12 23 16 Vol. 38 No. 19 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 19 | DECEMBER 23, 2016

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER FROM HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, SUMMERFIELD

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. May the joy of Christmas remain with you throughout the new year. + JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

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

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Who are you going to bring to the Lord this Christmas?

he good news is: After Dec. 21, daylight increases every day until June 21. The bad news is that it is officially winter. Of course, this means we should expect cold, snow and ice for the next few months. In C. S. Lewis’ imaginative set of allegorical stories for children, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” one of his characters describes Narnia as a place of perpetual winter without Christmas. Winter without Christmas — what a horrid thought! Christmas cards with loving messages from family and friends, the many beautiful efforts to assist the poor and vulnerable, and the joy of festive gatherings brighten and warm the dark, dreary days of winter. Worse than winter without Christmas is life without Jesus, life without God! In her autobiographical book, “Something Other Than God,” Jennifer Fulwiler chronicles her conversion from a hardcore atheist to an on-fire Catholic. Jennifer grew up in a family where God was not present. With her father, a committed atheist, and her mother, an agnostic, Jennifer was formed and taught not to believe in God. Growing up in a very Christian part of Texas, she was proud of her ability to resist the cultural pressure to believe in God. However, Jennifer describes as an 11-yearold coming to the disquieting realization of her own mortality. It happened while she was admiring fossils with her dad in a creek bed on her grandparents’ ranch. Gazing at a fossil of a once-living creature now dead for thousands

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN — perhaps even millions — of years, Jennifer realized that she was destined for a similar fate. She wrote: “I had always thought of these creatures as being fundamentally different from me. They were dead things, I was the alive thing, and that’s how it would be forever. Now I wondered what had kept me from understanding that to look at these long-dead life forms was to look at a crystal ball of what lay in store for me — except that, unless I happened to die by falling into some soft mud, I wouldn’t end up a fossil. Ten million years from now, there would be nothing left of me.” For the first time, Jennifer felt a heavy, almost unbearable, sadness, recognizing life’s fragility and death’s cruelty. Fortunately, she discovered that she could distract herself from these thoughts for long periods of time by immersing herself in stimulating activities. However, these dark thoughts about the cold reality of the absurdity of life would surface unexpectedly and envelop her in a deep sadness.

Jennifer describes experiencing an internal conflict: “Part of me wanted to give up on everything and sit frozen in despair, but another part of me felt like I should do my math homework instead. My mind was split between the side of me that said nothing ultimately mattered, and another side that felt certain that the little moments of daily life did have a lasting significance, even though I couldn’t explain why.” From this seminal experience, Jennifer entered upon a journey of inquiry that eventually convinced her first of the reality of God, and, subsequently, of the truth of Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. Her search for truth eventually brought her to the last place she wanted to be — namely, the Catholic Church. Those of us, who have been blessed to grow up in faith-filled families, can easily take our faith for granted. Sadly, our experience is becoming less and less common. More and more young people are being raised in secular, unbelieving environments. Their winters may still have Christmas or at least a remnant of it. They appreciate Christmas as a time when you receive and give gifts. They enjoy the holiday decorations and the special

Christmas music, but they are clueless about the deeper and much more important meaning of the season. What a blessing has been given to us as Catholics! We know and believe in a loving God. We know that Jesus was a historical person who walked this earth, but, more importantly, we know that he is still alive today, animating the hearts of his disciples to follow him on the path of servant love. We know that we can communicate with him in prayer and encounter Our Lord in a powerful way in the Eucharist. We know that the One born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago formed a community of believers whom he empowered to continue his mission and pass on to others the truth of God’s love for them. To the apostles, Jesus gave the authority and the responsibility to guard and protect his teaching so that it could be handed on authentically to others. The teaching authority he gave to his church gives clear guidance to his disciples on how to apply the truth of the Gospel to new circumstances. What a blessing it is to know God’s love for us revealed most powerfully in his Son, Jesus! What a gift to know that life has a meaning and a purpose! What a grace to know that we are destined to live with God for all eternity. How can we fail to attempt to pass on this gift of faith in Jesus and his church to others? How can we allow family members, friends and co-workers to experience winter without Christmas, to go through life without knowing God and his love?

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Dec. 23 Chancery staff Mass and lunch Dec. 24 Mass — Cathedral Dec. 25 Mass — Cathedral Dec. 29 Serra parent/seminarian Mass and lunch — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas Vespers and dinner with seminarians Dec. 30 “One Thing Remains” evening of worship — Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 3-10 Region IX bishops’ retreat

I encourage you to give thanks this Christmas for the amazing and awesome gift of faith in God, in Jesus, in his church, in his Gospel and in his sacraments. Give thanks for those who helped you to know Jesus and the joy of his Gospel. As we conclude this year, ask the Lord to help you discern whom he wants you to help come to experience the truth of his love. Your first and most important task is to pray, fast and make other sacrifices for the spiritual welfare and growth of those whom God has placed upon your heart. Pray for them at Mass and at times of eucharistic adoration. Ask the Lord to help you understand how he wants you to assist and accompany others on the great and

Jan. 11 Priests small group meeting Jan. 12 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Dec. 23 Chancery staff Mass and lunch Dec. 24 Mass — St. Agnes, Roeland Park Dec. 25 Christmas Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary Jan. 3-7 Bishops’ retreat Jan. 8 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida

life-changing adventure of discovering his unique and personal love. If you need guidance, ask your pastor or members of your parish staff to help you. Also, know that Emily Lopez at (913) 647-0323 or by email at: elopez@archkck.org, or Kimberly Rode at (913) 647-0357 or by email at: krode@archkck.org who serve in our archdiocesan adult evangelization office are eager to assist you. What a joy it is to introduce another person to Jesus and to the truth and beauty of his Gospel. You can be God’s instrument in bringing someone else out of the cold and dark winter of the loneliness of unbelief to discover Jesus Christ and the beautiful meaning and purpose he alone can bring to one’s life.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Emily Lopez is the new archdiocesan lead consultant for adult evangelization. Lopez is a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

Former DRE now building

EVANGELIZATION NATION

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Are you a Christian? That makes you an evangelist, said Emily Lopez, the new archdiocesan lead consultant for adult evangelization. This can be a new — and somewhat overwhelming — idea for many Catholics. But before you let that “overwhelmed” feeling get very far, Lopez wants you to know something else: Success doesn’t entirely depend on you. “It’s not all on us,” said Lopez. “We have to be open to serving as instruments of God, but we have to trust a lot on the work of the Holy Spirit that our actions are not in vain.” Lopez, her husband David, and their five children belong to Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. She assumed her position on Sept. 19, succeeding Father Andrew Strobl, who became pastor of the new St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe. Previously, Lopez had been director of religious education at Curé of Ars. Trusting the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on her own plans and will, led to a “reconversion” to the Catholic faith and, ultimately, her own role as an evangelist. It did not happen overnight, nor was the path direct. Lopez was raised about 20 miles west of Salina and attended Catholic

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

can be open to his will.’ grade school and Catholic junior and “We’ve got to clear a space in our senior high school. Her mother laid the soul to let goodness in sometimes, and foundations of her faith. I finally released the idea of what suc“It was her commitment to sacricess meant in my life that I held on to ficial love, to praying with us every for so long.” night, and always encouraging us to While a stay-at-home mom, she offer up our hardships [that impressed found time to volunteer in the Catme],” said Lopez. “She is a tremendous example of not only speaking the faith, echesis of the Good Shepherd program at Curé. One day, the director of relibut living it.” Lopez entered Benedictine College gious education asked her what she’d in Atchison in 1996. She was little in- like to do. “Work in the church . . . maybe volved with campus ministry, but was become a director of religious educapart of student government. She gradtion,” answered Lopez. uated in 2000 with a It just so happened bachelor’s degree in For information on the that the then-director history and minors in office of adult evangelihad been praying for pre-law and psycholozation and to learn more a replacement. Thengy. about the efforts of evanpastor Msgr. Charles While in school, she gelization in the archdioMcGlinn appointed had a “grand plan” for cese, contact Emily Lopez Lopez DRE, and she her life — she’d do some by email at: elopez@arch served for three years. volunteer work, go to kck.com. During that time, law school and become Lopez got to know a high-powered corpoDeacon Dana Nearmyer. When the rate attorney. archdiocesan office of evangelization Instead, she and David — who also reorganized and Father Strobl was asattended Benedictine — chose marsigned a parish, Deacon Nearmyer apriage and a family. proached Lopez and encouraged her to “My reconversion to the faith was apply for the position. all part of that period of my life — The major focus of the archdiocesan [recognizing that] this ‘grand plan’ for my life wasn’t going to happen,’” said office of evangelization is implementing the part of Archbishop Naumann’s Lopez. 10-year mutually shared vision that reThe key to it all was accepting God’s lates to evangelization. plan for her life, which included a large An increasing priority on evanand growing family. gelization at the parish level led to “I finally embraced the thought of the creation of four benchmarks — the 12-passenger van,” said Lopez. “I prayer, planning, hospitality and culthought, ‘OK, this is God’s plan and I Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

ture — to serve as tools in assessing a parish’s efforts. During the priests’ convocation this past September, pastors were invited to pilot this initiative with the hope of working with one parish in each of the eight archdiocesan pastoral regions. “We actually had 17 that were interested, so we created two different phases because we recognized the limited scope of our office,” said Lopez. “We didn’t want a ‘one-size-fits-all’ program. We wanted to respect the diversity of the communities.” Lopez is now meeting with pastors of the pilot parishes to talk with them about the their parish identity, their vision, their parish’s strengths and weaknesses, and how they see evangelization being improved in their community. “We’re in the business of helping adults grow closer to Christ through their parish,” said Lopez. “We seek to empower the parish to be inviting, to meet people where they’re at [and] to create a number of opportunities to encounter Christ and his church.” If evangelization is going to be successful, it must happen in the parishes. “We are only as strong in our office and archdiocese as the parishes are strong,” said Lopez. “We want to be sure that we’re doing all we can to be at the service of the pastors and the parish, because that is where Catholics build relationships and receive sacramental grace.”

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

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Corrections

IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS SISTER MARTINA Sister dedicates her religious life to Bishop Miege High School

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Sister Martina Rockers, OSU, has dedicated 58 of her 75 years of religious life serving at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. Former student Elaine Schmidtberger said simply, “She is Bishop Miege.” By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OELAND PARK — Sister Martina Rockers remembers carrying supplies across the parking lot from St. Agnes High School to the brand-new Bishop Miege High School here the day the school opened. She also remembers three generations of names, faces and stories from students that have gone through Miege. That’s because Sister Martina has dedicated 58 of her 75 years of religious life serving the Miege community — and although her duties have changed over the years, she still remains a presence at the school to this day. “I think when anybody thinks of Miege, you think of Sister Martina because she’s been there since Day One,” said Joe Passantino, president of the Bishop Miege Foundation board. Passantino, who served as the school’s president for 29 years, has witnessed the deep impact Sister Martina, who is a member of the Ursuline order, has had on the culture at Miege. “Sister has been a model to so many students,” he said, “in terms of not only her Christian witness and her faith life, but also how much she sacrifices for the school. “I think the main thing she’s transferred to all of us — both staff and students alike who have gone through here — is her very strong faith life.” “And, as a Sister, the model she sets in terms of how she treats people,” he continued. Sister Martina lived out her passion for years as a teacher in the school’s science department. She also taught math and, up until two years ago, was a student council moderator, shaping the leaders of the school for over 50 years. What’s kept her at Miege for so long?

“

“SHE HAS THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS SCHOOL THAT IS SECOND TO NONE. YOU’RE LOOKING AT OVER 10,000 ALUMNI, THEIR PARENTS, THEIR GRANDCHILDREN [THAT SHE IMPACTED].” Susan Tremonti, vice president of development and alumni at Miege

“I think the spirit of the school and the fact that I enjoy teaching very, very much,” she said. “Knowing the students and seeing them progress through has always been a very satisfying thing. “Just to see that growth that happens even in those four years and then the contacts they always make with you as they go ahead and find their place in life and come back and tell you all the things that are happening.” “And maybe how you helped them along the way,” she added. Susan Tremonti, vice president of development and alumni at Miege, marvels at the number of lives Sister Martina has touched at the school. “She’s been a true inspiration to thousands,” said Tremonti. “To know that there’s been somebody here that came over from St. Agnes High School and brings the history from the beginning and has lived it, experienced it and continues to grow and change with it — it’s amazing,” she said. Tremonti is astonished by Sister Martina’s ability to remember her students and connect them with a funny story or a sweet memory.

“She has the wisdom and knowledge of this school that is second to none,” she said. “You’re looking at over 10,000 alumni, their parents, their grandchildren [that she impacted].” One of those alums is Elaine Schmidtberger. As the youngest of 10 kids who all had Sister Martina in class, Schmidtberger has nothing but fond memories of how Sister shaped her family. “Science was not my thing, but it was my thing because Sister Martina was such a fabulous teacher,” said Schmidtberger. “I can still picture her in the classroom upstairs in the lab,” she added. Now, as a guidance counselor at the school, Schmidtberger continues to be amazed by Sister Martina’s work ethic and commitment to the Miege community. “She is Bishop Miege,” said Schmidtberger. Even though Sister Martina is no longer teaching full time, she is still a major presence inside the school. “[The students] see her in many other capacities and they have heard and know that she is our matriarch,” said Tremonti. The love students have for Sister Martina is often what inspires them to stay connected with the school and give financially after they graduate, Schmidtberger said. The Sister Martina Rockers Scholarship Fund, which was created in 1998, was selected as the Fund-ANeed project for the school’s auction this past spring. The school reached out to alumni through a letter from Sister Martina herself, and in total raised $59,000. “I just hope that all of the inspirations I’ve helped to give are those that lead everybody to heaven,” said Sister Martina. “Of my nearly 75 years of religious life, I think these years at Miege have been some of my happiest years,” she said.

There was an error in Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s calendar last week. The World Youth Day reunion that was listed on Dec. 28 will not take place. In the Dec. 15 issue of The Leaven, the name Kathy Elson, head of the art and environment committee at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, was correct in the photo but incorrect in the story. The Leaven regrets the error.

Aquinas junior achieves top ACT score OVERLAND PARK — Maria Schmeer, a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School here, earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2016, only 2,235 out of nearly 2.1 million graduates who took the ACT earned a composite score of 36. The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores.

Saint Mary named a ‘Military Friendly’ school LEAVENWORTH — For the seventh year running, the University of Saint Mary here has been named a “Military Friendly®” school by Victory Media. The honor goes to the top 15 percent of U.S. colleges, universities, and trade schools that do the most to serve the unique needs of military service members, veterans and family members as they work to attain their education and succeed following graduation. The designation and listing by Victory Media is the premier, trusted resource for post-military success. Military Friendly provides service members transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

Two Scouts earn Eagle KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ethan Wolf and Ian Pack, members of Boy Scout Troop 160 of Christ the King Parish here, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For their Eagle projects, Wolf built benches for the Grinter Place historical site in Kansas City, Kansas, and Pack built 25 nesting boxes for Operation Wildlife in Shawnee.

Students continue to show they CAN do it OVERLAND PARK — Saint Thomas Aquinas High School students here donated 93,624 cans of food to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Hope Distribution Center food warehouse through their CANsas City canned food drive to help those in need. The annual canned food drive has become a source of pride for the students, who have donated more than half a million cans of food to Catholic Charities since 2010. Their contribution makes a sizable impact on the organization’s entire 21-county service area. “We rely heavily on the food drive to help us keep our nine food pantries stocked,” said Dustin Hardison, director of stabilization and housing. “Without those donations, we are forced to purchase food from our food banks and wholesale distributors. Money not spent on the purchase of food is money that can be spent on programs and services to help children and families move out of poverty.”

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Royals alumni make surprise appearance at Nativity By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

EAWOOD — Students at Church of the Nativity School here were decked in royal blue as they were welcomed into the school gymnasium by former Kansas City Royals players Dec. 6. The Royals alumni surprised the students with their appearance, but they weren’t the only special guests in the building that day. Sluggerrr, the team’s mascot, also showed up to help the alumni present a gift to Variety Children’s Charity, which provides children who have developmental disabilities with the adaptive equipment and opportunities they need to be included. Nativity is one school that uses the charity’s equipment to ensure all of its students have the chance to participate in school activities, regardless of any disability. Together, Royals Charities and the team’s alumni donated $65,000 to Variety, which will use the gift to build an inclusive playground at Leawood City Park. For more information on Variety, visit its website at: varietykc.org.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Kansas City Royals mascot Sluggerrr showed up at Church of the Nativity School in Leawood to help Royals alumni present a gift to Variety Children’s Charity, which provides children who have developmental disabilities with adaptive equipment and opportunities to be included..

International reps of priest fraternity are ‘universal brothers’ By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — One hundred years ago on Dec. 1, a group of marauding desert bandits dragged a priest/hermit out of his simple hut, assaulted him, bound him with ropes and threw him in a ditch. The priest lay in the ditch all day, praying in preparation for what might come. His attackers were from the Senoussi tribe, which resisted the French colonial rule of their Algerian homeland. The bandits, who intended to kidnap the priest, were surprised by the arrival of two French soldiers. The bandits shot the two solders and the priest. That priest — Blessed Charles de Foucauld — might have been forgotten as time passed. Although respected as a holy man by the nearby Tuareg tribe in the town of Tamenghest, he had not made a single convert in 10 years of living in that region. And he never saw the realization of his dream — sharing his vocation of being “a universal brother” with a fraternity of brothers. But mysteriously, God moved many persons to be inspired by Blessed Charles and to form associations, religious communities and secular institutes for laypeople and priests. Today, one of those entities is the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests. Approximately 4,500 priests around the world are members of small groups called fraternities. There are nine fraternities, consisting of five to seven priests each, in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas In addition to meeting as fraternities on a monthly basis, members of Jesus Caritas have a worldwide General Assembly that meets every six years, and

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

The “universal brotherhood” of Jesus Caritas is reflected in its International Council, which met in Kansas City, Kansas. They are, clockwise, from left, Father Emmanuel Asi from Pakistan, Jean-Francois Berjonneau from France, Father Mark Mertes from the archdiocese, Father Aurelio Sanz from Spain, Father Mauricio Da Silva Jardim from Brazil, and Father Rajaonarivelo Felix from Madagascar. an International Council that meets annually in different countries. This year, the six-member International Council met from Oct. 17-27 at the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The host was North American representative Father Mark Mertes, pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady & St. Rose, and Christ the King parishes in Kansas City, Kansas. Visiting representatives included Father Rajaonarivelo Felix from Madagascar (Africa); Father Mauricio Da Silva Jardim from Brazil (Latin America); Father Aurelio Sanz from Spain (chairman); Father Jean-Francois Berjonneau from France (Europe); and Father Emmanuel Asi from Pakistan (Asia). “The fraternity is [a group] of brothers who search for and share faith in

Jesus Christ,” said Father Sanz, the international responsible, translated by Father Mertes. “We pray together, have what we call a ‘review of life,’ have a monthly Desert Day (time away in prayer) and have an option for the poor.” Additionally, the fraternities meet once a month. “We are primarily a group of diocesan priests, who belong to our diocesan presbyterate,” said Father Da Silva, with Father Mertes as translator. “Some of our priest groups are very large. So, why did we join Jesus Caritas? To be part of a smaller group of priests who support and share common values, which is impossible in larger groups.” “In smaller communities we can support each other,” he continued. “But it’s different from religious life. Many priests live alone, so this is a

form of community, support and spirituality developed for the diocesan priesthood.” During the International Council’s meeting, members had opportunities to do many things together: pray, eat, celebrate Mass, visit parishes, visit religious orders and groups in the archdiocese, and even get in a little sightseeing. The council members also talked about topics that dealt with the practical and spiritual circumstances of their fraternity brothers and those they serve. The discussions were held in three languages common to the six: English, French and Spanish. Sometimes, all three at once. “We are gathering and evaluating the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world,” said Father Sanz. “We try to live the reality of the world in which we live. We try to take a ‘Nazareth’ approach to life — God revealed in the everyday reality of our people.” “We want to enter into the great events of the world, such as the issues of migration and unemployment,” said Father Berjonneau, as Father Mertes translated. “And, the possibility of dialogue between cultures and religions. These are very important to us, because Brother Charles calls us to be a universal brother.” International Council members also plan and encourage “continental” assemblies for the fraternities in each continent and participation in the coming General Assembly. The last worldwide General Assembly was in November 2012 at Poissey, France. The next one will be held January 2019 in Bangalore, India. A new international responsible will be elected at the Bangalore assembly.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

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Advent and Christmas aren’t times to consider Christ

e aren’t given liturgical seasons (Advent, Christmas, etc.) to remember, consider or pray to Christ. No. We’re given them so we actually participate with him in his life. It’s not enough to remember Christ in the manger; we must join Christ in the manger. (Just as we ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 don’t simply want to consider Christ in heaven . . . we want to join him there.) How? The sacraments. • What Christmas Mass time is most suited for joining Christ?

— Mike Dennihan, School of Love

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

St. James, Wetmore Address: 512 Kansas Ave., 66550 Phone: (785) 866-5990 Pastor: Father Barry Clayton Mass time: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Email: burdiekr@jbntelco.com Website: http://nekansascatholics.org/home/ st-james-church-wetmore MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

TEAM OF THE WEEK Hayden boys basketball Head coach: Ted Schuler Record: 1-2 Next game: Jan. 10 at Topeka High School

ONLINE

• VIDEO REPORT: To learn more about the Hayden’s boys basketball team, see Todd Habiger’s Team of the Week report. • PHOTOS: Check out Jay Soldner’s photo lery from the Hayden-Seaman game for Dec. All this and more can be found online at: www.theleaven.org.

gal16.

Retreat invites men to catch FIRE By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ILLIAMSBURG — It’s a bold claim, but the men running a unique outdoor retreat here in February can back it up: Spend a weekend on FIRE with us and you’ll encounter Jesus in a way you never have before. The third annual FIRE outdoors retreat for men will take place Feb. 18-19 on the nearly 300 acres of archdiocesan-owned Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. FIRE stands for “Fellowship, Inspire, Renew and Engage.” What began as an idea for a spiritual campout by a handful of Christ Renews His Parish veterans has expanded into a weekend retreat that draws men from across Kansas and nearby states. Last year the retreat drew 140 men, and organizers expect even more for this third FIRE. With a name like FIRE you’d expect there to be, well, fire. Stuff burning. And in past retreats, there has been real fire — torchlit processions, fireworks and the perennial big ol’ bonfire. But the fire is also metaphysical, as in “filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit.” “It’s not a ‘sit and git’ retreat,” said Tony Collins, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe and a founding member of FIRE. “FIRE is an interactive, outdoors men’s retreat,” he said. “It gets guys physical in the outdoors in the dead of winter when they normally may not be.” There is a method to the madness: God+brotherhood+outdoors+

Pausing during the torchlit Stations of the Cross at last year’s FIRE retreat are (from left) Dan Spencer III from Ascension Parish in Overland Park; Joe Fowler from Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe; Charles Gurera from Prince of Peace; and Father Nick Blaha, chaplain/ director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University. cutting-edge Catholic content+ stuff guys like = life-changing experiences. “A FIRE retreat is a life-sized object lesson,” said Paul Karr, a member of Prince of Peace Parish and FIRE co-founder. “We pick a theme for the year based on a Bible story or biblical truth, and we come up with outdoor activities that illustrate that story or truth.” Nearly all the activities are outdoors, but campers eat in the retreat center’s dining room and sleep in the bunkhouses (equipped with bathrooms and showers). It’s a reasonable sort of outdoorsiness. Past experiences have included rosary hikes, chopping down trees with axes, and leaping from a 40-foot-high telephone pole to catch a trapeze-like bar.

Militia of the Immaculata to mark significant anniversaries

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Histosouls to the Sacred Heart of Jesus ry buffs remember 1917 as through the Immaculate Heart of a significant date because Mary,” said Christine Rossi, Militia of of the U.S. entry into World the Immaculata regional director. War I. Members will mark these two imThere were, however, portant anniversaries with two other events in 1917 a Mass at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 at that some Catholics believe Our Lady of Perpetual Help hold an even greater and Parish (Redemptorist), eternal significance. 3333 Broadway St., Kansas The first is the appearCity, Missouri. ance of the Blessed Virgin The Mass will be celMary to three peasant chilebrated by Father David dren in Fatima, Portugal. Uribe from the National The second is the founding Shrine of Our Lady of the of the apostolate the Militia Snows in Belleville, Illinois. of the Immaculata in Rome There will be a potluck St. Maximilian by St. Maximilian Maria dinner following the Mass, Kolbe Kolbe, OFM Conv. and participants are asked “[The anniversaries] are an invito bring a side dish and dessert. All tation for all of us to reconsecrate or are invited to attend, but urged to consecrate ourselves to the Blessed send Rossi an RSVP so she can get Virgin Mary and go forward with St. a headcount for the main entrée, Maximilian Kolbe’s goal to bring all which will be provided.

And since this is a sacramentally fueled Catholic spirituality, there is also the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass and eucharistic adoration. In fact, one of Collins’ favorite FIRE experiences was a moonlight confession in a deer stand, in a tree. “I’ve heard guys say after FIRE that now they realize it’s OK to be a man in the way God wants us to be — wild, masculine and disruptive,” said Collins. “This lets them have another option instead of growing into complacency.” The cost to attend FIRE is $115 per person. For information about the retreat and to register, go online to: www.fire-retreats. org. For general inquiries, send an email to: fire.retreats@gmail. com.

Those attending are welcome to bring salt, olive oil and water to be blessed as sacramentals for the home. The Mass and social occasion will also be a celebration of the Militia of the Immaculata’s growth in this area, each group being called a “village.” “[Redemptorist Church] is where the first Militia of the Immaculata village was started here in the area by me in 2003,” said Rossi. “Since then, we have founded 12 villages . . . throughout Kansas and Missouri.” For more information about the Militia of the Immaculata and its 100th anniversary, visit its Midwest website at: www.consecrationmidwest.org. To contact Rossi for the postMass potluck, RSVP to: Immaculata8 @kc.rr.com.

Holy Angels looks to build perpetual adoration chapel

ASEHOR — In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of their parish, members of the pastoral and finance councils of Holy Angels Parish here launched a capital campaign to construct a perpetual adoration chapel as a lasting legacy of faith. The Our Lady of the Angels Perpetual Adoration Chapel adjoining the main church at Holy Angels will offer

availability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for prayer and adoration for parishioners and nonparishioners alike. The new chapel at Holy Angels will blend architecturally with the existing church that was dedicated in February 2010. The chapel will be 500 square feet. It will feature an altar, individual seating/pews and kneelers. A secured system will provide around-

the-clock access to the chapel. The chapel will be accessible for persons with disabilities. Persons interested in registering for perpetual adoration at Holy Angels Parish, or making a contribution to the capital campaign, can contact the parish office at (913) 724-1665. For more information, visit the website at: www.holyangels basehor.org.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Rosalie and Tim Olmsted, members of St. Malachy Parish, Beattie, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26 with a Mass by Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Phoenix, and a family dinner. The couple was married Dec. 26, 1966, at St. Patrick Church, Osage City. Their children are: Tom Olmsted, Dana Kirkland, Rob Olmsted and Travis Olmsted (deceased). They also have five grandchildren. Paul and RosieGuetterman, members of Queen of the Holy RosaryWea, Bucyrus, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26, with a family dinner. The couple was married on Dec. 26, 1966. Their children are: Paula Vohs, Ted Guetterman, Tom Guetterman, Sheila DeWeese, Mike Guetterman and Nick Guetterman. They also have 18 grandchildren.

Edward and Paula Stadler, members of St. JosephSacred Heart Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29. The couple was married on Dec. 29, 1956, at St. Joseph Cathedral, San Diego. Their children are: Cathryn Miller, Kenneth Stadler, Kevin Stadler (deceased) and Jeffrey Stadler. They also have nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

Joseph and Kathleen Pavlich, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 26. The couple was married at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas, on Nov. 26, 1966. They celebrated with a Mass at St. Joseph Church and a reception at the Hereford House. Their children are: Ann Kimminau, Raymore, Missouri; Karen Brown, North Las Vegas; and Kevin Pavlich, Shawnee. They also have two grandchildren.

Lorena and Dan Mehringer, members of St. Dominic Parish, Holton, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 17. The couple was married at St. Patrick Church, McCook, Nebraska, on Dec. 27, 1966. Their children are: Christopher Mehringer, McCook, Nebraska; Stephen Mehringer, Kirksville, Missouri; and Mark Mehringer, Kansas City, Missouri. They also have two grandchildren.

Marie and Charles Haag, members of St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27. The couple was married at St. Joseph Church on Dec. 27, 1966. Their children are hosting a celebration dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Olpe on Dec. 30. They have three children: Jennifer Schmidt, Olpe; Chris Haag, Howard; and Julie May, Nashville, Tennessee. They also have four grandchildren.

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BEST REST OF THE

BY TODD HABIGER

t’s that time of the year when I look back with regret. When I pick the best photos that never ran in the paper, I feel bad that more people didn’t get to see all of the really awesome work of our photographers. In the grand scheme of things, I admit this ranks really low. Nevertheless, The Leaven’s photographers work very hard to cover this incredibly vibrant archdiocese, and sometimes they bring back a great shot that, for some reason, I can’t use. That’s why I like this little feature. It gives me a chance to reflect on the great work our photographers do and how lucky the archdiocese is to have such quality professionals working for it. I hope you enjoy this feature as much as I do.

TOP GUN

In May, I had the pleasure of watching St. Thomas Aquinas senior Riley Pint pitch his team into the Class 5A state championship tournament. Pint ended up a first-round draft choice of the Colorado Rockies about a month later. While photographing an Aquinas game, Leaven photographer Lori Wood Habiger captured this neat image of three major league baseball scouts clocking Pint’s fastball speed with their radar guns. For the record, he pitches really fast — 98 mph fast.

HEAVEN HELP US

I do a web-exclusive sports video each week called Team of the Week — yes, that was a shameless plug — where I visit archdiocesan high schools and feature one of their teams. Part of the package includes a photo shoot; the photos accompany the video (on www.theleaven.org) but never see the printed page. Photographer Jay Soldner accompanied me on my trip to Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison to capture the action in their homecoming game and brought back this beauty. I love this image of Father Meinrad Miller, OSB, praying with the football players, cheerleaders and soccer players before the homecoming festivities started.

LIQUID SUNSHINE

Sometimes I wonder, “Did I make the right call?” Such is the case with this photograph by Lori Wood Habiger, taken at a Mass celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday at Church of the Nativity in Leawood. The photo I chose for the paper showed Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann sprinkling holy water on a parishioner holding an image of Divine Mercy. That photo conveyed better that this was a Divine Mercy Mass. Still, I love the intensity on the face of the archbishop in this image, and the glow of light that illuminates not only his face, but the drops of holy water as they fall.

UP IN THE AIR

Joe McSorley came back from World Youth Day in Poland with thousands of photos. Let me tell you, narrowing those down was a daunting task that made my head hurt. I got my picks down to several hundred and then started pairing photos with the stories Katie Hyde had written. This is a nice shot of two women greeting World Youth Day pilgrims making the several-mile trek to Krakow. I love the joy on the face of the woman with her arms spread wide . . . and hated when other images crowded it out.

JUST CHILLIN’

How did I not use this photo of Father Daniel Gardner cooling off in front of a big fan at the Horton Youth Rally this past summer? Timing. Sometimes a great picture that doesn’t quite fit the theme will detract from the good pictures that do. That’s why I had to pass on using this great image in order to give prominence to the actual youth at the rallies we were featuring in that issue.

ALL SMILES

As you can imagine, we follow Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann around a lot and get tons of pictures of him. At the 150th anniversary celebration of the laying of the cornerstones at the parishes in Atchison, photographer Doug Hesse caught this great shot of the archbishop greeting parishioners after Mass. I love the genuine smile and relaxed pose, but I needed the focus on the pastor and parishioners, not the archbishop.

I'M SO EXCITED

One of the challenges of newspaper work is making everything fit. In this case, Church of the Ascension in Overland Park was celebrating its 25th anniversary in the very busy month of May. By the time we could fit the Ascension article in, we were already into June, and summer issues are notoriously packed. So this image by Doug Hesse of Ashley Thomas winning a two-liter bottle of pop at the parish picnic’s ring toss didn’t make the cut . . . which is a shame because I love the look of joy that radiates from her face.

WALK THIS WAY

Sometimes a photo comes along and I think, “Wow. This is cool!” That’s what I thought when I saw this photo from Jay Soldner’s coverage of the Donnelly College convocation in early September. The composition of this shot is awesome! See how the pews frame the image and lead the eye toward the procession coming down the aisle? So, why didn’t I use this photo? Mostly because this could be any Mass. Despite the perfect composition, this shot doesn’t convey what the story is about.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

After Berlin attack, German Catholics unite in prayer By Zita Fletcher Catholic News Service

UREMBERG, Germany (CNS) — In the wake of the terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market, Catholics across Germany were uniting to support the Christian community. The attack has provoked strong emotions among many people, especially given that Christmas is traditionally one of Germany’s most beloved and important holidays. Bishop Gebhard Furst of RottenburgStuttgart held a prayer service Dec. 20, during which he called the attack a “deed of horror.” “The past night has struck us and shaken us deeply,” Bishop Furst told attendees at Rottenburg’s Cathedral of St. Martin. He called for Christians to interrupt their daily routines with prayer services “in order to hold onto, and pray for, and think of what has happened, especially of the victims, the injured, the severely wounded, of those people who were struck and affected by this misfortune, this deed of horror.” The bishop also called for prayers for the victims’ relatives and members of the security services. He ended the address by lighting a single candle on the stone altar to symbolize Germany’s “hope and courage toward the future.” On Dec. 19, the day of the attack, the German bishops’ conference called for parishes across Germany to observe a “Day of Prayer for Harassed and Persecuted Christians,” scheduled for Dec. 26. The bishops chose the day to coincide with the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The Archdiocese of Munich and

CNS PHOTO/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE, REUTERS

A mourner prays in front of a makeshift memorial Dec. 20 at the scene where a truck plowed into a crowded Christmas market the previous day in Berlin. The terrorist attack killed at least a dozen people and injured nearly 50 as it smashed through tables and wooden stands. Freising also held a midday prayer service Dec. 20 in Munich’s Cathedral of Our Lady to pray for victims and their relatives. Similar to an attack with a truck that took place in July in Nice, France, a tractor-trailer veered into the crowded Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin and plowed through bystanders, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 50.

Residents of remote Irish island happy they’ll have Christmas Mass By Nick Bramhill Catholic News Service

UBLIN (CNS) — Residents of a remote Irish island have had their prayers answered when it was confirmed they would have a priest to celebrate Christmas Mass. Father Kieran Creagh had spent more than four years living on Tory Island, nine miles off the coast of County Donegal, but was reassigned in September. Since then, the island’s 150-strong community has been without a full-time clergyman, even though temporary arrangements have since been in place for a substitute Catholic priest to be ferried over to the isle on weekends. Although the Diocese of Raphoe still has not assigned a permanent replacement priest for the island, residents expressed relief on learning that arrangements had been made for a priest to travel from the mainland to celebrate Christmas Mass. Patsy Dan Rodgers, nicknamed the “king of Tory,” said he was delighted with the news.

“We miss not having a full-time priest over here and were sad to see Father Creagh leave,” he said. “But we’ve been lucky enough to have had cover on the island for Sunday Mass ever since, and we’re extremely grateful for this, because priests are so scarce these days.” “Christmas on Tory Island is like nowhere else. It starts on Dec. 23 when Santa is flown over here in a helicopter. It’s a magical occasion for the children here, because he arrives with gifts. “There’s another tradition which goes on here on Christmas Eve, where the older people are given gifts, like boxes of chocolates. And then of course, there’s the Christmas Mass, which is hugely important to us all.” Rodgers, 72, who makes a point of personally greeting every passenger ferry that lands on the three-mile-long island, said religion still plays as important a role in the community as the flourishing Irish language. He said the remnants of a sixth-century monastery, founded by St. Columba, demonstrate the outpost’s strong Christian tradition.

In a Dec. 20 telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to Archbishop Heiner Koch of Berlin, Pope Francis prayed for the families of the dead and the wounded, “assuring his closeness in their pain.” “Pope Francis joins all people of good will who are working so that the homicidal madness of terrorism does not find any more room in our world,”

Cardinal Parolin wrote. Meanwhile, police security increased around the Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets. Police vehicles and personnel were stationed around the Catholic churches within the medieval old town and other heavily crowded areas throughout the main square.

Nuremberg ‘Christkind’ promotes Christmas through charity

UREMBERG, Germany (CNS) — At a time when many people are celebrating Christmas with material gain, the people of Nuremberg continue a 68-year-old tradition of sharing Christmas spirit through community service. Every year since 1948, the “Christkind,” or Christ child angel, appears standing on a parapet of the Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, in the old medieval citadel of Nuremberg. Dressed in a shimmering cloak and flowing white gown, she is instantly recognizable due to her long blond curls and tall golden crown. She is Nuremberg’s embodiment of a female angel, said to bring Christmas gifts to people in German-speaking countries. “My duty as the Christkind is to bring Christmas and Christmas joy to people,” said 19-year-old Barbara Otto, the current Christkind, elected in 2015. Every two years the city of Nuremberg elects a young woman to play the role. She must be sociable enough to preside over one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, wise enough to explain the intricate details of Germany’s former imperial city, and tall enough to stand on the towering ledge of a church designed in 1355 to house the Holy Roman emperor’s scepter and crown jewels.

Yet, despite her prestigious position, the Christkind’s duties are humble. She spends most of her time walking along busy streets, visiting people at the local Christmas markets or at charitable institutions, such as hospitals and homes for the elderly and disabled. “Last year I was at the street clinic in Nuremberg where homeless people are cared for,” Otto recalled in a November interview with the Archdiocese of Bamberg. After reciting a traditional poem and distributing gifts, she was surprised by the sound of music and an invitation to dance with everyone. “Then we all joined hands and danced the Snow Waltz,” said Otto. “That is one of those moments you share with people you don’t know, with whom you are complete strangers, and share this [Christmas] happiness with them. That was certainly very moving.” This year, Otto, a native of Nuremberg, estimated she had 180-190 appointments scheduled at local organizations within the city and neighboring communities. The city of Nuremberg prohibits her appearances for commercial use; she works only to promote charitable causes, including friendly relationships with people of other countries. One of her tasks is to distribute gifts to patients at various children’s hospitals.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Barbara Jatta has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new director of the Vatican Museums. Jatta, an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, will be the first woman in the post. She is pictured in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 28.

Pope names first woman to head Vatican Museums By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis greets bishops during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 12. The pope will catch up on “ad limina” visits with bishops in 2017 after the mandatory visits were suspended during the Year of Mercy.

BACK TO BISHOPS

Pope’s 2017 calendar filled with ‘ad limina’ visits By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — For Pope Francis, the Year of Mercy will be followed by the Year of the “Ad Limina”

Visits. Like St. John Paul II did during the Jubilee Year 2000, Pope Francis suspended for the Year of Mercy the formal visits bishops from around the world make “ad limina apostolorum” — to the threshold of the Apostles, meaning Peter and Paul, who were martyred in Rome. And, the pope told reporters, skipping a year of meetings means that he will travel less in 2017 and spend more time at the Vatican welcoming his brother bishops and discussing with them the life of their local churches. The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will travel to Portugal May 12-13 for the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. Plus, the pope said, he hopes to travel to Asia — specifically to India and Bangladesh — during the year and to Africa, although the countries have not been identified. The dates have not been set. Before 2016 ended, though, more than 300 bishops from more than 20 countries already had dates set for their “ad limina” meetings with Pope Francis in 2017. The Irish bishops will kick off the series in January, followed by bishops from Serbia and other Balkan countries and then by the first group of Canadian bishops. The Canadian bishops have not made an “ad limina” visit since 2006. According to the Code of Canon Law, every five years “a bishop is bound to make a report to the Supreme Pontiff on the state of the

diocese entrusted to him” and the report should be made in conjunction with the “ad limina” visit. But it has been at least 20 years since the visits really were every five years. Most now occur every eight or nine years. With the growing number of dioceses — now more than 2,850 — a pope would have to meet more than 570 bishops each year to hit the five-year target. Brazilian Archbishop Ilson Montanari, secretary of the Congregation for Bishops, told Catholic News Service Dec. 15 that proposals to change canon law to reflect that reality are considered regularly. But once the law changes, it would set things in stone. Someday, he said, a pope might be able to get things back on schedule. St. John Paul II, who was elected at the age of 58, “was a volcano at the beginning” and, even making long trips outside of Italy, “was able to do it.” He even celebrated morning Mass with the bishops, invited them in small groups to lunch, met with each bishop individually and then delivered a speech to each national or regional group. Retired Pope Benedict XVI began the practice of holding more informal meetings with groups of bishops on “ad limina” instead of individual meetings. Pope Francis has continued that practice, although like Pope Benedict, he also tries to grant the requests of individual bishops who feel a need for a private meeting. While a few bishops still send in a report every five years, as canon law asks, Archbishop Montanari said most do so only in preparation for their “ad limina” visit, which is arranged by the congregation along with the Prefecture of the Papal Household. The reports really are read, he said. “We use them to prepare for

our meeting with the bishops, but also to prepare a memorandum for the pope on each diocese” to facilitate his meetings. “This is work that is taken very seriously, especially because there is an attempt to look behind the words and numbers, behind the data, to see the living church, which is the most important thing,” the archbishop said. The goal of the “ad limina” visit, he said, always has been that it would be an experience of collegiality, “an exchange of faith and a witness,” he said. The world’s bishops have “never been ‘branch managers’” of the church and the meetings should reflect that. Before air travel became very common, the “ad limina” visits were a bishop’s rare occasion to come to Rome and to have direct contact with the pope, he said. Now, many bishops come regularly and, at the very least, have a quick word with the pope at the end of his general audience. But the formal visits still have a special character, Archbishop Montanari said. They are occasions for an “exchange of gifts” with the bishops being “confirmed in their faith” and encouraged in their ministry by the pope, and the pope being strengthened by the signs of how alive the church is in various parts of the world. “It’s a consolation” for the pope to see how the Gospel is being shared and lived because so often “the negative things are accentuated” in the news and in what people choose to speak about, he said. The bishops share problems with the pope, but they also explain “the enormous good the church is accomplishing throughout the world.”

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has chosen, for the first time, a woman to head the Vatican Museums. Barbara Jatta, 54, is an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, who had been serving as vice-director of the museums since June. The Vatican announced the appointment Dec. 20. She will begin her new role as director of the museums Jan. 1, 2017, replacing 77-year-old Antonio Paolucci, who had been director since 2007. Each year millions of people visit the Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel and more than 50 different galleries. It is one of the largest museums in the world with 200,000 objects in its collections — 20,000 of which are on public display — 27,000 square feet of frescoes, and 4.35 miles of exhibit space. Jatta started working at the Vatican in 1996 when she was hired to head the Vatican Library’s departments of prints. In 2010, she was named curator of the artwork in the prints department at the library. She has degrees in literature, archive administration and art history, specializing in the history of drawing, engraving and graphic arts. She also taught history of graphic arts at the “Suor Orsola Benincasa” University in Naples. She is married and the mother of three children.

Stop those profiting from human trafficking, says Vatican diplomat

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Eradicating the “heinous crime” of human trafficking requires cracking down on those who profit from it, said a Vatican diplomat. The Vatican urged nations “to recognize trafficking in human beings as one of the most heinous crimes” and to recognize “their moral duty to address it properly and indeed eradicate it,” said Msgr. Janusz Urbanczyk, the Vatican’s permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He made his comments Dec. 15, during a meeting of OSCE in Vienna. OSCE includes 57 countries in Europe, Central Asia and North America. In his talk, Msgr. Urbanczyk said greater attention should be given to eradicating the trafficking and enslavement of children. Children can be ensnared by traffickers when they are “enslaved and fall prey to exploitation as child laborers or soldiers, fall into the criminal network of drug trafficking or into the mire of pornography,” he said.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Data entry positions - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has two immediate openings for a temporary data entry position. The individual will assist the office of stewardship and development during the busy Call to Share annual appeal. Required hours will be 30+ hours per week beginning in mid-January with approximate end date in late March. Requires reliability, collaborative demeanor and demonstrated data entry skills. Full job description available at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume and application (available on archdiocesan website) to: jobs@archkck.org by Dec. 31, or mail to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Stewardship – Data Entry Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. 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Accounts payable/payroll accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has an immediate opening in the chancery accounting office for a full-time accounts payable/payroll accountant. The position is responsible for processing approved invoices utilizing the DocuWare software and accounting system. This position is also responsible for payroll for the chancery staff. One to three years of accounts payable and payroll experience required, accounting degree preferred. Candidate must have strong computing skills with proficiency in MS Office Suite; must demonstrate strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and accuracy. A complete job description and application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Accounts Payable/ Payroll, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661

NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Client experience coordinator – Wellington, a fullservice event management and marketing company, is looking for a Client Experience Coordinator to assist with the production of extraordinary events for clients of all sizes. The CEC frequently acts as the face of the company, being the first person to greet guests and direct client, partner and vendor phone calls. They are a personable, structured and disciplined individual who is able to handle high-pressure situations. Because they juggle numerous projects and tasks at any one time, the CEC must have the ability to multitask and complete a variety of tasks quickly — without sacrificing accuracy and attention to detail. Applicants may apply online at: www.wellingtonexperience.com/careers. Customer service/warehouse – Watts Up, a lighting distributor serving the Midwest region for over 30 years, is looking for a full-time customer sales/service professional to join our fun and highly motivated team of employees in assisting our front counter customers and helping maintain the warehouse. Applicants must be self-motivated problem solvers. Requires ability to be physically active all day, including lifting up to 50 lbs. Must have basic math and strong verbal and people skills. Some lighting/electrical experience preferred. Duties: Provide consultative sales advice to customers, primarily at front counter as well as over the phone; assist in managing warehouse; and pulling orders for delivery. Full time. Medical benefits. 401(k) with match. Immense pride in brightening homes and offices across the city. Retirees welcome to apply. jen. smith@wattsuplighting.com.

SERVICES Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Prayer Gardens Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Call Tony 913 620 6063 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. EVERFIT fitness community - We provide a variety of classes designed to make fitness fun while challenging you to a higher level of performance. Classes include boxing, cycling, HIIT, weights, PiYo, TRX, our signature EverFit Tri, and more. EverFitKC.com. Save 10% with this ad or Promo Code LEAVEN.

Nanny - Deanna Lyon, Catholic nanny, available for fulltime care; Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call (785) 217-5110 or send an email to: annaed87@yahoo.com. Overland Park area. Helping Hand Handy Man - Semi-retired handyman can help with your ‘to do list.’ Small and medium projects around your house. Also electrical; ceiling fans, light fixtures, outlet and switches. Most deck and shed repairs, power washing, restaining and painting. No yard work. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting. Hedge trimming, mulch, leaf removal. Fully insured and free estimates. John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655 Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote at (913) 709-8401. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

CAREGIVING Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. 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. Experienced CNA - Excellent references, flexible schedule, light housekeeping, cooking, errands. Can assist with medications and distribution; can also provide transportation to and from doctor appointments. Can cut and style hair, as well as do shaves and massages. Call Chris at (913) 548-7656. Companion/nursing care - Able to do bath and personal care visits. Days and some nights/holidays. $15/hour. References. Call (913) 579-5276. Caregiving - For your loved one. Cheerful, experienced, empathetic. Excellent local references. Call Vivian at (913) 292-4829.

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

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

PILGRIMAGE Fatima/Medjugorje pilgrimage - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of apparitions in Fatima with a pilgrimage to Fatima and Medjugorje. Oct. 25 to Nov. 9, 2017. Call Grace at (913) 449-1806 for details. (Dates subject to change.)

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $18.50 for the first 5 lines. $1.50 for each line after.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS Strawberry Hill Museum 720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 23 - Jan. 29

The museum hours are Saturday and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. The Tea Room hours are 1 - 4 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6 12. The museum will also be offering a number of cooking classes through the holiday season. For more information about other events, go online to: www.strawberryhillmuseum.org.

“Coping with Life Alone” is a Beginning Experience grief support program that meets each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. For more information, or to register, call Donna at (816) 305-3760.

ONE GOAL: SOCCER TOURNAMENT TO PREVENT SUICIDE Legends Soccer Club (Happy Feet) 9701 W. 67th St., Merriam Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Teams will be made up of five players at a cost of $100 per team. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds will go to the suicide prevention center in Lawrence. Register online at: www.onegoalkc.com. For more information, call Meena Allada at (913) 687-6282 or Dylan Cline at (913) 485-0284 or go to our Facebook page at “One Goal for Cady and Ciara.”

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes simple chants sung repeatedly, silence and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. Persons of all Christian traditions are invited to attend.

‘TAKE-A-LOOK-THURSDAY’ Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Jan. 12 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Come join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. For more information, call Anita Pauls at (913) 492-2582 or send an email to: apauls@hscatholic.org.

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES MASS St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will commemorate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees with a Mass that reflects — through different languages and musical styles — the breadth of the universal church.

NATIVITY SHOWCASE St. Patrick Church (basement) 302 S. Boyle St., Scranton Jan. 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

View many Nativity sets that members and friends of the parish have placed for viewing. Cookies will be served by the Altar Society. Donations are appreciated and will go toward the St. Patrick building fund. For more information or to share a Nativity set for viewing, call (785) 836-7887.

‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ St. John Francis Regis Parish 8941 James A Reed Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Sundays, Jan. 8 - Feb. 19 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

DISCERNMENT RETREAT FOR WOMEN Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. - Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.

Single women between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to participate in an overnight discernment experience. There will be opportunities to grow in community and friendship, develop a deeper understanding of how God is speaking to you and meet some of the consecrated women who are serving the church today. For more information or to register, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/ranch; contact the retreat team at: psrministry@archkck.org; or call (785) 746-5693.

‘BENEDICT’S VISION: WORK MADE HOLY’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 15 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

This once-a-month series, geared for young professional women, focuses on the wisdom of St. Benedict and his Rule. Participants read and discuss the book “St. Benedict’s Guide to Improving Your Work Life: Workplace as Worthplace,” by Michael Rock. For more information or to register, go to the website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter. org or call (913) 360-6173.

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

• Gift Annuities

• Named Scholarship Funds

• Endowments

• Memorial Funds

Remember a gift to the church in your will

(913) 647-0325 CFNEK@archkck.org www.cfnek.org

CELEBRATE RECOVERY St. Pius X Parish (youth room) 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program for all who are struggling with the disease of addiction. For more information, call Joe Quinn at (913) 228-8279 or send him an email at: joe-quinn@sbcglobal.net. All information is kept confidential.

CATHOLIC CHALLENGE SPORTS Garrison Community Center 1124 E. 5th St., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 21 - March 4 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join other young adults in their 20s and 30s playing dodgeball with Catholic Challenge Sports. These will be 40-minute games. The cost is $30. To register, go to the website at: bit.ly/2hFv9pR. Registration ends Jan. 7.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Tuesdays from 10 - 11 a.m.

This group meets weekly to discuss topics about healthy relationships and domestic violence education and support.

‘NEW HOPE FOR DEPRESSION’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hear about the value of deepening spiritual practices to find new hope and discover one’s own path to the God of grace and compassion. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or visit the website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

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

There will be Bible sharing, reflection, lectio and journaling, led by Heather Neds, pastoral minister.

RETROUVAILLE Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 17 - 19

Retrouvaille is a marriage program dedicated to helping couples grow closer and develop a stronger bond. The program is designed to help couples bridge the distance that has grown between them. For more information about this program for couples, contact the registration team at (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: www.helpourmarriage.com.

RECOVERY RETREAT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. - Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m.

This retreat, based on the 12-Step process, will provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on life and relationships. Donations for this retreat are $50 for commuters (includes lunch) and $150 for overnight guests (includes four meals). For more information and to register, call (913) 785-6552; send an email to: retreats@scls.org; or visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org.

BINGO Immaculate Conception Church (hall) 606 Elm, Louisburg Second and fourth Thursday at 7 p.m.

Bingo is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The doors open at 6 p.m. Food available.

CALENDAR POLICY

Calendar notices are due eight days before the publication date. Because of space considerations, notices may only run two weeks before the event. Send notices to: beth.blankenship@ theleaven.org.

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DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Make your heart a manger

OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Dec. 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS) Is 62: 11-12 Ps 97: 1, 6, 11-12 Ti 3: 4-7 Lk 2: 15-20 Dec. 26 STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59 Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6-8b, 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 Thomas Becket, bishop, martyr 1 Jn 2: 3-11 Ps 96: 1-3, 5-6 Lk 2: 22-35 Dec. 30 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14 Ps 128: 1-5 Mt 2: 13-15, 19-23 Dec. 31 Sylvester I, pope 1 Jn 2: 18-21 Ps 96: 1-2, 11-13 Jn 1: 1-18 Jan. 1 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD Nm 6: 22-27 Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8 Gal 4: 4-7 Lk 2: 16-21 Jan. 2 Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, 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, 3c-4, 5-6 Jn 1: 29-34 Jan. 4 Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Jn 3: 7-10 Ps 98: 1, 7-9 Jn 1: 35-42 Jan. 5 John Neumann, bishop 1 Jn 3: 11-21 Ps 100: 1b-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 Jan. 7 Raymond of Penyafort, priest 1 Jn 5: 14-21 Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b Jn 2: 1-11

hristmas is a time for stories. Although nothing can compare with “the greatest story ever told” — God becoming flesh and living among us — it’s fascinating, nevertheless, to see how that story continues to play out in each generation. I’ll turn this column over now to Rev. Jess Moody, a prolific Southern Baptist preacher who tells this story in his book “Club Sandwich” about an encounter with Rose Kennedy. After doing a Bible class in the home of an heiress where Rose was present, Rev. Moody had a chance to chat with her. “I was a spoiled young bride of a strongwilled man, a socialite who attended every function possible,” she began. “We were expecting a child and elated at the prospect. The day came when our child was born. She was a beautiful child. “But it wasn’t long until we realized that there was something terribly wrong with

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.

her. We took her to the doctor, who confirmed our fears. She was [mentally handicapped], and nothing could be done.” “Anger grew in my heart,” Rose said. “How could God do such a thing to this child — to me? I turned my back on God, my husband, my closest friends — and became a recluse. “One evening, a major event was happening in the city. I wanted to go, but I was so filled with

wrath that I thought I might create a scene. My husband feared it, too, so we decided to stay home. A lovely woman, who was one of our maids, gently said to me, ‘Please excuse me, Mrs. Kennedy, but I’ve been watching you the last few weeks. I love you very much, and I hate to see this destroy your life. Mrs. Kennedy, you’ll never be happy until you make your heart a manger where the Christ Child may be born.’ “I fired her on the spot! Yet later that night, my mind ruminated relentlessly, keeping me awake. I could not forget that lovely face, the sweetness of the maid,

the joy in her spirit, and especially her words. “I have loved Christ my whole life, and tried to be a good Catholic, but now I knelt beside my bed and prayed, ‘Dear God, make my heart a manger where the Christ Child may be born.’ I felt a fresh, new, divine entry into my life, and there was born in me a love for [mentally handicapped] children.” “Oh, by the way, I rehired the lovely maid,” Rose added. “She was with us until her death.” (Story found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) What a great story to chew on during these Fourteen Days of Christmas. (Yes, I know that the number is usually 12, but since Epiphany is not celebrated until Jan. 8 this time around, we actually get a couple of extra days.) Rose Kennedy was truly visited by a “wise woman.” That maid absolutely got it right. Although the Blessed Mother gave birth to Jesus in a unique way,

we’re called as Christians to continue to “give birth” to Jesus in our time and place. We start by welcoming him with joy into the manger of our heart. In his incarnation, Jesus turned the world upside down. It becomes a place where a lowly maid leads a powerful, prominent and wealthy woman to a deeper understanding of what love is. Yes, since Jesus’ coming, nothing will ever be the same. Perhaps the late spiritual writer Henri Nouwen best captures the meaning of Christmas: “Songs, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and sweet words do not make Christmas. Christmas is saying yes to something beyond all emotions and feelings. Christmas is saying yes to a hope based on God’s initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God’s work and not mine.” What can we say, but yes!

‘Flyover country’ gave the world its king

ometimes, people living on the East Coast or the West Coast of our country refer to Kansas as a flyover state. That term implies that Kansas does not count for much, that it is simply a barrier to cross in traveling to a place that is worthwhile. Compared to the rest of the country, we appear somewhat obscure. Similarly, Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 2:1-14, points to Jesus’ obscure origins. His parents hail from Nazareth. That town never even merits a mention in the Old Testament. Later on, the eventual disciple of Jesus will ask the derisive question, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (Jn 1:46). Through an ac-

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

cident of history, Jesus is born in the small town of Bethlehem, an apparently insignificant corner of the Roman Empire. In terms of the

POPE FRANCIS

Roman Empire, the whole country of Judea would look insignificant. It lacked size, population, economic or political power. If the ancient Romans had had airplanes, they probably would have called it a flyover state. Nonetheless, it is there that the savior of the world is born: “Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”

Clerics who are self-righteous and over-intellectualize religion can end up hurting and ostracizing sinners who do repent, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. Such priests uphold their own rules and “erase the law made by the Lord,” who told Abraham to “walk in my presence and be blameless,” the pope said Dec. 13 during the Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives. It was the 47th anniversary of the pope’s ordination as a priest. The pope focused his homily on the day’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew (21:28-32) in which Jesus asks the chief

This tiny infant, from a seemingly unimportant region of the Empire, contrasts with the mighty Roman emperor who is mentioned at the beginning of the Gospel reading: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus.” To the Romans, the town of Bethlehem may have looked inconsequential. But to the Jewish people, it held tremendous historic and religious significance, as the city of David, their greatest king. The infant born there would take power as King of kings and Lord of lords. He would challenge the power structure of the Roman Empire as a champion of the poor and downtrodden. That is why the angel announces his birth first of all to the “shepherds in that region living in the fields.”

Those shepherds were poorly paid and low on the social totem pole. In our world, we might compare them to fast-food workers or trash collectors. They were not well compensated for their difficult and often messy work. The news of the birth of this king who would support the shepherds would bring them hope and joy. As the angel tells them, “Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy.” This newborn king will live up to the words spoken by his mother before his birth: “He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away” (Lk 1:52-53).

priests and elders which of two sons did his father’s will: the one who refused to work in the vineyard, but then changed his mind and did, or the son who said he would work, but did not. Jesus warned the chief priests and elders that they were repeating the second son’s mistake of being unfaithful and that, like the first son, “tax collectors and prostitutes” were following the Lord and, therefore, entering God’s kingdom first. The men Jesus is talking about, the pope said, had “juridical, moral and religious authority” and “decided everything,” including to kill Lazarus because Jesus had raised him from the dead, and to make a deal with Judas to betray Jesus. — CNS

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Music ministry: a calling only a pastoral musician could love

magine arriving at Mass this Christmas, only to find that no musicians were scheduled to assist at any of the parish services — no accompanists, instrumentalists or singers, not even a lone cantor to lead the congregation in a few familiar carols. Now, imagine if the same were the case the whole year through. Of course, at one time, most of our worship was largely without music: a Low Mass. While still a valid option, the church nevertheless endeavors to realize the ideal of the sung liturgy. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface toward what the church envisions: We basically

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of liturgy and sacramental life.

sing hymns and a few acclamations at an otherwise spoken liturgy. But imagine if not even

this music was an option for us. It certainly makes me appreciate my colleagues even more. They are called by various names, but the church in the United States largely calls them pastoral musicians. A few are paid for their particular and specialized contributions.

The bulk are largely volunteer. They serve week after week, month after month, season after season, year after year. They serve, despite the fact that their work rarely, if ever, pleases everybody at the same time. They serve, despite unending criticism: “too slow,” “too fast,” “not enough new music,” “too much new music” (and all of these lodged simultaneously). They serve as leaders in a field where it seems that everybody is an expert, or at least a critic. They serve, even though it means their Sundays and their holidays are arranged around their obligation to the Lord’s temple

and the needs of his people. Sometimes they err on the side of caution, sometimes they take risks. Sometimes they forget that it is the Lord’s song they offer (after all, they’re only human), and sometimes they would be the last to seek the praise of their congregations. They serve, in most cases, because if they didn’t, no one else would. There simply aren’t enough capable and willing musicians to go around. (Just ask the pastors.) They do a good job, and yet have plenty to improve upon. Many have willingly settled for being underemployed, given their skills and education.

The vast majority serve from the sheer will of a generous heart. In any case, support them. Pastors, encourage your pastoral musicians. Parents, provide your children with music lessons. Spouses and children, try not to complain about how they have to be “gone” so much on weekends and holidays. Parishioners, stop by after Mass to offer a simple thank you for their dedication and efforts. They are truly pastoral musicians: shepherds who sing and play for the Lord’s sheep. And, whether or not we’re willing to admit it, we’d be lost and scattered in our common liturgical prayer without them.

The journey from crisis to self-sufficiency

aint Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time.” It’s a mantra Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has put into practice for the last 60 years. We began by providing adoption services to our community. We quickly added “safety net” services to help those in crisis with immediate survival needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Over the years, we recognized the need to work with families after they had been stabilized: We needed to help strengthen them to handle the next crisis and to move toward

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

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

self-sufficiency. So, we set out to develop programs and services that attack what we believe are

true root causes of poverty: 1) un/underemployment; 2) lack of an adequate education; and 3) the breakup of the family. So where are we today? Our emergency assistance centers continue to be a place where our neighbors in need come for help with

the basics. In the 2016 fiscal year, we provided food assistance 248,480 times and utility assistance 8,627 times. We distributed clothing over 17,000 times and helped with housing nearly 4,000 times. But, more than just being a location that offers a safety net, Catholic Charities staff and volunteers work to dispense HOPE: hope of a better future. Our nine emergency assistance centers are also where those we serve come to learn how to build and balance their family budget, how to eliminate debt, how to provide better nutrition for their family and how to improve their employment situation.

To date, 108 people have participated in our Family Financial Transformations™ program and collectively eliminated more than $192,000 in debt. Several families were able to place a down payment on a home. Through our Kansas Loan Pool Project, we have helped convert more than 150 high-interest payday and title loans into 6 percent fixed interest loans. We’re proud that the number of individuals who received financial literacy education through our ministry increased over 70 percent during our last fiscal year. We are helping families break the cycle of debt. And where are we going? We’re contem-

“Regardless of the type of services you desire, we can help to make them special. We are here to serve you and your family.”

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plating the feasibility of operating a center that would help eliminate barriers — such as transportation and child care — that prevent those we serve from getting the education needed to earn trade certifications that are needed to fill attractive employment opportunities in our area. Our goal is to help them attain livable wage jobs that lead to self-sufficiency. It’s really about offering hope for a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come after them. We take to heart what St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus.”

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DECEMBER 23, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Catholic Charities sparks new life in ‘resilient’ refugees By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, has not experienced violence or torture firsthand. Yet, in listening to her clients share their stories, she has found herself drawn into a cause that is “dear to the church.” As a licensed counselor, her private practice includes providing counseling services at the Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. She has also served as a pro bono counselor at the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma in St. Louis. Currently, she provides counseling to victims of torture and violence through Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. It’s a ministry, said Sister Esther, that while challenging and heartbreaking at times, is also rewarding and humbling. Moreover, it has deeper roots here in Kansas than most people realize. In the 1970s, when people started fleeing Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in the aftermath of the American withdrawal from Vietnam, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops started a refugee resettlement program. In 1975, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas joined the effort. The organization started by assisting people from South Vietnam, and the operation has only grown since its inception. Today, it is the largest resettlement site in Kansas. This past federal fiscal year, Catholic Charities served more than 350 refugees in a variety of ways, including resettlement, job placement, English as a Second Language programs and assistance with the naturalization process. Catholic Charities has what is termed a “tie site.” This means refugees are united with family members of friends who are already settled in the area and can provide assistance. The majority of the refugees come from Burma. Other refugees travel to the site from Bhutan, Iraq, Somalia and the Congo. Rachel Pollock, director of refugee and immigration programs, said in understanding the plight of refugees, it’s first important to understand what a refugee is.

Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, is a licensed counselor who, through her private practice, provides counseling services at the Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to refugees resettled here by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Through New Roots for Refugees (above) and many other programs, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has worked to resettle refugees in the United States since its inception in 1975. New Roots helps refugees with agricultural expertise start their own small farm businesses. “People move around and immigrate for various reasons — reuniting with family, improved work or educational opportunity, and to try and better their future,” she said. “Refugees are people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality and/or membership in a particular social or political group. They are not being pulled to a new country; they are being pushed out of their homeland.” Some refugees have experienced horrific violence and torture. In those cases, Sister Esther lends a listening ear and tries to help people process what has happened to them. “They have to somehow survive this,” said Sister Esther, who has counseled some 40 to 50 refugees who have endured tremendous and unspeakable suffering. They have lost spouses, children and their home. Some have also endured torture and bodily injury. For example, one of Sister Esther’s clients lost four of her eight children, along with her husband, to murder. She and her remaining four children fled to a refugee camp. Over time, this woman completed the lengthy vetting process for acceptance into the refugee resettlement program in the United States. This process typically takes 18 to 24 months, although it can take longer, depending on the circumstances. In sharing the client’s story in broad strokes, Sister Esther said this woman had managed to survive unimaginable horror but also experience God’s grace. As she could only take with her what she could carry, sentimental objects were few. Yet, she had somehow managed to bring with her a picture of her husband. “That was a comfort to her,” Sister Esther said. The woman has no other pictures of him.” “[God’s] mercy was there in the midst of a devastating experience,” she added. The counselor often finds herself in-

spired by the refugees’ resilience and courage in the face of their harrowing experiences and occasional setbacks. Last year, one of her clients ended up in the hospital. The Royals had just won the World Series, and the fireworks and gunshots of exuberant fans triggered flashbacks to traumatic experiences and violence in the client. “It was symptomatic of what they had lived with every day,” she said. Nonetheless, the client persevered. In caring for her clients, Sister Esther said sometimes the stories can be difficult to hear. But her reliance on prayer and God’s love gets her through those times. “God is in charge,” she said, adding that she often has to remind herself to “let go and let God.” In recognition of this extraordinary effort to provide new life opportunities like these, the USCCB Committee on Migration awarded the staff a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement which read: “In all of your outstanding work, you answer the scriptural call to welcome the stranger and offer hope to those who now make their home among us.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presented the honor on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Sister Esther and Pollack were touched by the recognition and both take great joy in watching refugees grow as people. “Refugees are incredibly resilient people, and they generally thrive here,” Pollack said. “It’s such a joy to see families progress through initial culture shock and big challenges to real success,” she continued. “This takes time, and usually there are multiple detours or speed bumps, but I’ve seen refugee children as valedictorians, I’ve seen refugee small business owners and college graduates. I’ve seen hundreds of refugee families buying homes and cultivating farms, contributing to the physical landscape of Kansas City in positive ways.”

Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigration Services Founded: 1975 This past fiscal year, staff: • Resettled 329 refugees, 250 from Burma • Placed 322 in jobs • Enrolled 226 in English classes • Helped 271 immigrants become U.S. citizens Agencies involved: • The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops • The State Department • The Department of Homeland Security • Catholic Charities Ways to get involved as a volunteer: • Help prepare immigrants for citizenship • Move new families into apartments • Donate household goods such as pots and pans • Donate furniture, new or gently used • Collect laundry soap, shampoo and other such items • Call Rachel Pollack at (913) 9068981 • Visit the refugee and immigration services program on the organization’s website at: www.catholiccharitiesks. org • Pray for an end to violence and persecution

Recently, Pollack ran into one of the first people she worked with, a young man from the Congo. “When his family was first resettled, they had experienced a lot of trauma and felt overwhelmed with starting over in the United States. He was a teenager. “Now, he’s a registered nurse,” she said, “well-spoken and thriving, with a smile that lights up a room.”