12 24 21 Vol. 43 No. 20

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 20 | DECEMBER 24, 2021

Lo, the Son of God

Most High is born in Bethlehem, and the angels adore him, soon to be joined by the shepherds and the Magi. May he always find in your hearts a place of welcome and adoration, and may he bless you and yours this Christmastide and in the New Year of his grace! + JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

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

NOTICE: THERE WILL BE NO LEAVEN NEXT WEEK. THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE LEAVEN WILL BE JAN. 7.

2

ARCHBISHOP

DECEMBER 24, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Honor Mary and Joseph by helping pregnant mothers today

A

leteia is an online Catholic news and information website that was founded 10 years ago with the approval of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.

The word “aleteia” in ancient Greek philosophy meant “truth” or “transparency.”

Each week, Aleteia provides summaries of what they consider some of the most interesting “religious” stories of the week. I always find the mix of articles fascinating.

This past week included the inspirational stories of a male quartet singing an a capella rendition of “Ave Maria” in a stairwell, as well as Jordan Baize playing on his damaged grand piano a hymn of praise amid the rubble of his tornado-devastated home in Kentucky.

Aleteia also featured a story about superstar singer Billie Eilish revealing the harm she had experienced from watching pornography as a teenager. I must confess that I had never heard of Billie Eilish before reading this article.

She recently turned 20 but has already won seven Grammy awards.

Ironically, the popular singer made this revelation during an interview on the infamous “Howard Stern Show” that is well known for its vulgar and explicit sexual content. Billie Eilish said that she began watching pornography at age 11

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN and as “a woman, she thought porn was a disgrace.” The superstar talked about suffering from nightmares, sleep paralysis and difficulties relating to men because of her porn addiction.

She confided: “I think it really destroyed my brain and I feel incredibly devastated that I was exposed to so much porn.”

Another Aleteia story that caught my attention was Elon Musk, reputed to be the world’s richest man — the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX — stating during an interview at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit: “I can’t emphasize this enough, there are not enough people. . . . One of the biggest risks to civilization is the low birth rate and rapidly declining birth rate.”

I did not think that I had much in common with Elon Musk but I agree with his observation. Unfortunately, some radical environmentalists view children as simply “carbon emitters” who are bad for planet Earth.

One of the experts quoted in the article

noted that children are “also extraordinarily efficient emitters of joy and meaning and hope.”

I was pleased that a story about a runaway camel from a live Nativity scene in Bonner Springs was one of Aleteia’s top 10 stories for the week. The fleet-footed camel was dubbed “Forest Hump” by some of the Kansans who witnessed the animal’s attempted escape.

Sadly, another story described that parishioners from a suburban church in Paris — participating in an annual procession for the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception — were harassed and threatened by a group of Muslim extremists.

Similarly, a story from India featured a government investigation into a home for girls operated by the Missionaries of Charity, the community founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

The Missionaries of Charity were accused of attempting to convert the resident girls to Christianity.

The world of 2021 is in many ways very different from Palestine 2,000 years ago.

Yet, human nature has not changed over

the centuries.

Jesus was born in a Bethlehem cave because that was the only accommodations available to an insignificant, migrant couple who were compelled by the Roman census to register at Joseph’s ancestral home. The Holy Family later had to flee from their homeland because of the evil King Herod’s mass murdering of young boys in his effort to assassinate Jesus.

Of course, the Christmas narrative also depicts the virtues and incredible goodness of Joseph and Mary as well as the beautiful faith and humility of the shepherds and Magi. In our sin-broken world — 2,000 years ago and today — there are causes for fear as well as for hope.

The solemnity of Christmas celebrates the greatest miracle in human history.

Christianity is different than every other world religion. We believe in a God who seeks to reveal himself to us and who desires communion with his creatures.

God’s ultimate revelation was to humble himself to be conceived in the womb of Mary, to be born in the stark and impoverished circumstances of the Bethlehem cave, to grow up in the tiny town of Nazareth, to spend most of his adult life as a laborer, and to exercise his ministry of preaching and healing in an obscure and, according to worldly calculations, insignificant part of the world. The

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 28 Seminarian vespers and dinner — Archbishop’s residence Jan. 3 Chancery staff Mass — chancery Jan. 4-10 Region IX bishops’ retreat — Oceanside, California Jan. 14 Snow Ball Mass and banquet —Overland Park Convention Center

Creator of the cosmos allowed himself to undergo the pain and humiliation of torture and to be brutally executed as a criminal in order that we might know the depth of his love and have access to his mercy.

In many ways, the world has not changed in 2,000 years, because it remains inhabited by wounded and sinful human beings who are capable of inflicting evil and harm on each other. What has changed is that God has penetrated the world with his amazing mercy and love.

For hearts that are open to the miracle that occurred in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, we are never alone and never without reason for hope as well as cause for joy.

My favorite Aleteia article this past week was one that suggested the best way that we could honor Jesus and his mother is to find

a way to give encouragement to mothers and fathers of young children as they live their important vocation of parents. The article also suggests organizing a baby shower for Mary that will generate practical support for pregnancy resource centers to assist expectant mothers with difficult or untimely pregnancies.

While we cannot change the adversities that Mary and Joseph experienced 2,000 years ago, we can honor them by easing the stress and relieving the burdens of pregnant mothers today.

The challenges of our sin-fractured world remain, but what has changed are hearts that have been touched by the amazing love of God revealed for us by the birth of Jesus — the Word made flesh who dwells among us.

PROUD OF YOUR PARISH CHRISTMAS CRIB?

Once Jesus is safely ensconced in the manger and the Holy Family complete, The Leaven invites you to snap a photo of your parish crib and send it to: moira.cullings@ theleaven.org to share on our Facebook page. Then, be sure to follow us at: www. facebook.com/theleavenkc, where visitors near and far can view and “like” Nativity scenes from across the archdiocese throughout the Christmas season.

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

3

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Group works to serve homeless, many living under bridges

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s a two-fold motto that Pat Brown has lived by for years: “Don’t waste and feed the hungry.”

She found a ministry that satisfies both.

Brown, a parishioner at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park, was shopping at a Hy-Vee supermarket years ago when she noticed people taking carts full of unbagged food items out to the parking lot.

Curious, she asked the man working at the bakery what it was all about.

“That’s when I found out they were taking them to charity places,” she said.

The men and women Brown witnessed were taking food that would otherwise be thrown away and giving it to people in need. She was inspired.

Brown contacted the Hy-Vee in Mission, requesting to take food that would soon expire and distribute it to the hungry.

Since starting her ministry several years ago, two fellow parishioners have joined in her endeavor, including Linda Porter, the marriage preparation coordinator for Johnson County.

Both women had worked at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park for years and came to be friends.

When Porter heard about Brown’s efforts to help those experiencing homelessness, she was eager to help.

“I was always brought up that we’re all born in the image of God,” she said.

“These people are human beings.

“They are in this situation sometimes by choice. Sometimes, a lot of them have some mental issues. Some of them have ended up there by situations [out of their control].

“And once you become homeless, it is a struggle to ever get out of it.”

The group calls themselves the Bridge Club, named after those they’ve served who live under bridges.

They meet at Hy-Vee every Wednesday and Saturday to load up their cars with food items compiled by the store.

Bakery items like sweets and breads are a staple. Other foods vary but usually include canned goods, fruits and salads.

“We just never know what we’re going to get,” said Porter.

The items can fill up to three cars, but due to supply chain shortages, have recently required only one or two.

Once the cars are full, off the trio goes.

‘Compassionate heart for the poor’ The Bridge Club typically heads directly to a religious order called Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Sisters there take what they need — a little for their community

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Linda Porter and Sister Dolores Marie, PJC, unload a grocery donation at the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ monastery in Kansas City, Kansas. The Sisters take the food to the homeless every Tuesday and Saturday, feeding around 120 people. but most for the homeless they serve on both sides of the state line.

Welcoming the Bridge Club twice a week, they said, has been exciting.

“They bring us this joy when they come,” said Sister Rosemary of Jesus, PJC. “We’ve been building a friendship with them,” added Sister Miracles of the Little Way, PJC. “Having this ability to build this friendship together is also something very beautiful.”

The fraternity feeds around 120 people every Tuesday and Saturday.

The sliced bread they receive from the Bridge Club is particularly helpful since they can use it to prepare sandwiches for the hungry.

The fraternity was also grateful to use the Bridge Club’s items for their Christmas party, which they hosted for the homeless on Dec. 18.

The annual event is held for the poor “to give them the opportunity to have a nice Christmas,” said Sister Rosemary.

This year’s party included a beauty salon, bingo, an opportunity for new clothing and a hot meal.

“It’s a way to tell them that they are loved,” said Sister Miracles. “For some of them, we are their family.”

That’s particularly true for one man who the community has served for 10 years. Within that time, the man lost his wife and relies on the Sisters for Christmas cheer.

“Every year, he expects us to come pick him up,” said Sister Miracles. “It’s part of his celebration. It’s very meaningful.”

In the past year, the Sisters have >> See “SIMPLE” on page 11

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Pat Brown is all smiles as she accepts a food donation from Hy-Vee on Martway in Mission. The food will be taken to the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ, who will distribute it to the homeless in the Kansas City metro area.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

4

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 24, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Prayer intentions reveal people’s struggles, suffering

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The duties of a bishop are many, but chief among them is his duty to pray with and for his people.

That’s why a letter from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann requesting prayer intentions showed up in the mailboxes of registered Catholic households throughout the archdiocese in mid-October.

“Each year, I invite you to share your prayer intentions with our church community,” wrote Archbishop Naumann.

“Throughout the year, I read your intentions and intercede with Our Lord and Our Lady to grant your requests.

“Your prayer intentions also help make me aware of the needs of the people of the archdiocese — sick family members, adult children not practicing the faith, economic and employment concerns, discerning God’s will, and many more in dire need of mercy and grace.”

The letters were sent with the assistance of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development.

“Prayer is one of the four pillars of stewardship,” said Bill Maloney, director of the stewardship and development office. “Prayer being central to our faith, we wanted to promote stronger attention to prayer life and offering prayers of petition because of its importance in our stewardship journey.”

Archbishop Naumann has been accepting prayer intentions for 17 years, but the annual practice was begun under Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher.

“One of my responsibilities is to pray for the people of the archdiocese,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It is helpful to know the prayer intentions of the people of the archdiocese. It gives focus to my prayer but also helps me know . . . the concerns, burdens and challenges in the lives of Catholics in

PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann prays over a basket of prayer intentions received from Catholics across the archdiocese. Throughout the year, the archbishop reads the intentions and offers them as his own. northeast Kansas.”

Most of the thousands of prayer intentions that are received at the office of stewardship and development arrive by the return envelope included in the archbishop’s letter. But others are also received by those who have answered through the website at: archkck.org/ prayerintention.

The intentions — however they are received — are given to the archbishop.

He keeps them in a basket in his home chapel. He also keeps a small stack on his writing table in the chapel, and he prays over a few of them every day.

Many of the intentions reveal the heavy burdens and critical concerns parishioners have. These little notes never fail to move him.

“It has helped me be aware of some of the struggles and suffering that people face in their everyday lives,” said Archbishop Naumann. “If adult children are not practicing the faith, the church needs to seek ways to reach out to this population.

“It also motivates me to seek ways that our Catholic schools, youth groups and parish schools of religion can be more effective in helping young

people develop a love for Jesus and his church.”

If they have not already done so, Maloney urges parishioners to fill out the prayer intentions card and mail them back to the archdiocese. For people of faith, prayer makes a difference.

“There is nothing more important that I can do than to pray for members of the archdiocese,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Being more aware of what people are praying for and asking me to pray also helps me to establish pastoral goals and priorities that are responsive to the needs of God’s people.”

Benedictine College president honored with papal award

A

TCHISON — President Stephen D. Minnis of Benedictine College here was among a number of Catholic leaders honored

by Caritas in Veritate (CiV) with the organization’s papal award on Nov. 21.

“This award is a tremendous honor for Benedictine College,” Minnis said.

“It is gratifying to know that the effectiveness of our mission is being recognized on an international level.”

The award is given annually by Caritas in Veritate “to distinguished leaders in the international community and in the church for outstanding work in charity and leadership.” The episcopal advisers of Caritas in Veritate include U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops president Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, and Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston.

The award comes on the heels of the launch of the college’s “Transforming Culture in America” plan formed after three years of meetings with board members, faculty and leaders in all walks of life.

“Benedictine College’s new visionary plan is an exciting development for the whole church,” Minnis said.

“Caritas in Veritate shares our vision that Catholic truths about the human person are the answer to the deepest

PHOTO COURTESY OF BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

Benedictine College president Steve Minnis received a papal award from Caritas in Veritate on Nov. 21. Pictured are, from left, Eduardo Vargas, Caritas in Veritate vice president for government relations; Minnis; wife Amy Minnis; and Henry Cappello, Caritas in Veritate founder and president. needs of the human person today.”

A native of St. Joseph, Missouri, Minnis graduated from Benedictine College in 1982 and obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Washburn University, Topeka, and an MBA from Baker University, Baldwin City. Minnis worked as a prosecutor and corporate attorney for 19 years before becoming president of Benedictine College in 2004.

Since his appointment, the college has seen unprecedented growth. The enrollment has doubled to over 2,000 full-time undergraduates. Benedictine has opened 10 new residence hall buildings; six new academic buildings; a Marian grotto; a student recreation center and dining hall. The college has either built new or renovated every dorm room, every classroom and every athletic facility during this time. The

college opened a campus in Florence, Italy; began a nursing program as well as ones in engineering and architecture, making it one of few liberal arts schools in America — and only the fourth Catholic university — with engineering and architecture programs.

Minnis was one of only five Catholic university presidents to be appointed to a U.S. bishops’ conference committee on Catholic universities in America and one of only four Catholic university presidents to be appointed to the Vatican Commission on the Church in America.

During this time, Benedictine College also committed itself to serving the poor around the world. International mission trips expanded from one in 2004 to more than 25 per year, along with the same number of domestic mission trips — meaning more than 75% of Benedictine College students will be on mission before they graduate.

Minnis also participated in a studentinitiated project to help fund and build a new Catholic church in Guatemala.

Minnis is married to Amy (Kohake) Minnis, a 1984 graduate of Benedictine College. The couple has three grown children — Molly, Michael and Matthew — and three grandchildren — Joseph, Mary and Benedict.

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

MINISTRY TACKLES PANDEMIC WITH FLEXIBILITY, CREATIVITY

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

W

hile their jobs regularly involve helping families and individuals who are mourning, COVID-19 intensified responsibilities for staff of funeral homes and Catholic cemeteries. As they lived with the uncertainties, personal risks and restrictions during the pandemic, these workers strove to continue to provide compassionate service to those who had lost loved ones.

Mary H. Brennan, co-founder and owner of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home in Topeka, believes that COVID compounded the grief of families. They often were not able to be with those who were dying; they faced limitations, restrictions and quarantines; and they delayed scheduling services.

“This made things all the harder for people,” said Brennan.

These stressors likewise affected workers assisting with funeral and burial arrangements.

Competing expectations Limitations on numbers of persons allowed to attend public gatherings varied throughout the pandemic. This required families to make difficult decisions about who could attend services. Whereas workers in funeral homes and at Catholic cemeteries traditionally did everything they could to accommodate families, they were sometimes cast in roles as enforcers of restrictions. In what has always been a very customer-oriented industry, it was a challenge to manage these competing expectations.

Parker Amos, president of Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, said that attendance restrictions were the most challenging requirement for his staff.

“Our team takes pride in being part of the solution and not the problem,” he noted. “We don’t do our job to tell

families ‘no.’ Limiting attendance at services had an impact on them and on us.”

Amos experienced this personally when his wife’s mother died in December 2020. At the time, guidelines permitted up to 45 people at the service. This necessitated tough decisions and prevented some close family members from attending.

Keeping up with the changing phases of the pandemic almost became a full-time job, Amos recalled. Guidance from the National Funeral Directors Association was very helpful. The Shawnee funeral home complied with guidelines from the CDC; state, county and local governments; and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas when engaging with Catholic parishes. Navigating the sometimes differing protocols proved to be a moving target.

Flexing staff schedules Early in the pandemic, Sharon Vallejo, president of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas, persisted in obtaining essential business designation for her organization. Because Catholic Cemeteries has nine locations in three counties, this required contacting officials across several jurisdictions.

Even though the cemeteries gained recognition as an essential business and could operate within normal business hours, Vallejo never took for granted the health and well-being of clients, employees and their families.

“When the necessities were met and burials for the day completed,” she explained, “we excused staff to return home to their families. They received a full day’s pay even though they may have worked reduced hours.”

Amos Family Funeral Home split its staff of 12 into two groups, with six employees working a week, then off a week with coverage provided by the other six workers. The funeral home adopted this approach for approximately a year.

During this time, half the staff did the work of the full team in an environment complicated by COVID mandates and restrictions.

Technology to the rescue Introducing the streaming of services made a big difference for families and staff. Brennan remembered a funeral for which the attendance maximum of 85 had been met. Additional guests chose to stand outside and listen to the memorials through exterior speakers. Others returned to their cars, remained parked and linked to the streamed service.

Father Dan Gardner found that livestreaming was helpful as well in rural communities where people adapted to restrictions. Father Gardner is pastor of St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha and St. Leo Parish, Horton.

At first, services took place in funeral homes instead of the churches.

When services initially returned to the churches, not many people outside the family attended, mindful of size limitations for gatherings.

“People were pretty flexible,” said Father Gardner. They were also creative with technology. One family arranged for a person in Kentucky to provide music for a funeral at St. Leo via the internet.

In addition to streaming services, Amos Family Funeral Home used technology to meet with clients via Zoom to make funeral arrangements. Brennan’s continued to offer in-person meetings with visitors and staff gathered around a large conference room table to facilitate social distancing.

Embalmers followed personal protective equipment guidelines to help ensure safety.

“We found ways to make all of this work as we figured out how to help people,” Brennan said. She said that hugs and handshakes, however — normal expressions of sympathy extended by funeral home workers as appropriate and most often welcomed — were in short supply throughout the pandemic.

Prayer adds value Prayer remained an important part of the mix. Brennan noted that her team prays regularly for the families they serve and for the deceased.

Whether making arrangements by phone, electronically or in-person, Catholic Cemeteries’ family service advisers offered and experienced comfort by praying with loved ones of the deceased.

“This prayer recognized God’s will in all things,” said Vallejo, “and asked him to comfort our hearts and minds in accepting the things that cannot be explained or comprehended.”

Other prayer opportunities were temporarily put on hold. Throughout most of 2020 and into the new year, Catholic Cemeteries canceled memorial Masses offered in mausoleum chapels and services for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. These services are gradually resuming.

Facing new challenges As several COVID restrictions lifted or relaxed, families began scheduling postponed memorial and burial services. This past summer, Catholic Cemeteries experienced a rush of people calling to make pre-arrangements, perhaps fearful of a COVID resurgence.

Funeral homes and Catholic Cemeteries continue to sanitize space and surfaces routinely and have hand sanitizer available. They tend to follow the preference of families on wearing masks or may require staff to wear them. At the same time, they face new challenges due to supply chain shortages, delivery delays and the prospects of increased costs.

“Throughout the pandemic, we were able to do our job,” said Amos.

“It just wasn’t normal. It required adaptations by families and on our part.

Everybody — funeral homes, churches, cemeteries — stepped up in this group effort to do our best to accommodate and serve families.”

6

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 24, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Archbishop hosts Mass, dinner for CEF parents

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “The most influential teacher of faith for me was my mother,” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann told the parents of children receiving Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) scholarships to attend Catholic schools.

The parents were selected from several CEF-supported schools to have dinner with the archbishop on Dec. 13.

One of the parents, Yenni Alvarez, had recently lost her husband to COVID and is working two jobs to support her three boys. But thanks to CEF, her boys will remain in their Catholic school.

The archbishop seemed to be addressing Alvarez as he told the story of his own single mother who got up every morning to attend Mass at 5 a.m.

“My father was murdered,” he said.

“And my mother didn’t believe that God desired that to happen, but she believed God could bring good even out of this evil.

“She had this hope, this belief, that God still had a plan for her and for us and for our family.

“This is the great gift of our Christian faith.”

“God doesn’t promise us we won’t have any adversities,” he continued.

“But he promises us that he’ll always be with us and that he’ll give us what we need in a given moment.”

Faith in that promise, he told them, is what Catholic schools strive to give students in addition to a good education.

“If they know that no matter what life may throw at them, whatever difficulties they might have, they’re never alone,” he said, “then they can never doubt their worth, they can never doubt their dignity.

“Even the things that to us seem bad on the surface, God can turn them and use them for good in our lives.”

After Mass in the chapel at the archbishop’s residence, parents were treated to dinner where conversation centered on Christmas traditions and gratitude for the Catholic education CEF helps provide for their children.

“I work two jobs,” said Regina Cortez, a single mother with three daughters who attend St. Matthew Grade School

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass with a representative group of parents of children receiving Catholic Education Foundation scholarships on Dec. 13 at his home. and Hayden High School in Topeka.

“It is very emotional when you talk about the things you sacrifice for your kids,” she said. “There is a lot of sacrifice, and so I appreciate what [CEF] does.”

Guadalupe Banuelos agreed, telling of her own struggles trying to run a small family business while her husband was still in Mexico working to legally immigrate to the United States.

Banuelos was pregnant at the time and had a young daughter.

“Me by myself, pregnant, no help, starting up a little restaurant, trying to be independent — it was hard,” she said. “Holy Name [Parish in Kansas City, Kansas] helped me out.”

Through a CEF scholarship, Banuelos’ daughter was able to attend Holy Name School where she learned to support her mother.

“Ms. Thomas taught her how to pray,” she recalled. “She would come home and say, ‘Let’s pray.’”

Megan Ziesler and her husband were committed to sending their daughter to Christ the King School, also in Kansas City, Kansas.

When her husband died suddenly, CEF stepped in to make sure her daughter was able to stay in her school.

“She has gotten to go there solely because of these scholarships,” she said.

Ziesler remarried and had two sons

who also now attend Christ the King, thanks to CEF. “I’m so thankful for that. It has made a world of difference to me,” she said. “I think for them, I can’t measure the benefits it’s had in their lives.”

Mayra Bustos, who works two jobs to support her children and to send them to Holy Family School at Sacred HeartSt. Joseph Parish in Topeka, can see the benefit of Catholic education thanks to CEF. “They learn so much about virtues, values, and what people are worth — not based on what they have,” she said, “but on who they are.

“CEF has helped me tremendously.”

CEF board chair Jeff Jaworski was greatly moved by the conversation and praised the parents for their hard work.

“We can raise money,” he said. “But we are not the heroes in the room tonight. You guys sacrifice way more than we do to send your kids to a Catholic school.

“That is so inspiring to me,” Jaworski continued. “As long as I’m the chairman, we’re committed to doing everything we can to keep your kids in Catholic school.”

CEF director Vince Anch encouraged parents to spread the word.

“We want to help more families,” he said. “We’re never gong to stop fundraising.”

ACROSS 1 Locust 7 Reserve Officers Training Corps.

11 American Football Conference (abbr.)

14 Visual 15 Capital of Western Samoa 16 Court 17 Explosive device 18 Doe 19 Every 20 Promissory note 22 What a cow chews 23 River (Spanish) 24 Suspends for a time 29 Forgiveness 31 Instruments to guide oxen 32 Mr. 34 Messed up 35 Eager 36 Eight-sided shape 38 Hair stuff 39 Hearing part 40 A name of God 41 Wheel center 44 Window coverings 46 Mexican sandwich 47 Acclaim 50 Net 51 Prisons COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

Teresa (Seuferling) and Bill Kiesling, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 30. The couple was married on Dec. 30, 1961, at Immaculate Conception Church, Louisburg. Their children are: Linda Elliot, Pam Lickteig and Cheryl Metz. They also have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They are celebrating with a family dinner.

Terry and Peggy Dunn, members of Church of the Nativity Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 8, 2022. The couple was married on Jan. 8, 1972, at Curé of Ars Church, Leawood. Their children are: Patrick Dunn, Brian Dunn, Katie Fitzgerald, and Michael Dunn.

They also have 14 grandchildren.

They will celebrate with a family dinner and a family vacation later in the year.

Tom and Betty (Schneider) Coleman, members of Immaculate Concept i o n Parish, Valley Fa l l s , w i l l celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29. The couple was married on Dec. 29, 1951, at Corpus Christi Church, Mooney Creek. Their children are: Robert Coleman, Sheryl Coleman, Mark Coleman and Kristy Burns. They also have 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

52 Rhinoceroses 54 City destroyed by fire 56 Ump 57 Levee 59 Battle of nations 60 Creative work 61 Epochs 63 Imagine 68 Day of the wk.

69 Uncommon 70 Country 71 Reduced (abbr.)

72 Microphone 73 Trapped DOWN 1 Policeman 2 Winter hazard 3 Gashed 4 Wing 5 Persian king; the Mede 6 Zeal 7 Radiation dose 8 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries 9 Truss (2 wds.)

10 Asiatic herb 11 Gives recognition 12 Folded sheets of paper 13 Bee’s families 21 Remove a light bulb

24 A king of the Amalekites 25 Bird Noah sent out 26 Prison 27 Peculiar 28 Perch 30 Sprint 33 Heavenly sign for Noah 36 Canoe propeller 37 Vapor 39 Outer layer of skin 41 Secret of Samson’s strength 42 Ca. University 43 Baloney 44 __ Francisco 45 Electroencephalograph (abbr.)

46 Sticky black substance 47 List of errors 48 Winged angelic being 49 Hoister 51 Jesus was baptized in this river 53 Wife of Abraham, originally 55 Big water pipes 58 One of the Gospels 62 Visualize 64 Airport abbr.

65 Atmosphere 66 Digit 67 Finale Solution on page 15

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Simplicity of Sisters, Servants’ ministry won young woman over

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The persistence of God’s call drew Teresa Seaton to a religious vocation. But it was the compelling charism of the Sisters, Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick that attracted her to this particular religious community.

On Dec. 8, Sister Teresa affirmed her response to the call and her commitment to the charism of ministry to the sick as she professed perpetual vows during a special Mass at the Sisters, Servants convent in Kansas City, Kansas.

In doing so, she became one of only 10 or 11 U.S.-born members of the Sisters, Servants since the congregation’s founding by Saint Maria Soledad in Spain in 1851. Her profession marked the culmination of thoughtful discernment and years of prayerful formation.

Growing up in Bonner Springs, Seaton was the fourth oldest of 12 children of Cheryle and Jerry Seaton. She attended Catholic school through third grade, was home-schooled through middle school and graduated from the local high school. While she learned to appreciate the value of her faith, she had very little exposure to women religious.

As a freshman at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Seaton enrolled in a prephysical therapy program. In the midst of rethinking her career direction, however, she experienced a call to become a Sister herself.

She returned home to Bonner Springs with plans to apply for the nursing program at Kansas City Kansas Community College. In this setting, pieces of the puzzle in Seaton’s vocational discernment began to take shape.

This was the last place she expected to encounter nuns, she said. But it was in a nursing class that Seaton first met a Sister, Servant of Mary. All the while, the Lord’s call seemed to intensify.

Seaton participated in a discernment group at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence, facilitated by the Apostles of the Interior Life.

She learned about and considered joining other religious communities.

But then she visited the Sisters, Servants at their convent and had the opportunity to accompany a Sister attending a sick patient in their home.

The incredible simplicity of this ministry of presence struck a deep chord and changed her perspective.

“I realized that we don’t need titles and advanced degrees to serve people,” said now-Sister Teresa. “It’s more important to operate on the level of the heart. The service the Sisters, Servants provide — as humble as it is — opens people up to the Lord.”

Seaton, a member of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor, believed that she would be at home in this charitable ministry of service and that this community was her place as intended by God. She entered the Sisters, Servants novitiate in Oxnard, California, in fall 2012. Over three years there, she experienced community life by living it.

“You can’t learn the life of a Sister from a book,” she said.

With other novices, she studied church teachings and documents. She also learned Spanish, the first language of the majority of Sisters, Servants of Mary. The novitiate was bilingual and the repetition of materials in English and Spanish proved helpful.

Toward the end of the novitiate, the novices participated in active ministry,

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Sister Teresa Seaton receives a kiss on her ring from Mother Alicia Hermosillo. On Dec. 8, Sister Teresa professed perpetual vows to the Sisters, Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick in a special Mass at the Sisters, Servants convent in Kansas City, Kansas. serving the sick in their homes. First profession of vows followed. Seaton then came to the Kansas City convent for her juniorate. This structured program likewise incorporated formation and ministry. During this time, she earned her nurse assistant certification at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas.

For the next four years, formation continued at the Sisters, Servants convent in the Bronx, New York. She became immersed in religious life and ministered to the sick in their homes six nights a week. She spent the final six months in Azpeitia, Spain, with six other women from different continents preparing to profess their vows as Sisters, Servants. This was an intense time of spirituality and prayer. Seaton returned to the Bronx and then to Kansas City in late October for a family visit.

Leading up to the recitation of her vows, Sister Teresa admitted to being both nervous and excited. But once she spoke the vows, she experienced a moment of grace. She knew she meant the words she was professing and that being a Sister, Servant was her calling.

Sister Teresa’s first assignment as a newly professed has been to care for elderly sisters in the infirmary at the Kansas City convent. She considers this a privilege because these Sisters dedicated their lives to caring for others.

“It’s our turn to care for them,” she said.

She will begin nursing classes in fall 2022. In the meantime, Sister Teresa will rotate through ministering days and nights to the sick in their homes and caring for the elderly Sisters.

While she has found it somewhat intimidating to go into the home of a new patient, she understands that it’s all about building a relationship with the person.

“You go with faith,” she explained, “knowing that this is the one God asks you to care for.”

Like other Sisters, Servants, Sister Teresa will begin everything she does at the foot of the cross. Prayer and time with the Lord will be the impetus to

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the ring of Sister Teresa Seaton as she professes perpetual vows to the Sisters, Servants of Mary on Dec. 8. reach out and serve others.

As a living witness that happiness is found in God alone, she will bring care and joy to the sick and dying, seeing

Christ in them and embodying Jesus’ words — and the Sisters, Servants motto — “I was sick, and you visited me” (Mt 25:36).

BEST OF THE REST W

By Todd Habiger Leaven production manager

hat’s a poor designer to do? Every year, thousands of photos pass through my computer and, more often than not, I have to choose only one to go with an article. Our photographers are talented and creative and give me lots to work with — and I get one choice. It’s like giving a starving person a menu. How do you choose? Sometimes, the best photo that helps illustrate the story isn’t the “best” photo. What I’ve done here is chosen some of those awesome photos that didn’t make it into print and finally given them their place in the sun. I hope you enjoy this little photo feature. They are my favorites from 2021 that finally see the promised land of newsprint.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

I immediately fell in love with this photo that Jay Soldner gave me from a eucharistic adoration service with Archbishop Naumann at Hayden High School in Topeka. It’s a great perspective that you rarely see. Unfortunately, space in The Leaven was tight that issue and I never got to use it. It’s one of my favorite photos of the year, though, so I just had to see it in print.

RAINY DAY

Jay Soldner, like all good photographers, never leaves home without his camera.

One day, while waiting for his kids outside their school, Corpus Christi in Lawrence, he noticed the reflection of the church steeple in each of the raindrops gathering on his car. So he grabbed his camera, made some photo magic and sent this to me.

PLAY BALL

This photo was taken by Kathryn White at a Holy Family School of Faith rosary event in October. The emphasis was to get young people more involved in the rosary. The event was a great success, as the kids came out in droves. Beforehand, many played cornhole, tossed footballs and kicked soccer balls. I particularly liked this one of an intense game of Spikeball.

VACCINATED

Jay Soldner was sent to Atchison to get photos of a vaccination event in early January. He got lots of photos of people receiving their vaccine, knowing that’s what I needed. But then, he got creative and tried more artsy styles. I really like this one of Atchison County Health Department employee, Lori Forge, RN, drawing an individual dose from a 10-dose vial of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

MOON SHOT

Jay Soldner often just takes off and looks for something to photograph. On March 27, he found himself in Nemaha County outside of St. Mary Church in St. Benedict and photographed this beauty of the paschal full moon rising behind the church. I just love the color of the sky and the birds in flight. This is just a beautiful photo.

CHRISM MASS

The archdiocesan Chrism Mass rarely gets its due in The Leaven because it falls during a skip week in our schedule. Still, it’s an important gathering that we document and share online. Kathryn White demonstrates her creativity here with a fisheye lens that captures almost the entire presbyterate, despite the social distancing.

GIDDY UP

When Jay Soldner went to Prairie Star Ranch to photograph the behind-the-scenes workings of camp, he was introduced to camp horse trainer Casey Baker. I could do a whole photo essay on the shots Jay got of Baker. But this was one of my favorites because it shows Baker in action as he tries out a new horse given to the ranch after it became too much to handle for its original owner. The horse really likes to run, but Baker has to see whether, with some work, it has the potential to be a good trail horse.

THE COMEBACK

Corpus Christi weekend was an especially big deal this year, as it was the weekend that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann lifted the dispensation from Mass that he had instituted more than a year before because of the COVID pandemic. Kathryn White captured this beautiful image of the archbishop as he stopped at an altar set up in a neighborhood near the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

The procession with the Blessed Sacrament took place on June 6, Corpus Christi Sunday.

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

10

Father Kearns remembered for his interest in, support of others

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Pastoral assignments

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For Father Thomas Ambrose Kearns, his priesthood was a total giving of himself and encountering others.

“He let no one be a stranger to him,” said Msgr. Ray Burger, retired. “Tom was renowned for his desire to know everything about everyone he met. His piercing questions to newcomers and oldsters brought forth results, and a stranger was no longer a stranger, but a friend.”

Near the end of his life, he’d always ask visiting priests, “How are the guys?” “‘The guys’ were all his priest friends,” said Msgr. Burger. “Life wasn’t about Tom. It was about others and his concern for them.”

Father Kearns, 87, died on Dec. 16 at Villa St. Francis Care Center in Olathe.

He was a priest for 61 years.

He was born on Sept. 5, 1934, in Kansas City, Kansas, one of three children of John Patrick and Margaret Lillian (Loftus) Kearns. The family belonged to the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

He attended the cathedral grade school and graduated in 1952 from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Saint Mary College in Leavenworth and graduated in 1954 from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri. He studied for the priesthood from 1954-1960 at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver.

Father Kearns was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1960, by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler at the Cathedral of St. Peter. His first assignment was as associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Al Rockers, retired, recalled how Father Kearns enjoyed the outdoors. Together, they bought a few acres at Lake Perry and built a simple cabin. Father Kearns loved to run and walk the trails. He was an avid jogger in all weather.

Father Kearns persistently promoted vocations.

“He was vocation director for a while, but even when he no longer had the title, he still did that work,” said Father Rockers. “He was always interested in our seminarians — visiting, supporting and helping them. He kept this up all his life.”

Father Francis Hund, in fact, was personally invited by Father Kearns to consider the priesthood when the latter was his pastor.

He was also supportive of his fellow priests, said Father Hund, archdiocesan minister to priests. Father Kearns was instrumental in co-founding the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests prayer

group in 1972.

And many a world problem, he believed, was solved over a cup of coffee.

“Tom was very serious about his coffee,” said Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “He called it ‘touching base’ with people. He saw this as important. He believed there was no better way to visit than over a cup of coffee.”

Father Kearns was also a mentor.

“He taught me how to take a day off,” said Father Mertes. “He said there will always be something on a Monday that you think you have to do, but take the day off. He was right. That was a good lesson.”

Father Kearns belonged to that generation of priests who implemented changes after the Second Vatican Council “He might not have been the flashiest pastor, but he really believed in getting people involved in ministry,” said Father Mertes. “He was truly a child of

Family Owned and Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1929 During this pandemic, we are still able to make arrangements and conduct services to honor your loved one in a meaningful way. Arrangements and Advanced Planning can be completed virtually or in the comfort of your own home. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

913-371-1404 | 340 N. 6th St. Kansas City, KS

| www.skradskifh-kc.com

the Second Vatican Council. He [came from] a time after the council when we interpreted ‘full, active participation’ as more people doing more roles.

That’s the way we understood it. Some [priests] now think that’s kind of chaotic, distracting and disrespectful — lots of people doing lots of things. But in the 1970s, that’s what the church was doing, and that was very important to Tom.” Father Kearns retired in 2004 and became senior associate pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park while assisting at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. In 2010, he lived in residence at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and assisted there and at Our Lady & St. Rose and Christ the King parishes in Kansas City, Kansas.

In 2018, Father Kearns moved to Overland Park Place, and then in March 2020 to Villa St. Francis.

Father Kearns was preceded in death by his parents and siblings John Kearns

• 1960: Associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and taught at St. Joseph School in Shawnee • 1963: Associate pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and taught at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas • 1965: Archdiocesan vocation director and associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas • 1966: Administrator of St. Lawrence Parish in Easton and St. Joseph of the Valley in rural Leavenworth County • 1966: Pastor of Assumption Parish in Edgerton and Annunciation Parish in Baldwin, and campus minister at Baker University; taught at Providence Nursing School and Bishop Ward High School • 1970: Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Paxico and Holy Family Parish in Alma • 1971: Team ministry at Immaculate Conception in St. Marys, St. Stanislaus in Rossville, Sacred Heart in Delia, Holy Cross in Emmett, St. Vincent De Paul in Onaga, St. Michael in Wheaton, St. Columbkille in Blaine and St. Bernard, Wamego • 1979: Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas • 1980: Pastor of Assumption Parish in Topeka • 1986: Pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park • 1997: Sabbatical in Rome • 1998: Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha and St. Augustine Parish in Fidelity • 1998: Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Paola • 2004: Retired • 2005: Senior associate pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park • 2010: Senior associate at Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady & St. Rose and Christ the King parishes in Kansas City, Kansas

and Ellen (Kearns) McCarthy. He is survived by 10 nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Dec. 22 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as main celebrant. Burial was at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. The family asked that memorial contributions be given to Villa St. Francis or the Catholic Education Foundation.

Funeral arrangements were by Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory in Lenexa.

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

11

YCP offers young Catholic professionals a place to meet, grow

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Mo. — When Thomas Himmelberg moved to Kansas City two-and-a-half years ago, something was missing in

his life.

“I was looking for a stronger Catholic identity in Kansas City,” he said.

Himmelberg joined Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood last summer, but due to COVID-19, opportunities to meet other young Catholics were infrequent.

“Even in joining a parish, I still wasn’t getting to meet anybody because there weren’t a lot of programs or events,” he said. “I wasn’t meeting people my age.”

But Himmelberg and a team of young adults in the Kansas City metro are determined to change that.

They’re starting a Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) chapter in Kansas City.

The chapter will host a launch party on Jan. 6 from 7-9 p.m. at Notre Dame de Sion Grade School in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event is free for participants and a chance for people of all ages, especially young adults, to see what the organization is about.

YCP is a national organization with chapters in cities across the country that provides a place for young Catholic professionals to network and grow in faith.

It offers monthly events, including networking happy hours, executive speaker series, mentorship opportunities, panel discussions and more.

YCP is different from other Catholic young adult groups because of its professional aspect, said Himmelberg.

“We have the ability to draw in people that aren’t necessarily attending church every Sunday,” he said, “people that aren’t extremely strong in their faith right now or maybe have never really had exposure to it.”

In an endorsement letter for the

Young Catholic Professionals is starting a chapter in Kansas City. The chapter will host a launch party on Jan. 6 from 7-9 p.m. at Notre Dame de Sion Grade School in Kansas City, Missouri. group, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann expressed his hopes for it to “strengthen young professionals as they grow in their personal relationship with Christ and fellowship with each other.”

“This ministry has the great potential to encourage individual discipleship, build authentic friendships, inspire faithful witness and bring the Gospel into a variety of work environments,” he added.

The chapter has a board of directors and a leadership team, including positions in evangelization, finance, outreach, technology and more.

Sydney Manning, director of marketing and external vice president for the chapter, was eager to get involved.

“Once I graduated college, I realized there weren’t the same opportunities for young adults as there are for high school and college students and more seasoned professionals,” she said.

Manning is excited for the opportunity to provide a space for Catholics

involved in a variety of professional fields.

She hopes the group will help her incorporate her faith into every aspect of her life.

“Being comfortable enough in my faith to bring it into my work life and openly talk about it has been really refreshing,” she said.

Grace Hass, director of operations, graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison and craved a community like YCP when she moved to Kansas City.

“While we are fortunate to have many great events for young Catholics in KC, YCP provides a unique opportunity for professional growth and networking with a Catholic identity,” she said.

Her dream for the chapter is “to establish a dynamic community of young professionals that are striving to sanctify their work and live out the Gospel in the workplace.”

Himmelberg encourages anyone

To learn more To RSVP for the Young Catholic Professionals Kansas City launch event, go online to: ycpkansascity.org/launch.

To find out more information about the Kansas City chapter and view upcoming events, visit the website at: ycpkansascity.org.

To learn more about Young Catholic Professionals, visit the website at: youngcatholicprofessionals.org.

interested to attend the launch party and learn more about what YCP has to offer.

His ultimate hope is that it will give members the “ability to be proud of their faith in their secular workplace and not feel so lonely or disconnected between their worship on Sundays and their work Monday through Friday.”

Simple act of kindness has been life-giving for the Bridge Club >> Continued from page 3 noticed more homeless camps on the Missouri side of the state line.

The Bridge Club’s help enables them to expand their reach.

“We’re very thankful for everything that they do and their compassionate heart for the poor,” said Sister Miracles.

‘It’s rewarding — and it’s sad’ After the Sisters take the food items they need, the Bridge Club frequently heads to Bridge of Hope Community Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

The church has a food pantry that serves families and individuals in the area — many of them shut-ins.

The Bridge Club is “very, very helpful and instrumental to keeping what we’re doing alive,” said Veronica, who works at the church.

The group has also taken food to various Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas ministries and the Bishop Sullivan Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

When they have additional food, they trek to bridges near the Country

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Veronica and Willie from Bridge of Hope Community Church in Kansas City, Kansas, unload some of the groceries delivered by the Bridge Club on Dec. 15. The Bridge Club delivers some items to the Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ and then takes the rest on to those in need.

Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, to seek out those in need.

“One time, a woman said, ‘Do you have any meat?’” recalled Brown.

The group never had meat available — until this particular instance.

“We had just gotten some from the salad

bar,” said Brown. “We were so thrilled to give her meat. She was so excited.”

“It’s rewarding,” she reflected, “and it’s sad.”

Of the people she’s served, Brown has noticed they all have one thing in common.

“They don’t take more than they will eat,” she said. “I’ve heard them say, ‘I don’t want to waste.’ They take just what they can eat.”

Porter, who often takes her grandkids with her on the route for service hours, agreed.

“The . . . homeless live for today,” she said. “They have very few possessions.

They usually don’t have anything else more than what they need and can keep with them safely every day.”

Brown and Porter know many of the people they help by name.

Those they serve even come up with nicknames for them, like “Sister Pat.” “Most of the people have come to know us,” said Porter. “They see our car and they come running. They are so excited and so happy to have somebody bring them food.”

For the Bridge Club, witnessing the impact of a simple act of kindness has been life-giving.

And the lessons they’ve learned along the way have shaped their lives.

“These people are human beings,” said Porter. “They have wants and needs just like we do.

“They are so grateful. They are humble. They’re just ordinary people.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Administrative assistant, human resources - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time position of administrative assistant for the human resources office. This position will provide administrative support to the human resources director and three HR consultants. Qualified applicants must be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of Office products; possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; be a practicing Catholic in good standing; and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Previous experience working in a human resources office is preferred. This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years’ prior experience working in a professional office environment. Self-motivated candidates with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are encouraged to submit their information for consideration. To apply, visit the website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Position open until filled.

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

Math teacher - The students at Holy Spirit School need a terrific math teacher able to help them learn pre- algebra and algebra. Their current teacher will be on maternity leave from March – May 2022. So, if you have a Kansas certification or a Kansas substitute license with this mathematical ability, we would love to talk with YOU! This position will be Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org if you are interested in learning more about this position.

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

Teacher - Holy Spirit School is seeking a certified math teacher or someone with a Kansas substitute license with the ability to teach geometry to a small group of advanced placement students. The current teacher will be on maternity leave from March – May 2022. The hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 6:45 – 7:40 a.m. Please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org if you are interested in learning more about this position.

Administrative assistant, marriage and family life - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time position of administrative assistant for the office of marriage and family life. Qualified applicants must have experience handling general office duties; assisting with event preparations; creating and maintaining databases; using software platforms to create flyers and promotional materials; must be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of Office products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, internet and the ability to learn other software and social media as required; file management of both paper and electronic files; must be a practicing Catholic in good standing; and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years’ prior experience working in a professional office environment. Must have strong writing and creativity skills. Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. To apply, visit the website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Application deadline is Dec. 31.

Consultant, human resources - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time position of consultant for the human resources office. This position provides training and guidance to archdiocesan entities regarding payroll and benefits processes. The consultant position is also the liaison between our immigration legal advisers and the archdiocese. Additionally, this position is responsible for special projects. Qualified applicants must be have previous experience working with human resources payroll systems, HRIS or benefit software. The ideal candidate will be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of Office Products; possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; be a practicing Catholic in good standing; and an active and faithful steward in their parish. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial relations or human resources or related field of study is required. Previous human resources experience is required. To apply, visit the website at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Position open until filled.

Volunteer management coordinator - Inspired by Christian faith, the Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC) in Kansas City, Missouri, shows God’s love to people in financial hardship by providing food, help in finding jobs and other aid. Beyond material assistance, the Bishop Sullivan Center strives to build relationships between those who live in poverty and those who do not, promoting mutual understanding and affirming the dignity of all.

BSC is seeking a full-time volunteer coordinator to work primarily at our 3936 Troost Ave. location in Kansas City, Missouri. Responsibilities include: volunteer recruitment; coordination of services; management; training and appreciation of all agency volunteers; as well as front of the house management of volunteers during lunch and dinner Monday - Friday at One City Café, our community kitchen. Hours are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

For additional information or to apply, send an email to: m.carlstedt@bishopsullivan.org or call (816) 231-2971.

Consultant for student services/special education The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a consultant for student services/special education. This position is responsible for assisting schools in meeting the needs of students with special learning needs enrolled in the Catholic schools within the archdiocese.

This position provides on-site consultation with principals and teachers regarding students with special needs; provides on-site training for teachers; and engages in the student improvement teams. Additionally, the incumbent assists schools in accessing funds from federal title programs to support students with special needs. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. This position requires a master’s degree in special education with at least five years’ experience in special education. To apply, visit the website at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Application deadline is Feb. 1.

School cafeteria workers – Holy Spirit Catholic School, Overland Park, is seeking school cafeteria workers willing to learn all duties in assigned areas to include production, preparation, storage of food/supplies, accountability and safety/sanitation. Workers may perform sales transactions and must interact with students in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Compliance with sanitation and safety requirements is essential, and basic math skills are required. Shifts will be Monday – Friday and hours are flexible. Previous kitchen/ cafeteria experience preferred but not required. If interested, please contact Larry at: lgroce@hscatholic.org to schedule an interview.

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

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

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

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

Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary.

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

St. Mary’s food kitchen manager - Do you have a calling to serve others? Do you want to feel fulfilled at the end of your workday? If you do, St. Mary’s Food Kitchen is seeking to hire a full-time manager. The ideal candidate has a calling to serve the hungry in an urban context. You will assist coordinators and volunteers from supporting religious organizations serve a delicious and nutritious meal to the underprivileged in Kansas City, Kansas. Reporting to the board of directors of Hot Lunch Service, Inc., you will need to have good communication (writing and verbal) and management skills.

Experience in fund-raising, marketing and community outreach are beneficial but not required. Salary range is $35,000 to $50,000 based on experience and education. A college degree is preferred. Interested? Please submit a current resume, letter of interest and references, along with contact information, to: hotlunch serviceinc@gmail.com.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grant manager position - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is hiring a full-time grant manager to join its development team! This position will research, write, manage, report and submit grant applications to institutional, governmental and United Way partners to help raise critical funds for the mission of Catholic Charities. For more information, please visit: www.catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “About Us” and “Careers” to view this open position.

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

DECEMBER 24, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Live-in or live-out caregivers (assistants) - Looking for purposeful volunteer or paid work? Live-in or liveout caregivers (assistants) needed for all shifts with adults with intellectual disabilities. Residential group homes that house max of five individuals, located in old Overland Park. Duties include but are not exclusive to: learn and know the charter of L’Arche; be responsible for the overall growth and direction of the home; foster appropriate relationships between all members of the home; foster positive and supportive relationships with families and professionals; and attend community nights and other community events. Qualifications: someone who has lived or worked in a community with persons with disabilities preferred; good organizational skills; good communication skills; the ability to deal with conflict objectively. Must have a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or equivalent; pass all required background checks and pass required preemployment readiness evaluation. All training provided after hire: CPR/first aid, medication administration; rights and responsibilities; abuse, neglect and exploitation training; and emergency preparedness and documentation training. Hourly pay: range dependent on experience: $13.50-$15/hour. Perks include: eight paid holidays; flexible hours available; health, dental and vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland); 401(k) and paid time off. Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heart land@larcheks.org.

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

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

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

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

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

Quality work - Kitchen and bath room additions. Licensed and insured. Call (913) 206-4524.

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

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

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

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

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

REAL ESTATE We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

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

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

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

‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel Parish 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.

1st and 3rd Wed. of every month

We who have experienced divorce understand, as perhaps few others can. We too were sad, lonely, scared and angry but we have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, go online to: www.stmichaelcp.org/divorce-support.

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

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

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

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

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

POTLUCK DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Jan. 16 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers

13

Organization will host the potluck dinner.

There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disabled? Can’t Work?

I help you win disability benefits.

No out of pocket fees. http://www.montemacedisability.net

785.331.6452

SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins.

Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits.

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

>> Continued from page 12 Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

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

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

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

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

All interior, exterior work. Licensed and insured.

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

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Cleanup and hauling *Dirt grading/installation Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

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

Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

WANTED TO BUY

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Dec. 26 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14 Ps 128: 1-5 Col 3: 12-21 Lk 2: 41-52 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, 7c-8 Mt 2: 13-18 Dec. 29 FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 3-11 Ps 96: 1-3, 5b-6 Lk 2: 22-35 Dec. 30 SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 12-17 Ps 96: 7-10 Lk 2: 36-40 Dec. 31 SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 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 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Is 60: 1-6 Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13 Eph 3: 2-3a, 5-6 Mt 2: 1-12 Jan. 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus 1 Jn 3:22 – 4:6 Ps 2: 7bc-8, 10-12a Mt 4: 12-17, 23-25 Jan. 4 Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Jn 4: 7-10 Ps 72: 1-4, 7-8 Mk 6: 34-44 Jan. 5 John Neumann, bishop 1 Jn 4: 11-18 Ps 72: 1-2, 10, 12-13 Mk 6: 45-52 Jan. 6 André Bessette, religious 1 Jn 4:19 – 5:4 Ps 72: 1-2, 14, 15bc, 17 Lk 4: 14-22a Jan. 7 Raymond Penyafort, priest 1 Jn 5: 5-13 Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20 Lk 5: 12-16 Jan. 8 Christmas Weekday 1 Jn 5: 14-21 Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b Jn 3: 22-30

I

What if we really changed for a change?

t’s one of the best memes I’ve seen recently: “Before agreeing to 2022, I need to see its terms and conditions.”

After these past couple of years, that seems to be a wise course to take. From the advent of the pandemic to its continuation today, the world has been on a roller coaster ride.

In the face of so many global and national issues, we may feel powerless and paralyzed. But then, a new year knocks on the door to remind us that there is some place where we do have the power to change things for the better: It begins with our own life.

Ahead of us we have 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes and 31,536,000 seconds.

How will you use that time?

Many people choose to make resolutions to begin the new year, which is recommended and admirable. However, most of those good intentions fade as

B

DECEMBER 24, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

MARK MY WORDS

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

the year goes on, and people end up pretty much the same on Dec. 31 as they were on New Year’s Day. Perhaps some of the failure comes from trying to do too much at once. Or perhaps all the intended changes had to do only with our physical selves, such as losing weight or quitting some bad habit.

While taking care of our bodies is certainly good, we shouldn’t forget to care for our minds and souls as well.

Father William Byrne in his book “5 Things with Father Bill” has some wonderful, practical suggestions for expanding our understanding of New Year’s resolutions: • Spread gossip, but only good gossip. In other words, notice what is right with other people and spread compliments freely.

• Learn. Read more in this coming year, especially about your faith and the Bible. (The Leaven would be an excellent place to start!)

• Pray. Explore a new form of prayer or occasionally attend Mass on a weekday in addition to Sunday.

• Serve. Volunteer in some capacity at your

parish or in the community.

• Make small sacrifices. Donate financially to a worthy cause, limit your screen time, forgo eating meat on some Fridays, help fold clothes or empty the dishwasher (even when it’s not your turn).

Most importantly, follow “rule three” as explained in this little story: The managing director of a large corporation was sitting in his office talking with a client. Suddenly, a secretary burst into the room with a sheaf of impressive documents.

He talked excitedly at great length, seeking to impress upon his boss the desperate nature of his problem.

“Jones,” said the manager, “please don’t forget rule three.”

The secretary looked startled, then folded his papers and left the room smiling.

Overcome by curiosity, the client asked the manager to tell him about rule three.

“Rule three,” he replied, “is: Don’t take

yourself too seriously.”

“And what are rules one and two?” asked the client.

“There are no other rules in this business,” the manager replied, “only rule three.”

(Adapted from a story in Anthony Castle’s “A Treasure of Quips, Quotes & Anecdotes for Preachers and Teachers.”)

I suspect the world would be quite a different place if we practiced “rule three.”

Hostile threads would disappear from Twitter and Facebook, political posturing would be eliminated and polarization would be transformed into cooperation.

My motto for 2022 is summed up in the words on a holy card included in my Christmas cards this year: “Out of darkness shall come dawn, out of winter shall come spring, out of striving shall come peace — not by our power, but by the power of God.” Now, those are terms and conditions I can agree to!

May the Holy Family be at the center of ours

iblical families experienced the struggles and challenges faced by many families.

In the Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve are torn apart as they turn away from the harmony of the original unity of love in the friendship God offered to them. Their sons are engulfed by jealousy as Cain, a farmer, murders his shepherd brother Abel, whose sacrifice found favor with God. After God’s saving protection from the mighty flood, the sons of Noah discover their father in a state of drunken nakedness.

Then Joseph is sold by his brothers in their petty jealousy that led them to plot the

,

JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

murder of their own flesh and blood.

And the king of Israel, David, ensures the battlefield killing of Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba, who was pregnant with David’s child. In these and numerous other Old

Testament stories, families struggle with the consequences of human infidelity and sin.

On Sunday, the church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As the graces of Christmas continue to echo within our hearts, we reflect on the wondrous gift of the incarnation of God in the newborn child Jesus. On this feast, we ponder the close bonds of familial love that held Jesus, Mary

and Joseph together.

God sent his divine son Jesus not as a self-sufficient and powerful individual, but as a poor, humble child born into a closeknit human family that raised, nourished and educated him.

God sent his own son into a human family so that Jesus transforms, with his divine love and power, the heart of every family, burdened by sinfulness, weakness and failures of every kind.

In Jesus, the relationships of family life are transformed by the power of God’s love. For Jesus experienced the love of his heavenly Father within the love of the Holy Family.

The Gospel story of

the finding of the child Jesus in the Temple reminds us that Jesus was nurtured within a human family as he grew in wisdom, age and favor to carry out freely the saving plan of his heavenly Father.

The love of Mary and Joseph in the family and home of Nazareth strengthened in Jesus the love with which he gave his life for the salvation of the world.

As this year draws to a close and we look ahead to a new year of God’s blessings, we take to heart the words of St. Paul: “And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” May Jesus, Mary and Joseph be at the center of our families as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

St. Joseph’s quiet humility teaches value of silence, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The absence of any words attributed to St. Joseph in the Gospels speaks volumes about the importance of silence, Pope Francis said.

St. Joseph’s silence was “not mutism,” but a quality that allowed him to listen to the word and will of the Holy Spirit, the pope said during his weekly general audience Dec. 15.

“This is why we must learn from Joseph to cultivate silence — that space of interiority in our days in which we give the Spirit the opportunity to regenerate us, to console us, to correct us,” he said.

During his audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, Pope Francis continued his series of talks on St. Joseph, reflecting on his silence which is “an important

personal aspect” that even Christ incorporated in his own life and ministry.

“Jesus was raised in this ‘school,’ in the house of Nazareth, with the daily example of Mary and Joseph,” the pope explained.

“And it is not surprising that he himself sought spaces of silence in his days and invited his disciples to have such an experience.”

COLUMNISTS

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Calling all volunteers; office hopes to resume respite program

C

hristmas season is upon us!

There is so much to be excited about and grateful for this time of year.

One of my favorite things about Christmas is it’s a great opportunity to find ways to give back and spread and encounter the love of Christ with others.

If you would like to find ways to serve and encounter God’s love, the archdiocesan office of special needs is looking to restart the BREATHE respite care program that had been put on hold due to the pandemic.

H

LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM

JOSHUA RUOFF Joshua Ruoff is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@archkck.org.

If you are not familiar with this program, it is a once-a-month

opportunity for families and caregivers to share their loved one with special needs with us, allowing them to have a time of respite to recharge their batteries or take care of things that they don’t often have time for.

It is also an opportunity for individuals with special needs to build community with other individuals in similar life scenarios as them. They get to play games, learn new skills, engage in various activities that include art and music, and pray.

The office of special needs cannot restart BREATHE alone. We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to give of their time and talents.

You do not need any experience in working with individuals with special needs. We will ensure that you are provided with any

type of training you need.

Our hope is to have individuals aged 14plus serve as volunteers to be companions to the people we serve. My vision is to pair anyone under the age of 18 with an adult so that each person has a buddy they can rely on for assistance.

If you feel called to this opportunity or if you have any questions, please contact me at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: jruoff@archkck.org.

Our hope is to finalize locations and number of volunteers in early January so that we can hold a volunteer

training later in January and restart the ministry in February.

As we close out this year and look to the next, the office of special needs also wishes to thank all of those who continue to serve and support our ministry.

The last two years have presented numerous challenges for all of us, but God has continued to provide.

From all of us at the archdiocese, we want to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with health and happiness to you and all those you love.

Give your teen the gift of leadership this holy season

ave you ever wondered that of all the music ever made, Christmas carols seem to have no equal in their diversity and profusion of beauty?

Each year, even the hardest of unbelieving hearts cannot but be moved by the songs that sing of the birth of Christ, the God become man, the king born into poverty, who has come to save us.

It is as if the Holy Spirit, the animator of all beautiful art, has for centuries poured out inspiration to create music that speaks to our longing for reconciliation with the transcendent God. These songs are all aspirational.

DO UNTO OTHERS

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

Emmanuel, the God who is now with us, has brought the possibility of peace on earth. Jesus Christ is nothing if not a God of

surprises, so it should be no surprise that the peace he brings will not be done for us, but must be done through our cooperation with his grace.

So, when we ask how God can allow so much evil in the world, we only have to look at ourselves. Too many of us are saying “no” to God and the mission

he has entrusted to each of us.

So, how can we bring this peace? And for those of us charged with raising adolescents into Christian adults, how can we help them learn to bring this peace? By virtue of our baptism, we are reborn into the kingship of Christ.

Jesus has shown us that to be a king, we must, like him, be a servant leader. This is what Pope Francis meant when he said to a group of college students: “For leadership, there is only one road: service. There is no other way. If you have many qualities . . . but you are not a servant, your leadership will fail.”

This summer, many of our parishes will be providing opportunities for our Catholic teens to practice this leadership of service through mission trips.

The archdiocesan office for social justice, in collaboration with the vocations office, is proud to offer an easy and affordable way for all our parish youth to have such a servantleader experience through our Prayer and Action mission trips, this year in Emporia.

So, as the songs of peace on earth still echo in our ears, talk to the Catholic teens in your life and invite them to bring the peace of Christ to those in need by joining other youth for

a summer mission trip with Prayer and Action (P&A).

Most P&A teenaged missionaries report being transformed by their experiences with Prayer and Action.

Encourage your parish leadership to organize a youth group to go.

Registration is now open. Go to the website at: PandAKC.org to sign up and/or to learn more. The peace that Christ brings you abides with you as you bring it to others through service.

This is a peace that our teens need to practice, as do we all, who sing in exultation at the birth of Christ and his kingdom, which is now and not quite yet.

Crossword solution

Barrett Insurance Agency Inc Erin Barrett CLU ChFC, Agent 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway erin@insurewitherin.com Bus: 913-648-1100 Hablamos Español St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner State Farm, Bloomington, IL 2001738

DECEMBER 24, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FEATURE

16

‘O HOLY NIGHT’

A carol for the weary

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

Children sing in front of the Nativity scene during its unveiling in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Christmas Eve Dec. 24, 2012. “O Holy Night” isn’t just a carol, but a hymn of worship.

By Shemaiah Gonzalez Catholic News Service

T

he Christmas song that always slays me, jolts me out of my secular complacency and reminds me that this is an absolutely sacred moment in the history of mankind we are celebrating here is the carol, “O Holy Night.”

It is one of those songs that you feel.

Not only the music, the melody, the notes, especially that high C sharp that sends shivers up your spine, but you feel the song deep in your soul. You know it is true and right.

The carol was originally written in French in 1843, by poet Placide Cappeau and set to music by Adolphe Adam. The piece was written to celebrate the renovation of a church organ.

Over a decade later, the song was loosely translated into English by Unitarian minister, transcendentalist and abolitionist John Sullivan Dwight. The

song became popular in the North, especially among abolitionists for the rousing lines in the third verse: “Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother/And in his name all oppression shall cease.”

The song gave poetry to the cause against slavery and persecution. We are reminded that Jesus’ redemption is not only universal but specific to the evil of each age.

One of the things that frustrates me about this song is that it is usually sung by a soloist at church. Understandably so. Its wide vocal range makes it one of the most difficult Christmas songs to sing. But when you are the one singing, each line resonates as if it was written just for you and Jesus.

“O holy night, the stars are brightly shining/It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.”

With these lines, I feel like I am plopped down right on the streets of Bethlehem that night 2,000 years ago. I imagine narrow pebbled streets

lined with ancient stone buildings. The biting wind whips through the passageways as I look for the place where the Holy Family waits.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining/Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

We don’t often think of or sing of sin.

I am reminded of how lost I am without Jesus. And at the line, “Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth,” I want to not only sing, my voice cracking with emotion, but raise my hands in thanksgiving and gratitude, praising God for every good thing he has given me.

We all want to know we are worth something in this world. We want to be reminded of his love for us.

“A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices/For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

And how weary my soul has been. As we work to emerge out from this pandemic, we see hope again. This hope reminds us of the ultimate hope, the hope of the entire universe — along with

pandemics, sin, our separation from God — are all in the person of Jesus.

“Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!/O night divine.”

At these lines, I actually want to fall on my knees as I imagine myself in front of Christ’s manger. This mystery, born of the Father before all ages, grew forth from a teenage womb.

I remember the dark nights during these last two years, when I held my worry so close. I remember even darker nights throughout my life and how Jesus speaks to those intimate places. How Jesus brings redemption, not just to my own life but to all humanity.

This song isn’t just a carol, but a hymn of worship. In these words, we remember how Jesus broke into the stillness of a small town and all of time to descend to a sinful humanity. As we sing it, we pray that he would break into our lives now and redeem what we cannot.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.