12 17 21 Vol. 43 No. 19

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 19 | DECEMBER 17, 2021

“Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem.” Aubrey Meder as Joseph, Snowflake Lilly as the donkey and Carly Nolan as Mary re-enact this special moment in Christianity.

“Angels appear to shepherds.” The angels are played by, from left, Vivian VanKeirsbilck, Macy Hughes and Cori Miller. Playing the part of shepherds are Cole Poindexter and Allison Haynes.

“Wise Men follow the star.” The Magi make their way to the newborn Savior. They are, from left, Keegan Rogers, Henry Beets and Blaise Vohs.

WHAT CHILD IS THIS? PHOTOS BY KATHY BENNE

Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, held its annual “Living Nativity” on Dec. 9 on the parish grounds. The re-enactors were all seventh and eighth grade students at Queen of the Holy Rosary School. All animals belong to school teachers, families or parishioners.

Earl the donkey plays his part to perfection in the “Living Nativity.” Earl had a lot to say about that night the Savior was born.

“The Nativity scene with manger.” This re-enactment features, from left, Makenna Gerfen as a shepherd, Madeline Hughes as Mary, Solange Dotterer as the angel, Aiden Poston as Joseph and Broden Vargo as a shepherd.

PROUD OF YOUR PARISH CHRISTMAS CRIB? Once Jesus is safely

ensconced in the manger and the Holy Family complete, The Leaven invites you to snap a photo of your parish crib and send it to: moira.cullings@theleaven.org to share on our Facebook page.

Then, be sure to follow us at: www.facebook.com/theleavenkc, where visitors near and far can view and “like” Nativity scenes from across the archdiocese throughout the Christmas season.

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ARCHBISHOP

DECEMBER 17, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Is your witness to the Gospel irresistible to others?

t. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians instructs them: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice” (4: 4).

What makes Paul’s words particularly powerful is that he is writing them from a prison cell in Ephesus.

There are always many reasons to be discouraged and even to despair. Depression is at epidemic levels in our American society.

On a personal level, many of us are experiencing financial stress, dissatisfaction in the workplace, health problems for those we love and/or strained relationships with family or friends.

On a global level, we continue to contend with the pandemic, polarization and racial strife, record levels of violent crimes in our cities, devaluing of our financial resources caused by inflation, supply chain problems and apathy — if not hostility — by many in our culture to Christianity. We do not have to look very hard to find a lot of bad news that can easily dispirit us.

No matter how bad or difficult things may seem in your life, chances are that you are not reading this column from a prison cell. What motivated St. Paul to rejoice even

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN though he had plenty of legitimate reasons to despair?

Paul understood first of all that Jesus did not promise his disciples an easy or comfortable life. In fact, Jesus told his disciples: If you want to follow me, you have to be willing to take up the cross. Our Lord did not come into this world to assure us of an upper-class, 21st-century lifestyle.

Jesus did not promise a problem-free existence.

Following Jesus will bring us at some point to our own Calvary.

It is true that Jesus did promise his disciples abundant life and complete joy in this world, as well as eternal life with him and the saints in heaven. However, the abundant life and complete joy Jesus promised is the fruit of following Our Lord on the path

of heroic love. This will require from us sacrifice and contending with adversity. Remember, Jesus calls those blessed who are persecuted and even hated by worldly powers.

The joy that Jesus promised is not the result of a risk- and adversity-free world.

The joy Our Lord offered can be experienced in a prison cell, sickbed or with few material comforts.

St. Paul told the Philippians the secret formula for Christian joy: “Your kindness should be known to all.

The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4: 5-7).

Paul’s formula is fairly simple. First, do not permit anxiety to dominate your heart

but trust in God’s providence. Christians believe that God can bring forth good from evil. Jesus makes our adversities opportunities for spiritual growth and a vehicle that causes our witness of the Gospel to be even more creditable, compelling and powerful.

Secondly, Paul exhorts Christians to show kindness to everyone. This includes even those who consider themselves our enemies. We can reduce stress and anxiety in our own life and polarization in our society by extending to those with whom we disagree kindness and respect.

Finally, the greatest antidote to worry and anxiety is prayer that includes intercessions and supplications but especially thanksgiving.

In prayer, we can turn over to God all of the challenges and adversities that we are facing.

Our prayer reminds us that we are never alone.

Jesus is with us, especially at moments of difficulty and adversity.

Often, the Holy Spirit will help us discern how with God’s grace we can overcome the problems of our lives.

Most importantly, when we surrender everything to God, especially our trials and tribulations, then we experience a peace that comes from knowing that God

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Dec. 17-19 “Quo Vadis” retreat — Savior Pastoral Center Dec. 23 Chancery Staff Christmas Mass and luncheon — Chancery Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 28 Seminarian Vespers and dinner — Archbishop’s residence

can turn for good the things we do not want and cannot change.

Most importantly, we must always and everywhere give thanks.

In every circumstance, the Christian has reason to be grateful. More often than not, God provides us a means to relieve the suffering in our lives. However, even when this is not the case, our crucified Lord is inviting us to draw close to him and to share in his redeeming love.

One of the causes for anxieties is that many in our society have abandoned Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular. This is particularly painful when family and friends have become indifferent or even hostile to faith.

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People often ask: How can I bring an adult child or a sibling or a spouse back to the faith? First and foremost, pray and offer sacrifices interceding to God for your loved one to rediscover faith in Jesus.

Secondly, follow the exhortation of St. Paul to rejoice always. Authentic joy is something everyone desires.

When others see joyful Catholics, especially when we are in the midst of adversity, they find our witness to the Gospel irresistible. They will come to desire the source of our joy — namely, friendship with Jesus and abundant life in his church.

Rejoice always!

Again, I say: rejoice!

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY

Abbot Barnabas’ photos, with accompanying meditations, appeared in the ecumenical liturgical magazine Celebration, as well as on calendars and greeting cards, and in exhibitions.

While on sabbatical in Rome, Abbot Barnabas discovered a passion and talent for photography, teaching himself.

Most younger people know Abbot Barnabas from the many confirmations he did. It was from those visits to parishes around the archdiocese that he became known as the “singing abbot.”

Abbot remembered for his many talents, big heart

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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TCHISON — Retired Abbot Barnabas Thomas Senecal, OSB, had the soul of a priest and monk, the mind of an administrator, the sensibilities of an educator, and the eyes and voice of an artist.

But most of all he had a heart — and he gave it generously to his family, brother monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, students and faculty at Maur Hill-Mount Academy and parishioners at the various places where he ministered.

Many mourned when they learned that Abbot Barnabas, 84, died on Dec. 7 at the abbey. He had been in declining health when he returned to the abbey in 2018.

He was a priest for 57 years, a monk for 63, teacher and administrator at Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison for 24 years and abbot for 18 and a half.

“Abbot Barnabas was an amazing man, always enjoyable to be around,” said Phil Baniewicz, president of Maur HillMount Academy. “He was one of those people that, if you were able to get time with him, you left a little bit different than when you started, simply because of his joy and sense of humor, and his compassion. You could sense his compassion.”

He spent his final years at the abbey in prayer, visiting many friends and being an example to the younger monks.

“The abbot was a large figure,” said Abbot James Albers, OSB, who succeeded Abbot Barnabas in 2019. “He was an anchor to the community through his humor, wit and genuine concern for others. Now that he’s no longer here, there is a void. We’re experiencing that right now in our community.”

“I feel a great loss,” said Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher. “I will miss him very much.”

Abbot Barnabas was born Gilbert Thomas, with his twin brother Albert Timothy, on Oct. 16, 1937, at home in Atwood. He was one of the seven children of Lionel John and Clara Josephine (Strecker) Senecal. The family belonged to Sacred Heart Parish, across the street from the family home.

John Senecal had three brothers who became priests and three sisters who became nuns. He insisted that his children receive a Catholic education, which is why they all ended up in Atchison.

Their uncle — Father Lucien Senecal,

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY

Retired Abbot Barnabas Thomas Senecal, OSB, the eighth abbot in the history of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, died on Dec. 7 at the abbey at the age of 84. In addition to his photography, the abbot was also a talented singer, which was on display at confirmations.

OSB, of the abbey — influenced the boys to attend Maur Hill Academy.

Thomas Senecal attended Maur Hill from 1951-1955. After graduation, he enrolled in St. Benedict’s College in Atchison. He became a novice in 1957, professed first vows in 1958 and received the name “Barnabas.” He made final vows in 1961 and was ordained a priest on May 30, 1964.

After ordination, he taught theology and was a dorm prefect at St. Benedict’s College. Later, he was an assistant pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Atchison and taught part time at Maur Hill. In 1968, he began to teach full time, was assistant headmaster from 1969-1979 and headmaster from 1979-1990.

It was in Rome while on sabbatical that he discovered a passion and talent for photography, teaching himself. His photos, with accompanying meditations, appeared in the ecumenical liturgical magazine Celebration, as well as on calendars and greeting cards, and in exhibitions.

He also had a wonderful love of and talent for singing; the motto on his coat of arms was: “Sing to the Lord a new

song,” from Psalms 98 and 149. In 2002, in an effort to lighten the confirmation demands on Archbishop Keleher, he began celebrating confirmations at archdiocesan parishes. There, he would frequently sing and became known as “the singing abbot.” He and other monks produced a CD of music, entitled “On a Musical Journey,” as a fundraiser for remodeling projects at the abbey.

Abbot Barnabas was elected the eighth abbot in the history of St. Benedict’s Abbey in 1994, reelected in 2002 and stepped down due to age limits in 2012. He introduced modern fundraising and hired the first development director, oversaw remodeling the abbey church and guest house, rewrote the first Customary (monk’s guidelines) since the 1960s and led the abbey’s 150th anniversary in 2007.

After stepping down as abbot, he returned to parish work. Through his relationships he created strong ties between the abbey and parishioners.

Abbot Barnabas was preceded in death by his parents John and Clara; sister Clare; brothers Father Gerard President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Pastoral assignments • 1964-1968: Associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Atchison • 1991-1994: Associate pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park and principal of Holy Spirit School for one year • 2013: Six months as administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys and St. Stanislaus Parish in Rossville; associate pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison • 2015: Parochial administrator of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison • 2016-2018: Associate pastor of St. Benedict Parish

Senecal, OSB, William and Richard. He is survived by his twin brother and his sister Mary Hansen.

Memorials in his honor may be made to the Abbot Barnabas Legacy Fund at: kansasmonks.org/legacyfund, or by mailing a check to: St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison KS 66002.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 17, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

From left, Emily, Debbie Horn, the executive director of Inclusion Connections, and Paulina work together to tie knots with fabric to create knotted dog toys.

Matthew takes some time to play with Moose, a golden retriever who came in for treats and a holiday bandana.

Clockwise from left, Anna, Ted, Kyle and Jack work on cutting out peanut butter-flavored, dog bone-shaped biscuits that smell so good they could be mistaken for peanut butter cookies.

WHERE COMMUNITY COUNTS

The organization was initially created by executive director Debbie Horn to provide a space for young people with special needs in the Kansas City LATHE — PawsAbilmetro to socialize. ities has taught Sam Horn was motivated by her son MatCharpentier how to thew. interact with custom“As he was approaching his senior ers, manage a cash register and operate year of high school, I could see that there were not any opportunities to a sewing machine. participate in the community,” she said.

But the greatest gift it’s given him is a “Matthew wanted to work, have a community — something that was presocial life and eventually live on his viously lacking in his life. own,” she continued. “He needed help “For my son, it has provided not only navigating all that, and so do all kids a place for him to go and work and have with a developmental [or] intellectual social activities, but it’s provided him disability.” with a community of Inclusion Confriends,” said Jessie nections took its Charpentier, Sam’s mission a step furmom. ther when it creatPawsAbilities, a ed PawsAbilities, program of Incluwhich provides skillsion Connections, has If you’re interested in based training and changed everything volunteering or purchasing PawsAbilities products, visit job placement help for Sam, a young adult the website at: pawskc.org. for its members. with special needs.

Customers can also shop at At the PawsAbilA graduate of St. the store, located at 2073 E. Santa ities store, located James Academy and Fe in Olathe. Products are also in Olathe, members member of Holy Trinsold at other retail outlets. Visit like Sam create varity Parish, both in the website for specific locations. ious dog products, Lenexa, Sam is an outInclusion Connections is in including homegoing person with a need of volunteers and board made treats and banbig personality. members who can help the organidanas.

After high school, zation build its BelongKC campus.

To learn how you can get involved, In the process, he craved a fun and go online to: ickc.org. they learn to bake, supportive place to sew, operate kitchwork. en equipment and “The last job Sam more. had, he was really ex“Students also work on soft skills,” cited about,” said his mother. “But they said Horn, “such as how to get along really just wanted him to come and have with other employees, the importance a list of duties, and then do the work but of getting to work on time and appronot interact with anyone. priate work attire.”

“And that’s just not Sam.” The program strives to place young When Inclusion Connections came adults with compatible jobs for the long about, it was a perfect fit. term and offers transportation to and from their homes and workplaces.

Its capacity to provide transportation is expanding thanks to a recent grant Inclusion Connections received.

Jonathan Twidwell, president of the Inclusion Connections board of directors and parishioner at Holy Trinity in Lenexa, applied for the “Invest in Others” grant from Woodbury Financial Services.

The $10,000 the organization received will go toward the purchase of a vehicle for transportation purposes.

This year, Inclusion Connections provided more than 700 rides.

“It’s one more thing that we don’t have to fundraise for,” said Twidwell.

“We can focus on growing PawsAbilities and the supportive living side of things.”

Inclusion Connections is currently in LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE the initial stages of creating BelongKC, Sam Charpentier works on flipping a bandana a supportive living community for indiso it can be ironed and sewn closed. viduals with special needs.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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Check out all the ‘pawsabilities’

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

From left, Paulina, Katie and Alexis take a break to welcome a four-legged furry customer. When canines step into the store, almost all the employees take a break to greet and welcome them with freshly made treats and lots of love.

“Right now, it’s pretty difficult to find a spot other than a government-run group home or [living] with their parents,” said Twidwell. “There’s not a lot of supportive living here in Kansas City or really anywhere.”

Horn also stressed the significance of the expansion.

“The lack of safe, affordable housing is at a crisis level for young adults with disabilities,” she said.

The need is undeniably there.

This year, Inclusion Connections has served more than 100 people in the Kansas City metro, with 38 of those currently employed, said Horn.

For the Charpentiers, it’s been a breath of fresh air.

“I think the biggest thing for Sam is having this community — a safe and loving community,” said Jessie Charpentier.

FashionAbility Gala The FashionAbility Gala, Inclusion Connections’ annual fundraiser, will be held on Feb. 19, 2022, at the Embassy Suites in Olathe. The evening will include a silent auction, dinner, a fashion show and a live performance

by Inclusion Connections members.

Those interested can also bid on items virtually. For more information, visit the website at: galakc.org.

“And it is also faith-filled,” she added.

“They’re not afraid to talk about Jesus there or play Christian music.

“It’s an amazing place. I feel very blessed that we’re part of it.”

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Ornament project brings exposure to Kansas Catholic schools

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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COURTESY PHOTO

Mary Kate Berryman’s fourth grade students, accompanied by Most Pure Heart of Mary pastor Father Nathan Haverland, show off the ornaments they designed for the Kansas Christmas Tree at President’s Park in Washington, D.C. The Topeka school was one of two from Kansas chosen for the honor.

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“

OPEKA — Christmas came early for students of Most Pure Heart of Mary School here.

Mary Kate Berryman’s fourth grade class was selected to design ornaments for the Kansas Christmas Tree at President’s Park in Washington, D.C. Their reaction when they heard the news?

“Very excited,” said Most Pure Heart art teacher Carrie Jo Gros. “The first question was: ‘Do we get to go to Washington?’”

Although the students did not travel there, they had the opportunity to watch the national tree lighting ceremony on TV. Fifty-eight schools across the country and abroad were chosen to create ornaments for the display, which can be viewed through January 1, 2022.

Most Pure Heart shared the honor with Leawood Middle School, and 12 ornaments from each school were chosen.

“Mrs. Berryman’s class was chosen because of their dedication,” said Gros, “[but] also because of their size.

“Because we were only able to send 12, a smaller class meant a higher percentage of the students would be able to have their ornaments chosen.”

The students were given some tips before they got creative.

Barbara Waterman-Peters, an awardwinning local artist, created a Kansas ornament for the presidential tree in 2002.

She talked with the students via Zoom in September to offer them inspiration.

Andrea Etzel, of the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, provided the students with research materials, including an issue of Kansas!

Magazine.

Gros said sunflowers were amply represented among the students’ designs, as well as images from the state seal and icons representing Kansas, such as buffalo and cottonwood trees.

The drawings were scanned and emailed to D.C., and the National Park

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, TO PARTICIPATE IN SOMETHING ON A NATIONAL SCALE, IS NOT ONLY AN HONOR — IT IS A PRIVILEGE. BEING CHOSEN MEANS OUR SCHOOLS ARE GETTING NOTICED FOR THEIR EXCELLENCE HERE IN KANSAS. ERIC WHITE PRINCIPAL, MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL, TOPEKA

Service printed the images on large discs for volunteers to place on the tree.

Most Pure Heart principal Eric White said an opportunity like this “brings exposure to Catholic education on a national scale.”

“Catholic schools, to participate in

something on a national scale, is not only an honor — it is a privilege,” he said. “Being chosen means our schools are getting noticed for their excellence here in Kansas.”

White said it was also a great lesson for the students who participated.

“Not only were they given the opportunity to participate in creating the ornament,” he said, “[but] they learned about geography, the artistic process, public relations and leadership as they represented our school on a national level.”

Gros believes it’s a memory that will stand out to the students for years to come.

“I hope that they also gained an understanding of the artistic process that professional artists go through when they are given an assignment,” she said.

“This was an incredible journey to walk through with the students,” she continued. “It was fun to see the amount of enthusiasm and attention to detail as they planned out their ornaments and made artistic choices.

“They are all very proud of the work they have done — as they should be.”

Snow Ball has become a beloved family tradition

By Carol Cowdrey Special to The Leaven

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EAWOOD — One of Mark Teahan’s earliest memories of Snow Ball was babysitting his sister while his parents, JoAnn and Rich, attended a potluck benefiting Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

Now, nearly 45 years later, he and his wife Donna are following in his parents’ footsteps and serving as presidents for the 48th annual Snow Ball, which will be held both in-person at the Overland Park Convention Center and virtually on Jan. 15, 2022. They will be joined by honorary presidents Tom and Patti Schugel.

“It has been such an honor to be asked to serve as presidents,” said Donna, although she admits they knew this day might eventually come. She and Mark, who are members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, began attending Snow Ball with Mark’s parents many years ago — and never stopped.

“As a young, married couple, we had never been to a formal event,” said Mark. “[Snow Ball] was an opportunity for us

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Mark and Donna Teahan, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, are the presidents of the 48th Annual Snow Ball, which will be held both in person at the Overland Park Convention Center and virtually on Jan. 15, 2022. to get dressed up and celebrate the work of Catholic Charities with friends from our parish. It’s been amazing to see how much Snow Ball has grown over the

years since the early potluck days.”

JoAnn and Rich, who served as Snow Ball presidents in 1992 and 1993, were instrumental in that growth. It was

their encouragement that led Mark and Donna to not only attend the event, but to become more involved. Since then, Mark and Donna have served on Snow Ball’s entertainment, table and patron committees.

Like Mark’s parents, they have passed down the tradition of Snow Ball to their children. Their son Kyle, along with Scott Campbell, founded Snowflake, a group for young professionals which hosts a happy hour event each December in support of Catholic Charities.

“It is so beautiful to witness these legacy families, like the Teahans, who for generations have been committed to the mission of Catholic Charities, and have faithfully supported Snow Ball year after year,” said Lauren Solidum, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “We are truly humbled by their generous hearts.”

Last year, Snow Ball was entirely virtual due to the pandemic. More than 1,700 people participated online, representing 13 counties throughout >> See “VIRTUAL” on page 6

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LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 17, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Encyclical will be focus of New Year Zoom study group

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

Join the ‘Fratelli tutti’ discussion group

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TCHISON — The title alone of Pope Francis’ third encyclical really says it all: In English, “Fratelli tutti” means “Brothers and sisters all.”

“The encyclical is really about getting people to love each other in every sense of the word,” said Sister Anne Shepard, OSB. “The whole theme is being a culture of encounter — particularly encountering people that are different than we are.”

To encourage that encounter the Sophia Center is offering a Zoom discussion group on this important document facilitated by Sister Anne, Benedictine Sister Barbara McCracken and Steve Bruns, an oblate of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison.

All three have a background in Catholic social teaching.

The discussion group will meet every Friday during the month of January 2022, covering two chapters of the encyclical during each session.

Participants will read the chapters ahead of time and reflect on questions provided by the Sophia Center.

At each session, facilitators will present an overview of the chapters, followed by a breakout into small chat rooms where participants can ask questions, share insights and get to know each other.

Then participants will reunite for a final discussion.

It is hoped the group will include a diverse mix of ethnic, religious and socioeconomic experience.

It will be a national encounter, as people have already signed up from as far away as California, New Jersey and Florida, and will include Catholics as well as non-Catholics.

“That’s what excites us,” said Sister Anne. “We’re going to have people from multiple faith experiences around the Zoom camera.

“And their participation and reflecting with us is going to be a major part of what we do.”

Sister Anne’s personal hope is that everyone, everywhere, reads this important document. It can be purchased in various print formats or downloaded for free from the Vatican website at: vatican.va.

“Fratelli tutti,” the third of Pope Francis’ encyclicals, invites all people to treat each other as brothers and sisters and to cultivate what he calls a “culture of encounter.”

The Sophia Center Zoom discussion group will read this important document and come together weekly to reflect on and discuss its meaning in our own lives.

All faith traditions are welcome.

The group will meet Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-noon CST on Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2022. The cost is $40 (scholarships are available).

Please register by Dec. 30.

To register for the discussion group, go online to: www.mountosb.org/ fratelli-tutti-discussion-group-zoom/

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis signs his new encyclical “Fratelli tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship” after celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, on Oct. 3, 2020. The Sophia Center in Atchison is offering a Zoom discussion group every Friday during the month of January 2022, covering two chapters of the encyclical during each session.

But that’s only the first step.

“If you read it with others,” said Sister Anne, “you read it rather than just leave it on the shelf.

“And you reflect on: ‘What does this have to do with me and my life?’ and then: ‘How do I move forward so I can

encounter people that are different from me?’”

Those questions are particularly important in the current political atmosphere.

“There is so much bipartisanship and division,” said Sister Anne. “What

can we do as participants to try to bridge that gap?”

If you’re interested in joining the group, but not tech-savvy, not to worry, said Sister Anne.

“I am a certified techno moron,” she admitted. “With Zoom, you click it and it comes up.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Bruns agreed and added that the encyclical itself is very reader-friendly.

“The encyclical is addressed to everyone in the world,” he said. “And it’s written in that style.

“It’s not a complicated document.

It’s very straightforward, easy to read and understand.”

All three presenters are committed to helping people not just understand, but also act on the pope’s message of love. They believe it is needed now more than ever.

“The world is always messed up,” said Sister Barbara. “But right now, it’s rather acute I think.”

It is hoped this discussion group will help Catholics and others come together through a sharing of insight and wisdom.

“To me this is a very, very spiritual experience,” said Sister Barbara. “It goes right to the heart and depth of who we are as human beings, as God’s children.

“When we aren’t united, we need to work at being united.”

Virtual visitors make annual event all the merrier “ WHAT I LOVE MOST IS YOU

the archdiocese and 12 states. The event not only raised over $3.3 million, but it also expanded its reach and increased awareness about Catholic Charities’ 20-plus programs.

“Many supporters, especially those in our rural areas, joined us for the first time,” said Solidum. “Our supporters who travel south for the winter or who have moved away also were able to celebrate with us. It was especially meaningful to see that outpouring of support.”

This 48th annual Snow Ball will have something for everyone. The black-tie event will follow safety protocols and be back in-person with its cocktail reception, formal sit-down dinner and dancing to live music. In addition, there are virtual packages for guests who live too far away or who may not be comfortable attending.

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>> Continued from page 5

DON’T HAVE TO BE CATHOLIC TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE. ALL ARE EMBRACED. IT’S THAT UNITY, THAT LOVE OF NEIGHBOR — IT’S WHAT CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS ALL ABOUT. DONNA TEAHAN MEMBER OF CURÉ OF ARS PARISH, LEAWOOD The evening’s program and remarks will be livestreamed and will include heartfelt stories of hope and live interviews with Catholic Charities’ staff.

“We are so excited to be back in-person.

There is such a sense of community,” said Donna. “But it is also important to offer a hybrid so that everyone, near or far, can join in the celebration.”

“When you attend Snow Ball,” added Mark, “you see that you are not just one person on your own. You are part of something bigger. You see the enormity of the event and all these people who are coming together to celebrate and support the work that Catholic Charities is doing 365 days a year — providing help, hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Due to his financial background, Mark is particularly interested in the asset development programs offered

by Catholic Charities. The Family Financial Transformations program, which started in 2015, recently celebrated helping 316 families reduce a cumulative $1 million in debt.

“Catholic Charities isn’t just providing

emergency assistance,” he said. “Through their financial classes, for example, they are not only giving people fish, they are teaching them how to fish. They are changing their lives — not just for today, but transforming their future and the future of their families.”

The success of Snow Ball is critical to Catholic Charities’ mission of moving people forward from help to hope.

“What I love most is you don’t have to be Catholic to receive assistance,” said Donna. “All are embraced. It’s that unity, that love of neighbor — it’s what Catholic Charities is all about.”

Snow Ball ticket and table reservations are due by Dec. 23. Patron gifts may also be made in support of Catholic Charities.

For more information or to register, visit the website at: snowballgala.org.

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Documentary explores the life of St. Joseph

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he Year of St. Joseph wrapped up on Dec. 8, but Catholics have a new opportunity to get to know the man seldom mentioned in the Bible.

“St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father,” a documentary produced by the Knights of Columbus, is now available online at no cost.

Viewers can find the film at: kofc.org/stjoseph.

The documentary is 60 minutes long and initially premiered this past October on ABC-affiliated stations.

Viewers can learn more about St. Joseph from a historical standpoint, including his role as the foster father of Jesus, a spiritual father to the church and an example for fathers today.

Although St. Joseph was rarely mentioned in the Bible, there is much to learn from the life he led.

The families and individuals featured in the documentary are a testament to that.

Pope Francis declared the Year of St. Joseph on Dec. 8, 2020, the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph becoming the patron saint of the universal church.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

After a six-week run on ABC affiliates, the Knights of Columbus’ documentary on St. Joseph — “St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father” — is now available online to livestream for free as of Dec. 8.

For more information about the film as well as reflections and stories on the continuing influence of St. Joseph throughout the world, visit the website cited above.

SCRIPTURE SEARCH

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7 Sister Margaret Mary ‘Peg’ Driscoll, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Peg Driscoll, 92, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 74 years, died on Nov. 23 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse here.

Margaret Mary Driscoll was born on Feb. 3, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York.

She graduated from St. Catherine of Genoa Grade School and St. Agnes Seminary (high school) in Brooklyn.

She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Feb. 12, 1947, and professed vows as Sister Marie Dominic on Feb. 15, 1949, and later returned to her baptismal name. In 1963, she received a bachelor’s in elementary education from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth.

For 20 years, Sister Peg served as a teacher and school administrator in Kansas, Colorado, Montana, California, Wyoming and Missouri.

In 1969, her deep concern for children

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Sister Mary Eleanor Schram, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Eleanor Schram, 96, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 76 years, died on Nov. 27 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse here.

Helen Schram was born on Oct. 15, 1925, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. She grew up in a strong German Catholic family.

Childhood memories of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, which strongly affected eastern Colorado, never left her. A 1932 storm left two inches of dust over everything in her family’s home and farm. She graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School and Cheyenne County High School in Cheyenne Wells.

She entered the Sisters of Charity

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prompted a new career direction: social work. She started out as a deputy juvenile officer for Jackson County Courts in Kansas City, Missouri, and was soon made director of nearby Hilltop School for Girls.

In 1974, she earned a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She then dedicated the next 39 years to a wide range of social services benefiting infants, children and adults. Much of her work focused on adoption services, child welfare, foster care, emergency assistance and criminal justice (working with victims and offenders).

A highlight of Sister Peg’s ministry was establishing Ancilla Place, which cared for children needing adoption.

Later in life, Sister Peg found new ways to minister with her beloved golden retriever Elisha. They got involved in Pets for Life, a program that trains therapy animals to serve in facilities across Kansas City. Both were profiled in a 2002 Kansas City Star article about service animals helping hospital patients, nursing home residents and victims of abuse.

community on Aug. 14, 1945, and professed vows as Sister Mary Eleanor on Aug. 15, 1947. In 1949, she received a registered nurse degree from the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing in Butte, Montana. In 1971, she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth.

Sister Mary Eleanor loved nursing and served for over 30 years in hospitals in Montana, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. She developed specialties in several areas of care: obstetrics, ICU, surgery and emergency room.

In her later years, Sister Mary Eleanor worked for 19 years as a clerk for the post office at the University of Saint Mary. Her quiet spirit took special delight when students received care packages from home. Her dependability, kindness and accuracy were highlighted during a 2006 appreciation ceremony in her last year at the post office. In her retirement years, she focused on a ministry of prayer.

Sister Mark Friday, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Mark Friday, 88, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 69 years, died on Nov. 27 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse here.

Victoria M. Friday was born on Nov. 9, 1933, in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from St. Stephen’s Academy (grade school) and St. Aloysius Academy (middle and high school) in Kansas City, Missouri.

She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 21, 1952, and professed vows as Sister Mark Friday on Aug. 22, 1954. In 1965, she received a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary College.

Sister Mark devoted her life to Catholic education. She served as a teacher and administrator for 48 years in schools in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. She was especially proud of her 29 years of service to the Archdiocese

of Kansas City in Kansas, where she served largely as a teacher, assistant principal, vice principal and religion coordinator for St. Ann School in Prairie Village.

For Sister Mark, educating students was a life passion. Her educational philosophy was captured in a simple phrase: “If you are a good ‘edu-carer,’ you will be a good educator.” This caring spirit and her steadying influence helped St. Louis Grade School in Kansas City, Missouri, cope with the tension of racial integration during the turbulent 1960s.

Sister Mark’s ability to respond in the midst of crisis was tested outside the classroom, too. On June 8, 1966, a devastating tornado landed near Sacred Heart School in Topeka, where Sister Mark served. She scrambled from the school’s basement, still shaking off broken glass, to help survivors.

For the next 12 days, area residents recalled the sight of a nun in a blue-checkered apron and mud-caked tennis shoes going from family to family to provide assistance and help direct relief efforts.

THE END OF A Holy Hour honors archbishop for his pro-life work

THE ARCHDIOCESE UNITES TO CELEBRATE ARCHBISHOP’S NATIONAL PRO-LIFE EFFORTS

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Deacon Tim Ruoff lights a candle before a Holy Hour on Dec. 12 at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church in Topeka. There were Holy Hours across the archdiocese on Dec. 12 in appreciation of Archbishop Naumann’s national pro-life leadership. it with a smile. In my role, I heard from many across the nation say how grateful they were for the archbishop’s leadership and truly appreciate him for his voice and what he accomplished.”

Holding Holy Hours in appreciation is an appropriate act, said Father Anthony Saiki.

“The archbishop is incredibly devoted to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament,” said Father Saiki, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

“Our Lord is the Lord of life, the great giver of life who has redeemed and sanctified our lives. Life is a gift from God, so it’s incredibly appropriate to acknowl-

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Carl Heincker and his 5-year-old daughter Eden pray during the Holy Hour at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church in Topeka. The Holy Hours across the archdiocese were sponsored by the archdiocesan pro-life office, archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life, and the participating parishes.

edge that before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It’s also such a place for us to offer intercession, to pray for those who are struggling, to pray for those who are doubting, to pray for moms in crisis pregnancies and who are being pressured to abortion, to pray for those who are discouraged in their own lives.”

A Holy Hour was also held at Mother Teresa Parish in Topeka.

“We are happy to thank the archbishop and pray for him for what he did, and also pray for Archbishop Lori, that he will continue the good work that Archbishop Naumann started,” said Father Tom Aduri, pastor.

It was providential that the Holy Hours were being done on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and between the solemnities of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas, said Michael Podrebarac, consultant for the archdiocesan office of liturgy and sacramental life.

“We are in a special season of the Incarnation,” said Podrebarac. “These holy hours fall on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is not only patroness of the Americas, but also patroness of the unborn. And it is fitting that we recognize Mary’s desire to be our mother — a mother who protects us.”

As Our Lady of Guadalupe gave her message to a people who only recently had human sacrifice as part of their culture, so too is her message relevant to people in our own culture today.

“That’s the situation we find ourselves in today,” said Podrebarac. “We’re in a society where people are trying to take other paths to happiness . . . thinking we have more important priorities. And here is Our Lady and all the other witnesses of

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Offering a “thank you” united with prayer is a powerful thing, and archdiocesan Catholics at several parishes demonstrated this on Dec. 12 as they expressed their appreciation for Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s national pro-life leadership with Holy Hours.

The devotions were sponsored by the archdiocesan pro-life office, archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life, and the participating parishes.

“We wanted to thank Archbishop Naumann for his incredible service, incredible courage and his tireless work,” said Debra Niesen, lead consultant for the archdiocesan pro-life office. “He has done tremendous service for all those whose lives are vulnerable.”

Archbishop Naumann began his threeyear term as chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on ProLife Activities when he was elected to the position in November 2018. He was succeeded by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, who assumed leadership of the committee during the bishops’ annual meeting Nov. 15-18 in Baltimore.

The Holy Hour in appreciation for Archbishop Naumann’s leadership also included petitions for Archbishop Lori, the unborn and their mothers, and the successful passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment to the Kansas Constitution.

“We wanted to thank Archbishop Naumann for being a courageous and amazing leader through very challenging times, which included going through an election and a pandemic, both of which had pro-life implications,” said Niesen.

“He always led with a voice of faith, courage and compassion — and he always did

WE WANTED TO THANK ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN FOR HIS INCREDIBLE SERVICE, INCREDIBLE COURAGE AND HIS TIRELESS WORK. HE HAS DONE TREMENDOUS SERVICE FOR ALL THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE VULNERABLE. DEBRA NIESEN LEAD CONSULTANT FOR PRO-LIFE OFFICE the pro-life movement. It is a recognition of the reality, of the fact that Mary speaks through their witness, and Archbishop Naumann has demonstrated that witness with distinction — ‘Do you not know that you are under my protection?’ says Our Lady. The church is saying this as well.”

The Holy Hours were a wonderful opportunity to give thanks to God not only for Archbishop Naumann, but also to offer supplication that Archbishop Lori will do an equally good job.

“Mary’s conception, the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the birth of our Blessed Lord and Savior remind us that life matters . . . that life will be victorious, which is the archbishop’s episcopal motto,” said Podrebarac. “It is a fitting expression of gratitude, and a fitting occasion to recalibrate our minds to what is truly important.”

AN ERA

Archbishop Naumann’s three-year term as head of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee comes to an end

‘What if every parish was a pro-life safe haven?’

‘WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED’ PROGRAM IS AN AMBITIOUS VISION OF WORKING TOGETHER

By Greg Erlandson Catholic News Service

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LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

Archbishop Naumann leads a rosary in front of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Overland Park.

CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ, LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, processes at the conclusion of the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 23, 2020, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

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y track record as a predictor of Supreme Court abortion decisions took a hit years ago when I wrote an editorial predicting that Planned Parenthood v. Casey would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Thanks to Justice Anthony Kennedy, I was quite obviously wrong.

So, I’ll be cautious about predicting the result of the Mississippi abortion case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, whose arguments were just heard by the Supreme Court. It sure looks like change is coming, however. Just what kind of change is something else entirely.

Despite the efforts of pro-lifers who have been resisting the legalization of abortion nationwide for more than 50 years, the forthcoming court decision will not mean the end of abortion, but a new chapter in the struggle.

Anything short of the court’s complete rejection of the Mississippi abortion law banning abortions in virtually all cases after 15 weeks will mean that the battle returns to the states.

There will be 50 battlefields, and the abortion divide will continue in our nation for the foreseeable future, trench warfare in virtually every state house in virtually every state.

While abortion’s more vocal supporters and opponents will continue to yell at each other as they did outside the Supreme Court while the jurists weighed the merits of the Mississippi case, there is much more going on in pro-life circles that is worthy of attention.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, who recently stepped down as head of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee, has been working for three years on a program known as “Walking with Moms in Need.” In a speech to his brother bishops in November, he described the program as “a

TOO OFTEN, ABORTION IS NOT A DESIRED OUTCOME, BUT ONE FORCED ON WOMEN

BY CIRCUMSTANCES AND A LACK OF OPTIONS. parish-based, yet nationwide, initiative to better serve pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties.”

The program’s vision, he said, “is that a pregnant or parenting mother in need can turn to any local Catholic parish and be connected with the life-affirming assistance and accompaniment that she needs.”

It is an ambitious vision, one that would reflect Pope Francis’ idea of accompaniment, walking with mothers in need of assistance and support. The genius of the program is that it could bring together the pro-life and social justice wings of the church, which surely should be united in helping any struggling mother and mother-to-be.

The archbishop cited statistics showing that women seeking abortions are primarily “poor, young and unmarried.”

Too often, abortion is not a desired outcome, but one forced on women by circumstances and a lack of options.

In Texas, a pro-life mom named Tere Haring sees this reality every day.

She runs a pro-life outreach called the Allied Women’s Center, and she is helping one mom at a time with diapers and

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Archbishop Naumann chats with people at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., right before the marchers head down Constitution Avenue and make their way to the steps of the Supreme Court of the United States. rental assistance. “Diapers save a lot more babies than ultrasounds,” Haring told The Washington Post.

“I always said abortion is the lack of an option,” Haring said. “They feel like they have nowhere to go, that there’s nobody for them. It’s about the help. It’s about being there for them.”

Archbishop Naumann’s vision is that Catholics — you and me in our parishes — will be there for the moms in need.

The parish would connect them with resources, with mentors, with helping agencies.

This kind of assistance, the archbishop

said, “directly confronts the false, yet popular, narrative that the Catholic Church merely condemns abortion,” but doesn’t help the women.

Whatever the court decides next spring, the needs of the poor, the pregnant and the abandoned will remain.

“Walking with Moms in Need” is the kind of grassroots program that could change lives: both those of the moms and of the parishioners who help them.

Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service, can be reached by email at: gerlandson@catholicnews.com.

NATION

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATIVITY SCENE PROJECT HELPS SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON REASON FOR THE SEASON

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CNS PHOTO/JOHN SHAUGHNESSY, THE CRITERION

Jim Liston and Karen Smith pose in front of a Nativity scene in Indianapolis Dec. 3.

By John Shaughnessy Catholic News Service

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The idea came to Liston as he traveled through the neighborhoods around his Indianapolis home and saw how many people decorated their houses with brilliant light displays and filled their lawns with large, inflated Santas, reindeer and snowmen.

It suddenly hit him that he rarely saw another kind of Christmas display.

“It’s almost an anomaly when you see a Nativity scene,” said Liston, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianapolis. “We’re in a society where everything about Christmas is glitz and consumerism. The simplicity of the Nativity scene struck me right in the heart. This is what Christmas is all about. I thought, ‘Why don’t I get one?’”

Liston not only got one — and loved it — but he also had the grand idea to make central Indiana the “Outdoor Nativity Scene Capital of the United States.”

He set his plan in motion this year with a two-part approach. He contacted the manufacturer that made his Nativity scene to see if he could negotiate a reduced price for a large order.

He also reached out to all the Catholic schools in the Indianapolis deaneries and in nearby Hamilton County to have them ask their families who would be interested in buying a Nativity scene to display in front of their homes.

“I thought it would be a good project for any Catholic school for Advent,” Liston told The Criterion, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. “I thought that if we could sell 150 to 200, that would be a good first year. Then I got a call from Roncalli High School (in Indianapolis), and they wanted 170.”

In all, Liston ordered 520 Nativity scenes this year. Besides Roncalli, orders came from a combination of central Indiana schools and parishes, including some in the Diocese of Lafayette.

“More than 500 Nativity scenes are being set up in central Indiana that weren’t there last year,” Liston said.

“That’s going to have an impact.”

Each school and parish that participated also received an extra financial benefit.

Liston negotiated with the manufacturer to reduce the usual $105 cost for the Nativity scene to $80. Then $20 was added to the price of the scenes sold by the schools and parishes and each school and parish could use the extra revenue for a project of their choice.

In the Indianapolis Archdiocese, St. Thomas Aquinas School will use the

CNS PHOTO/MIKE KROKOS, THE CRITERION

A spotlight illuminates a Nativity scene in Fishers, Indiana, Dec. 3. Jim Liston got the idea to make central Indiana the “Outdoor Nativity Scene Capital of the United States.” He came up with a design and reached out to Catholic schools in the area to have them ask their families who would be interested in buying a Nativity scene to display in front of their homes. He got more than 500 orders.

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it.

NDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Jim Liston believes his idea of emphasizing the true meaning of Christmas is so simple that he wonders why it took him so long to think of

MORE THAN 500 NATIVITY SCENES ARE BEING SET UP IN CENTRAL INDIANA THAT WEREN’T THERE LAST YEAR. THAT’S GOING TO HAVE AN IMPACT. JIM LISTON MEMBER OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH IN INDIANAPOLIS

$20 profit on each scene to help defray the cost of a trip to Washington for its eighth-grade class. St. Luke the Evangelist Parish used the profit to help with costs for youths who attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis in November. Cathedral High School put the profits from its 70 scenes into its tuition assistance program for students in financial need.

As the coordinator for the Nativity scene project at Cathedral, Dave

Worland purchased one for his home.

He put it up in his front yard on the first day of Advent, which drew a mix of compliments and questions from neighbors taking a walk or walking their dogs.

One of the questions came from some boys in the neighborhood. They saw Mary kneeling as part of the scene and Joseph standing. They wanted to know where baby Jesus was. Worland explained that Jesus will be added on Christmas Eve, telling them that “right now, we’re anticipating, we’re waiting.”

The boys said they would return to see the Nativity scene then.

“It gives us an opportunity to talk about it, and hopefully even educate people about it, whether they’re Christian or not,” said Worland, Cathedral’s senior vice president for mission and advancement and a member of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis.

The project also has received an enthusiastic response in St. Roch Parish in Indianapolis, where 53 Nativity scenes were purchased.

“I know people are really excited about having the Nativity scene,” said Jamie Riedeman, the communications coordinator for St. Roch Parish. “People are looking forward to see who else has

one. Everybody keeps saying, ‘I’m going to drive around the south side to see how many I can find.’ It’s a neat way to connect with people.”

The Nativity scene project is an effort of the Catholic Business Exchange, a group that Liston founded with the threefold mission of promoting faith, friendship and business.

“We pride ourselves on doing projects that no one else in the community is doing,” he said. “This seems so logical, it makes so much sense, but no one had ever done it. I do think there’s room for growth. People have asked me countless times about getting one. We’ve had at least five or six schools or parishes who say we’re in for next year.”

For Liston, it all goes back to the purpose of the project and the simplicity of the Nativity scene.

“There’s the outline of the stable, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in the crib.

No sheep, no cows. It’s the Holy Family,” he said.

“This is to remind people of what Christmas is truly about, to get back to the basics of what this season is all about — the simple presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” he added. “The simplicity of the Nativity scene says it all.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Part-time stylists - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride/groom and galas, is looking for part-time stylists. Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns.

Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary.

Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

St. Mary’s food kitchen manager - Do you have a calling to serve others? Do you want to feel fulfilled at the end of your workday? If you do, St. Mary’s Food Kitchen is seeking to hire a full-time manager. The ideal candidate has a calling to serve the hungry in an urban context. You will assist coordinators and volunteers from supporting religious organizations serve a delicious and nutritious meal to the underprivileged in Kansas City, Kansas. Reporting to the board of directors of Hot Lunch Service, Inc., you will need to have good communication (writing and verbal) and management skills. Experience in fundraising, marketing and community outreach are beneficial but not required. Salary range is $35,000 to $50,000 based on experience and education. A college degree is preferred. Interested? Please submit a current resume, letter of interest and references, along with contact information, to: hotlunchserviceinc@gmail.com.

Faculty job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Job openings include: associate’s degree in Nursing Specialist (ADN), information systems faculty coordinator, nursing faculty, adjunct faculty — accounting, biology, clinical nursing and nursing. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

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

House coordinator (caregiver/assistant leadership) - Looking for a leadership role where you can fulfill a meaningful purpose providing direct care for adults with intellectual disabilities in their homes? L’Arche Heartland is seeking to hire two house coordinators to support the overall quality of life for up to five residents with developmental disabilities (core members) who require direct service/support professionals (assistants) for activities of daily living. Core members reside together in a designated home as house mates with assistants (some who live-in and some who liveout). While aligning with the mission and charter of L’Arche, house coordinators provide direct support as well as oversee the management and administrative responsibilities within the home. The role coordinates daily routines and activities (community life) within the home to foster a healthy, respectful and compassionate living environment among house mates and assistants.

The house coordinator is a member of the leadership team and works in close collaboration with the team to fulfill their role responsibilities. Responsibilities and qualifications include: assists in the planning and facilitating of community night activities, holiday gatherings and retreats; trips and fund-raisers; facilitates weekly team meetings (formations) and participates in regular formations and training to develop a relationship of trust and collaboration; serves as a liaison between assistants and the coordinators to ensure that the personal and spiritual needs of assistants are being met; with the assistant coordinator, ensures that the home and vehicles are maintained and that safety precautions are followed and documented; in cooperation with the assistant and community care coordinator, monitors home environmental needs and coordinates repairs and purchases as needed with the approval of the community leader/executive director; ensures that household finances and spending are organized and in agreement with the designated budget. Training provided. Experience as a live-in assistant (caregiver) with adults with Intellectual disabilities strongly preferred.

Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks.org.

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

Development coordinator - We are looking to hire an enthusiastic, entry-level development coordinator to secure financial support for our organization. The development coordinator will set and achieve fundraising goals, maintain knowledge of fundraisers’ interests and cultivate relationships with existing and future donors.

You will take a leading role in fundraising events, maintain a social media presence and craft engaging ways to share our story. The successful applicant will build lasting relations with donors and keep them informed on how their financial input is making the world a better place. A new position in the organization, the development coordinator will have the opportunity to build the development function of L’Arche Heartland, requiring preferred candidates to be self-motivated, energetic and highly organized. Responsibilities include: develop and execute L’Arche Heartland’s comprehensive annual fundraising plan; secure financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations; manage the implementation/utilization of Bloomerang donor management system and coordinate with staff responsible for data entry and gift processing; develop and maintain an ongoing moves-management relationship strategy with major donors; coordinate external communications and marketing efforts, including print and social media; create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual donors; directly coordinate and manage all fundraising events and activities (i.e., annual auction/dinner); coordinate contracted grant writing efforts managing grants, proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising.

Qualifications include: a BA in business, nonprofit management or related field; previous experience in a nonprofit setting preferred; demonstrated excellence in organizational and communication skills; superb oral, written and persuasive communication skills; possess ability to set, manage and meet personal and organizational timelines and deadlines; have a high level of computer literacy (i.e., MS Office), experience with online donor database systems and an ability to self-direct his/her own mastery of such; ability to work within a faith-inspired, values-based environment; extensive use of technology and in-person interactions to communicate and conference with various stakeholders, the public, the local team and national leadership; valid driver’s license. Evening and weekend work is occasionally required. Applicants within the local area preferred, but others living outside of the area are encouraged to apply (no relocation assistance available). Interested applicants should submit a PDF cover letter and resume to: heartland@larcheks.org.

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

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

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

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

Community care coordinator - Looking for a leadership role where you can use your office skills to help in a nonprofit organization that serves adults with intellectual disabilities? L’Arche Heartland is seeking a community care coordinator. Experience with case management is strongly preferred. The role of community care coordinator is to be an advocate and ally to our seventeen residential core members (adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities) who require assistants (caregivers) for activities of daily living. Requirements include but are not limited to: collaboration with L’Arche Heartland team and leaders; attend and actively participate in house team meetings, professional services meetings and other meetings as needed to efficiently support high quality care and provision of services for the core members; advocate on behalf of the core members, service coordinators, families, consultants and other professionals to ensure the individual needs and desires of core members are met.

Collaborate with the community nurse and assistants and coordinator. All training provided after hire: CPR/ first aid, medication administration; rights and responsibilities; abuse, neglect and exploitation training; and emergency preparedness and documentation training.

Salary: $40,000 per year. Perks include: eight paid holidays, flexible hours available; health, dental and vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland), 401(k) and PTO. Email letter of interest, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks. org.

DECEMBER 17, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following faculty job openings: admissions counselor, advancement officer, Allied Health intake specialist, annual fund coordinator and part-time accounting assistant. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

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

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

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

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

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Grant manager position - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is hiring a full-time grant manager to join its development team! This position will research, write, manage, report and submit grant applications to institutional, governmental and United Way partners to help raise critical funds for the mission of Catholic Charities. For more information, please visit: www.catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “About Us” and “Careers” to view this open position.

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

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

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

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) Looking to purchase a home or sell your home? I am here to help you on your real estate journey! Tanairi Kennedy We Sell KC Team - Realty Executive. Call (913) 972-5097 or email: Tanairi@WeSellKcTeam.com. See the website at: www.tanairiSellsKC.com. I appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

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

For sale - Two burial plots at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. Located in the Garden: Assumption, lot 2, section D, spaces three and four, very near paved roads. Asking $4000. Call Peggy at (913) 6854364 or email: peggyflucke@gmail.com.

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

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

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

Tutor - Tutoring for K - adult. Sessions are fun and meaningful. For more information, call Kathleen at (913)206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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

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

Quality work - Remodeling, painting, home repair and carpentry. Nothing too big or too small. Call (913) 206-4524.

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

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

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

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 9918217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

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

Caring Christian companion - Retired licensed, practical nurse with 20-plus years’ experience caring for young to elderly facing medical challenges. Will work in your home or assisted living and am experienced in all areas of medical needs. References available. Caring, honest and dependable. Prefer Johnson County; call Barbara at (913) 645-3779. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

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

Come experience the joy of the first Christmas. Join the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family for a living Nativity.

There will be live animals, music and more. Admission is free.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Avila University (The Goppert Theatre) 11901 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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

Join Avila University at the Goppert Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, for a new retelling of “The Nutcracker” — one in which the focus of the real meaning of Christmas is Clara’s witness of Jesus’ birth. The completion of the story is Clara seeing the redemption of the Cross. The link to buy tickets is: www.dramatictruth. org/mystery-of-Christmas-2021.

For more information and for ticket prices, call (816) 501-3699.

OPEN HOUSE St. Athanasius & St. Catherine Academy Catholic Hybrid High School 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 19 from 1 - 3 p.m.

Join us for an open house at St. Athanasius & St. Catherine Academy Catholic Hybrid High School. Under the hybrid model, students learn in-person two three days a week and the other days do assigned independent work from home.

Inviting young women in grades 9 - 10 and young men in grades 9 - 11 to St. Athanasius for the 2022-23 school year.

Contact Suzanne Egger at (913) 5155054 or Holle Balzer at (913) 660-6220 for more information.

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

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

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

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

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Mary/St. Anthony Parish 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 9 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For driving instructions or future dates for the Kansas City monthly Holy Rosary rallies, visit: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

NEW YEAR SPIRITUAL REFLECTION AND PLANNING RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Jan. 7 - Jan. 9

The retreat begins on Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Jan. 9 at 4:30 p.m. Set aside time this year to focus on spiritual growth by creating growth goals and devising steps to reach goals. Bring your own personal items that will aid in this process, such as: a Bible, notebook, agenda, journal, catechism, laptop, etc. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The suggested donation is $170/single or $250/couples for the cabins and courtyard rooms or $100 for the single guest rooms (meals included).

To attend, sign up online at: christspeace. com; send an email to: info@christspeace. com; or call (913) 773-8255.

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

Join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a learning environment that is welcoming and Christ-centered. For more information, contact Anita Pauls at (913) 4922582 or email: apauls@hscatholic.org.

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

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

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

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

CAMP KATERI TEKAKWITHA Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Road, Williamsburg 2022

Camp Tekakwitha has announced its 2022 schedule. Come join in faith, fun and friends down at Camp Kateri Tekakwitha. Camp has always been a place of adventure activities combined with powerful, spiritual and unique encounters with God. Camp Tekakwitha Women’s Retreat will return again this spring.

There will also be a new Spanish Family Camp in July. Visit the website at: www. archkck.org/camp for more information about Camp Kateri Tekakwitha. Registration dates will be announced soon.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

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

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark. com drcconswindows@gmail.com Nelson Creations LLC. Home remodeling, kitchens, baths, basements.

All interior, exterior work. Licensed and insured.

(913) 927-5240 or: dknelson2001@gmail.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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins.

Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits.

Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com

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

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 18 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Mi 5: 1-4a Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Heb 10: 5-10 Lk 1: 39-45 Dec. 20 Monday Is 7: 10-14 Ps 24: 1-4b, 5-6 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 Wednesday 1 Sm 1: 24-28 (Ps) 1 Sm 2: 1, 4-8d Lk 1: 46-56 Dec. 23 John of Kanty, priest Mal 3: 1-4, 23-24 Ps 25: 4-5b, 8-10, 14 Lk 1: 57-66 Dec. 24 VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Is 62: 1-5 Ps 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25 Mt 1: 1-25 Dec. 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS) Is 9: 1-6 Ps 96: 1-3, 11-13 Ti 2: 11-14 Lk 2: 1-14

Peter Canisius 1521-1597 This doctor of the church was born in Holland and studied canon law in Belgium before turning to the study of theology in Germany.

He entered the Society of Jesus in 1543 and soon was a well-known preacher. He attended two sessions of the Council of Trent and was an important figure in the post-conciliar Catholic revival in Europe.

As the Jesuit provincial in southern Germany, Austria and Bohemia, he started schools, colleges and seminaries, and is credited with keeping the southern German peoples Catholic.

“T

he Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”

This Psalm verse (34:19) has dominated my thoughts of late. In contrast to the “fa-lala-ing” and the festive scenes that fill our days as we approach Christmas, there’s another reality, known as “blue Christmas.”

Some churches host “blue Christmas” services on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year.

It’s a time for people to step away from the lights and jolliness to acknowledge the “darkness” or “tough things” in life that come from the death of loved ones, illnesses or loneliness.

In these prayer celebrations, attendees are reminded of Advent hope that reassures them not only of the presence of Christ, the Light of the world, but of a supportive community that walks with them.

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DECEMBER 17, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Grief shared is grief diminished 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.

The tornados this past weekend stirred in me this idea of a “blue Christmas.” I thought of people who died, those who were injured and all who lost their homes.

And as I wrote Christmas cards, I realized how many families and friends would be experiencing their first set of holidays without some loved ones. These and other sorrows battered my spirit.

But there is a cure for sorrow that’s expressed in this Chinese tale: After her only son died, a woman went to a holy man and asked, “What prayers, what magical incantations do you have to bring my son back to life?”

Instead of trying to reason with her, he said, “Fetch me a mustard seed from a home that has never known sorrow. We’ll use it to drive the sorrow out of your life.”

The woman left immediately to find this magical seed. Her first stop was at a massive mansion. She knocked on the door and said,

“I’m looking for a home that has never known sorrow. Is this such a place?”

The residents replied, “You’ve certainly come to the wrong house.” Then, they described all the tragedies that had befallen them.

The woman said to herself, “Who better to help these poor, unfortunate people than I, who have had misfortune of my own?” So, she stayed to comfort them, then went on in search of a home that had never known sorrow.

But no matter where she went, she found one story after another of sadness and misfortune.

Ultimately, she became so involved in ministering to other people’s grief that she forgot all about her quest for the magical mustard seed, never realizing that it had, in fact, driven the sorrow out of her life.

(Story found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “The Sower’s Seeds.”)

It’s likely in these

days that we’ll encounter someone experiencing a “blue Christmas.”

Instead of avoiding the person or sidestepping their sorrow, offer to simply listen.

Later, we might recite this “blue Christmas” prayer with them, submitted online by Jerie Lukefahr, which reads in part: God of comfort, come gently among us. . . . When lights and decorations fail to delight our senses, and serve only to deepen our pain and grief, restore our souls. . . . When we are worn out and beat down, surround us with your peace. When our doubts outweigh our hopes, increase our faith. When we have no energy left to love, love us all the more.

When we cannot bring ourselves to pray, pray for us.”

For all those whose Christmas this year will be blue, know that many stand side by side with you.

God has already given us the grace we need to repent

he Israelites who wrote the psalm in Sunday’s liturgy had suffered military defeat, occupation, loss of independence. They wanted God to reverse this situation: “O God, restore us,” they prayed, and repeated it twice for emphasis (Ps 80:4, 8, 20).

But what are we praying for?

Well, we certainly need restoration. In our families, we experience broken relationships. In the church, we hurl criticisms and accusations at one another that destroy the fabric of our unity. In our society — but do I need to say anything about that?

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“O God, restore us” is a pretty relevant prayer wherever we look.

It is interesting that the Hebrew word for “restore” is a form of the word “return.”

It means “cause to return.” Also interesting: In the Old Testament, “return” is the word for repent. To repent and be converted is to return to God. So while the psalm means, on one level, restore our nation, on another level it means cause us to return, that is, enable us to repent.

We have all made a

mess in our relationships with each other, and God can only restore what is broken if we repent. But repentance does not come easily to us.

A Jewish sage, Israel of Rizhyn, once quoted seemingly contrasting texts: “Return to me,” says the Lord, “and I will return to you” (Zec 1:3) and “Bring us back to you, Lord, that we may return” (Lam 5:21).

The rabbi put his right hand down on the table when he cited the first and turned his hand palm up when he cited the second, and he did this several times.

This raised the question, which of these two movements comes first, our repenting or

God bringing us back to himself?

In the end, he left his hand palm up.

“Waves of anguish close over the people,” he said, and we “cannot govern” our hearts and return to God — unless God first enables us to return.

That God has acted to enable us to return is, of course, the Gospel in a nutshell (see Mk 1:15).

The anguish, pride, hurt, fear, anger and arrogance that hinder us from repenting and restoring our relationships are very difficult for us to face up to. But if we are now pondering this problem, God is already with us, giving us the grace to return.

Pope tells Greek young people to dream big, trust God’s love MAROUSSI, Greece (CNS) — Spending a bit of time with young people before leaving Greece, Pope Francis encouraged them to have the courage to hope, to dream and even to question their faith.

He met with Catholic teenagers and young adults from across Greece at St. Dionysius School in Maroussi, a suburb of Athens, Dec. 6. Three of them had a chance to briefly share their stories with him.

Having read their experiences beforehand, Pope Francis’ lengthy talk gave a detailed response to each of their concerns, revelations and questions with the under-

standing that their unique experiences also reflected something many other young people have in common.

For example, Katerina Binibini, whose family came from the Philippines, said she sometimes feels angry or jealous when she sees people without any faith easily coast through life without any problems, while as “a faithful Christian, I feel constantly put to the test.”

She said she finds it hard to explain her faith to others, especially when there is so much suffering or injustice in the world. But,

nonetheless, she still recognizes the strength, graces and opportunities she has had because of her faith and is grateful for God’s love.

Pope Francis said all those moments of doubt in life are “vitamins” for the faith, making it stronger, more resilient, wiser and more mature.

“Faith is precisely that: a daily journey with Jesus who takes us by the hand, accompanies us, encourages us, and, when we fall, lifts us up,” he said. Never be afraid to reflect and ask questions because “you cannot walk this path of faith blind.”

COLUMNISTS

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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What is your plan for holiness?

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ne thing I try to impress upon our deacons and deacon candidates is the fundamental importance of having a “plan of life.”

A plan of life helps us to be intentional about prioritizing our call to Christian holiness in the context of day-to-day living.

We all want to be saints (what is the alternative?), but do we take concrete steps to attain that goal?

Someone starting a new company has a “business plan.”

Someone desiring to lose 100 pounds has a dietary regimen. The point is, if we want to accomplish something meaningful over a period of time, we need

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

a plan. Good intentions without a plan won’t get us very far.

We are familiar with the rules of life of monks and some religious communities

that call for an intense dedication to prayer apart from the business of the world.

Yet, those of us who are still “in the world” also need a “holiness plan” that accounts for our family and work responsibilities. If we don’t have a plan, the world will happily gobble up our time and attention.

We probably recognize intuitively that there is no “one-size-fits-all” plan. Everyone — preferably with the help of a spiritual adviser, mentor, spouse or friend — must craft their own plan of life that works for them.

Even so, there are some points of commonality, and I’d like to highlight three of them.

Sanctify the day: All rules of life involve some aspect of sanctifying the day. One way to do this is through praying the Liturgy of the Hours — something required of deacons but heartily recommended to laypeople.

But even more simply, consecrating the day to the Lord upon rising in the morning and thanking him at the end of the day is a great

start. Some pray the Angelus prayer at noon or the Divine Mercy chaplet midafternoon. Some families use dinner time as an opportunity to come together in prayer, whereas for others it is bedtime. Over time, such prayer marks the rhythm of the day.

Go deeper: It is also important that time be set aside for daily prayer that takes our relationship with God a little deeper.

Unless we have a “daily appointment” with God, this simply isn’t going to happen, especially in today’s crazy busy world. I’m speaking here of meditation, Scripture reading, the rosary — whatever helps us grow closer to the Lord. And certainly an integral part of the

mix is frequent recourse to the Eucharist and reconciliation.

Integrate: For a “plan of life” to be sustainable, it must be integrated into the fabric of one’s life, taking into account our daily needs, responsibilities and relationships. For most of us, the path to holiness is through the world, not around it.

Fostering within ourselves a Christian worldview is huge on this score. Thus, simple acts of service and mercy, voluntary penances and sacrifices, and even the heroic offering of our own sufferings increasingly become part of the “bigger picture” for us.

What’s your plan for becoming a saint?

Hidden gifts of the season are among the most special of all

T

his holiday season, hundreds of children will receive a special gift that they may not even think about or understand.

They won’t be unwrapping it, playing with it or wearing it.

It won’t be on their Christmas gift list.

They will receive the gift of a Catholic education from scholarships awarded by the Catholic Education Foundation.

Although most of the children will not realize what this gift means until later in life, they will benefit immediately.

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

The scholarships they will receive will bring more joy to parents than

the children who receive them.

The scholarships will provide more than just a high quality education. They also provide opportunities for these children to grow in their faith every day

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while attending a Catholic school.

Education and faith are two very powerful tools that improve lives, especially for those students who come from families living in poverty. CEF scholarships are awarded to students whose families qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program, meaning that they qualify as “low income.”

Education and faith can lift people out of both economic and spiritual poverty. There are few gifts that you can give a child better than education and faith.

This school year, because of many generous supporters, the Catholic Education Foundation will provide over $3 million in scholarships to approximately 1,700 children attending 25 schools. This is up from $2.6 million in scholarships awarded to 1,500 children last school year.

The significant increases are simply due to the need and demand many archdiocesan families have who wish for their children to attend a Catholic school.

The wrapping on these “gifts” is perhaps the family atmosphere

and safe environments that our Catholic schools provide our young students. The bow is the Holy Spirit that embraces and guides each child every day at school.

The Catholic Education Foundation is very appreciative to have such amazing supporters who understand the impact a gift of a Catholic education can have on children, their families, the church and our community.

These are the hidden gifts that make this holiday season so special, especially in the lives of our children.

SCRIPTURE

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

16

Choose the simple route of singular devotion

By Catherine Upchurch Special to The Leaven

I

n our era, it is quite common to hear conversations about multitasking. We sometimes wear it as a badge of honor that we are able to juggle multiple projects or tasks at home or at work. We regularly catch ourselves watching television and simultaneously catching up with social media on our phones or other devices.

O c c a s i o n a l l y, this ability to do many things at once is necessary, but sometimes it is simply a reaction to perceived pressure. Whatever the case, it is seldom truly effective. In fact, recent research indicates that doing many tasks at once, switching between them, makes us more prone to give in to distractions and less able to focus our energies or skills. Contrary to what we might believe, multitasking usually reduces productivity, sometimes by as much as 35 to 40%.

What happens when that pride in multitasking seeps into our spiritual lives? When we believe not only that we are capable of and need to balance many daily tasks, but that we can manage several allegiances all at once?

Are we conditioning ourselves to be spiritual jugglers or are we more interested in growing a single-hearted devotion to God and the things of God? Throughout the Bible, there are numerous passages about pure devotion and being single-hearted. “With all my heart I seek you,” we read in Psalm 119:10. We are assured, along with ancient Israel, that we will find God “if you search for him with all your heart and soul” (Dt 4:29). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us, “where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Mt 6:21).

It might seem hard to imagine how it is even possible to be single-hearted when we are managing family relationships, work obligations, political chaos and just the ordinary tasks of a typical day. But let’s take that apart a bit.

First of all, when the Bible speaks of the human heart, it is usually capturing the essence of what it means to be

For God “As soon as I believed there was a God, I understood I could do nothing else but live for him. . . .

God is so great. There is such a difference between God and everything that is not.”

— Blessed Charles de Foucauld, military officer, explorer, geographer and, later, priest

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION OR DISCUSSION While there is nothing morally wrong with multitasking, the patterns it creates can affect our ability to establish fundamental priorities. What patterns have you noticed that could distract you from giving priority to living in Christ?

What are some of the decisions you make on a regular basis that help keep you centered on God and the things of God?

human — our emotions, yes, but also our intellect, will and imagination.

Being single-hearted means that our whole being finds its meaning in one thing, and that one thing is a relationship with God, who is in essence love itself (see 1 Jn 4:8).

Secondly, being single-hearted means that we attend to all other relationships and obligations in light of that one central relationship with the divine.

We might picture it like a stained-glass rose window. All the colors and shapes that surround the central image are essential in creating the beauty of the whole. The outer pieces direct our attention to the center, and the center directs our attention outward as well.

How are your daily commitments at work and at home enhanced by your love for God and your awareness of God’s love for you?

Thirdly, being single-hearted in our love for God gives us the energy and devotion needed to savor all the other pieces of our lives that make up the whole. The sixth beatitude says, “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God” (Mt 5:8).

However, the Greek term “katharos” translated as “clean of heart” is about so much more than being morally clean. It literally means to be without admixture, or to be simply one thing, to be single-hearted. And the reward is to see God. We see God in our spouses and children, in our grandparents and neighbors.

We see God in the person begging at the corner and the essential worker at

The Christian’s fundamental allegiance is to God. What other allegiances do you find competing with this priority? And which reinforce this priority?

the grocery store. We see God in the outpouring of stories that come when a loved one dies. In so many ways, being single-hearted in our devotion to God brings benefits that build up all the other relationships in our lives.

We do not have to become experts at juggling. Instead, we need only to ask for the grace to respond to God’s love in us and for us. It sounds too simple, but isn’t it worth a try?

Catherine Upchurch is the general editor of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and contributes to several biblical publications. She writes from Fort Smith, Arkansas.