12 15 17 Vol. 39 No. 18

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 18 | DECEMBER 15, 2017

Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe

H

undreds of people, singing and praying, processed from Santa Barbara Estates in Olathe to St. Paul Church, kicking off the parish’s annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration on Dec. 11. The five-mile trek (with a police escort) took almost three hours to complete. After the procession, a standing-room-only Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in Spanish, followed by traditional native dance and concluding with a serenade of Our Lady of Guadalupe. For more photos, turn to page 16.

PHOTOS BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

OFFERING

Angeles Martinez raises the incense as the dancers and parishioners serenade Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 11 at St. Paul Church in Olathe.

DANCING FOR JOY

Los Matachines (traditional Mexican dancers), from left, Miriam Jurado, Patricia Vargas and Adriana Jass perform before a packed church at St. Paul in Olathe Dec. 11. The dance, accompanied by readings from Scripture, recalls the conversion of the native peoples in Mexico to the Christian faith after the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego.

WARNING

This week’s story about human trafficking on pages 7-10 features graphic content.

ENCUENTRO

Local Hispanic Catholics bring their insights to the larger national discussion of Hispanics in the church.

Page 3

REMINDER

There will be no Leaven on Dec. 29. The Leaven will publish Dec. 22 and again on Jan. 5.

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Chair-elect of USCCB’s Pro-Life Activities asks for your prayers

n 1965, William F. Buckley ran as a conservative for mayor of New York City.

When he was asked what he would do if he were elected, Buckley quipped: “I’d demand a recount!”

I had similar sentiments after my recent election to serve as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

I was actually elected first to serve one year as chair-elect for the prolife committee. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York remains the chair of the pro-life committee for the next year. At the conclusion of the November 2018 general assembly of the bishops’ conference, I will begin my three-year term as the chairman of the prolife committee.

Oftentimes, a newly elected chair is not a member of the current committee. The opportunity to serve a year as chair-elect allows a bishop to become acquainted with the work of the committee before assuming the role of chair. Some of the more important and complex committee projects often require more than three years to accomplish. Allowing the incoming chair to serve first as chair-elect insures continuity with the committee work.

In my case, I am already a member of the pro-life committee.

My life will not change significantly for the next year.

Through my 20 years as a member of the

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN bishops’ conference, I have been nominated several times for other committee chairmanships. In fact, several years ago, I was nominated previously to chair the pro-life committee.

Up until this November, I had a perfect losing record.

Every bishop is invited to nominate brother bishops for the chairmanship of committees, whose current chairs will be entering into their final year of service.

The Committee on Priorities and Plans, composed of elected representatives from all of the geographic regions, identify two bishops, based on the names of those most frequently nominated, who are willing to serve as candidates for the chairmanship of each committee.

Elections in the bishops’ conference are very different from those we experience in civil society. A nominee for a committee chair-

manship never knows the identity of the other nominee until the list of candidates are presented to all the bishops.

Additional candidates can be nominated at the meeting, but this rarely occurs. It is never the case that you are running against the other nominee. Refreshingly, there is no campaigning for office. Bishops are presented with brief biographies of each candidate. Based on the bios and our own knowledge of one another, we cast our votes.

Personally, I have always felt quite humbled in the past to be nominated by the bishops to stand as a candidate for the chair of a committee. I admire the zeal, knowledge and wisdom of my brother bishops. We have such an incredible pool of talent within the conference of bishops.

I am one of a handful of bishops who had the opportunity during our priestly ministry to serve as diocesan prolife directors. From 1984 through 1995, I was the priest coordinator for the pro-life apostolate of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

This responsibility both required and afforded me the opportunity to study and reflect upon the many and often complex issues related to the church’s efforts to both protect and promote the sanctity of every human life.

In large part because of that experience, I am currently serving my sixth term as a member of the USCCB’s pro-life committee. It has been a great privilege to have been chosen by the six preceding pro-life chairmen to serve on the committee.

Since my election, I have been asked what will be my priorities for the committee. Cardinal Dolan remains the chair of the committee. Since my term does not begin until next November, it would be premature for me to articulate goals for the future committee. My focus currently is to assist Cardinal Dolan in any way that I can with the current committee’s work.

The USCCB Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities outlines the multidimensional approach the church employs in her pro-life efforts. First of all, every apostolate and ministry of the church must be grounded in prayer.

Secondly, the church’s pro-life efforts are educational. We must attempt to inform the minds and inspire the hearts of our own people to build a culture of life.

Third, the pro-life ministry is all about love and mercy. Our goal is to

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Dec. 16 Pastoral visit — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea Dec. 17 Pastoral visit — Holy Angels, Garnett

Helen Skradski

Steve Pierce

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Carrie Kaifes-Lally

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Dec. 27 Totus Tuus, Camp Tekakwitha and Prayer in Action Holy Hour

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER

Dec. 18 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Dec. 19 Southern Region priest meeting

Dec. 17 Mass — Federal prison camp Confessions

Administrative Team meeting

Penance service — St. Agnes, Roeland Park

Dec. 20 Leavenworth Region priests meeting

Dec. 19 Johnson County priests luncheon

Dec. 22 Chancery staff Mass and lunch

Dec. 23 Quo Vadis retreat

Dec. 22 Chancery staff Mass and lunch

Dec. 24 Mass — Federal prison camp

Dec. 25 Christmas Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary

Dec. 24 Mass, 10:30 p.m. — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

surround those experiencing an untimely or difficult pregnancy with a community of love and support to help them choose life.

At the same time, we are called to make available the healing mercy of God to those who have participated in or facilitated an abortion decision and now deeply regret that choice.

Finally, our pro-life efforts also include advocacy for public policies that protect life from the womb to the tomb. The church, since the inception of our

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Dec. 25 Mass, 9 a.m. — Cathedral of St. Peter

nation, has chosen not to endorse political candidates or parties. At the same time, the church has a responsibility to form the consciences of her members and to be a voice for the voiceless in the public square.

Please know that I appreciate and depend on your prayers all the time. I will count on you to ramp up your prayers next November when I assume this additional responsibility to serve the U.S. bishops in their efforts to build a culture of life and a civilization of love.

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DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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‘OUR FAITH IS UNIVERSAL’

National ‘encounter’ seeks input, identifies leaders among Hispanic Catholics

By Katie Hyde Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — They are stepping up, taking a seat at the table and bringing forward hundreds of ideas about how to improve our community.

The Hispanic community in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas — one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant segments of the archdiocese — is ready to be heard.

As the archdiocese’s Hispanic community grows, efforts to respond to the unique challenges facing this community increase as well.

The V Encuentro (the “V” is the Roman numeral for “5,” signifying that this is the fifth national encuentro sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) is a national effort to listen to and lift up the voices of the Hispanic community in the United States and to empower Hispanic Catholics to bring their faith, tradition and culture to bear on the entire Catholic community in the U.S. The archdiocesan V Encuentro was held at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on Nov. 18. A regional meeting of select delegates from the Midwest will be held in April 2018, From left, Alex Sierra, Carina Mascote and Fidel and a national meeting in September Mascote, members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, 2018. took part in V Encuentro, held Nov. 18 at Savior Many of the participants in atten- Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Many of dance on Nov. 18 were bursting with the participants in attendance discussed ideas ideas about how to live out their faith about how to live out their faith and how to and how to unite English- and Spanish- unite English- and Spanish-speaking Catholics speaking Catholics into one communi- into one community. ty.

In preparation for the archdioce- A participant in V Encuentro from All Saints san V Encuentro, leaders from each Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, proudly wears parish’s Hispanic community visited a shirt showing his support for the process, hundreds of Hispanic Catholic families which is a national effort to listen to and lift and listened to their experiences. up the voices of the Hispanic community in the From that came a wealth of knowl- United States. edge about the reality lived by Hispanics in the archdiocese. worship, of speaking.

“One challenge is [gaining] the ac“But our faith is universal.” ceptance of our whole community,” Openness and welcoming were said Carmen Oregel, a member of the common refrains.

Cathedral of St. So, too, were misPeter in Kansas understandings City, Kansas. and cultural diOregel was part of “WE NEED TO BE OPEN vides. Many parthe six-person delticipants spoke egation from her TO EACH OTHER BECAUSE passionately about parish. the unique chal“We’re kind JESUS DIDN’T BELIEVE lenges facing the of separated by Hispanic comcultures: the HisIN DIFFERENCES. . . . WE munity, including panics and the HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF language barriers, Anglos,” she said. cultural hurdles “And we feel we’re THINKING, OF WORSHIP, and immigration. not being accept“We want to ed.

OF SPEAKING. BUT OUR share more of our “We need to be culture and our open to each other.

FAITH IS UNIVERSAL.” way of believing,” Because Jesus said Jorge Delgado, didn’t believe in also a parishioner differences. There are so many different cultures in our of the Cathedral of St. Peter. “We don’t church, but catholic means universal. want to take anything from anybody.

We just want to give back.”

We have different ways of thinking, of

“

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

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY JOE MCSORLEY

And as members of the growing Hispanic community continue to share their culture and give back to the archdiocese, they hope that the cultural barriers dividing the English and Spanish communities will dissolve.

“We have seen that there is some lack of understanding in the community,” said Adriana Contreras Ordaz, a member of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park.

“I am an immigrant,” she said. “But when I explain to others why I am here, that I am educated, that I don’t want to take their jobs, why I want to be in this country, they understand that I have something to contribute.”

“We are not Hispanics or Anglos,” she further explained. “We are one

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

church, without regard to differences in race, language or culture. We are a church of differences, but we can become one in the love of God.” This message of unity was echoed

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who celebrated Mass for the gathered and offered words of support and encouragement to the group.

“This meeting is not just for the Hispanic community, but for the entire church,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“The Holy Spirit is working strongly in the United States, and the V Encuentro is one aspect where the Holy Spirit is working most strongly.”

For more information about V Encuentro, go online to: vencuentro.org.

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

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LOCAL NEWS

4

Why a book is the best gift you can give

By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven

O

VERLAND PARK — As parents, we work hard to give our children the best — and it’s never more evident than at this time of year.

But too many parents are failing to give their children the single gift that best predicts their later success — in school and beyond.

Literacy is the door to all knowledge. Once a child learns to read, they are able to spend the rest of their life reading to learn.

Or just for fun, for that matter!

So, as you go about your shopping this holiday season, remember that with the gift of a book, you give the joy of reading.

And if the child on your shopping list is too young to read, don’t let that stop you.

Reading aloud to children models language and patterns of language.

It stretches thinking skills, said Karen Farrell, principal of St. Gregory the Great School in Marysville.

“Seeing the words on the page, learning vocabulary, understanding how a story is structured and being able to talk about the details of the story are all important when it comes to helping children learn how to read,” she said.

The gift of literacy, in fact, begins at birth. Books are full of words.

Reading aloud celebrates words — the sounds and melody and how they fit together. It builds vocabulary.

The language in books is rich and in complete sentences. The language is more complicated and sophisticated than what is generally heard in the home or on TV. A child who hears more sophisticated words has a giant advantage.

It all boils down to the fact that

research shows that the child who comes to school with a large vocabulary does better than the child who comes with a small vocabulary.

“The children that are read to often at home,” said Jeanne Myers, second-grade teacher at Mater Dei School in Topeka, “develop a larger vocabulary, a well-rounded background knowledge and higher self-esteem.”

Pam Allyn, executive director of LitWorld, said that “within the first 10 minutes [of walking into a classroom], I can tell which children have been read to before they came to school.”

“Their engagement with literature in the classroom, their capacity to listen deeply, to remain engaged, their stamina for early reading — all of those factors are potentially built right from birth,” she added.

“The foundation of education is reading,” said Farrell. “Developing a love for reading early helps children as they progress through school.

Having books in the home and being read to helps them be more successful academically.”

Moreover, it is a bonding experience for parents and children.

Even when your child is able to read well, take turns reading aloud to

each other. It provides opportunities to share in adventures, predict outcomes and analyze characters.

Then, continue to read aloud stories that may be too difficult for your child to read independently, but will generate the opportunity for indepth discussion.

Colleen Kolich, who teaches AP literature at St. James Academy in Lenexa, believes it is important to read aloud even to high school students.

“Adult reading is more fluid and the cadence is more polished, leading to a more enjoyable read for teens,” she said. “It develops the skill of listening.”

At Mater Dei, teachers encourage parents to read along with their students. The school sends books home to be read together.

“When students participate in a novel study, parents are encouraged to share in the reading with their student,” said Andrea Hilbert, principal.

When children are read to, they are transported into new worlds — worlds they could not get to on their own.

They come to see literature as something fun, positive and valuable. They become lifelong readers and learners.

And the bonds that reading together creates can serve as a door to lifelong communication.

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Tips and ideas • Read to your child every day. If you can’t, ask someone else to be your child’s designated reader.

• Create a special place for books in the home.

• Try to find a regular time and a quiet space to read together.

• Turn off other distractions, such as the radio or television, during reading time.

• Encourage your children to ask questions about the characters, pictures and words.

• Talk about the story with your child. Did he or she like it? Why? • Older children can read their favorite parts or you can take turns reading chapter books.

“I had a little girl years ago,” recalled Mary Louise Totten, firstgrade teacher at Mater Dei, “that always read with her mom. The mother always had a book — on the counter, in her purse or in the car.

They loved to read together.”

“When the little girl went off to college and had a rough day,” continued Totten, “she would call her mom and quote lines from the book ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.’” Her mom would then quote back to her daughter lines from that same favorite book, said Totten.

“And then the day didn’t seem so bad,” she added.

Statement In a preliminary hearing held Dec. 8, a Wyandotte County District Court judge ruled there was sufficient cause to bind over for trial Father Scott Kallal, AVI, who is charged with two felony counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Father Kallal was suspended from priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in July of this year, when allegations involving a minor surfaced, and remains suspended as this matter moves to trial.

No trial date has been announced.

The archdiocese asks anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any church employee, volunteer, clergy or religious to please contact the confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 to reach archdiocesan report investigator Jan Saylor; go to: archkck.org/reportabuse to report online; or call law enforcement directly.

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Youth seek ‘God moments’ at NCYC

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Having gone to a previous National Catholic Youth Conference in 2015, Molly Minihan already knew what she wanted to do this year in Indianapolis.

She wanted to meet other Catholic youths from across the nation, participate in fun activities, listen to inspiring speakers and trade items.

But most of all, she wanted a “God moment.”

“When we go to different events, they’re not very long, so I don’t have a chance to really encounter God,” said Minihan, 17, a member of St. Columbkille Parish in Blaine. “I was planning on having my God moment, which I definitely did during eucharistic adoration.”

Minihan was among the 466 high school-age youths and chaperones the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas sent to the biennial National Catholic Youth Conference from Nov. 16-19 in Indianapolis.

The event, which drew more than 20,000 Catholic youth from across the nation, was sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

If anyone knows what NCYC is all about, it’s Rick Cheek, consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

He’s been to 11 since his first one in 1997.

“It gathers young people from all over the United States — and sometimes the world — to see the ‘big church’ beyond their own parish, encounter Christ, see and hear keynote speakers, and enhance their faith,” said Cheek.

This is all done through keynote addresses, “mega” sessions, breakouts/ workshops and fun activities in the Thematic Village. Daily rosaries, daily Mass, the sacrament of reconciliation and eucharistic adoration are also all available.

Rob Stallbaumer, 17, from Holy Family Parish in Eudora, was impressed by the size and diversity of the “big church” that he saw in Indianapolis.

“We saw people from all 50 states,” said Stallbaumer. “I saw people from Hawaii and Alaska, places I’ve never been to and want to go to someday.”

Trading things — hats, bandanas, pins and other trinkets — was a big part of the social scene. Stallbaumer arrived at NCYC with a black hat with different colored horns sticking out of it. Seven or eight trades later, he went home with a shark hat.

Chloe Fischer, 14, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Onaga, was a little nervous about going to Indianapolis because she had never traveled so far and stayed away so long. She got a lot of advice from Minihan, who told her “how wonderful and great it was,” and a lot of support from her fellow conferencegoers.

“I expected that I would grow in my faith and get closer to God. But actually going there, it was way better than I expected,” said Fisher. “I was glad I went.”

Like Minihan promised, there was plenty of fun.

“There was a big place where you could trade items [with other youth] and there were vendors,” said Fischer.

“There were two big containers filled with Styrofoam. You’d climb in there and race other people to find things.

And they also had workshops that would explain things about the faith.”

PHOTO BY JOSEPH SCHINSTOCK

From left, Cadence Dare, Kaitlyn Hayes and Emma Coit, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, participate in a lively gathering at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. The biennial conference draws some 20,000 Catholic teenagers from across the country.

One workshop presenter used a fidget spinner, with its three moving parts, as an allegory for the Holy Trinity.

“My favorite things [of NCYC] were confession and [eucharistic] adoration,” said Fischer. “It was one of the most open and honest confessions I ever had.

The priest was nice. He told me how much Jesus loved me. And after [eucharistic] adoration, I felt so close to God, it was amazing.”

Like Minihan, Jo Dorrell was a NCYC veteran who wanted to go again.

“I wanted to go a second time because, when I went the first time, I had the biggest Jesus encounter that I ever had,” said Dorrell, 18, who went with the youth group from St. Boniface Parish in Scipio. “That was pretty special. All of us as a group came together, and the focus on our faith really meant a lot.”

Before her group left home, they — like many other groups — purchased things to trade. They chose clothespins, with little messages inscribed, that they would give and trade. They also prayed the rosary a lot on the bus ride to Indianapolis.

Two things especially moved Dorrell.

One was seeing more than 20,000 Catholic youth at eucharistic adoration in complete silence.

The other was an inspiring talk by Allison Donohue, archdiocesan pro-life consultant, and Father Larry Bowers, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Osage City and St. Patrick Parish in Scranton.

Their talk, entitled “Keep Your Faith Off My Body,” was a powerful message of personal testimony and teachings from St. John Paul II’s theology of the body. “[Donohue’s] talk was really special to me,” said Dorrell. “I think I really needed to hear it. I think every kid needed to hear it. It’s something a lot of kids question, ‘Why can’t I do that?’

“They explained so clearly how God’s love is more important than any of your desires,” she said. “They explained really well how it’s important to be smart with your body in a faithful way.”

The way the youths responded to their talk revealed to Donohue how

PHOTO BY JOSEPH SCHINSTOCK

Father Larry Bowers, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Osage City and St. Patrick Parish in Scranton, and Allison Donohue, archdiocesan pro-life director, deliver a joint presentation, titled “Keep Your Faith Off My Body,” at the NCYC in Indianapolis. much many of them were hurting.

“We had a bunch of kids come up and talk to us afterward,” said Donohue. “I think I was most struck by how much kids want to hear this message and be able to talk to someone about it. We had kids waiting 20 or 30 minutes to talk to us. A couple of them came up to us, crying, talking about their lives.

“There’s so much brokenness in the area of sexuality in teenagers.”

If any of Fischer’s peers asked her advice about NCYC, she would simply say this: Go. “I’d really encourage them to go,” said Fischer. “At first, I didn’t know if I wanted to go. But afterward, I felt so happy with myself. It’s like restarting.”

“After you go, you want to go again,” she said. “It was life changing to see how many people my age are so strong in the faith. It was pretty amazing.”

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Be the voice Parents — how are you helping prepare your family for the feast of Christmas this Advent season?

Sunday’s Gospel is calling us to give testimony to the most important person in our lives — Jesus Christ.

Isaiah the prophet speaks of how, because of Christ, glad tidings are proclaimed, the broARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 kenhearted are made new and captives are set free.

May all our preparations give testimony to the light and love of Christ who humbly came to save us and will come again. Come, Lord Jesus!

— William O’Leary, director of religious formation, Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka Address: 134 NE Lake, 66616 Phone: (785) 232-5088 Pastor: Father Gerardo Arano-Ponce Mass times: Saturday, 4 p.m., 6 p.m. (en español); Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (en español) and 1:30 (en español) Email: olg134@sbcglobal.net Website: www.olg-parish.com/mission.html MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

6

Pilgrim has holy encounter

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

M

EDJUGORJE — Mary Stowers found herself lost, hungry and a little afraid.

“I was wandering around for an hour or an hour-and-a-half,” she said.

What happened next was something she never expected.

Stowers was on a trip with a group of over 40 visiting Medjugorje, the site of alleged Marian apparitions in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The group had already visited the city of Banja Luka and would end their journey in Fatima, Portugal.

But this journey wasn’t planned for Stowers. In fact, it was an opportunity she never saw coming.

Stowers is the daughter of Don and Maureen Stowers. Don is the web manager for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. A couple at St. Therese Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, where the Stowers are parishioners, mentioned to the young singer that they were looking for a good cantor to take on a European pilgrimage.

Stowers fit the bill.

“They offered to pay my way if I would come with them,” she said.

At first, she didn’t think they were serious.

“But they said, ‘That wasn’t a theoretical statement — that was an offer,’” she continued.

It was an offer she couldn’t refuse.

“In the end, I figured there’s only so many times in life I’m going to get an experience or opportunity like that,” she said.

So there Stowers was, walking back from the site in Medjugorje — where Mary is said to have appeared to a group of visionaries — when she realized how lost she was.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY STOWERS

Mary Stowers found kindness and hospitality on a recent trip to Medjugorje.

Stowers had been walking back from the site with a small group, but they were all staying with Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo, one of the alleged visionaries, and she was staying with a brother of one of the alleged visionaries.

The group offered to walk her to her boarding house, but she confidently declined, thinking she could find her way there on her own.

“I got really lost and really frustrated because I kept passing things I knew were a minute’s walk from my boarding house,” she said.

“But I didn’t know where the turn was,” she added. “So I was walking in circles.”

Eventually, Stowers asked a stranger where Mirjana lived, thinking Mirjana was more wellknown than the relative she was staying with. The person pointed her in the right direction.

When she arrived, said Stowers, “I walked [into the house] and the tour guide was giving a talk to all the people [staying there] and I didn’t know what to do, so I sat down at a table.”

Suddenly, Stowers, who hadn’t had any food or water for hours

and was disheveled from walking all day broke down and began to cry.

“And then Mirjana came in,” said Stowers. “She came up and gave me a hug and said, ‘You have nothing to be frightened of here.

This is your home.’

“She told me that I was safe here, that any time I was lost or needed help, I could come to her house and I would be taken care of.”

After the consoling words, Mirjana kissed Stowers on the forehead.

“On the way home I was walking with friends and one said it was a blessing that very, very few people have,” she said. “He said it’s like a kiss from Our Lady.”

Needless to say, the experience made up for the stress of getting lost, said Stowers.

The encounter had resounding effects, inspiring Stowers to pray the rosary more and be more intentional in her faith.

“Someone up there’s looking over me,” she said.

“From that day, I don’t think anything really shook me,” she added.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Think it’s not happing near you? Think again.

T

STORY BY MARC AND JULIE ANDERSON

OPEKA — It’s a $150 billion dollar industry.

Yes, billion.

Annually.

Pope Francis has called it a scourge on the planet.

But the Rev. Barry Feaker, executive director of Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries, said that it all comes down to something very simple: the money.

“Human trafficking [markets] a commodity that can be used over and over again,” he said. “And you make more money each time.”

The numbers are staggering.

According to Exodus Cry, an international organization based in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area (see sidebar), human trafficking generates at least $150 billion annually and affects at least 21 million worldwide.

Approximately 4.5 million of the victims are

trafficked for one specific purpose: sexual exploitation. Ninety-eight percent of the victims of sex trafficking are women and girls.

In 2014, the Urban Institute estimated the underground sex economy generated $39.9 million in Denver and $290 million in Atlanta alone.

In Kansas, the numbers have been rising steadily. For example, according to the Kansas attorney general, there were 44 “official” cases of human trafficking within the state in 2012.

Three years later, the number had grown to more than 400 “official” cases. For a variety of reasons, hundreds — if not thousands more — go unreported in the state each year, said Rev. Feaker.

The numbers alone can bring about a sense of powerlessness. After all, what can one person do?

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“WE DON’T WANT TO BELIEVE THOSE KINDS OF THINGS ARE OCCURRING.” CNS PHOTO/LISA JOHNSTON, ST. LOUIS REVIEW

>> Continued from previous page

Army strong Don’t ask what you alone can do about human trafficking.

Ask, instead, whether you are ready to enlist.

Because Rev. Feaker is raising an army.

An army of Christians, he said, is what is needed to combat this epidemic of global proportions.

Part of that army he’s calling for is already in training or serving on the front lines here in the archdiocese. One such person is Deacon Brad Sloan.

Ordained in June as a permanent deacon, Deacon Sloan is engaged in pastoral work at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka. He is also assigned to pastoral work at the Topeka Rescue Mission’s Restore Hope division.

As part of his ministry — and in concert with Rev. Feaker — Deacon Sloan is developing presentations about human trafficking for area Catholic parishes. He said this topic is important, and people need to be aware of it.

“Human slavery and trafficking have been around since the dawn of man,” said Deacon Sloan. “It’s no different today in our enlightened society than it was during the Middle Ages, than it was during Jesus’ time, than it was during Abraham’s time.

“I think that sometimes what we want to do is say we live in this great technological society, and that can’t possibly happen here.

“As a culture, it clouds our vision,” he continued. “We don’t want to see those things. We don’t want to believe those kinds of things are occurring.”

Rev. Feaker agreed, and said that the first step in this battle is to accept the fact that human trafficking occurs throughout society.

“We’ve got to embrace that as a possibility,” he said. “Once we do that, then we can talk.”

A lot of people don’t realize how much trafficking occurs in the city and the state, said Deacon Sloan.

“Topeka sits in a very unique location.

We’re not very far from a large urban center. We sit on I-70, which is a major artery that runs from the East Coast to the West Coast. The potential for nefarious activities is high,” he said.

“We’re in the heart of the Midwest.

We’re in the middle of the country,” he added, explaining the Midwest is buffered somewhat from activities on the coasts, making it a prime recruiting ground.

“We don’t think in terms of these kinds of things going on here,” he said.

As a Catholic deacon and a professional working at an alcohol and drug treatment center, he views himself as being in a unique position to affect change, as well as serve as a bridge of commonality among Christians. Topeka Rescue Mission is an agency aligned with Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ.

“I want to be able to utilize [my positions], God willing, to affect change,” Deacon Sloan said.

The Rescue Mission, he believes, is an “awesome collaboration” between Catholics and other Christians — “one that speaks volumes about the church in the world today.”

But raising awareness is a critical first step.

“It starts with just raising awareness and just by virtue of that, there will be people interested in getting more involved,” he said.

‘Now that you know . . . ’ Already fighting the good fight in the city of Topeka is Mary M. Nearly four years ago, she saw a video about human trafficking, one that changed her life.

“The very last question was: ‘Now that

CNS ILLUSTRATION/LISA JOHNSTON, ST. LOUIS REVIEW

you know, what will you do?’” Mary recalled.

“I didn’t have any concept that it was actually happening right here,” she said.

Learning that it did, weighed heavily on her heart.

So Mary organized a fundraiser. And while she called the fundraiser “a complete disaster” financially, the event still had a profound effect on her life.

It was there she heard a firsthand account of trafficking on a local level from a survivor.

“The survivor shared her story and what had occurred to her right here. It blew me away,” Mary said. “I just couldn’t believe that it was happening.”

After hearing the survivor share her story, Mary felt a sense of urgency to go deeper. So, she researched the issue.

As she learned more and more, she remembered some of the young women with whom she’d once worked in a juvenile justice intake program and wondered if they had been victims of trafficking.

Still spurred on by her previous work and the video, Mary kept researching the issue. She even decided to open a safe house where victims could seek shelter and rest as they healed from the indignities they’d suffered at the hands of their traffickers and “clients.”

There was just one problem. She had no idea where to find the victims.

Meanwhile, Rev. Feaker and the Topeka Rescue Mission were actively helping trafficking victims — without realizing that’s what they were.

“Some folks in drug houses, homeless camps, abandoned homes and other places would tell us they ‘weren’t allowed to

leave,’” he said.

“Why can’t you leave?” and “Why is it not your choice?” wondered Rev. Feaker and other agency staff.

“That brought us to an investigation of this thing called trafficking,” he said.

Joining forces Mary and Deacon Sloan and his wife were not the only ones beginning to recognize the evil that was taking root in their community. Fortunately, there were already some resources available to help.

The Sloans participated in a 49-week curriculum titled “Hands that Heal,” designed to equip church workers and other service providers with tools to reach victims of trafficking. It also educated caregivers on practical ways to help.

And in 2014, Restore Hope, a division of the Topeka Rescue Mission, began “reaching out in love, rescue and restoration” to trafficking victims, particularly of sexual exploitation. The name of the ministry, Restore Hope, is intentional. “[The victims] are children of the kingdom, and [God] has a plan for them,” Rev. Feaker said.

That first year, the ministry worked with four individuals. By 2016, the number served had increased to 92. By June of this year, more than 60 individuals had already been served by Restore Hope.

“I really think we’ve just begun to scratch the surface,” Deacon Sloan said of the ministry’s efforts thus far.

He recalled a story about a young woman who had gone to a house to use drugs with others.

“I LITERALLY SEE IT IN THE DAY-TO-DAY GRIME OF THE WORLD.” “They were holding her down and shooting her up with methamphetamines for the purpose of using her,” he said.

Most traffickers, he explained, prey on the emotionally vulnerable, those with low self-esteem and those who can be easily manipulated. That’s why he advises parents to be on alert.

Ecumenical Organizations Combating Human Trafficking • RESTORE HOPE The Topeka Rescue Mission (known as TRM Ministries) opened in 1953 to provide food and shelter to men experiencing homelessness. Its mission has expanded to other ministries, including Restore Hope, which has helped to bring hope and healing to 130 individuals thought to be victims.

Deacon Brad Sloan, an archdiocesan deacon doing pastoral work at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and TRM Ministries, recently started an awareness campaign about human sex trafficking. The presentation is available to parishes.

Go online to: www.archkck.org/HTM • VERONICA’S VOICE Founded in 2000 in honor of a 21-yearold victim of human trafficking, Veronica’s Voice exists “to empower women to exit from, to prevent the entry into, and to end all demand for prostitution-sex trafficking in the United States through survivor leadership.” A grant from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health Systems provided initial funding.

Go online to: www.veronicasvoice.org.

“EVERY ONE OF THE FOLKS I’VE COME IN CONTACT WITH ARE LOCAL.”

• MAGDALENE KC Part of Veronica’s Voice, Magdalene KC provides “up to two years of free transitional housing, food and basic necessities in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.” The program includes mental and physical health services, life skills and job training to empower women “to become thriving and contributing members of their community.”

Go online to: www.veronicasvoice.org/ magdalene-kc.

• ONE BY ONE PROJECT Since June 2012, the project has worked in “empowering communities through awareness to end sex trafficking.” While living in the Philippines, Andrea Shelton witnessed sexual exploitation of children.

Later, she researched international organizations that worked with child prostitution and learned about the pervasiveness of human trafficking worldwide, even in Kansas City, and vowed to do something.

Go online to: www.onebyoneproject.org.

tims online. They might start dating someone and, after about a year or so, when things get serious, the traffickers will say they could get a better start in life for the two of them if (in most cases) the woman would be willing to engage in some sexual activities for money.

“If she says no, that’s when the force comes in,” said Rev. Feaker, adding that the trafficker has already figured out how to isolate her, but he might also physically assault her and threaten her family.

Once a victim succumbs to the pressure, it’s extremely difficult to get out of the situation.

Survivors

CNS PHOTO/LISA JOHNSTON, ST. LOUIS REVIEW

“Know who your kids’ friends are,” said Deacon Sloan. “Know what they’re doing online. Know who they’re talking to and where they’re at.”

“Most people think it’s not going to happen here in Topeka, Kansas,” he said, “but every one of the folks I’ve come into contact with are local.

Reverend Feaker agreed. Most trafficking in the United States is relationshipbased, he noted.

“The traffickers look for those vulnerabilities and exploit them,” he said.

Traffickers, Rev. Feaker and Deacon Sloan said, plant themselves in schools, camps and colleges. They also seek out vic-

That’s where Mary reaches out to victims in love, helping them to become survivors.

“The whole thing is set up to take advantage of someone’s vulnerabilities,” she said. “They don’t feel as if they’re a victim.

Ninety-five percent of them do not identify as a sex trafficking victim.”

A simple thing that Mary has found useful in helping victims of trafficking is art. As such, Restore Hope keeps on hand — and is always in need of — art supplies such as adult coloring books (particularly Christian-themed ones), drawing paper, paints, colored pencils and crayons.

“The best way to do therapy with sexual trauma is to do art because it’s a complete redefinition of beauty,” she said.

She recalled a young woman who had come out of a trafficking situation. The

• EXODUS CRY Exodus Cry exists to “not only seek to prevent trafficking before it begins” but “to intervene where it already exists and bring restoration to those who are rescued.” Born out of the 24/7 prayer room at the International House of Prayer Mission Base of Kansas City, the international organization is “built on a foundation of prayer and is committed to abolishing sex slavery through Christ-centered prevention, intervention and holistic restoration of trafficking victims.”

Go online to: exoduscry.com • STOP TRAFFICKING PROJECT The agency’s mission is “to help end domestic minor sex trafficking in the Greater KC region, the Midwest and USA.” Its website tells of a 12-year-old raped for profit while her older boyfriend videotaped the encounter, threatening to post it online if she told anyone, a story which the agency says is a common one.

Go online to: www.stoptrafficking project.com.

• ELEVATE KC Deacon Dana Nearmyer, the archdiocesan evangelization division secretary, serves on the board for this ecumenical organization “invested in prayer, fellowship and strategic collaboration in four identified areas of concern that we pursue together: education, fatherlessness, human trafficking and racial healing.”

Go online to: www.elevatekc.org.

• RESTORATION HOUSE OF GREATER KANSAS CITY Restoration House “focuses on healing survivors from the indignities they have suffered by providing physical needs, trauma and addiction therapy, as well as education and job skill training.”

Go online to: restorationhousekc.com.

• LOVE KC STREET HOPE Love KC Street Hope, an alliance of Christian churches, community partners and volunteers, focuses on ending domestic minor sex trafficking.

Go online to: www.kcstreethope.org.

young woman could not speak and was curled up in a fetal position.

After bringing her to the Restore Hope center, Mary offered her some crayons and paper. The young woman started to draw a landscape scene reminiscent of where she had grown up. The act of drawing it helped draw her out in a way that enabled Mary to finally talk with her.

“She was finally able to talk [after that],” Mary said. “[It] literally unlocked her.” “ [Giving her the crayons] was the only way we were able to get inside and talk with her,” she recalled.

Other things Mary does to help victims is to give them a safe place to relax for a little while before transporting them to another location (sometimes out of state); take them for ice cream or a meal; and offer them clothing, like socks and T-shirts.

In every case, Mary said the needs are somehow always met by God’s providence.

“It’s exciting like that,” she said. “It’s very exciting.”

And for Mary, helping someone restore their sense of self-worth is a constant reminder of her faith.

Although she has a master’s degree in theology and has spent a lot of time reading books and articles about the faith, she said it’s in the “dirt and grime” of being on the front lines of this battle where she has seen firsthand how much God truly loves her and everyone in the world.

“I literally see it in the day-to-day grime of the world and what it means for Jesus to say, ‘I care for you. I died for you. I rose for >> Continued on the next page

A survivor shares her story

>> Continued from previous page you and I am here,” she said.

“They need us to fight for them before they can fight for themselves,” she added.

Daily, Mary said she has seen God’s “fanatical, crazy” love for the women she serves.

“That has been a huge honor for me,” she added.

“OUR OWN CHILDREN ARE VERY VULNERABLE.”

N

earing the end of her teenage years, Suzy was a single mother living in an apartment.

She did not have much. In fact, she lacked many things, including furniture.

‘The perfect storm’ While Rev. Feaker, Deacon Sloan and Mary are training a spiritual army and serving on the battlefront in Topeka, many individuals and organizations have been doing the same in the Kansas City area. One such individual is Deacon Dana Nearmyer, evangelization division secretary for the archdiocese.

Ordained as a permanent deacon in 2011, Deacon Nearmyer serves as a board member of Elevate KC, an ecumenical organization formed to pray for the challenges facing the Greater Kansas City area — like trafficking.

“You know these things are out there, but they seem so big you can’t do anything about them,” he said.

He had been encouraged to get involved with the organization by Father Dennis Wait, the director of Sanctuary of Hope in Kansas City, Kansas, at the time and a priest of the archdiocese.

As a group of Christian believers, ElevateKC decided to zero in on four specific challenges, one of which was human sex trafficking.

Because Deacon Nearmyer serves in an archdiocesan office, he has many connections with parishes, high schools and youth groups throughout the area.

He tries to be “systematic in praying for this issue and in encouraging the youth groups to be in prayer for this.”

He also tries to educate youth about the links between pornography and human sex trafficking.

“I’m trying to help young people understand the injury they cause by participating in the sex industry through pornography,” he said.

Pornography might seem like “a nameless and potentially painless thing to a lot of people but it fuels great harm,” he said.

The other thing he remembers in prayer and speaks about to youth groups and high schools is to educate them on the pervasiveness of human sex trafficking in the Kansas City area.

According to research he’s learned as a result of his interactions with others engaged on the frontlines of battles, the corridor along I-435 and Metcalf is considered a hot spot for such activity because of an abundance of “posh hotels, a lack of awareness, a proliferation of money and beautiful girls.”

Those factors, he said, create “the perfect storm.”

Discussing sex trafficking, Deacon Nearmyer said, is often unpleasant, but it’s important.

“We want to shut this down for kids around the world,” he said. “Our own children are very vulnerable.”

In addition to education, there are two keys to shutting down trafficking for good. One is to turn off the demand.

The second key, he said, is to expose Fortune 500 companies for their involvement in such activities.

People would be surprised, he continued, to learn how many household brand names are associated with companies involved in sex trafficking.

Despite the challenges, said Deacon Nearmyer, it is important to have the necessary conversations on these topics as we all seek to imitate Pope Francis and go to the peripheries, “where people are hurting and broken.”

CNS PHOTO/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE, REUTERS

‘In the life’ Kristy Childs was once broken by the sex trafficking life she was a part of.

Now she is helping others in the Kansas City area escape its clutches.

After 24 years “in the life” as a prostitute — she started as a 12-year-old runaway from an abusive home — Childs found herself feeling broken and unloved, with no hope of escape.

Then one sound changed everything: the beating of her unborn son’s heart.

From that point on, Childs was committed to doing whatever it took to begin a new life for herself and her son.

She eventually got a job at a local area chamber of commerce and, through the assistance of Sister Linda Roth, SCL, enrolled in “Keyboards to Success,” a three-month class that taught her important job skills.

The program also matched its students to different job opportunities.

Childs eventually landed a job interview, and a job followed.

But the connection with Sister Linda paid even more lasting dividends.

“I ended up sharing my story with her,” said Childs. “From there, she knew what was on my heart.”

Childs eventually wound up working for Sister Linda — who would go on to help her secure the $25,000 in grant money that Childs would use to start

a nonprofit agency to help victims of prostitution.

That was in 2000.

Now, 17 years later, Veronica’s Voice has grown and includes a program known as Magdalene KC. Opened nearly a year ago, the program is mentoring its first group of women.

Modeled after a similar program in Nashville, Tennessee, the program works to help women form “authentic friendships,” as well as learn life skills.

The women are placed in teams of eight and offered a place to rest and recover with wraparound services; however, they are expected to put in work.

Childs said the participants are pushed and held accountable. They have people “who walk alongside them” and “be like a friend would be.”

“We think that’s what love is really supposed to look like,” she said.

“To go in and see these women in this home environment creating community is just so awesome,” she added.

That love, Childs said, has already seen some incredible transformations.

One of the program’s first participants has received a college scholarship and just started school this semester.

“To see her blooming into the woman she is, I could just cry right now,” Childs said. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.”

Ways to help There are countless ways to get involved in the fight to combat human trafficking. Here are a few places to start: 1. Pray.

2. Make a monetary gift.

3. Host an awareness presentation at your parish.

4. Find out an organization’s specific material needs and donate those items.

These might include art supplies, gift cards, T-shirts, socks and personal hygiene kits.

5. If you are a trained counselor, psychologist or social worker and think you might be called to be on the frontlines, offer your services to an organization.

6. Become a mentor to a teenager or young adult in need of a role model.

7. Offer your professional skills and/or personal talents to these organizations, whatever they might be. For example, maybe you are an event planner and can help an organization with its annual fundraiser. Or, maybe you have an accounting background and would like to help an organization with its financial records. Or, maybe you are great with computers and can help an organization with its online presence and social media. The needs are endless.

Enter an older man. He started giving Suzy furniture, let her drive his car to work, and bought her name-brand clothes and purses, as well as toys for her child.

He even took care of her child occasionally.

At first, Suzy thought nothing of it.

“I thought he was just being nice and trying to help me,” she said.

Eventually, the man changed, Suzy said.

“He started saying things like, ‘I need something in return,’ and he’d try to touch me,” she added.

It became harder for Suzy to reject his advances. When the man threatened to stop allowing her to drive his car to work or said he would no EDITOR’S NOTE: The longer buy names in this story her clothes, were changed to proSuzy had tect the individuals’ s e c o n d safety. The situation thoughts. happened to some“I noticed one in Topeka. Direct how bad I service providers say was doing on her story is a common my own,” she one. said, “and I thought I needed the stuff.”

She gave in to his advances. Then, the man, who had a girlfriend, “suggested” Suzy should “go with his friends.”

Had it not been for Suzy’s friend and mentor Bev, things might have gone further.

As friend and mentor, Bev often met with Suzy to see how she was doing. Bev also sometimes gave Suzy rides to work.

“I noticed there was a lot of stuff coming out of nowhere,” Bev said of the clothes and toys.

That’s when the alarms went off for Bev. “I told her what was happening,” said Bev. “I told her that she was being manipulated.”

Bev realized Suzy was “being groomed” to become a victim of human sex trafficking. If Suzy did not end the relationship, she would find herself being exploited for sex.

“I really wasn’t listening then though,” Suzy said. “I didn’t realize what was going on.”

A trip to the hospital for a condition the man had shared with her made Suzy realize she needed to do something before it was too late.

“It kind of freaked me out,” she said.

She decided to end the relationship.

That’s when the man threatened to go public via social media. He also threatened to tell her family.

Bev talked with Suzy’s social worker.

Eventually, the two got Suzy connected with Restore Hope.

Through the next year or so, working with Restore Hope, Bev mentored Suzy, helping her see her worth as a child of God. That mentoring relationship continues.

Bev said it was critical to helping Suzy see what was happening in her life.

“I feel very strongly in mentoring because that’s the relationship God has allowed me to have with Suzy,” she said. “The trust we have is pivotal.”

For Suzy, even though she made the decision to end the relationship, it didn’t stop there. The man continues to pursue her.

Suzy has had to change her cellphone number several times, and he’s used his female friends to try and engage her back into a relationship with him.

“That’s what they do,” Bev said. “They try a ‘backdoor,’ if you will.”

Suzy, though, is determined not to allow anyone to manipulate her again.

She hopes by sharing her story that others will find courage to seek help.

“I was just an innocent person taken advantage of,” Suzy said. “There are resources out there that are there to help you. “

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

11

In Puerto Rico, much work to do and much suffering remains

S

AN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CNS) — What Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich learned in visiting and talking to the people of Puerto Rico Dec. 3-6 is that “there's a lot of work to do, a lot of people suffering” nearly three months after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.

In a pastoral visit made on behalf of Pope Francis, the cardinal traveled throughout Puerto Rico, meeting with its bishops, priests and laypeople The pope had sent the cardinal to the hurricane-battered island to make a visit before Christmas to express his deep concern for the people and reach out in solidarity on his behalf to those who are suffering.

Cardinal Cupich, who also is chancellor of Catholic Extension, tapped the Chicago-based papal society to assist with his trip.

Making over a dozen stops, the group visited a variety of people and places, including the motherhouse of missionary Sisters, an orphanage, and numerous parishes and chapels. They met with the bishops, with scores of pastors, lay leaders and deacons serving the poor.

Catholic Extension has a long history of working with the six dioceses of Puerto Rico, providing about $1 million annually to support church construction and ministry. Since its first assistance to the island in 1908, Catholic Extension's most notable contribution to Puerto Rico has been its support for the construction and repair of 1,400 church buildings.

“In my nearly 10 years at Catholic Extension, one of the aspects of my job that I have appreciated the most is my work with the vibrant Puerto Rican church,” said Joe Boland, vice president of mission for Catholic Extension.

“What has always set them apart, I believe, is their joy and their unwavering belief in God's providence, come what may.”

This year, Catholic Extension provided an additional $400,000 in immediate support following the hurricanes and is currently fundraising to further help the Puerto Rican church with its post-hurricane rebuilding efforts.

As the group traveled throughout the island, the pain and misery caused

by Hurricane Maria were still on full display.

Once-bustling town centers and business districts were shuttered in

DONATE TO CATHOLIC EXTENSION To give to Catholic Extension online, visit www.catholicextension. org then click ‘Donate’ on the top right corner of the screen.

To give through the mail, send donations to: 150 South Wacker Dr., Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606

CNS PHOTO/RICH KALONICK, CATHOLIC EXTENSION

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago is greeted by a community group Dec. 5 in Punta Santiago, Puerto. The cardinal was on a pastoral visit to Puerto Rico Dec. 3-6 on behalf of Pope Francis. With donations from the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Extension combined, total giving for hurricane relief is now $750,000. Cardinal Cupich is chancellor of Catholic Extension.

“

“WE SHOULD ALL ADMIRE THE PUERTO RICAN PEOPLE FOR THEIR PASSION, PERSEVERANCE AND JOY, ESPECIALLY IN THIS MOMENT OF GREAT DIFFICULTY. cities large and small, signaling a massive loss of income and livelihood.

Collapsed buildings, flooded homes, and roofless structures abounded.

There were barely any stoplights in operation, forcing drivers to engage in a white-knuckle game of “chicken” at nearly every intersection, which snarled traffic.

Throughout the island, many power lines were still down, usually tangled like spaghetti next to thick wood, and concrete poles that were snapped like twigs in Maria's ferocious winds.

Boland had last visited Puerto Rico in June to understand how the island's worsening economic recession was impacting the Catholic Church. He said that on that trip, he was struck “that the church in Puerto Rico is so amazingly resolute in spite of the many challenges they were facing. That same impression was solidified on my trip last week with the cardinal to the island.”

Boland added, “It is no coincidence that the patroness of Puerto Rico is Our Lady of Divine Providence, who nurtures a firm belief among the faithful that God will continue to provide for their every need. This is the oldest Catholic community in the Western Hemisphere, founded more than 505 years ago, and seemingly no economic crisis or hurricane can wash away their faith and hope for the future.”

On the eastern coast of the island, in Punta Santiago — where Hurricane Maria first hit Puerto Rico and effectively flattened this community with winds that reached nearly 200 miles per hour — Cardinal Cupich and the rest of the group pulled up to the small Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

TOUCH OF HEAVEN

As soon as Cardinal Cupich got out of the car, the church bells began to ring and church members huddled inside their Catholic Extension-built chapel.

It was one of the few buildings in the community left standing.

The pastor, Father Jose Colon, offered a passionate message to the cardinal describing all the ways the tiny Catholic mission had helped the community after the storm by feeding people and helping clean the homes of the elderly.

As he concluded, Father Colon implored Cardinal Cupich: “Tell the pope that we have seen the fruits of giving of ourselves and that the Lord has blessed us with the cross, but through it all we have experienced the balm of his mercy.

We, from this periphery of pain and poverty, ask the pope for his blessing.”

Cardinal Cupich said that many people have the capacity to be resilient, but that in a special way the Puerto Rican Catholic community is “resilient with joy and happiness, and that is something that I am witnessing on this trip.”

Boland agreed, “We should all admire the Puerto Rican people for their passion, perseverance and joy, especially in this moment of great difficulty. Indeed, Puerto Rico is a unique and important part of the rich landscape of our diverse American culture.”

He added, “Like Catholic Extension's founder, Father Francis Clement Kelley, who began sending Extension's support to the Puerto Rico Church exactly 110 years ago, we must embrace Puerto Rican Catholics as our fellow American Catholics. The need continues to be great on the island, and will be for the foreseeable future.”

“These are fellow Americans,” Cardinal Cupich said. “Let's not forget that, these are countrymen and we need as a nation to rally around the people who are suffering.”

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CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education.

Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Director of Human Resources – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a director of human resources. This job is challenging and fun! The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 organizations and 5,000 employees. Shared services include benefits administration, workers’ compensation, retirement plans and a standardized payroll process. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Applicant should have experience in general human resources policies and processes; client employee services and support; compliance; human resource systems and data management; employee benefit management and administration; work injury, leave management and related processes; record-keeping and records management; employee and employer communications. This position manages a staff of three professionals, is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations, and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have strong operational experience in human resources, be able to take the initiative on innovation and process improvement, and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description and to complete the job application, go online to: archkck.org/jobs.

Also send a cover letter, letter of recommendation from your pastor and resume to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attn.: Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109; or email to: cmills@ archkck.org with subject line HR Director. Application deadline is Jan. 31.

Vistar of Kansas City, a division of Performance Food Group “Wholesale Candy, Snack, and Beverage Specialist” VISTAR KANSAS CITY – NOW HIRING: Warehouse Order Selectors – ***Starting Pay $17.00/hr. + Incentives*** Day Shift Reach Forklift Operators ***Starting Pay $18.00/hr.*** Class A CDL Delivery Driver ***Starting Pay $23.00/hr.*** To apply: Online: http://bit.ly/2f8ySfa and search for jobs in: Riverside, MO For more information, contact HR via: Email: veronica.hernandez@pfgc.com Phone: (816) 746-4401, ext. 28313 Faith Formation Leader - St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego is a growing parish and vibrant community. St. Bernard is seeking applicants for a faith formation leader.

This position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, staff members, volunteers and parishioners to provide Catholic education for the parish’s needs. Qualifications for the ideal applicant are: practicing Catholic; bachelor’s degree in theology, philosophy, catechesis or similar academic discipline (degree preferred but not required); some experience in teaching/leading young children, teens and/or RCIA; along with leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting. Applicant should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology. Some travel is required. A complete job description can be requested by email from: stbernardfaithformation@gmail.com. Send resume by email to: stbernardfaithformation@gmail. com or mail to: 17665 Old Post Rd., Wamego, KS 66547.

Principal - St. Thomas More School is seeking a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. The position will begin on July 1. More information and applications can be found online at: careers.hireology.com/thecatholic dioceseofkansascitystjoseph/159107/description.

Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Substitute teacher- Bishop Miege High School is seeking a long-term substitute teacher to teach three periods of math each day for second semester of the 2017-18 school year. Email letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Teacher openings - Bishop Miege High School has teacher openings for math, AP biology and physics for the 2018-19 school year. Send letter of interest and resume to: Mariann Jaksa at mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Preschool director - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking applicants for our preschool director position. The preschool director is responsible for overall leadership, administration and educational components of the preschool program. The day-to-day operations of the preschool will be carried out in accordance with state licensing regulations, developmentally appropriate practices and principles of sound Catholic education. The director directly supervises all preschool staff and volunteers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: administration, staff development, program development and miscellaneous duties as assigned. The preschool director must be a practicing Catholic. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in early childhood education. The director must have prior teaching and director level experience. Must be able to meet the state requirements for director of a 100+ child preschool. Must be self-directed, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate a solid understanding of the importance of the relationships between the child, teacher, family and school environment.

This is a full-time, salaried position and is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) plan. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Complete job description, application and benefits information are available online at: www.stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities. Send cover letter and resume to: St. Michael Catholic Parish, Attn. Patty Pearch, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223 or send by email to: patty. pearch@stmichaelcp.org.

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

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

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

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

High school president – Bishop Miege High School in Johnson County is seeking a president for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and understand the mission of Catholic education. The president is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for: school operations; faith formation; student recruitment; facilities maintenance; strategic planning; and school advancement. Additionally, the president works with the Bishop Miege High School Foundation board of trustees. Applicants should possess success in leadership and innovation, preferably in a Catholic high school or nonprofit setting. Go online to: www.archkckcs.org to complete an application. Also mail a resume and credentials to: Dr. Kathleen A O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Jan. 5, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly.

Elementary school principal - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking an individual with skill in spiritual, academic and advancement, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and mail resume and credentials to: Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: kohara@arch kckcs.org. The deadline for application is Jan. 12.

Health and wellness advocate for clergy – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced nurse, case manager or social worker to fill the part-time (approximately 10-20 hours per week) position of health and wellness advocate for clergy. Duties include: visiting retired priests on a regular basis; managing priests’ conditions and care; serving as an advocate during appointments and hospitalizations; and assisting priests with health insurance and Medicare. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have a minimum of five years’ experience in adult health care, case management or social work; one year of health care management preferred. College degree in related field required, registered nurse preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, application and pastor’s letter of support to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Health and Wellness Advocate Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Career opportunity - Looking for a job that is fulfilling and serves families in need? Catholic Charities of Kansas CitySt. Joseph is offering a rewarding career opportunity to individuals interested in a part-time family development specialist position in our St. Joseph office. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, visit the website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.

Groundskeeping position - $30K - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position. Hours are Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit; experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may send a resume online to: svallejo@cathcemks.org.

Social media specialist - Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is looking for a permanent part-time position to be filled for the social media management efforts of this important ministry. The right person for this position will work from home 10 - 15 hours per week, and be well versed in the implementation of most social media platforms currently available. Initial development and monitoring priorities will include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. The ability to stay abreast of social media platforms as they emerge and solid communication skills with the ability to interface with all department heads within our organization (weekly if needed) when requested is a must. Biweekly meetings at our offices may be needed initially to jump-start our efforts and in the training of staff to utilize and perfect the use of these important communication tools. Email resume to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org.

Para-educator - Seeking a personable, dependable para-educator for our child with Down syndrome. She is a fun-loving 8th-grade student thriving in the Catholic school system at Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Topeka. We would like this person to begin work on Jan. 4, and potentially follow the student to Hayden High School next school year. For more information, contact Karen at (785) 231-0793.

High school president – Hayden Catholic High School in Topeka is seeking a president for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and understand the mission of Catholic education. The president is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for: school operations; student recruitment; donor engagement; facilities maintenance; strategic planning; and school advancement. Applicants should possess success in leadership, preferably, but not required, in a Catholic high school. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate prudent financial management, as well as successful fundraising. Go online to: www.archkckcs. org to complete an application. Also mail a resume and credentials to: Dr. Kathleen A O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Jan. 5, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly.

Secretary and marketing/media rep. - St. Patrick Catholic School in Kansas City, Kan., has an immediate opening for a school office secretary and marketing/media representative. Hours are 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the school year and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. when school is out (may vary). Position reports to the principal and provides confidential administrative support; coordinates media and marketing releases; supports school operations and functions; and coordinates projects and activities. Essential functions include, but are not limited to: answering phones; log attendance; greet and direct visitors; maintain and update electronic records; prepare reports; maintain Facebook and other media; and other duties as assigned by the principal. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: AKERNAN@arch kckcs.org or mail to St. Patrick Catholic Church, attn: Business Office, 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112.

SERVICES Speech and language services - For all children and adults.

Located minutes from the Legends and Providence Medical Center. Now accepting new clients. Most insurance accepted. Call Communication Station at (913) 703-4037.

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

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Life Simplified - Professional organizing for home and business. We organize tools to toys, closets to attics.

Pre- and post-moving support for upsizing or downsizing. We advise on what to keep, donate, recycle or toss and offer personalized strategies on keeping organized.

Supportive and non-judgmental. Call (913)-725-8151 or email: info@lifesimplified.biz www.lifesimplified.biz Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.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.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries. com. Insured. References.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

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

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs.

Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured.

Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and Sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

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

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR ‘WHY HISTORY MATTERS FOR CATHOLICS’ St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Brad Gregory, professor of history at Notre Dame, will present a lecture, “Why History Matters for Catholics,” that explores why an awareness of history is important for an informed Catholic faith. The lecture is free and open to the public.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Dec. 16 at 8 a.m.

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

‘ST. THÉRÈSE’S LITTLE WAY’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Dec. 16 - 17

The retreat begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 and concludes at 3 p.m. on Dec. 17. There will be time for reflection, private prayer, walking and watching the movie “Thérèse: A Biography of the Little Flower.”

Mass will be at the local parish on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. To register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christspeace.com.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLING Holy Family Parish (Old Stone Church) 301 E. 9th St., Eudora Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.

Enjoy the holidays, but remember to take care of yourself! Come and learn lifestyle changes that help manage stress.

Bible sharing and reflection, lectio and journaling with a Bible study group.

VOCATION RETREAT FOR YOUNG MEN Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 21 - 23

Single men ages 18 - 35 are invited to the Archbishop’s Quo Vadis retreat. Father Scott Wallisch, vocation director, will give the retreat: “St. Peter — Called, Formed, Sent.” Come meet inspiring priests and seminarians, pray together and discover what God is calling you to do with your life. To register, go online to: www.kck vocations.com by Dec. 18.

BLESSING OF ADORATION CHAPEL Holy Angels Parish 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Dec. 31 at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a general blessing to open Our Lady Queen of the Holy Angels Adoration Chapel and an inaugural Mass by Kansas City native Bishop James D. Conley in the main church.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE Holy Trinity Parish (Quigley Center) 9201 Summit St., Lenexa Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m.

Join the annual ecumenical community Christmas caroling and sing and enjoy refreshments. There is no cost to attend and everyone is invited to attend this special celebration of Christmas.

There will be great music, delicious snacks, soft drinks, wine and beer. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast. The cost to attend is $40. Proceeds help people who are unable to afford to attend the Beginning Experience weekends and the Coping with Grief sessions.

‘MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE HOLIDAYS’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 20 from 1:30 - 3 p.m.

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

Make your Advent special by participating in

>> Continued from page 12 DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark. com drcconswindows@gmail.com

‘IN A DARK TIME . . . EYES BEGIN TO SEE: A CELEBRATION OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 Saint Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Take time in this busy season to reflect on the darkness of our times captured in the longest of nights. Begin to see how deeply connected human spirits are to one another and to the earth. The suggested donation is $20 and includes a soup supper. Scholarship funds are available. Register by Dec. 19 by going online to: info@pbrenewalcenter.org.

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

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

Come join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a learning environment that is welcoming and Christ-centered. For more information, call Anita Pauls at (913) 492-2582 or send an email to: apauls@hscatholic.org.

For sale - One plot in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. Located in Henry Garden, lot 824, space east.

Current market value is $1500, selling price is $1300.

Call (714) 308-2585.

COPING WITH LIFE ALONE St. John Francis Regis Church 8941 James A. Reed Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 14 - Feb. 25 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

For rent - House recently remodeled. Entry level BR, large loft BR, kitchen with dishwasher, basement garage with opener. Large yard, quiet secure neighborhood. No smoking, no pets. References required.

Call (913) 238-2470. Serious interest only. Shawnee Sacred Heart member, owner.

This is a grief support program that meets on Sunday each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope.

RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Jan. 27 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a child with a disability. The program is designed for children ages 6 - 18. For exceptions to the age range, contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@archkck.org. For questions about the program, call Tom or Audrey Amor at (816) 739-1197 or send an email to: aamor@ sjakeepingfaith.org. Volunteers are needed to be a respite buddy to a child with a disability. To register a child for the program or to volunteer, go online to: www.archkck. org/specialneeds and complete the online form.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

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

INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event.

SEND TO: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

FOR RENT

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

Wanted to Buy Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc.

Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

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

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

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

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

Just like family - Two independent ladies willing to care for your loved ones in their home. Flexible nights, days, weekends. Payment depends on services rendered. Call Kara at (913) 909-6659.

Wanted - Part-time helper for 65-year-old female in Overland Park. Run errands, grocery shop, light household chores, miscellaneous. Pay in cash daily.

Call Karen at (817) 317-6028.

Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options.

We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

We are family

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 17 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 61: 1-2a, 10-11 (Ps) Lk 1: 46-50, 53-54 1 Thes 5: 16-24 Jn 1: 6-8, 19-28 Dec. 18 Monday Jer 23: 5-8 Ps 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Mt 1: 18-25 Dec. 19 Tuesday Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a Ps 71: 3-6, 16-17 Lk 1: 5-25 Dec. 20 Wednesday Is 7: 10-14 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 1: 26-38 Dec. 21 Peter Canisius, priest, doctor of the church Sg 2: 8-14 Ps 33: 2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Lk 1: 39-45 Dec. 22 Friday 1 Sm 1: 24-28 (Ps) 1 Sm 2: 1, 4-7, 8abcd Lk 1: 46-56 Dec. 23 John of Kanty, priest Mal 3: 1-4, 23-24 Ps 25: 4bc-5ab, 8-10, 14 Lk 1: 57-66

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H

appy pink candle Sunday!

This Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday, from its entrance antiphon: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.

Indeed, the Lord is near (Phil 4:4-5).

You ain’t a-kiddin’!

The Lord is very near this year, just a week away.

I’ve been rejoicing, though, since the Saturday after Thanksgiving when my mom’s side of the family had an unusual gathering.

My cousin Frank (and his wife Judy) hosted a “cousins’ brunch” at their home. Despite the fact that many of my cousins live in Kansas City, we don’t see each other that often. It also gave my cousin Therese, in town from California, a chance to see the family.

Although not all of the cousins were able to come, many were.

I was the last to arrive. I went around the room greeting everyone, cousins and non-cousins alike. (Hey, we couldn’t leave out spouses and friends of cousins.)

Finally, I was introduced

S

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MARK MY WORDS

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

to the only person that I didn’t recognize: a man behind the bar. Frank said that the man, in a ball cap and sunglasses, was his neighbor Bob, who was acting as bartender for the day.

As I shook Bob’s hand, Frank told him to behave, as I was a Catholic priest.

Bob laughed and said he would since he was out on parole. Frank then asked me to help Bob take care of the drinks.

I was happy to do so, as Bob seemed like a jolly guy.

Because a couple of cousins wanted a beer,

I stuck my head into the refrigerator to see what the selection was.

At that point, Bob said, “Have any WOS beer?”

That stopped me.

WOS (beer) is an acronym unique to my family. WOS stands for “Whatever’s On Sale.” I thought it odd that Bob knew that, but figured he’d just heard the term from Frank.

With my head still in the refrigerator, Bob said, “So, you’ve got some other cousins, too?

Out of town ones? Like Nick in Florida?” I turned around to agree with him and — holy cow! — Bob was not Bob at all.

Without the ball cap and sunglasses, he was actually my cousin Nick, all the way from Florida, whom I hadn’t seen in about 15 years! I’m sure

the shock on my face was memorable. I had no idea Nick was going to be in town.

Of course, my other cousins thought it was hilarious that I didn’t recognize him — even though they didn’t either when they’d arrived. It was one of the most pleasant surprises that I’d had in ages.

I spent the rest of the time reveling in the beauty of a family sharing time together.

Naturally, the brunch was delicious and filling.

But what was most satisfying was just all of us sitting around a huge table, swapping stories of our childhoods.

It was a very loud gathering — we’re Croatians, after all — as voices were raised not in anger, but in raucous laughter. We passed old photographs around and recalled memories of our aunts and uncles — almost all of whom have now passed away.

I confess I even got a bit misty-eyed looking around the table, humbled to be so blessed in being related to this special group of people.

Since the holidays inevitably bring us all a plethora of family

gatherings — some more exhausting than others — keep this prayer of Pope Francis handy as a reminder of what families could, and should, be: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division. May all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth, make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer.”

On a side note, I had lunch with my cousin Nick the day after the brunch. And I’ll have you know that this time, I recognized him right off the bat!

John came not to be a messiah, but to herald one

keletons discovered in 2016 at a 2,000-year-old site in Israel could reveal who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls.

They appear to be skeletons of males aged between 2 and 50, when they died. Scholars believe that these men belonged to a Jewish monastic group living on the shore of the Dead Sea, close to where the scrolls were found, at Qumran.

Interestingly enough, John the Baptist preached and performed baptisms in the Jordan River, at a site not far from Qumran.

Is it possible that John had any connection to the Essenes, or even had at one time belonged to them? His preaching echoes what

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

we read in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Essenes took part in ritual baths for spiritual purification.

In any case, John’s

POPE FRANCIS

identity appears as a matter of concern in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jn 1:6-8, 19-28: “When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, ‘Who are you,’ he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, ‘I am not the Christ.’ So they asked him, ‘What are you then? Are you Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the

Men and women contemplating a vocation to the priesthood, consecrated life or marriage should not be afraid because God wants only for them to experience the joy that comes from serving others, Pope Francis said.

“Our slowness and our sloth” should not delay a response, and Christians need not be “fearful of our limitations and sins, but instead open our hearts to the voice of the Lord,” the pope said in his mes-

Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?’”

In response, John consistently deflects attention away from himself. Instead, he directs attention toward the one among them whom they do not recognize, the Messiah.

In fact, he tells them that his reason for his performing baptisms is to reveal the Messiah to them: “The reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel” (Jn 1:31).

We remember that at the moment of Jesus’ baptism at the hands of John the Baptist, the heavens are opened, the Spirit descends upon Jesus and a voice from heaven proclaims that

Jesus is the Son of God. For the Gospel of John, this purpose of John’s baptizing — to reveal Jesus as the Son of God — supersedes any explanation of John’s baptizing for the forgiveness of sin, as proposed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist exists only to point to Jesus. That is why, later on, John will point out Jesus to the first disciples of Jesus: “The next day, John was there again with two of his disciples and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God’” (Jn 1:3536).

John wishes them to recognize Jesus’ true identity.

He wishes the same for us.

sage for the 2018 World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

“It will not fill our hearts if we keep standing by the window with the excuse of waiting for the right time, without accepting this very day the risk of making a decision,” the pope wrote. “Vocation is today!

The Christian mission is now!”

The papal message for the day of prayer, which will be observed April 22, was released Dec. 4 at the Vatican. The 2018 theme is: “Listening, discerning and living the Lord’s call.”

— CNS

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

15

Program brings new hope, help to the working poor

“I

haven’t even gone to bed yet, and I already can’t wait to get home from work tomorrow.”

We’ve all probably been there. It’s easy to take our jobs for granted. We are paid enough to take care of our families. We are able to put our God-given talents and experiences to work. We are blessed.

For the working poor, it’s a very different situation. Lack of higher education or training results in pay that’s insufficient to take care of their family. There’s no hope for advancement.

It’s a dead end.

Although tuition assistance programs are readily available, for the

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

KEN WILLIAMS Ken Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

working poor, the cost of tuition is only a small part of the battle. They struggle with barriers such as access to affordable child care and

reliable transportation.

If they receive public assistance, they are required to work 20 hours per week. Even the thought of entering a 12-month trade certification program while dealing with these barriers is too much, and perhaps impossible, for most people.

This fall, Catholic

Charities launched the St. Rita Center designed to help eliminate barriers that keep people from pursuing a trade certification that will lead to livable wage employment.

Six persons were selected to participate in the pilot program, each receiving a full scholarship based on their specific needs.

One participant is Destiny. A single mother, she’s been raising four children on a $10.50/ hour job that she’s held with the local school district for the past 12 years. She enrolled in Kansas City Kansas Community College and selected machine tech as her career path.

The St. Rita Center provided a 12-month

“scholarship” to Destiny, enabling her to leave her job and focus full time on school and her family.

Her scholarship covers child care, transportation and basic living expenses.

In addition to classes at the KCKCC Trade Center, Destiny also attends soft skills training through the St. Rita Center. She and the other five participants attend classes and workshops taught by Catholic Charities staff that focus on job retention skills such as time management, conflict resolution and communication.

The required curriculum also includes financial literacy and family budgeting classes to help participants

manage their money wisely.

St. Francis of Assisi reminds us: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and, suddenly, you are doing the impossible.”

In the last 12 years, Destiny has been doing what’s necessary. In the next 12 months, Destiny will do what’s possible — completing the trade certificate program and beginning a new career in machine technology with an earning potential she never imagined.

The St. Rita Center is about more than providing a trade certification for a livable wage job.

It’s about providing hope, and making what seemed impossible, possible.

DECEMBER 15, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

KEEPING THE BEAT

From left, Ruben Quintero, Jorge Barbosa and Filiberto Gomez provide the drum work for Los Matachines.

FLOWERS TO THE FAIREST

Michelle Cabrer, left, lays flowers at the base of the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, while Karla Melgar and Marco Lozada look on.

SERENADE

With his arms full of red roses for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Julio Segura recalls the offering that symbolizes the acceptance of the Catholic faith.

THE COLLECTOR

Teddy Garcia holds out the collection basket to the night’s youngest contributor — a pint-sized Juan Diego — as he takes up the children’s offertory.