Dennis Wait will preside. Fellowship will follow in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

17

Join the Singles of Nativity on Dec. 17 for dinner and bowling at 5:30 p.m. at Hayward’s Barbecue, 11051 Antioch, Overland Park, followed by bowling at AMF College Lanes, 10201 College Blvd., Overland Park. For information or to RSVP, send an email to Ken at: skiop@ yahoo.com.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Dec. 17 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Spirituality and Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.

Father Brandon Farrar will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on Dec. 17 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing; Benediction concludes services at 9:45 a.m.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host a concert by artist Tajci, entitled “Emmanuel: The Story of Christmas,” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17. A freewill offering will be collected.

Guardian Angels Church, 43rd St. and Westport Rd., Kansas City, Mo., will host its annual Christmas concert, “An Evening of Hope,” featuring the Kansas City Kansas Community Orchestra and the Guardian Angels Church choir at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17.

18

The Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus from 8 - 11 a.m. on Dec. 18 in the church hall. The cost is: $6 for adults; $4 for children under 12; $20 maximum per family.

CALENDAR 13

Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host a concert by artist Tajci, entitled “Emmanuel: The Story of Christmas,” at 2 p.m. on Dec. 18. There is no charge to attend. A freewill offering will be collected.

21

The Venturing Crew 316 of Hayden High School, 401 S.W. Gage, Topeka, will meet at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 in the main lobby of the school. Venturing membership is open to all youths between the ages of 14 - 20 who are interested in outdoor high adventure. Build leadership skills and team development through planning and organization of activities, including sailing, rock climbing, shooting skills, snow skiing, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and conservation and service projects. For information, call Irene Owen, Crew advisor, at (785) 249-1913 or send an email to her at: ihowen@att.net.

24 & 25

St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community will host several Christmas Masses. The “Missa O magnum mysterium” by Tomás Luis de Victoria, will be sung at Midnight Mass and at the 11 a.m. Christmas Day Mass. There will also be a 6:30 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day (low Mass) and High Mass (sung) at 11 a.m. Confessions will be heard 30 minutes prior to all Masses.

Services are held at Blessed Sacrament Church, located at 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. For further information, contact the Fraternity of St. Peter at (913) 236-0005.

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

QUOTE WEEK

OF THE

“If you’re not there, they don’t have anyone else who can help. You’re truly making a difference.”

Nancy Mikhaeel, medical director of the Caritas Clinic See story on page 3

S

CEF CENTERED

Hey, it’s OK. You deserve it!

till in shock over the Chiefs’ win over the Bears on Sunday, I was mindlessly channel surfing. I was jarred to attention, though, when I heard about a new game show “coming up next on ABC.” I couldn’t believe my ears. The show was called “You Deserve It.” Really?

Aren’t there enough shows already that encourage us to grab all that we can for ourselves, to “go big or go home”? At least the show’s title is honest, I thought to myself. And it sounds better than “It’s Your Right to be Greedy.”

I’m so glad that I stuck around the watch the show because everything I thought that it was, it wasn’t. Although called “You Deserve It,” the “you” being referred to is not the contestant playing the game nor someone in the studio audience. In fact, the “you” has no idea of what’s going on.

Let me explain: The contestant onstage is playing for money — potentially lots and lots of it. But all of the money won will be given to someone else. In this episode, a woman was playing for a friend of hers, who had recently lost her husband in a drowning accident. The widow had two small girls, very little health insurance, and was struggling to keep things afloat. A short video clip detailed the widow’s story.

The contestant thought that her friend “deserved” to get some unexpected help, and that’s what landed her on the game show. It was touching to see the love that the contestant had for her best friend.

I was watching the show at my mom’s house and soon she joined me in the TV room. Before you knew it, we were both shouting out encouragement to the contestant . . . as well as the answers! Not

only did the person playing the game want to win as much as she could, but people watching — both in the studio and at home — wanted the same thing.

In the end, the contestant won a whopping $110,800 for her friend.

But that’s not the end of the show. In this particular one, the widow and her two daughters were in a movie theater, watched by a hidden camera. As the movie ended, the lights in the theater came up and in burst the widow’s family and friends, much to her delight and surprise. She became totally confused, though, when a woman with a microphone asked her to turn to the screen in the theater. There, the host of “You Deserve It” smiled and told her that someone had been a contestant on his game show and had won some money.

Next, the widow’s friend appeared on the screen and, with tears in her eyes informed her best friend that all of the money she had won was going her and her girls. That brought on a rush of tears, followed by an even bigger gusher when the amount — $110,800 — was announced. (Mom and I were applauding and crying like babies by this time, too.)

Now, that’s a great game show.

Although it’s only set to air six episodes during the holidays, I’m thrilled that someone came up with this concept in the first place. (It actually brought back

memories of “Queen for a Day,” which was on TV when I was a kid.)

We’re now mired in the “holiday season,” where every commercial on TV seems to tempt us with yet another “must have” new item. Our email inboxes are groaning each day under the weight of offers for reduced prices on gifts, free shipping and other incentives.

Magazines and catalogs tumble like an avalanche into our homes, displaying the perfect Christmas tree, decorations or meals to buy.

If you’re weary of all this, then this issue of The Leaven should help. Our front-page story and Bill Scholl’s article at the bottom of the next page inject some sanity into these Advent days.

Maybe we can even use “You Deserve It” as an inspiration for the rest of Advent. To add a little game show suspense into the mix, grab a pair of dice and roll them. Let the number that comes up indicate how many people you’ll contact to let them know “they deserve it.” With a note or a little gift, sing the praises of someone whose goodness is unsung. It might be a waitress at your favorite restaurant, a receptionist at your dentist’s office, your garbage collector or postal carrier, the maintenance man at work, an usher or greeter at church, the kid who answers your computer questions, or your car mechanic. Because of the service these people so willingly perform, tell them by your appreciation, “You deserve it.” Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t bring tears to their eyes . . . and to yours.

Honoring others in this way may make this the best and holiest Christmas ever. And that’s something that we all deserve.

IN THE BEGINNING THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 11 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 61: 1-2a, 10-11; (Ps) Lk 1: 46-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5: 16-24; Jn 1: 6-8, 19-28 Dec. 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Zec 2: 14-17; (Ps) Jdt 13: 18bc, 19; Lk 1: 26-38 Dec. 13 Lucy, virgin, martyr Zep 3: 1-2, 9-13; Ps 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21: 28-32 Dec. 14 John of the Cross, priest, doctor of the church Is 45: 6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85: 9ab-14; Lk 7: 18b-23 Dec. 15 Thursday Is 54: 1-10; Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13; Lk 7: 24-30 Dec. 16 Friday Is 56: 1-3a, 6-8; Ps 67: 2-3, 5, 7-8; Jn 5: 33-36 Dec. 17 Saturday Gn 49: 2, 8-10; Ps 72: 3-4, 7-8, 17; Mt 1: 1-17

We share in the prophet’s joy through baptism

W

hen a person undergoes a change in status, that frequently means a change in how the person dresses. For example, the newly ordained Catholic priest is robed in a chasuble during the ordination ceremony, to show that he is ready to celebrate the Eucharist.

In the Old Testament, after Elisha received the spirit of prophTHIRD SUNDAY OF ecy from the ADVENT prophet Elijah, 1 Thes 5: 16-24 he also took Elijah’s mantle.

Elijah had earlier used the mantle as a sign of his authority as a prophet. At the same time, that particular mantle may have served as an identifying mark, just as in our day and age, a uniform can indicate that a person is a police officer.

In Sunday’s first reading — Is 61:12a, 10-11 — the prophet affirms that God has bestowed upon him the spirit of prophecy, along the same lines as Elijah and other earlier prophets: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me.”

The first half of the reading describes the mission that God has entrusted to the prophet. The rest of the reading then describes what that

mission will mean to the prophet and to the world.

With the change in status for the prophet comes a corresponding change in vesture: “He has clothed me with a robe of salvation and wrapped me in a mantle of justice.” Of course, this language is symbolic. The prophet may not be wearing any different clothing than before. At the same time, the images of “robe of salvation” and “mantle of justice” reflect a real change in the status of the person.

In a similar way, the “anointing” mentioned in “the Lord has anointed me” does not involve actual oil. Rather, it is a spiritual anointing, the way God has singled out the prophet as herald of good news.

When someone is baptized, the priest or deacon tells the person: “God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has

COMMENTARY 15

freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people.

He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

The anointing with chrism represents the call to share in the prophetic mission of Christ. Similarly, the Spirit we receive at baptism is the spirit of prophecy, as well as many other gifts.

Immediately after the anointing, the newly baptized person is presented with a white garment, “the outward sign of your Christian dignity.” So, the baptismal ceremony follows the same pattern that we saw earlier for the call of the prophets in the Old Testament: bestowal of the spirit, anointing, robing in new clothing.

Because we also have been called through our baptism, we can share in the prophet’s joy described in the first reading: “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul.”

Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

Columnist thanks you on behalf of parents, principals, kids

T

hanksgiving just ended, Advent season is upon us and it is that time of year when each of us reflects.

As a part of our reflection, we oftentimes give thanks. We at CEF receive many heartwarming thank you notes from our students and families throughout the year. I want to share some of these thank you thoughts as they are really meant for you!

One of my favorite poets is Elizabeth Barrett Browning, dating all the way back to the Victorian era. Not me, but her. I want to take a line from one of her most famous poems and spin it for this thank you article. I know she won’t mind!

How do I thank you, let me count

the ways: “I hope you feel loved for your generosity. I am sure Christ is looking down at you and smiling. If I were him, I would.”

“Thank you for everything you do. If I meet you, I will hug you.”

“Without the scholarship money you donate I could not go to this school. It is a beautiful privilege to learn about Jesus, thank you.”

“Thank you for helping Daddy and me so I can go to Catholic school.

Mommy is looking down from heaven

with a big smile on her face.”

“Thank you for everything you do for me and my school. I am getting a good education and have a lot of other opportunities that other kids do not, such as reading and serving at church, going to confession, praying the rosary and we get to have fundraisers to help others. May God bless you.”

“This school is very special and because of you guys, every day we learn about God.” “I’m so happy that you chose to keep our school open because I love this school. I am grateful to have a Catholic education because I can learn about God.” “Thank you for the scholarships given to our school. God will be pleased for what you have done.”

“Thank you for helping us learn about God. He makes the world beautiful.”

“Thank you for supporting our school and thank YOU for our education. I would not be here if it wasn’t for you, I will pray for you.”

“Thank you! If it was not for you and God we would be nothing.”

“Each and every day I see families who are struggling to keep their children in our schools. Your support allows the children many opportunities to know, love and serve Christ. Thanks for all the time and energy you give to make this possible.”

On behalf of the CEF office . . .

THANK YOU!!

Oh, by the way, there is still time to provide a scholarship for a child in need before the end of this calendar year.

Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

VOCATION CORNER

A

Mary: The final and greatest Advent prophet

dvent has always been my favorite time to renew my devotion to Mary.

May and October are beautiful months of Marian piety, but the nearness of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), patroness of the United States, and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12), patroness of the Americas, make December my favorite Marian month. I always sense, after celebrating these two great liturgies, that Mary has taken me personally by the hand and is leading me toward the Christmas mystery.

Stay awake. Be ready. This is the Advent challenge that Mary accomplished with incomparably beautiful purity and

receptivity. Mary, who only regarded her lowliness, was perfectly awake and ready to receive another. Mary is always the final and greatest Advent prophet, even surpassing John the Baptist in showing us how to prepare the way for the Lord to come.

Within Mary’s annunciation lies the true vocation story of every priest. Of course, we easily think of priests in terms of what they do. Our priests are the archbishop’s closest helpers in his apostolic mission to teach, to sanctify

and to govern as prophet, priest and king. We know our priests to be the ones so closely conformed to Jesus by the sacrament of holy orders that they can make him uniquely present in the sacraments of reconciliation and holy Eucharist.

In vocations, we’re always on the lookout for guys who will be good at doing what priests do. Yet in the end, no priest can be a better disciple of Jesus than Mary. No priest can be better at making Jesus present than Mary.

At best, every priest can only take his cues from her — of how to look upon his unworthiness, but nonetheless to let it be done to him according to God’s word. Mary shows every priest how to be a great priest — not by making himself worthy, but by allowing Jesus to do great things in him, with him and through him.

In the end, there is only one qualification for the priesthood: Can a priest be like Mary? If we were looking for the perfect disciple of Jesus, we would never sign up a guy for seminary. Our priests aren’t sinless like Mary either, but she is first in showing how a human nature can receive a supernatural vocation. Ultimately, a priest must believe, like Mary, that Jesus has looked upon his lowliness and chosen him out of sheer love.

Just as in the order of nature we are given a mother, so also Mary is our mother in the reception of a supernatural vocation like the priesthood. She is the mother of priests. A vocation story like hers is a sure qualification for the priesthood.

Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

DO UNTO OTHERS

I

Beware the Stuff Monster and make Christmas a time of grace

’ve reached that age in life when one experiences the deaths of significant people, and so I’ve encountered someone my wife and I call the Stuff Monster.

The Stuff Monster is that graspy, dark spirit that shows up in the time of extreme emotion at the death of a loved one. He gets families and even friends to fight and pick over the deceased’s items like vultures. Because I’ve seen the damage he can do to peace and relationships, I take great care around anyone’s death to be on the lookout for him.

Recently, I’ve had occasion to real-

ize that the Stuff Monster also shows up at the holidays. Christmas is also a time of strong emotion, when we are all looking to be loved by our friends and family.

The Stuff Monster can show up and get us so focused on getting and giving stuff that we forget that this is a time to reflect upon, prepare for, and be changed by the sublime, historical reality that God became man and came to restore us in his image.

During this time when we are

supposed to get out of ourselves, I find the Stuff Monster trying to get me into myself. How can I get that power tool I want? How can I be a star and give awesome gifts? While there is nothing wrong with gift giving, the Stuff Monster has a way of getting inside our heads and, as is his forte, getting us to care more about stuff than people.

Consequently, here are some tasks I am adding to my Christmas to-do list that perhaps you might try as well: • Do some extra praying. Set aside some extra time for prayer and add some prayers you don’t normally do.

The Advent wreath is a great way to pray with the whole family.

• Be humble and resolve not to go into debt over Christmas. The Holy Family celebrated the first Christmas poor, so don’t feel like you have to go beyond your means.

• Do something significant for the poor. This is one of the best ways to give a gift to Jesus; it is his birthday after all.

• Focus on the giver, not the gift.

Receive the gift as the sign of love that it is and don’t worry so much if it fits.

• Make a baby step for the baby Jesus. Identify one small thing you can do to be holier and do it. The grace is available every holy season to become holier, so take it.

Perhaps this is why the Stuff Monster shows up at both death and Christmas. He wants to distract us into grasping at stuff when it is really a time Christ has made for us to be grasping at God’s grace.

Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 9, 2011

The giving season

Around the archdiocese

Leaven photo by Julie Anderson

Washburn student Mack Sloan brings in donations to the annual Giving Tree Service Project sponsored by the Catholic Campus Center at Washburn University in Topeka. The project was developed in 2002 by students at the Catholic Campus Center to help children in need during the holiday season. This year’s theme was “Giving Hope” and resulted in approximately 150 gifts for local area social service agencies, including Let’s Help, the Topeka Rescue Mission, and Doorstep, Inc. On Dec. 2, students of the Catholic Campus Center and the center’s director, Patti Lyon, picked up the gifts, sorted them, counted them and delivered them to the three agencies benefited by the project.

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Newly beatified

Mother Provincial Carmela Sanz carries the relic of Blessed Mary Catherine Irigoyen Echegaray Nov. 12 during the entrance procession of a Mass of thanksgiving for the beatification of Blessed Mary Catherine. Behind her is Mother Claudia Rodriguez, to the far right is Sister Fabiola Fernandez, and in the background are Sister Cecilia Marez and Sister Silvia Enriquez. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the Mass. Blessed Mary Catherine, the successor who took over the Sisters, Servants of Mary after its founder, St. Maria Soledad, was beatified in Madrid, Spain, on Oct. 31.

Award winner

Crosier Society

Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden

Leo and Mary Jane Hammes, honorary co-chairpersons of the 2012 Archbishop’s Call to Share campaign, accept a reproduction of a painting of “The Holy Family” by artist Jason Jenicke from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the annual Crosier Society Mass and brunch at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., on Nov. 20. The Hammeses are members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca.

The recipient of this year’s St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award is Hermena Kelsey, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City. In 1994, Kelsey was asked to portray St. Rose for a parish celebration and picnic at the Philippine Mission Park. In preparing for the character, she created a habit patterned on St. Rose’s and began to research the saint in greater depth. The one-time portrayal has become an ongoing and important part of Kelsey’s life.

Besides her many years of personal devotion to St. Rose, Kelsey’s sharing of St. Rose’s stories with countless individuals has led others into a deeper devotion to the saint. Kelsey has also generously given of her own resources to help provide prayer cards and other materials to promote and expand an awareness of St. Rose.