12 09 16 Vol. 38 No. 17

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 17 | DECEMBER 9, 2016

During a REACH session geared to helping Bishop Ward students hone their interview skills, students introduce themselves to mentors before answering an interview question.

REACH K OUT

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It looks like speed dating.

The library at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, is alive with chatter, as juniors and seniors engage in one-on-one interviews.

Students jump up every few minutes to move to the next questioner.

The room is a blur of introductions, handshakes, laughter and serious discussion, followed by more of

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

JILL RAGAR ESFELD

and touch your future, mentors urge Ward students

MISSION CENTER

Seneca’s Mission Center serves as a beacon of hope.

Page 3

the same.

But clearly this is not speed dating.

Those questioning the students are sage business professionals, and their queries are hardly what you would ask a potential date.

“What are you looking for in a college that you think will bring you success in the future?

“How are you planning to fund your education?”

This is speed interviewing, part of the Rotary Club REACH Program.

Students are learning how to make a good first impression and think on their feet as they give quick answers to questions they may be asked by college administrators or potential employers.

With resumes in hand, seniors are talking about why they should be accepted into a certain college, and juniors are practicing applying for summer jobs. >> See “BUILDING” on page 8

FATHER HESSE

Those who knew him best reflect on the life of Father Tom Hesse.

Page 5

FOR THE CHILDREN

Contributors to Croatian orphanages get to see the fruits of their labors.

Page 16

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

2

Examination of conscience can start with First Commandment

R

ecently, I received in the mail a copy of a beautiful letter sent by a penitent to one of our priests. The following are excerpts from that letter.

“As a lifelong Catholic, I’ve been to confession many times.

So many times, that it becomes a get-out-ofjail-free card. Previously, I certainly left the confessional with a feeling of peace and mission accomplished, renewed to fight again. However, this visit was different and has left a major impact on my life.

“I can’t sufficiently explain it. After voicing my litany of sins, and of how I was in a slump, your compassion was overwhelming. But this alone wasn’t it. I’ve been to compassionate priests, friendly priests and spiritually uplifting priests. Although going to confession is always anxiety-provoking, it’s not a fear of priests.

It’s the personal guilt that makes it hard. This experience was different. I’ve been searching for an adequate way to express it.

“It seemed like I touched the hem of his garment. That Christ was truly present, through you; in persona Christi. I left the confessional with a ‘wow — what just happened?’ thought and a different feeling of peace I’ve never experienced.

I know my faith isn’t grounded in feelings, but I absolutely encountered an overwhelming love from Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy. An indescribable power from above.

It was, indeed, a shower of grace which fell on me. In fact, now several weeks later, the thought still brings moist eyes and a heart of joy, that me, a sinner, was at that moment truly reconciled

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN and loved by God . . . despite my repeated sins and continuing struggles.”

Wow! What a beautiful description of the beauty and the power of the sacrament of reconciliation. The most important thing that any of us can do to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas is to make a sincere, sacramental confession.

In our Advent readings, we receive a description of the people of Judea traveling to the Jordan River to hear the preaching of John the Baptist and to experience his baptism. John’s message of repentance of sin was direct, simple and fearless. He called out the Pharisees and Sadducees for their hypocrisy. They came to check out the cause for the people’s excitement about this eccentric, desert preacher, but they did not think his message applied to them.

They were blind to their sin and their need for God’s mercy.

This fall, I was riding in a cab in Washington, D.C. The cab driver had his radio tuned to a Christian channel. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, a former member of the

Georgia Legislature and a pro-life advocate, was being interviewed about her reaction to then-candidate Donald Trump’s coarse remarks about women that unbeknown to him were recorded.

By the time of the King interview, Trump had apologized and expressed regret for his vulgar comments of 10 years ago.

King acknowledged how she herself had been the recipient of God’s mercy. As a young woman, she had two abortions that she now deeply regrets. She was grateful for God’s mercy in her life and was disposed to accept Trump’s contrition as sincere and authentic.

King recalled how earlier in the presidential campaign, Trump had shared he did not feel a need to ask God’s forgiveness. In early 2016, Trump said that he tried to live a good life and not do bad things. Thus, he did not see the necessity for asking forgiveness from God. King said that she thought God was smiling when Trump claimed that he did not really need God’s forgiveness.

She thought Trump might answer that question differently now. Popes, presidents, bishops — we all need God’s mercy and grace in our lives.

The throngs of people in the New Testament

who went to the Jordan to receive John’s baptism were seeking God’s mercy in their lives.

With the sacrament of reconciliation, we have something much more powerful than John’s baptism.

Jesus, for whom John was a precursor, empowered the apostles to continue his ministry of mercy. He gave them the authority to forgive sins immediately after Our Lord had forgiven them for abandoning him during his passion and crucifixion. We have the assurance of Jesus himself that, if we sincerely ask for his mercy, he will grant our request through the ministry of his church.

To prepare yourself for the sacrament, it is necessary to make a good examination of conscience. You can find helpful examinations of conscience on our archdiocesan website (arch kck.org). Just search for the jubilee Year of Mercy page at the bottom and you will find several examinations of conscience — one based on the Ten Commandments, another on the writings of St. Paul, another specifically for married couples and another for youth.

If you are looking for a simple but very effective tool to examine your conscience, I suggest just focusing on the First Commandment. Ask yourself the question: Is there anything or anyone that I value more than my relationship with God? In other words, do you have false gods, idols in your life, that are more important to you than spending time with God and seeking to do his will? Do you value money or nice clothes or the latest technological device or professional recognition more than

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Dec. 12 Mass — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka “Shepherd’s Voice” recording

Confirmation — St Ann, Effingham; St. Louis, Good Intent; and St. Mary, Purcell Dec. 18 “Quo Vadis” retreat, Mass and luncheon

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas

Dec. 19 Legatus Mass — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood, with reception and dinner

Dec. 13 Mass — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park

Dec. 20 Administrative Team meeting

Priest Personnel meeting Ethics Advisory Council meeting Dec. 14 Serra Club presidents’ meeting Donnelly College board meeting Mass and dinner with representatives of parents whose children are Catholic Education Foundation scholarship recipients Dec. 15 United Way of Wyandotte County Faith Campaign 2017 kickoff breakfast

cultivating your relationship with God? Is God truly the center of your life?

A related question might be: Is the Sunday Eucharist the most important event of your week? Is football or basketball or a concert or hanging out with friends or sleeping in more important to you than Mass and prayer?

An honest reflection on these questions will help identify the presence of sin in your life. The sacrament of reconciliation is an

Dec. 23 Chancery staff Mass and lunch

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Dec. 10 Mass — Federal camp Dec. 11-12 Labor Review Board — Chicago Dec. 11 Episcopal ordination anniversary Dec. 18 Mass — Federal camp Confessions — Nativity, Leawood

opportunity not only to experience God’s mercy but to receive his power to more faithfully follow Jesus.

Confession is powerful because it is so personal. If we open our heart sincerely to God in this sacrament, then we allow Our Lord to enter into our lives in a new, beautiful and powerful way. Just like the person whose letter I quoted, Our Lord wants to shower you with his grace and to give you a heart of joy.

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

Mission Center is Seneca’s

BEACON OF HOPE

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

S

ENECA — For many people, making it or breaking it is a matter of the margin.

For one woman suffering from cancer, the margin was crossed by one more medical bill. This time, it was almost $1,000, and she couldn’t pay it.

Fortunately, Father Arul Carasala found out.

“There was a lady going through chemo treatment,” said Father Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca. “Her sister told me she had a bill that was not covered by insurance: $980. She was really worried how she would pay it.”

Neither the lady nor her sister asked for help, but Father Carasala wrote a check for $1,000 and sent it to the sick woman so she could pay the bill.

Later, the woman sent back the extra $20. After all, it was “extra.”

This is something that happens all the time in Seneca, The Mission Centhanks to ter’s hours are: Father CarasM o n d a y - Fr i d a y, ala’s ex1-4 p.m., and Satt ra o rd i n a r y urday, noon-3 p.m. listening skills — and a humble money-generating miracle called the Mission Center.

Just recently, Father Carasala handed parish secretary Marian Rottinghaus four checks and told her to find the addresses of the recipients. None of them asked for the money or knew it was on the way, but they needed it — and Father Carasala knew it.

“Father Arul has ears bigger than his body,” said Rottinghaus. “He listens to everyone’s ills and problems.

And before I know it, I’m mailing out checks to people who didn’t come in for anything.”

A few times, the money has been refused. Other persons need it more, they have told Father Carasala.

And the money doesn’t just stay in Seneca. Checks have gone out to people in the surrounding areas and religious communities in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and — get this — Brazil.

The Mission Center is one of those quirky little phenomena that you occasionally discover in small towns like Seneca. It is part hangout, bargain barn, social service agency and church ministry.

Since 1990, the Mission Center has been housed in a nondescript brick ranch house on Amador Street across from the church. In the beginning, it was much smaller — a two-room, one-woman charity founded by the late Theresa Rilinger in 1954.

“She had one room in her house where she had clothing and things like that, and one little garage,” said

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

With Father Arul Carasala in the clothing section of the Seneca Mission Center are (from left) advisory committee members Rita Robke, Cleta Renyer, Laura Schmelzle, Mary Ann Augsness and Gladys Koch. They, and 60 volunteers, make the ministry a force for good in Seneca and beyond.

“

“FATHER ARUL HAS EARS BIGGER THAN HIS BODY. HE LISTENS TO EVERYONE’S ILLS AND PROBLEMS, AND BEFORE I KNOW IT I’M MAILING OUT CHECKS TO PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T COME IN FOR ANYTHING.” Marian Rottinghaus, secretary at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca

Mary Ann Haugsness, a volunteer. “If they couldn’t afford them, she’d give it to them. It was a charity project; she helped the needy.”

Over the years, the Mission Center changed leadership and locations, growing in size and scope. It is now a parish ministry with an advisory committee and president. They, too, serve as “ears” for the Mission Center, finding out those needing help in the community who haven’t necessarily asked for it.

Recently, long-serving president Alice Macke was succeeded by Rita

Robke. She was appointed by Father Carasala.

The Mission Center functions like the typical charity rummage house.

People donate gently used items, which are then cleaned and repaired, and then put on the shelves for sale.

If a family or individual is in need — of clothes, toys, household items, furniture — the Mission Center gives it to them for free.

The money generated by sales is used for various “do-good” purposes.

On average, the Mission Center generates $3,000 to $4,000 a month. There is no paid staff. About 60 parish volunteers do everything — collecting, sorting, cleaning, fixing, stocking and so on.

The aid of the Mission Center can be divided into three categories: prayer, material goods and financial assistance. And the people who are helped can be grouped roughly into three classifications: the sick and suffering, the financially strapped, and distressed travelers.

“Just recently, we had a family move to town and the husband hadn’t started working yet,” said Haugsness. “They were in need of a bed, pots and pans, and things like that. We helped them get started, and they were very grateful for that. Now they’re coming in and shopping.”

“We’ve helped hundreds of families,” said Father Carasala.

Since the next closest rummage

Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

house/thrift store is 30 miles away, the Mission Center gets visitors from as far away as Nebraska and Topeka.

“We are a quality maintained store,” said Father Carasala.

Three or four times a month, items that aren’t needed in Seneca are donated to the Topeka Rescue Mission.

One thing the Mission Center doesn’t do is act as a food pantry.

There’s already one in town, and the center supports it.

What’s the best thing about the Mission Center? That’s hard to say, according to Haugsness and Father Carasala.

Maybe it’s the way it pulls in support from the whole community. Maybe it’s the center’s nonjudgmental, generous approach. Maybe it’s the variety of needs it fills.

Or maybe it’s just the practical, concrete way it dispenses mercy — even now that the Year of Mercy is over.

“We are carrying out the mission of Sts. Peter and Paul Church,” said Father Carasala. “We are a faithful community, and we try to implement the acts of mercy.”

“We’re doing what God wants us to do,” said Haugsness.

The needs of people are still great, and Father Carasala would like to expand, if that is possible.

“At this point, we are exploring options for what is best for the Mission Center,” he said. “We are still in the planning process.”

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.

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MEMORIAL FOR UNBORN CHILDREN, MARTIN HUDACEK, 2010

Free, confidential, nonjudgmental help

www.ProjectRachelKC.com 913.621.2199 or projectrachelkc@archkck.org

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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A ‘PEACEMAKER’

Father Thomas Hesse remember for his kind spirit

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Pastoral assignments

T

OPEKA — Father Thomas Nicholas Hesse did not consider retirement the end of his priestly ministry but, rather, a different phase.

Despite being tethered to an oxygen tank, he loved to celebrate Mass — especially when filling in for a pastor. While in assisted living, he welcomed visitors for counseling and the sacrament of reconciliation.

During the monthly Marian pro-life Mass in Topeka this past October, he told worshipers, “This is the last time God will ask me to carry my cross.

And now is the time, I believe, that I will have to stop.”

“His spirit for ministry was strong, but his health was weak,” said Father Joe Chontos, chaplain at the Juvenile Correctional Facility in Topeka. “By staying active . . . he put the focus not on himself and his health, but what he had given his life for — his priestly ministry.”

Father Hesse, 79, died from cardiopulmonary disease on Nov. 26 at Aldersgate Village retirement community in Topeka.

“He was a gentleman and a peacemaker,” said Father Chontos, who knew him since he was a seminarian.

“He took life on the light side. In the midst of difficulties and problems, he always found something to smile or laugh about.”

Father Hesse was respectful even in disagreement with others, said Father Chontos.

Since saying “I’ll pray for you” could seem condescending, Father Hesse would say, “Let’s pray for each other.”

Father Hesse was born on March 24, 1937, in Paxico. He was the oldest of the eight children of Nicholas and Adelia (Gros) Hesse.

He went to Immaculate Conception Grade School in St. Marys from 1943-1947. The family moved to Flush, where he attended grade school and Flush High School, graduating in 1955. He was a very good athlete, a “terrific tennis player” and Flush High School’s alltime career leading scorer in basketball.

“It was a public school, but the teachers were Benedictine Sisters,” said his brother Larry Hesse, a member of Christ the King Parish in Topeka.

The family lived across the street from St. Joseph Church, and long-serving pastor Father Joseph E. Biehler was a major influence on the future Father Hesse — and everyone else.

“

“HE TOOK LIFE ON THE LIGHT SIDE. IN THE MIDST OF DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS, HE ALWAYS FOUND SOMETHING TO SMILE OR LAUGH ABOUT.” Father Joseph Chontos

“Almost all the social life of the community centered around the church and the school,” said Larry Hesse.

“Father Biehler was . . . sometimes affectionately referred to as ‘the sheriff.’”

Tom Hesse was 16 when his father died in 1953, and he became a father figure to his siblings. One evening when the family was watching “Gunsmoke” on TV, he turned it off because it was “too violent.”

“We used to call him ‘the Boss,’” said Larry Hesse.

When it came time for “the talk” about birds and bees for Larry, he heard it from Tom. “Mom counted so much on Father Tom to shoulder [the load] for our family,” said his younger sister Barbara Hesse.

“He was just a kid himself, but he took on the responsibility

with honor and grace, and we [younger siblings] looked to him for guidance and advice, as did Mom.” After high school, Tom Hesse went to St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, graduating in 1963. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler on May 25, 1963, at St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Hesse had a long and fruitful priesthood spanning 53 years and serving at 25 parishes as an associate pastor, pastor, administrator and sacramental minister.

He became a U.S. Army Reserve chaplain in 1968 and was assigned to the 410 Evacuation Hospital (later the 4204 U.S. Army Hospital). He deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1997.

In addition to his parochial duties, Father Hesse was a chaplain at the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing.

From late 1979 through early 1981, he studied at the Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University-Berkeley Campus in California, graduating with a Doctor of Ministry degree on June 30, 1987.

Father Bob Hasenkamp, a retired pastor living in Topeka, was a seminary classmate.

“Father Tom was always a very caring person,” said Father Hasenkamp. “He would schedule himself to help

people, especially in his later years, and help other pastors with Mass and confessions whenever his health would allow.”

Father Hesse had a heart full of compassion for the penitent, prisoner, the poor, the unborn and the troubled.

“He was always concerned about the poor,” said Father Hasenkamp. “He worked with youths having problems with drugs. He was very supportive of the Wamego Community Health Ministry.”

Father Hesse was always “looking for the hand of God in things,” and when Project Rescue Amazon Youth (PRAY) co-founder Sally Savery pitched the ministry to him, he immediately gave it his heart. “[Father Hesse] made two trips with me to Brazil to visit PRAY, and to visit a new religious community that was being founded by Father Gilson Sobreiro,” said Savery, who is now Sister Magdalena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, PJC. “Father Tom and I traveled from the north of Brazil to the south on a bus ride that lasted several days. What an experience that was! He endured the heat, mosquitoes and other ordeals with courage.”

Father Hesse even helped Father Gilson in the foundation of Sister Magdelena’s order, the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ.

“Wherever he happened

• 1963 — Temporary associate pastor, Holy Name Parish, Topeka • 1963 — Associate pastor, Assumption Parish, Topeka • 1966 — Associate pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas • 1968 — Administrator pro-tem at St. Columbkille, Blaine; St. Michael, Wheaton; and St. Vincent de Paul, Onaga • 1968 — Associate pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kansas.

• 1969 — Associate pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Topeka • 1970 — Associate pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, Leavenworth • 1971 — Pastor, St. Lawrence Parish, Easton • 1977 — Pastor, St. Theresa Parish, Perry • 1981 — Pastor, St. Joseph of the Valley Parish, Leavenworth, and chaplain at the Kansas State Penitentiary, Lansing • 1983 — Pastor, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, with prison chaplaincy • 1985 — Pastor, Our Lady & St. Rose Parish, Kansas City, Kansas • 1986 — Pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Osage City, and St. Patrick Parish, Scranton.

• 1993 — Pastor, St. Matthew Parish, Topeka • 1995 — Administrator, St. Bernard Parish, Wamego • 1996 — Pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, and St. Joseph Parish, Flush • 2002 — Health retirement • 2003 — Sacramental minister, St. Dominic Parish, Holton, and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Mayetta • 2004 — Sacramental minister, Holy Family Parish, Eudora • 2005 — Administrator, Holy Family Parish, Eudora • 2007 — Retirement

to be, that corner of the world became his parish community,” said Father Chontos. “And whether it was one person or a group of people, it didn’t make a difference.”

Father Hesse was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Paul Hesse, Elizabeth Hesse and Nicholas Hesse.

He is survived by his siblings Larry Hesse, Topeka; Rosemary Helms-Winter, Flush; Joseph Hesse, Madison, Wisconsin; Barbara Hesse, Olathe; in-laws; and numerous nephews and nieces.

There was a Mass of Christian Burial on Dec. 3 at St. Joseph Church in Flush. Interment with military honors was at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wamego Community Health Ministry or PRAY, in care of Campanella-Evans Mortuary in Wamego.

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

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WORKERS thein VINEYARD

•

Traditions Parents/spouses: Share the Christmas preparation traditions you experienced in your family: • Did you make bows with ribbons, decorations out of construction paper or string popcorn to decorate the tree?

• Did you help bake Christmas cookies or make fudge to share with neighbors or friends?

• Did you listen to Gospel accounts of the birth of ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 Jesus around a Nativity scene?

• Were there handmade cards to send to grandparents?

• What personalized, simpler traditions might your family adopt?

— Deacon Tony Zimmerman

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

Dennis Noll, a member of St. Aloysius Church in Meriden, can be found every Wednesday and Thursday in Topeka, providing rides to veterans needing transportation to and from their appointments at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center there.

T St. Patrick, Emerald Address: 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Williamsburg Phone: (620) 364-5671 Pastor: Father Quentin Schmitz Mass time: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Email: stfrancisoffice@embarqmail.com MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

TEAM OF THE WEEK Championship roundup

Faith, gratitude drives Vietnam vet’s service to fellow vets

OPEKA — Every Wednesday and Thursday morning, Dennis Noll of Meriden can be seen at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center here. From 7:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m., Noll can be found driving veterans to a variety of appointments and lining up drivers to take others.

“Many of those we help can no longer drive,” said Noll.

“Others are having procedures and are not allowed to drive.

“Still others are on medicines that make driving impossible. Regardless of the reason, we want to make sure that everyone who has an appointment can get there safely.”

Noll, a veteran himself, served in the Army from 1969 to 1971, primarily in Vietnam as a fuel truck driver and gunner.

He has volunteered at the VA since his retirement from a federal civil service job with the Kansas Army National Guard in 2010, and is a parishioner of St. Aloysius Church in Meriden. As a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, he feels it is easy for him to make a connection with those veterans that he serves.

“Some of the oldest veterans — those from World War

II and the Korean War — can connect with me because they know I understand what they have gone through,” said Noll. “I have a lot of respect for them.

There aren’t many left.”

Noll’s work with the veterans began when he started serving ice cream along with other volunteers at the VA on the first Thursday of the month.

There, the head of volunteer services asked him to become a coordinator for the drivers.

When he agreed, he soon found himself lining up drivers, filling out monthly mileage reports, keeping track of gas receipts and maintaining logs of all the trips.

“The veterans we’ve served have been very thankful,” said Noll. “They often say, ‘There’s no way I could get to appointments without this. I’d be sunk and maybe dead by now.’

“Hearing that makes it all worthwhile.”

In addition to his work at the VA, Noll is also the district deputy for the Knights of Columbus, where he is responsible for getting information to the five parishes he works with, helping with the Tootsie Roll drive to raise funds for Special Olympics and overseeing his district’s free-throw contest.

“A lot of my faith has come

from the Knights,” said Noll. ”It’s a great organization. I’ve met a lot of people I enjoy being around through it.”

He also helps with the baby bottle drive for Mary’s Choice and helped organize this year’s Trunk or Treat for his home parish — not to mention his involvement in a few stray projects like the parish’s fireworks stand, the pancake feed that helped raise money for Coats for Kids and a food drive for God’s Storehouse in Meriden.

Noll sees his current work as a way to give back to the church and to veterans.

But he also feels the influence of his parents in his work: His dad wasn’t happy unless he had “tons of things to do.”

He also feels his brother, who passed away earlier this year, is pushing him to keep active.

“Keeping active helps you to keep going,” Noll said.

After all the hours he’s put into both the VA and the Knights, Noll said that it is knowing he’s making a difference that keeps him in the vineyard.

“Working together with others can get anything done,” he added.

Story Carolyn Kaberline Photo by Joe McSorley

Holy Angels, Basehor, to host pageant rich in Catholic traditions

T

his week, The Leaven will highlight all the archdiocesan teams that won state championships in fall sports.

All this and more can be found online at: www.theleaven.org.

B

ASEHOR — Holy Angels Parish here will host a Christmas pageant on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. The event will be rich in Catholic traditions and of interest to adults and children.

The program is free and open to the public in the main church, located at 154th and Parallel.

The program will feature three

sections. It will open with Lessons and Carols presented by the children’s choir and the adult choir.

Scripture lessons will be followed by a Christmas carol or song that reflects the lesson’s message and a brief prayer.

The second part of the program will center on Las Posadas. Children and youth of the parish will re-enact

Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.

The pageant will close with prayerful reflection on the nativity — Jesus’ birth. Following the program, guests are invited for refreshments in the parish hall.

For more information, call (913) 724-1665.

BUILDING BRIDGES

at

BISHOP WARD

>> Continued from page 1

They’re all building confidence that will help them excel at interviews in real life.

College is for you David Anderson, a member of the Rotary Club of Leawood, oversees the REACH program at Ward. The acronym stands for Rotary Encouraging Academic Collegiate Help.

The program started 12 years ago when then-president Father Michael Hermes asked the Rotary Club for help getting students to college.

“And he designed a program that is true to this day,” said Anderson.

The program is based on mentorship.

Each Rotary Club member volunteering for REACH is matched with a student at the beginning of the junior year.

“The mentors get to know the kids and the parents,” explained Anderson. “And then they guide them through two years to graduation.”

“They’re working with students who probably will be the first generation in their family to go to college,” added Bishop Ward principal Karen Hopson.

“So, the parents don’t have that experience.

“And the process is daunting.”

Rotary Club member Ron Slepitza knows better than anyone how daunting the process can be.

He is the president of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, and intimately involved in running the REACH program.

“If there’s a bump in the road to college,” he said, “it’s too easy to say, ‘Well, college isn’t for me.’

“What we want to do is dispel that. College is for you.

You can overcome bumps in the road and be successful.

Bishop Ward board of trustees chair Marc McCarty is a REACH mentor.

Avila University president Ron Slepitza (left), a Rotary Club member and mentor with the REACH program, explains the speed interviewing process to Bishop Ward president Father Tom Schrader, OCarm.

“And if you don’t go to college, we may miss the gifts and talents you bring to the world.”

Bishop Ward students (left, front to back) Kristijan Dordevic, Ivan Hernandez, Ma a session of speed interviewing.

A curriculum for success Mentors and students meet during lunch once each month throughout the school year.

They eat and work together.

REACH has a structured curriculum perfected over the years that helps juniors prepare for applying to college and seniors select a college and go forward.

The curriculum includes guest speakers and workshops on everything from finding scholarships to ACT prep to resume writing.

Former REACH students visit and share their success as well as what they would do differently, based on their experience.

Not to mention the discussions of faith.

Slepitza has talked about his university’s namesake, St. Teresa of Avila.

And Bishop Ward president Father Thomas Schrader, OCarm., has lectured on both St. Teresa of Avila and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

“I talked about their experience and how faith helped them prepare for their journey and ultimately for sainthood,” he said.

Students also go on field trips to college fairs and perform community service with their mentors.

“We have our own counseling department,” said Father Tom. “But this is like an extra layer of support.

“It is about good people serving the community and caring about students who are first generation applying to college.”

Bishop Ward social studies department chair Ursula Charbonneau selects students who can most benefit from the REACH program and matches them with mentors. She sees the program as a bridge between Catholic communities.

An extra hand up All the students who have entered the REACH program have ended up in college.

But for many from this urban core community, college can be a financial challenge.

That’s why a part of the REACH curriculum involves helping families with paperwork, and helping students research and apply for scholarships.

“Last year,” said Father Tom, “we had a graduating class of 94 and they were offered $2.6 million in scholarships.

“And that’s not financial aid — that’s scholarships.

“That’s kind of a big deal.”

In addition to helping students identify and apply for scholarships, the Rotary Club provides two scholarships of its own each year to two outstanding REACH graduates.

“We have Rotary members that are on a board outside of REACH who select these students,” said Anderson. “Each [scholarship] is worth $1,500 a year for four years.”

The scholarships are presented at an end-of-program banquet where graduating students are given one last boost

of support from their mentors.

“They have a nice going away party for them,” said Father Tom. “They give them

How to change a life

B

ary Fox and Yaneli Jacinto interact with mentors (right, front to back) Rick Robinson, Chuck Udell and Kathy Bussing during

ishop Ward senior Ida Nkikabahizi is a product of the REACH program. But more importantly, she is the product of this amazing faith-filled school.

Because of her outstanding academic achievements, Ida was chosen to speak at the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) fundraiser event this year.

The audience was enthralled as Ida told the story of her family’s emigration from Africa with the help of Catholic Charities.

She was able to attend Bishop Ward because of a CEF scholarship. And she contends that faith-based education is the key to her success.

“God has been my constant in so much change,” she said.

“I’m so grateful to be at Bishop Ward.

“I’m surrounded by people who want to see me achieve my goals.”

Ida will be headed to college next fall. And if statistics prove out, generation after generation in her family will go to college after her.

Ida is not alone. Every year, Bishop Ward graduates students from difficult backgrounds — first-generation college students destined to break the cycle of poverty in their families.

One hundred percent of Bishop Ward students graduate from high school and 98 percent go on to college.

These impressive statistics and the futures they predict are only possible with the support of the greater Catholic community.

Bishop Ward is always in need of volunteers and donations.

To find out how you can help, visit the website at: www. ward high.org.

REACH mentor Kathy Bussing questions a student during the speed interviewing session.

Leawood Rotary Club member Dave Anderson was instrumental in developing the REACH curriculum and enjoys helping students build confidence through speed interviewing.

Building bridges

gift certificates and little things at the end — for their dorm rooms, to help them transition.”

REACH is successful because students enter with high potential to accomplish their goals — they just need support from someone who knows how to navigate the system.

Ursula Charbonneau, a graduate of Bishop Ward, who now heads its social studies department, is responsible for finding students who might benefit from that support and helping match them with mentors.

“In the spring, I’ll look at the GPAs of sophomores,” she said. “I’ll select from the top echelon of students and I’ll invite them for an interview.”

During the interview, stu-

dents fill out brief demographic data and Charbonneau determines if they are a good fit for REACH. Charbonneau sees the great work mentors do in helping students get to college. But she also sees a bigger picture.

“You have [in the Rotary Club] a service organization in Leawood, which is a very different world from here,” she said. “And you have these people leaving that world, getting out of their bubble, coming here and getting a little exposure for themselves.

“And for our students, it works the opposite way as well.”

Charbonneau sees the connections being made between

these vastly different demographics as an important byproduct of REACH. “Yes, we do some academic stuff,” she said. “And, yes, we help kids get to college, and REACH gives scholarships which help financially.

“But for me, I think the bigger piece is we’re building bridges across communities.”

A holy activity The REACH program has its roots in the Rotary Club motto: “Service above self.”

“I think each one of our members finds this ‘service above self’ with these kids,” said Anderson. “We watch them

grow up and graduate and have scholarships and go to college and become something.”

Though the Rotary Club is a secular organization, many of the Leawood Club members are Catholic and their faith plays an important part in their mission of service to the community.

“Anytime you can get people interacting with each other and understanding each other and understanding each other’s perspective,” said Slepitza, “you’re involved in a holy activity.”

And that holy activity often continues after students have gone off to college.

“I’d say a pretty big chunk of [the students] have stayed in touch with their mentors because their mentors had an impact on them,” said Charbonneau. “They want their mentors to stay apprised of their progress.

“And when mentors get letters from kids, they’re over the moon.”

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

11

Archdiocese holds first rural youth conference

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien are notoriously capable of quoting his many famous lines.

But the organizers of the first Rural Youth Conference in the archdiocese chose one not so familiar to most: “I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament.”

Yes, Tolkien was Catholic, and believed in the Real Presence — that you can experience God’s presence face to face.

“Face to face” served as the theme for the first conference, held Nov. 19-20 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.

Sponsored by the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council, the conference drew 150 participants and another 50 in staff and chaperones from 16 different parishes.

Tolkien’s quote appeared on the back of staff T-shirts, and the idea of what it means to meet Christ face to face was discussed all weekend.

Father Bruce Ansems, pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Perry and St. Aloysius Parish in Meriden, served as co-master of ceremonies along with Andrew Gaffney, a fourth-year college student at Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri.

In his remarks, Father Ansems told participants that while Facebook and other forms of social media can be effective, face-to-face communication is still the best. He asked them to consider what the world would be like if, instead of posting things online, everyone said things face to face.

Saying things in person can definitely change how people would handle situations, he said. People might choose their words differently.

The conference included a eucharistic procession led by Father Scott Wallisch, the archdiocese’s vocation director, then adoration, praise and worship music, and Benediction. Adoration, said 15-year-old Henry Glynn, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha, was probably one of his favorite parts.

“Adoration provided a tangible way to put things on my heart next to Jesus,” he said.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated the opening Mass on Nov. 19 for the archdiocese’s first Rural Youth Conference held Nov. 19-20 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. Father Bruce Ansems (left), pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Perry and St. Aloysius Parish in Meriden, and Father Scott Wallisch (behind guitarist), archdiocesan vocations director, concelebrated the Mass; Msgr. Gary Applegate served as the master of ceremonies. The Mikey Needleman Band provided the music for the conference. Approximately 200 participated in the event, which organizers hope will become a biennial gathering to be held opposite the National Catholic Youth Conference.

The conference also included a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and breakout sessions on issues facing teenagers today, including chastity, gender identity issues and the role God should have in daily life.

After dinner, Catholic artist Mike Debus completed a performance painting of Christ while the Mikey Needleman Band provided music for reflection.

In the keynote, Bob Rice, a professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, discussed his own faith journey and encouraged the teens to seek God above all else.

Sharing the two Gospel stories about the rich young man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life and the one about Bartimaeus, the blind man healed by Jesus, Rice said the stories provided two different responses to Jesus.

Bartimaeus, Rice said, had never seen anything in his life until Jesus healed him. The first thing he saw was Jesus’ face.

Having met Jesus, what did Bartimaeus do? Rice said the answer was simple. Bartimaeus followed Jesus.

And that’s what we’re called to do in our daily lives.

The conference was the idea of Angie Bittner, archdiocesan rural outreach youth coordinator. In her duties, she has accompanied teenagers to the National Catholic Youth Conference, a biennial event where more than 23,000 from across the country come together for prayer, community and empowerment.

While it is often powerful for many teenagers, she said some can feel overwhelmed in such numbers. Bittner wanted to provide a more intimate

setting for all Catholic teenagers of the archdiocese to experience God face to face.

In fact, registration materials read, “More than anything, we pray this weekend will connect you, face to face, with Jesus in the Eucharist during Mass, adoration, various prayer experiences, and inspirational speakers and music.

We also want you to connect face to face with other incredible teens.”

Sixteen-year-old Adrianna Pedrow of St. Boniface Parish in Scipio said the whole weekend provided her an amazing experience, one she’d recommend to others.

“It’s a really good experience. You sometimes don’t realize how much God is a part of your daily life, and this provides you a chance to reflect upon that.”

School of Faith receives Duchesne Award

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

M

OUND CITY — It was coincidental — but very appropriate — that the Holy Family School of Faith received the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award during a confirmation Mass here on Nov. 20.

“It was a fitting tie-in because the Holy Family School of Faith plays such a role in developing and forming teachers,” said Father Shawn Tunink.

Father Tunink is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City, St. Philip Neri Parish in Osawatomie and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in La Cygne.

Youths from the three parishes received the sacrament of confirmation from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann that night; the archbishop also conferred the award and was the main celebrant and homilist at the 4 p.m. Mass.

The Duchesne Award has been given annually since 2006 to individuals and groups who promote Catholic education, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, or devotion to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.

The award is given on or near the solemnity of Christ the King at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City, which is also a shrine to St. Rose.

Receiving the award for the Holy Family School of Faith were Sebastian D’Amico, Chad Pirotte, Dave Staples and Cari Hillyer.

Although co-founder and executive director Mike Scherschligt couldn’t be there (he was teaching a class), he was certainly there in spirit.

“I referred to the fact that I first met Mike Scherschligt when I was a student at the University of Kansas, when he and [co-founder] Troy Hinkel began a program of education for the students, and Mike invited me to his class,” said Father Tunink.“I eventually took every

class he offered.”

The School of Faith has produced many fruits, among them both Father Tunink and D’Amico. Both were students when Hinkel and Scherschligt taught at KU, and now they’re both instructors for the Holy Family School of Faith.

What began as a catechetical institute at the St. Lawrence Center for KU students grew to an entity that would teach laypeople and Catholic schoolteachers. Now, the Holy Family School of Faith has offices in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Cincinnati, and Omaha, Nebraska.

“I also expressed my gratitude to Mike Scherschligt and the school for my own education,” said Father Tunink.

There was a reception for the award winners, the confirmandi and their parents in the parish hall after the Mass.

LEAVE FILE PHOTO

The Holy Family School of Faith received the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award during a Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Mound City on Nov. 20. Mike Scherschligt, above, is the co-founder and executive director of the School of Faith.

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van.

CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children.

Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading.

Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Bus driver - The Goddard School, northwest Olathe, is currently accepting applications for a part-time before/ afterschool care bus driver. Applicant must be mature, responsible and professional. Applicant must have a clean driving record and enjoy working with young children. Driver will be responsible for transporting schoolage children to and from our facility each morning and afternoon to several local elementary schools. May consider a different driver for AM and PM if necessary.

Great position for a retired “grandma/grandpa.” Minimum qualifications and requirements: valid Kansas or Missouri driver’s license without indication of criminal record; clear criminal background check; participates in reporting and implementation of the child abuse and neglect policy; participate in any professional development activities (i.e., CPR, first-aid training); previous teaching and/or driving experience preferred. CDL not required; 14-passenger bus. To apply, send an email to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com.

Data entry positions - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has two immediate openings for a temporary data entry position. The individual will assist the office of stewardship and development during the busy Call to Share annual appeal. Required hours will be 30+ hours per week beginning in mid-January with approximate end date in late March. Requires reliability, collaborative demeanor and demonstrated data entry skills. Full job description available at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume and application (available on archdiocesan website) to: jobs@ archkck.org by Dec. 31, or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Stewardship – Data Entry Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Teachers and assistant teacher - The Goddard School in Olathe is seeking a preschool teacher, a pre-kindergarten teacher and a toddler teacher - all full-time positions - as well as an assistant teacher for multiple classrooms.

Lead and assistant teachers work together. Daily responsibilities are: developing lesson plans; meeting the individual needs of the children; communicating with parents; participation in staff and training meetings; designing appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and development level of the children in the classroom; interacting with the children to support play, exploration and learning; presenting expectations that are appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level; plan and implement activities that develop self-esteem and social skills; communicate appropriately and professionally with parents and fellow staff; building teamwork; use assessment tools; and commit to continuing education. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com.

Career opportunity - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Emporia and Topeka area. 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. This is a full-time position.

Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 or call (785) 408-8806. You can also send an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Pastoral assistant - Corpus Christi Catholic Community, Lawrence, is seeking a full-time pastoral assistant who will serve as the director of youth and young adult ministries and the liturgical ministry coordinator.

General responsibilities include: providing vision and coordination for the parish’s efforts in ministry to 6ththrough 12th-graders, confirmation candidates, and to the parish’s college-age and young adult populations.

In addition, this position is responsible for training, coordinating and overseeing all liturgical ministries in the parish. A bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry or related field is preferred. This position requires availability to work evenings and weekends, and proficiency in social media, technology and standard computer software.

Compensation commensurate with education and experience. For a complete job description, visit the website at: cccparish.org. Cover letter and resume should be emailed to: Fr. Mick Mulvany at: frmick@cccparish.org.

Build a business - for yourself, not by yourself, with: unlimited income potential; extensive benefits package; and solid backing from a financial services provider over a century old.

We are looking for self-motivated individuals in the area. Call (785) 448-7914 or send a resume to Margaret Highberger at 21248 S.W. California Rd.., Westphalia, KS 66093 or send by email to: margaret.highberger@mwarep.org.

Parish life coordinator - St. Francis de Sales in Lansing is looking to hire a parish life coordinator. For more information, send an email to: Fr.Wm.McEvoy@gmail.com.

Director of youth ministry - Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, is searching for a director of youth ministry. The position is full time based upon 40 hours per week. The parish offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403(b) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous vacation and sick leaves, plus paid holidays. The director of youth ministry will be responsible for facilitating and providing opportunities for parish youth to grow in deeper love with Jesus Christ and his church. The position will lead 7th- to 12th-grade youth through catechesis, prayer and service to Jesus Christ. To apply, go to the website at: careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansas citystjoseph/80030/description.

Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 8251921.

Construction superintendent - Johnson County homebuilder accepting applications. Interested persons send resume to: bcresumes82@gmail.com.

Administrative assistant – A local biomedical company is seeking a candidate who works well in a small environment; is a quick learner, self-motivated and organized; has a positive attitude; knowledge of Microsoft Windows/QuickBooks; communicates well; is able to multitask; is trustworthy, dependable, mature and a team player. Duties include answering phones, invoicing, tracking inventory, reporting state sales taxes, filing, collections, shipping/receiving (some heavy lifting involved), supporting/scheduling sales and service teams, and filling in wherever needed. If you are looking to be successful and recognized for your hard work, email your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

School counseling consultant - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is looking for a part-time school counseling consultant for the Corpus Christi Catholic School in Lawrence. EEO For complete job description and to apply go to: catholiccharitiesks.org/jobs.

Accounts payable/payroll accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has an immediate opening in the chancery accounting office for a full-time accounts payable/payroll accountant. The position is responsible for processing approved invoices utilizing the DocuWare software and accounting system. This position is also responsible for payroll for the chancery staff. One to three years of accounts payable and payroll experience required, accounting degree preferred. Candidate must have strong computing skills with proficiency in MS Office Suite; must demonstrate strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and accuracy.

A complete job description and application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs.

Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Dec. 16, 2016, to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Accounts Payable/Payroll, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education.

Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

SERVICES Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Prayer Gardens Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Call Tony 913 620 6063 Music lessons for all ages - Study piano, voice or songwriting with a certified, experienced instructor in south Kansas City/Prairie Village area. Contact Amy D. Gardner at (816) 518-0955. Member of Curé Ars Parish.

Helping Hand Handy Man - Semiretired handyman can help with your “to-do list.” Small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical: ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing, restaining and painting. No yard work.

Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Handmade doll clothes - Handmade 18” clothes for dolls such as American Girl. Items include sleeping bags/ PJ’s, skinny jeans, vest, T-shirts, boots, fleece outfits, Disney dresses; Belle, Anna, Elsie, etc. Many more items.

Call for an appointment at (913) 642-1836.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 EVERFIT fitness community - We provide a variety of classes designed to make fitness fun while challenging you to a higher level of performance. Classes include boxing, cycling, HIIT, weights, PiYo, TRX, our signature EverFit Tri, and more. EverFitKC.com. Save 10% with this ad or Promo Code LEAVEN. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting.

Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal.

Fully insured and free estimates.

John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Winter tutoring - Available for K - 12 and home-schoolers in music and academics. For more information, call/ text Kathleen at (913) 206-1837 or email: klmamuric@ yahoo.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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

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

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 8294336.

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 Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

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

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net 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 at (913) 709-8401.

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.

CAREGIVING 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 family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Caregiver/companion - Available anytime. Recent references. Reasonable rates. Call (913) 653-1163.

Experienced CNA - Excellent references, flexible schedule, light housekeeping, cooking, errands. Can assist with medications and distribution; can also provide transportation to and from doctor appointments. Can cut and style hair, as well as do shaves and massages.

Call Chris at (913) 548-7656.

Caregiving - For your loved one. Cheerful, experienced, empathetic. Excellent local references. Call Vivian at (913) 292-4829.

FOR SALE 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.

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

PILGRIMAGE Fatima/Medjugorje pilgrimage - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of apparitions in Fatima with a pilgrimage to Fatima and Medjugorje. Oct. 25 to Nov. 9, 2017. Call Grace at (913) 449-1806 for details. (Dates subject to change.)

WANTED TO RENT Wants to rent - 26-year-old Overland Park woman looking for a house or apartment to share rent with a woman who can dedicate a bedroom and bathroom to me and share common areas. Budget is around $450/ month. Needs to be less than 10 miles from the 135th St. and Metcalf area. I have a dog who is kennel and house trained, hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed. I work full time and am clean and considerate. Call or text Danielle (text is more reliable for me) at (913) 704-8647.

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $18.50 for the first 5 lines. $1.50 for each line after.

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS Strawberry Hill Museum 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 9 - Jan. 29

The museum hours are Saturday and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. The Tea Room hours are 1 - 4 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6 - 12. The museum will also be offering Friday nighttime tours and cooking classes through the holiday season. For more information about other events, go online to: www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.

BINGO AND LUNCH WITH THE ‘KEENAGERS’ St. Joseph Parish (Knights Hall) 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Second Thursday each month at 11:30 a.m.

All senior citizens are welcome. Enjoy lunch, bingo and friends. For more information, call Mary Ann Jackman at (913) 268-0561.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. Father Dennis Wait will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

HOLIDAY SHOPPE Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a huge selection of items for sale: children’s books and activities, candles, wreaths, ornaments, makeup signs, crocheted and knotted items, blankets, purses, jewelry, Pampered Chef, handmade rosaries and much more. Come for lunch and take home dinner.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Christ the King Parish 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 11 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

CELTIC CHRISTMAS St. Columbkille Parish (hall) 13311 Hwy. 16, Blaine Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be cookies and candies sold by the pound, breakfast burritos, homemade cinnamon rolls, kolaches, soups and pies. Ham sandwiches and chili dogs will also be available. There will be holiday vendors. For more information, call (785) 927-0282.

‘HOPE: DAYS OF REFLECTION AND PRAYER’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Dec. 10 and 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The topics of prayer and reflection will be (in chronological order): “The Tender Compassion of God”; “Those Who Wait in Hope”; and “Finding Hope in Uncertainty.” To RSVP, call Lucia Ferrara at (816) 781-4344 or send an email to: Hospitalitycoordinatorpbc@gmail.com.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Dec. 10 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Spirituality and Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

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Bishop James V. Johnston will be at St. Joseph Medical Center to bless the medical center board and the center’s emergency room. All are welcome to attend.

‘QUO VADIS’ RETREAT Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. - Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

Single men ages 18 - 35 are invited to Archbishop Naumann’s “Quo Vadis” retreat. Retreat master Father Andrew Strobl will give several inspiring talks. Come meet priests and seminarians, pray together, and discover what God is calling you to be. To register, go to the website at: www.kckvocation. com by Dec. 14.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.

LINGER OVER COFFEE DURING ADVENT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Dec. 13 from 10:30 a.m. - noon

You are invited to explore Advent 2016 themes during a series of prayer and sharing sessions offered by Marillac staff members.

For more information, call (913) 758-7552 or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

PRESENTATION ON MEDICARE Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 14 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

This class is for people who are new to Medicare and for those who need help understanding their current benefits. The class will be bilingual. For more information and to register, call (913) 906-8990 or go online to: www.keelerwomencenter.org.

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT Redemptorist Church (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish) 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

In honor of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help icon’s jubilee year, Redemptorist will present the Spire Chamber Ensemble in concert, performing the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and selected Christmas music. A reception will follow. For tickets, contact the parish office at (816) 561-3771.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Tuesdays from 10 - 11 a.m.

This group meets weekly to discuss topics about healthy relationships and domestic violence education and support.

BINGO Immaculate Conception Church (hall) 606 Elm, Louisburg Second and fourth Thursday at 7 p.m.

Bingo is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The doors open at 6 p.m. Food will also be available.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY St. Pius X Parish (youth room) 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program for all who are struggling with the disease of addiction. For more information, call Joe Quinn at (913) 228-8279 or send him an email at: joe-quinn@sbcglobal.net. All information is kept confidential.

Mass will begin at 6 p.m. Mariachi music will be provided by Beto Lopez. Following Mass, there will be a reception with Mexican pastries, hot chocolate and coffee in the church hall.

K E A T I N G Mud Jacking FOUNDATION REPAIR

BLESSING OF ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER EMERGENCY ROOM St. Joseph Medical Center 1000 Carondelet, Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.

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CRAFT FAIR Christ the King Parish 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Items available for sale will include clothing, jewelry, baked goods, tamales, decorative items and much more. Food will also be available for purchase, including taco salad, burritos, and beans and rice. There will also be chorizo burritos for breakfast on Sunday.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA, LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Dec. 18 at 12:30 p.m.

This will be a Christmas celebration and raffle. Bring a covered dish. Meat will be provided by the circle. Bring the family.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Holy Angels Parish 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

The first of three parts of the pageant will be Lessons and Carols, open to the public, in the main church. The second part of the program will center on the Posada — Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The third and last part of the pageant will be a prayerful reflection on the Nativity.

There will be refreshments in the parish hall following the program.

SCRIPTURE GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m.

There will be bible sharing, reflection, lectio and journaling, led by Heather Neds, pastoral minister.

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 11 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 35: 1-6a, 10 Ps 146: 6-10 Jas 5: 7-10 Mt 11: 2-11 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, 17-18, 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: 9-14 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

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D

Here’s how to get a read on someone

on’t be that guy.

You don’t ever want to hear these words addressed to you.

They’re never good, because they signify some sort of offensive behavior.

When it comes to reading, don’t be that guy.

You know, the one in four Americans who didn’t even read part of a book in 2015, according to a survey done by the Pew Research Center. Choose, instead, to read and grow.

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to give others (or yourself) the gift of reading. Below are a few of my favorites: We’re encouraged to enter into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, especially at this time of year. An excellent place to start is with Father Jim Martin’s “Jesus: A Pilgrimage” (New York: HarperOne, 2014; $27.99; 510 pgs.).

Don’t shy away because of its length. (About 60 pages are notes at the end.) Father Jim is an engaging writer, who blends faith, storytelling and humor. This is not some boring tome for scholars, but an invitation to accompany the author on his tour of the Holy Land and see how those sacred places made Jesus come alive for him. If

I

14

MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

you’ve ever wanted to go to the land where Jesus walked (or relive your experience), Father Jim will make you feel as if you’re right there with him.

Maybe you’re thinking that you don’t have time to plow through a big, long book. How about a 365-page one? Think you’d have time to read just one page a day?

For no more than three mintues? Each year, the Christophers, a nonprofit organization in New York, publishes a new volume of its “Three Minutes a Day.” Each entry is literally one page long, and consists of a little story, a line from Scripture and

a one-line prayer. You can get a copy for $10 at: www.christophers.org.

I’ve discovered that “reading” art is a fruitful way to pray. Christians have realized this for centuries as evidenced by our iconography. If you’d like a very brief, but attractive introduction to praying with icons, check out “Icons: The Essential Collection,” by Sister Faith Riccio, CJ (Brewster, Mass.: Paraclete Press, 2016; 116 pgs.; $16.99).

This tiny volume has reproductions and closeups of 28 icons of Our Lord, the saints and some notable New Testament events. Each icon has a brief explanation, as well as a prayer or quote from the saint, the Scriptures or a spiritual writer.

A meatier entry from the same publisher is Timothy Verdon’s “Art & Prayer: The Beauty of Turning to God” (2014;

$34.99; 310 pgs.). This beautiful book is chockfull of stunning pictures, illustrating various depictions of prayer, such as: spaces of prayer, the prayer of pleading and contemplative prayer, to name just a few. This is a visual feast that will enrich the soul as well.

If you’re a little rusty in prayer or just looking for new ways to pray, hunt down a copy of “Everyday Divine: A Catholic Guide to Active Spirituality,” by Mary DeTurris Poust (New York: Alpha Books, 2012; $14.95; 211 pgs.). The author teaches readers in this crazybusy world how to bring God into all we do — through exercise, work, technology, song, nature and much more. Her writing is clear, practical and inspiring.

Though not specifically spiritual, you can make this “your best year yet” by picking up Karen Ann Kennedy’s book of the same name (North Charleston, S.C.: CreateSpace, 2014; $14.95; 389 pgs.). Its purpose is to help jump-start your life by focusing each day, a month at a time, on areas like finances, fitness, gratitude, organization, learning and healthy eating. It’s practical and challenging, moving your “resolutions” from dream

to reality.

For those like me who are in middle age, this can be a wonderful time of both reflection and planning. A marvelous companion for this stage of life is Wilkie Au’s “The Enduring Heart: Spirituality for the Long Haul” (Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 2000; $18.95; 179 pgs.). The book helps readers to “be still and still moving.” This is a volume that, although an easy read, invites reflection at the end of each chapter by means of a prayer and a series of thought-provoking questions.

And, lastly, for the child in all of us, grab a copy of “The Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas,” a children’s book

by Jill Hardie (Nashville, Tenn.: Ideals Publications, 2012; $19.99; 32 pgs.). Though written for kids 4-8, its message of reaching out to the needy in imitation of Jesus puts everything into perspective. It even comes with its own sparkle box!

This Christmas, be the “guy” to make 2017 something truly special.

After all, as Mark Twain is supposed to have said, “The man who doesn’t read has no advantage over the man who can’t.”

Sunday’s Gospel links Old Testament with New

f you were to rearrange the chapters in a novel, you would come up with a story very different from that originally written by the author. The order of events makes a big difference. That also holds true for the Bible.

The Jewish Bible concludes with the Second Book of Chronicles. Its final verse reads: “Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has also charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

Whoever, therefore, among you belongs to any part of his people, let him go up, and may his God be with him!’” This promise of a return from the Exile means that the Jewish Bible finishes on

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

an upbeat note.

In contrast, the Old Testament in the Christian Bible takes basically the same books as in

God reveals his mysteries, not to the wise and learned, but to those who are childlike, that is, to people who are humble and fear the Lord, Pope Francis said in a morning homily. “Fear of the Lord isn’t fright.

No. It is living the command God gave our father Abraham, ‘Walk in my presence and

the Jewish Bible, but puts them in a different order. This makes a huge difference. It ends with the Book of Malachi, the prophet, with a warning and a challenge to repent. Its closing verses read: “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the

hearts of the children to their fathers. Lest I come and strike the land with doom.”

We hear a paraphrase of those words in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 11:2-11: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.” Jesus is using that verse to identify John the Baptist with the messenger foretold in the Book of Malachi.

Thus, this verse establishes a link between the Old Testament and the New Testament, between the prophets and John the Baptist, and consequently, to the ministry of Jesus himself.

John’s ministry sets the stage for Jesus, who also issues a call for repentance, while avoiding John’s fire-andbrimstone approach.

be blameless.’ Humble. This is humility. The fear of the Lord is humility,” the pope said Nov. 29.

During morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives, the pope reflected on the day’s readings. When the prophet Isaiah talks about a small shoot sprouting from the stump of Jesse, the pope said, he is illustrating God’s way of revealing

Instead of threatening punishment, as we heard John do in last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus points to the wonders he has worked as signs of the presence of the kingdom of heaven: “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”

Jesus brought those signs of the kingdom to John’s attention. He now brings them to our attention. That is the good news that we hear today, that the kingdom is near at hand. That is the reason for our faith and our conversion: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2). That way, our story will have a happy ending.

himself through small, simple things. The Lord will come not as the leader of a great army to liberate his people, the pope said, but as a tiny bud. Jesus, too, in the Gospel reading from St. Luke, says God keeps things hidden “from the wise and learned,” but reveals them to “the childlike.”

— CNS

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

15

Vocation events open kid’s eyes, hearts to possibilities

S

tudies have been conducted in the vocations world indicating that the number 11 is significant in vocational discernment.

Now, do not worry, we are not promoting some sort of numerology, where having eleven letters in your name or eleven toes on your feet cosmically indicates that you are meant for consecrated life.

Rather, eleven is important because, for many priests or religious, thoughts about the possibility of a consecrated vocation began when their age was 11 or their grade was the 11th.

In fifth grade and junior year in high

VOCATIONS CORNER

FATHER SCOTT WALLISCH Father Scott Wallisch is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: frscott@archkck.org.

school, young people are more likely to think about their future and

God’s plan for that future.

Aware of this phenomenon, we have a sort of an “11-11 Program” that includes yearly events for those at these stages in their lives. Each year, we host two fifthgrade vocation days for all of the students in our Catholic schools.

We also coordinate two yearly Project Andrew discernment evenings for high school men, many of whom are in their junior year, and we take junior and senior boys to a “Come and See” retreat at Conception College Seminary in Conception, Missouri, each semester.

Young people in these two grade levels are more open to finding God’s plan for their future. We organize these events to coincide with these stages of development, not because we are looking to convince them to make decisions at these ages, but because we want to take advantage of their openness to present the beauty of a possible

religious vocation. Seeds are planted.

Recognizing that those seeds need to be nourished, though, we do not ignore young discerners from the first 11 until the second 11.

In fact, we bring the topic of vocational discernment back up in a fun way halfway between fifth grade and junior year. For our eighth-grade boys, we give them opportunities to interact with priests or seminarians.

And similar to the old adage that you can find a way to a man’s heart through his stomach, you can find a way to many young men’s attention through sports.

So, in March and April, the Serra Clubs

help us organize Runnin’ Revs basketball games between our priests and eighth-graders. And, in conjunction with our “Quo Vadis” discernment retreat, our CYO is helping us host a showcase on Dec. 17 featuring eighth-graders playing basketball and/or Xbox FIFA soccer with our seminarians.

The boys have a chance to see that seminarians are normal people who want to serve God while still having fun and building community in relatable ways.

So, thanks to these events, our “11-11 Program” is really an “11-1411 Discernment Vision.”

Email me if you want to know more about any part of this vision.

Husbands, give the gift of yourself to your wife this Christmas

A

t a dinner theater performance I recently attended, the question suggested by a relative to a woman as to whether or not she should marry a certain man was: “Does he make you happy?” Her answer was: “Yes.” The relative responded with: “OK, then marry him.”

That’s a fair question, isn’t it? No one marries another to be unhappy!

Yet, something is amiss here. Is my happiness what marriage is all about?

Loving another means that we should be more concerned about their happiness and what brings joy to

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

their life. (Wives don’t peek; this next section is

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for your husband).

To all husbands: What might bring happiness and joy to your wife? At this time of year when we are challenged to find that perfect gift for her for Christmas, I have a shocking suggestion: That perfect gift is you.

Are you shocked? Can

it be that simple? One man shared his shock when his wife told him that she didn’t ask him to come shopping with her as a form of torture.

She shared that even the simple, everyday things of life become special when she shares them with him. Obviously, that little time spent together was just a start.

The perfect gift for her is the gift of your time: just to be with her to share hopes and dreams. Gift wrap that time in a marriage enrichment experience you can share together.

It might mean a weekend getaway retreat, like a Worldwide Marriage Encounter. (Millions of couples worldwide have

experienced this gift.)

Another such gift is the “Living in Love” marriage enrichment.

(Over 700 couples in the archdiocese have attended over the past four years.)

Another possibility is the “Everyday in Love” enrichment which is given over the course of four Saturday mornings, three hours each session.

(You can go to one or all sessions; 80 couples attended in October.)

Perhaps your parish is offering “The Choice Wine: Seven Steps to a Superabundant Marriage.” There is even an online retreat that you can experience together at home based on Pope Francis’ “The Joy of Love.”

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Check out the website at: www.archkck.org/ joyful-marriage-projecthome or go to the Facebook site and search for: “JoyfulMarriageProject.”

Here you will find suggestions and information for registration.

All of these ideas, the website and the Facebook page are there to help you find the gift she wants: time with you about the two of you!

Wives, this column is meant for you, too.

So, go ahead and read this whole column. If necessary, sneak it into his lunch box or lay it on his pillow. You can even invite him to spend time just with you. Tell him how much this will mean.

DECEMBER 9, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON WOLF

St. Joseph Orphanage in Croatia was built with the help of donors from all over the United States. Don Wolf, a parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was instrumental in getting St. Joseph and St. Theresa orphanages built.

‘A FAMILY FEEL’

Local donors to Croatian orphanages see dollars at work of the orphanages.

St. Theresa’s, the original of the two, provides a home to children

By Moira Cullings under 9, while St. Joseph’s is for moira.cullings@theleaven.org youngsters 9 to 19.

Support for the first orphanage ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Beautiful sounds of was undertaken by Wolf with the children singing, playing, proceeds of a documentary he made some 20 years ago, called “Making yelling.

Povitica.” The project has taken off These are universal.”

For Don Wolf, the children at St. from there.

Mikesic, like other volunteers, Joseph’s Orphanage and St. Theresa’s always wanted to visit Orphanage in Croatia are the Carmelite Sisters much like others from all For more inwho run the orphanages over the world. formation on the and see the operations in But there is something Croatian orphanperson. special about the two orages, visit: www.

He was elated when phanages, which he — gofundme.com/ the opportunity to fulfill with the help of donors stjosephscroatia. that dream finally arose. and supporters from all “More than anything, over the United States — what I got out of the visit helps maintain from afar. was the joy of being able to meet One such supporter is Rick these nuns,” he said, “because I know Mikesic, a parishioner of St. John what they’ve committed their entire the Baptist Church in Kansas City, lives to doing.”

Kansas.

Mikesic traveled throughout Croa“The thing that really struck me more than anything was the interactia with a large group from the United tion between the nuns and the kids,” States. A quick stop at St. Joseph’s was said Mikesic, who visited the orphansqueezed into their itinerary. ages this past summer. “For all practi“It’s almost like they built individcal purposes, when you watch them, ual little condos so the kids aren’t in they’re very much a family.” just a big dormitory,” said Mikesic. “It Mikesic, an adviser and board gives more of a family feel to it.” member of the Kansas City Croatian Wolf’s children, Lori Clark and Council, helps with the financial side Steve Wolf, also had the chance to

K

“

“THE ORPHANAGES ARE JOYFUL PLACES, AND THE NUNS JUST EXUDE HAPPINESS.” Lori Clark

see the results of the hard work of their father and so many others firsthand.

“I expected to feel sad seeing a facility full of orphans,” said Clark, “but the children are completely loved and they seem to be very happy.”

“The orphanages are joyful places, and the nuns just exude happiness,” she continued. “The rooms are wellkept and inviting. The entire orphanage is spotless and well cared for.”

For Steve Wolf, who first visited St. Theresa’s in 1993 when he and his father were in Croatia photographing and documenting the conditions of the country, the experience made a deep impact on his life.

“I visited Croatia again in 2000 for a family reunion with relatives from all over the United States, as well as from France and Croatia,” he said.

Between those seven years, much of the orphanage had changed.

“To see the amazing results of all the hard work put forth by so many from so many different places was and will always be a very special moment for me that I will treasure forever,” he added.

What Mikesic will cherish most is the image he has of the Sisters in action.

“Especially seeing them as they looked at the children,” he said, “you could just see the love in their faces when the kids were around.”

All of the children expressed the great appreciation they have for the Sisters, along with their dreams for the future, said Mikesic.

“When you hear their stories — and there were so many you’d hear — they all seem to have done very well in school,” he said, “and they’re moving on and going to make strong contributions to the world.

“I was left very impressed by the young people.”

Don Wolf, knowing the role he’s played in the lives of these kids half a world away, feels like all his hard work is worth it.

“God has allowed me to introduce several hundred Americans to the children of Croatia,” he said.

And for that, Wolf is very grateful.