12 22 17 Vol. 39 No. 19 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 19 | DECEMBER 22, 2017

THE ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS BY BARTOLOME ESTEBAN MURILLO

Christ takes on human flesh, humbling himself for the sake of humanity itself. May this amazing love of God, revealed in the mystery of the Incarnation, draw you to share the same love with all those you encounter this season and always. : CE no TI ill be week NO re w next The aven Le

+ JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

+ JAMES P. KELEHER Archbishop Emeritus of Kansas City in Kansas

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

‘Wonderful Life’ lends itself to family viewing, discussion

uring the Advent or Christmas seasons, I enjoy watching the movie classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Though at the time of its release in 1946 it was not a box office smash hit, today it is considered one of the great American movies. For those unfamiliar with the plot, heaven is besieged with prayers for the hero, George Bailey, who is on the verge of committing suicide on Christmas Eve. An idiosyncratic angel, Clarence, is shown flashbacks of highlights of George’s life to prepare him for a rescue mission to save the despairing hero. George has convinced himself that his family and community would be better off if he had never been born. The angel Clarence devises a strategy to show George Bailey what his family and community would have been like without him. The angelology of the film is clever and amusing, but theologically very deficient. Nevertheless, the themes of the movie are very Christian. The movie makes clear that every life is precious in God’s eyes, and oftentimes the full impact of our actions is hidden from us. “It’s A Wonderful Life” also paints a compelling portrait of the importance of marriage, family, friendship and service to others. The film makes clear that true human wealth is not recorded in bank accounts or stock portfolios, but is found in the depth of our relationships with family, friends

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN and members of our local community. Central to the film’s plot, despite his many natural virtues, was George Bailey’s internal struggle between selfishness and service to others. Of course, this is the same struggle than runs through every human heart. Throughout the film, George Bailey desires to leave town in order to travel the world, experience new things and enjoy exotic places. Eventually, he wants to achieve wealth and fame by designing and building magnificent structures. These are not bad ambitions but, for the Christian, they neglect the most important question: What is God’s desire for my life? Throughout the film, we see the competing claims on George’s heart: to fulfill his dreams to encounter the bigger world beyond Bedford Falls or, for the good of family and community, to remain in his hometown managing the family business — The Bailey Brothers Building and Loan. Several times, George is on the verge of leaving

Bedford Falls and, each time, a crisis emerges where he must choose between chasing his dreams or remaining home for the good of family and friends. For several years, George has been smitten by the enchantingly beautiful Mary Hatch (played by Donna Reed), but he is resisting the thought of marriage because it will be another obstacle to his dreams for adventure, freedom and fame. After Mary has returned from college, one of the most beautifully acted scenes depicts George begrudgingly paying a visit to her home. George is rude and insulting to Mary as he contends with this familiar internal conflict surfaced by the realization of what he must relinquish if he allows himself to become involved romantically. In the end, fortunately, love wins out. The character of George Bailey and his concern for the welfare of the working class is contrasted with the villainous and greedy Mr. Potter, who schemes either to close or gain control of the Building and Loan so that he has a monopoly on housing options for the town’s ordinary citizens. George Bailey is the only obstacle to Potter realizing his goal of gaining

complete financial control of the town. The crisis that leads to George’s suicidal thoughts is the misplacement of a significant amount of cash by his lovable but hapless Uncle Billy. The Building and Loan is facing insolvency and George is facing criminal charges for malfeasance. In the depth of his crisis, while acknowledging he is not a praying man, George Bailey offers a desperate prayer to God for assistance. Initially, George thinks that God has turned a deaf ear to his petition. George is unaware that there is a small and growing army who are praying for him and rallying to his aid. I am not sure why “It’s A Wonderful Life” was not as popular in 1946 as it has become subsequently. Its appeal today is somewhat of an anomaly, because the underlying themes are much more countercultural than they were in post-World War II America. In a sense, its continued attraction is a testimony to the innate desirability of virtue and nobility. Our prevailing culture tends to encourage young people to pursue their career dreams and goals before considering marriage and family. Though not in a manner as crude as the villain in “It’s Wonderful Life,” our culture promotes material things, creature comforts and entertainment as more essential for our happiness than our relationship with God or a life of service to others. With today’s dominant hookup culture, the modern-day George Bailey need not worry about commitment obstructing freedom.

If perchance, you have never watched “It’s A Wonderful Life,” I hope I piqued your interest to do so. Even if you have viewed it several times, I encourage parents, especially, to watch the film with older children. Though compared to modern films, it is very family-friendly, still, it deals with suicidal thoughts, and George Bailey’s personal crisis could be emotionally upsetting to young children. The themes in the film lend themselves to rich family conversations about vocation, worthy goals for life, the importance of marriage and family, the power of prayer, devotion to our guardian angels, the sanctity of each human life and healthy ways to cope with feeling overwhelmed by life’s inevitable challenges and crises. You may want to read the catechism’s teaching on angels (paragraphs 328-336), to be able to answer questions about what we as Catholics actually believe about these spiritual messengers and servants of God. Christmas reminds us that God responded to the pride and rebellion of our first parents by an act of the most profound humility. God’s response to our sin was to draw us closer to him — not by coercion or force but, rather, by immersing himself fully into our humanity. The commemoration of the birth of Jesus also makes clear the worth and dignity God has placed upon every human life. The choice of God to be born into a family affirms the absolute necessity of this most important and fundamental human community. The Word became flesh

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Dec. 22 Chancery staff Mass and lunch Dec. 23 Quo Vadis retreat Dec. 24 Mass, 10:30 p.m. — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 25 Mass, 9 a.m. — Cathedral of St. Peter Dec. 27 Totus Tuus, Camp Tekakwitha and Prayer in Action Holy Hour Dec. 28 Vespers and dinner with seminarians Dec. 29 Serra parent/seminarian Mass and lunch — Sacred Heart, Shawnee Dec. 30 “One Thing Remains” evening of worship — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Dec. 22 Chancery staff Mass and lunch Dec. 24 Mass — Federal prison camp Dec. 25 Christmas Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary

and dwelt among us. In other words, God chose to embrace the poverty of our humanity so that we might share in the richness of his divinity. Does that sound more like George Bailey’s or Mr. Potter’s worldview?

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DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF USP LEAVENWORTH/PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TODD HABIGER

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe for inmates in the minimum-security federal prison camp in Leavenworth on Dec. 9. According to Archbishop Keleher, this feast day of Our Lady is one of the most popular Masses at the camp.

‘THESE ARE MY BEST MASSES’ Archbishop Keleher finds joy in ministering to the imprisoned

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

EAVENWORTH — Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher hadn’t slept much the night before Dec. 9. “I felt just terrible,” he said. “I had something in my throat.” Finally, at about 5:30 a.m., he went to Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park to get himself checked out. Nobody would have blamed the 86-year-old prelate if he just went home and took it easy the rest of the day. But Archbishop Keleher had to be on his game that day. He was scheduled to celebrate Mass for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the federal prison camp at Leavenworth. The diagnosis was pulmonary infiltrate. “I said, ‘Doctor, do you think I can do it?’ And he said, ‘Yep, you can do it,’” said Archbishop Keleher. “So I did . . . mostly. “I almost collapsed, but I did do it.” Couldn’t he have just called in sick? “Of all days, not on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe!” he exclaimed. “Who could I have gotten at the last

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

minute to take over?” Nobody gets into “the Hot House” fast.

Of these prisons, Archbishop Keleher visits the federal prison camp most often, usually once a month. There are about 400 inmates at the minimum-security camp, and about 1,800 medium-security inmates in the “Big House,” said Supervisory Chaplain Dale Sutton, who is in charge of the religious program for the entire complex. Inmates profess 19 different religions, and about half of the entire camp and penitentiary population participate in the religious program.

They really need Jesus As a bishop of a diocese and then an archdiocese, Archbishop Keleher has always been involved in prison ministry. But after he retired in 2005, he has had more time to devote to the inmates. “I find [prison ministry] to be very attractive,” said the archbishop. “I tell the guys (inmates) that these are my best Masses I ever do. They’re really the ones who need Jesus, and Jesus wants us to take care of them.” Three popes have inspired him in this ministry: Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. St. John Paul II is especially inspiring because of the way he visited and forgave his would-be assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, said the archbishop. In addition to the federal prison camp in Leavenworth, Archbishop Keleher has been to the adjoining “Hot House,” or the U.S. Penitentiary affiliated with the camp, the Topeka Correctional Facility for women and the

Gathering the flock

Since his retirement, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher has been active in prison ministry. state’s Lansing Correctional Facility. In the past, he’s also been to the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks (“the Castle”) at Fort Leavenworth and a privately operated prison in Lansing.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

When he arrived at the camp on Dec. 9, among the items Archbishop Keleher brought with him were 80 red roses (for the inmates to lay before statues of Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Guadalupe) and a wooden crosier made for him by inmates at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks. The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is on Dec. 12, but this was as near to the date as could be arranged. Archbishop Keleher was accompanied >> See “ARCHBISHOP” on page 7

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Alessandro Cupini dribbles past two defenders at a soccer tournament in Overland Park. His family, who own and run an Italian restaurant in Westport, is planning to move to Europe in 2018 to pursue Alessandro’s interest in becoming an elite soccer player.

BOY WONDER Local soccer phenom is taking his game to Europe By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OELAND PARK — Franco Cupini was in the back of a cab in Italy over 5,000 miles from home when the driver asked where he was from. Replying “Kansas City,” the driver immediately asked if he knew of a child from there named Alessandro Cupini. Upon telling the driver that Alessandro was his grandson, the man stopped the car, got out and shook his hand in awe. “We’ve seen all his videos,” the driver said. “This ride’s on me.” Alessandro Cupini, a fourth-grader at St. Agnes School in Roeland Park, has gained worldwide attention for his soccer talent. “I just want to become a professional,” said Alessandro. He is a midfielder who sports number 7 and plays for KC Fusion — but not for long. The 10-year-old soccer star and his family plan on moving to Europe next year to chase his dreams. “We want to go there to give ourselves the learning experience,” said Cupini’s father, Eddie. “The culture, the language — it’ll be good for us,” he said. Alessandro started playing soccer around the age of 5, but preferred

tennis and then hockey. Once he began to play soccer competitively at age 7, however, he began to develop a deep love for the game. “You could see some things were coming out,” said Eddie on noticing his son’s natural talent. “He definitely was left- and right-footed,” he continued. “You just see his patience on the ball and his skills.” Now, Alessandro plays not only for his club team but also with the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and the Centers of Excellence — a Sporting Kansas City program that provides supplemental training for young boys. On top of that, he receives private training from a variety of coaches in the Kansas City area — that is, when he isn’t kicking around in his basement, which the family has turned into a mini soccer arena. Alessandro’s hard work isn’t just apparent to his parents and coaches. He has over 50,000 followers on Instagram — fans from all across the world. “He doesn’t show his friends [the account],” said Eddie. “He just wants to get to the top. He doesn’t care about all this other stuff.” “He’s very humble,” said Alessandro’s mother, Nerissa. Alessandro does care about becoming a pro, however. And he’ll get some

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Alessandro Cupini takes a shot during a November soccer tournament in Overland Park. of the best training possible in Europe. “You only have a small window of opportunity,” said Nerissa. “If that’s what you want to do,” she tells her son, “we want to help you do it.” Owners of Cupini’s Italian Deli in Kansas City, Missouri, the family is willing to sacrifice anything for their

son, as well as their daughter Sophia, who is 3 years old. The Cupinis will keep their restaurant open with the help of Eddie’s father, and they agree that any other sacrifices they’ll make are worth it. “You know your parents love you,” said Eddie, “but you don’t realize how much your parents love you until you have your own kids.” They don’t have to push Alessandro hard to fight for his dream, his parents said. “I take [soccer] pretty seriously,” said Alessandro. To prepare for games, for example, he watches videos of his favorite players. “My favorite team is Real Madrid, and my favorite player is [Cristiano] Ronaldo,” he said. “I think his ultimate dream would be to play for Real Madrid,” said Nerissa. “But I think he’d be happy anywhere — just to play in Europe,” she added. Eddie and Nerissa’s advice to other parents of young athletes is to let them enjoy the game. “You definitely have to encourage them and maybe push them in their downtimes when they’re feeling they didn’t achieve anything,” said Eddie. “But let them enjoy it.” To follow Alessandro on Instagram, go to: instagram.com/cupini_ac7_official.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

New year brings new goals for archdiocesan church By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholics across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas can look forward to getting a late Christmas present: new goals for the mutually shared vision. After an intensive research process in early 2015, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and an 11-member Envisioning Leadership Team produced a bold pastoral plan for the life of the church in northeast Kansas for the coming decade. The Catholic This plan, Church in northcalled the mueast Kansas: tually shared growing as disciples of Jesus, vision, was put making disciinto effect in ples for Jesus. August 2015. The implementation parts of the mutually shared vision were the three key initiatives 1. Build a cul(also known as ture of evange“super priorlization across ities”). Under the archdiocese. each key initia2. Strengthtive were two or en the vocation of marriage and three goals. family life. “[The envi3. Cultivate sioning team] relationships by has determined engaging in the that we have corporal and completed all spiritual works the goals we iniof mercy. tially set out to achieve,” said Steve Ehart, archdiocesan consultant for mission strategy. “That’s why we kept the key initiatives but recast our goals,” he continued. “And now we’re making plans to both communicate the goals to all the archdiocese and to accomplish them. We know through focus and effort we’ll achieve results.”

Vision statement

Key initiatives

Build a culture of evangelization across the archdiocese The original goals called for a discipleship training program, benchmarks so parishes could assess their progress, and pilot parishes to model “intentional evangelization.” To date, more than 20 parishes have been or are now in a pilot process for using evangelization benchmarks, said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, archdiocesan evangelization division secretary. The new goals build on the previous ones. They are: • Equip individuals to be agents of evangelization through ongoing one-onone discipleship, small gatherings and large group formation by offering missionary discipleship training, called “The Movement of the Holy Family,” through Pentecost 2018. • Continue to focus on parish evangelization benchmarks by offering customized resources, best practices and planning support to accompany individual

pastors and parishes from various regions by Pentecost 2018. • Accelerate a cultural shift to missionary discipleship by focusing on scriptural engagement, intentional prayer and accompaniment in the peripheries through archdiocesan-sponsored events and convocation experiences in 2019. “The new goals for ‘Building a Culture of Evangelization Across the Archdiocese’ are the natural fruit of the first goals,” said Father Andrew Strobl, who leads implementation of this key initiative as a member of the envisioning team. “Opportunities to invest and equip individuals as intentional evangelists continues through the ‘Movement of the Holy Family,’” he said. “The Holy Family School of Faith offers one-on-one formation, and small and large groups continue this important work.” Building on the evangelization benchmarks and pilot parish initiative, the evangelization division continues to offer consultation, resources and planning support to parishes. “Recently, seven more parishes have embraced the opportunity to be more intentional about their work in evangelization through individual consultation with the office of evangelization,” said Father Strobl. The archdiocese is planning a large convocation of parish leaders for Oct. 4-5, 2019. This, said Father Strobl, will be an opportunity to build on the U.S. bishops’ own 2017 convocation and the vision of Pope Francis in “The Joy of the Gospel.” “In addition, more events are being planned to foster better scriptural engagement, intentional prayer, and accompaniment in the work of evangelization,” he said.

Strengthen the vocation of marriage and family life The original two goals under this second key initiative were: first, to summon and equip couples to participate in a marriage enrichment activity; and second, to devise a strategy for equipping parents to be primary teachers of the faith. The program used by the archdiocesan marriage and family life office to

meet these goals was the Joyful Marriage Project, said Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant of that office. The project offered a variety of enrichment opportunities. “There were events that were weekend retreats, enrichments that happened over a Saturday morning and enrichments online,” said Deacon Zimmerman. “We were trying to offer a full stable of different opportunities to meet the different needs of people to enrich their marriage. “We saw good participation in that first phase, and we continue to use the Joyful Marriage Project as a way to reach out to people to remind them what’s important.” The marriage and family life office also took their message “out into the marketplace” with 30-second radio spots that played in October and November. The new goals under this key initiative include increasing participation in the Joyful Marriage Project through advertising, promotions and outreach to Hispanic couples. More specifically, the new goals are to: • Summon and equip couples to better live the heroic call to Christian marriage by focusing marriage enrichment invitations through the Joyful Marriage Project campaign, while increasing participation through advertising and promotion, creation of new offerings and a new outreach to Spanish-speaking couples by June 30, 2018. • Implement the “Sacramental Moments” strategy for equipping parents to be the primary teachers of the faith by completing and distributing all approved materials and supplying the appropriate directions for their use by November. The aforementioned goal will be reached, in part, by a new video that lays out a vision for parents to take up their role as the primary teachers of the faith to their children beginning at baptism, said Deacon Zimmerman.

Cultivate relationships by engaging in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy The goals under this key initiative

were substantially, although not totally, met. As part of the first goal, parishes invited persons to make commitments to regularly engage in one or more corporal or spiritual works of mercy during the jubilee Year of Mercy. As part of the second, each parish or parish cluster was to partner with other parishes or organizations to better encounter Christ by Easter 2016. “Our first goal of inviting parishes and families to make commitments to regularly engage in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy was met,” said Ken Williams, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Parishes, priests and other ministry groups shared their experiences and encouraging examples of their works of mercy. “Our hope is that these collective works of mercy will continue year after year as we strive to become a more merciful church,” said Williams. “No, we technically did not complete the goal . . . which asked each parish to partner with other parishes. Again, we have many great examples of ‘parish twinning’ but, frankly, there just wasn’t enough time for all parishes to complete this goal.” Here, too, the new goals build on the previous: • In order to grow as companions in faith, by Advent 2020, all parishes within the archdiocese will have entered into an intentional partnership with at least one other parish to engage in projects of mercy and support in order to better encounter Christ in one another. For parishes that are currently twinned, a climate of collaboration will be fostered through coaching and sharing of best practices. • By the First Sunday of Advent 2019, each parish, alone or in collaboration with other parishes, will commence outreach that is inclusive and supportive of parishioners with disabilities, beginning with participation in faith formation programs (including sacramental preparation) and participation in the liturgy.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Preparing for Christmas In the making of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” network executives requested that “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz remove the section where Linus affirms the real meaning of Christmas by reciting the section of Luke’s Gospel on the birth of Jesus. Schulz refused. As families, we too, must keep Christ in ChristARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 mas! On Christmas, gather around your Nativity scene: • Share hot cocoa and cookies. • Invite the youngest member who can read to share Luke’s Gospel account of Jesus’ birth. • Sing carols such as “Silent Night.”

— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

Annunciation, Frankfort Address: 213 E. 5th St., 66427 Phone: (785) 292-4462 Pastor: Father Daniel Schmitz Mass Times: Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Email: annparfrankfort@bluevalley.net Website: annunciationfrankfort.org MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

Overland Park workshop to offer ways to heal family breakdown By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

hat part will you play in the future of the family? It is a question that is on the mind of more than a few Catholic leaders these days, as we see the primary institution of our society fracture under seemingly insurmountable stress. But the Catholic Church is not the only institution unwilling to throw in the towel on the institution of the family. The Ruth Institute, founded in 2008 by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, is a global nonprofit organization aimed at ending family breakdown by energizing survivors of the Sexual Revolution. And it’s a movement that is coming to the archdiocese next month. On Jan. 27, the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life will host the institute’s “Healing Family Breakdown” spiritual workshop at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. The event is open to all, Catholic and non-Catholic, and, according to Morse, is meant to accomplish three goals: (1) heal families; (2) help participants prevent family breakdown; and (3) help participants become agents of healing within society at large. When families attend the workshop, Morse added, something important and life-changing happens to them. “You realize you and your family are not the only ones,” she said. “For a lot of people, that is huge.” That realization is an important first step in healing, she said, and is often made manifest to her in a tangible way in the seating arrangement of workshop participants.

Jennifer Roback Morse will lead the archdiocesan family life office’s “Healing Family Breakdown” spiritual workshop Jan. 27 at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. “The Holy Spirit has a way of seating people at the table who belong together,” Morse said. For example, at a past workshop, she witnessed a teenage girl’s perspective change as a result of a conversation she had with a man at her table. The girl was the daughter of divorced parents. She blamed her father for the situation and did not want anything to do with him. However, also seated at her table was a divorced man experiencing loneliness as his children would not talk to him. A conversation between the two, Morse said, led the young lady to consider the hurt and loneliness her father might be experiencing, a perspective the teenager had not considered previously. And that’s just one type of healing and paradigm shift The Ruth Institute is trying to bring about in the world. On the nonprofit’s website — www.ruthinstitute.org — Morse identifies a dozen different types

of survivors of the Sexual Revolution, ranging from children of divorce and of unmarried parents, to a pornography addict or a post-abortive man or woman. If you recognize yourself, a family member or a friend in one of the 12 survivor descriptions, Morse discourages you from trying to go it alone. Participate in the workshop and begin the healing process, instead. “We need [survivors’] participation,” she said. “We need you to be witnesses to say the church was right all along [about its teachings on family and sexuality].” Morse calls survivors “the secret weapon” to restoring the family to its greatness and its rightful place in society. “All these wounded souls need to speak up,” she said. “Many people leave the faith over sexual issues,” Morse explained. “I know. I stormed off in a huff.” But just as people leave the faith over sexual issues, Morse said, countless people later realize the beauty of church teaching and return to the faith. “I was completely wrong, of course,” she said of her departure from the faith. Later, by studying the church’s teachings and by watching her adopted and biological children grow, Morse said she realized how much children need their father and mother as well as how much they want their parents. “That’s how I got interested in the family and how the family fits into society,” said Morse. As she has watched the family structure in modern society continue to deteriorate, however, Morse is not without hope. “A lot of what society is trying to do is undoable,” she said. “We believe it is possible to make the family great again.”

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DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Flin and Mary McGhee, members of Holy Spirit Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 21. The couple was married on Dec. 21, 1957, at the First Baptist Church of Brookshire, Texas. They have one child, Renee McGheeLenart, and two grandchildren. The couple will celebrate by spending January, February, and March in South Padre Island, Texas.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

DEACON MASS

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass on Dec. 1 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, for deacons, deacon candidates and their wives. Two deacon cohorts have been ordained for the archdiocese and a third is currently being trained.

Archbishop celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe for inmates at federal camp in Leavenworth >> Continued from page 3 by Deacon John Stanley and St. Francis de Sales, Lansing, parishioner Chris Jensen, who is involved in prison ministry. They entered the front door and were cordially greeted by Chaplain Sutton and Brian Wilson, the acting camp administrator. After fulfilling a few requirements, the archbishop and his party were escorted across a courtyard — where inmates can meet with their visitors and family during good weather — and into the six-sided cinderblock building. The facility has a small chapel that is usually sufficient for the 20 to 25 men who regularly show up for Mass every Sunday, said Deacon Stanley. This day, because a much larger number had signed up, the Mass would be in the dining hall. The inmates provide the music, serve as acolytes and lectors, and set up the altar and other liturgical furnishings. A man Chaplain Sutton calls “John the Catholic” acts as a sort of sacristan, leading the inmates who are in charge of setup. John was also in charge of organizing a special Christmas event for the inmates’ visiting children. This was a special day not only because they were celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but also because two inmates were being confirmed. One made his first confession and first Communion as well. “A lot of [the inmates] have rediscovered their faith in prison,” said Deacon Stanley. “They’re very much drawn to [the archbishop’s] sacrifice.” Archbishop Keleher’s prison visits last about two hours. He hears confessions before Mass. After Mass, he sits in a little circle of inmates — who he calls “lads” — and chats with

“

“A LOT OF [THE INMATES] HAVE REDISCOVERED THEIR FAITH IN PRISON. THEY’RE VERY MUCH DRAWN TO [THE ARCHBISHOP’S] SACRIFICE.” them. He never asks them about their crimes and doesn’t even want to know. He wants to treat them like “regular guys.” “That’s what I intend to do,” said the archbishop. “They live with guilt. They live with knowing they have deeply offended their own families.” “Probably, in many cases, their families can hardly go on,” he explained. “They don’t need any more poured on them.” The Catholic inmates have organized themselves into an unofficial “parish” under the patronage of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who died in a German prison camp during World War II. “We have the daily rosary at about 3 p.m., daily prayer at about 9 p.m., multiple laypeople who lead Bible studies, Mass every Sunday, and a prisoner who leads a Bible study,” said an inmate named Brian. “There are many opportunities to renew your faith.” It can be hard for some inmates to keep their faith while in prison, but others experience just the opposite. “No, it’s actually easer,” said an inmate named Dane. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to God.”

A feast for the feast day

About 50 to 60 inmates were at the Mass. Attendance was boosted, no doubt, by a special lunch prepared by the inmate kitchen staff, led by camp food supervisor Ken Murawski. Usually, inmates eat meals according to a “national menu,” but each group is allowed to have a special meal once a year. One of the inmates at the “parish” lunch was Corbin, a lifelong Catholic. He played with the band during Mass and is a very active member of “St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.” His faith has been renewed in prison, he said, and he wants to give back. Giving back includes helping others in the Catholic religious activities and participating in the prison’s gardening program. Last year, inmates donated more than 160,000 pounds of free food to Leavenworth and Lansing charities. Knowing that he is a member of the church — and thus spiritually connected to God, the angels, the saints and all Catholics worldwide — is tremendously consoling to Corbin. “In prison, you can feel disconnected from society, family and friends,” said Corbin, who leads the daily rosary. But not from God — if the archbishop can help it. “He loves every human soul he encounters, genuinely,” said Corbin. In his homily that day, Archbishop Keleher spoke of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her appearance to Juan Diego. He apologized for his hoarseness and having to sit while giving his homily. And he comforted the inmates with the church’s age-old teaching. “We are all sinners,” he told them.

Rebecca and Dennis Shields, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 17. The couple was married on Dec. 17, 1966, at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa, by Father Ed Simon. Their children are: Jason Shields, Olathe; Jarrod Shields, Oxford, Michigan; and Paige Hohmann, Olathe. They also have five grandchildren. Deacon Don and Judy (Vaughn) Poole, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Mound City, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 5. They have two children, Marisa and John David. They also have six grandchildren. A celebration will be on Jan. 28 at Sacred Heart Parish hall from 2 to 4 p.m.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: • Announcements must be typed. • Emailed photos need to be 200 dpi. • Mailed photos can be any size. • If you would like your photo returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

BEST REST of

the

t’s become an annual event here at The Leaven to publish some of the best photos that never saw the printed page during the past year. Not only can I — in most cases — use only one or two photos per story, but with the rise of social media, some of our photos are only published online. The Leaven has a great stable of photographers, each with different strengths and styles. Here is some of their best work that you’ve probably never seen before. —Todd Habiger

FLYING

This past year, The Leaven tried something new by featuring an archdiocesan high school team 2017 state track and field championship and came back with this beautiful photo of Bishop Miege’s Daniel Ja

FROM FAMINE TO FEAST

Joe McSorley photographed this striking image of Father Peter Jaramillo, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, performing the blessing of food on Holy Saturday afternoon. Traditionally, the food will be eaten as the first meal of Easter. It symbolizes the move from the fasting of Lent to the feasting of Easter. Joe framed this photo perfectly with the food and the pews in perfect perspective with Father Jaramillo.

WASHING OF FEET

Photographer Doug Hesse is a master of angles. With just a slight tilt of the camera, he makes what could have been a standard photo into something cool. In a social media event, The Leaven sent photographers to various churches during Holy Week to capture how different parishes celebrated the Easter Triduum. Doug went to Holy Trinity in Paola on Holy Thursday and brought back this great photo of Father Pete O’Sullivan performing the washing of the feet.

LIGHT

Sometime events, th which not photograp St. Peter in stained-gl patterns o ing on the tured som

GREAT HANDS

At a farewell Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for Sister Rose Manjula Allam of the Sisters of St. Anne at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, Lori Wood Habiger captured this beautiful photo of an aged hand of one of the Sisters. The skin tone, the wrinkles, the cracks and lines in the skin, all serve to make this simple shot something incredible.

m of the week via social media. The Leaven’s Jay Soldner, who excels at sports photography, traveled to Wichita to cover the ackson soaring for 21 feet and 4 inches on his way to third place in the long jump in Class 4A.

T MOVES

es when photographers cover here is some dead time during thing happens. Jay Soldner, while phing a baptism at the Cathedral of n Kansas City, Kansas, noticed the lass windows making spectacular of light on the columns. By focuse statue in the background, Jay capmething truly special.

EASY RIDER

Doug Hesse loves to do wonderful detail shots. Doug is great at framing and making ordinary things look extraordinary. At this summer’s Blessing of the Bikes at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, he went after his favorites. What I like about this photo is you can see his reflection on the chrome of the motorcycle’s wheel.

HOT WHEELS

Who doesn’t like cute kids? Joe McSorley brought back this precious moment of a youngster playing with a car at Our Lady of Unity School’s new preschool in Kansas City, Kansas. The look on the boy’s face is filled with childhood innocence that makes this a wonderful photograph.

HOT STUFF

Nobody can capture the sky like Lori Wood Habiger. If you’ve watched our Holy Destinations feature online, many of her photos of our archdiocesan churches have great skies. Here, on a hot summer day at the Mike Sweeney Catholic Baseball Camp in Shawnee, Lori used the sun to help tell the story of an outdoor Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in the heat of summer.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

For ‘Dreamers,’ U.S. is the only home they know By Ruby Thomas and Jessica Able Catholic News Service

PRINGFIELD, Ky. (CNS) — In response to Pope Francis' call for Catholics to “Share the Journey” of their lives with one another under a two-year program introduced in September, the following stories relate the experiences and hopes of young Catholic immigrants who worship at St. Dominic Church in Springfield, Kentucky. For now, they are protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, but that program is set to end in March unless Congress passes the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act. Yuliana Ortega, 15, is a student at Washington County High School. Ortega came to the U.S. from Jalisco, Mexico, when she was just a year old. Ortega said she fears having to leave her friends and family in Springfield once the DACA program ends. “I don't know anything about Mexico. I don't know where I would go to,” she told The Record, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Ortega, who juggles school and work at the restaurant her family manages, said she wished she wasn't judged because of her race. Following high school, she hopes to work one day as an interpreter. “We have goals and things in our lives we want to reach,” she said. --Wendy Hernandez, 21, is an English language tutor for Washington County

CNS PHOTO/RUBY THOMAS, THE RECORD

Young Hispanics, including Mirna Lozano, Carlos Guzman and Dora Lozano, front right, recite the Lord’s Prayer during a young adult Mass in late October at St. Dominic Church in Springfield, Ky. The three young people are among 800,000 young people nationwide currently protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Schools. Hernandez came to the U.S. when she was 6 years old with her mother and two siblings. She said her mother fled Cuernavaca, Mexico, to escape physical abuse. She considers the U.S., and Springfield, in particular, her home. Since Hernandez learned of President Donald Trump's decision to cancel DACA, she has found her future to be uncertain. “It's kind of scary because I don't know what is going to happen,” she

said. “My career, everything, is in their (lawmakers) hands.” Hernandez said there are several misconceptions concerning Dreamers, as DACA youth are sometimes called. “We don't get all the benefits everyone believes we do. We have to work harder than others to be able to go to school or to get a job sometimes,” she explained. She said she worries about being forced to return to a country she does not know. If she could speak to legis-

lators, she would tell them to “get to know us.” “Get to know a little about us and see how we are trying to help our community. We have ambition and goals in our life for our future.” --Carlos Guzman, 26, is owner and operator of Longview Roofing in Lebanon, Kentucky. Guzman, said ending the DACA program would have a devastating ripple effect in his life. Not only would he be taken away from his home, family and faith community, but he would be stripped of his livelihood, a business he has worked hard to build, he said. “I think a lot of people don't realize we work hard to have a better future. We try our best to contribute to this country. We pay our taxes, we create jobs and we contribute to the economy,” he said. Guzman, who was brought to the U.S. from Sonora, Mexico, at 14, said people should not judge each other solely based on what others are saying. “I'm sure every parent wants a better future for their children. Some may think it was probably wrong [for our parents] bringing us here, but what would you do for your child?” he said. Guzman's parents decided to bring him and his three brothers to the U.S. to avoid the constant violence they faced. “It's a big sacrifice because they left behind their parents and family. When family members die, it's hard for them not being able to go back,” he said.

Dreamer hopes to continue ministering at her parish By Ruby Thomas and Jessica Able Catholic News Service

PRINGFIELD, Ky. (CNS) — Holding the Lectionary high, Mirna Lozano processed into St. Dominic Church in late October during the parish's first young adult Mass, which she organized with the help of her father, Rodrigo. The father-daughter duo recently earned certification in youth ministry through the Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Youth and Young Adults. They are looking forward to seeing youth ministry grow at the parish. But Mirna's future in Springfield is uncertain. The 19-year-old native of Mexico was brought to the United States without proper documentation when she was 4 years old. The U.S. is the only home she knows. For now, she's protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. But President Donald Trump's decision to cancel the program — which protects 800,000 young people from deportation — leaves an uncertain future. What's more certain for Mirna and other young Hispanics is fear. Trump called on lawmakers in Washington to pass a measure to preserve DACA. To that end, advocates around the country have rallied to urge passage of the DREAM Act — the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act — to provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA beneficiaries, but Congress has yet to act. The young people who would ben-

efit from the act's passage, known as “Dreamers,” are afraid they will have to give up their lives in the U.S. and be forced to return to countries they barely remember. Mirna, who hopes to be a teacher and youth minister, said she feels her future lies in the hands of the federal government. She has voluntarily registered under DACA. “This is our country. This is all we know,” she told The Record, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Mirna, her father and a group of six other young people, including her younger sister Dora, shared their journeys after the Mass at St. Dominic. Rodrigo Lozano said his family moved to the U.S. 15 years ago, trading the suffocating violence of Mexico City for the sleepy rural community of Springfield, 59 miles southeast of Louisville. Mirna was 4 and Dora only 3. He said he came looking for a “better . . . more peaceful life” for his family. “It's every parents' dream,” he said. Despite a tough economy in Mexico, he had managed to hold a decent job, but Mexico City had become inundated with violence, he said. After being assaulted at gunpoint several times, he felt he had no choice but to leave his homeland. Traveling to the U.S. without documents is a major decision because it's dangerous, he admitted. The elder Lozano said he initially traveled north alone to prepare a life for his family. His wife and two daughters joined him about a year later. When Rodrigo arrived, he did not speak English, had nowhere to live and no clothes to wear. But he found

CNS PHOTO/JESSICA ABLE, THE RECORD

Mirna Lozano is a member of St. Dominic Church in Springfield, Ky. She is one of about 800,000 young people protected from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which is ending. Lozano and her father, Rodrigo, recently earned certification in youth ministry through the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Youth and Young Adults. work on farms and sometimes cleaned streets. “You don't care how much you're paid, you just want to work,” he said. As for regrets, Rodrigo has none. Since moving to Springfield, the family, including a son born in the U.S., have found a home in St. Dominic Church, where they are active parish-

ioners. Despite the looming threat of deportation, Mirna continues to look ahead. She and her father are proud of their youth ministry certificates and are forming a multi-ethnic youth group at the parish. Mirna also is active in the community, helping other young people understand their options for higher education despite their legal status. Undocumented young people, even those protected by DACA, do not qualify for federal student aid. She said she hopes to foster unity and a better understanding between Hispanics and the larger community in Springfield. DACA is not just a political issue, she noted. It's about people “striving for a better life.” She wants to help others understand that. Mirna hopes that Congress will pass the DREAM Act and that there will be a path to legalization for the parents of Dreamers. Since the president's decision in September to cancel DACA — he gave Congress six months to act before formally ending the program — Mirna has felt the Catholic Church's presence and support because it has helped her feel safe. Father Pepper Elliott, pastor, who celebrates Mass in Spanish for the Hispanic community at St. Dominic Church, said it would be a tragedy to lose the Dreamers. “They're just as much our young people as any other in our parish and they're just as close to our hearts,” Father Elliott said.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

As pope turns 81, kids entertain with song, dance and 13-foot pizza By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Celebrating his 81st birthday, Pope Francis blew out the candles on a 13-foot long pizza after being serenaded with song and dance by children and employees from a Vatican pediatric clinic. A group of children receiving assistance from the Vatican's St. Martha Dispensary, a maternal and pediatric clinic, had given the pope a birthday party Dec. 17 marked with singing, dancing and a cake adorned with gold and white fondant decorations. They also rolled out a large pizza with a single lit candle on it. The pope was joined with several children from the clinic and counted down before blowing out the candle. “Eat the 4-meter pizza: Eat well, it will do you good and make you grow,” the pope told the children. The pope said their joy was a gift and is like “good earth that makes life grow with good fruits.” “Do not make children sad. When children see that there are problems at home, that their parents are fighting, they suffer,” he said. “They must always grow with joy.” After meeting the children, Pope Francis greeted an estimated 25,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday Angelus address. After reciting the Angelus prayer, the pope was about to greet several individual groups present in the square before the crowd burst into song, singing “Happy Birthday.” Touched by the gesture, the pope said: “Thank you. Thank you very much.” Celebrating the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis invited Christians to prepare for Christ's coming through “constant joy, persevering prayer and continual thanksgiving.”

CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Pope Francis blows out a candle on a 13-foot-long pizza during a special meeting to celebrate his 81st birthday Dec. 17 at the Vatican’s Paul VI hall. “Joy, prayer and gratitude are the three attitudes that prepare us to live Christmas in an authentic way,” the pope said before inviting the crowd to repeat the words: “Joy, prayer and gratitude.” Pope Francis also blessed the statues of baby Jesus that will be at the center of Nativity scenes in Rome schools, churches and homes. Addressing the children who brought their figurines to the square, the pope said, “When you pray at home, in front of the creche with your family, let yourselves be drawn toward the tenderness of the child Jesus, who

was born poor and fragile in our midst to give us his love. This is the true Christmas.” With Christmas around the corner, the pope also met with members of the Italian branch of Catholic Action's children's section, parish-based groups of young people, ages 4-14, for his traditional pre-Christmas audience with them. The pope said the Christmas season is a reminder of helping those in need who are the “image of the child Jesus who was turned away and who did not find a place to stay in the city of Bethlehem.”

He called on them to ask themselves how they can better serve the suffering Christ in those who are cast aside by society. “Here are your 'peripheries;' try to fix your goal on companions and people that no one sees, and dare to make the first step to meet them, to give them a bit of your time, a smile, a gesture of tenderness,” the pope said. “In this upcoming feast of holy Christmas, you are called to always make him known more and more among your friends, in the cities, in the parishes and in your families,” he said.

Vatican releases new instruction on authenticating, protecting relics By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Only relics that have been certified as authentic can be exposed for veneration by the faithful, said a new Vatican instruction. Published Dec. 16 in Italian by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, the instruction clarifies and details the canonical procedures to be followed by local bishops in an effort to verify the authenticity of relics and the mortal remains of saints and blesseds, as well as better guarantee a relic’s preservation, approve and track its movements, and promote its veneration. The instruction replaces the appendix, “Canonical Recognition of the Mortal Remains of the Servant of God,” included with “Sanctorum Mater,” the congregation’s “Instruction for Conducting Diocesan or Eparchal Inquiries in the Causes of Saints,” released in 2007. The new instruction outlined the specific procedures and personnel necessary for the canonical recognition of the authenticity of the relics or remains of a saint or anyone on the

CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ

A woman venerates a relic of St. Jacinta Marto prior to a vigil Mass Oct. 12 celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Fatima at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York City. St. Jacinta was one of the three children to whom Mary appeared in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Oct. 13 marked the 100th anniversary of the sixth and final Marian apparition in Fatima. path to sainthood. It also specified that any action taken regarding the relics or remains must also conform with local government laws and have the con-

sent of the saints’ congregation and the person recognized as the deceased’s “heir.” In the case of an upcoming canon-

ization or beatification, some small pieces or fragments already separated from the body can be removed and later given to the postulator or vice postulator for placement in a properly sealed reliquary, the instruction said. But “the dismemberment of the body is not allowed” unless the bishop has obtained permission from the saints’ congregation, it said. The sale or trade of relics remains “absolutely prohibited” as well as exposing them in “profane” or unauthorized locations, it said. Some of the rules also include: — Rigorously avoiding any sign of veneration for the remains of a servant of God or venerable before beatification. — Obtaining written consent from the congregation and every bishop or proprietor that would be involved in the moving of, in transferring the ownership of, or in the pilgrimage of any relics and mortal remains of the saints and blesseds. — Getting the consent of the saints’ congregation, the relevant patriarch and his permanent synod for the alienation or transfer of ownership of relics and precious icons of the Eastern churches.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Director of Human Resources – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a director of human resources. This job is challenging and fun! The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 organizations and 5,000 employees. Shared services include benefits administration, workers’ compensation, retirement plans and a standardized payroll process. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Applicant should have experience in general human resources policies and processes; client employee services and support; compliance; human resource systems and data management; employee benefit management and administration; work injury, leave management and related processes; record-keeping and records management; employee and employer communications. This position manages a staff of three professionals, is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations, and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have strong operational experience in human resources, be able to take the initiative on innovation and process improvement, and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description and to complete the job application, go online to: archkck.org/jobs. Also send a cover letter, letter of recommendation from your pastor and resume to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attn.: Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109; or email to: cmills@ archkck.org with subject line HR Director. Application deadline is Jan. 31. Vistar of Kansas City, a division of Performance Food Group “Wholesale Candy, Snack, and Beverage Specialist” VISTAR KANSAS CITY – NOW HIRING: Warehouse Order Selectors – ***Starting Pay $17.00/hr. + Incentives*** Day Shift Reach Forklift Operators ***Starting Pay $18.00/hr.*** Class A CDL Delivery Driver ***Starting Pay $23.00/hr.*** To apply: Online: http://bit.ly/2f8ySfa and search for jobs in: Riverside, MO For more information, contact HR via: Email: veronica.hernandez@pfgc.com Phone: (816) 746-4401, ext. 28313 Faith Formation Leader - St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego is a growing parish and vibrant community. St. Bernard is seeking applicants for a faith formation leader. This position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, staff members, volunteers and parishioners to provide Catholic education for the parish’s needs. Qualifications for the ideal applicant are: practicing Catholic; bachelor’s degree in theology, philosophy, catechesis or similar academic discipline (degree preferred but not required); some experience in teaching/leading young children, teens and/or RCIA; along with leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting. Applicant should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology. Some travel is required. A complete job description can be requested by email from: stbernardfaithformation@gmail.com. Send resume by email to: stbernardfaithformation@gmail. com or mail to: 17665 Old Post Rd., Wamego, KS 66547.

Superintendent of Catholic schools - The Diocese of Lincoln has 26 Catholic elementary schools, six Catholic high schools and 7,754 students. The superintendent oversees the diocesan education office, develops policy recommendations to assist the bishop in governing the operations of Catholic schools, supports school administrators in the exercise of their duties, assists pastors and priest teachers in their education apostolate, and visits the diocesan schools regularly. The superintendent leads initiatives to assess the ministry of Catholic education in the Diocese of Lincoln, and plans for continued success and growth of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln. The superintendent oversees school curricula; provides opportunities for continuing formation and leadership development for Catholic school leaders; assists in the recruitment and hiring of school leadership staff; serves as a liaison with public entities and community stakeholders; promotes effective communication within and about Catholic schools; and encourages and facilitates faithful Catholic formation of students and staff. Visit the website for application information at: www.lincoln diocese.org/school-employment/10239-lincolndiocese-superintendent-of-schools. Applications are due by Jan. 26.

Preschool director - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking applicants for our preschool director position. The preschool director is responsible for overall leadership, administration and educational components of the preschool program. The day-to-day operations of the preschool will be carried out in accordance with state licensing regulations, developmentally appropriate practices and principles of sound Catholic education. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: administration, staff development, program development and miscellaneous duties as assigned. The preschool director must be a practicing Catholic. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in early childhood education. The director must have prior teaching and director level experience. Must be able to meet the state requirements for director of a 100+ child preschool. Must be self-directed, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate a solid understanding of the importance of the relationships between the child, teacher, family and school environment. This is a full-time, salaried position and is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) plan. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Complete job description, application and benefits information are available online at: www.stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities. Send cover letter and resume to: St. Michael Catholic Parish, Attn. Patty Pearch, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223 or send by email to: patty. pearch@stmichaelcp.org. Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106. Teacher openings - Bishop Miege High School has teacher openings for math, AP biology and physics for the 2018-19 school year. Send letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. High school president – Bishop Miege High School in Johnson County is seeking a president for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and understand the mission of Catholic education. The president is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for: school operations; faith formation; student recruitment; facilities maintenance; strategic planning; and school advancement. Additionally, the president works with the Bishop Miege High School Foundation board of trustees. Applicants should possess success in leadership and innovation, preferably in a Catholic high school or nonprofit setting. Go online to: www.archkckcs.org to complete an application. Also mail a resume and credentials to: Dr. Kathleen A O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Jan. 5, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly. Elementary school principal - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking an individual with skill in spiritual, academic and advancement, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and mail resume and credentials to: Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: kohara@arch kckcs.org. The deadline for application is Jan. 12. Groundskeeping position - $30K - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position. Hours are Monday through Saturday. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit; experience operating construction equipment would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Matt Wirtz at (913) 371-4040 or you may send a resume online to: svallejo@cathcemks.org. Para-educator - Seeking a personable, dependable para-educator for our child with Down syndrome. She is a fun-loving 8th-grade student thriving in the Catholic school system at Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Topeka. We would like this person to begin work on Jan. 4, and potentially follow the student to Hayden High School next school year. For more information, contact Karen at (785) 231-0793.

Social media specialist - Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is looking for a permanent part-time position to be filled for the social media management efforts of this important ministry. The right person for this position will work from home 10 - 15 hours per week, and be well versed in the implementation of most social media platforms currently available. Initial development and monitoring priorities will include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. The ability to stay abreast of social media platforms as they emerge and solid communication skills with the ability to interface with all department heads within our organization (weekly if needed) when requested is a must. Biweekly meetings at our offices may be needed initially to jump-start our efforts and in the training of staff to utilize and perfect the use of these important communication tools. Email resume to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org. High school president – Hayden Catholic High School in Topeka is seeking a president for the 2018-19 school year. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and understand the mission of Catholic education. The president is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for: school operations; student recruitment; donor engagement; facilities maintenance; strategic planning; and school advancement. Applicants should possess success in leadership, preferably, but not required, in a Catholic high school. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate prudent financial management, as well as successful fundraising. Go online to: www.archkckcs. org to complete an application. Also mail a resume and credentials to: Dr. Kathleen A O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Jan. 5, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly.

SERVICES Trauma therapist - Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), a productive way to process any trauma(s). Call Donna at (913) 602-1415. Speech and language services - For all children and adults. Located minutes from the Legends and Providence Medical Center. Now accepting new clients. Most insurance accepted. Call Communication Station at (913) 703-4037. Senior hairstyling - Haircuts, perms, roller sets. Savvy Salon, 5910 W. 59th Terrace Mission, KS, one block south of Johnson Dr. $5 off any service on 1st visit. Bonnie (816) 769-8511 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Helping Hand Handy Man - Semiretired handyman can help with your “to-do list.” Small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical: ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing, restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and Sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230. Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

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) For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $8100. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869.

FOR RENT For rent - House recently remodeled. Entry level BR, large loft BR, kitchen with dishwasher, basement garage with opener. Large yard; quiet, secure neighborhood. No smoking, no pets. References required. Call (913) 238-2470. Serious interest only. Shawnee Sacred Heart member, owner.

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to Buy Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee I NEED HOUSES! - We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and we pay cash for any real estate without any realtor commissions or fees. If you would like an easy, no-hassle sale at a fair price, please call me. We have 13 years of experience. Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

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

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

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes simple chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website at: www.marillac center.org.

GETAWAY FOR SELF-RENEWAL Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This day will include a guided group meditation period and your choice of one 30minute Bodyworks services massage, reflexology, contemplative healing touch or spiritual direction. Bring a Bible and, if you wish, a journal. Limited to five participants. The cost to attend is $70 and includes

lunch. Register online at: sophiaspirituality center.org by Dec. 27.

‘PAINTING ICONS OF SAINTS AND ANGELS’: A DAY OF REFLECTION Precious Blood Renewal Center 2130 Saint Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The day will begin and end in prayerful reflection with the remainder of the time spent in painting an icon of a saint or angel. The suggested donation of $30 includes lunch and art supplies. Register online by Jan. 2 at: info@pbrenewalcenter.org or call (816) 415-3745.

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

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

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

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

COFFEE AND SILENCE Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Come for the morning or for the day. Spend time in silence. Walk our beautiful grounds.

Visit our St. Scholastica Chapel or find a comfortable nook at Sophia Center. Coffee is provided. Bring a sack lunch and spend the day. Reservations are required. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. Register online at: www.mountosb.org.

>> Continued from page 12

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

CHILI AND BINGO Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Jan. 21 from 6 - 8 p.m.

The Ascension Knights of Columbus will be hosting this event. The cost to attend is: $9.50 for adults, age 12 and over; $5 for kids, ages 5 - 11; and kids 4 and under eat free. Included with the cost of the meal are three bingo cards. Additional cards may be purchased for $1 each. Net proceeds support various Ascension and community charities.

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

Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a child with a disability. The program is designed for children ages 6 - 18. For exceptions to the age range, contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org. For questions about the program, call Tom or Audrey Amor at (816) 7391197 or send an email to: aamor@sjakeep ingfaith.org. Volunteers are needed to be a respite buddy to a child with a disability. To register a child for the program or to volunteer, go online to: www.archkck.org/special needs and complete the online form.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND TO: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Just like family - Two independent ladies willing to care for your loved ones in their home. Flexible nights, days, weekends. Payment depends on services rendered. Call Kara at (913) 909-6659. Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

MISCELLANEOUS Wanted - Information on the family whose last name is Johnson that may have purchased six cemetery grave sites at St. Benedict Church in Bendena, Kansas, in the year 1990. If you have any information, call Eddie Burke at (785) 359-6701.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

Call or stop by to learn about the options of advanced planning, and pick up your FREE Personal Arrangement guide. We Guarantee your services at today’s prices.

Helen Skradski

Steve Pierce

913-371-1404

Carrie Kaifes-Lally

www.skradskifh-kc.com Proudly Serving our Community Since 1929

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 24 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 2 Sm 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29 Rom 16: 25-27 Lk 1: 26-38 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 Dec. 26 STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59 Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc-17 Mt 10: 17-22 Dec. 27 JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST 1 Jn 1: 1-4 Ps 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Jn 20: 1a, 2-8 Dec. 28 THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS 1 Jn 1:5 – 2:2 Ps 124: 2-5, 7b-8 Mt 2: 13-18 Dec. 29 FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 3-11 Ps 96: 1-3, 5b-6 Lk 2: 22-35 Dec. 30 SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 12-17 Ps 96: 7-10 Lk 2: 36-40 Dec. 31 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14 Col 3: 12-21 Ps 128: 1-5 Lk 2: 22-40 Jan. 1 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD Nm 6: 22-27 Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8 Gal 4: 4-7 Lk 2: 16-21 Jan. 2 Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops, doctors of the church 1 Jn 2: 22-28 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 1: 19-28 Jan. 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus 1 Jn 2:29 – 3:6 Ps 98: 1-3, 6 Jn 1: 29-34 Jan. 4 Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Jn 3: 7-10 Ps 98: 1, 7-9 Jn 1: 35-42 Jan. 5 John Neumann, bishop 1 Jn 3: 11-21 Ps 100: 1-5 Jn 1: 43-51 Jan. 6 André Bessette, religious 1 Jn 5: 5-13 Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20 Mk 1: 7-11

Don’t forget: the party’s just started

ooray! It’s Christmastime! Let the celebration begin! What?!? For most people, Christmas means one specific day. But even when it is over, it’s still the Christmas season, those famous Twelve Days of Christmas. (We’ll actually get an extra day of Christmas since Epiphany will be on Jan. 7 this time around.) These Twelve Days are truly a gift to Christians and, if lived out, they can also be of great benefit to all whom we meet. People don’t have trouble celebrating Christmas Day, the first of the Twelve, with festivities and generosity. But what of the other days of Christmas? How can we keep the spirit thriving? I’d suggest adopting the following practices, based on the saints of the Twelve Days: • Dec. 26: St. Stephen, the first martyr. This day is also known as Boxing Day in the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. “Boxing” refers to the custom of giving the house staff the day off, as well as

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.

a gift of new clothes or money. Also on that day, the poor boxes in churches were opened up and the money given to the needy. To celebrate, give a small gift to your hair stylist, day care provider, mail carrier or someone who serves your needs in some way. • Dec. 27: St. John the Evangelist. In honor of this Gospel writer, today would be a great day to write thank-you notes for gifts received at Christmas. • Dec. 28: Holy Innocents, martyrs. To commemorate these

children killed by Herod the Great, send a donation to an organization that opposes abortion or to a group that works with abused children. Or offer the gift of your time to foster parents, to give them a break from their duties. • Dec. 29: St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr. To mark this saint’s memorial — a man who chose to stand up to the machinations of King Henry II in England — contact your elected representatives in some fashion to give a voice to the concerns of immigrants, the oppressed, the hungry and the poor. Dec. 30: With no specific saint on this Saturday, plan a visit to an elderly relative or to a local nursing home or as-

sisted living community. Dec. 31: Holy Family. Attend Mass as a family and head out to breakfast or brunch afterwards. Put aside cellphones and actually talk face to face. Spend the afternoon playing board games or watching a movie together. Jan. 1: This solemnity devoted to Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is also the World Day of Prayer for Peace. Use the day to make overtures to resolve any conflicts within families, neighborhoods or parishes. Ask the Blessed Mother for guidance with this. • Jan. 2: Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen. Since these learned bishops added to the church’s understanding of the Holy Spirit, spend the day telling family members, co-workers and friends about the talents you see the Spirit has blessed them with. • Jan. 3: Today, we honor the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Watch your language this day and use your words to compliment and encourage others. • Jan. 4: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Use this day, dedicated to the

patron saint of Catholic schools, to write a note of encouragement to your child’s Catholic school or religious ed teacher . . . and maybe even offer to volunteer for them sometime. • Jan. 5: St. John Neumann, bishop. On the memorial of this gifted linguist, schedule time to interact with recent immigrants and strive to learn a few phrases in their language. • Jan. 6: St. André Bessette, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was a doorkeeper at a Canadian college for 40 years and known for his miraculous healings. Invite people over to your home today and practice the gift of hospitality. • Jan. 7: Epiphany. To celebrate this feast of the Magi, exchange small gifts with family members or friends. Keeping these Twelve Days festive and holy will end this year well and begin the new one positively. And let’s pray that our spirit of generosity and service will ooze out from there, transforming 2018 into the Twelve Months of Christmas.

This weekend, Luke introduces us to the Holy Family

hen we meet someone for the first time, we usually find out their name. Knowing another person’s name enables us to establish a relationship with that person. Learning the name is a very significant step. In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 1:26-38, we encounter three persons who will play an important role in the Gospel of Luke. Their names are Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This is the first time that they appear in the Gospel, and the first time where their names are mentioned. The Gospel reading tells us that the angel Gabriel was sent from God “to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph.” It further tells

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

us that “the virgin’s name was Mary.” Eventually, the angel announces to Mary that she will bear a son “and you shall name him Jesus.”

Knowing the names of these three holy persons enables us to establish a relationship with them. Knowing the background of their names also enables us to understand them a bit more. The name “Mary” was fairly common at the time, as it is now. It appears as the name of many other women in the New Testament. For example, we hear about Mary Magdalene (Mk

POPE FRANCIS

Christians must be strong and let go of all the bitterness and negativity that prevent them from experiencing God’s consolation and joy, Pope Francis said. “So many times, we cling to what’s negative, we hold onto the wound of sin inside of us. And many times, the preference is to stay there, alone,” he said in his homily Dec. 11 at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Instead, Jesus always tells people

15:40, 47; 16:9), Mary the sister of Lazarus and Martha (Lk 10:39-42), and Mary the mother of James and John (Mk 15:40). The name “Mary” derives from the name Miriam, sister of Moses in the Old Testament. Similarly, the name “Joseph” comes from the Old Testament. One of the 12 sons of Jacob bore that name (Gn 30:24). Through a trick of fate, he was responsible for enabling the Israelites to take refuge in Egypt during a time of famine. The name “Joseph” was also popular during the time of the New Testament. A member of the Sanhedrin who came from the town of Arimathea was called Joseph (Mt 27:57-60). He arranged to have the body of Jesus buried in his family tomb.

A man named Joseph was proposed as a candidate to take the place of the apostle Judas after he had hanged himself (Acts 1:23). There was also another follower of Jesus named “Joseph” (Mt 13:55). Like the names “Mary” and “Joseph,” the name “Jesus” was also very popular. To differentiate the son of Mary from others by that name, it was necessary to specify “of Nazareth.” The Greek form of “Jesus” translates the Hebrew and Aramaic name “Yeshua,” which we usually render in English as “Joshua.” In Hebrew, that means “God is salvation,” a very appropriate name for the one we hail as Savior of the World.

to “get up” and have no fear, because he is there to offer salvation, consolation and joy, the pope said. The pope’s homily focused on the day’s reading from Isaiah (35:1-10) in which the prophet foresaw the glory of the Lord, who will come “with vindication; with divine recompense, he comes to save you.” This is why people must “strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak” and “be strong, fear not” because of the coming of the Lord, the pope said. — CNS

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Be the light this Christmas season

y kids don’t write in complete sentences in their text messages to me. They use emojis. They use stickers and cartoons of themselves. A happy face. A winking, kissy face. Brevity is the soul of wit. I’m telling u. This month, they shared a social media post of the typical list most of us carry during the hectic season of Advent with a few meaningful stewardshipworthy edits. Thumbs up. • “Buy Presents,” was changed to “Be Present.” • “Wrap Gifts” became “Wrap Someone in a Hug.” • Instead of “Send

hen it comes to waiting, we get very

impatient. Advent can be hard for those of us who don’t like to wait. We want it and we want it now. We don’t always do a very good job at preparing, especially for the way of the Lord. I love being outside. I love winter most of the time — although I don’t like it getting too cold — especially how everything is laid bare by winter’s cold. It’s almost desert-like when you think about

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

Gifts,” “Send Love.” • When it’s time to

“Shop for Food,” remember to “Donate Food.” • If you’re going to “Make Cookies,” try to “Make Memories” instead. • “See the Lights” was changed to “Be the Light.” The last item is my favorite. It reminds me of

passages from Scripture: • “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). • “The earth was a formless void. . . . Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Gn 1:2a, 3). • “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (Jn 8:12). As we prepare for the nativity of Our Lord this week, let’s be the light and give our love to others generously from a Christian spirit. We have been blessed with the

greatest gift of all. “Christ is the sun that came into the world to dispel the darkness of evil and flood it with the splendor of divine love,” said St. John Paul in his homily on the solemnity of the Epiphany in 2002. If you receive a text message from me in the next few weeks, you might see inserted a tiny symbol of a shining star: shorthand during the Christmas season to remind myself to be the light for others. Be the light. Star. Exclamation mark. As I reflect on 2017, I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of the good people with whom I work in the stewardship and devel-

opment office and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, along with our volunteer board members and our clergy advisers. The Archbishop’s Call to Share donors set a record in gifts and membership in the Crosier Society. We introduced the first “Duc in Altum” regional juried art exhibition and competition and sponsored the first #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday for our archdiocese. The Catholic Legacy Society membership set a record, too. On behalf of all of us, I hope you experience abundant Christmas joy and a very happy new year.

Lay bare your heart to prepare for the Lord DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

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it. I enjoy taking in the beauty of nature and looking at the lay of the land when the leaves and grass are removed. My wife and I have two dogs, a pocket beagle named Maizie

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and a German shepherd named Kinga. Enjoying the Second Sunday of Advent with the weather being in the mid-50s, we went for a walk. I’ve trained them to stay close to me off leash and they’re pretty good most of the time. During this particular walk, I was thinking about the readings and this whole idea of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Savior. Kinga will walk 20 to 30 yards ahead of me, but she will turn and wait for me to catch up. There is a correlation between what Kinga is doing waiting for me

and what God does for us. When we stray — and we do — or when we go off course, God is always there waiting for us to come back or catch up. What are we doing to catch up? The almost desert-like conditions of the landscape give us an opportunity to eliminate the distractions and hear what God is calling us to do. Advent could be summed up in what the prophet Isaiah says in chapter 40: “Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain

and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” We have this great season of Advent to help prepare us for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. Take time to visit the sacrament of reconciliation. Strip away the overgrowth of sin in your life and let God reveal the beauty that lies beneath.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

‘SO YOU CAN TRULY SEE’

Dying tree transformed into a sacred work of art By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven

ARTFORD — Our Lady of Fatima revealed herself in quite an unusual way to the faithful of St. Mary Church here re-

cently. And now, what was once a beautiful, old pin oak tree is a life-size sculpture of the patroness of their church. It was chainsaw artist named Lyn Robinson who cleared away the dead wood, so to speak, “so you can truly see what has always been there.” “The tree in front of our new parish hall wasn’t doing well and we thought we would cut it down,” explained Father Nicholas Blaha, pastor of St. Mary Church. “People were sad to see it go.” After some discussion, he continued, “we chose to use chainsaw carving, because it was a way to incorporate artistry that is typical to our part of Kansas.” Tim Menard, a parishioner of St. Mary and a wildlife biologist whose travels frequently take him out west, had seen chainsaw sculptures done by a local Kansas artist and contacted him about the plan for the tree. A self-taught chainsaw carver, Robinson, of Concordia, was nervous about the St. Mary’s project.

“I only watched a man carve a sculpture with a chainsaw one time and thought I could do it,” he said of his initiation into the art. His first project was a full-size Harley Davidson motorcycle. Ten years later, Robinson has become known as “the Tree Slayer” and has carved eagles, bears, raccoons and other animals into signs, benches, and furniture. “I only make what people order,” he explained. “So I was nervous because this was the first order I had ever received for a statue of Our Lady of Fatima.” Father Blaha provided the artist, who is not Catholic, some background on the Virgin Mary and what occurred at Fatima. Then, using only a chainsaw and a little grinder, Robinson started at the top of the trunk. He did not draw on the tree or make any calculations. “I carve just by looking at a model or following a picture in my head,” he said. In this case, he was using a picture on his phone. “I adjust as I work,” he said. On the day of the carving and as part of the parish’s 140th celebration, people brought lawn chairs to the

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“OF ALL THE THINGS WE COULD HAVE DONE TO THE TREE, TO CREATE SOMETHING SACRED AND BEAUTIFUL IS A WITNESS TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY.” site — they were there for the duration. And though there were a lot of games played, and roast pig consumed for the occasion, many parishioners stayed on just to watch the artist at work. “The parish came together for a whole day,” said Father Blaha. “People really appreciated the investment of the artist. His enthusiasm was evident.” Carving bodies is challenging, said Robinson. Carving a rooted tree means the artist cannot move the wood; he has to continually move his body to get the right angle. But that didn’t discourage Robinson. “I am a challenge-based person,” he said, and he likes to work in front of people. “I feed off of the crowd. It was a

good time,” he added. Near the end of the project, he asked that the original model be brought outside so he could duplicate all of the fine details into the carving. “That tree statue is a very close model of Our Lady of Fatima,” said Father Blaha. ”She is about six feet tall with flowing robes, folded hands and a prayerful look on her face.” People driving down the main road of Hartford now often stop to look at the statue. “Of all the things we could have done to the tree, to create something sacred and beautiful is a witness to the wider community,” said Father Blaha. “It is our hope she will be standing there for a very long time.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann dedicated the statue while making a pastoral visit to the parish on Dec. 9. Father Blaha, Menard and the parish family of St. Mary are pleased with their new tree statue. Robinson is, too, but for a different reason. “This is the very first of my carvings to be blessed,” he said. “This one is special. “I feel blessed, too.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses a statue of Our Lady of Fatima outside of St. Mary Church in Hartford. A chainsaw artist transformed an old tree into Our Lady.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER