12 10 21 Vol. 43 No. 18

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 18 | DECEMBER 10, 2021

BACK IN TIME

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Elizabeth and her mother Leigh Corporal, who is a seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, watch “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” at the Boulevard Drive-In in Kansas City, Kansas, Nov. 18. The activity was part of the school’s Literacy Night, which promotes reading, writing and school community.

Old-fashioned drive-in promotes literacy

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Families of Our Lady of Unity School here stepped back in time Nov. 18 to enjoy one of America’s former favorite pastimes: the drive-in theater.

The parking lot at the Boulevard Drive-In in Kansas City, Kansas, the setting for OLU’s Literacy Night, was awash in nostalgia for some, but excitement for others.

Most of the kids present had never seen anything like it.

“It’s something every family needs to experience at least once in their life,” said Martha Concannon, who works in the school’s resource room.

Classic 1950s music blared through the theater’s speakers as children sailed around the playground.

The ambiance was just one exciting element of the evening, which was covered by Title I funding.

As they arrived, each carload received a bag packed with literary resources.

The arriving families were then instructed to make two more stops before parking — the first to drop

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Sophie Luna, left, and Daniela Luna, right, a sixth grader at Our Lady of Unity School, look at books during Literacy Night while Martha Concannon, who works in the school’s resource room, looks on. Children who attended the event won books as prizes for various games. off food donations for charity, and the second to grab a box of pizza for dinner.

The event, which was typically held at the school, was moved to the drive-in this year due to COVID-19.

And the brisk fall weather didn’t

keep anyone away. Families and friends of the school showed up in droves — around 200 in total.

“The main purpose is to connect with parents and build community around reading and literacy,” said Concannon.

“The sense of community that this event brings to our school is huge,” she added. “We don’t have a lot of communitywide events. The fact that it brings so many families together is just wonderful.”

The students played games and won gently used books. The evening culminated with the movie “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”

Concannon hoped that parents would leave the theater “with an armful of books and the feeling of supporting their child as they’re growing in their reading skills.”

Principal Cally Dahlstrom stressed the importance of an event like Literacy Night for a school like OLU. Many of the school’s parents primarily speak Spanish and are busy with demanding jobs, said Dahlstrom.

“But at the same time, getting them more involved and to have more buy-in to our community is super-important,” she added.

Dahlstrom said providing games, information and strategies helps parents to help their children when they struggle with reading and writing. >> See “TEACHER” on page 6

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ARCHBISHOP

I

DECEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

The world already has the salvation story it needs

n early November, Archbishop José Gomez — the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as the archbishop of Los Angeles — gave a virtual speech to the Congress of Catholics in Public Life in Madrid.

Archbishop Gomez was asked to address the phenomenon of the rise of new secular ideologies and movements for social change in the United States and their impact on the church.

Archbishop Gomez observed that an “elite leadership class” has developed in the United States and Europe that is very influential in governments, universities, media, corporations and cultural institutions that have little interest in religion and what they consider archaic belief systems that get in the way of developing what is envisioned as a new global order.

Archbishop Gomez also stated bluntly that part of the goals of secularization is to de-Christianize Western culture.

Archbishop Gomez noted that “cancel culture” and political correctness often are attempting to cancel and correct “perspectives rooted in Christian beliefs — about human life and the human person, about marriage and family, and more.”

Archbishop Gomez observed that these secular ideologies seek to present a rival narrative to the Christian understanding of the purpose and meaning for life.

Archbishop Gomez described the secular narrative in this way: Human beings do not know our origin, but we have common interests with those who share our skin color or

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN our position in society.

This secular worldview taps into the pain, suffering and alienation that many experience.

Adherents to this secular vision divide the world into victims and oppressors. Redemption comes through a constant struggle against our oppressors and “by waging a battle for political and cultural power in the name of creating a society of equity.”

Archbishop Gomez encouraged Christians to recognize that many who subscribe to this secular ideology are motivated by noble intentions.

There are too many in our American society who experience some form of discrimination and do not receive the same opportunities for human flourishing.

Christians share this desire to build a society that provides equality, freedom and dignity for every person. However, we also understand that we can only build a just society on the foundation of the truth about God and human nature. Archbishop Gomez echoed Pope Emeritus Benedict’s warning “that the eclipse of God leads to the eclipse of the human person. . . . When we forget God, we no longer see the image of God in our neighbor.”

Archbishop Gomez explains: “In denying God, these new movements have lost the truth about the human person. This explains their extremism, and their harsh, uncompromising and unforgiving approach to politics.”

With the denial of the truth of the human person, as one fashioned in the divine image and of such worth that the Creator of the cosmos in the greatest of all acts of humility entered fully into our human condition, these “secular movements are actually causing new forms of social division, discrimination, intolerance and injustice.”

Archbishop Gomez proposed that the response to this destructive secularization is for Christians to be better witnesses of the truth and the beauty of the Christian narrative of God’s love for humanity revealed in Jesus. “We need to live and proclaim the Gospel as the true path to liberation from every slavery and injustice, spiritual and material.

In our preaching and practice, and especially in our love for our neighbors, we need to bear witness to God’s beautiful vision for our common humanity — our common origin and common destiny in God.” Archbishop Gomez counseled that acknowledging our common humanity means recognizing our common frailty: “The

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truth is that we are all sinners, people who want to do the right thing but often do not.

That does not mean we remain passive in the face of social injustice.

Never! But we do need to insist that fraternity cannot be built through animosity or division.

True religion does not seek to harm or humiliate, to ruin livelihoods or reputations. True religion offers a path for even the worst sinners to find redemption.”

Later in November, in his presidential address at the assembly of the bishops of the United States, Archbishop Gomez urged us to remember the core mission of the church is to evangelize, to share the good news of God’s love revealed in Jesus. He observed: “There is a spiritual awakening going on in America, underneath all of the clouds of the pandemic and all the uncertainty about where our country is heading. People are starting to examine what they truly believe and what they value most deeply in their lives.

“There is a reason for this. It is because we are living in a moment when American society seems to be losing its story.

“For most of our history, the story that gave meaning to our lives was rooted in a biblical worldview and values of our Judeo-Christian heritage.

“It was the story of the human person created in God’s image and invested with an earthly vocation to build a society where people could live in freedom, with equality and dignity.

“This story underwrote America’s founding documents. It shaped the assumptions of our laws and institutions, it gave substance to our everyday ideals

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Dec. 11 City on the Hill gala Mass and banquet — Our Lady of Good Counsel, Kansas City, Missouri, and the Madrid Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 13 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Catholic Education scholarship parents Mass and dinner — archbishop’s residence Dec. 14 Priests Personnel meeting — chancery Administrative Team meeting — chancery Ethics Council meeting — chancery Dec. 15 Catechetical Institute — Petroc Willey — chancery Jesus Covenant Prayer Partner meeting Dec. 17-19 “Quo Vadis” retreat — Savior Pastoral Center

and actions.”

Archbishop Gomez advised his brother bishops that the American people do not need a new secular salvation story: “What they need is to hear the true story — the beautiful story of Christ’s love for us, his dying and rising from the dead for us, and the hope he brings to our lives.”

The Advent and Christmas seasons remind us of the beauty of the Christian story.

We believe that the cosmos, the world and humanity are not the result of blind chance.

All we need do is observe the complexity and yet order and beauty within the natural world to recognize the absurdity of this view. It is obvious that the natural world is the fruit of an incredible intelligence, not blind chance.

However, Christians believe something so much more beautiful

and powerful than simply that there must be a creator.

We believe that the Creator of the cosmos desires to be in communion with us, to have friendship with us. We believe that the Second Person of the triune God allowed himself to be incarnated in the womb of Mary — fully sharing in our life so that we could fully share in his divine life. We believe in a God who seeks and pursues us.

In meditating upon the Christmas miracle, God becoming man, let us allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with wonder and awe at the immensity of God’s love. What the world needs is not a new secular salvation story. What the world needs is better, more passionate, more joyful witnesses of the Christmas story and Gospel of the One born in Bethlehem.

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Magic Scott Henderson performs a levitation trick with Nativity School, Leawood, fourth grader Alexa Hancox as his helper. It was the local magician’s final act of his performance at the school Nov. 19 — one that included several anti-bullying messages. Magic Scott was one exciting aspect of Nativity’s third annual Kindness Week.

There was magic in the air at Nativity School’s Kindness Week “ GOD WANTS US TO LOVE OUR “

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

L

EAWOOD — “How did he do that?”

The question echoed throughout the gym at Nativity School here as Magic Scott Henderson performed his final act on Nov. 19.

The third, fourth and fifth graders in the audience — and even the teachers — were amazed as fourth grader Alexa Hancox lay on a table that began to levitate off the ground as the local magician removed its foundational blocks.

But it was the underlying message that suffused the show that will likely stick with the students in the long run: Be kind.

The spectacle wrapped up Nativity’s third annual Kindness Week, held at the school Nov. 15-19.

The event is “celebrated to bring the importance of kindness to the forefront of students’ minds while incorporating fun and easy activities for teachers and staff,” said PTO president Carolyn Darby.

The week’s theme was: “Fill a Bucket,” based on the children’s book “Fill a Bucket: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children” by Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin.

The purpose was to teach students the importance of filling their own and each other’s buckets with positivity.

NEIGHBOR AND TREAT OTHERS AS WE WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED. AND THIS KINDNESS WEEK IS A FUN WAY TO REMIND OUR KIDS [OF THAT].

CAROLYN DARBY PTO PRESIDENT, NATIVITY SCHOOL, LEAWOOD

“In a world where there just isn’t enough kindness, our children need to know that they can and should be the change they wish to see in this world,” said Darby, who has three sons at Nativity.

“God wants us to love our neighbor and treat others as we would want to be treated,” she added. “And this Kindness Week is a fun way to remind our kids [of that].”

Each day of the week provided something special.

Several Nativity families kicked off the event early on Sunday, Nov. 14, when they volunteered to clean up a local park.

On Monday, students participated in a pep rally and were invited to wear

Kansas City Chiefs gear to school. The following day, they decorated the school parking lot with chalk, and middle schoolers participated in a bonfire.

On Wednesday, students prayed an all-school rosary and received a bucket full of treats. They wore kindness T-shirts on Thursday.

The week culminated on Friday with an all-school Mass, and the grades broke up into three groups to watch Magic Scott’s anti-bullying performance throughout the day.

“His presentation style and the way he interacts with the kids and the teachers — you could hear the kids and how engaged they were,” said principal Luke Jennison.

Even the middle school students were impressed by the performance.

“He had a bunch of storylines planned out and did magic tricks all along the way and had us interact with it,” said eighth grader Mia Angles. “It was really fun.”

Angles’ favorite part of the week was when the seventh and eighth grade students were assigned a classmate to write a letter to explaining why they’re special.

“We got to show each other why we appreciate each other,” said Angles, “and that doesn’t really happen as much as it probably should.

“It showed us how we need to appreciate each other more, and that kindness is the way to go — it’s more fun

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

than everything [else].”

The students also wrote down their regrets on a piece of paper, which they burned in the bonfire before enjoying s’mores.

“Everybody really focused in on being as nice to each other as possible,” said Angles of the week.

Parents like Darby are grateful their children are being influenced within the context of the Catholic faith.

“There is great peace in knowing that they are being molded by wonderful teachers who understand that the best gift they can provide our youth is an education rooted in the Gospels,” she said.

In Jennison’s experience working at both public and Catholic schools, he’s found that the benefits of incorporating the faith make all the difference.

“What sets us apart is we can have a Kindness Week, but we tie it into the sacraments,” he said.

“Yes, we’re called to treat everyone with dignity and respect and love,” he continued, “[but] we can also have the cornerstone of the conversation be about our faith and then branch out from there.”

Jennison hoped the lessons his students learned would stay with them long after Kindness Week ended.

“As a Catholic school, we’re called to be Christ-like to other people,” he said.

“We’re called to be kind — not just this week but every week.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Forum puts a human face on the plight of immigrants

By Jacob Martin Special to The Leaven

S

HAWNEE — When it comes to the issues of immigration and migration, there is no “us versus them,” said Deacon Bill Scholl, who was part of a roundtable discussion and forum on Nov. 13 at Good Shepherd Parish here.

Instead, he said, there is “we.”

The event was facilitated by pastor Father Kent O’Connor; Deacon Scholl, consultant for the archdiocesan office of social justice; and Father Ramiro Sanchez Chan, CS, director of the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry.

Anabella Wasserman, pastoral assistant for the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry, organized and coordinated the event.

In addition to the roundtable discussion, the forum included conversations involving parishioners who shared their experiences of migrating to the United States, and a brief Q&A period.

Deacon Scholl, in his presentation, expanded on the concept of “we” within the Catholic community. Although there may appear to be two otherwise different demographics within a parish, both are part of a larger congregation, and both are equally important to unite the ministry as one, he said.

The archdiocese’s message of “we” is even more important as the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt many people’s lives, he continued, especially by those who were already in need.

Deacon Scholl’s message echoed Pope Francis’ 2021 “Message of the Holy Father for the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.” This message asked Catholics to remember that “we” are all in the same boat and are being called to work together to ensure no one is left behind as we build a stronger future of justice and peace.

Deacon Scholl said this needs to be kept in mind when discussing the inclusion of immigrants and migrants.

“The current system is not working, so we have waves of immigrants who come, and we don’t know what to do with them, and a humanitarian crisis

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Shawnee Mission North senior Yanir Fernandez-Alvarez, left, listens and then translates for his mother, Liliana Alvarez, as she recalls a moment in her family’s arduous journey from Mexico to the United States. Alvarez shared her story as part of a roundtable discussion at an immigration forum Nov. 13 at Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee. erupts,” said Deacon Scholl. “We have been great when we have been ‘we’ — meaning, we are a nation of immigrants.”

He said most immigrants come to the United States legally but for various reasons can lose their legal status.

Under many circumstances, it is not a crime to be here without lawful status, and this is considered a civil matter rather than a criminal one.

“I think a great, simple mission is to challenge this notion of ‘illegal,’” said Deacon Scholl. “It actually has the effect of making people seem less than human.”

The second part of the forum was a roundtable discussion between parishioners and members of Good Shepherd

who have immigrated to Kansas from their native lands. The focus of the discussion was fostering an environment where members of the community would have a “bridge” to discuss and ask questions to someone who had firsthand knowledge of the obstacles immigrants face.

Those who migrated or immigrated shared their experiences openly, sometimes with the help of translators. They talked about the journey each experienced coming to Kansas, the day-to-day obstacles they experience in the United States, ongoing issues in their native countries and the dynamics which have impacted their families as the result of immigration or migration.

Following the Q&A period, Deacon

Scholl and Father Ramiro offered closing remarks as to their hopes regarding immigration and migration in the community, and what can be done to help those in need.

“Learn about the issue, commit to combat the ‘us versus them’ narrative, have a conversation and spread the knowledge,” said Deacon Scholl. “And if you want to go deeper, I encourage people to go to [the website at:] justiceforimmigrants.org and sign up for the action alerts.

“But I think we just need to start having a conversation, and the church needs to bridge the gap and bring both sides together to help them find common ground.”

Native American receives St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

M

OUND CITY — Among the Potawatomi Indians of St. Mary’s Mission at Sugar Creek near here in 1841, there was a French nun who became known as “Quahkahkanumad,” or “the woman who prays always.”

Today, we know her as St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.

The legacy of the missionary saint and the destiny of the Potawatomi Indians joined again when Jerry Tuckwin, a member of the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Tribe, received the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award after Mass on Nov. 21 at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City.

“I am very honored and feel very humble to receive this award,” said Tuckwin. “There are hundreds of others who should receive it. In my own way, I’m grateful and hope it can be a little bit of inspiration to Native American

Kansans.”

Jerry and his wife Terry are members of the permanent community of Tekakwitha House, the Catholic campus center at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. They have a son John. A daughter, Shannon Beth TuckwinRolland, died in 2016.

Not only was Tuckwin the first Potawatomi to receive the award, but he was also the first person to be nominated by another Potawatomi — retired Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the first Native American to be ordained a bishop in the United States.

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

The award was given to Tuckwin by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the parish, which is also a shrine to St. Rose.

The Catholic Potawatomi were forced from their lands in Indiana by the U.S. government in 1838.

They, and some Jesuit priests who ministered to them, walked the Trail of Death to Sugar Creek in Linn County, where they remained.

Sister Rose Philippine, a member of the Sacred Heart order in St. Louis, decided to move to Sugar Creek in 1841 to start a school for Potawatomi children, despite being 71 years old. Although she was only able to stay a short time, she made a big impression.

In 1846, the Potawatomi moved from Sugar Creek Mission to the reservation north of Topeka and became known as the Prairie Band Potawatomi. Those who moved to a reservation in Oklahoma in 1867 became the Citizen Band Potawatomi.

Tuckwin’s ancestors walked the Trail of Death and knew St. Rose.

He was born one-and-a-half miles >> See “TUCKWIN” on page 7

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Jerry Tuckwin, a member of the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Tribe, received the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award after Mass on Nov. 21 at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City.

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Father Mertes assumes role of moderator of the curia

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Occasionally, when news is reported about the Vatican bureaucracy, you’ll read or hear the term “the Roman

Curia.”

The word “curia” is ancient. It means “court,” and originally referred to the Roman senate — first of the Roman Republic, and later the Rome of the Caesars. Later, it was applied to the papal court.

The Vatican has a curia and so does the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. It also has someone who coordinates the curia, a moderator.

Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was appointed moderator of the curia on July 1. He succeeded Father Gary Pennings, who served in that position for 13 years.

Father Mertes is also a member of the archbishop’s administrative team.

“The moderator of the curia helps the bishop guide the work of the many and diverse ministries of the archdiocese,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “[He] provides guidance and support to the leaders of the church’s educational, pastoral, charitable and administrative ministries.”

Despite the ancient lineage of the curia, the position of moderator of the curia was established in 1983, with the revision of the Code of Canon Law. What the curia is, and the roles within it, are in canons 469 to 474.

The archdiocese has eight “divisions” in its administrative structure, and Father Mertes oversees three of them: Charity & Advocacy; Evangelization; and Family & Child Formation.

Fathers John Riley, Brian Schieber and Joseph Arsenault, SSA, oversee the other divisions.

The moderator of the curia doesn’t have power like that of a vicar general, but does have responsibility and

influence, said Father Mertes. Fundamentally, he is a facilitator.

The archbishop gets a lot of input and advice from members of different bodies: the archdiocesan pastoral council, archdiocesan finance council, presbyteral (priests) council, Envisioning Team and administrative team.

“That’s what synodality is, to listen to people to see what their concerns and needs are, and to bring the light of faith to what people have brought up,” he said.

“The moderator of the curia helps the archbishop do that — to help facilitate the ideas and concerns and hopes of the faithful, and of the ministries of the archdiocese,” he continued. “The moderator helps bring those to the attention of the archbishop through those various [entities], and similarly helps the archbishop communicate to those various groups, committees and councils what are priorities of the archbishop.”

Given all the demands on the archbishop, the help offered by the moderator of the curia is essential.

“It is a great help to me because it makes it possible for me to effectively guide the work of the many and varied ministries and apostolates of the archdiocese,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“The moderator of the curia also helps advise me on determining the pastoral priorities of the archdiocese. The moderator of the curia also helps with the implementation of the priorities.”

Archbishop Naumann chose Father Mertes for the position because of his extensive pastoral experience in different parish settings, leadership in various movements and ministries, and the esteem in which he is held by his brother priests.

And since a big part of the job is to convene and attend meetings, it’s a good thing he doesn’t mind them.

“I don’t hate meetings, which very much helps, because there are a lot of them,” said Father Mertes. “I was honored to be asked.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was appointed moderator of the curia on July 1. He succeeded Father Gary Pennings, who served in that position for 13 years.

There is still time to give this tax season

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Maybe you intended to give a little more to help your parish rebound from last year’s craziness, but . . .

It’s easy to fall behind, or to be distracted from your best intentions.

You can still catch up or make good, but you don’t have much time.

Thanks to a change in the tax laws, individuals can deduct up to $300 in cash donations this year. However, you must make the donation before Dec. 31.

With the enactment of the 2017 tax law, the standard deduction was increased so much that most people were no longer able to itemize deductions, which included charitable donations. To encourage charitable donations, the 2020 CARES Act gave single filers and married joint filers a $300 charitable deduction in addition to the standard deduction.

This tax provision was extended in 2021 with a few changes. In 2021, married couples filing jointly may

Thanks to a change in the tax laws, individuals can deduct up to $300 in cash donations this year. However, you must make the donation before Dec. 31. make a $600 charitable donation, and the deduction in 2021 will be a below-the-line deduction (deducted after calculating AGI, adjusted gross income) instead of an above-theline deduction like it was in 2020.

This donation will reduce your

tax bill.

You can’t take this additional deduction if you itemize, since your actual contributions are already being deducted when you itemize.

This deduction will be a line item on your Form 1040.

Judy (Biermann) and Mark Rielley, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July. The couple was married on July 2, 1971, at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo in St. Charles, Missouri. They have five daughters: Sarah Peterson, Emily Lyon, Elizabeth Rielley, Rose Rielley and Maureen Leach. They also have 13 grandchildren. An anniversary celebration with extended family and members of the original wedding party was held over the July 4 weekend in St. Louis.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

6

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Teacher/volunteer collaboration pays dividends for kids >> Continued from page 1 “We really try to do it up and make it as fun as possible so that parents are starting to learn more and more about how they can support their kids at home,” she said.

Parents like Claudia Vazquez-Puebla were grateful for the opportunity to attend Literacy Night.

Her son Hugo is currently an eighth grader, and her other two sons, now in college, also attended the grade school.

“Having access to the different books is important for not only the growth of the kids academically,” she said, “but also that bond between the parents and the kids.

“My two are in college, and they still have to do book reports or research.

It’s an ongoing skill you need to develop.”

Vazquez-Puebla recently joined the school’s business team, which is a product of the archdiocesan School Advancement Program (SAP).

“I really appreciate the fact that other communities are wanting to help this community,” she said, “and I want to be part of that opportunity.”

Nine schools are currently participating in SAP, said Michael Morrisey, who helps lead the program with his wife Patty.

“The School Advancement Program was developed in response to the landscape of Catholic education in which enrollment is on the decline and costs continue to rise, especially in rural and urban areas,” said Morrisey.

Men and women with various skill sets, such as finance, marketing and technology, work with the school’s pastor and principal to help the school thrive through fundraising efforts and enrollment management.

“In a couple cases, in our opinion, without the SAP, the schools’ doors don’t remain open,” said Morrisey.

“All SAP schools are evolving on the business side of their school operation, complementing their spirituality and academic excellence [and] allowing short- and long-term sustainability to become a possible reality,” he continued.

Most of the planning for Literacy Night was done by a committee of

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Our Lady of Unity’s Literacy Night, held for the first time at the Boulevard Drive-In Theatre in Kansas City, Kansas, was a roaring success. Many families and friends of the school turned out to receive literacy resources, play games and watch a movie at the old-fashioned venue. teachers, but the business team helped with the marketing and sent each car home with a brochure to entice more families to enroll their children at OLU. The team is also responsible for organizing “Hog and Grog,” the school’s annual fundraiser, and has helped raise money through multiple grants.

Their support is critical to the 99% of OLU students who are only able to attend the school because of scholarships, said Dahlstrom, who hopes the school will continue to grow moving forward.

“I’m convinced that as a school community, we have to be a family and support one another,” she said.

To learn more about SAP, visit the website at: archkck.org and search “School Advancement Program.” To get involved, send an email to Michael Morrisey at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

A group of Our Lady of Unity students runs the pizza stand during the school’s Literacy Night. Each family received a pizza to enjoy at the drive-in theater.

ACROSS 1 Tribe of Israel 4 Fish tank growth 9 Bullfight cheer 12 Adam’s son 14 Seal 15 Press 16 Greek goddess of youth 17 Grin 18 Challenge 19 Rip 21 Sandwich 22 __, frankincense and myrrh 23 Heresy nature 26 Government agency 29 Holy woman 30 Bad (prefix) 31 Spots 34 Merciful 36 Ornament for military uniform 38 Performing 39 Trash 40 Entrap 43 Heavenly sign for Noah 45 Grain 46 Papa 47 Wing 48 __ A Small World...

49 In the __ 52 OT prophet 54 Haze 55 Soaks 58 Elated 59 Stacks 61 Brews 63 Wife of Joseph 64 Frighten 65 Does (KJV) 66 Trinitrotoluene 67 Taut 68 Scriptural your DOWN 1 Morse code dash 2 To incite 3 Northeast by east 4 American Cancer Society (abbr.)

5 Giving off soft glow 6 Remorse 7 Unsurpassed to the present 8 Stretch to make do 9 Spoken 10 The __ is my shepherd 11 East northeast 13 Sister of Rachel 15 Object of false worship

20 Outlaws 22 NT book 24 Take flight 25 Head cover 26 NT church leader 27 Big flower 28 Seasoning 31 Defense 32 Storehouse 33 Thick soups 35 No room for them in the __ 37 Pot 41 Remnant 42 Building 43 Elite army group 44 Boxer Muhammad 49 This is my __ given for you 50 Mr. Ryan 51 Instrument to guide oxen 52 Actor Alda 53 Marketplace 56 Secret plan 57 Adam’s son 58 Time zone 59 Clock time 60 Visualize 62 Reserved Solution on page 15

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

7

University of St. Mary dedicates new anatomy lab

By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

L

EAVENWORTH — With the new human anatomy lab just completed in early November, the faculty and staff of the University of St. Mary here eagerly showed off their new digs to a small crowd of family, friends and donors on Nov. 3.

In addition to the construction of the lab, the university was able to acquire eight cadavers, as well as portable cameras, which will allow students to better view dissections.

Undergraduate and graduate students alike will have access to the lab, as long as they are in a program connected to health care.

“If you stop and think about how people learn, it’s [by] hands-on experience,” said University of St. Mary provost Michelle Metzinger. “It’s one thing to see it on the screen or in a book, but to be able to touch and actually dissect and do different activities, they’re going to learn where things are at and how to better care for their patients. I mean that’s ultimately what [the goal] is — caring for their patients.”

For vice president of admissions and marketing John Shultz, it’s exciting to be able to offer an educational experience that is second to none.

“This is irreplaceable when it comes to health care education,” Shultz said.

“We are thrilled to offer it. Health care is very important to the university because it ties in with the [Sisters of Charity]. When we started the health care focus, it was said that it’s sort of the intersection of society’s need, the tradition of the Sisters and the opportunity for the students. This is taking it to another level. So, we are thrilled to be able to offer this experience to our students.”

Following a brief cocktail hour, guests were led to the lab, where human anatomy lab coordinator Dr. Trisha Waldman demonstrated with slides the transformation of the lab, after which the lab was blessed and dedicated.

The University of St. Mary secured $225,000 in donations from the Sunderland Foundation and several other

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Sister Diane Steele, SCL, president of the University of Saint Mary — and an alumna, class of 1983 — introduces the new human anatomy lab during a ceremony at the university in Leavenworth. In addition to the construction of the lab, the university was able to acquire eight cadavers for educational purposes. philanthropic partners before the university’s Joe Beaver went to work building the lab over an old swimming pool.

After about three months of 10-hour days, and plenty of weekends, Beaver and his small but dependable crew were ready to unveil the masterpiece lab. A DOAS HVAC system, that was installed to control humidity, proved to be the most expensive part of the $300,000 project.

“We are thankful to have a fabulous maintenance staff on campus,” said Waldman, who started as a consultant with the university in August. “We were able to do a lot of the work internally. Joe was the primary person. He is kind of a jack-of-all-trades.”

Now that the lab is complete, and there is no need for University of St. Mary students to go elsewhere to earn lab experience, Waldman said commu-

nity outreach will be a focus.

“I just got off of the phone with the local high schools to see if we can get their students in here to use it,” Waldman said. “We’ve worked with the EMS, and they’ll be able to come in and do some training as well. So, community outreach is definitely a focus in the next semester or two. We want to share the gift that we have.”

Waldman, who had access to a smaller lab while attending college in South Dakota, said having a human anatomy lab along with eight anatomical donors at the undergraduate level is unique. She said every August her program will receive eight different cadavers from KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Students will learn the age and gender of the donor and their cause of death. As new students are allowed into the lab, university staff emphasize

to them the importance of respect for the cadavers.

Before receiving the cadavers, Alixandria Wilson, a second-year athletic training student, said she and the other University of St. Mary students used the typical skeleton models that every classroom possesses, as well as YouTube videos.

“We definitely didn’t get the full extent of what the different parts look like or feel like,” Wilson said. “We didn’t get to experience what it actually feels like to be able to tug on a muscle. It wasn’t the real thing, and it makes a difference in the way that we learn.

“We are super excited to be able to start using the lab more frequently in our learning. We are grateful for this opportunity because not everybody is as fortunate as we are.”

Tuckwin humbled by award >> Continued from page 4 south of Our Lady of the Snows Shrine on the Kansas reservation.

Tuckwin went to high school at the Haskell Institute from 1956-1960. After graduating from Wichita State University, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970 with a tour in Vietnam, and then returned to Haskell.

At Haskell, he taught health and physical education. He became athletic director and head of the academic sports center. He mostly coached track and basketball, but he also coached golf, baseball and football. He retired in 2001.

Jerry and Terry were also key players in Catholic campus ministry at Haskell. While he was in high school, Jesuit priests from St. Marys would travel to Haskell to celebrate the sacraments.

“I came back in 1970, after I got out of the service,” said Tuckwin. “We didn’t have Mass on campus because the Jesuits left St. Marys. We would get what we could, as far as our spiritual needs were concerned. We held some service

every week for the kids, whether it was with a priest from [Lawrence], the Potawatomi Reservation or wherever.”

Finally, the Tuckwins and others worked with then-Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker and the Capuchin Franciscans to establish the Haskell Catholic campus ministry.

Although he didn’t know anything about St. Rose Philippine Duchesne while he was growing up, as an adult Tuckwin learned more and came to appreciate her. He took his family to Rome for her canonization on July 3, 1988.

When Tuckwin’s parents were killed in a house fire when he was only 7 years old, he relied heavily on his faith in the years that followed.

“I have learned about [St. Rose Philippine] helping to bring Catholicism [to the Potawatomi], along with the Jesuits at St. Marys,” said Tuckwin. “Her influence, indirectly, was to introduce to many of us Catholicism, although she was not here personally during our formative years. She definitely made a great impression on me.”

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

KCK sponsorship program delivers 40 years of aid to at-ris

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Countless educations, endless gratitude and an infinite outpouring of love might best describe the impact Unbound has had on almost one million sponsored children and older individuals living in poverty around the world over the life of the organization. The Kansas City, Kansas-based charity provides financial aid and other assistance to children, youth and elders in 19 countries throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia.

This year, Unbound reached a new milestone, having distributed $2 billion in funds for programs that help families overcome the challenges of poverty. The organization was founded 40 years ago by five individuals guided and inspired by the principles of Catholic social teaching.

Today, Unbound continues to operate on those core values. According to Unbound community outreach director Tara Hefner, the charity has even gained the support and individual sponsorship of Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“Forty years [after inception], we continue to follow our founding values, including being grounded in a theological base, recognizing the dignity of each person, facilitating respectful relationships, and exhibiting integrity and accountability,” Hefner said. “For sponsors, Unbound offers a concrete and viable way to live out their faith as they walk in spirit with their sponsored friends on their journey out of poverty. Sponsors build relationships of support, understanding and respect through letters, photographs and prayer.”

One of Unbound’s key distinctions is its child sponsorships. Such sponsorships provide economic support that empowers youth and their families with the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency.

According to Hefner, child sponsorships typically come in the form of direct cash transfers to help families in need achieve goals they set for themselves.

Local staff members work with families of sponsored children on how to best use their benefits, which often go to support a child’s education.

Jeaneth is pictured with her brother Alex who, like her, is sponsored through Unbound. Unbound has sponsored nearly one million children and older individu of the organization.

It was the idea of helping a child get an education that first drew Rachael Wohletz to Unbound 16 years ago. The Good Shepherd, Shawnee, parishioner learned about Unbound while attending Mass one Sunday. The Unbound speaker asked parishioners if they could give up the equivalent of the cost of one meal each week to

Unbound helps make families’ dreams come true

J

eaneth and Pinky are two individuals who have been helped by Unbound sponsorships.

Jeaneth, from Quito, Ecuador, earned a bachelor’s degree in educational sciences with a minor in natural and environmental sciences, biology and chemistry from the Central University of Ecuador, while realizing her dream of becoming a teacher.

Pinky lives near Bhagalpur, in India, and recently completed a nursing internship — an accomplishment that likely would not have been possible without support from Unbound. Her family’s financial situation was dire when she was growing up. At the time she was first sponsored, her father had to travel to Mumbai — more than 40 hours away by car — to find work, and her mother did not have a job. Pinky’s sponsorship came when the family needed it most. She made her dream of becoming a nurse a reality through hard work, perseverance and support from her sponsor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNBOUND

Pinky, far right, is pictured with her siblings Mary and Peter in front of their home, along with parents Jawahar and Ursula.

sponsor a child.

“At the time, I was eating out five to six times per week, and that’s when I decided to sponsor my first child, Oscar from El Salvador,” Wohletz said. “It was so powerful to make a difference with so little effort.”

While there are other child-sponsorship charities, Wohletz said Unbound made an impression on her because such a high percentage of what she gives goes to the family of the child she sponsors. And she is the first to admit she gets more than she gives when considering the letters, pictures and messages she receives from the children she sponsors.

“In almost every letter I receive, my children tell me they are praying for me.

And yet, they are the ones who are in need,” she said. “They are full of hope and inspiration. That can choke a person up.”

Once Oscar completed his education, Wohletz continued to sponsor other children.

However, sponsors can choose to help an older individual, known as an “elder” in Unbound’s programming, as well. Elders enrich younger generations by sharing wisdom, storytelling and organizing activities like community gardens, Hefner said.

The needs of elders living in poverty are different than those for families with children and youth, however. Unbound’s program is personalized to meet their unique needs, so sponsored elders may live their final years in dignity.

“Elder sponsorship breaks the cycle of isolation and provides steady support to older adults living in poverty. Sponsorship provides direct cash assistance and resources for needs like nutrition, medical care and housing,” Hefner said. “Accord-

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNBOUND

Rachael Wohletz, a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, displays a letter from her sponsored friend. Wohletz has sponsored children through Unbound for 16 years. ing to a survey of sponsored and nonsponsored older adults, elders in Unbound experience less loneliness and social isolation, a lower incidence of hunger and greater access to health care. Many sponsored elders enjoy the health benefits and camaraderie of exercise classes, cultural dance and handicrafts.”

Like other nonprofit organizations, Unbound was challenged by COVID-19 and had to adapt to the conditions of the pandemic. As such, Unbound focused on raising funds specifically to help families in dire need because of the pandemic.

sk kids, elders

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Dave Wilson, left, and Doug Brummel, creators of the “Doug and Dave Show,” perform a skit during “The Faith We Live,” a presentation they created specifically for Unbound and presented to an audience at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood Oct. 14.

Unbound gets schoolkids in on the action

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNBOUND

uals living in poverty around the world over the life In 2020, the organization sent an additional $2.4 million to those who were already receiving assistance and in need of pandemic relief.

“Natural disasters, health crises and other unexpected setbacks in developing countries take a disproportionate toll on people living in poverty, often destroying any headway families have made in improving their situations,” Hefner said. “Restrictions on public gatherings and commerce were devastating for the 61 percent of people in the world who, according to the United Nations, earn their living in the informal economy.”

The beauty of its sponsorship model, Hefner said, is that it’s designed to help before, during and after a crisis.

“Families in the Unbound sponsorship program live with the same risks as others on the margins, but they have resources that help them be resilient,” she said.

Access to parishes also impacted Unbound. In a normal year, Hefner said, Unbound is welcomed by 450-500 priests to share the Unbound message with their parishes. During the height of the pandemic, that number was reduced to just over 200 visits in 2020.

Regardless of the number of parishes Unbound visits each year and the families it helps, there’s no denying the impact the organization has on its individual sponsors, like Wohletz.

“I know I am blessed financially and I am grateful that Unbound provides me an opportunity to pay it forward,” Wohletz said. “I know that Unbound is using my sponsorship to make a difference in people’s lives.”

L

EAWOOD — A student at Curé of Ars School here writes a letter to a child her own age living in a different part of the world.

They share pictures, ask questions and pray for one another.

“It gives them an opportunity to put the corporal works of mercy into action,” said Jennifer Siebes, outreach and account management director for Unbound and a Curé parishioner.

“It gives them an opportunity to put their faith in action,” she added.

This is the Unbound school outreach program.

Based out of Kansas City, Kansas, Unbound pairs sponsors — which can be groups or individuals — with a child or elderly person living in poverty in another part of the world.

The sponsor’s donation of $40 a month helps their friend with various costs, like education and food, and gives them the tools for a better life.

Now, classrooms in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas can get in on the action.

“We want to partner a classroom with a global classmate so they learn from each other,” said Siebes. “They learn about their commonalities, their differences, [and] they pray for and encourage one another.”

To celebrate the new program, Unbound turned to Doug Brummel and Dave Wilson.

Sponsor a child • Go online to: unbound.org • Select a child to sponsor • Choose how to contribute the $40 monthly sponsorship • Invite your students to write the sponsored child

The pair, based in the Colorado Springs, Colorado, area, are the creators of the “Doug and Dave Show.”

They travel the country for conferences, rallies and parish events.

Brummel, who worked as an artist partner with Unbound years ago, stayed in touch with Siebes. When she reached out about collaborating, he and Wilson were eager to create a show specifically for Unbound.

They presented “The Faith We Live” on Oct. 14 at Curé of Ars Church.

The interactive presentation included skits and songs with an overarching message of living the faith in the world.

For Brummel, working again with Unbound has been special.

“It is honestly one of the most humbling things that is bigger than ourselves,” he said, “and we know that God has brought our mission and their mission together to serve others and love our neighbor as ourself.

“Our songs have always been [about] faith in action, so it’s a perfect partnership.”

The duo’s audience at Curé was taken for quite a ride.

“It was really funny and really interactive,” said Jennifer Wells, who was called upon to participate in one of the skits.

“It was a good way to put everything in perspective of how to serve,” she said.

Wells is a middle school teacher at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood and discovered Unbound’s school outreach program through former principal Mike Cullinan.

The program piqued her interest.

“I think as a teacher, we teach our kids to live out their faith,” she said, “and this may be a good calling for me to see if this is a way for me to connect with some of those kids.”

Siebes said the program is possible because of the extra time she and her colleagues had last year.

Get creative It’s up to your classroom to decide how you pay your monthly fee. You can ask each student to give a small amount, host a fundraiser, seek help from parish organizations like the Knights of Columbus, or take advantage of an Unbound “angel donor” — an individual, business or organization that can help contribute to your sponsored child.

“When all the churches shut down, we had in the back of our mind exploring ways to engage the hearts and minds of a younger generation of Catholics,” she said.

The program is in its beginning stages, with six archdiocesan schools currently participating.

Unbound also recently launched a resource center that will come in handy for schools, families and religious education programs.

The offerings, which will be updated regularly, include videos, activities, prayers and more.

It’s all part of Unbound’s initiative to help young people learn about service.

“We want kids to understand their faith and live that faith,” said Siebes. “We want them to have an opportunity not only to learn about it in a book but to put it into action.”

If you are an educator interested in the school outreach program, visit the website at: unbound.org/ schools.

For more on the Unbound community, go online to: unbound.org/ liveyourfaith.

To access Unbound’s educational resources, head online to: unbound. org/childsponsorship/educational resources.

For more information on the “Doug and Dave Show,” visit the website at: douganddaveshow.com.

10

WORLD

DECEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

THE FUTURE IS AT STAKE ‘I am here to see your faces, and to look into your eyes,’ says pope

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis greets people as he leaves an ecumenical prayer with migrants in the Church of the Holy Cross in Nicosia, Cyprus, Dec. 3.

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — With passion in Cyprus and reason in Greece, Pope Francis continued to articulate and adjust his teaching on migration.

Since his first trip out of Rome as pope — his visit in 2013 to the Italian island of Lampedusa — Pope Francis has made the plight of migrants and refugees a central concern of his ministry.

For more than eight years, he has argued against closed borders and closed hearts.

But during his visit Dec. 5 to the Mavrovouni refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos and in remarks to reporters flying with him back to Rome the next day, Pope Francis also made it clear that in calling for outstretched hands he was not ignoring the complexity of the migration issue or the limits of what some governments can do.

In other words, he does not expect people to look at migration with rose-colored glasses, but he does expect them to look at the actual migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers as brothers and sisters.

The tie of kinship is what should tip the balance when a community or a country weighs whether it has the resources needed to “welcome, protect, promote and integrate” the newcomers.

A focus on the people, not the numbers has been constant since the beginning of Pope Francis’ papacy, said Cardinal Michael Czerny, undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

“Pope Francis keeps on denouncing the despicable violations of human dignity carried out in the name of a misguided view of national security and tolerated by a culture of indifference,” the cardinal told Catholic News Service.

Meeting with migrants Dec. 3 in a Catholic church in Nicosia, Cyprus, Pope Francis’ passion and compassion were on full display as he repeatedly departed from his prepared text.

“How many desperate people have set out in difficult and precarious conditions but did not arrive?” he asked those who had crossed the Mediterranean and made it to Cyprus. “We can think about this sea, which has become a great cemetery. Looking at you, I see the suffering caused by your journey; I see all those people who were kidnapped, sold, ex-

CNS PHOTO/ANTARA FOTO, RAHMAD VIA REUTERS

Rohingya refugees are evacuated from a boat by locals near the coast of Seunuddon beach in Aceh, Indonesia, June 25, 2020. During his Dec. 3 trip to Cyprus, Pope Francis continued to hone his teaching on migration, appealing for action but also acknowledging that not every country can accept all newcomers. ploited and who are still on the journey, we know not where.”

The tragedy is not hidden, he said, even if people prefer to look the other way.

“We see what is happening, and the worst thing is that we are becoming used to it. ‘Oh yes, today another boat capsized, so many lives were lost,’” people say to themselves. “This ‘becoming used’ to things is a grave illness, a very grave illness, and there is no antibiotic for it,” the pope said. “We have to resist this vice of getting used to reading about these tragedies in the newspapers or hearing about them on other media.”

In the end, he even apologized for going on so long and in such detail, particularly about what he described as “lagers” — government-run detention centers in Libya where many migrants pushed back from Spain, Malta or Italy end up.

“Excuse me if I have spoken of things as they really are,” he said, “but we cannot remain silent and look the other way amid this culture of indifference.”

Those words were not much different from what he had said eight years earlier in Lampedusa, when he mourn-

ed the thousands who had died trying to cross the Mediterranean in search of a dignified life for themselves and their families, Cardinal Czerny noted. The pope had said: “We are no longer attentive to the world in which we live; we don’t care; we don’t protect what God created for everyone, and we end up unable even to care for one another!”

Pope Francis stuck closer to his prepared text Dec. 5 when he visited Lesbos for the second time, even though before giving his speech, he had spent half an hour walking through the camp, past the tents and pre-fab shelters, greeting hundreds of asylum-seekers.

“I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes: Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears,” he told them.

In the presence of Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and both Greek and U.N. officials, Pope Francis said the global community has rallied to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change — though perhaps without much success — but it has done very little to come together to assist migrants and the countries hosting them.

“Yet human lives, real people, are at stake!” he said in Lesbos. “The future of us all is at stake, and that future will be peaceful only if it is integrated. Only if it is reconciled with the most vulnerable will the future be prosperous.

When we reject the poor, we reject peace.”

While the pope was on the shores of the Mediterranean, it was clear his gaze was broader, and his concern went much further, especially northward where thousands of hope-filled migrants are shivering in a Belarus winter hoping to cross a newly barbedwired border into Poland.

“Today it is the fashion to put up walls and barbed wire and concertina wire to impede migration,” he said.

Certainly, governments have a “right” to say how many migrants they can take in, the pope said. But they do not have a right to condemn them to exploitation and even death.

“Migrants must be welcomed, accompanied, promoted and integrated,” Pope Francis said. “If a government cannot take in more than a certain number, it must enter into dialogue with other countries who can take care of the others, all of them.”

GUEST COMMENTARY

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

F

11

Why Kansas is at the center of the national fight for life

or the first time in decades, Catholics and the wider prolife community have reason to hope.

America’s legal system may be on the verge of further empowering states to protect moms and babies through regulation of the abortion industry.

But within that sense of encouraging elation, there is an urgent, cautionary message specific to Kansans.

Arguments made before the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health on Dec. 1 focused on the defense of a Mississippi law that limits abortion after 15 weeks. If the

LUCRECIA NOLD Lucrecia Nold is the policy specialist for the Kansas Catholic Conference. She can be reached at: Lucrecia@KansasCatholic.org.

U.S. Supreme Court upholds this law, states may be allowed more flexibility to enact commonsense regulations of the abortion

industry. This would mean voters would be empowered to have a greater say in matters related to the protection of life.

The abortion industry views this possibility as an unmitigated disaster. For defenders of unborn life and protectors of women, it would be an answer to countless prayers.

But even if the U.S. Supreme Court were to side with Mississippi, a massive problem remains in Kansas. No matter what happens at the federal level, in our state, the abortion industry will be able to “do business” in a virtually unlimited and unregulated environment.

This means taxpay-

er-funded abortion will almost assuredly become a reality here at home. Protections for minor girls and parents’ rights to be involved in their young daughters’ major medical decisions will vanish.

In fact, almost every existing restriction Kansans previously placed on the abortion industry will be presumed unconstitutional and unenforceable.

How can this be?

It’s because the Kansas State Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that abortion in Kansas is a nearly unlimited right in a case called Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt.

As other states move to protect

women and babies, the court moved Kansas sharply in the opposite direction.

Already, the abortion industry is touting Kansas as its “haven” and a “beacon” in the Midwest.

Last year, after decades of decline, the abortion rate in Kansas jumped almost 10%. Much of that increase came from residents of surrounding states — Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and others — who traveled to Kansas as an abortion destination.

Shockingly, 52% of abortions in Kansas were performed on out-of-state travelers in 2019.

Fortunately, Kansans have a chance to change the trajectory

of this life-and-death scenario. A state constitutional amendment called “Value Them Both” is on the ballot for a vote of the people on Aug. 2, 2022.

If a majority of voters choose “yes” and the amendment passes, Kansas pro-life laws will once again be considered constitutional and enforceable.

Kansas can again be pro-life.

What can you do?

Learn more online at: www.ValueThemBoth. com. Also, if your parish has not already hosted a “Value Them Both” presentation, ask your pastor for his approval and blessing to request a presenter by sending an email to: speakers@ValueThem Both.com.

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Live-in or live-out caregivers (assistants) - Looking for purposeful volunteer or paid work? Live-in or liveout caregivers (assistants) needed for all shifts with adults with intellectual disabilities. Residential group homes that house max of five individuals, located in old Overland Park. Duties include but are not exclusive to: learn and know the charter of L’Arche; be responsible for the overall growth and direction of the home; foster appropriate relationships between all members of the home; foster positive and supportive relationships with families and professionals; and attend community nights and other community events. Qualifications: someone who has lived or worked in a community with persons with disabilities preferred; good organizational skills; good communication skills; the ability to deal with conflict objectively. Must have a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or equivalent; pass all required background checks and pass required preemployment readiness evaluation. All training provided after hire: CPR/first aid, medication administration; rights and responsibilities; abuse, neglect and exploitation training; and emergency preparedness and documentation training. Hourly pay: range dependent on experience: $13.50-$15/hour. Perks include: eight paid holidays; flexible hours available; health, dental and vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland); 401(k) and paid time off. Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heart land@larcheks.org.

House coordinator (caregiver/assistant leadership) - Looking for a leadership role where you can fulfill a meaningful purpose providing direct care for adults with intellectual disabilities in their homes? L’Arche Heartland is seeking to hire two house coordinators to support the overall quality of life for up to five residents with developmental disabilities (core members) who require direct service/support professionals (assistants) for activities of daily living. Core members reside together in a designated home as housemates with assistants (some who live-in and some who live-out). While aligning with the mission and charter of L’Arche, house coordinators provide direct support as well as oversee the management and administrative responsibilities within the home. The role coordinates daily routines and activities (community life) within the home to foster a healthy, respectful and compassionate living environment among housemates and assistants. The house coordinator is a member of the leadership team and works in close collaboration with the team to fulfill their role responsibilities. Responsibilities and qualifications include: assists in the planning and facilitating of community night activities, holiday gatherings and retreats; trips and fundraisers; facilitates weekly team meetings (formations) and participates in regular formations and training to develop a relationship of trust and collaboration; serves as a liaison between assistants and the coordinators to ensure that the personal and spiritual needs of assistants are being met; with the assistant coordinator, ensures that the home and vehicles are maintained and that safety precautions are followed and documented; in cooperation with the assistant and community care coordinator, monitors home environmental needs and coordinates repairs and purchases as needed with the approval of the community leader/executive director; ensures that household finances and spending are organized and in agreement with the designated budget.

Training provided. Experience as a live-in assistant (caregiver) with adults with Intellectual disabilities strongly preferred. Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks.org.

Financial representatives - Knights of Columbus has full-time openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri for full-time financial representatives. Ideal for determined, disciplined, professional, high-expectation individual desiring to serve others. We work exclusively with the families of brother Knights and Catholic gentlemen who are eligible to join the Knights. We have established territories where agents devote their working day to the needs of the members in their assigned councils. Excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits are provided, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is a career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or possibly for someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon, general agent, at (785) 4088800 or email: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Part-time accounting assistant - Donnelly College located in Kansas City, Kansas, has an opening for a parttime accounting assistant for accounts payable processing, daily bank runs, reconciling general ledger accounts and other duties. An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in accounting is preferred or accounting experience.

Pay range is $!8 - $20 per hour. To apply please email a cover letter and resume to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Accounting Assistant” in the subject line.

Join the Santa Marta team - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe.

You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team. We are looking for part-time servers. Responsibilities include: serving meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and coworkers is required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session.

Part-time servers are normally scheduled for three to five shifts per week (evening from 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). Pay is $10 - $11 hourly rate depending upon relevant experience. Parttime associates earn paid time off for hours worked.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Marta team. Check out Santa Marta at: https:www.facebook. com/SantaMartaRetirement/.

Community care coordinator - Looking for a leadership role where you can use your office skills to help in a nonprofit organization that serves adults with intellectual disabilities? L’Arche Heartland is seeking a community care coordinator. Experience with case management is strongly preferred. The role of community care coordinator is to be an advocate and ally to our seventeen residential core members (adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities) who require assistants (caregivers) for activities of daily living. Requirements include but are not limited to: collaboration with L’Arche Heartland team and leaders; attend and actively participate in house team meetings, professional services meetings and other meetings as needed to efficiently support high quality care and provision of services for the core members; advocate on behalf of the core members, service coordinators, families, consultants and other professionals to ensure the individual needs and desires of core members are met. Collaborate with the community nurse and assistants and coordinator. All training provided after hire: CPR/first aid, medication administration; rights and responsibilities; abuse, neglect and exploitation training; and emergency preparedness and documentation training. Salary: $40,000 per year. Perks include: eight paid holidays, flexible hours available; health, dental and vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland), 401(k) and PTO. Email letter of interest, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks.org.

Part-time companions needed - Looking for a kindhearted, energetic person to be a team player in our small, growing health care company. Must have reliable transportation. Job may entail driving clients to appointments, running errands and checking in on clients. Person must be personable, able to do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a hands-on caregiving company. Some clients may need assistance in standing. Only serious applicants please. Rate per hour will rise quickly for team players. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given.

Drug, background checks and COVID vaccinations are mandatory. Perfect for retired employees ready to work part time, compassionate CNAs or parents wanting to work while kids are in school. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795, Fahey Case Management.

Part-time youth minister - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee is looking to hire a part-time youth minister (15 - 20 hours per week) to organize, plan and facilitate middle school and high school ministry. A flexible schedule is required, as most of the youth ministry will occur on evenings and weekends. A capacity to work with a diverse Anglo/Hispanic cultural community is essential. Bilingual Spanish/English is beneficial. For more information or to apply, please contact Father Kent O’Connor at: frkent@gsshawnee.org.

Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

DECEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Baseball coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking assistant baseball coaches for spring 2022. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishop miege.com or (913) 222-5802.

Catholic elementary school principal - St. Michael the Archangel Catholic school in Leawood is seeking an elementary school principal beginning with the 202223 school year. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills and success in an academic setting.

The principal ensures successful completion of learning objectives for students and creates/executes the school budget. The principal also serves as manager for the preschool director and coordinates activities and priorities with the pastor and parish staff. The successful applicant will be a faith-filled, practicing Catholic; understand the mission of Catholic education; and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org (then select “Employment”) and send resume and credentials to Superintendent Dr. Vincent Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or email to: vcascone@archkcks.org.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

REAL ESTATE

For sale - Double crypt at Resurrection Cemetery inside the Beautiful Queen of Heaven mausoleum and chapel; tier A-1, crypt 111. Beautiful finished wood exterior on lower level. Today’s value is $16,000. Make offer. Call (816) 215-2000.

Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

SERVICES

Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it.

Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner.

Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

Painting - Diamond Paining, (913) 648-4933, residential/commercial, exterior/interior. Free estimate, affordable, decks. DiamondPaintKc.com, KCMO/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

Quality work - Remodeling, painting, home repair and carpentry. Nothing too big or too small. Call (913) 2064524.

Principal - St. Therese Catholic School is seeking to fill the principal job opening. This position administers and provides student instruction in a Catholic school setting; conducts other programs and services provided at the school; and relates to parents, parish and general public. This is a full-time position. Visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsjcatholic.org for a complete job description and to apply.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

For sale - Two cemetery plots at Chapel Hill Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas; lot 102B, spaces three and four.

Asking $1695. Call Ernest at (913) 706-5958 or email: ecowden11@yahoo.com.

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

Program coordinator, life and justice office - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking to fill the program coordinator: human rights job opening. This position will assist the development, implementation and maintenance of diocesan programs related to church teaching on contemporary social issues. This is a full-time position. Please visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsjcatholic.org for a complete job description and to apply.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Cleanup and hauling *Dirt grading/installation

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO

Grant manager position - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is hiring a full-time grant manager to join its development team! This position will research, write, manage, report and submit grant applications to institutional, governmental and United Way partners to help raise critical funds for the mission of Catholic Charities. For more information, please visit: www.catholic charitiesks.org and click on “About Us” and “Careers” to view this open position.

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: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

CAREGIVING 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.

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.Benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Home care work wanted - Retired nurse with 30 years’ experience. Very reasonable rates. Kansas City metro area, will consider outside the area. References available. Call Pam at (913) 602-1289.

Caring Christian companion - Retired licensed, practical nurse with 20-plus years’ experience caring for young to elderly facing medical challenges. Will work in your home or assisted living and am experienced in all areas of medical needs. References available. Caring, honest and dependable. Prefer Johnson County; call Barbara at (913) 645-3779.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Cemetery plot in section 2 of Mount Cavalry Cemetery. Call Frank at (404) 542-7860 or (678) 464-3023, or email: FCooper316@gmail.com.

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.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS RETREAT Sophia Spirituality Center Via Zoom Dec. 10 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

There are always many preparations to make for the holidays: presents to buy, meals to plan and visits to be made. Join us on a special journey inward to the heart of God. Our spiritual guide will be Jan L. Richardson, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, whose writings and artwork have become much loved by women of all faith traditions. The cost to attend is $40. Scholarships are always available. Learn more and register online at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

‘THE MANY WAYS OF PRAYER: JESUS IN OUR MIDST’ Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 13 from 2 - 3 p.m.

Learn different ways to pray to God, including lectio divina, visio divina, journaling and prayerful art. Register online at: www.mountosb.org/ministries/keelerwomens-center/keeler-offerings and scroll down to “The Many Ways of Prayer.” This event will be hosted by Kathy Keary.

‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel (Gabriel Room) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

We who have experienced divorce understand. We, too, were sad, lonely, scared and angry. We have found that

with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. Meeting will be held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. For more information, go online to: www.stmichaelcp.org/divorcesupport.

DIVORCE SUPPORT: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke’s Room) 9510 W. 127th, Overland Park Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

Do you feel anxiety and sadness instead of joy as the holidays approach because of your broken relationships? We invite you to a peaceful evening featuring a talk from Father Joel Haug about healing with eucharistic adoration and confession. Send an email to Katie at: calledtolove143@ gmail.com with questions.

LIVING NATIVITY Douglas County Fairgrounds 2120 Harper St., Lawrence Dec. 18 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Come experience the joy of the first Christmas. Join the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family for a living Nativity. There will be live animals, music and more. Admission is free.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Avila University (The Goppert Theatre) 11901 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. (school show) Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. (in Spanish)

Join Avila University at the Goppert

Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, for a new retelling of “The Nutcracker” — one in which the focus of the real meaning of Christmas is Clara’s witness of Jesus’ birth.

The completion of the story is Clara seeing the redemption of the Cross. The link to buy tickets is: www.dramatictruth.org/ mystery-of-Christmas-2021. For more information and for ticket prices, call (816) 501-3699.

‘COMING TO LIGHT: WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Dec. 21 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

We gather to wait in the darkness to see what might come to light. What hope might emerge? Our gathering will include a meditative walk to the Reconciliation Labyrinth with luminaries to light the way.

A simple supper will conclude the event.

‘CAROLERS OF NOTE’ Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.

“Carolers of Note” is a professional partnership of musicians from across the metropolitan area. Come hear them perform classic Christmas carols (in period dress) at the parish.

TAKE-A -LOOK THURSDAY Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Jan. 20 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a

13 learning environment that is welcoming and Christ-centered. For more information, contact Anita Pauls at (913) 4922582 or email: apauls@hscatholic.org.

SAVE THE DATE: IGNITE FOR LIFE & KANSAS MARCH AND RALLY FOR LIFE Topeka Performing Arts Center 214 S.E. 8th Ave., Topeka Jan. 25 at 8:30 a.m.

We will be praying, marching and rallying to save lives through the passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment. Go online for more details at: www.archkck. org/prolife/activities/ignite.

TOPICAL VIDEO SERIES Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Ongoing

Precious Blood Renewal Center has resources available to those who wish to view them. There are videos on topics including respect life topics (mothers who have lost children, elder abuse, gun violence), meditations, cooking and spirituality, family matters, Taize prayers and resources for spiritual development. Go online to: www.pbrenewalcenter.org and click on “Meditations.”

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 12 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Zep 3: 14-18a (Ps) Is 12: 2-6 Phil 4: 4-7 Lk 3: 10-18 Dec. 13 Lucy, virgin, martyr Nm 24: 2-7, 15-17a Ps 25: 4-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9 Mt 21: 23-27 Dec. 14 John of the Cross, priest, doctor of the church Zep 3: 1-2, 9-13 Ps 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23 Mt 21: 28-32 Dec. 15 Wednesday Is 45: 6b-8, 18, 21b-25 Ps 85: 9ab, 10-14 Lk 7: 18b-23 Dec. 16 Thursday Is 54: 1-10 Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b Lk 7: 24-30 Dec. 17 Friday Gn 49: 2, 8-10 Ps 72: 1-4b, 7-8, 17 Mt 1: 1-17 Dec. 18 Jer 23: 5-8 Ps 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Mt 1: 18-25

Lucy 283–304 This saint, venerated

by Christians since her own time, likely was martyred in Sicily, probably during the persecutions of Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled from 284305. However, legends about Lucy include a rejected suitor denouncing her as a Christian and miracles that saved her from life in a brothel, from being burned at the stake and from having her eyes plucked out. Another legend says she bled to death after her throat was cut. Lucy, whose name suggests light, is among the saints listed in the canon of the Mass; she is the patron saint of electricians and ophthalmologists, and Christians pray for her intercession regarding diseases of the eyes.

W

ell, I finally did it.

It’s been something on my “todo” list for more years than I can remember.

On Dec. 4, I was able to mark this item “complete.” And, to be honest, I’m still grinning about the experience.

The “it” was riding in a helicopter. I’ve always been fascinated by them. I chose to do it at this time of year for a special reason: to experience the Country Club Plaza lights at night from a totally different perspective.

(A bonus was the 20% Black Friday discount.)

Without any effort, I convinced a friend of mine to accompany me on this adventure.

About 6:50 p.m., we arrived at Skybound Helicopters, which operates next to the old municipal airport in Kansas City, Missouri. We first watched a safety video and then were escorted outside

DECEMBER 10, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

This month got off to a flying start 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.

by two staff members where we watched the helicopter land.

They then led us board and locked us in. After securing our seat belts and donning headphones with a microphone, we were grinning like two kids in a candy store. (And I have pictures to prove it.)

After the pilot welcomed us, we hovered for a moment and then

began our ascent into the crystal-clear night sky.

What followed next was nothing short of magical. Looking below, the city was ablaze with lights; it looked like someone had tossed thousands of glittering diamonds on a black carpet. The flight took us over downtown Kansas City, Missouri, then over to the Plaza. The brightly colored lights there looked like buildings in the ceramic holiday villages that decorate the interior of people’s homes during this season.

We next flew over

Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums. Although Kauffman was dark, Arrowhead was filled with light. And all around the stadium was what looked like a giant, pulsing, red snake. The “snake” turned out to be a huge line of car taillights winding through the mile-plus route of over a million lights featured in the Magic of Lights drive-thru experience there.

It was then time to turn around and head back, after another pass over the Plaza and downtown. The halfhour in the air passed so quickly but gave me an experience I’ll never forget.

It’s amazing how viewing something from a different perspective can help you to appreciate it on a whole new level. Often in this busy month of December, I tend to focus only on the hustle and bustle and the seemingly unending tasks that need to be done before Christ-

mas. My stress prevents me from really seeing all the beauty of these days: from the wonderfully decorated homes to the generosity of people caring for the needy to the joy of hearing from friends through Christmas cards.

My helicopter adventure confirmed for me a slice of wisdom that comes from getting older. It’s not the “things” that we give and receive in these days that are most important, as those things are quickly forgotten.

What truly lasts are the experiences that touch the heart, mind and soul: having family and friends to celebrate with, a Christmas show or concert to attend, or taking a trip or adventure long wished for.

I’m living proof of this: This helicopter ride was definitely the “high point” of December, an unforgettable experience that had me practically dancing on air.

God invites us to set aside our fears and focus on his gift: Jesus

W

hen Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the humble Aztec peasant Juan Diego in 1531, she spoke tender and uplifting words, as of a spiritual mother comforting her children amid their fears.

As Juan Diego traveled around the hill of Tepayac, he was burdened personally by the illness of Juan Bernadino, his uncle.

Into the depths of his fears and the anxieties of his native people, Mary spoke these motherly words of comfort and assurance of divine help in times of trouble: “Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest son, that what frightened you,

,

JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

what afflicted you is nothing; do not let it disturb your face, your heart; do not fear this sickness or any other sickness, nor any sharp or hurtful thing.”

On this Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete

Sunday, the word of God invites us to set aside our fears and anxieties to receive God’s astonishing gift of his son Jesus, the Word made flesh. The Scriptures invite us to sing joyfully as we anticipate the nearness of God who draws closer.

So, the prophet Zephaniah urges the people of Israel to “shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! . . . Fear not,

O Zion, be not discouraged!”

The deepest longings of the people of Israel, expressed in the promises of the Old Testament, are about to be fulfilled in the wondrous coming of God in the flesh in Jesus, the poor divine child of Bethlehem.

The responsorial psalm gives us words to cry out with joy and gladness for the coming of the great and Holy One of Israel as we sing, “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord.”

And the apostle Paul exhorts the Philippians, and us, to “rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice! . . . The

Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” Finally, John the Baptist, the first evangelizer and Advent saint par excellence, calls the people to repentance as he points humbly to Jesus as the messiah who reveals the face of God’s eternal love and mercy.

As we continue Advent preparations, may we replace the fears and anxieties that weigh us down with joyful expectation of the revelation of God’s eternal love in the light that Jesus brings into the darkness of this world as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

God can act in unexpected ways, calling for brave acceptance, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — St. Joseph teaches people to learn to take life as it comes and to accept what God has in mind, Pope Francis said.

Speaking about how Joseph reacted to Mary being pregnant while they were still engaged, the pope explained why St. Joseph “gives us an important lesson: He chooses Mary with ‘his eyes open,’” and “with all the risks” that came with it.

“They had probably cultivated dreams and expectations regarding their life and their future,” he said during his weekly general audience Dec. 1. But then, “out of the blue, God seems to have inserted himself into their lives and, even if at first it was difficult for them, both of them opened their hearts wide to the reality that was placed before them.”

During his audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, Pope Francis

continued a series of talks on St. Joseph, reflecting on his role as a just man and husband of Mary, and what he can teach all engaged couples and newlyweds.

“How holy Joseph was,” Pope Francis said. In contrast, “we, as soon as we have a bit of gossip, something scandalous about someone else, we go around talking about it right away!”

COLUMNISTS

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Connecting through conflict this holiday season

W

hen Charles Dickens wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” he was not specifically referring to the holiday season, although we often find ourselves with mixed feelings during this time of the year.

Unrealistic expectations and an overloaded holiday schedule threaten to leave us feeling empty of Christmas cheer.

Although family and friends often relieve this stress, sometimes they can add to our anxiety.

Who might you be hoping to avoid at your holiday gathering? Despite our best intentions, we might

ALONG THE WAY

EMILY LOPEZ Emily Lopez is the lead consultant for adult evangelization.

struggle to engage in meaningful conversation. Politics, religion, COVID vaccinations, gender ideology — an increasing number of polarizing topics threaten conflict.

How can we carefully

avoid the minefield of hot-button issues with those we love?

Believe it or not, meaningful conversation is possible with anyone! First, we have to release our desire to influence beliefs or change individual opinions. We must recognize that life experiences have carefully crafted personal convictions. In order

to better understand another person, we must value their story.

We appreciate another’s story when we are genuinely interested in their life experiences and create a safe place for sharing.

Social media intentionally highlights sensitive issues to engage emotions and increase user interaction. This polarizing and divisive space encourages the oversharing of opinions and differences.

What we are sorely missing — and deeply longing for — is a place to be known. A place beyond usernames and Facebook groups, where we can be seen as a uniquely beautiful and complex person worthy of human dignity.

You have the power to create this place for those you encounter this holiday season through three simple steps: First, pray. Ask God to reveal to you who might be in special need of your presence.

Trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance, even if it might not be who you thought.

Second, look for an opportunity to engage that person. If you won’t see them in person, then create time to write a letter, send a text or make a phone call. Consider questions to encourage meaningful conversation: What is your favorite holiday memory? What is the best gift you’ve ever given? Where do you

see Christ present in the world today? Ask . . . and then really listen!

Finally, follow up with a word of encouragement or — better yet — an invitation to continue your conversation. Creating a place of trust requires investing your time in building a relationship.

The real gift you offer is your presence in another’s life. The person you may want to avoid encountering may be in desperate need of meaningful contact. Your desire to personally connect through prayer, engagement and encouragement will serve as a beautiful reflection of God’s love throughout this holiday season!

Are you willing to waste time?

I

have a younger brother who has lived in Las Vegas for many years.

He would best be described as a “loner.” I have tried at different times over the years to reach out to him by phone. Most often he doesn’t answer or return my calls.

Wondering if I had offended him, I would ask my siblings what was up with him. I would most often hear, “Well, that is just our brother.”

While riding in our car to our daughter’s house for Thanksgiving, I thought I would try to call just one more time. Much to my pleasant surprise he answered and we had a

FAMILY MATTERS

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

long conversation.

He spoke of how he loved and missed our dad, who passed away in 2005. We shared

stories and laughter about him, who was a person who might be written up as an unbelievable character.

My brother recalled a photo that showed our dad (age 17) at home on leave, sitting next to his father, with both men showing big smiles. My brother

remarked that he was a good-looking young man.

Our mother was attracted to his smile, which reminded her of the actor Glenn Ford.

Glenn Ford?! I never heard that remark from her. I looked up Ford’s photo and I could see the resemblance.

“Wasting” a few minutes helped us to reconnect as brothers and sons. My heart was moved as I listened to my brother’s story. It brought alive long-forgotten memories.

Pope Francis refers to this as accompanying another, as the willingness to “waste time” in order

to remain close to another. It is necessary to share moments of crisis or joy. He states that “it often takes a lot of time; it takes patience, respect; it takes willingness. . . . All this is accompanying.”

My suggestions for the coming weeks of Christmas and New Year’s include: • Go to a quiet place and spend some time with Our Lord by placing yourself in the Scripture stories.

Imagine yourself accompanying Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem only to find no place to stay.

Imagine seeing the newborn infant. How might that feel?

• “Waste time”

with your spouse or other family members, recalling your favorite Christmas memories.

Be sure to include stories about loved ones no longer present.

What did they bring to your life? How does it feel recalling those times?

• Make a list of loved ones you haven’t spoken to for a long while and reach out by phone, instant messaging or a Christmas card.

Be persistent and patient, willing to “waste time.” You just may be pleasantly surprised. Wounds of loneliness might be healed. Just “waste time” on one another.

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

16

Where farming know-how and the Rule of St. Benedict meet

T

A.

his week, Sister Elaine Fischer, OSB, who is director of maintenance for the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, takes Leaven readers inside her ministry.

Q.

People might be surprised about the variety my job entails. I can do something as ordinary as taking out the garbage to working with our honeybees, mopping up a flood to participating in a meeting about corporate compliance for our licensed care facility. Every single day is different.

A.

Who does your ministry primarily serve?

What is your title and where do you minister?

Q.

I am a member of the Benedictine monastery of Mount St. Scholastica.

I am the director of maintenance for our campus and buildings.

A.

The members of my monastic community and our sponsored ministries, such as our spirituality center (Sophia Center).

Q.

What do you wish everybody knew about your ministry?

A.

Q.

It is a tremendous privilege to work with our employees, contractors and my community members and to be a good steward of all the gifts God has blessed our community with.

A.

Why does the world need more of what you’re offering, do you think? Especially right now?

How would you describe what you do not as a Sister, but as the maintenance director for the Mount?

Q.

I direct and oversee the dayto-day operations of our facilities; and oversee and schedule preventative maintenance and as-needed repairs of buildings, grounds and associated systems and equipment. I supervise and work with our maintenance staff and solicit bids and work with various contractors. I work closely with our monastery leadership in future planning of our campus and buildings.

We have done various energy audits to help us determine how to save energy costs, and in the past several years, we have been updating our heating system to high-efficient boilers and changed most of our lighting over to LED. We have also invested in solar panels to provide a small portion of our electricity.

A.

I think the world needs to ponder the line from the Rule of St. Benedict on treating all things as vessels of the altar. That statement for me is how I try to approach life. All things — ranging from people, animals, down to basic hand tools you use in the garden — all things have intrinsic value, need to be honored and treated with gentle hands and great respect.

Q.

What have you learned about people in this job?

A.

Every day, I am deeply impressed by people’s willingness to help each other and their ability to deal with each other’s less polished edges. Some days we are better at this than others, but we continue to try and forgive each other.

Q.

How would you describe how your work to maintain the Sisters’ buildings, plant and campus fit into the larger mission of the Catholic Church?

A.

The mission of the Catholic Church is carry out and continue the work of Jesus Christ, share the word of God, help those in need and live as example. So, I try to approach every situation in my work with the “golden rule” and try to treat everyone and everything with dignity and respect.

Q. Is this what you set out to do

in life?

Not really, but from an early age, I knew I wanted to help people, to work with my hands and stay connected to the land.

Q.

If not, what road led you to this place?

A. Growing up on a farm, working

the land and caring for animals with my family. On the farm, we learned

Q.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS

Sister Elaine Fischer, OSB, paints the outside of a window of one of the buildings at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. Sister Elaine is director of maintenance for the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison. to be self-sufficient and used creative problem-solving. I think those gifts and abilities are a part of who I am and when I entered the community, the gifts were recognized and further cultivated.

For example, I was given the opportunity to make the furniture for the bedrooms in Dooley Center (nursing center). We looked at buying various items, but had trouble finding items made of good material and construction. So, over a year, I made a dresser, night stand, vanity and wardrobe for 46 bedrooms.

It was a lot of work, but a real privilege to make those items for our Sisters to use.

Q.

Did you collect some skills

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from other jobs along the way that have proved surprisingly applicable? If so, explain.

A.

I worked as a firefighter/EMT in Atchison for seven years. The ability to assess a situation and see what needs to be done quickly was further developed in my work at the fire station. The ability to listen and care for people when life is most challenging was expanded along with the deep sense of the dignity of all people and the stewardship of personal property.

Q.

What would the average Catholic be most surprised to learn about your job?

What have you learned about yourself ?

A.

I absolutely love new challenges and finding different ways to deal with the daily issues in the world of maintenance. I enjoy the variety and continue to find myself in awe of God’s creative and transforming presence in my life and my community.

Q.

How has it changed the way you view your identity as a Catholic?

A.

I don’t think the ministry has so much changed my identity as a Catholic as it has deepened my Catholic faith in the sense of recognizing the inherent dignity of all people and the wonder of the interconnectedness of all creation.