12-14-12 Vol. 34 No. 18

theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 18 | december 14, 2012

Leaven photo by Elaina Cochran

Members of los Matachines dance in front of Tortilleria San Antonio as a part of a novena in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Following the dance, the group and the store owner processed to All Saints Church in Kansas City, Kan.

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was lit up in the window and the hot dogs were set to boil.

Maria “Lucha” Hernandez, owner of La Preserida beauty salon in downtown Kansas City, Kan., was ready on Dec. 7 for the special visitors: los Matachines.

Los Matachines are religious dancers with roots in a tradition that reaches back to medieval Spain.

Every December, los Matachines take part in a novena in honor of

Always faithful to ‘la Virgen’ Hispanic Catholics hold annual novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe story by Joe Bollig | Photos by Elaina Cochran

3 MONSIGNOR honored

The annual St. Philippine Duchesne award goes to longtime pastor, educator.

4 Marian Mantle

Group offers support for those with children who have fallen away from the faith.

8 reaching out in faith

Catholic schoolchildren make a difference this holiday season.

Our Lady of Guadalupe at All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kan. This year, the novena — a much beloved tradition from Mexico — ran from Dec. 3 to 11.

Typically, los Matachines arrive at the sponsoring business at about 6 p.m. and dance for a while to the accompaniment of drums. Then the dancers escort the business owner, who carries a statue or image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and other participants in a procession to the church.

Traditionally, the business owner offers refreshments, such as the tra>> See “NOVENA” on page 11

16 in with the new

Paxico parish replaces 100-year-old parish hall with a modern structure.

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | december 14, 2012

second front page 3

december 14, 2012 | theleaven.com

Life will be victorious

Catholics urged to incorporate fast, abstinence into Year of Faith

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he Holy Father has written: “The seeds of discord sown far and wide; those bitter enmities and rivalries between nations, which still hinder so much the cause of peace; that insatiable greed which is so often hidden under the pretense of public spirit and patriotism, and gives rise to so many priwould strive to win over to vate quarrels; a blind and imtheir Lord those hearts that moderate selfishness, making are bitter and estranged from men seek nothing but their him, and would valiantly own comfort and advantage, defend his rights (No. 24). and measure everything by “While nations insult the these; no peace in the home, beloved name of our Redeembecause men have forgotten er by suppressing all mention and neglect their duty; the of it in their conferences unity and stability of the and parliaments, we must family undermined; society all the more loudly proclaim in a word shaken to its founhis kingly dations and dignity and on the way ‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ power, all to ruin” (No. Archbishop Joseph F. Nauthe more 24). mann’s radio program on universally These are KEXS 1090 AM airs at 10 a.m. affirm his the words on Sunday and is repeated at rights” (No. of the pope, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and 3:30 25). but not Pope p.m. on Thursday.

On Nov. Benedict 23 each year, XVI or the church, Blessed John in her liturgical calendar, Paul II. They are the words remembers Blessed Miguel of Pope Pius XI found in his Agustín Pro. This modern first encyclical — “Quas PriMexican martyr was born in mas” — published on Dec. Guadalupe, Mexico, in 1891. At 11, 1925, and instituting into the age of 20, he entered the the liturgical calendar the Jesuit novitiate at a time when solemnity of Christ the King. the church in Mexico was Pope Pius XI, in establishing experiencing a harsh persecuthe feast, expressed the hope tion. It was so bad that, three that the annual celebration years after entering the Jesuof Christ the King “may hasits, Miguel Agustín Pro and ten the return of our society the other men in formation to our loving Savior” (No. fled Mexico to complete their 24). training in Belgium. In 1925, Pope Pius XI issued a while still in Belgium, he was challenge to the Catholics of ordained a priest during the his time that remains a fitting very year that Pope Pius XI challenge for the church instituted the feast of Christ today: “This state of things the King. may perhaps be attributed The newly ordained to a certain slowness and priest returned to Mexico timidity in good people, where all public worship had who are reluctant to engage been banned. Father Miguel in conflict or oppose but a Agustín Pro, a master of weak resistance; thus the endisguises, traveled incognito, emies of the church become celebrating Mass and the bolder in their attacks. But if sacraments clandestinely. the faithful were generally to In 1927, he was appreunderstand that it behooves hended by government them ever to fight couraauthorities and found guilty geously under the banner of of subversion for celebrating Christ the King, then, fired Mass and the sacraments. with apostolic zeal, they

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

Father Miguel Agustín Pro was executed by a firing squad.

Mexican government officials, wanting to make an example of him, allowed his execution to be witnessed and even photographed, hoping this would discourage others from practicing the faith. Father Miguel Agustín Pro stood courageously before the firing squad with his arms outstretched like Jesus on the cross and shouted his last words: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” — “Long Live Christ the King!”

The government had prohibited a public funeral.

In defiance of the authorities, thousands of Mexicans prayerfully filed by the casket of the slain priest, demonstrating their respect for Miguel Agustín Pro’s fidelity and courage. Instead of discouraging the Mexican people from practicing the faith, his courageous death ignited a renewed and deepened love for Jesus and his church throughout Mexico.

I recall the words of Pope Pius XI and the testimony of the life and death of Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro because they illustrate that the attack by our government today on religious liberty and conscience rights is not a new experience for the church.

Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King in the context of the conflicts the church was experiencing at that time in fascist Italy, as well as with other European governments.

If you did not see the movie, “For Greater Glory,” when it was in theaters, I encourage you to purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray. This movie’s depiction of the Cristero revolt in 1920s Mexico provides the historical context in which Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro gave his life in testimony for Christ the King. Because of its graphic depiction of the violence of war, it is not a film suitable for children.

Certainly, it is true that the attacks on religious lib-

erty and conscience rights today in the United States have not yet reached the level that was experienced in Mexico in the 1920s or in fascist Italy.

However, we see parallels to what laid the groundwork for these much harsher persecutions in the effort by our government to force Catholics and other people of faith to violate their conscience by becoming complicit in the provision of abortion, sterilization and contraception.

As I mentioned last week, our first response in combating the current attacks on religious freedom and conscience rights must be prayer and acts of penance.

On Dec. 6, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, announced on behalf of the bishops’ conference a pastoral strategy urging American Catholics to pray and sacrifice for life, marriage and religious liberty.

Archbishop Cordileone stated: “It’s not meant to be another program but rather part of a movement for life, marriage, and religious liberty, which engages the new evangelization and can be incorporated into the Year of Faith. Life, marriage, and religious liberty are not only foundational to Catholic social teaching, but also fundamental to the good of society.”

As part of this pastoral strategy, Archbishop Cordileone called for monthly Holy Hours in cathedrals and parishes dedicated to praying for life, marriage, and religious liberty. The strategy also includes an invitation to individuals and families to pray a daily rosary for these intentions.

The bishops are also exhorting American Catholics throughout the year to abstain from meat and fast on Fridays for a renewed respect for human life, the strengthening of marriage and family life, and the pres-

calendars archbishop

Naumann Dec. 15 Pro-Life Mass — Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, Kansas City, Kan. Dec. 16 Graduation Mass for Hispanic Biblical Institute and catechists’ formation Dec. 17 “Shepherd’s Voice” taping

Dec. 18 Wyandotte County pastoral plan meeting — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan. Dec. 19-20 Quo Vadis Retreat Dec. 21 Chancery staff Mass and lunch

archbishop

keleher Dec. 16 Federal prison Mass Confessions — Church of the Nativity, Leawood Dec. 18 Johnson County priests’ luncheon

Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, right, presents the 2012 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award to Msgr. Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., on Nov. 18 at Sacred Heart Church in Mound City. Msgr. Mullen celebrated 50 years as a priest this year and perfectly fit the criteria for this award, said Father Regie Saldanha, pastor of Sacred Heart, which began presenting this award in 2006.

Mound City parish honors Msgr. Mullen

Dec. 21 Chancery staff Mass and lunch

n commitment to vocations, education and religious life cited

Dec. 22 St. James baptisms

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

“Catholic Way” taping

ervation of religious liberty in our nation.

I personally urge every Catholic in the Archdiocese to take seriously this summons to prayer and to incorporate it into your observance of the Year of Faith. Pray for wisdom and courage for all Catholics and all Americans as we strive to preserve our freedoms and renew our society.

M

OUND CITY — A century before Mother Teresa encouraged all to do “small things with great love,” a saint who lived in Kansas expressed a similar thought.

“God does not require great achievements,” said St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, “but a heart that holds back nothing for self.”

Msgr. Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., has actually achieved a great many things in his 50 years as a priest.

But it is the way in which he has done them that won him recognition on Nov. 18.

When Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presented the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award to Msgr. Mullen that day, he described the priest as a perfect example of what this award is about.

Father Regie Saldanha, pastor of Sacred Heart in Mound City, St. Philip Neri in Osawatomie and Our Lady of Lourdes in La Cygne concurred.

“These words of St. Rose Philippine

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

Duchesne describe very aptly the life and work of Msgr. Mike Mullen for the past 50 years in our archdiocese,” he said.

But the Kansas City, Kan., native’s devotion to St. Rose didn’t blossom until he served as a pastor near her Sugar Creek mission in the early 1990s.

Education, vocation, devotion

Meaningful award

The Mound City parish began presenting this award to individuals or groups in 2006, honoring those who promote Catholic education, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, or devotion to St. Rose.

Msgr. Mullen’s work exemplifies commitment to all three, said Father Saldanha.

The young Father Mullen started off his priesthood as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Church and as chaplain of Immaculata High School in Leavenworth.

Two years later, he launched a 22year tenure at Savior of the World Seminary in Kansas City, Kan., where he served as rector, principal and teacher.

He was later assigned to Maur HillMount Academy in Atchison, where he taught and served as seminarian chaplain.

Finally, he encouraged vocations for 25 years as chaplain of the Serra Club in Kansas City, Kan., and today he works as the archdiocesan co-director of seminarians.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann explained how the readings at the close of the liturgical year serve as reminders that life on this earth is always passing away and that it’s vital to use time in ways that truly glorify God. “I think the saints are of great help to us,” he said, pointing to the example of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, the only saint to live and work here in the archdiocese.

Sister Rose and her fellow missionaries came to America from France in 1818 to establish an American presence of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Her devotion to education and to encouraging religious life, however, was what made Msgr. Mullen a particularly appropriate recipient for an award named in her honor.

“It is the most thoughtful award, one very meaningful to me,” said Msgr.

Mullen, whose admiration for the saint has grown over the years.

“While I was aware of Blessed and then Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne earlier in my priesthood,” he said, “it was really during my five years as pastor of Sacred Heart in Ottawa from

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1990-95 that I became much closer to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s life, her holiness and her ministry in Linn County at Sugar Creek among the Potawatomi Indians.”

During those years, Msgr. Mullen spent many hours at the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Memorial Park outside Mound City for retreats, Masses and picnics and shared the story of the saint with many groups of adults and children.

“St. Rose was a pioneer in establishing the religious life of Sisters in the United States,” he said.

Saint for all ages Msgr. Mullen also praised the leadership of Sacred Heart Parish in promoting the memory of St. Rose, as well as the efforts of the people who take care of the park and shrine.

People in the community look forward to the annual Mass, dinner and celebration focusing on St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, and Msgr. Mullen was thrilled to see this tradition woven into children’s lives today as a memory they’ll build upon as they continue to learn more about their faith and St. Rose.

“I think it’s a beautiful way for a parish simply to celebrate its patron saint,” he said.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year.

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4 local news

theleaven.com | december 14, 2012

Groups offer a community of hope

Catholic outreach finds success in Bible Belt

n Prayer Groups forming across the U.S. to pray for fallen-away Catholics

n Topeka Catholic commits two years as focus missionary

By Edward Lang Special to The Leaven

By Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

T

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. —In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus tells the story of the young man who asks his father for an advance on his inheritance.

Subsequently, the son spends the inheritance on prodigal living, before repenting and returning home to his father — who greets him with open arms.

Like the father in the parable, many Catholics are forced to stand by and watch their loved ones make devastating choices — in some cases, turning their back on their Catholic faith.

While the faithful might feel, in cases, that all is lost, they must remember the parable’s testament of hope and ultimate joy for the prayerful. It is that hope the Marian Mantle Group of Overland Park has been working to spread since 2003, to those struggling with a prodigal loved one.

“Our motto is: ‘It’s not hopeless, and we’re not helpless,’” said Mary Ann Gardner, founder of the Marian Mantle Group. “It’s not hopeless, because with God anything is possible. And it’s not helpless, because even if our family member or friend resists, we can still touch them with our prayers.”

In the 10 years since its inception, Marian Mantle prayer groups have spread to Catholic parishes nationwide, and even abroad.

Groups of parents, grandparents, friends and family typically meet weekly or biweekly to pray and to visit with and encourage one another.

“You have not failed as a parent or grandparent with a prodigal, and you are not alone,” said Gardner. “When Catholics join forces in intercessory prayer, God is at work. If one set of parents’ prayers are effective, then two sets are going to make all the more difference.”

Gardner wrote the group’s prayer books — “Rosary Novena to our Lady of Sorrows” and “Parent’s Way of the Cross” — while she was praying for her own son’s return to the faith.

local news 5

december 14, 2012 | theleaven.com

Leaven photo by Todd Habiger

Mary Ann Gardner is the founder of the Marian Mantle Group, a prayer and support ministry for those struggling with a loved one who has left the Catholic faith. In the 10 years since its inception, Marian Mantle prayer groups have spread to Catholic parishes nationwide, and even abroad.

“I wrote the books for myself at first, when I was really hurting,” said Gardner. “So they truly come from the heart, and I think parents and grandparents with prodigal children can really relate. Our prayers for our son were answered, and we want to help others find the same peace in Jesus through the storm.”

The groups pray that their children, friends or family will recognize the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith, and discourage members from criticizing or writing off their loved ones.

“You can’t fix or change someone else’s heart, but you can pray,” Gardner said. “Instead of criticizing and condemning, we encourage Catholics to focus on the Lord and to be accepting of his will. Then their prodigals can see more clearly the love in Catholicism.”

Gardner gives one example of the power of faithful prayer through the rosary novena to Our Lady of Sorrows.

A Topeka mother, Rita, had been praying the rosary novena for her son who had abandoned the faith.

“Rita tells us her daughter and

grandchild were murdered one Sunday morning before Mass,” Gardner said.

“Rita’s oldest son blamed God, rejected the faith, and left college. She did not hear from him for three years, going so far as hiring a private detective to find him.”

The private detective didn’t locate Rita’s son, and she began to think her child was lost to the family completely — until she was praying the rosary novena right before Christmas and received a call from her son.

“He told Rita he had stood in front of a Catholic church for a long time before deciding to go in,” said Gardner.

“Once he sat in a pew, he had a strong urge to call his mother. Three days later, he called home to Rita’s joyous greeting and was home for Christmas.

He was shocked his family wanted to hear from him, but has begun to trust God more and more.”

The loving intercessory prayer of family and friends can move mountains, but Gardner warns that it is not an easy fight.

“We tell people to prepare for battle, but to expect God’s intervention be-

cause of his promises to the faithful,” said Gardner. “It is hard, and it is evil that is tearing families apart today. But Catholics have a variety of weapons to work against evil. Ultimately, however, only God can call our lost sons and daughters back.”

The Marian Mantle Group has distributed over 5,000 copies of the rosary novenas, and recently had it translated into Spanish.

The group exists solely through the work of volunteers, and is always accepting of volunteers and speakers to help propel the ministry.

Prayer cards and booklets in both English and Spanish, CDs and DVDs of Gardner’s talks, and Gardner’s book of meditations on the mysteries of the rosary are available on the Marian Mantle website at: www.marianmantle.com.

The website also serves as an online support community.

Parishioners may also request prayer booklets and information on starting a Marian Mantle Group by sending an email to: pray@marianmantle.com or by calling (913) 526-8977.

OPEKA — How much do you love me? It’s the question Christ asks each of his followers.

Twenty-threeyear-old Topeka native Anna Hall was just listening a little more carefully than most.

Hall not only delayed her business career in favor of service, she also chose to commit two years of her life to become a missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

The organization began in 1998 at Benedictine College in Atchison. With the encouragement of then-Pope John Paul II, it started out with four missionaries on one college campus.

Fourteen years later, this group now has over 300 missionaries and a presence on 74 campuses in 30 states. But its goal remains the same — to offer outreach programs of Bible study, prayer groups, and devotions to Catholic college students.

Hall was only three years old when she and her parents, Jeffrey and Renee Hall, converted to Catholicism. Her home parish was the former Holy Name in Topeka, which later became part of Mater Dei Parish. To support Hall’s faith life, she was enrolled first in Holy Name Grade School and then Hayden High School.

In grade school, Hall was as an altar server and active in the Girl Scouts, band, sports and the pro-life club. With the latter, she traveled to Washington,

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Photo courtesy of Anna Hall

Participating in a 5K run together are, from left: Father Jim Chamberlain; Hayley Ryckman, a student at the University of Oklahoma; Kelsey Bob, FOCUS missionary; and Anna Hall, FOCUS missionary. Hall has delayed her entry into the work force to become a missionary for FOCUS for two years.

D.C., for the annual March for Life. She was astounded by the sea of humanity gathered on a cold January day to promote the overturn of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. In high school, Hall participated in a rally sponsored by Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), attended by hundreds of other jubilant youths in celebration of their Catholic faith. Both events left a lasting impression on the young Topekan.

When she started at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., she met other students interested in enriching their faith lives. When she was a sophomore, she discovered the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and its pres-

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ence on the campus of the University of Missouri - Kansas City. After accepting an invitation to attend a FOCUS picnic, Hall was soon joining other UMKC students at Wednesday evening Mass and Thursday eucharistic adoration.

In Hall’s junior year, she met Clair Westermeyer, one of the four FOCUS missionaries assigned to UMKC. Clair became Hall’s spiritual mentor and eventually invited her to become a disciple. In FOCUS, a disciple spiritually mentors other local university students.

Hall felt “humbled” and somewhat “fearful” to be elevated to the next level of commitment, but with Clair’s support, she accepted and initiated a Bible

study group bringing others into the fellowship group.

Hall’s senior year was a busy one. As she worked to complete a triple major in Spanish, psychology and nonprofit leadership, she remained a disciple of FOCUS. In the spring of 2012 she was asked to consider becoming a missionary. It would entail postponing entering the job market, undertaking financial fundraising, making a two-year commitment and relocating.

Hall’s mother, who herself had endured some financial hardship, was at first not excited about the missionary option for her daughter. But after some reflection, she decided to trust her daughter’s judgment, and Hall chose to accept the invitation to become a FOCUS missionary.

In August 2012, Hall arrived at the University of Oklahoma with three other missionaries to initiate the first year of FOCUS there. Filled with excitement, joy, fear, and curiosity, Hall began to implement the procedures taught during her preparation classes. There was some initial concern over how this group, a Catholic outreach program, would be received in what is called the Bible Belt. But Hall soon found the positive response from the students overwhelming.

The missionary life — even at OU — is not an easy one. Every morning begins with Mass at 8 a.m., individual prayer at 9 a.m., and a small meeting with the other missionaries most mornings. After prayer, each missionary departs to focus on incarnational evangelization — i.e., sharing the Gospel in terms of relationships with the other students. To date, Hall describes her experience as “awesome, rewarding . . . and gratifying.”

For more information on FOCUS, visit the website at: www.focus.org.

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6 LOCAL NEWS

theleaven.com | december 14, 2012

JPII scholarship fund honors former PE teacher n Michelle Stueve Smith Scholarship Endowment has been established

Donate to the Endowment Donations can be made to the Michelle Stueve Smith “Brave Heart” Scholarship Endowment online at: www.CFNEK.org/braveheart.

Checks can be mailed to: The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, c/o Michelle Stueve Smith “Brave Heart” Scholarship, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

By Sheila Myers Special to The Leaven

O

VERLAND PARK — Nearly a year has passed since Michelle Smith died of melanoma, but a new scholarship will ensure the memory of this beloved Catholic schoolteacher endures for years.

The Michelle Stueve Smith “Brave Heart” Scholarship Endowment has been established at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) to benefit the children of John Paul II Grade School in Overland Park.

Stueve Smith taught physical education from 1979 to 1995 when the school was called Queen of the Holy Rosary, and coached CYO volleyball and track until 2003. She died on Dec. 28, 2011, leaving behind a husband, three children and countless friends and admirers.

“She was such a positive role model and influence on the people at Queen,” said Tara Mescher, a former student of Stueve Smith’s who proposed the idea for a memorial.

Mescher had Stueve Smith in fifth grade and fondly recalled how the two connected.

“We were playing softball and I always threw the bat,” said Mescher. “Michelle made me practice not throwing the bat. Initially, I was pretty irritated with her, but she could make anybody feel good in a tense situation.”

The two became close friends and when Mescher moved to Iowa, they visited each other often. One of Mescher’s daughters is Stueve Smith’s godchild.

When Mescher’s mother died from lung cancer in 1995, Stueve Smith attended the funeral and became a source of support.

“Michele and my mom had similar personalities and a strong faith,” Mescher said. “One of the biggest things she did for me was to keep the memory of my mom alive for me, and I wanted to do that for her children.”

Mescher spent two weeks with Stueve Smith and her family before she died. At that time, Mescher discussed the idea of a memorial.

“She said she would leave that up to me and Pat (her brother),” said Mescher.

The idea lingered in the back of Mescher’s mind until early November.

She wrote a letter proposing the idea to JPII principal Susie English, who suggested they set up a scholarship endowment with CFNEK in Stueve Smith’s honor to benefit JPII students.

The school has three other schol-

Create a legacy The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is an archdiocesan resource that helps design legacy gifts for archdiocesan parishes, schools and cemeteries. CFNEK works with the institution, donor and family to draft selection criteria, prepare necessary documentation and administer the endowment to support the continuation of its mission for years to come.

For more information, contact executive director Leslie Knop or planned giving officer Gary Pratt at (913) 647-0325, or visit the CFNEK website at: www.cfnek.org.

Photo courtesy of Paul Smith

Michelle Stueve Smith and her husband Paul enjoy the Hawaiian sunset during a vacation in 2009 just months before she was diagnosed with melanoma. A scholarship has been set up in her name at John Paul II Grade School in Overland Park.

“

“One of the biggest things she did for me was to keep the memory of my mom alive for me, and I wanted to do that for her children.”

Tara Mescher, a former student of Stueve Smith’s who proposed the idea for a memorial.

arship funds administered by CFNEK. Gary Pratt, CFNEK’s planned giving officer, worked with the family, the school and Mescher to help define the selection criteria and prepare the necessary documents. Within three weeks, the fund was established.

“It was so easy,” said Mescher.

They called it the “Brave Heart” fund after a favorite award Stueve Smith presented at summer volleyball camp at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, where she coached the junior varsity team with Gwen Pike.

“It was her favorite award at the end of the session,” said Stueve Smith’s

Kernel of truth When we first encounter John the Baptist, it’s easy to imagine that somehow this wild-eyed prophet has wandered into the New Testament by mistake.

If all that camel hide, locusts and honey make him sound more like an Old Testament rather than a New Testament kind of guy, that’s because he is.

John is a transitional figure. And despite being Jesus’ cousin, and thus his contemporary, John is the last of a long line of Hebrew prophets proclaiming the coming of the Messiah.

Academics discuss why Jesus, who needed no bap-

husband, Paul Smith. “It didn’t go to the best athlete, but to the kid who put in the effort, the kid you want in your foxhole — the tough-minded, nevergive-up kid. That’s the way she lived life.”

After completing the paperwork, Smith learned the Miege award was actually called “Strong Heart,” but they kept “Brave Heart” because the name appropriately describes Stueve Smith’s 19-month battle with cancer.

“Michelle had such an impact on everybody she met,” said Smith. “Her faith was so strong way before she got sick and up until the end. Her faith never wavered. She knew where she was going.”

The endowment will provide $1,000 toward tuition at JPII for one male and one female student entering sixth, seventh or eighth grade.

The selection criteria reflect the characteristics of a well-rounded student encouraged by Stueve Smith. Applicants must have participated in at least one CYO sport during the year, have been on the honor roll in the previous fall semester, and be a current altar server at Queen of the Holy Rosary or St. Pius X Church in Mission.

Applicants must also submit a onepage essay describing how JPII School and their Catholic faith have affected the way they treat other people in their lives.

tism, chose to have John baptize him in the Jordan River.

But what I wonder is whether John knew what kind of Messiah Jesus actually was. The prophets — indeed, the entire Hebrew nation — were expecting a very different Messiah than the one they got in Jesus. That’s one of the reasons so many rejected him, and why Judaism is still a separate religion today.

And while John sounds a lot like Jesus in his focus on practical charity in this Sunday’s Gospel, at other times he sounds like he’s prophesying the kind of Messiah of old.

Still, standing as he is at the end of that long line of Jewish prophets, John symbolizes how, for Catholics, the entire Old Testament relates to the New.

“The criteria are right in line with the way she coached, taught and influenced people,” Smith said.

The JPII principal, with input from the teachers, will select recipients who display “Brave Heart” characteristics.

A plaque will be displayed near the JPII gym honoring Stueve Smith and the scholarship winners.

English said the scholarship would offset a third of the tuition costs for recipients and free up money from the school’s tuition assistance fund for more families.

“Any tuition we can receive helps people who want to have their kids in Catholic school stay here,” said English.

English knew Stueve Smith before she came to JPII in 2004.

“Everyone was drawn to Michelle,” English said. “She had an electric smile.

She was kind and welcoming. Once you knew her, you knew her for life.”

The scholarship’s mission is near and dear to English’s heart, and she takes seriously her role in making sure recipients possess the qualities defined in the selection criteria.

“When you know the person, you work harder to find the right match,” she said.

The family hopes that with the momentum of year-end giving and a $10,000 matching gift commitment in place, the endowment will reach $50,000 by Dec. 31.

In other words, Jesus did not just happen along in human history at that point in time. An entire nation with whom God had a special covenant had been preparing for Jesus’ coming for centuries. And that’s why Catholics still revere the texts of the Old Testament and read from them at every Mass.

John might not have understood everything.

But he understood enough.

Like the Old Testament itself, his primary mission was simple.

He was to prepare the way of the Lord.

— A.M.

Kids make the season bright Schools across the archdiocese reach out in faith during Advent

Service opportunities teach students meaning of Christmas

O

LATHE — Shopping for toys during a school day was so unusual, it made five-year-old Ben Kueter giggle.

Still, the kindergartner at St. Paul School in Olathe took the mission he and his classmates completed during a field trip to Walmart very seriously.

“We’re shopping for charity,” Ben explained.

They tackled extra chores to earn money to send shoe boxes full of toys, hygiene products and more to children in parts of the world where holiday celebrations aren’t as bountiful as a Christmas in Kansas.

Kindergartner J.J. Dice loved selecting toy cars to send to another boy his age.

“It’s pretty fun,” agreed kindergartner Dan Allen.

Each grade at St. Paul has taken on its own Advent service project.

For their parts, the kindergartners and eighth-graders filled shoe boxes with gifts to send through a program called Operation Christmas Child, which is part of the international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse.

Students from both grades tucked prayers they wrote inside the shoe boxes destined for children in other countries.

St. Paul’s PTO this year envisioned new opportunities for students to not merely shop for Christmas presents — but to truly give to others in need.

Projects ranged from sending international gifts to reaching out to others right in the students’ own community.

“I love that our kids are getting new opportunities for service projects,” said Crystal Steinlage, mother of kindergartner Madison.

“As parents, we do our part to give money, food, or clothing items to different charities, but that is hard for our children to understand because they don’t see where it all goes or how it benefits other people,” she said.

These projects open their eyes to all of it.

Lessons in love Teachers of each grade selected a project to engage students in the school’s December virtues of thankfulness and contentment.

“One of the most important virtues we can instill in our children is the virtue of charity,” said principal Tonia Helm. “Our goal is that by the time they graduate from St. Paul, service will have become such an important part of their lives they would actively seek out opportunities to serve those in need on their own.”

Teachers weaved the projects into lesson plans.

First-graders are learning geography and economics as they study life in Haiti.

For less than $20 through the Food

Corpus Christi students send warm wishes to Montana

L

AWRENCE — Students at Corpus Christi School here know a winter coat is something Mom or Dad will provide, but they’re learning not every family can afford that basic necessity.

So they took it into their own hands to make sure each elementary and middle school child at St. Charles Mission School in Pryor, Mont., has a coat to ward off the winter’s chill in this community with an extremely high poverty rate.

Corpus Christi’s teachers’ service committee organized the “Wrapped in God’s Warmth” project.

The school set up a tree and decorated it with coat-shaped tags, each with the first name, gender, grade and size of a child in Montana. Corpus Christi families selected tags from the tree and shopped

Leaven photo by jessica langdon

St. Paul kindergartner Ramiro Diaz, left, consults with a friend about a gift as Crystal Steinlage, center, guides daughter Madison and friend Sofia Gometz through the aisles on a shopping field trip. The children chose presents to send in a shoe box to children their age through Operation Christmas Child.

St. Paul eighth-graders — from left, Maggie O’Sullivan, Kathryn Hurd and Nicole Allen — decide which socks they would like to wear as they select gifts for a girl age 10-14 through their class’ Advent service project. Teachers donated hygiene items for the students to pack in shoe boxes to send to children in need in other countries, and the St. Paul classes donated some of their own Halloween candy. for the Poor program, they could send a fruit tree or feed a Haitian family for a month. If they collected $90, they could even give a family a goat!

The eighth-graders figured out reallife algebra equations for their shopping trip, factoring in sales taxes and shipping costs to determine how much they could spend, much to science and math teacher Janelle Hartegan’s delight.

“Some eighth-graders went over their budget and had to decide what to take out,” said Steinlage. “A true life lesson — staying within our means when it comes to money, especially since this generation believes our debit or credit cards can buy anything!”

Open hearts One shopper found the students’ project so heartwarming, he kicked in an extra $2, so kindergarten teacher Pam Herrick sent a group of boys to pick out more cars.

Madison Steinlage and fellow kindergartner Sofia Gometz practiced the art of compromise, agreeing to give a doll dressed in blue when one girl preferred pink and the other purple.

The students also bought necessities like socks, carefully choosing for others things they would want for themselves.

Hartegan told eighth-graders those basic gifts will likely be the most appreciated.

“They probably don’t really get much of a Christmas present,” said eighth-grader Karisa Goss. “So now they have something to be happy about, to be excited about.”

All the grades were excited about the gifts they are giving to others this Advent.

By giving, they’re also receiving.

“What better way to start off the Advent and Christmas seasons than by pre-

P

for new coats for those children.

“For our students to have the realization that the Christmas wish for the children in Montana is to have a coat and that is what they are asking for — and for our kids to help provide that for another child — is the true spirit of Christmas,” said Corpus Christi principal Mary Mattern.

The school collected 111 coats — and not just any coats.

“We asked our children to pick a coat that they would want to wear,” said Mattern.

Naturally, several Jayhawk jackets appeared among the collection.

Haskell Indian Nations University will drive the coats — along with gifts from Haskell and the Lawrence community — in a U-Haul to Montana.

RAIRIE VILLAGE — St. Ann School here decked its halls with 105 giant red bags this December.

Students contributed new games, stuffed animals, clothes and gift cards to fill them — all to make dreams come true for children and teenagers in foster care in the Kansas City area.

“It is with great joy that our St. Ann’s kids, their parents and teachers share their own blessings with those who are struggling,” said principal Becky Akright.

St. Ann classrooms and families have been “adopting” children through the Red Bag Program for 29 years.

“Just this week, two students told me shopping for their adopted child is the best part of their Christmas preparation,” Akright said. “It is truly a continuous and loving example of living our faith.”

Photo by Cathy Fithian

Adrianna Haley, a fifth-grader at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kan., reads “Letters from God” during the announcements.

Learning, loving and living

Photo by Heather Sullivan

Tate Rowland, an eighth-grader at St. Ann School in Prairie Village, hauls bags of gifts to load in a truck to deliver for Christmas to children in the foster care system. Working with the Red Bag Program has been an Advent tradition at St. Ann for decades.

St. Paul: Giving by the grade

paring our children’s hearts for giving opportunities,” said Crystal Steinlage.

Corpus Christi seventh-graders — from left, Jake Holbrooks, Julia Myer, Murphy O’Malley, Alex Heckman, Abigail Meier and Grace Rockers — pack coats by grade level to send from their Lawrence school to students in Pryor, Mont., a community with a high poverty rate.

St. Ann students grant wishes

Leaven photo by jessica langdon

Kindergarten/eighth grade: Operation Christmas Child First: Food for the Poor Second: Care packages/letters for soldiers through Operation Shoebox Third: Artistic placemats for patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital Fourth/fifth: School-wide pop tab collection benefiting Ronald McDonald House Sixth/seventh: Christmas party/ongoing friendships with elderly residents at Villa St. Francis, Olathe

— by Jessica Langdon

H

Photo by Cindy Kehres

Students at St. Joseph School in Olpe offer donations of everything from diapers and baby wipes to baby clothes to Birthright in Emporia. The school joins the parish to help the organization each Advent.

A season to give

ere is just a sampling of schools’ Advent projects and preparations: • Students at St. Gregory School in Marysville are donating soap, toothpaste, baby wipes and other necessities to a new social service agency called Families First of Marshall County, which promotes self-sustainability through education and direct assistance.

• St. Joseph School in Olpe joins parishioners in an Advent tradition of collecting baby necessities for Birthright in Emporia.

• Second-graders at Christ the King School in Topeka are filling baby bottles with spare change to donate to Birthright of Topeka.

• An Advent wreath stands in the foyer of Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, and every classroom has one, with candles burning during morning prayers.

“Through prayer, Mass and reconciliation we are focusing on preparing our hearts and souls to welcome Christ more fully at Christmas this year!” said Suzanne O’Neil, with the theology/ campus ministry department.

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Families at Christ the King School here are taking the archdiocesan initiative, “Faith: Love It. Learn It. Live It.,” to heart, making it their Advent theme.

“We’re trying to relearn some of the basics of our faith so we can better love it and come to live it more,” said principal Cathy Fithian.

They reviewed all the basic prayers, from the Our Father and Hail Mary to the prayer for vocations and many others. Copies went home so families could pray together.

The second week, families prayed the rosary.

The third week focuses on the Ten Commandments and what they mean in life.

The school sent home devotional items and a calendar for the prayers and activities. Students are also reading “Letters from God” over the intercom each morning.

“It’s really important for me that they focus on keeping Jesus in their lives every day, knowing that he’s here for them, especially during Advent,” said Fithian.

local news 11

december 14, 2012 | theleaven.com

Novena honors tradition, packs church >> Continued from page 1 ditional “pan dolce” (Mexican sweet bread) or thick, hearty Mexican-style hot chocolate. Last year, Hernandez made 60 pounds of tamales to give away, but this year gave herself a break, and went with hot dogs and nachos instead.

“There are three groups of dancers,” said Hernandez. “Each group represents a different part of Mexico, depending on where their family came from.”

The 20 or so dancers are costumed according to the region in Mexico where the dancer’s parents or ancestors came from, the design influenced

by Indian culture. Usually they have colorful, feathered Aztec-looking headdresses. Their dance itself is a form of prayer, and thus approached with care and seriousness of purpose.

“We honor Our Lady by doing this,” said Hernandez. “We give testimony to our faith by the people walking in the street. I thank Our Lady for her intercessions as my heavenly mother, for my family and my business.”

The novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the dance of los Matachines is a beloved tradition in Mexican culture that has taken root in the United States. Ironically, challenges to the Hispanic devotion have come from other Hispanics here in the United States.

“We must keep our traditions wherever we are and not be embarrassed to show our faith,” said Hernandez.

“Last year — there was a [small Hispanic storefront Protestant] church next to us — the preacher came out yelling at us, ‘You shouldn’t be doing this! It is idolatry!’”

The attraction of Our Lady of Guadalupe is very strong, however, said Angel Delfin, All Saints director of catechesis.

“There are [Hispanics] who aren’t even Catholic, but on [the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe] they go to the [Catholic] church because they are Guadalupanos. There is something missing if there is no Mary in their worship.”

A novena is a series of prayers of petition and thanksgiving that are said for nine straight days.

In the case of the novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe at All Saints, a different group leads the prayers each night. Everything is done in Spanish.

“The people, led by los Matachines, process to the church,” said All Saints pastor Father Dan Gardner. “[Los Matachines] take turns dancing, and the Legion of Mary leads a rosary and a litany. The parish youth perform a little skit about the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which happened near Mexico City.” (See sidebar.)

A Mass is celebrated at midnight and then again at 6 a.m. In between those two times, there are prayers and los Matachines dance periodically

Appointments Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective Dec. 3:

Sabbatical Father Jon Hullinger, from pastor of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, to priestly sabbatical.

Parochial administrator Father Brian Schieber, vicar for clergy and pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, appointed also as parochial administrator for Mater Dei Parish, Topeka.

Archdiocese offers plenary indulgence A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe is processed from Tortilleria San Antonio to All Saints Church in Kansas City, Kan., as part of a novena to Our Lady. This year, the novena ran from Dec. 3 to 11. during the night, resting in the church basement between dances.

“The church is completely full every night [of the novena],” said Hernandez. “It’s very, very traditional. It’s something I want to keep alive for my

kids — that the Virgin Mary appeared to such humble people, and we must remain faithful whether here or there, because [Our Lady of Guadalupe] is our heavenly mother.”

The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe Early on the morning of Dec. 9, 1531, the Indian peasant Juan Diego was walking a path of Tepayec Hill, which then was outside of Mexico City.

He was a convert to the Catholic faith, which had been brought to Mexico by the conquering Spanish overlords. And because it was associated with the Spanish, such converts like Juan Diego were few.

As Juan Diego walked along the hill, he heard beautiful music and a woman calling his name. He followed the voice and encountered a beautiful woman speaking in his native language, which was Nahuatl.

She identified herself as the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. She asked him to go to Bishop Zumarraga and tell him she wanted a church built on the site of the hill. Juan Diego did as he was told, but the bishop was skeptical.

Juan Diego went back to the lady, who told him to return later and receive a sign to give to the bishop. He did not return the next day, however, because he had to take care of a sick uncle. The next day, he passed the site again, while on his way to find a priest for his uncle. But he tried to avoid the Beautiful Lady because he was ashamed of his failure to return for the sign.

She found him, nevertheless, and gave him reassurance. She told him where to find some roses on the barren hill, and to pick them and take them to the bishop. Juan Diego did so, collecting them in his poncho-like tilma.

When Juan Diego came before the bishop again, he released his tilma and let the miraculous roses fall to the floor. But the roses were not the only miracle: Imprinted on his tilma was an image of the Beautiful Lady.

The bishop saw and believed.

Not only did the bishop believe, but so, too, did tens of thousands of Indians who were converted to the Catholic faith because of the image. Over time, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe became a powerful symbol of Mexico. In 1999, the church proclaimed her Patroness of the Americas, the Empress of Latin America, and Protectress of Unborn Children.

Today, the church celebrates the feast day of St. Juan Diego on Dec. 9, and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In accordance with the Holy Father’s wishes that a plenary indulgence be made available to Catholics worldwide during this Year of Faith, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has set forth the requirements for achieving the indulgence here in the archdiocese.

See next week’s issue of The Leaven for a complete transcript of the archbishop’s letter, or click the link on the home page of www.archkck.org to learn more about how to gain the indulgence here in the archdiocese.

A plenary indulgence is “the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sin whose guilt has already been forgiven” (CCC, No. 1471).

Leonard and Ruth (Barnes) Tanking, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Baileyville, will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Dec. 27.

The couple was married on Dec. 27, 1952, at Sacred Heart. Their children are: Terry Plumberg; Connie Remby; and Jackie Berkley (deceased). They also have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Anniversary policy

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices.

• Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date.

• Announcements must be typed.

Include the following Information: The couple’s names; their parish; the date they were married; church and city where they were married; what they are doing to celebrate; date of the celebration; names of children (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.

12 classifieds Employment Administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time administrative assistant for the office of stewardship and development. This position provides administrative support for a busy office and supports the CFNEK board. The position requires 3 years minimum administrative experience in a multifaceted setting; exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal; proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; meeting planning experience; and ease and proficiency with telephone communication. Prefer experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge database. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.arch kck.org/employment. Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume, and application by Dec. 21 to: kthomas@archkck.org. Items may also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Stewardship – Admin. Assistant, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Theology instructor - Bishop Miege High School has an immediate opening for a theology instructor for the second semester to teach three to five theology classes. Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Equestrian program manager - Prairie Star Ranch is accepting applications for the position of equestrian program manager. This part-time position oversees the herd and riding programs of the ranch, while managing all the trail rides during Camp Tekakwitha. Duties include: monitoring and managing the herd; training seasonal equestrian staff as well as facilitating trail rides steeped in Christian teaching. An ideal candidate will be a practicing Christian; have strong foundation in horse care and management; demonstrated skills in instructing youth and adults; practitioner of safety awareness; and commitment to professionalism.

Job requires 3+ years of equestrian experience and a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidate must be able and willing to complete a certification as a herd manager or an equestrian facility manager. A complete job description, application and salary information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www. archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume, and application

by Dec. 31 to: Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095, or send an email to: prairiestarranch@gmail.com.

Operations and event planning coordinator - Event production and marketing communications company seeks an operations coordinator to assist on many different programs, working with both account management and sales teams. Must have excellent communication skills, strong computer skills; being social media savvy is a plus. Should be a multitasker as the responsibilities include proposal support, vendor research, travel coordination, administrative tasks, event planning assistance, program website development (with training) and customer service support. Pay: $15/hour, full time. Please send an email with resume and three references to: solutions@thewellingtongroup.com.

Staff accountant needed - Small family office located in south Johnson County seeking FT accountant/bookkeeper. Assist with monthly financial statement preparation, bill paying and budgeting. QuickBooks and Excel knowledge a plus. Send resume to: UPS Store, 12120 State Line Road #374, Leawood, KS 66209.

Substitute teacher - Holy Trinity Catholic School in Paola is seeking a long-term fourth grade substitute teacher beginning in February. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application available online at: www.archkckcs.org and email/mail a letter of interest and resume to the principal, Josh Cavender, at: mrcavenderhts@gmail.com or call (913) 294-3286 for more information.

Service representative - Do you love to help people solve problems? Great listener? Enjoy challenges, problem solving, and making things better? Enjoy working in an office? Do you bank, buy, read, and transact much of your life online? If you know the answer to all of these questions is yes, we want to meet you! We have part-time hours available: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and full-time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon-Fri. Administrative experience a plus. Send your resume and tell us how your background and passion relate to what we’re doing to: HR@ COBRAGuard.net.

Sales counselor - Don’t just get a job, start a rewarding career! Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens has been serving Kansas City, Kan., since 1948. We currently have career opportunities for motivated sales professionals who are service-minded, energetic and ambitious. Experience in the funeral home or cemetery industry is helpful but not necessary. We provide an excellent structured training program and we offer a full benefits package, flexible hours and advancement opportunities. For additional information or to submit your resume, email Shelly at: shelly.weather ford@dignitymemorial.com.

theleaven.com | december 14, 2012 Vision therapist - Want a new career? Use your knowledge of child development to help children achieve their life and academic potential. Working hours: Mon. - Thurs., 1 - 5:30 p.m. Training provided; education or psychology background helpful. Will need to learn some anatomy and physiology. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume to Dr. Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145, or send an email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area.

This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; call (785) 364-5450; or send an email to him at: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Parish business manager – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emporia, seeks a qualified individual to oversee or perform all parish financial, human resource, and facilities responsibilities. Responsibilities include: financial planning and coordination of budget process; bookkeeping functions; cash flow management and financial reporting; and management of payroll and benefit programs. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years related work experience; leadership, organizational and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks; knowledge of Catholic parish organization; and the ability to work with parish leadership teams. Full-time position with excellent benefits and flexible hours. To apply or for information, contact Father Rich Warsnak at (620) 342-1061, ext. 201, or send an email to: parish@sacred heartemporia.org.

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job working with young children? Special Beginnings Early Learning Centers, a private, Christian early care and education company, is seeking the following candidates: lead teachers for infants and pre-K, FT/PT assistant teachers for all ages, and substitute staff for all ages. We offer a competitive wage as well as a great benefits package. $100 signing bonus (upon successful completion of provisional period). Visit any location, fill out an application and interview all in the same day. Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., at 10216 Pflumm, Lenexa; 14169 Murlen Rd., Olathe; or 8205 W. 108th Terr., Overland Park.

Services MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient.

To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services (913) 627-9222

Need a ride? Where do you need to go? I can get you to your doctor’s appointment, hairdresser or shopping. Maybe you aren’t driving anymore or just prefer a chauffeur, I’ll get you there. I can also run errands, pick up your prescriptions or groceries. Johnson County only. Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 8060564 to discuss your needs.

Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop is open in downtown Overland Park! Machine quilting services. Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc. We specialize in memorial quilts – wrapping you in your cherished memories.

For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. To see samples, visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. At ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City, we provide a calm, stressfree and well-structured home environment for five to eight residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. A ComfortCare home is not “homelike” but rather it is a real home in a real neighborhood — there are no signs in the yard, no restaurant-style dining and no long, impersonal halls lined with patients. To tour and learn more, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.ComfortCareKC.com.

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

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

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

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.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: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www. bankruptcylawinkansascity.com.

Get your yard ready for winter with a FALL CLEANUP. Full Service Lawn Care - gutters, mulching and more.

Call John @ 913-825-4353 or visit www.foleyslawncare.com St. Joseph Parishioner, Shawnee

Home Improvement DENNISBILT CUSTOM WOODWORKING Kitchen and Bath Specialists Reface or Brand-New 20 years experience (913) 850-3956 / www.dennisbilt.com Get a jump on your home repairs! - I specialize in painting, wood rot, decks, fences, windows, doors, siding, stucco, landscaping, drainage issues, and concrete. Fully insured. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call Josh Doherty (913) 709-7230.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time.

References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizing handyman. For a free consultation, call today (913)271-5055. Insured; references. Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

Brick mason - Installation and repair of all types of masonry work - brick, stone, and concrete. 17 years of residential and commercial experience. Small and large jobs accepted. Free quotes in the KC metro area. Call Jim or John at (913) 485-4307.

Ceilings and wall crack repair - Ceilings retextured with popcorn or knockdown. Interior painting with no mess! Serving Johnson and Wyandotte County areas for 23 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Fall Cleanup Leaf Removal. Tree/Shrub Trimming Aftin Lawn And Landscape Free Estimates/ Insured/ Refs Local Parishioner (913) 620-6063 Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

Perfect Roof - Free estimates; roofing repairs if needed. Hail and wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call (816) 288-1693.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - Move in Jan. or Feb. 2013. Student or young professional female, 21 or older. Clean, nonsmoker to share 3 BR, 2 BA home in Prairie Village. $485 per month, plus half of the utilities. Email: mmcguire85@gmail.com.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

For rent - Private location with woods, 2 BR, 1 BA, country kitchen, large rooms, private patio. $595/mo.

Shawnee Mission. Contact Ken at (913) 484-6942.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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

CNA/caregiver looking for work - Dependable, trustworthy and great companion. Light housework, cooking, drive to appt., and run errands. 7 years of experience working with seniors, Alzheimer’s, diabetic, and other. Great references. Call (913) 548-7656.

CNA – Would you like to keep your senior loved one in the comfort of their own home? Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. Compassionate, nurturing, attentive home health care professional provides quality service and personal assistance for over 20 years. Available anytime. Live-in optional. Non-smoker. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

Caregiver - 42-year-old caregiver. 10 years experience. Works nights, days, weekends. Flexible hours.

Best rate in town. Pay negotiable. Excellent references. Call Kara at (913) 909-6659.

Experienced, Compassionate Caregiver — Available to work throughout the Kansas City Metro area.

Available all shifts and weekends. With over 10 years of service, I provide compassionate personal caregiver services to you or your family member. Please call me to discuss your individual needs and how I can assist you. Trinity Caregiving (816)337-7493 info@trinity caregiving.com Compassion - Trust - Quality Care Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

Real estate

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

Investors - Why play the stock market? Become a passive real estate investor. If you want to discuss the possibility of investing in real estate that produces positive income with a seasoned investor, call (913) 980-3559.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

For sale - Lake of the Ozarks waterfront condo.

2 bedroom, 2 bath in the Four Seasons area. Condo offers boat slip, pool, wooded acreage, tennis courts, trail and main channel view. Call (913) 485-3484.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full

>> continueD from the previous page

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

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

(913) 599-7998

House painting - Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

For sale - Beautiful Park Place condo, 87th and Metcalf, Overland Park. 1,100+ square feet, like new, 1st floor, 2 BR, laundry, car port, fenced patio. Low $80,000s. Call John Lacy Realty at (913) 642-4564. >> classifieds continue on the next page

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december 14, 2012 | theleaven.com

for rent

vacation Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $115/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

Colorado ski vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR, sleeps 6.

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

for sale Max’s rosaries - Custom-made locally for all occasions – first Communion, confirmation, baptism, graduation.

Rosary bracelets and beaded earrings too! I also do repairs. Member of the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. Call (913) 400-3236.

For sale - Single crypt; Patio B, Tier D, No. 6 in Resurrection Cemetery, 87th and I-35, Lenexa. Worth $6,000 today. Asking $3,000. Call (816) 729-7662.

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

For sale - 2 side-by-side individual crypts (No. 30 and No. 32) in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Queen of Heaven Court, Level “D.” Current selling price at this level would be $12,000, asking $11,000. Must sell. Contact Cathy M. to make an offer at (913) 485-7076.

For sale - 2 adjacent burial plots at Resurrection Cemetery in Ascension Garden. $3600 includes transfer fee.

Call (660) 888-3977.

Doll uniforms for 18” or American Girl dolls. Full line of doll clothes and accessories including cheerleader outfits, party dresses, play clothes, pajamas, dance wear, flower girl dresses and First Communion dresses.

In house showroom in south Johnson County. Call (913) 345-9498.

wanted to buy Antiques wanted I buy old pocket & wrist watches; sets of silverware; souvenir spoons; advertising signs; coins; and Native American turquoise jewelry, arrowheads & rugs. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Lionel Trains. Call (913) 485-6700 *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

MIScellaneous Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need.

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

Cost to advertise is: $17.50 for five lines or less; $1.50 each additional line. Email: adv@ theleaven.com or phone: (913) 647-0327

December Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. Instruction will be provided on request. Full- or half-day options are available, with a noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. The retreat may be extended for an overnight stay. For information or to register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@shantivanam.com.

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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass on Dec 15 at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass is a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 am.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Dec. 15 at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Following the Mass, the Bereavement Ministry will have its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Msgr. Charles McGlinn will speak on spirituality and grief. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Blue Army will hold its monthly rosary devotion on Dec. 16 from 3 - 4 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The three mysteries of the rosary will be prayed, followed by Benediction and enrollment in the brown scapular.

16

The Knights of Columbus, 11221 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, will host a pancakes and more breakfast on Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. noon. Cost is a freewill donation. Religious Christmas gifts will be handed out to the children attending. Proceeds will benefit the Christmas fund for St. Joseph parishioners, parishioners who are out of work, disabled, underemployed, widowed, etc.

For additional information, call chairman Mike Reichmeier at (913) 492-3356.

The archdiocesan vocation office is offering a Quo Vadis retreat 19-21 from Dec. 19 - 21 for single men ages 18 – 35 to discern their purpose in life, with a focused look at the priesthood. It will be held at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Activities include Mass, eucharistic adoration and lunch with the Sisters, Servants of Mary, talks on being a “Man of Prayer, Discernment and Sacrifice,” and guidance from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and seminarians. Quo Vadis is free by registering online at the website: www. kckvocations.com.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the Father Burak Room at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Dennis Wait will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

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The Amphion Men’s Ensemble of Kansas City will present Christmas vespers, an evening of yuletide carols and readings, featuring special guest the Vivo Allegro Children’s Chorus, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 23 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kan. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost is a $5 suggested donation for adults; free for children and students. For more information, visit the website at: www.amphionkc.com.

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The annual Serran seminarian/ parents luncheon will be at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 at the Church of

the Ascension, Overland Park. The cost to attend is $25 per person. The luncheon is sponsored by the Johnson County Serra Club. For information, contact George or Maggie Lents at (913) 492-3239 or send an email to: glents@kc.rr.com.

A New Year’s Eve singles dance party will be held on Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church Quigley Center, 92nd and Pflumm, Lenexa. Cost is $40 at the door; $35 in advance. Mail check to: Beginning Experience, P.O. Box 2615, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201 by Dec. 20. Drinks and appetizers are provided. Contact John at (913) 219-3465 or send an email to: jpstuartcpa@yahoo.com.

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January St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, will host a morning of reflection, featuring a presentation “Pilgrimage of Faith: How to live a faith-filled life in this crazy world!” on Jan. 19. Mass will be held at 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and the presentation in the parish center.

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St. Francis Xavier Church, 52nd and Troost, Kansas City, Mo., will host “Resting in God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer” on Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The cost is $20.

To register, email: mccormally@sfx-kc.org.

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701 North 94th Street * Kansas City, Kansas 66112 * (913) 334-3366 Funeral Home * Cemetery * Cremation Services

W

e have the newest and nicest funeral home in Wyandotte County, right across the street from St. Patrick’s Church. Personalize a Funeral, Cemetery or Memorial Service all from one office, instead of driving all over town making plans. We even accept many pre-arranged plans from other funeral homes. To receive a free Personal Planning Guide, call or stop in today.

14 commentary

theleaven.com | December 14, 2012

cef centered

mark my words Scripture Readings third WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 16 third SUNDAY OF ADVENT Zep 3: 14-18a (Ps) Is 12: 2-6 Phil 4: 4-7 Lk 3: 10-18 Dec. 17 Monday Gn 49: 2, 8-10 Ps 72: 3-4, 7-8, 17 Mt 1: 1-17 Dec. 18 Tuesday Jer 23: 5-8 Ps 72: 1, 12-13, 18-19 Mt 1: 18-25 Dec. 19 Wednesday Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a Ps 71: 3-6, 16-17 Lk 1: 5-25 Dec. 20 Thursday Is 7: 10-14 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 1: 26-38 Dec. 21 Peter Canisius, priest, doctor Sg 2: 8-14 Ps 33: 2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Lk 1: 39-45 Dec. 22 Saturday 1 Sm 1: 24-28 (Ps) 1 Sm 2: 1, 4-7, 8abcd Lk 1: 46-56

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Is there room for Jesus in your heart?

W

ell, it’s pink candle time on the Advent wreath.

This year, that means there are only nine days left until Christmas. For procrastinators out there — and we know who we are — this is an exhausting and nerve-wracking period. It’s when I want to just smack something! And I might give into that urge this year . . . by buying a piñata. More on that later.

Last Sunday, I announced to the parish my intention of having all of my Christmas cards written and gifts purchased by midnight on the Third Sunday of Advent.

Why? Because I’m weary of dreading the nine days before Christmas. Instead of being a time of spiritual richness, peacefulness and generosity, those days are usually crammed with last-minute Christmas card writing, frantic shopping and a general sense of frustration and impatience.

A remedy to all of this comes from our Hispanic sisters and brothers. It’s called Las Posadas and runs from Dec. 16-24. “Posada” means “inn” or “shelter” and commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

According to Mary Ellen

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

Hynes, author of “Companion to the Calendar: A Guide to the Saints and Mysteries of the Christian Calendar,” groups of singing people wander through a neighborhood during Las Posadas, accompanied by musicians.

Sometimes small figures of Mary and Joseph are carried or children might be dressed up as the pilgrim couple.

Candles light the way of the procession.

At each home, the pilgrims stop to ask for shelter. A rude voice inside tells them to go away. They respond kindly that Mary is about to give birth to the Baby Jesus.

Eventually, a door is flung open and all are welcomed inside. The Nativity figures are placed on a small altar set up for the occasion, songs are sung, prayers said, and

festive foods are consumed.

Las Posadas reminds everyone that Jesus was born to a poor and humble couple.

We’re called to extend hospitality to everyone. “Unless we open our doors to Christ,” writes Hynes, “Christmas cannot come.”

I like that. Usually I’m so busy before Christmas that I almost forget what the feast is all about. I’m changing that this year. Although I don’t intend to physically and formally join in Las Posadas, I will celebrate its spirituality.

My prayer will include the five Advent and Christmas mysteries: the prophet Isaiah condemns injustice and the abuse of power and announces the coming of the Messiah; the Annunciation; Mary and Joseph ask for shelter; the announcement to the shepherds; and the Magi worship Jesus.

I’ll sing Advent and Christmas hymns (with a little help from my CDs).

I’ll enjoy “Snowman Soup,” courtesy of the Altar Society: a package of Swiss Miss Chocolate Truffle cocoa mix, a candy cane “stirring stick,” and some miniature marshmallows.

I’ll assemble a 1000-piece Christmas puzzle, “StainedGlass Window,” that I bought last year but never opened.

I’ll call some out-of-town friends to wish them a Merry Christmas and chat a bit.

Finally, I’ve scheduled a meal or two with friends, as well as a Christmas movie night.

Still on my bucket list, though, will be that piñata. I never realized that it was a catechetical tool of 16th-century missionaries to the New World. The piñata was shaped like a star with seven points to represent the seven deadly sins. Its bright colors mean temptation. The blindfold represents faith, and the stick used to strike the piñata stands for virtue and grace.

The goodies inside the piñata symbolize the riches of the kingdom of heaven.

In short, the message is: With faith, virtue and grace — and with the help of the community around us (who yell directions to people taking whacks at the piñata) — we can break the bonds of sin and receive heavenly rewards. (Adapted from “The Posada,” published by the Knights of Columbus.)

If your heart seems far from ready to welcome the newborn King, consider some Las Posadas spirituality. It’s the best gift you could give — to yourself and to family and friends.

In the beginning

T

local news 15

december 14, 2012 | theleaven.com

Reading paints sweet picture of even sweeter sound

his time of year abounds with music. We hear Christmas carols everywhere — on the radio, in the shopping malls.

Even the readings at Mass will at times feature music.

For example, at Christmas Midnight Mass, the Gospel from Luke will remind us that at Jesus’ birth, a choir of angels appeared, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” The music of the liturgy seeks to echo that heavenly choir.

However, we do not have to wait until Christmas to hear the Scripture readings at Mass mention music.

Sunday’s first reading — Zep 3:14-18a — also devotes a section to singing. It is interesting, though. The passage

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. from Zephaniah does not describe a choir of angels singing. Neither does it limit the singing to Israelites who have been saved, poor human beings like us who are praising God. Rather, the unexpected singer turns out to be God: “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with

gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.”

This is truly astonishing.

It is one thing to affirm that God will save us. We have heard that before. But Zephaniah goes a step further in proclaiming that God will also sing a song of triumph.

It will be a song which celebrates God’s victory over the enemies of Israel, the victory which Zephaniah anticipates in his prophecy: “The Lord has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies.”

If we were to look for a modern-day image that could correspond to this passage, we might visualize a football player who has just scored a touchdown and who performs a victory dance to

THE PRACTICAL CATHOLIC When giving gifts, are you a cheapskate, or so generous you’re spending yourself into bankruptcy?

I recently came across a great measuring stick. Although intended to help parents when buying gifts for children, I find it can be useful in any gift-buying situation.

It’s called the four-gift rule: Children get something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

I’m trying this out on a friend or two this Christmas. Be creative

celebrate.

But it is not only a victory song. It will also be a love song that God sings to us. That love provides the motivation for God to save us. It is also God’s love that promises to renew us, as the reading puts it: “and renew you in his love.”

People sometimes resort to listening to Christmas carols to put themselves in the right mood for Christmas. Certainly, music has a way of playing on the emotions, of touching the heart strings.

But we might ask ourselves, what would be the effect on us if we were to listen to God singing a song to us?

What would it sound like, if God were to sing a victory song, a love song for us?

in fulfilling those “something’s.” The first one is obvious. Secondly, everyone “needs” a good meal out or a trip to the theater or some quiet time (offer to be a baby-sitter or hire one, if needed). Thirdly, find out the person’s favorite color and buy accordingly. Lastly, if you don’t know the reading tastes of your friend, then a gift card will work. But the best thing to read might just be a handwritten, heartfelt note in a Christmas card.

May all your gift recipients thank you for your “four”-sight.

— M.G.

Appreciate your ‘wonderful life’? Help kids enjoy the same

H

ow many of you have seen the Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”?

Seriously, I can’t believe that some of you have not seen it. Where have you been? You really need to get out more.

OK, for those of you who have not seen it, the condensed version is as follows: The location is tiny Bedford Falls, it is a snowy Christmas, the hero’s family owns a building and loan business, he has a loving wife

Michael morrisey Michael Morrisey is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. You can reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send an email to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org. and four darling children, the bad guy owns the rest of the town and Clarence is an angel second class with vintage, trying hard to get his wings. He is sent down from above to help George, who is our hero and is in a pickle,

contemplating suicide.

There is no need to say it; I am feeling your vibes.

You are thinking, “We can’t stop now for popcorn; keep telling the story.” All right, already!

If I asked those of you who have seen the movie, “What is the moral of the story?” you would probably tell me the moral is that life can never be that bad. Or, wake up and smell the roses; there is a silver lining in every cloud; the best things in life are free, etc. All of those are certainly true.

However, I believe there is also a CEF spin to this movie. The movie could be titled “It’s a Wonderful CEF Life.”

To help you better understand my thinking, the following are key excerpts from this flick: “He has the faith of a child.” “I want to do something big and important — we are doing something big and important.” “I want you to lasso the moon.” “Each man’s life touches so many other lives.” “Helping others makes him the richest man in town.”

Conceptually, each of you is recreating “It’s a Wonderful Life” each day you assist our CEF students by providing scholarships for children in need. They need your help! You are the angel Clarence in their life. (I am sure with less vintage).

So, as our credits start to roll, George and Clarence close with: “Dear Father in heaven, show me the way, no one is born to be a failure, no one is poor who has friends.” And the child ZuZu speaks: “Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” That could be you! Get a jump on getting your wings by helping a CEF kid.

Consider giving the Christmas gift of Catholic education — your holiday present to the future!

For more information on how to help provide scholarships for children in need, go to our website at: www. cefks.org.

family matters

R

Don’t let gift giving blind you to gifts given

ecently, my wife and I had dinner with other families in our parish.

The hostess for this dinner had her home beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Everywhere I looked there were colorful and bright decorations. Even though this dinner occurred on the eve of the First Sunday of Advent, it made all the anticipated joy of Christmas Day very present. Even the meal was reminiscent of a wonderful Christmas dinner.

At the center of all of this beauty was a space reserved

Deacon Tony Zimmerman Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life. for family pictures. These memories and mementos of loved ones and times spent together are very much at the heart of what we will celebrate in a few short days.

In the midst of this joyful scene was a reminder of how

fragile life and its joys can be. There were family and individual pictures of her husband and two sons who have passed away due to accidents or serious illness.

The contrast of the joy in the decorations, the dinner and the upcoming Christmas season compared to the losses and sorrow, which also make up life, was really present to me.

When we came home, the television, which had been left on, was playing the closing scenes from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In those scenes, George Bailey celebrates all the ways he has been blessed in his life, from his wife Mary, his children and all the people he had helped or who

had helped him to this point in his life.

As all of the images from dinner and those from this movie flooded my mind, I stopped and considered, “What does all this mean in my life? Where is God present in this moment?”

Maybe the answer is found in the Gospel from the First Sunday of Advent when we are reminded to be vigilant in our lives so that the anxieties of daily life don’t overwhelm us that we are caught off guard at the coming of Christ.

We cannot let the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect gift or getting to all the parties blind us to the real gifts that God has given us in

our lives.

Over the next few days, pull back from all the busyness and reflect on the gift of love that God has sent into your life in your spouse, your children, grandchildren, coworkers or friends. Perhaps write a note or take some quiet time to tell each person of the gift they have been in your life.

Then, before you say your prayer before Christmas dinner, go around the table and affirm the goodness and blessing each person is for you. Be specific in naming their quality that brings God’s love into your life.

This will be the best Christmas gift of all.

inside Catholic Charities

It’s easy to make a statement, but better to make a difference

A

t a recent event for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, I was approached by a gentleman who wanted to share his thoughts on how the organization could be better managed.

He started by informing me that I “wasn’t going to like what he had to say.”

Having thus prepared me, he simply stated that Catholic Charities should stop accepting government funding.

Jan lewis Jan Lewis is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

I asked if that meant that we should not accept Medicare reimbursement for the dying patients that we serve in our hospice program . . . he didn’t have an opinion about that. Then we have the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funds that we sometimes manage during times of disaster response and recovery. There is the small

grant that we receive from the Shawnee County government that helps to support our Friendly Visitor program in Topeka, linking volunteers with our elderly neighbors to provide a daily phone call and periodic visits.

Or maybe we should just walk away from the state of Kansas, which provides reimbursement to families who open their homes to children who have been abused and neglected by their family of origin. I could go on, but I hope you get the point.

In the highly charged political times in which we live, it is easy to make blanket statements. It is easy to run to the polar position because that is what we see modeled by our elected officials and the mainstream media. But,

as the leader of an organization charged with making Christ’s love present in the world, I can’t hold extreme positions because real lives hang in the balance. I prefer to follow the words of a leader who understands that good can come from collaboration, even if that means collaborating with people we don’t always agree with.

“The Second Vatican Council rightly observed that ‘among the signs of our times, one particularly worthy of note is a growing, inescapable sense of solidarity between all peoples,’” wrote Pope Benedict XVI in his 2005 encyclical “Deus Caritas Est” (“God is Love”). “State agencies and humanitarian associations work to promote this, the former mainly through sub-

sidies or tax relief, the latter by making available considerable resources. The solidarity shown by civil society thus significantly surpasses that shown by individuals.

This situation has led to the birth and the growth of many forms of cooperation between state and church agencies, which have borne fruit. Church agencies, with their transparent operation and their faithfulness to the duty of witnessing to love, are able to give a Christian quality to the civil agencies too, favoring a mutual coordination that can only redound to the effectiveness of charitable service.”

The day may come when we will have to walk away.

But what a tragedy that will be for all of us.

16 local news

theleaven.com | december 14, 2012

Built for God, constructed by faith

The new Sacred Heart Parish hall has a brick façade which matches the nearby church.

n sacred Heart parish in Paxico dedicates new parish hall

work, painting, staining and more.

When a café closed, parishioners bought commercial equipment to furnish the parish hall’s kitchen.

Whether volunteers put in a day or a thousand hours, every contribution was appreciated, said Hund.

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Vibrant parish

P

AXICO — What family hasn’t looked at a price tag on a dream purchase and asked: Can we do this?

The parish family at Sacred Heart Church just north of Paxico asked themselves exactly that question as they envisioned a much-needed new church hall.

The answer was a resounding yes, largely thanks to parishioners and friends who rolled up their sleeves and made it happen.

“We had a hall that’s going on 100 years old,” said parishioner and project manager Joe Hund. “We’d outgrown it.

It had a very old kitchen. . . . We had trouble, like with funeral dinners, getting people seated.”

The old hall required parishioners to maneuver among multiple levels, which made things particularly difficult on people who use wheelchairs or walkers.

Only part of the building was air-conditioned, and the layout made it hard to carry on conversations.

“When you stuff people in, they make it work. They make it happen,” said Father John Pilcher, pastor of Sacred Heart, St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, St. Joseph Parish in Flush and Holy Family Parish in Alma.

But those conditions weren’t ideal, and in his years as a pastor, he has seen the difference a welcoming space can make. Opening this new hall is all about hospitality.

Leaven photos by Fernando Ugarte

Building a dream Father Pilcher knew a new hall had long topped the parish’s wish list when he arrived in this area five years ago.

Frequent changes in pastor and a regional study set back the project over the years, but parishioners kept the dream alive.

In 2011, they moved ahead, biting off pieces of the work in phases.

Building and interior committees sprung into action.

Father John Pilcher, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Paxico, addresses those gathered for the dedication of the new parish hall as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann looks on.

First mission: Get the structure standing.

Sabatini Architects Inc. in Lawrence designed the 8,400-square-foot building, and Sacred Heart broke ground in October 2011. Parishioner Dan Roth served as general contractor for Phase I. It was a big undertaking for this church with roughly 130 families. Gifts and pledges made it possible.

Home improvement

De-cluttering the paper piles As paper piles encroach on your home, they also encroach on your well-being. Paper clutter stimulates a feeling of disorganization that is a natural stressor. One way

With the building soon standing, the parish launched the second phase to fill in everything from plumbing to electricity to furnishings.

Hundreds of local hands pitched in.

One man’s donation of electrical labor alone saved the parish $30,000. Another volunteer installed oak cabinetry for the kitchen and trimmed the doors and windows. More volunteers provided plumbing labor, exterior concrete

to de-clutter is to establish separate spaces for home and school information. For instance, find some large baskets that can be stacked out of sight. Before dropping newsletters, bulletins or notices into the basket, highlight pertinent information in a bright color. This will make it easier to remember why you kept the paper — and it will help

They set a serious deadline for themselves — to open the hall on Oct. 28 for the parish’s annual sausage dinner, a much-anticipated event celebrating the community’s German roots.

People worked around the clock the entire month before and, while there’s still some work to do, it was ready enough when the time came.

“We served 832 dinners in our new hall,” said Joe’s wife, Connie Hund.

The Hunds saw faces light up when people savored their first day in the building, which is all on one level with much-improved accessibility and enough room for everyone to move around freely.

Members of some of the same families that founded this parish more than a century ago worked on this new hall.

But parishioners who are newer to the area are just as invested in its success.

“We are a vibrant parish,” said Connie Hund.

Seeing for the first time the new hall’s brick façade — which matches the nearby church — it all hit home for Joe Hund.

“Father John had said all along that we were building the hall for the glory of God,” he said. “When we were able to take this steel building and put a nice façade and entrance on it, I knew we had done our best!”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated a Mass at the parish on Dec. 9 and blessed and dedicated the new church hall.

“You look at the cost and you say, ‘Wow, can we do this?’” said Father Pilcher. “And when it’s being accomplished, it shows you how people can work together.”

This building will serve the entire community, he said, and he hopes it will even help to welcome more people into the church.

“As important as it is for our parish, for ourselves, it’s more important that it’s for the glory of God,” said Father Pilcher.

“Without God’s grace, we couldn’t accomplish these things,” he added.

the purging process move more quickly. Every Sunday evening make it a habit to go through the baskets and toss items that are no longer needed.

—J.R.E.