12 22 23 Vol. 45 No. 19

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 19 | DECEMBER 22, 2023

Notice: There will be no Leaven next week. The next issue of The Leaven will be on Jan. 5.

STAINED GLASS WINDOW FROM HOLY NAME CHURCH, KANSAS CITY, KANSAS

The Virgin Mother gazes upon her divine Child with maternal affection while Joseph contemplates their protection and angels adore God incarnate.

May we gaze upon him with grateful love, serve him with devotion, and adore him always, for he is our Lord and God. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher

2 ARCHBISHOP

T

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Join me in celebrating the greatest love story ever told

his past weekend, we had our annual “Quo Vadis” retreat for young men who are discerning God’s will for them and are open to a possible call to the priesthood.

We had more than 80 retreatants. With more than 20 of our current seminarians assisting with the retreat, we had more than 100 young men spending a weekend in prayer and reflection, seeking to know God’s will for their lives.

In previous years, we were ecstatic to have as many as 50 young men participate in the “Quo Vadis” retreat. Having 80 young men serious about growing in their prayer life and learning how to listen for God’s voice was amazing!

Just a month ago, we had 62 young women participate in “Love’s Reply,” a discernment retreat for women. The retreat was organized by our archdiocesan vocation office. Nine communities of religious Sisters helped to conduct the retreat.

Also, in December, I concelebrated a Mass with City on a Hill young adults community as a prelude to their annual City Lights Gala. City on a Hill is a beautiful young adult ministry serving Catholics in the Kansas City metropolitan community.

City on a Hill sponsors men’s and women’s small groups, where young adults grow in their understanding of our Catholic faith and their prayer life. I have met several young

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN adults who have moved to Kansas City because of City on a Hill.

Around the same time, I participated in the St. Lawrence Center’s Divine Winefest — the annual fundraiser for our Catholic campus ministry center for the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The evening included beautiful testimonies from KU Catholic students about the deepening and the growth of their Catholic faith through the ministry of the St. Lawrence Center.

The Holy Spirit is doing something beautiful in the hearts of our young people. In my conversations with young adults, many have become disillusioned with what the world is offering. In a culture that promotes the pursuit of pleasure as the highest priority, many young adults recognize this is not the pathway to authentic joy.

Recently, I was in a conversation with a man who was about my age — in other words, old — and grew up in a Catholic family. He shared that he did not

really believe in Jesus and the Bible. He preferred to think of God as just pure being. He did not believe in a God of revelation or, for that matter, a God who had a personal interest in him.

This is becoming a more common philosophy in a society where more and more people identify themselves as spiritual but not religious. In my opinion, this is a great impoverishment from our Christian belief in a personal God who has revealed himself to us and desires for us to have a friendship with him. When we reject a God who reveals himself to us, then God is reduced to simply what the human mind can imagine or conceive. We make God in our image, a god who is designed to make us comfortable, not invite us to greatness.

Our secular culture protests against Nativity scenes. It prefers that Christmas be reduced to a time of holiday parties and gift-giving that stimulates the economy.

Even in watching the menu on self-described family channels, Christmas is mainly about romance, finding the right person to kiss under the mistletoe.

It is true that Christmas is about an amazing romance story. It is about a God who is the Creator of the cosmos and reveals his beauty in nature. Yet, this God reveals himself even more powerfully through the Bible as a God of goodness, tenderness and mercy.

The true meaning of Christmas is the God who ultimately reveals himself in the Word made flesh. The Lord of lords and King of kings chooses to become a tiny embryo in the womb of Mary and to be born as an infant in the impoverished circumstances of a stable, a cave, an animal shelter in the insignificant hamlet of Bethlehem in Judea.

Christmas is about a God who seeks us and pursues us, entering into our humanity so that we can share in his divinity. This is the greatest love story ever told.

The word “Bethlehem” actually means “house of bread.” In the Christmas crèche, the crib for the baby Jesus is a manger — a trough where animals eat. We celebrate Christmas this year in the midst of three pastoral initiatives for Eucharistic Revival. For Catholics, this Christmas especially reminds us that the Jesus born in Bethlehem, the Word made flesh, is available to us as a spiritual food in the Eucharist.

I feel sorry for people who believe that God is an impersonal, eternal being, who has no real interest in human beings. With this concept of God, it is no wonder rates of

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Dec. 22 Mass and staff lunch — Savior Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Mass, 4 p.m. — Curé of Ars, Leawood Christmas Eve Mass, 10 p.m. — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 25 Christmas Day Mass — Holy Spirit, Overland Park Dec. 26 Vespers and dinner with seminarians — residence Jan. 2 SEEK bishops experience — St. Louis Jan. 4 Religious Alliance Against Pornography board meeting Jan. 5-12 Region IX bishops retreat — California Jan. 14 Installation of Father Abner Ables, CS — Holy Cross, Overland Park Little Brother of the Lamb David’s first vows — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 16 Priests Personnel board meeting — chancery Administrative Team meeting — chancery Annual high school administrators Mass and dinner — residence

anxiety and depression are skyrocketing in our society!

The good news of Christianity is a God who seeks to be in communion with us and desires friendship with us. Christians embrace a God who seeks us out and desires to communicate with us.

Christianity believes in a God who is interested in every aspect of our lives and who has a plan and unique mission for each of us.

The young men on the “Quo Vadis” retreat, the young women on the “Love’s Reply” discernment retreat, the participants in City on a Hill, and the students at the St. Lawrence Center give me great hope for the future. These beautiful and amazing young adults understand the true meaning of Christmas, the greatest romance story ever told!

LOCAL NEWS 3

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

YOUNG ADULTS GATHER FOR ANNUAL CITY LIGHTS GALA

COURTESY PHOTO

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas concelebrates Mass with Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on Dec. 9 at Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, to kick off the City Lights Gala evening.

By Shelby Gambino Special to The Leaven

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ANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Dec. 9, young adults dressed to the nines and bundled up against the cold made their way to Redemptorist Church here, ready for an evening of celebration beginning with — Mass? Not all galas include Mass, of course. But City Lights, a night celebrating the Catholic young adult community of City on a Hill, is no ordinary gala.

“City Lights,” explains operations manager Taylor Furrer of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, “is meant to be a banquet feast, in the image of the celebration in heaven we hear about in sacred Scripture. This celebration gathers the City on a Hill community, young adults and supporters, and clergy and staff to be a moment of inspiration: to inspire us to long for heaven and to encourage us to run toward sainthood together as a community.”

Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph celebrated Mass. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and City on a Hill chaplains Fathers Andrew Mattingly and Dan Morris as well as Redemptorist pastor Father Don Willard concelebrated. At the conclusion of Mass, and led by Bishop Johnston and Archbishop Naumann, the City on a Hill community renewed their consecration of the community to Jesus through Mary, a highlight of the night each year.

Attendees then made their way to The Abbott, a trendy venue in Kansas City’s Crossroads District, to continue the festivities. City on a Hill may be bestknown for these large-scale gatherings of young adults (individuals in their 20s and 30s). The signature events of the organization held throughout the year include Tuesdays at the Boulevard, an evening of Mass and fellowship at Boulevard Brewery, and KC Underground, a night of eucharistic adoration and live music.

The City Lights Gala allows the community to come together and celebrate the Lord’s generosity throughout the year. This year, City on a Hill has much to be grateful for. Coming a long way from its humble beginnings over 17 years ago as the young adult ministry

COURTESY PHOTO

City Lights Gala attendees gather at The Abbott in the Kansas City, Missouri, Crossroads District after a Mass celebrated by Bishop James V. Johnston. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the meal and then shared his gratitude for City on a Hill’s work.

CITY LIGHTS IS MEANT TO BE A BANQUET FEAST, IN THE IMAGE OF THE CELEBRATION IN HEAVEN WE HEAR ABOUT IN SACRED SCRIPTURE. TAYLOR FURRER OPERATIONS MANAGER OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL PARISH, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, City on a Hill today serves over 2,000 young adults throughout the Kansas City metro — both in Missouri and Kansas — as an independent nonprofit focused on inspiring the young adult generation to be saints.

Through its signature events, men’s

and women’s small groups, Catholic Challenge Sports (the second largest intramural sports league in Kansas City), retreats, trips, formation opportunities, small group socials and more, City on a Hill seeks to give young adults both the tools and community needed to seek sanctity in their day-to-day lives.

Archbishop Naumann blessed the meal and then shared his gratitude for City on a Hill’s work before the conversation moved on to the unveiling of this year’s award winners.

Each year, the City Lights Awards seek to recognize community members for their holiness and how they reflect City on a Hill’s mission — with awards honoring a dedication to service, evangelization and building a domestic church, respectively. Sarah Le, Zach Favorite, Kevin White, Kelsey Porter, and Joseph and Chloe Langr were recognized, their individual stories inspiring all in attendance.

City Lights also serves as an oppor-

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; or email at: sub@ theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $25/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production/Business Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

tunity to unite the community, share updates and provide support for the organization’s work. As a 501(c)(3), City on a Hill is dependent on the generosity of a robust donor community. This supporter community came together to shine in full force that night, raising over $75,000 to fund the mission of City on a Hill in the year ahead.

The evening concluded with music, merriment and dancing, as attendees hit the dance floor for a joyous end to a celebratory evening. The pinnacle of the evening was clear to board member Michele Kueny of Our Lady of Good Counsel who noted, “There is nothing quite like seeing an event space at capacity with young adults who truly love the Lord.

“For people in my generation, it gives us hope for the future of the Catholic Church.”

To learn more about City on a Hill, please visit kansascityonahill.org.

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

4 LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

With 500th afghan completed, it’s ‘Mission Accomplished’

By Ben McCarthy Special to The Leaven

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VERLAND PARK — Five years ago, The Leaven featured Jane Godar Kreiter, a parishioner at Church of the Ascension here, who had just finished crocheting her 200th lap afghan for patients at Catholic Community Hospice (now Catholic Community Health).

Sitting in her recliner at night, Godar Kreiter would work for hours with her crochet hook and knitting bag.

“I used to get one done in five days,” she said. “Now, because of arthritis, it takes seven.”

After reaching her initial goal of 200, she decided to keep going and aim even higher. The native of Marshalltown, Iowa, rededicated herself to producing an additional 300 lap afghans.

“I never dreamt of doing that much for that long, but once I got to 200, I figured why stop now?” Godar Kreiter said. “So, I kept going.

“When I’m working on them, I’m thinking about how [the recipients] are ill and I’m praying for them.”

After almost nine years, the 500th lap afghan was completed and delivered to Catholic Community Health.

Her husband Mike delivered it, as he has been doing every week since 2014.

Godar Kreiter says it’s not only been a physical labor to complete the 500 lap afghans, but also somewhat of a spiritual journey that began when her parents moved to the Veterans Affairs nursing home in Marshalltown 17 years ago.

Her mom suggested the idea of creating lap afghans for residents. She knew Godar Kreiter had been knitting since she was in high school, even making Christmas socks for some of her 12 siblings.

“My oldest brother got married while I was still in high school and had a baby,” Godar Kreiter said. “I decided I was going to make a sweater for the baby. That really got me going.”

Her mom began passing the lap afghans out to her fellow residents. They were an instant hit. Production continued for the VA until she and Mike got married and moved to Kansas City in 2008. In 2014, she came across Bonnie Krauss in Overland Park.

Krauss, then serving as volunteer manager for Catholic Community Hospice, was very receptive to importing the practice Godar Kreiter had begun in Iowa. The idea to embark on the quest for the initial 200 afghans was born.

Gayle

(Morgan)

and Marvin Brown, members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Emporia, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 28. The couple was married on Dec. 28, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church, Emporia. A celebration with family will be held on Dec. 23.

Their children are: Mark Brown, Lisa Duncan-Edes and Matthew Brown.

They also have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

COURTESY PHOTO

Jane Godar Kreiter, a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, dropped off the 500th lap afghan she crocheted for Catholic Community Health on Nov. 15. It took her just under nine years to reach this goal.

“She would supply me with all the yarn I needed through TurnStyle thrift [stores],” Godar Kreiter said. “They just kept bringing me bags of it. Thankfully, my husband has been very supportive — despite yarn strewn all over the house for years.”

Deacon Jim Lavin, who serves at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park and as chaplain at Catholic Community Health, has seen firsthand how the patients and their families react to Godar Kreiter’s work. Deacon Lavin helps present each afghan to a veteran and his or her family. A recent visit to a veteran at Park Meadows Senior Living in Overland Park was indicative of the kinds of reactions that the handmade gifts are frequently met with.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” Deacon Lavin said. “[Jane] has given so much of her time and just done a beautiful job to honor not just the patients, but the families as well.”

Godar Kreiter says she was happy to make the switch from afghans featuring

Clarice and Walter Dengel, members of Sacred Heart Church, Ottawa, will celebrate their 65th anniversary. They will host a celebration with family and friends in the spring. The couple was married on Dec. 27, 1958, at St. Joseph Church, Olpe. Their children are: Carain Dengel, Ottawa; Carol (Dengel) Elder, Overland Park; and Mark Dengel, Warwick, Rhode Island.

a plethora of colors, to a more traditional set of patriotic colors that characterize her recent work. “[Catholic Community Health] would share all of these ‘thank-you notes’ they were getting, so I just kept getting more of the red, white and blue yarn and making that design,” Godar Kreiter said. “People were saying they would bury loved ones with these lap afghans.

It does my heart good to know that I’ve done something to impact 500 families in a positive way.”

Tammy Urriola, volunteer coordinator at Catholic Community Health, said the families of the veteran patients love and adore Godar Kreiter’s creations, and the organization will be challenged to find a way to match her considerable contributions to those patients.

Urriola is also looking for volunteers to spend time with patients, about a half hour each week at facilities around the metro area.

After she recently hit afghan number 500, Godar Kreiter felt it was finally time to retire her crochet hook for good.

Marlene

(Rapalino) and Jim Graham, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Jan. 3, 2024.

The couple was married on Jan. 3, 1959, at St. Mary Church, Parsons. Their children are: Mary Beth, Teresa, Robert and Stephen. They also have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

It’s been an almost decade-long commitment for Godar Kreiter, and arthritis is beginning to play a more significant role in her life. She’s also focused on recovery from back surgery in August, and looming knee replacement.

“I’m framing the crochet hook,” Godar Kreiter said. “I’ve worn the paint off of it . . . the finish. I’ll put it up on the shelf [with this article].”

Godar Kreiter laughs to think just how long ago she began learning her craft. Suffice it to say that it was more than a few years before the advent of YouTube made it easy to learn something from an online tutorial.

She can still remember being taught by a friend of a classmate how to knit with small needles, and how much it bothered her hands. That prompted the switch to crocheting, and thus the beginning of a foundation for a unique journey that seems to have come to an end.

“I think the arthritis has decided whether I make more or not. But if anyone wants to learn how to do this, I’d be glad to teach them,” she said.

John P.

and Carmen (Menton) Bloomfield, members of Holy Family Parish, Alma, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 22. The couple was married at St. Francis Junior Seminary Chapel in Watsonville, California.

They have two children — John James and Joseph — and one granddaughter.

They are celebrating with a dinner party with family and friends.

LOCAL NEWS 5

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

BC students collaborate to help market archdiocesan schools

By Catherine Halbmaier Special to The Leaven

A

TCHISON — Nothing suits the Advent season more than helping the local community. This semester, students at Benedictine College here are doing just that through a new service learning program.

In many departments, students are required to complete a senior project or internship before graduation.

For the first time, the departments of journalism and mass communication, along with the department of graphic design, have partnered with Catholic schools in the archdiocese to fulfill this requirement.

Felicia Holcomb, marketing consultant for the Catholic schools office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, saw an opportunity for mutual benefit. According to Holcomb, Catholic schools do not always have the budget for media and design-related tasks. By bringing in the Benedictine students, schools can take care of projects that may have gone neglected otherwise, and students get to test out their skills and gain resume experience.

For Kathryn Pluta, a senior journalism and mass communications student at Benedictine, this project has been a rewarding capstone.

“This is the first year that the journalism department is partnering with the schools of the archdiocese,” said Pluta. “I thought that sounded really cool, like a bit of a challenge.”

Pluta worked with several schools in the archdiocese and visited each of them near the beginning of the semester.

“It was so cool to see how different each one was from the other,” said Pluta.

“Each has its own unique challenges and needs, its own brand. Or maybe the school didn’t have a brand and that’s what needed to be cultivated.”

Throughout her time with the project, Pluta worked on various assignments for multiple schools, ranging from design to website copy.

“One thing that was really fun to do was that I got to design a brochure for St. Rose [School], Garnett,” said Pluta.

“Even though I’m not a graphic design major, I got to use skills from my classes to create a marketing piece for them that can be used from year to year and updated as needed.”

Other students in the program said similar things about their experience.

Emma Stockman, a senior graphic design

F

COURTESY PHOTO

Dr. Kevin Page, head of Atchison’s Benedictine College journalism and mass communications department, was pleased to see his college students put their nascent marketing skills to use for the benefit of archdiocesan Catholic schools. and music major, looks forward to the lessons this project will leave her with.

“My school didn’t have much budget to put toward logo design,” said Stockman. “I asked if they wanted to do something with Our Lady of Guadalupe, since they have such a great Hispanic presence at the school, and they were very excited about that.”

Stockman was tasked with designing a new logo for Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, and she rose to the challenge.

“Something I’ve learned is the pressure that comes with working for a real client, someone you’ve never met,” said Stockman. “They don’t know what kind of person you are, that you’re going to give it your all. I wanted to show them that I was ready to make their logo the best it could be.”

The project has not been without its challenges. According to Stockman, she had to learn to communicate with busy school executives in clear and straightforward ways, while also delivering the best creative project that she could.

Appointments ather John A. Riley, vicar general, announces the following appointments made

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

to retirement from pastoral administration, effective Dec. 31, and to residency at and sacramental assistance to Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Kansas City, Kansas, effective Jan. 1.

Father Abner Ables, CS, from pastor “in solidum” of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, to pastor, effective Dec. 1.

Father Mark Ostrowski, from parttime chaplaincy at St. James Academy, Lenexa, to full-time ministry at St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, effective Jan. 1.

Father Keith Chadwick, from fulltime ministry at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, to chaplaincy at St. James Academy, Lenexa, and part-time ministry at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Father John Cordes, from pastor of Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas,

Father Oswaldo Sandoval, from pastor “in solidum” of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, effective Dec. 1, to pastor of Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas, effective Jan. 1.

“It’s really cool how graphic design combines the stability of being able to bring in income and also my creative side that brings me so much joy,” said Stockman. “I get so much joy from just presenting ideas and trying to find the middle ground. I think it takes a lot of people skills to be able to do that well.”

Students like Stockman and Pluta are reaping the benefits of a professional experience that does good for local schools. According to Dr. Kevin Page, head of the journalism and mass communications department at Benedictine, this project is just the latest in a series of service learning opportunities that the college has facilitated.

“It’s really driven by the community partners,” said Page. “They say, ‘These are the needs we have,’ and they usually have to do with a promotion of some kind.”

According to Page, this was the first year that the department decided to partner with Catholic schools in the archdiocese.

“I let the students sort of pick and choose what organization they work

with,” he said, “and several chose the Catholic schools, so it all kind of worked out.”

Page is familiar with the budget constraints of Catholic schools, and he was eager to accept a partnership that might benefit their branding.

“Having a long association with parochial schools, I know that they don’t always have the funding to get their message out, not like a public school,” said Page. “I thought it would be a good way for our students to get some good experience, but also to help out the Catholic schools. Even a small help to get their message out — who they are, what they do — is extremely beneficial.”

With the success of this year’s program, Page confirmed that he hopes to continue the partnership for years to come.

“Once you get a good community partner, you like to hang on to them,” said Page. “Everybody I’ve talked to has given me positive feedback, so I’d love to continue to work with the Catholic schools.”

Catholic Cemeteries to host monthly memorial Masses for deceased

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Starting in January 2024, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas will host monthly Masses at three locations to commemorate persons buried and entombed in cemeteries and mausoleums operated and managed by the archdiocesan organization. The first memorial Masses of 2024 will be on Jan. 13.

Masses will be offered at 9 a.m. at the following locations:

• Holy Redeemer Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kansas • Holy Family Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd., Lenexa • Holy Trinity Chapel at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 801 S.W. Westchester Rd., Topeka.

For more information, call (913) 3714040; send an email to: information@ cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks.org.

6 LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CYO welcomes new director of operations

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — While he was growing up, Dan J. Mason “played every sport I could get my hands on,” he said. That love of sports never left him.

Now, as the new director of operations for the Catholic Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, sports has become both his profession and his ministry.

“D.J. has a sports background in football, baseball and cross-country,” said John McGoldrick, executive director of CYO for the archdiocese. “He also has experience in intramural sports management.”

Mason began his new job on Dec. 1.

Previously, he was an area manager for Amazon operations in Lenexa.

The answer to the question “Where are you from?” is a little more complicated for Mason than it is for many people.

Both of his parents served in the U.S. Navy and his family moved around quite a bit. Mason was born in Yokosuka, Japan, but eventually picked San Bernardino, California — part of the sprawling Los Angeles megalopolis — to call home.

Although nominally from a Protestant background, he went to the boarding school of St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, California, run by the Norbertine Fathers. While there, he played football, basketball and baseball.

At the end of his freshman year, he converted to Catholicism.

Mason attended Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, initially playing baseball but switching to cross-country. He also played in numerous intramural sports.

“While running in [the climate of ] southwest Florida isn’t the most pleasant experience, I loved every minute of my three years in the sport,” he said.

But that’s not all. As a resident assistant, he helped cultivate the thriving Catholic culture of the university.

It was at Ave Maria that Mason met Mary Goetz, and they married in 2022.

That was also the same year he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN J. MASON

Dan J. Mason is the new director of operations for the Catholic Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. physiology with a minor in theology.

His wife grew up in DeSoto, where they live now and are raising their son Martin. They are members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee. Mary is a 2018 graduate of St. James Academy in Lenexa.

The couple moved to DeSoto so Mary could attend the University of Kansas School of Law. Mason got involved in archdiocesan CYO through the former director of operations: his mother-in-law, Maureen Goetz. She asked him to help out as a volunteer and he became increasingly involved. The position opened when she moved to a part-time role with CYO. “D.J. began as a CYO associate helping the CYO staff over the past six months and was asked to join full time due to his competence and thoroughness in completing tasks due to his prior sports, intramural and managerial experience,” said McGoldrick.

“I’m going to be making schedules

for the different sports we have for CYO, as well as helping with any administrative issues — like with making accounts, registration and scholarships,” Mason said. “I’ll be helping out at different events, such as helping set up events or getting equipment, and anything else needed for operations to make things go smoothly.”

Mason is excited to be involved in an organization that combines his love of sports with his love of the Catholic faith.

“I love the Catholic faith,” he said. “I think from what I saw — even before I knew what CYO was — the church was doing things to help younger kids, coinciding with the parish ministries. It’s something I wanted to be a part of. It’s nice to have a job through which you are practicing your faith.

“I’m super excited to have this job.

I’m doing Christ’s work, I’m stressing our Catholic faith, upholding our Catholic values for our students, players and staff members.”

ACROSS 1 Artist Chagall 5 French & Germany river 9 Syrian bishop 13 Water (Spanish) 14 Monte __ 15 Trudge 16 Profit 17 Expression 18 Not ins 19 Slight 21 Palestinian body of water 23 Space ship builders 25 Vexation 26 Speak softly 29 The __ of God (Jesus) 31 Offers to consumers 34 Mouth part 35 Hunts 37 Every 39 First letter in Hebrew alphabet 41 Sandwich 42 Interest 43 South American country 44 Brother of Moses 46 Lemon 47 Jewish teacher 50 Power unit COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

51 52 54 56 59 63 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

CYO at a glance • CYO is available in Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties.

• The 10-parish Parochial League of Kansas City, Missouri, participates with CYO in boys flag football, girls flag football, tackle football and basketball (if the PLKC does not have enough teams in a league).

• More than 7,000 kids are involved in CYO. • CYO is available in 23 parishes.

• Kids in grades three through eight are involved with CYO. • CYO has boys flag football, girls flag football, tackle football, volleyball, cross-country, basketball (including high school basketball for ninth through 12th grades), track and field, and summer tennis.

• For more information about archdiocesan CYO, go online to: www.cyojwa.org.

South by east Touch down Day-time TV’s Mr. Donahue Hairdo Major OT prophet Baby powder Colder Go at it alone National capital Orates Caper Family group Women’s magazine Otherwise

DOWN 1 They brought gifts 2 A king of the Amalekites 3 Destroy 4 Authoritative list of scripture 5 Band instrument 6 Dry 7 Soothing agents 8 Book near Acts 9 They had keys to kingdom 10 Melancholy 11 Wine bottle 12 Spots

14 Roman title 20 Movie “King” 22 Perish 24 One-celled animal 26 Applaud 27 Cargo vessel 28 Musical production 30 Club rule 32 Praises 33 Clean thoroughly 36 Cord 38 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. __ 40 Tax collector (KJV) 42 To that time 45 Do unto __ 48 Pub 49 Foment 53 Relating to a Duke 55 Smooth tightly twisted thread 56 Plague of Egypt 57 __ mater 58 Work the soil 60 OT book of prophecy 61 Alack’s partner 62 Faith, __ and charity 63 What a nurse gives 65 Stretch to make do Solution on page 12

LOCAL NEWS 7

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

KU student finds her vocation at campus center

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

L

AWRENCE — Out of all the decisions she made on her journey to become an Apostle of the Interior Life (AVI), this one was one of the easiest.

“When the community asked if I had a desire for where I wanted to have my consecration, [I knew] right away: St. Lawrence,” said Sister Kate Cropp.

“For me,” she continued, “it was where I really encountered Jesus and was really able to find these desires in my heart.

“I feel very at home there, and I always have.”

Cropp, a 2017 graduate of the University of Kansas in Lawrence, was consecrated as an AVI with the promises of poverty, chastity and obedience at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the university’s St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center on Dec. 8.

“St. Lawrence has been blessed with over five dozen priestly vocations and three dozen religious vocations — most of them in the last 30 years,” said Father Mitchel Zimmerman, chaplain and director of the center.

“Though the fruit of vocations is plentiful here,” he added, “we remain ever more grateful for each and all.

“There is no greater fruit from our mission than these vocations.”

Like many vocations to the consecrated life, Sister Kate’s was unexpected.

Originally from Lexington, Ohio, she considers herself “an adopted Kansan.”

“My faith journey really exploded in Kansas and the Kansas City diocese,” she said.

As a freshman at KU, she joined the rowing team with plans to major in chemical engineering.

Although raised Catholic, “my faith was pretty much just going to Mass on Sundays,” she said.

Living close to the St. Lawrence Center her freshman year, she expected to attend Mass there but also ended up joining a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Bible study with other rowers.

The people there changed how she viewed her faith life.

“I remember distinctly thinking they were just so joyful, they have something that I don’t have and I want

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Sister Kate Cropp, a 2017 graduate of the University of Kansas in Lawrence, was consecrated as an Apostle of the Interior Life (AVI) during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the university’s St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center on Dec. 8.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN REALLY ATTRACTED TO THE APOSTLES [OF THE INTERIOR LIFE]. I REALLY LOVE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND HELPING PEOPLE GROW IN THEIR PRAYER LIFE. SISTER KATE CROPP, AVI

it,” she said. “And I think it has to do with Jesus.”

Eventually, she became more involved in the St. Lawrence Center and attended a FOCUS SEEK conference, where her outlook changed even more.

“I had this idea of what someone who spent time in prayer or really frequented the church was,” said Sister Kate, “[and] that was that they’re kind of boring or didn’t have the same interests [as me].”

To meet other young people who were invested in their faith but also shared other interests, “that was really a turning point,” she said.

Eventually, she began receiving spiritual direction from the AVIs (part of the community was located at the campus center at that time, but is now based in College Station, Texas, and Rome).

Balancing her flourishing spiritual life with her studies and rowing was becoming more difficult, and it was during a practice at the start of her junior year when it hit her.

“I just remember looking around at it, and I was like, it’s just not enough anymore,” she said.

She quit the rowing team and that night at the St. Lawrence Center felt “so much peace knowing that I had made the right decision,” she added, “because I had been wrestling with it all summer.

“It was like this new beginning of being able to dive in headfirst.”

During her senior year, she felt called to consider a future in consecrated life during a leadership retreat at the center but was hesitant.

“Regardless of the type of services you desire, we can help to make them special.

We are here to serve you and your family.”

“I think in the past, I had seen you need to have this type of personality, you need to act in a certain way [and] do certain things” to become a Sister, she said.

But her spiritual director helped her see otherwise, and a call to join the AVIs became clearer.

“I’ve always been really attracted to the Apostles [of the Interior Life],” said Sister Kate. “I really love spiritual direction and helping people grow in their prayer life.”

She entered the community after graduation.

She’s set to finish her theology degree in Rome and will either stay there or move to College Station.

Now as Sister Kate, she encourages other young women considering a vocation to the consecrated life to be open.

“Many times, we think of God’s will as something very external from us,” she said. “But I really believe, and I see in my own life, that God’s will and our wills become aligned.

“He wants us to be happy, and he wants those deep desires in our hearts to be fulfilled.”

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BOYS TO MEN GROWING UP CATHOLIC — TOGETHER

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

M

ANHATTAN — St. Thomas Aquinas once wrote: “There is nothing on earth to be prized more than

friendship.”

If that is true, then eight young Catholics from the Leavenworth/Lansing area have won the jackpot. They each have not one, not two, but seven best friends.

Jared Baker, Carson Schroeder, Shane Sachse, Quinn O’Donnell, Andrew Schwinn, Jake Heim and Erick Sanford are all juniors at Kansas State University in Manhattan. They all attended Xavier Catholic School in Leavenworth.

They’ve all been the best of friends since preschool, if not before.

“I don’t remember meeting a single person at this table,” Schwinn said, as the others nodded in agreement.

Many of them have older siblings who knew each other but didn’t form as tight a bond.

Their friendship seems to fit not only Aquinas’ definition, but one found in the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 6, Verses 14-17: They are friends who fear God and who help guide each other on the path to holiness. All are actively involved at St. Isidore’s Catholic Campus Center at K-State.

If the group has a leader, it might be Adam Schwinn. A recent K-State graduate, he is a few years older than the other men and often speaks on the group’s behalf.

“We all grew up in Catholic schools, going from preschool all the way until graduating from high school, and [the faith] was integrated into our everyday learning,” he said.

Sachse agreed, saying nearly all of their shared memories revolve around their common Catholic faith.

“We all received the sacraments together,” he said. “It was a binding experience for us, even if we didn’t realize it at the time. . . . That’s efficacious grace in our life that definitely came up at some point in our lives, especially in college.”

WE ALL RECEIVED THE SACRAMENTS TOGETHER. IT WAS A BINDING EXPERIENCE FOR US, EVEN IF WE DIDN’T REALIZE IT AT THE TIME. SHANE SACHSE SACRED HEART-ST. CASIMIR, LEAVENWORTH

High school Fast forward to their high school years. Many became altar servers, helped out with music ministry or attended the March for Life. Most, if not all, participated in a men’s group, gathering on Thursdays to discuss approaching real-world challenges from a faith perspective.

Then, there were sports. All eight played at least one, if not two or three sports, like basketball, soccer, baseball and football. Representing a Catholic school meant they prayed together as teammates and attended Mass together on game days. They also prayed after a football or basketball game, often inviting other teams to pray with them.

Looking back on their grade school and high school years, the eight said it never entered their minds they wouldn’t always be friends — although adults tried to warn them that childhood friendships don’t always last.

During their high school years, the Mass played an integral part of their friendship. Due to the closure of Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, the group rode a bus to Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison.

Most days, the bus arrived in time for everyone to go to Mass before school.

“What better to do with yourself [than go to Mass]?” Adam Schwinn said.

Now that they’re all in college or have graduated, the men said they’re not surprised they’ve stayed friends

FOREVER FRIENDS

These eight young men of the archdiocese, all of whom attended Xavier Elementary School in L versity in Manhattan with the eighth having graduated earlier this year. All of them are involved event. They are pictured here in the choir loft of St. Isidore’s prior to the 9 p.m. Mass. They are: (t Shane Sachse, Sacred Heart-St. Casimir; (middle row) Erick Sanford, St. Francis de Sales, Lansin the Valley-St. Lawrence, Easton; and Adam Schwinn, Sacred Heart-St. Casimir. or that their circle of friends has grown.

“Not many people can say they have 20 people that they could have close, real conversations with on a regular basis,” Adam Schwinn said.

But it all comes back to their deep love of the Catholic faith.

College life As the oldest, Adam Schwinn was the first to attend K-State.

During the first week of his freshman year, someone handed him a flier about a party sponsored by the campus center.

“At the end, everybody was like, ‘We’re going to walk to Mass now.’ It’s 9 p.m. It’s a Monday night, and I went

to Mass with them,” he said. “As soon as Mass ended and the lights dimmed, everyone was singing the “Salve Regina” in Latin. I just remember a feeling washing over me and feeling, ‘This is home.’

“In some ways, it was what I had known and loved in its truest form.”

Having discovered his home away from home, Adam Schwinn said he couldn’t wait to share it with his seven friends. So, when they visited him on the weekends, he took them to St. Isidore’s for Mass and/or activities.

“We were all excited to see what that was like — young people excited about the faith,” Sachse said, adding the number of students who are part of the campus center “willingly, by their own choice” is amazing.

“I actually got to meet some people

WE HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE. WE INVITE EACH OTHER TO GO TO DAILY MASS, TO GO AND RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS. ERICK SANFORD ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, LANSING

His friends wanted more for him, though, and often invited him to daily Mass.

“I thought I’d just go and check it out. I was curious as to why everyone was going to daily Mass at 9 o’clock at night,” he said. “I just remember getting there, and it’s not something you can really describe. It just felt right being there.”

Leaders

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Leavenworth and Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, have been friends since preschool. Now, seven of them are juniors at Kansas State Unid in St. Isidore’s Catholic Campus Center at the university. On any given night, you can find most, if not all of them, at Mass or at a campus center top row, left to right) Jared Baker, Sacred Heart-St. Casimir, Leavenworth; Quinn O’Donnell, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph, Leavenworth; and ng; Carson Schroeder, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph; and Andrew Schwinn, Sacred Heart-St. Casimir; (bottom row) Jake Heim, St. Joseph of when I was visiting,” said Andrew Schwinn. “So it was nice when I got to school here to know some faces.

“But, honestly, the community was one of the biggest things — the genuine nature of the community and how they interact with one another and the subject matter that they’re talking about revolved around good things and not bad or inappropriate things.”

Heim started at K-State’s Salina campus. On most weekends, however, he drove to Manhattan to see his friends. One weekend, he recalled attending a dance at the campus center.

“That was the first time I experienced the community and how many people came to those events,” he said.

“I didn’t think this many people from

college would show up to a church event, and that was pretty cool.

“So, that was my first experience, and I was kind of taken aback by it. I came up several more times and went to Sunday Mass with these guys. I got to thinking that when I did move up here, I was kind of looking forward to being a part of this community.”

Like Heim, Sanford said he, too, found himself drawn in by the center’s numerous activities, including bonfires, guitar jam sessions, game nights and card nights, all of which he first experienced on those weekend visits.

“It just felt so wholesome. It was so good. It was so much fun,” he said.

Once he got on campus, he dove right into the community, starting with daily Mass, going to ‘every single

event Izzy’s was putting on.’”

Just going to Mass, he said, was incredible.

“It was absolutely packed. There was not an open seat for the first two weeks of school. There’d be people standing, kneeling on the floor or standing the whole Mass, and everyone was so in it,” Sanford said.

Sachse agreed, saying the community aspect is amazing, but so is the students’ incredible faith.

“The reverence for the Eucharist that the priests have and the students have is very noticeable,” he noted.

“At first, when I got here,” Baker said, “it was all so new. I would just go to Sunday Mass, and then I’d go on with the rest of my week. That went on for the first two or three months of college.”

With hundreds of students attending Mass, participating in the sacrament of reconciliation regularly and coming together for social activities, the campus center has a leadership staff of at least 70 students alone, not counting priests, paid staff and others. The eight friends have chaired or served on committees, led or assisted with retreats, served in various liturgical roles, organized and publicized social events, and participated in regular adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

And if the Book of Proverbs is right about faithful friendship, these eight men fit the definition.

“We hold each other accountable,” Sanford said. “We invite each other to go to daily Mass, to go and receive the sacraments. Our house has a Bible study, but we’re incorporating the faith into our everyday lives and making sure it’s a prominent aspect of all of our lives.”

Heim agreed.

“From preschool, we’ve all grown up with the same foundation. It’s easy for us to be encouraging and to keep us accountable,” he said. “None of us is forcing each other. It’s really just a friendship that’s just good for each other.”

Andrew Schwinn said the example he sees in his friends is one he strives to imitate.

There’s been so many nights, he said, that he’s almost skipped Mass, but his friends’ example has encouraged him to reconsider. So, off he goes.

O’Donnell agreed.

“We might have quarrels or disagreements, but in the end, if someone’s trying to get you to do something, he’s usually trying to hold you to a higher standard,” he said. “It’s him loving you.

We all love each other on a very deep level, so we’re all trying to hold each other to that higher standard.”

And that’s something they wish for all of those coming up behind him, especially those who will soon be in college.

“Be bold. . . . Invite people to go with you,” said Heim. “Don’t just go to the norm and be too influenced by the typical college environment.

“Every college, state school has a [Catholic] student center, right?

They’re there. Go try it.”

10 FEATURE

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LITTLE FLOWER BLOOMS STILL Year dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux

concludes with celebration of her 150th, apostolic exhortation

CNS PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ

Pope Francis carries a white rose as he approaches a reliquary containing the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux before the start of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican June 7. The pope issued an apostolic letter Oct. 15 that was dedicated to the saint for the 150th anniversary of her birth.

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

D

ARIEN, ILLINOIS — For months, Father Tom Schrader, OCarm, who is in his fifth year as director of the Society of the Little Flower, has been anticipating the release of a papal document about St. Thérèse. Now that it’s been published, the priest is exploring its richness and hopes others will, too.

Founded in 1923 with a current membership of around 300,000, the mission of the Society of the Little Flower (the world’s largest organization dedicated to St. Thérèse) is to promote devotion to the saint and to “enable Carmelites throughout the world to make a difference in people’s lives through Gospel ministries and the education of seminarians, fulfilling her mission to ‘make God known and loved to the ends of the earth’ in the most concrete ways of charity and justice.”

Published on Oct. 15, the apostolic exhortation “C’est la confiance,” or “On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God,” was written by Pope Francis for the 150th anniversary of the birth of St. Thérèse. Exploring its depth, Father Tom said, will take time. Still, he’s already found several compelling passages.

Paragraph 6: “The church quickly recognized her great significance and the distinctiveness of her evangelical spirituality.”

The saint’s relationship with the popes is significant, said Father Tom. Pope Francis begins with St. Thérèse’s now famous audience with Pope Leo XIII in which she begged for permission to enter Carmel a year earlier than the rule allowed.

“You can’t forget that she was referred to as ‘the greatest saint of modern times,’ [by Pope Pius X],” Father Tom said. “And for me, I think there’s something really [significant] to that in terms of the childlike innocence she brings to her relationship with Jesus and her ability to impress great minds.

“I don’t think we realize how the intellectual life, especially in Europe, was really affecting the church and how it responded to people in terms of faith, and I still think we’re seeing the ravages of that, that kind of modernism.”

Perhaps a lesser-known aspect of St. Thérèse’s spirituality, Father Tom said, can be found in paragraphs 25-27, under the heading, “Fire burning in the night.”

On April 3, 1895, Thérèse experienced a hemorrhage, the first symptom of tuberculosis. From that night to the end of her life, she suffered tremendously

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC AND JULIE ANDERSON

Father Bob Colaresi, OCarm, director of the National Shrine of St. Thérèse in Darien, Illinois, leads the Transitus service on Sept. 30, the anniversary of St. Thérèse’s death in 1897. It was one of the last events of a two-week Homecoming Celebration held Sept. 17-Oct. 1 during which the relics of St. Thérèse and her parents, Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, were available for veneration. physically, but also spiritually.

“That’s a big part of her,” Father Tom said, but not an aspect he usually addresses when speaking about her.

“I don’t think people really understand it,” he said. “Unless you’ve experienced a dark night, I don’t think it’s something you really can say, ‘Oh, this is what that means.’”

But its importance to her life is inescapable. “[The dark night] really was the crucible for St. Thérèse. It’s where she comes to so many realizations, including what’s she going to be . . . the shower of roses . . . ‘Everything is grace.’ It all comes out of that, but I think it comes out of her actual experience of suffering.”

Paragraph 25: “Thérèse experienced faith most powerfully and surely in the midst of the dark night and especially amid the darkness of Calvary.”

And later: “In union with Jesus, who took upon himself all the darkness of the sin of the world when he willed to drink from the cup of the Passion, Thérèse came to appreciate its underlying sense of despair and sheer emptiness.”

Father Tom said he found this entire section by Pope Francis extremely >> See “POPE” on page 11

Who was St. Thérèse?

In her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” St. Thérèse (1873-1897) explained her belief that she was a little soul, not capable of extraordinary accomplishments.

Instead, she promoted what has become known as the Little Way. It refers to having a complete childlike trust in God and doing all things, no matter how small, for love.

On July 17, 1897, St. Thérèse said, “I feel that my mission is about to begin, my mission of making others love God as I love him, my mission of teaching my little way to souls.”

Dying at age 24 on Sept. 30, 1897, she was beatified in 1923 and canonized in 1925. Two years later, St. Thérèse was declared patroness of the missions. In 1997, St. Pope John Paul II named her a Doctor of the Church.

FEATURE 11

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Three Kings Parades flood Poland’s streets on Epiphany

By Paulina Guzik OSV News

W

ARSAW, Poland (OSV News) — Every year on the solemnity of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, Polish cities get flooded with joyful Three Kings Parades. Designed as theatrical performances that recall the historical event of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the Magi who worshiped him 2,000 years ago, the parades’ purpose is to familiarize their audiences with the Gospel tradition.

“The Magi came to the manger as pagans. They searched for truth and beauty, and they found God. This is the pattern for our parades: to commemorate their search and reach all — believers and nonbelievers,” Piotr Giertych, one of the initiators of the Three Kings Parades in Poland and a head of the foundation organizing them, told OSV News.

The Magi, “thanks to their reason, discovered that something important happened in the history of the world,” he said.

From the very beginning, Poland’s parades were to commemorate “God’s love for every person in the world.

Because everyone can fit around the manger.”

The event traces its history to 2009, when students in Warsaw decided to perform a live Nativity scene.

Within two years, other places had joined Warsaw in holding the parades.

Ukraine held the first Three Kings Parade outside Poland in 2013. In 2019, the parade was held in 752 places in Poland and in 22 places abroad, including Chicago and New York, where smaller parades were organized by the cities’ Polish communities.

“The parade is a cultural, religious and apolitical event open to everybody, regardless of one’s religious beliefs, personal convictions or cultural traditions,” Giertych said. “It is not a time for protests or demonstrations against anybody or anything, but an occasion to spend time with others.”

During the parade, participants walk from a designated beginning point to the Nativity scene while singing Christmas carols. Amateur actors play the Holy Family and the Magi from three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. The star-bearer and the Magi lead the parade, accompanied by children dressed as knights and ladies-in-waiting. Residents of the city or village also join the parade wearing crowns and singing Christmas carols

OSV NEWS PHOTO/KACPER PEMPEL, REUTERS

A man is pictured in a file photo riding a camel as he takes part in the Three Kings Cavalcade in celebration of the solemnity of the Epiphany in Warsaw, Poland. What started in 2009 by students in Warsaw, has spread to over 750 places in Poland and to over 20 places abroad, including Chicago and New York.

THE PARADE IS A CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND APOLITICAL EVENT OPEN TO EVERYBODY, REGARDLESS OF ONE’S RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, PERSONAL CONVICTIONS OR CULTURAL TRADITIONS. PIOTR GIERTYCH ONE OF THE INITIATORS OF THE THREE KINGS PARADES IN POLAND

from song books from the organizing foundation.

“Singing Christmas carols is an important part of the parade tradition,” Giertych told OSV News. “Christmas carols express the joy of the King born in Bethlehem. We print the carol booklets and we know that over the years, thousands of those booklets stayed in people’s homes, and they sing carols from the previous

OSV NEWS PHOTO/KACPER PEMPEL, REUTERS

Children are pictured in a file photo taking part in a Catholic procession on the solemnity of the Epiphany in Warsaw, Poland. After celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, Christians celebrate the Epiphany, often referred to as the “feast of the three kings.” booklets on the following Christmas.”

Giertych said that many tourists join the parades.

“It is touching and amazing that since 2009, we have managed to build a tradition that unites peoples in so many places

around the world,” he said. “It turned out not the concerts, not New Year’s Eve festivities, not shops and stores, but the Three Kings Parades have the biggest turnout around the time of Christmas, and this is more than we could dream of.”

Pope sees St. Thérèse as a ‘contemporary evangelist’ >> Continued from page 10

powerful, given some of his own life experiences.

“You can’t understand Thérèse without understanding that,” he said. “I think that when you say ‘the dark night,’ it’s a little bit scary. And I think unless you have a developed prayer life, you can’t really talk about it.

“Someone can’t have a dark night without having a really deep prayer life and a really deep relationship with the Lord.”

Thérèse only came to appreciate the paschal mystery through her own suffering, he said, and paragraph 25 really

underscores that fact.

Paragraph 27: “Even in her darkness, she experienced the complete trust of a child that finds refuge, unafraid, in the embrace of its father and mother. . . . This is one of the loftiest insights of Thérèse, one of her major contributions to the entire People of God. In an extraordinary way, she probed the depths of divine mercy, and drew from them the light of her limitless hope.”

One of the most surprising elements of the Holy Father’s words on St. Thérèse, said Father Tom, was his focus on the saint’s desire to save souls and her missionary zeal.

“You don’t necessarily think of this

very intentionality of saving souls,” he said, “but on the other hand, [Pope Francis] really frames this within the whole heart of mission, and he loves to refer to the church as a missionary church.

“I think that in so many ways he’s seeing Thérèse as a contemporary evangelist that’s bringing the message of Jesus’ love. . . . Even in paragraph 10, [the pope] writes [that St. Thérèse said] ‘Lord, you know it, I have no other treasures than the souls it has pleased you to unite to mine.’”

“It really struck me first of all why she is the patroness of missions, but also why Pope Francis is taking the

time to really lift her up,” Father Tom said.

Finally, Father Tom noted he was also surprised by the attention paid to the shower of roses promised by St. Thérèse.

“It’s such a wonderful way that she shows she’s listening and interceding,” he said. “That’s probably the most surprising thing about the document — how that’s not brushed away but is seen as something that’s real and a part of real people’s experiences.”

To read Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “On Confidence in the Merciful Love of God” in its entirety, go online to: www.theleaven.org.

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Catholic elementary school principal - Holy Family School in Topeka is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spirituality, academics and advancement, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2023-24 school year.

The ability to understand and speak Spanish is a plus.

Holy Family has approximately 164 students in K - 8th grades and 14 preschoolers taught by 14 teachers.

Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Visit the website at: holyfamilytopeka. net to learn more about the school. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply.

Volunteer engagement coordinator - Are you compassionate, motivated, mission-driven and desire to empower others? Do you have experience with volunteer coordination? Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a volunteer engagement coordinator to serve on our volunteer engagement team and assist with our recruiting and on-boarding initiatives for the 30-plus programs at Catholic Charities. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org/ careers, scroll down and click on “View all opportunities,” then click on “View all,” then scroll down to “Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement.”

Catholic elementary school principal – St. Matthew, Topeka, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in the academic and spiritual formation of students, as well as in the recruitment, development and retention of high caliber, joyfully Catholic faculty and staff. The principal must be current regarding best practices in Catholic education and be able to lead a diverse community in continually striving for greatness. St. Matthew has approximately 140 students in grades K-8 and employs 15 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership.

Proficiency in Spanish is preferred. Please apply on line at: www.archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, please contact Rev. John M. Torrez at: jtorrez@ arch kck.org. Deadline for applications is Nov. Full-time custodian - The Church of the Nativity Parish School has immediate openings for a full-time custodian. Qualified applicants should have prior custodial experience, specifically in a school environment. Maintenance experience would be a plus.

The full-time position is scheduled to work M-F from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the part-time from 4 to 8 p.m.

M-F. Some holiday work is expected. Applicants must have a compatible work history, references, dependable transportation and be willing to participate in a background check. The Church of the Nativity expects to pay market compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Nativity has a history of retaining its employees, who enjoy the advantages of working at a vibrant, collaborative, faithbased place of worship and education. Nativity Parish School is located at 3700 W. 119th, Leawood. Nativity offers a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should send resumes and work history to: mhyde@kcnativity.org. No phone calls please.

Associate superintendent of schools - The archdiocesan Catholic Schools Office is seeking to hire a full-time associate superintendent of schools. He/she would be responsible for collaborating with the superintendent and other office staff to support school leaders in ways that will enable them to be spiritual and effective leaders for teachers. A minimum of seven years’ experience in educational leadership, some of which must be in Catholic schools leadership, is required. Please visit Employment Opportunities on the archdiocesan website for more information or to apply. Go online to: “archkck.org,” scroll to the bottom and click on “Employment Opportunities,” then scroll down and click on “Openings in our Archdiocese” then on “Associate Superintendent of Schools.”

Client care providers - Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics are in need of compassionate and reliable client care providers. Both volunteers and paid positions are available. Please call Leah at (913) 2070186 for more information.

Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required.

Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation. com for more information. EEO. Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as a direct support professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses.

Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park.

Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-our-team or by emailing: james@larcheks.org.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG Assistant baseball coach - Bishop Miege High School is seeking an assistant baseball coach for the spring season. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege.com or call (913) 222-5802.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: Chief financial officer, director of development, admissions counselor, mission support specialist..

Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly. edu/careers.

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

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings include academic advisor learning and nursing school faculty. Adjunct faculty job openings: clinical nursing adjunct, and psychology pool, English adjunct and math at Lansing Correctional Campus. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Scientific equipment technician - Would you like to make a difference in a small growing company?

Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customer’s locations locally and within a four-state area. Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented are required.

Mostly on-the-job training. Electrical knowledge a plus.

Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Caregiver needed - Are you looking for an in-home caregiving opportunity? The Shikles family is urgently hiring a dedicated and compassionate direct support worker for the care of Stephen Shikles. Pay is $19.62 per hour; flexible hours up to 40 hours per week. For more information, please contact Lisa Shikles at (913) 333-0887 or lisa.shikles@gmail.com.

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

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

Garage Door Repair Expert New Garage Doors Garage Floor Coatings A Total Door Inc., Sine ‘83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com (913) 236-6440 Tutor - Piano, guitar, voice and music theory lessons available. Instructor has 18 years’ experience. For more information, call or text Kathleen at (913) 2062151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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

Divine Cleaning KC - Divine Cleaning KC is a Catholic, veteran, family-owned cleaning business offering residential and commercial recurring cleans. The typical clean is priced 13.5-14 cents per square foot. For an estimate or to schedule your first clean, send us a text at (913) 374-6332.

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, families, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: Stillwaters.com, in-person or Telehealth.

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

WELLERBEEF.COM - Let us be your local farm source for beef for your dinner table. Local, Catholic, family farm. Humanely raised. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass fed and traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer.

We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

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.

PILGRIMAGE

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

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; secondgeneration bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Interior painting specialist.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL *LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING *CLEANUP AND HAULING *DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION *LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391 Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, mason repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheetrock, knockdown ceilings, decks and fences. My family and I always appreciate the support.

Please call Joshua at (913) 709-7230. Check out my Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FSHome ExteriorsandRemodeling. Call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or at: josh.fser@ gmail.com.

Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

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% www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com (913) 461-4052

REAL ESTATE We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.

We’re the Stone Brothers - Identical twin realtors, dedicated to helping you with all things real estate.

We offer complimentary items of value, including FREE home appraisals, up-to-date info on interest rates, etc. We are here to help — the cornerstone for all of your real estate needs! Contact Stone Brothers Realty at: moffittrealty.com or (913) 963-6465.

Pilgrimage - Join us for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje March 12 - 20, 2024; May 14 - 22, 2024; and June 16 - 28, 2024 (Poland and Medjugorje). Are you being called to go? Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. Call Grace Legaspi for details at (913) 449-1806.

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 - Single plot suitable for regular burial or cremation. Mt. Calvary Cemetery, KCK. Section 11, lot 80, space 3-A. Valued at $2200. Sell for $2100 and I pay conveyance fee. Contact David at (913) 980-0042.

CAREGIVING Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties.

Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www. saintritahc.com; rmargush@saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 2139843.

Classified Advertising Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org

SOLUTION

CALENDAR 13

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

OUR LADY OF UNITY PARISH TAMALE SALE St. John the Evangelist 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 23 from 3 - 7:30 (pickup)

Order your tamales from Dec. 15-17.

The cost is $20 for one dozen. There will be chicken in green sauce and pork in red sauce. You can place your orders by text or phone to Sherry Johnson at (913) 207-0900 or by email at: johnson7980@sbcglobal.net.

GUIDED MEDITATION FOR THE NEW YEAR Via Zoom Jan. 3 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a guided meditation and reflection focusing on Jesus’ presentation in the Temple. In this story, we hear about how Mary and Joseph brought their infant son to be presented to the Most High. Part of this Jewish custom included making an offering and sacrifice to God. We are reminded of our own need to make offerings and sacrifices pleasing to the Lord. There will be a Scripture reading, guided meditation, quiet reflection time and sharing. To register, go online to: www.mountosb.org/programofferings and click on the guided meditation link. Register by Dec. 31. Once we have received you registration, we will send you an invoice for the retreat. There are scholarships available. If you would like to make a request, send an email to Sister Carol Ann at: sophia@mountosb.org.

NEW YEAR SPIRITUAL REFLECTION AND PLANNING RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Jan. 5 - 7

Set aside time at the beginning of the new year to create growth goals and devise steps to reach your goals. The structure of the retreat will allow ample time for you to do work on your plan. We will provide resources and ideas to incorporate in your plan. Bring your own personal items that will aid in the process such as: a Bible, notebook, agenda/journal, catechism, laptop (if this helps you plan better), etc.

Cabins/courtyard rooms are $170/single, $250/couple. Single guest rooms are $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the retreat reservation form online at: Christs Peace.com.

CHARITABLE INVESTING AND SMARTER WAYS TO GIVE Mater Dei Parish (hall) 1114 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka Jan. 8, 2024, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas and Mater Dei Parish invite all to attend a presentation from Luke Henry, asset adviser for the Knights of Columbus, on charitable investments and tax-efficient ways to support a parish, school or ministry. Register online at: www.cfnek.org/ events or contact Mitch Nolan at: mnolan@ archkck.org or (913) 647-3062.

SHARING YOUR LEGACY WORKSHOP ON WILLS & TRUSTS St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence Jan. 9 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

An estate planning attorney will present this workshop. Visit the website at: cfnek. org/events, click on “Event listings,” scroll down and click on “Sharing Your Legacy Workshop,” then click on “View Event” for more information and to register.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Jan. 14 from 8:20 - 10 a.m.

Breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is: $5 for those over the age of 11; $3 for kids ages 3 - 11; and kids under the age of 3 eat for free.

Proceeds are used for charitable works such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.

WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP CREATING YOUR LEGACY St. Ann Parish (hall) 301 William St., Effingham Jan. 17 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Father Hughes Sundeme welcomes all to attend Casey Connealy’s wills and trusts workshop. Learn ways to protect your family and protect your assets from taxes with the right estate plan. The presentation will cover: the difference between a will and a trust; how to avoid probate (and what exactly is probate?); if I die first and my spouse remarries, will my kids still get their money; and how to leave money or other assets to my church. Register online at: www.cfnek.org/events/wills-trustsworkshop or send an email to Jane Schmitt at: jschmitt@archkck.org or call (913) 6473060.

TAKE-A-LOOK THURSDAY Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Jan. 18 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.

RETROUVAILLE Jan. 26 - 28 Registration closes Jan. 25

Retrouvaille is a lifeline for marriages, a program to help couples heal and renew their hurting marriages. The Retrouvaille program is for married couples facing difficult challenges in their relationship.

This program helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship.

The program is primarily a practical program to improve communication, build stronger marriages and help couples reconnect. Presenters are not trained marriage counselors, but are couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love. Go online to: www.helpourmarriage. org for more information and to register, or call 1 (800) 470-2230. Space is limited.

Early registration is suggested.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

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

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: blankenship@theleaven.org.

beth.

14 COLUMNISTS DAILY READINGS 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 VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Is 62: 1-5 Ps 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25 Mt 1: 1-25 Dec. 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS) Is 9: 1-6 Pa 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 33: 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 NATIVITY OCTAVE 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 Ps 128: 1-5 Col 3: 12-21 Lk 2: 22-40 Jan. 1 THE 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 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

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

There’s no time like the present to present a present to others

I

t’s no secret that I love stories, especially those that have an unexpected twist . . . or two.

Naturally, nothing could ever rival the story of Jesus — the Son of God, a king, born in a stable in an obscure town in an occupied country; someone who never lived in a palace, owned land or commanded an army; a king who surrounded himself not with royalty but with the poor and outcasts; an inspirational teacher with no academic degrees; an innocent man who died a shameful and painful death on a cross. But, oh, what a final twist when he rises gloriously from the dead to take his rightful place at God’s right hand.

Stories that announce the good news of the continuing influence of Jesus on our world never get old for me. This one, told by the late Pastor C. Roy Angell (great

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.

last name!) of Central Baptist Church in Miami, always touches my heart. It concerns a college friend of Pastor Angell named Paul who received a new car from his brother as a pre-Christmas present.

On Christmas Eve, when Paul came out of his office, a poor little boy was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. “Is

this your car, mister?” he asked.

Paul nodded and said, “My brother gave it to me for Christmas.”

The boy looked astounded. “You mean your brother gave it to you, and it didn’t cost you nothing? Boy, I wish . . .”

When he hesitated, Paul knew what the kid was going to wish.

He was going to wish that he had a brother like that.

What the lad said, however, jarred Paul all the way down to his heels. “I wish,” the boy went on, “that I could be a brother like that!”

It was now Paul’s turn to be astonished and he impulsively asked, “Would you like to ride in my car?”

“Oh, yes!” said the boy. “I’d love that!”

After a short ride, the kid turned, and with eyes aglow said, “Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?”

Paul smiled a little.

He thought he knew what the lad wanted.

He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride in a big automobile.

But Paul was wrong again.

“Will you stop where those two steps are?” the boy asked.

He ran up the steps. Then, in a little while, Paul heard him coming back, but he wasn’t moving very fast. He was carrying his little polio-crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.

“There she is, Bud-

dy, just like I told you upstairs,” he said. “His brother gave it to him for Christmas, and it didn’t cost him a cent.

And someday, I’m gonna give you one just like it. Then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I’ve been trying to tell you about.”

Paul got out and lifted the little kid onto the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when he said, “There is more happiness in giving.” (Adapted from “A Brother Like That,” found in “Illustrations Unlimited,”

by James S. Hewett, editor.)

This Christmas — and every day of our lives — may we strive to be more and more like our big brother, Jesus.

Annunciation calls us to believe the unbelievable — as Mary did

D

o you hear it?

If there is one message the world needs right now, you can find it buried deep in this beautiful Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. In the story of the Annunciation, there is a second announcement, an added annunciation — a reminder of something so transcendent and persistent, we might easily forget about it.

The enduring annunciation here is the annunciation of hope.

You find it right there, at the end of the proclamation of an angel, who declares this news with gusto and enthusiasm. This

DEACON GREG KANDRA Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.

figure, Gabriel, stands before a young girl

whose life is being rewritten and redirected right before her eyes and what does he do?

He leaves her — and us — with this message, his parting shot: “NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.” There you have it.

All bets are off. Surrender your doubts, your questions, your worries and misgivings.

Believe the unbelievable, he says. Embrace the mystery. Miracles are possible.

When all else fails, we need to hang on to these six words, the ones that likely sustained Mary not only for the months that followed, but for the next

30 years: Nothing will be impossible for God. Maybe we have forgotten that. Maybe we need to hear it, especially now. At this dark moment in time, what is being announced is LIGHT. Mary, we’re told, was troubled at what she heard. Of course, she was troubled. Who wouldn’t be?

“How can this be?”

Mary asks.

It can, because all things are possible.

Because “impossible” is not part of God’s vocabulary.

Our God is a God without limits. He is the God of possibility. That possibility can even bring about something

as elusive and as consoling as peace.

In our world. In our country. In our hearts.

Does it seem unlikely?

Remote?

When worried or troubled, filled with fear or doubt, maybe we need to ask “WWMD?” What would Mary do? Well, start by taking a cue from the Annunciation.

Hear the message within, the good news that defies logic, and hold on to what is really being announced.

In times of distress, we need to shut out the anxious noise of the world — and trust enough to listen to angels.

Christians must be open to listening to God, helping others, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians must be open to the Word of God and to welcoming and serving others, Pope Francis said. “‘Be open,’ Jesus says to every believer and to his church: Be open because the Gospel message needs you to witness to it and proclaim it,” he said during his weekly

general audience in the Paul VI hall Dec. 13.

The pope also appealed for an immediate cease-fire and a resumption of negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

In his main audience talk, the pope concluded his yearlong series of talks about zeal for evangelization. The pope talked about how

every Christian is called to allow “the Word of God to inspire us, to help cultivate the passion to proclaim the Gospel.”

Pope Francis suggested people ask themselves: “Do I truly love the Lord to the point of wanting to proclaim him? Do I want to become his witness or am I content to be his disciple?”

COLUMNISTS 15

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

F

or we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them (Eph 2:10).

Jesus willed himself to leave the throne of heaven to be born in a dusty manger because we are his handiwork, and he loves us more than anyone has ever loved us. In Christ, we are loved, awaited and forgiven.

This caused the woman at the well, the blind man at the gate and each of us to go away rejoicing when we knew that Jesus Christ cherished us, though yet sinners.

Unwrapping the gifts of freedom and joy SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART

DEACON DANA NEARMYER Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.

This is our freedom story. This is the freedom story for those that we love.

As we spend time with family and friends over these sacred days, how do you show your joy and freedom of living in Christ? People are looking for peace, refuge and meaning in their lives. It looks a bit different for everyone, but behind it all is

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Do you, like the moon, reflect the sun, and light up the night with the love and reflection of Jesus?

People notice light in darkness. People’s daily grind can get pretty dark; Jesus reflecting off of you will be noticed by many, even those in your home.

To reflect the light of Christ, we line up ourselves with him. We line up with his words and actions, by listening to him personally. He is alive; he wants to have deep, deep dialogues with each of us. He wants us to offer unvarnished confession, offer repentance and fill up on his life-giving

words, through prayer and absorbing Scripture.

He wants to fill us with hope and recognition of our true freedom, here and in eternity.

The sacraments all lead us to give Jesus our heart, body, mind and soul, and we should frequently remind ourselves who is in charge by inviting Jesus into the deepest corners of our lives, out loud, with our lips. Our joy and peace are caused by one source: relationship with Jesus.

That joy and freedom are available for all, like presents under the tree, with your loved one’s names on the tags. Listen long and deeply to friends

and family, like Christ listens to you. Shine out the joy in your heart, and when people ask where it comes from, ask questions that lead them to unwrapping the gift of freedom and joy of knowing Jesus.

Again remember that Jesus willed himself to leave the throne of heaven to be born in a dusty manger because we are his handiwork, and he loves us more than anyone has ever loved us.

Check out the website at: archkck.org/ enflame to learn more about how to experience and share peace and freedom.

Pope’s request of Castro yielded more than Christmas in Cuba

T

he Grinch may have stolen Christmas in Cuba, but St. John Paul II is credited for bringing the beloved feast back to the island.

After the famed Communist Revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro methodically introduced the evils of atheistic socialism into all aspects of life there in the decade that followed. Then, he banned all public religious observances, such as the Nativity of the Lord. It seemed that Christmas would no longer have a public space in Cuba.

That is, until the leader invited Pope John Paul II to visit his

SET APART

SISTER EVA-MARIA ACKERMAN, FSGM Sister Eva-Maria Ackerman, FSGM, is the Delegate for Religious and Consecrated Life for the archdiocese.

island 30 years later.

Before arriving, the pontiff asked Castro to surprise the world and

bring back Christmas to Cuba.

The Comandante hesitated, but wanting to look good in the eyes of the world, gave in, and the grace and joy of the Little Child of Bethlehem flowed back into the public square.

Church doors were opened wider.

Those who had

already welcomed the divine Child into their poor hearts, rejoiced and prepared for the coming of the pope to their island.

Pope John Paul II received a joyful welcome from the people of all faiths in Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba and Havana on Jan. 21-25, 1998.

Thirteen years later in January 2011, I was able to witness firsthand the long-lasting impact of the pontiff ’s time there. Seminario San Carlos y San Ambrosio, the first Catholic building in 50 years, was dedicated two months earlier in the presence of thenpresident Raul Castro.

We Sisters received

permission from the government to begin our service at the seminary. Awaiting our arrival were more than 50 young men from all over the island, who were discerning a priestly vocation.

They rang the seminary bells and took our suitcases to our living quarters. We soon became a family.

Juan Antonio, one of the first ones to greet us, was gifted in making beautiful projects with few resources. One year, he led the decoration of the seminary lobby for Christmas. He and his group took their machetes (it seems all Cubans have machetes!) and went into the

wilder areas outside of the seminary grounds.

They soon dragged a tiny royal palm through the lobby entrance, painstakingly placed it in the manger scene, and adorned the area with handmade lanterns and sparkling lights.

They truly made a beautiful space for the newborn Child, whose herald and vicar had made this moment possible.

How providential that, only steps away from this very tropical crèche in a niche on the lobby floor, was the cornerstone of the new seminary, touched and blessed by St. John Paul II, during his final Mass in Havana on Jan. 25, 1998.

In the coming year, let us adore Christ by becoming more like him

A

t Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

While the world is happy for this Christendom legacy of an excuse to party, it still stares suspiciously at you and me as Catholics, as church, to give an account of why Jesus still matters.

In our answer as disciples of Jesus, we must show way more than we tell by doing works of mercy and justice.

Christmas commemorates God being born into the world; that is the incarnation when God the Son became truly man while remaining truly

DO UNTO OTHERS

DEACON BILL SCHOLL Deacon Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

God, born to the Virgin Mary. She named him Jesus, which means

“God saves,” and by God becoming man, we are saved.

“Saved from what?” the world retorts, and we answer: You name it! Jesus saves us from: sin, death, hell, a life of meaninglessness, fear, anxiety, insignificance, the tyranny of selfishness and so on.

However, the best part is as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The Word became flesh to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature’” (460). Come for the saving, stay for the divinity.

While there is so much wonderful and right about the world, you don’t have to live here long to perceive there is something wrong.

Is it really so hard to believe that God made us good to be something better, but somehow something went terribly wrong and we need saving?

The Incarnation is God’s mission of mercy

to each of us that has happened and is happening now. And if you accept his invitation to live as a disciple of Jesus, the horizons of your life expand into eternity.

Yet still, the world looks askance at we disciples of Jesus, perceiving our rules and our judgments, and says, “No, thank you.”

Why, we must wonder, have we followers of the God-man Jesus, charged with telling the greatest love story of all time, become regarded by many as a hate group? Certainly, we were told by Jesus that as the world hated him, it will hate us, and the best way to hate

someone these days is to denounce them a hater.

However, in humility, if we really are in the family of God, are we living up to the name? Are we making it hallowed? Or are we making it shallow? The answer, as our Lord Jesus taught, is to be found in how we live out mercy and justice.

It is not just in our daily encounter with others, but in our going out to the margins.

So, come let us adore him, by seeking this year to be more like him. So that as the world looks at you, they see the loving gaze of the Baby Jesus staring back.

LOCAL NEWS 16

DECEMBER 22, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG

No humbugs this season, just Emmanuel

By Gretchen R. Crowe OSV News

A

udiences were first introduced to Ebeneezer Scrooge’s curmudgeonly “Bah, Humbug!” in 1843 with the publication of Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” and over the last 179 years, the phrase has become iconic in popular culture. Of course, Scrooge used the exclamation to express his disapproval of the abundance of holiday festivities.

“If I could work my will,” he growls to his nephew Fred at the start of the story, “every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.” Humbug!

Nearly two centuries might have passed, but the “humbug” sentiment most certainly continues to be embraced in modern times. At this time of the year, we can easily be drawn into our own humbug-itis: Christmas preparations started too early — humbug!; generic “holiday” wishes have replaced tidings of Christ’s birth — humbug!; elves on so many shelves have drowned

out any semblance of the “reason for the season” — bah! Humbug.”

And I get it. When bombarded by Amazon gift catalogs, 24/7 Christmas music starting just after Halloween or decorations up before Thanksgiving, the Advent season can seem not just an afterthought but a never-thought. We also might fall into the temptation of dwelling on how the number of people unaffiliated with religion is rising, and how this is particularly evident this time of the year when fewer and fewer people are connecting Christmas with the birth and coming again of our Savior. The secularization of our culture is real, and it’s deeply concerning. Humbug.

God is with us Yet, sometimes things can surprise us. In our home, our two oldest had Christmas recitals on back-to-back weekends just after Thanksgiving this year. She danced (the cutest angel you ever did see), and he played piano (including two duets with his proud Mama).

When our daughter joined her dance program in August, I had one

main goal: I wanted her to be at a place where she could make friends and have fun while not being forced to wear a crop top. I found a local program that operated with Christian values, and I signed her up. But I never imagined how delightfully Christian it would be.

I never imagined that the girls would talk about what they are grateful for ahead of Thanksgiving or be encouraged to think about those who go without at this time of the year. I never imagined the Christmas dance recital would be called “A King Is Born,” where, for an hour-and-a-half, we would watch the story of the birth of Christ being performed on stage by dancers of all ages. I never imagined that the audience and dancers would pray together, led by a teacher who boldly and joyfully proclaims Christ. I never imagined that our children would be encouraged to dance their hearts out for the glory of God. It was refreshing and hopeful beyond words, and I truly understood the gift that we were being given with this program. No humbugs, just Emmanuel. God is with us.

In the middle of recital weekends, our

family traveled about an hour north to attend a concert by Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell. We had started listening to his music as a family during the pandemic — when he’d sing on Facebook Live and the album he released in 2020 was a soundtrack for our fall. We watched a live-streamed concert he offered, and we all loved it. So when we could attend one of his shows this year, we jumped on it. And once again, I was filled with hope. Never did I imagine that his performance would be so filled with family and faith, including a celebration of his marriage, a loving tribute to his mother and a video of his granddaughter learning the violin. Never did I imagine a song about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and an entire portion of the program devoted to the Nativity story. No humbugs, just Emmanuel. God is with us.

It’s easy to get cynical. It’s easy to think, amid the commercialism and the secularization, that no one out there actually believes anymore. But this year, I was reminded that faith is more alive than one might think and that if we try, we might notice it more. And for that, I can only say, “God bless us, every one!”