10 23 20 Vol. 42 No. 12

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 12 | OCTOBER 23, 2020

PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Sheila Gomez sorts through a clothing rack at TurnStyles Thrift store in Mission. Spending two days a week volunteering at the store gives her a chance to stay active and positive despite the pandemic.

LEAN ON ME

Volunteers are lifeblood of Catholic Charities — especially during pandemic

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

How to help

M

ISSION — They are simple tasks.

Inspect clothing donations. Organize the store. Help customers

check out.

But the work of three volunteers at Catholic Charities’ TurnStyles Thrift store in Mission makes a big difference to the community.

“To me, it’s satisfying that I can come in and do a little bit of volunteer work and feel like I’ve contributed to Catholic Charities and am helping the less fortunate in the community,” said Joe Gomez.

“It gives me a purpose,” he added.

Joe volunteers at TurnStyles twice a week with his wife Sheila and their friend Judy Gerling. The Gomezes belong to Sacred Heart Parish, and Gerling attends St. Joseph Parish, both in Shawnee.

Their willingness to continue volunteering and even pick up an extra shift despite the pandemic is a welcomed gift for Catholic Charities.

If you are interested in learning more about TurnStyles or volunteering at one of its stores, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks.org/turnstyles.

To learn about other volunteer opportunities through Catholic Charities, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks. org/volunteer.

PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Joe Gomez inspects a T-shirt in the back of TurnStyles Thrift store in Mission before sorting it into its correct basket. At 82 years old, he continues volunteering at TurnStyles twice a week to help the store serve the community amid the pandemic.

The organization typically relies on 475 volunteers each month to help at its three TurnStyles stores, which provide donated goods to customers seeking affordable clothing, household

products and more.

But the stores closed for a few months earlier this year due to the pandemic, and only 175 volunteers have returned since they reopened.

“Volunteers are essential in keeping our thrift stores up and running,” said Cari Olberding, volunteer coordinator at Catholic Charities.

“We have ensured new safety measures to help keep our volunteers, customers and staff safe, such as wearing masks, cleaning carts and the stores, and installing a Plexiglass barrier at the cash register,” she said.

But its shortage of volunteers isn’t the only challenge TurnStyles has faced.

According to Carol Cowdrey, senior director of marketing and media relations at Catholic Charities, in fiscal year >> See “IT’S” on page 4

2

ARCHBISHOP

OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

It is not enough to support moms through pregnancy and birth

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN success — while at the same time being devoted to her faith, her marriage and her family — is a powerful example of living the Gospel.

Judge Barrett’s ability to balance both being a mother of seven, with two adopted children as well as a child with special needs, along with being a law professor and currently an appellate court judge, is a beautiful example of integrating faith, family and professional responsibilities.

I heard a portion of Sen. Ben Sasse’s questioning of Judge Barrett. The Nebraska senator compared the role of a judge in our legal system to that of an umpire in baseball.

The umpire must not change the rules of baseball to help his preferred team gain victory. The umpire’s role is to apply the rules of the game fairly and accurately for both teams and all players.

In other words, a Supreme Court justice in her or his decisions should not attempt to impose a preferred philosophy of life, but rather is called to apply the law fairly for all parties in a manner consistent with the

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT and CIRCULATION

(Act of October 23, 1962; Section 4369, Title 39, United States Code) PS Form 3526 1. Title of Publication: The Leaven 2. Publication Number: 0194-9799 3. Filing Date: Oct. 1, 2020 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly September - May, except Friday the week after Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and Friday after Easter; biweekly June August.

5. Number of Issues Annually: 41 6. Annual Subscription Price: $21 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher and Editor and Managing Editor:

Constitution, the intent of the legislators and judicial precedent.

Sadly, confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominees have become quite contentious because previous courts have chosen to legislate (to create laws and public policies) rather than adjudicate the constitutionality of laws enacted by the Congress or state Legislatures.

When courts choose to create public policy, we cease being a democratic republic and become an oligarchy — ruled by a small and elite group of individuals.

If Judge Barrett’s nomination is confirmed by the Senate, it is possible that the U.S. Supreme Court will begin to allow greater latitude for the Congress and state Legislatures to protect both the lives of unborn children, as well as parents from experiencing the spiritual and emotional scars that inevitably result from abortion.

The protection of the unborn is not just the preeminent issue when we vote, but it also must be a high pastoral priority for the Catholic community.

This past March, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops invited dioceses and parishes to engage in the Walking with Moms in

Need initiative as a fitting commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope St. John Paul’s encyclical, “The Gospel of Life.”

Walking with Moms in Need is an effort by the church to evaluate the resources available to assist mothers and fathers who are experiencing the many challenges that can impact pregnancy.

These challenges may include access to affordable and high quality prenatal care, financial assistance with providing proper nutrition, appropriate housing, employment, education, emotional support, etc.

Through the Walking with Moms in Need initiative, we hope to identify the gaps and limitations of the resources currently available and discern how we as a church can help fill the gaps and increase the resources.

It is not enough simply to support mothers and families during the pregnancy and at birth of the child. Our goal is to accompany mothers with the support they need so that they and their child will thrive for a lifetime.

We are fortunate in the archdiocese to have some amazing pregnancy resource centers that are eager to walk with moms, but they need additional financial and volunteer support. We also need to communicate more effectively the resources that are available.

If you are interested in assisting with the Walking with Moms in Need initiative, please contact your pastor or Debra Niesen, the consultant for our

Publisher: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 66109-3718 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas Editor: Rev. Mark Goldasich, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, 66109-3718 Managing Editor: Anita McSorley, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, 66109-3718 10. Owner: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 15. Circulation:

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each issue during nearest to

preceding 12 mos. filing date A. Total no. copies printed (Net press run) 50,292 50,171 B. Paid Circulation 1. Mail Subscriptions 49,831

49,764 3. Sales through dealers

“

“

I

was not able to watch much of the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

However, from the portion of the hearings that I was able to view and the summaries on news programs, I was very edified by the composure of this incredibly talented woman.

It was impressive to watch Judge Barrett respond thoughtfully without notes to often very complicated legal questions. Judge Barrett answered respectfully and calmly even to hostile questions from members of the Judiciary Committee.

I find her life story quite inspiring. Amy Coney Barrett grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. Her parents were leaders in a Catholic charismatic prayer group. Judge Barrett was criticized in her confirmation hearing for her current position as a federal appeals court judge for being an “orthodox” Catholic.

Senator Diane Feinstein complained that the “dogma lives loudly” in Judge Barrett.

Judge Barrett makes no qualms about being a serious Catholic. She participates with her family not just by attending Sunday Mass, but by being a very active member of her parish community.

A very poignant and inspiring segment of the hearing was the testimony of a visually impaired former law student. Then-professor Barrett took a personal interest in helping this law student overcome what at the time seemed insurmountable challenges.

Judge Barrett’s high level of professional

FOSTER PARENTING CALLS FOR HEROIC LOVE ON THE PART OF COUPLES. IF AN ENTIRE PARISH COMMUNITY IS COMMITTED TO HELPING AND SUPPORTING FOSTER PARENTS, THIS WILL BE A HUGE MORALE BOOSTER FOR FOSTER FAMILIES. ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

archdiocesan pro-life office.

Our commitment to help mothers, fathers and children thrive has also motivated the archdiocese to form a task force to examine how we as a church can help identify and equip foster care couples for children whose biological parents are unable, at least for a time, to care for them.

This is a huge need in Kansas. There are significantly more children who need foster care than available foster parents.

There are already many Catholic couples in the archdiocese who are serving as foster parents. Our church is grateful for the important service that you provide to children.

We know that foster parenting is not always easy. Our church wants to help and support you in your efforts to help every child to experience a safe and loving home.

I hope that we can raise up several hundred additional Catholic foster care families in the archdiocese. If every parish could raise up, at least, one new foster family, we would have more than 100 additional families.

Our larger parishes can potentially identify several possible foster families. Our hope is that the entire parish will become involved with supporting foster families in their critical role of providing safe havens for children whose biological families are going through difficult times.

If you are interested in assisting with the church’s efforts to help with the foster care crisis in our state, please contact Debra Niesen at our archdiocesan pro-life office.

Foster parenting calls for heroic love on the part of couples. If an entire parish community is committed to helping and supporting foster parents, this will be a huge morale booster for foster families.

Please make certain that you vote.

Elections have consequences.

However, regardless of the outcome of the election, both pregnant women and foster families in our communities need additional support.

You can help build a culture of life by walking with one mom or assisting one foster child. Together, we can make a huge difference.

and carriers, street vendors and counter sales 0

0 C. Total Paid Circulation 49,831

49,764 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1. Outside-County copies included on PS Form 3541

244 240 4. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means) 0 0 E. Total Free Distribution 235

229 F. Total Distribution (Sum of C and D) 50,066 49,993 G. Copies not Distributed Office Use, Left-Over Unaccounted, Spoiled 226 178 H. Total (Sum of 15 f and g) 50,292 50,171 I. Percentage Paid and/ or Requested Circulation 99.5% 99.5% I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Rev. Mark Goldasich, Editor

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

3

TO CUBA WITH LOVE

Olathe parish donates $22,000 to Cuban parish

By Ellie Melero Special to The Leaven

O

LATHE — In a year that has been testing many people in new ways every day, one parish here went above and beyond in its response to the call to help others.

St. Paul Parish in Olathe raised more than $22,000 to donate to a small parish in East Havana for its 2020 mission appeal. It is a new parish record for money raised for the missions. The donation will go toward helping Divine Mercy Parish build a rectory for its priest.

Every year, parishes across the United States raise money to help support missions around the world. Father Michael Hermes, the pastor of St. Paul, chose Divine Mercy Parish in East Havana for this year’s mission appeal after he took a trip to Cuba last year.

“I went on the trip to learn more about the Catholic Church in Cuba,” Father Hermes said, “and also to make an Ernest Hemingway self-guided tour since he lived in Havana.”

While in Havana, Father Hermes saw a plaque commemorating Pope John Paul II’s visit to Cuba in 1998 and decided to enter the chancery where it was located.

Inside, he met Deacon Manuel Hernandez, a deacon at Divine Mercy Parish. The two got to know each other over a cup of coffee, and Deacon Hernandez invited Father Hermes to Mass at Divine Mercy and told him about the parish’s interesting history and plans for the future.

Cuba, a Spanish colony for 400 years, has deep Catholic roots. However, when Fidel Castro took power in 1959, he cracked down on organized religion, especially Catholicism. After the Soviet Union fell in 1991, Castro sought to break Cuba’s isolation and reopened relations with the Vatican.

In January 1998, Pope John Paul II visited Cuba, becoming the first pope to do so. In honor of the pope’s visit, a new parish was allowed to be formed, the first since the Cuban Revolution. That was Divine Mercy Parish.

The parish started out holding Masses and the sacraments in people’s yards. But in 2014, they were able to get some land from the government for their parish. They raised money and were able to build a church on

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER MICHAEL HERMES

Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, enjoys a Café Cubano with Deacon Manuel Hernandez, right, in the deacon’s office with his assistant Milagros Lopez and an unidentified deacon in the background. The two struck up a friendship while Father Hermes was visiting Cuba. St. Paul donated $22,000 to Deacon Manuel’s parish to help build a rectory. the land, and now they’re looking forward to starting a new construction project.

“Deacon Manuel suggested that the St. Paul mission appeal donations be applied to the construction of the rectory so a priest can live at the parish,” said Father Hermes.

The St. Paul Parish staff worked together to organize the virtual mission appeal, and it was a great success.

“The fact that St. Paul did this during a pandemic is significant and speaks to the generosity of the parishioners,” said Father Hermes. “I’m very proud of St. Paul Parish.”

The pastor isn’t the only person who is proud. Gene Kalwei, a parishioner at St. Paul, said he was proud to be a part of the effort and is glad he and his fellow parishioners were able to find a way to give during a trying year.

“I have been very blessed in my life,” Kalwei said. “I give back, or I try to, as much as I can. And those dollars I gave, it doesn’t kill me or hurt me in any way, but it sure helped the people down there, I’m sure.

So, I just try to give back.”

In a video message sent to St. Paul for the virtual mission appeal, Deacon Hernandez

thanked them for whatever help they would be able to give.

“I hope next year,” Deacon Hernandez said in his video, “with God’s will, I can come to visit [St. Paul Parish] and give you a big hug . . . to thank you for all the interest we have received.”

The parish also received a thank you message from Jorge Soler, an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, who is a native of Havana. He thanked the parish for its generosity to his hometown and wished everyone well.

After the success of the 2020 mission appeal, Father Hermes said he hopes Deacon Hernandez can come visit Olathe next year to continue to strengthen the relationship between St. Paul and Divine Mercy.

“And perhaps one day we can take a group from St. Paul to Havana to visit Divine Mercy Parish and get to know their parishioners,” Father Hermes added.

To read this story in Spanish, go online to: www.theleaven.org and change the language preference at the bottom right.

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) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

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Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Soler, a native of Havana, thanked St. Paul Parish for its generosity to his hometown in a video to the parish.

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

OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Career pivot impacts lives at local senior living community

O

LATHE — When COVID19 struck, Kelli Bailey found herself in a predicament.

As the community outreach liaison at Santa Marta, her role involved helping seniors and families determine how the Catholic-sponsored retirement community in Olathe could address their health care needs. This traditionally requires daily in-person meetings and networking, which were out of the question due to restrictions.

“Being unable to do the work I love was daunting, so I knew I had to reinvent myself,” explained Bailey.

With on-campus visits prohibited, Santa Marta had to use social media to connect with families unable to see residents in person. Despite no previous professional experience, Bailey independently stepped up to manage the community’s Facebook page.

“It’s unfortunate that the best thing you can do for your loved ones during this pandemic is to not see them,” said Bailey. “This is scary, so it became incredibly important to share what’s going on behind the scenes online.

“Pictures of Mom and Dad being engaged, laughing, and enjoying life bring peace of mind during this challenging time.”

To ensure her social media posts were up to par, Bailey took an online

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARTA

Kelli Bailey, community outreach liaison at Santa Marta retirement community in Olathe, had to reinvent herself as face-to-face meetings became impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic. She turned to social media to connect with families unable to see residents in person, despite having no previous professional experience as a social media manager. photography course. Her shift to the de facto social media manager has had a positive impact on community relations during this period of uncertainty.

Residents and team members are

excited to be featured on Facebook, she’s found. Residents who previously had no social media presence have even signed up for accounts on the platform so they can participate in

online conversations.

“Not only do we have cheerleaders at Santa Marta; we are embraced outside the community as well,” said Bailey. “We have a pretty engaged fan base of family members who are eager to share positive comments and show gratitude for what we are doing to keep everyone healthy and safe.”

The numbers bear this out, with the Santa Marta Facebook page recently surpassing 1,000 likes — a 233% increase from just two years ago. Bailey’s contributions have undoubtedly helped the community reach this milestone.

“Social media is all about building human connections, so Kelli’s background is a natural fit for it,” said Marsha Anderson, sales and marketing director at Santa Marta. “Her self-initiated pivot to this new role speaks volumes about the dedication of our team members. We’re thankful for all her ongoing efforts.”

Eventually, COVID-19 will pass, and Bailey will revert fully back to her original responsibilities as community outreach liaison. However, she is confident the Facebook page will be in good hands once she relinquishes the reins.

“My colleagues are enthusiastic about helping me capture moments for social media, so I have no doubt whoever takes over will be just as passionate as I am,” said Bailey.

‘It’s been a team effort to cover the gaps,’ says TurnStyles manager >> Continued from page 1 2019, the stores generated $360,000 in net proceeds and goods.

But since the onset of the pandemic, the stores’ average daily sales are down 21%.

This is concerning, since the money TurnStyles raises is put back into Catholic Charities’ various ministry programs, which benefit those in need throughout northeast Kansas.

‘The heart’ of Catholic Charities Despite the unique challenges this year has brought, TurnStyles stores are getting by, said David Brewer, store manager at TurnStyles in Mission, “thanks in large part to the flexibility of those volunteers who have returned.”

Since the stores reopened, volunteers have processed tens of thousands of donated items, said Brewer.

“It’s been a team effort to cover the gaps,” he said, “and the returning volunteers have really stepped up and given an extra level of effort the past few months.”

Throughout her time volunteering at TurnStyles, Gerling has met all sorts of people — from mothers with small children to men living on the street.

“We’ve had homeless people come in here with no shoes on,” said Ger-

PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Judy Gerling helps a customer at TurnStyles in Mission check out. For Gerling, the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life is one of the many perks she’s experienced during her volunteer efforts. ling. “We had a man come in with bags around his feet when I was here. We had to refer him and get him some help.”

“You can help him with some things,” said Sheila, “but you can’t help him with the big things he needs longterm.”

Volunteers are able to refer those in need to other services Catholic Charities offers — and do so with kindness and compassion.

Brewer said volunteers like Gerling and the Gomezes are “the heart” of Catholic Charities.

“They do everything with love, pride of purpose and consideration for others,” he said, “and that shows through in how they interact with customers, other volunteers and staff.

“They make our work so much easier and infuse it with a grace that staff alone could not give it.”

Although they are in the high-risk

category for COVID, as Joe is 82 years old and Gerling and Sheila are in their mid-70s, the choice to continue volunteering despite the pandemic is an easy one.

Not only has TurnStyles implemented strict sanitizing and safety guidelines that give peace of mind, but Gerling and Sheila are nurses who previously worked in health care.

“We’re comfortable with sanitizing and wearing masks,” said Sheila.

“Those things are not foreign to us. It doesn’t seem that weird.”

Sheila appreciates the opportunity to get out and help people every week.

“It keeps you busy and you meet lots of nice people here,” she said. “As you get older, it really keeps you mentally and physically healthier.”

Gerling put her thoughts on volunteering simply.

“I’m just so thankful I’m able,” she said, “because a lot of people can’t, and they might want to, but they just can’t do it.”

Ryan Forshee, senior director of store operations, expressed his gratitude for volunteers who have returned to TurnStyles in a time of great need.

“Our volunteers acted quickly and sacrificially to answer God’s call to serve our brothers and sisters in need,” he said. “They have helped to create a true family environment at TurnStyles.

“They each embody what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.”

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

5

‘I CANNOT NOT DO THIS’

Strong friendship leads K-State student to Catholicism

By Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

M

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Allison Dale, center with the yellow mask, gathers with her fellow Camp Tekakwitha camp counselors following her reception into full communion in the Catholic Church on Sept. 19 outside St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

“

“

ANHATTAN — Eucharist. Apostolic succession. Church authority.

These were the three aspects of the Catholic faith that Kansas State University sophomore Bridget May challenged her friend and fellow KSU sophomore Allison Dale to disprove following several weeks of intense debate.

And they ended up being the three things that led to Dale’s conversion to Catholicism on Sept. 19.

May, a parishioner of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, grew up Catholic while Dale grew up Protestant.

During Christmas break their freshman year, May attended a retreat that led to discussions between her and Dale in January.

“She was my friend. She was someone I cared about so I wanted to know how it went for her,” said Dale. “She started telling me about what happened and the things she was talking about were so unfamiliar.”

Those unfamiliar topics included confession, eucharistic adoration and the Eucharist.

“I didn’t know why she cared about them so much,” Dale said. “It was at that point that I started to challenge her, and I began looking at the Catholic Church — not in an attempt to join, but in an attempt to disprove the church.”

Dale said they talked daily about every topic that the two religions disagreed upon.

“During that time, I scoured Scripture. I spent so much time diving into the word trying to defend my beliefs,” Dale said. “Then I realized that . . . Bridget was also using Scripture to defend her argument.”

Dale admits there were holes on her side of the debates, but she simply wanted to be right. Finally, after nearly three weeks of argument, May gave Dale the list of things to disprove.

“I was pretty frustrated because [the truth of Catholicism] is just so clear to me. How could she not see it?” May exclaimed. “Finally, I asked: What would God have to do for me to stop being Catholic? What would have to be proved wrong? I came up with a list and told her.

“It was a very vulnerable, openingup thing to do. I love being Catholic.”

Dale took the challenge and it ended up changing everything for her, especially when studying the Eucharist.

“I realized that I had been learning about the Catholic view of the Eucharist from Protestant sources instead of learning about this Catholic doctrine from Catholic sources,” Dale said.

“When I began to do that, I could not deny the fact that it made sense.”

I REALIZED IN THAT MOMENT THAT . . . THE CHURCH I WAS ATTENDING DID NOT LOOK LIKE WHAT JESUS INTENDED FOR WORSHIP TO LOOK LIKE. ALLISON DALE KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SOPHOMORE AND RECENT CONVERT TO CATHOLICISM

Then, she watched a video of Protestant pastor Francis Chan talking about the Catholic teaching of the Eucharist.

“That shook me. A man I had held so highly was revealing to me a lot about the history of the Eucharist and was explaining what the early church looked like,” Dale said. “I realized in that moment that . . . the church I was attending did not look like what Jesus intended for worship to look like.”

When Dale attended Mass for the first time with May following their return to KSU for spring semester, her desire to convert was intensified.

“We got back to my dorm . . . and I just broke down and cried,” Dale said.

“I was like, ‘That was the most sacred

thing I have ever witnessed before in my life. That was so familiar.’

“At Mass, I got to watch the Scriptures come to life, and I got to be part of something that is truly universal and truly unifying. I cannot not do this for the rest of my life. . . . I know this is the way the Lord intended for his creation to worship him.”

Following that first Mass, Dale learned everything she could about Catholicism, spending many hours in the office of Father Drew Hoffman, the associate pastor/chaplain of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center.

“She was just very hungry for the faith,” Father Hoffman said. “That energizes me in such an awesome way.”

“To see someone who it just clicks for and it energizes them and just makes their life so much better — that’s what it should do,” he continued.

“It makes everything else you do as a priest worth it.”

Dale also got a chance to meet more young Catholics in college when she applied to Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg as a counselor this past summer.

“I had only recently made the decision to become Catholic, so I was super-, super-fortunate to have the opportunity that I did. It was absolutely phenomenal,” Dale said. “To be surrounded by 50 other college students who are absolutely in love with Christ and his bride (the church) — it was

life-changing.”

Many of those fellow camp counselors were there to witness Dale’s joining the Catholic Church, as were her parents.

“It still brings tears to my eyes to think about how [my parents] loved me so well and continue to love me so well and just how they were so eager to come to my confirmation and support me,” Dale said. “They don’t understand everything that’s happening or understand what I’m doing necessarily, but I’m their daughter and that is enough of a reason for them to support me, so that’s very humbling.”

Now that it’s official, Dale said she is excited to continue to learn more and dive deeper into the faith and help other youth with their faith formation.

“I just finished a 33-day Marian consecration. I got to explore the depths of what a relationship with Mary looks like and what a relationship with the saints looks like,” Dale said. “I don’t have to do this alone. I can continue to learn about the depths and the beauty of the church and cultivate relationships with those in heaven.

“I think part of the reason I had so much disrespect for the church growing up was because I didn’t know anyone who was young and Catholic and was practicing. I’d love to be able to help inspire and help high school students live out the faith.”

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6

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Father Pflumm remembered for his ability to connect with people

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Robert Brown Pflumm reminded more than one of his fellow priests of the old saying, “He never met a stranger.”

“He had a very outgoing personality and a love of people,” said Father Jerry Volz, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence.

And throughout his priestly ministry, Father Pflumm was also known for his ability to connect with parishioners.

“One of Father Bob’s great-nieces used to run to him and call him ‘MY Father Bob,’ especially when she saw other kids hugging him,” said Margaret Kelly, a niece. “Many people felt as if he was ‘their Father Bob’ because he had a special gift of making everyone he met feel special and loved.”

Father Pflumm, 90, died of pneumonia on Oct. 12 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He was a resident of Santa Marta retirement community in Olathe.

He was born in Shawnee on Dec. 16, 1929, one of the four children of Louis and Margaret (Hill) Pflumm.

He attended St. Joseph Grade School, Shawnee; Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri; and Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, where he received a bachelor’s in science in 1951.

His was considered a “late” vocation at the time.

“Father Bob worked in the family business for a few years after graduating from Rockhurst. . . . However, in the back of his mind, he always felt a

Father Robert Pflumm was a priest for the archdiocese for 60 years. He died on Oct. 12. call from God to the priesthood,” said Kelly.

After studying at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, he was ordained a priest at age 30 on June 4, 1960, by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

Immediately after ordination he was assigned as associate pastor at Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. Father Pflumm served several pastoral assignments, retiring twice — the first time in 2000, and the second in 2010.

Father Volz and Father Pflumm were in the same prayer group for many years.

“He was a cherished friend, loyal and trustworthy, someone I could

always depend on to care for me and other people,” said Father Volz.

Father Pflumm’s advice to him was “Just love the people of God,” and “God is merciful.”

Father Bill Porter, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, loved Father Pflumm’s dry wit and sense of humor. Father Pflumm helped him when he founded St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

“He was a great preacher,” said Father Porter. “He could talk about Scripture and hit the heart of the matter. He was very pastoral when he preached, and I think he touched people’s hearts. He was very much a people person. He was a very good organizer and he started Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.”

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, chaplain and director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, liked Father Pflumm’s pastoral style.

“People loved his homilies and Masses,” said Father Zimmerman. “I think it was because he was so personal and direct. . . . He didn’t take himself too seriously. He didn’t fret over small things. He loved the church and the faith. Nothing for him was labored or complicated. He made the priesthood accessible and attractive.”

Father Ken Kelly, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Mission, remembers Father Pflumm as an effective administrator and hard worker.

“He was always good with finances,” said Father Kelly. “Whatever parish he took over was well run and never had problems with finances so long as he was on duty.”

Father Pflumm was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his

Pastoral assignments •1960: Associate pastor at Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas • 1963: Associate pastor at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas • 1967: Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Summerfield and St. Bridget in Axtell (Closed in 1967) • 1967: Pastor of St. Therese Parish in Westphalia • 1971: Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Kansas City, Kansas • 1977: Pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas • 1981: Founding pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park • 1991: Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park • 1998-1999: Sabbatical in Rome • 2000: First retirement • 2005: Senior associate pastor at St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village • 2009: Senior associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee • 2010: Second retirement

brother Joseph. He is survived by his sisters Janet Lillie and Jane Kelly, sisterin-law Doris Pflumm, several nieces and nephews, as well as grand-nieces and nephews.

His funeral Mass was celebrated on Oct. 16 at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

He was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Shawnee.

Memorials may be sent to the priest retirement fund at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Funeral arrangements were by Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa.

Pandemic can’t stop young pilgrims from lighting a ‘Prairie Fire’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ILLIAMSBURG — The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi dawned bright and cool this year — perfect weather for a group of junior high and high school-aged students to hike the seven miles from St. Patrick Church in Emerald to Prairie Star Ranch here.

The pilgrimage, called “Prairie Fire,” was sponsored by the archdiocesan office of youth evangelization.

Twenty-six youth participated in the Oct. 3 event, about half from the youth group of Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, and the others from the ReachKCK youth outreach ministry in Kansas City, Kansas. A group from Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner and Edgerton had to drop out.

This was the second pilgrimage held in preparation for World Youth Day, originally scheduled for Lisbon, Portugal, in 2022 but postponed until 2023.

“It started out last year as ‘Fire on the Mountain,’ and we called it ‘Prairie Fire’ this year,” said Rick Cheek, consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation for youth.

On Sept. 14, 2019, the archdiocese sponsored a 15-mile pilgrimage over hilly terrain from Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City to the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Park in Linn County.

This year, the going was much easier, with a shorter hike and flat terrain.

“We thought there is no reason [even with the pandemic] why we

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Twenty-six youth from the archdiocese participated in a pilgrimage called “Prairie Fire,” sponsored by the archdiocesan office of youth evangelization. The junior high and high school-aged students hiked seven miles from St. Patrick Church in Emerald to Prairie Star Ranch near Williamsburg. On the way, the pilgrims prayed the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet, and heard talks given by the adult chaperones about saints. couldn’t do this outdoor pilgrimage,” said Cheek. “We’ll just have to find one more place to pilgrimage.”

On the way, the pilgrims prayed the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet, and heard talks given by the adult chaperones about saints.

“We highlighted St. Francis and St. Thérèse the Little Flower,” said Blake Vajgrt, director of evangelization at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia. “[When] difficult times arose,

the saints had a distinct response. St. Thérèse had her ‘little way.’ That is a model to show us we might not be able to do great things based on the circumstances around us, but we can always do small things with great love.”

It was “Open Gate Day” at Prairie Star Ranch, so the pilgrims had the opportunity to try their hand at archery, go on a rosary walk or do an outdoors Stations of the Cross. Father Matt Nagel, director of the Didde Catholic

Campus Center at Emporia State University, celebrated Mass for them and, after a cookout, the pilgrims were given rides back to Emerald.

Audrey Sheeley, a sophomore at Emporia High School and member of Sacred Heart Parish, thought it would be fun to revisit Prairie Star Ranch and do something with her friends.

“I’ve missed a lot of things I’ve usually done over the summer,” she said.

“This was my first time on a pilgrimage,” she added. “I didn’t know we’d be walking so much, but it was really fun, and I had a good time being with friends and catching up [on things] with them.”

Twins Marco and Onterrio Robinson, 15, sophomores at Emporia High School and members of Sacred Heart Parish, went to get a little boost in their prayer lives and see some rural sights.

“It was nice and peaceful, out in the middle of nowhere,” said Marco.

“We’re city people. I hadn’t seen cows in forever.”

“It was pretty nice,” agreed Onterrio. “We talked the whole way, bonding, having fun.”

And the walk? No big deal. All they required were water bottles.

The spiritual aspect of the experience was rewarding. Neither of the boys had heard of St. Thérèse before.

Knowing there were holy teens like St. Thérèse made them think that they, too, could be that kind of person.

“It was a pretty good experience,” said Marco. “We might go on more of these trips.”

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Remote learning requires parents to take extra precautions

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

S

crips Media ran a story recently about a third grade public school student who was able to access an adult chat room on his schoolissued iPad. The school district had a strong filtering system in place. However, the student was able to access these adult sites despite the filtering TOOLS FOR system.

FAMILIES The significant Growing as takeaway from this Disciples of story is that, as parJesus ents (and grandparents, etc.), we are the first line of defense and protection of our children. Simply put, there are people who know these children will be online and will attempt to make contact with them.

Here are important suggestions to help protect our children: • Inquire with school officials (the principal) as to what other additional control devices are available to be added to district protections.

• Obtain a schedule of class times.

Whether classroom work, homework, reading or research, children should not be given unlimited screen time.

Know what your child is doing on their electronic devices, even during school hours if your child is working remotely. Take the time to help them study and show interest in their work.

• The learning device should be used in a room open for all to see.

• Use alone in a bedroom should never be allowed.

• Take time to sit next to your child and share the study time. Be interested in their work. What do they like? Ask about their tough subjects.

Ask if they would like help. You can

learn together.

Programing to filter internet content and report sites visited on all computers, laptops, tablets and iPhones is important. Covenant Eyes is one good source of protection for families.

The COVID-19 protections have left our lives with a Swiss cheese

look, where holes and gaps replace the things we loved and enjoyed. The result is many feel lonely and bored.

How can we, as parents, help our children fill these empty spots? We do it by making intentional time to spend with our children and doing little acts of love. How to start: • Plan ahead by having your children’s favorite snack to share as they take a break from studies.

• If you work from home, set a time to end the workday. Many people report that their laptops and iPhones have actually led to longer work days, leaving less time for family.

• Daily family dinner time is more important than ever as a place to relax and share conversations about the day. (Electronic devices should be off-limits.)

• Make evenings a time for card games and board games as a family.

Monopoly can be good, competitive family fun.

• Use technology as a family “builder” with regular Zoom or Skype visits with grandparents or other family members away from home.

I also recommend the e-book “Connected: How Strong Family Relationships Lead to Internet-Safe Kids.” You will find it free online at: www.covenanteyes.com. Click on “Resources” and scroll down to this e-book.

BLENDED

By the numbers, faith and family lead to countless blessings

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

On the eve of their 35th wedding anniversary, Mike and Nancy O’Connor hold a copy of an article published in the June 12, 1987, issue of The Leaven. Written by former associate editor Sister Barbara Mayer, OSB, the feature story discussed the challenges and joys of blending two families.

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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HAWNEE — It’s not very likely that Mike and Nancy O’Connor will get to celebrate their 50th anniversary with the archbishop at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, when their golden rolls around.

But that doesn’t mean that Mike, 82, and Nancy, 80, don’t know a thing or two about marriage. Both only married each other after experiencing the loss of their first spouse.

Nancy Muessig’s husband Tom died of cancer in 1974, leaving her a widow with three daughters. Mike’s wife Sarah died in a car accident only a year later, leaving him to raise their eight children alone.

New Beginnings By the time their story begins, in 1984 to be exact, Nancy’s life had settled into a routine — she was raising her three girls and was active in New Beginnings, a ministry designed to provide support to those

who have lost a spouse to death or divorce.

Nancy had heard of Mike O’Connor for years but had steadfastly refused to go out with him.

“I’ll be honest with you,” said Nancy.

“I had a nun who was trying to set me up with him about six years before it happened, but it scared me because she told me he had eight kids.”

“It scared me,” repeated Nancy. “I’m sorry, but it did.

“And then I met him on my own.”

In 1984, Mike attended a New Beginnings weekend, for which Nancy served as a facilitator.

“That [weekend] was the first time we really met and got to know each other because that’s a very intense weekend,” said Nancy. “It helps you get through the five stages of your grief from a divorce or the loss of a spouse.”

“Mike hadn’t dealt with any of his grief with losing Sarah,” she continued.

“He hadn’t had time. He had eight kids to raise.

“So, he really had a rough weekend, but a good one.”

“And then, I thought he’d call me the next day,” added Nancy. “But he waited a month.”

Amy (Muessig) Fangman, one of the

couple’s 11 children, still recalls the song her mother was singing after that call from Mike finally came: “I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters.

One year later Several kids agreed that it was almost as if Carol Brady of “The Brady Bunch” married Tom Bradford of “Eight Is Enough” when the couple married a year later, on Aug. 16, 1985, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park.

The ceremony involved 10 of the 11 children. (One was away at boot camp.)

They served as groomsmen, bridesmaids, ushers, gift bearers and lectors. One particular memory is as clear today as if it happened yesterday.

At the reception, Tim O’Connor said the DJ played “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.

“All of us were out there dancing in a group,” he said.

“That was so cool,” recalled Nancy.

Getting to that moment, however, had its challenges. Take, for example, the family garage sale.

“I’ll never forget it,” said Nancy. Rita — Mike’s youngest — came home from

school to my house that night. . . . . [And] she saw all that Mike had given for the garage sale, and that was the first I knew this was really hard on her.

“She wanted me to keep almost every pan and cookie tin.”

The whole family agreed the marriage put Rita (O’Connor) MacGee in a tough spot.

MacGee, the baby of Mike’s eight, was suddenly sandwiched between Nancy’s two youngest girls, Amy and Sarah. To make matters worse, she was the only one who had to change schools.

Then, there was the whole “grandma” thing.

Although Mike and Nancy have 28 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren now, back then, Nancy wasn’t quite ready for grandchildren.

“The biggest shock to me was when the grandkids would call me grandma,” she said.

“I was 45!” she continued. “I had six grandkids immediately when we got married, and they all called me grandma!

“It took me awhile to get used to that.

I told them a few times they didn’t have to call me grandma, and they did anyway.

“Then, I thought, ‘This is kind of nice.’”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

The last pictures of the Muessig and O’Connor families prior to the deaths of Tom Muessig in 1974 and Sarah O’Connor in 1975 have always been on display in Mike and Nancy O’Connor’s home. Mike O’Connor’s first wife Sarah died in a car accident, while Nancy’s first husband Tom died of cancer. The couple married at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park on Aug. 16, 1985, creating a blended family with a total of 11 children. demands in terms of family schedules.

“St. Patrick’s Day is the one holiday where we’re pretty much all together,” Muessig said.

Then, there’s the family reunion held every two years. Nearly 200 family members from across the United States spend a week at a lake, enjoying each other’s company, but also strengthening their bonds of faith, with the help of the “family priest.”

Although he is not related, Father Kent O’Connor, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, has often attended the family reunion as an honorary family member of this large, very special family.

“It’s a testament of God being able to bring great goodness out of tragedy,” said Father O’Connor.

God does not will tragedy for us, he continued. But God can continue to work “even when we think things are at their worst.”

The O’Connors agree.

“I think our marriage is based on what you hear and see in the Morning Offering [prayer],” Mike said. “We will live and die for this Catholic faith.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUESSIG-O’CONNOR FAMILY

The blended family of Mike O’Connor and Nancy Muessig now includes four generations, who gathered for this photo in 2019. But it was Mike and Nancy’s daily example of living their Catholic faith, said one of their children, that is “hard to beat.”

Parenting as one One area of potential conflict, both Mike and Nancy knew in advance, could be in the way they disciplined the four children who lived with them after they got married. The four included Mike’s two youngest children, Tom and Rita, and Nancy’s two youngest, Amy and Sarah.

Clear expectations helped set the stage.

“We weren’t going to be divided because of the children. We made that rule right at the beginning,” Mike said.

“And then, when we had to correct one of the children, we’d do it together,” said Nancy. “I usually did the talking. He always backed me up, though, so that was good.”

Fangman recalled the first time she got “in trouble with Dad.” “I ran out of oil in my car. I didn’t know I was supposed to put more oil in,” she said. “He had a very loud voice, so having him yell at me the first time was very scary. To have a man talk loud to me was very scary, so I ran away — but no one knew it and I came back.”

“That was my first time of being in trouble by him,” she laughed. But she was quick to note that she can now change the oil in any car.

Never forgotten Fangman also recalls how stories of the two deceased parents became a part

of the collective memory of the family, and how those memories brought the kids together.

“From the very beginning, we always talked about Sarah, the O’Connor siblings’ mother, and they’d share pictures, and they’d find old things,” said Lisa Muessig, the couple’s middle child.

“We were just excited to see those pictures,” she added, “and we always talked about Tom, our dad, and we still do. That’s kind of a bond each of us kids had. We had each lost a parent.”

The pictures, MacGee said, which she helped Nancy compile into scrapbooks for each child, became cherished possessions of all 11 kids.

Mom and Dad These days, all 11 kids refer to Mike and Nancy as Mom and Dad, but it wasn’t always that way.

“It just came naturally at some point,” Fangman said, adding she never thought she’d have a dad to walk her down the aisle at her wedding.

“It just felt nice to call someone ‘Mom,’” added Tim O’Connor.

So, what are some of the O’Connor clan’s secrets to a blended family?

It hasn’t always been easy, the O’Connors admit. But it might have started with the incorporation of something of both families in every room of their house.

To this day, for example, the last family portraits of the Muessig and O’Connor families before the deaths of Tom Muessig and Sarah O’Connor, sit on either side of the family’s Bible on a living room table.

Then, there was the blending of family traditions.

Prior to Nancy and Mike’s marriage, the O’Connor family celebrated the solemnity of the Epiphany, exchanging their presents then.

“So, when we got married, we let the kids vote on it,” Nancy said. “Christmas won overwhelmingly. We celebrate the Epiphany, but we open gifts on Christmas.”

And while some family holiday traditions were only adapted, said Mike, St. Patrick’s Day grew exponentially.

Prior to the marriage, the O’Connor family had long been involved with the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day parade, having built their first float in 1977.

In 1999, it was some of the children and grandchildren who encouraged the family to build another float and enter the parade once again.

“Since 1999, we’ve won grand prize three times, said Sarah (Muessig) Book, “and we’ve got a lot of awards in there. I don’t think there’s a year we haven’t won an award — at least second place.”

The holiday is a family favorite, complete with a huge gathering (with lots of music and dancing) in the party room at a nearby hotel. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, there are no competing

Perseverance, determination and joy The couple has long been involved in parish life. They’ve led marriage preparation, mentoring and preparing engaged couples for marriage. Both have also participated in Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreats, and Nancy participated in a Bible study for moms. For years, Mike has served as a lector.

Then there’s their daily rosary, a tradition they started when they married.

“One of my favorite stories is we’re all headed to the family reunion one year, and we’re all texting each other,” Book said. “Someone said, ‘What part of town are you in?’ Then, someone said, ‘We just finished our rosary. Someone else said, ‘We’re on the fourth decade of our rosary. And someone else said, ‘We’re just starting.’

“So, there’s this tradition of making a road trip and praying the rosary.”

Mike and Nancy’s example, Tim O’Connor said, would be “hard to beat.”

Their example, agreed Muessig, is one of perseverance, determination and joy.

The O’Connors have weathered numerous health challenges, including several chronic conditions, along with two life-threatening injuries. Yet, Muessig said her parents’ joy has never diminished.

“They’re good examples to all of us on how to keep their faith,” she said simply.

10

NATION

OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Pinwheels celebrate discharge of COVID-19 patients

By John Shaughnessy Catholic News Service

I

NDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Annie Burford smiles when she sees the pinwheels twirling in the afternoon breeze, forming a multicolor celebration of life.

As a respiratory clinical specialist for Franciscan Health, Burford delights in knowing that each of the 466 pinwheels represents a COVID-19 patient who has been discharged from the health care system’s Indianapolis and Mooresville hospitals to date.

And the 42-year-old mother of two savors sharing the story of the patient she thought of when she planted one of the pinwheels in what has become known as the Pinwheel Garden of Hope and Health.

“She was the first person we were able to get off the ventilator,” said Burford, who was instrumental in setting up the Indianapolis hospital’s COVID Cohort Unit in March. “When that happened, all the nurses and all the respiratory therapists stood outside the room and cheered for the patient. It was so awesome.”

So was the send-off the woman received on the day she was released from the hospital.

“The hospital announced they were going to play the ‘Rocky’ [theme] song when she was discharged,” Burford said. “They were playing the song, and employees were lined up in the hospital as they brought her down in a wheelchair. Everyone was clapping and cheering. She had her arms raised up. She was so excited to leave. It was very emotional.”

“Very emotional” also is the way Burford described the past six months or more of caring for coronavirus patients.

“In the 20 years I’ve been doing this, it’s the hardest time I’ve had to work through. Everything that I’ve learned in the past 20 years came to this moment where we had to change everything we

CNS PHOTO/JOHN SHAUGHNESSY, THE CRITERION

Annie Burford, a respiratory clinical specialist at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, stands amid the Pinwheel Garden of Hope and Health Aug. 27. Each pinwheel represents a COVID-19 patient who has returned to health. did to adapt to this pandemic,” she told The Criterion, archdiocesan newspaper of Indianapolis.

Like many health care workers on the front lines of the crisis, Burford has bonded with patients in a way she had never done before, becoming like family to patients who couldn’t be visited by their families.

She also saw some of her patients lose their battle with the disease and made the heartbreaking phone calls to their loved ones.

“I’ve also bonded with people who were able to come off the ventilator and go home. That’s why I love the pin-

wheel garden so much,” she remarked.

“It’s an amazing way to celebrate the patient’s success after recovering from the coronavirus. I know when I planted my pinwheel, I also thought about all the staff who worked so hard to keep the patient alive.”

Franciscan Sister Marlene Shapley also has experienced the powerful impact of being there when a COVID19 patient has been discharged from the hospital.

“They’re overcome by the emotion of going home,” said the vice president of mission integration for Franciscan Health.

Sister Shapley also has been moved by personally planting pinwheels in the garden.

“It’s a very touching experience.

You realize you’re putting it in because someone went home. We’re celebrating the success and the hope.”

She described the garden as an “exterior sign of sharing our joy with the community around us — and with our staff. Many times, we celebrate the little miracles of someone getting better, someone being taken off a ventilator, someone requiring a little less level of care.”

New statue honors Mother Cabrini for devotion to immigrants

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EW YORK (CNS) — A statue of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron of immigrants, now stands overlooking the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

Unveiled during a dedication ceremony in Battery Park City on Columbus Day, Oct. 12, the statue honors Mother Cabrini, as she is best known. She is revered for not only her devotion to immigrants but also to children and the destitute.

The sculpture, designed by Jill and Giancarlo Biagi, shows the saint “in motion and taking care of children” and it “does her justice,” Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said in his remarks at the ceremony. “I know for the artists it was a work of passion.”

“We hope that people who visit this memorial will recognize that history should be repeated, that there was a care for the outcast and marginalized which Mother Cabrini understood, and we need that same care today,” the bishop said. “This is not just history, we want to make history with a new understanding of how we take care of people.”

Others at the dedication ceremony included New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and fellow members of the Mother Cabrini Memorial Commission.

“This statue of Mother Cabrini

CNS PHOTO/CARLO ALLEGRI, REUTERS

A statue of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, patron of immigrants, is seen after its unveiling Oct. 12 in the Manhattan borough of New York City. recognizes both her contributions as an Italian immigrant woman, as well as those of all Italian American and immigrant women,” John Leo Heyer II, a commission member, said at the ceremony.

“She is a shining symbol of what it means to care for the other person, the sick, the uneducated, the economically

challenged and the stranger, always putting the needs of society’s most vulnerable above her own,” he added. “I hope that people will see this heroic statue, ask questions, learn about her outstanding life and work to imitate it as we all build New York’s future together.”

Bishop DiMarzio, who is co-chairman of the Mother Cabrini Memorial

Commission, said he was happy so many people supported the effort to fund creation of a statue of the saint and find a site for it after Mother Cabrini was passed over in an initiative to increase the number of statues of women in New York City.

Born in Italy, Mother Cabrini was the foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Her dream was to go to China but at the insistence of Pope Leo XIII, who asked her to work among Italian immigrants in the United States, she left Italy for New York in 1889, accompanied by six Sisters.

She established orphanages, schools and Columbus Hospital, and held adult classes in Christian doctrine. She received requests to open schools all over the world. She traveled to Europe, Central and South America and throughout the United States.

She made 23 trans-Atlantic crossings and within 35 years established 67 houses with more than 1,500 Sisters.

She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1909. She died in Chicago Dec. 22, 1917, at age 67.

She was beatified in 1938 by Pope Pius XI and canonized in 1946 by Pope Pius XII. She was the first American to be canonized. She was named patroness of immigrants in 1950.

WORLD

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

11

Catholic ministry mobilizes to help meat-packing victims of COVID

By Andrew Ehrkamp Catholic News Service

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CNS PHOTO/TODD KOROL, REUTERS

The Cargill meat-packing plant is pictured in early May in High River, Alberta. More than 1,500 cases, resulting in three deaths, were linked to the plant in mid-April.

“

“

DMONTON, Alberta (CNS) — The largest single outbreak of COVID-19 in North America may be one of the biggest lessons in the Catholic social principles of sacrifice, the value of work, care for the common good, and solidarity.

More than 1,500 cases, resulting in three deaths, were linked to the Cargill meat-packing plant at High River in mid-April. Most of the employees were newcomers to Canada: either permanent residents or temporary foreign workers. The crisis situation created strong feelings of being scared, hungry, vulnerable and needing some reassurance.

“Someone who is sacrificing of their life for another, I look at the workers in a realm that is very close to that,” said Ric Morales, executive director of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, which mobilized teams to help the Cargill workers and their families.

“Here are people going out into a situation that some of them knew could be very risky. You have people who are going out knowing that they have to provide not only for their families in Canada, but there are people from their country of origin that are relying on them.”

For 11 days, roughly 60 Calgary Catholic Immigration Society staff, along with volunteers and staff from the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association and Action Dignity, worked remotely with Cargill employees and their families in High River, putting in extended shifts.

Morales said in a matter of days, cases skyrocketed from the mid-30s to more than 300. Staff, volunteers and other settlement organizations mobilized to provide support, from accessing government help, to culturally appropriate food, to the simple reassurance that they would get through the outbreak together.

Immigration society workers were also helping employees and families at the JBS meat-packing plant in Brooks, which initiated a citywide emergency response to a COVID-19 outbreak in that city.

Six months later, immigration society workers are still providing support.

For Morales, it’s an example of Catholic social teaching in action.

“Our sole goal was to intervene as quickly as possible, so you wouldn’t have the possibility of fatalities or community spread,” Morales said. “You can well imagine the sort of uncertainty that was existing at this time for all those clients. . . . This was deemed the single largest national outbreak in Canada.”

“What happened in High River was a perfect example to see the impact on newcomers.”

Canada as a whole has been weathering the storm of COVID-19. According to immigrant society workers onsite in High River and Brooks, that pales when compared to what the foreign workers were experiencing. They worried about food, their jobs, their families and their own lives.

Some of the workers lived in multifamily homes, and many of them shared commuting to work as a group.

Prior to the suspension of work at the plant, “There were some allegations that some workers felt they had to go to work because the plant was offering them $500 bonuses,” Morales said.

OUR SOLE GOAL WAS TO INTERVENE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, SO YOU WOULDN’T HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF FATALITIES OR COMMUNITY SPREAD. RIC MORALES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALGARY CATHOLIC IMMIGRATION SOCIETY

“A lot of clients were saying they didn’t want to, but some felt given the wages that they were making, $500 would go a long way. Despite the threat of COVID, some took the risk. For some, one can imagine what the extra income could mean.”

Morales said many had to make “the choice to stay home for their own personal safety or to go to work.”

The Cargill plant eventually suspended operations, encouraged employees to get tested for COVID-19, and complied with directives from Alberta Health Services prior to reopening.

During that time, some workers were reluctant to access mainstream social services like a food bank or were unaware how to do it. Others did not understand the gravity of the situation and were at times relying on myths as to how to combat the virus.

“COVID is just another layer in coping in a different cultural context,” Morales said.

“Some people have a lot of myths about it. We’ll take some ginger. We’ll take some garlic. We’ll take some lime.

We’ll have these cures. Some people tend to minimize what was happening.

Some people didn’t understand because of the language barriers.

“At the end of it all, our staff were trying to reassure people that everything is going to be well,” Morales said.

“We had to assist people who were

dealing with isolation. So there was a great deal of chaos all the while trying to bring some sort of reassurance during that time.”

In High River, Morales said some workers were refused entry into grocery stores or banks, based on their ethnicity and their employment at Cargill. Conversely, there were also benevolent acts of kindness, as some people offered support and donations were given to the food bank.

“Community members reached out to our office and said, ‘What can I do to help?’” Morales said, noting local school divisions donated money to food banks to help, as did Cargill itself.

“That’s one of the teachings that came forward that I saw being demonstrated: empathy, this love for their fellow man.”

Morales said the outbreaks in High River and Brooks highlighted the

vulnerability of Canada’s food supply in a province famous for touting its beef, and it showed the disparity in society.

He said the pandemic proved that [foreign workers] do not have the same level of access to services even though they are critical to keeping Canada fed.

“When you consider the fact that many people went through a whole lot to get to Canada — and then to deal with this — we saw the faith, the resilience of the human being not only in the faces of one of the greatest terrors of their own lives, but they came out and came back with a great deal of humility.

“I think it’s a big learning lesson for us all,” Morales said. “They were essential workers. They were workers who were providing an essential, stable food product to feed the entire country.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Experienced marketing board members - Santa Marta Senior Living Community is looking for new board members with a marketing background to work with the executive leadership team and outside marketing firm to define and implement various marketing programs.

Ideal candidates would have experience in identifying market opportunities, putting together go-to market strategies (including print and digital media) while also understanding SEO and other tactical digital platforms.

If you have an interest in volunteering your time and participating on a very active board to assist in the mission of Santa Marta, please send your resume, cover letter and home parish to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamarta retirement.com by Oct. 30. Any questions regarding the application process can also be emailed to this address, and a current board member will reply. Be sure to include your phone number and mailing address. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed at: www. santamartaretirement.com.

Caregivers needed - Daughters & Company, a nonmedical, companion care provider is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home at this time. We provide light housekeeping, light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. Caregivers need to have reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired per week. Please contact Laurie or Gary at (913) 341-2500, or send resume to: ghamilton@daughtersonline.com if you would like to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

We need your help! - Caring and reliable drivers needed to transport K - 12 students to and from school in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in company minivans. We offer competitive wages, flexible schedules and the ability to make a difference in your community by helping those in need. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply.

Call (913) 262-5190 or visit: AssistedTransportation.com to learn more and apply online. EEO. We love our teachers - Come see why you want to work here! The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years who are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. We are hiring for the following positions: full-time preschool teacher; full-time young toddler or infant teacher; and full- and part-time assistant teachers to multiple classrooms.

Part-time administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time, 20 hours per week, administrative assistant for the office of justice, life and advocacy. This position provides administrative support for three consultants. This position requires a high school diploma and three to five years of prior administrative experience in a professional office environment. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal; and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; graphic design and social media experience preferred. A complete job description and application are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should send an email to: jobs@archkck. org, as well as a cover letter, resume and application to: jobs@archkck.org. Position open until filled.

Help wanted - Housekeepers, cooks and dietary aides.

Salary plus benefits. Safe and pleasant workplace! Apply online or in person. Silvercrest College View, 13600 W. 110th Terr., Lenexa, KS 66215 or email: www.Silvercrest CollegeView.com.

Receptionist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time receptionist for the chancery office. This position is available on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position is responsible for operating the main switchboard, receiving all calls and visitors to the chancery, sorting mail and other clerical duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. A high school diploma required and at least three years of secretarial or administrative experience. Must be able to provide hospitality and efficient response to all calls and visitors to the chancery offices. A complete job description and application information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application to: jobs@archkck.org. Position open until filled.

Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches for the following sports: assistant wrestling, assistant bowling, boys swim/dive for the 2020-21 winter season and girls swim/dive for the 2021 spring season. Contact Andrew Groene, athletic director, at: agroene@bishop miege.com or call (913) 222-5802.

Administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking two qualified candidates to fill two separate full-time positions as administrative assistants. One position is for the office of evangelization and the other is for the office of vocations. Qualified applicants must have experience handling general office duties; assisting with travel arrangements; 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 and Excel), internet and the ability to learn other software and social media as required; and 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. This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years’ prior experience working in a professional office environment. Bilingual is a plus. This position requires strong writing and creativity skills. Self-motivated candidates with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are encouraged to submit their information for consideration. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck.org/jobs. Completed application and resume/ cover letter can be emailed to: jobs@archkck.org. The application deadline is Oct. 31. Please indicate for which department you are applying.

Part-time social worker - Catholic Charities of Northeast KS/Lawrence adoption and pregnancy counseling. This position provides education, counseling and support to adoption couples, birth parents and women choosing to parent. EEO. Please visit our website to learn more about these and other exciting opportunities. Go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers and scroll down to “View Job Openings.”

Youth minister/confirmation coordinator - St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village has an immediate opening for a Christ-centered, innovative and passionate individual to serve as youth minister and confirmation coordinator.

The primary responsibility of the youth minister will be to engage the parish middle school youth (5th - 8th grade) and form them into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.

The confirmation coordinator will instruct and form 7th and 8th graders at both St. Ann School and the St. Ann School of Religion in their Catholic faith; communicate with candidates, sponsors and parents about their responsibilities; and coordinate the confirmation liturgy under the direction of the pastor. The youth minister and confirmation coordinator is currently structured as a part-time position, with the possibility of developing into a full-time position with additional responsibilities.

Individuals interested in this position should email a cover letter and resume highlighting their qualifications to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@stannpv.org.

Custodian - Bishop Miege has an immediate opening for a full-time, evening shift custodian. Hours are M - F, 3:30 p.m. – midnight, with occasional days and weekends.

The custodian will maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general housekeeping and sanitation duties, event setup and light maintenance.

The candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to: Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or email: rwrigley @bishopmiege.com.

OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Art teacher – Holy Trinity School in Lenexa is seeking a full-time K - 8 art teacher starting as early as December 2020. Semester graduates awaiting licensure are eligible. Please contact Scott Merfen, principal, at smerfen@htslenexa.org or call (913) 895-0610 to inquire further and apply.

SERVICES Long Term Care Insurance - Planning your financial future can be overwhelming when it comes to providing protection to you and your family. I would like to help you get started with understanding an important piece of your financial strategy, Long Term Care Insurance.

To arrange for a virtual meeting consultation without leaving the safety of your home, please contact me at htpp://www.JEOrozco.com Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 209-9234.

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

Tree Trimming Licensed and insured Free estimates/10 years experience Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patios) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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 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.

Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Cracks repaired.

Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

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.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

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

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)

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to be successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc).

Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with co-workers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. Salary range is $9.50 - 11.50 per hour. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Clinical therapist - LCPC treats trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD; EMDR-trained. Treats adult recovery from child abuse; anxiety reduction through emotion-regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness. Also treats couples with wounded attachments. Sliding scale. Call Donna Constantineau, LCTC, at (913) 602-1415.

For sale - Two cemetery plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, in the Trumpeter section, lots 349 east and west. Asking $1500 each plus a $200 transfer fee or best offer. Call or text (785) 409-4336.

Principal - St. Charles Borromeo Academy seeks a principal committed to Catholic education in the classical tradition with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. The position will begin on July 1. More information and applications can be found at the following link: careers.hireology.com/thecatholic dioceseofkansascitystjoseph and scroll down to the St. Charles Borromeo Academy principal job.

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.

Preschool teacher - A full-time, benefit-eligible position is available at St. Patrick’s Early Education Center, located at 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Related experience is preferred and a degree is a plus. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Training is available for applicants to meet KDHE state requirements.

Please contact Patty Dickinson for an application at: pdickinson@stpatrickkck.org or call (913) 299-3370, ext.

107. The deadline is Oct. 28.

Preschool/toddler teachers - Little Saints at St. Thomas Aquinas is looking for a full-time teacher. Virtus training needed. Call Jeanne at (913) 319-2476 for details.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant? I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.

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.

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 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http:/www.buykcproperty.com

CALENDAR

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

SAUSAGE SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish 22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico Oct. 25 from noon - 3:30 p.m.

Pre-order online at: sacredheartfund raiser.com. Pick up on Oct. 25, drive-thru only, approaching from the east. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for ages 4 - 12; and free for kids ages 4 and under.

FUNDRAISER Our Lady of Unity 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 26 - Nov. 6

Our Lady of Unity is doing a cash raffle that will raise funds for the parish. If you would like to participate, we would be glad to mail them to you and you can mail completed forms back to us or drop them at the office. The drawing is Nov. 7. The cash prizes are: first place, $1500; second place, $1000; third place, $500. The tickets are $10 each.

Contact Jolene at (913) 302-2575 or Sherry at (913) 207-0900 by phone or text.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension and via Zoom 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 27 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a ministry offering hope

through sacred Scripture and community to parents or grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. While this group is not a bereavement group, our mission is to offer support and hope through Scripture in a time of transformation. Our guest speaker will be Jerry Anselmo who lost his son Brian. We will meet in the St. Mark Room, lower level. For more information and a Zoom invitation link, contact Deacon Ken Billinger at (913) 634-4210 or send an email to: kbillinger@archkck.org.

ALL SAINTS’ EVE VESPERS SERVICE Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish 3333 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Experience the communion of saints. Join us for a beautiful hour of evening prayer with eucharistic adoration, a special Litany of the Saints and Benediction for the eve of the solemnity of All Saints.

STS. LOUIS AND ZELIE MARTIN: FAMILY SANCTITY Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Nov. 6 - 8

Take this weekend with your spouse to reflect on the importance of family sanctity. Take some time alone with your spouse to reconnect and enter back into the world

Marilyn and Michael Grabauskas, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 24 with a family dinner.

The couple was married on Oct. 24, 1970, at Church of the Assumption, Topeka. Their children are: Michael, Matthew and Nathan.

They also have two grandchildren.

Jacquinot, members of St. Matthew Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g anniversary on Oct. 31. The couple was married at St. Mary Church, Parsons. Their children are: Amy and Justin. They have four grandchildren.

A family trip is planned for a later date.

Jean (Erpelding) and Gary Behrnes, members of St. Leo Parish, Horton, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 28. The couple was married on Oct. 28, 1970, at St. Louis Church in Good Intent. They will celebrate with family next summer. Their children are: Michelle Sullivan, Topeka; Angela Kimmi, Lancaster; and Christofer Behrnes, Horton. They also have seven grandchildren.

Loretta and Ray Colwell, members of H o l y Tr i n i t y Parish, Paola, will celebrate their 70th we d d i n g anniversary on Oct. 28. The couple was married on Oct. 28, 1950, at St. Joseph Parish in Mason City, Iowa. They celebrated on Oct. 3 with their nine children: Sheila, Colleen, Mike, Kate, John, Maureen, Kevin, Tim and Tricia.

Theresa Marie (Mersman) and Ned Kelsey, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 23. The couple was married on Oct. 23, 1950, at St. Boniface Church, Scipio, by Father Owen Cote.

Their children are: Lyneda, David, Ronda, Michael, John and Christopher.

They have 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Terry

and

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stronger and more deeply committed to Christ. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking.

Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple; guest rooms: $100 (meals included).

To attend, send an email to: info@christs peace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

FALL FESTIVAL Mater Dei Parish (hall) 1114 S.W. 10th St., Topeka Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A traditional turkey dinner will be served.

The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids.

There will also be a country store, raffles and other activities. Social distancing will be observed. Order and pay for dinner in advance at: www.materdeiparish.org. The deadline to order and pay is Nov. 1.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE RETREAT WEEKEND Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 6 - 8

Beginning Experience is offering a healing weekend to men and women of all ages who have suffered the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation. Reservations are required. For more information, visit the

website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail. com; or call Laura at (308) 530-1873.

REKINDLING THE LIGHT Online program Nov. 14 from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

This will be a live, online program of spiritual refreshment for caregivers in the holiday season. For registration and agenda information, go online to: www.archkck. org and click on “Ministries,” then “Special Needs.” For more information, contact Tom Racunas by email at: tracunas@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

‘ORA ET LABORA’ RETREAT FOR HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE STUDENTS Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton, Kansas

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer has openings for applicants to participate in an “Ora et Labora” retreat, designed for high school and college students who are looking for a fun and unique way to fulfill community service hours or simply have a new experience.

There is no charge for this retreat. Masks and social distancing are implemented at this time. Invite friends and schedule a date for a prayer and working retreat designed to your needs. Contact us if interested at (913) 7738255 or by email at: info@christspeace.com.

Joanna

Peggy and Galen Wichman, members of St. Therese Parish, R i c h m o n d , celebrated their 60th we d d i n g a n n ive r sary on Oct. 17 with a card shower and small family gathering with their children and grandchildren. The couple was married on Oct. 15, 1960, at Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls. Their children are: Lisa Carney, Mark Wichman and Jill Williams. They also have 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email notices to: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

Mass at 9 a.m.

Saturday Nov. 7

Prince of Peace Chapel Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kan.

Holy Redeemer Chapel Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Kansas City, Kan.

Holy Trinity Chapel

Mt. Calvary Cemetery 801 SW Westchester Rd. Topeka, Kan.

For persons buried or entombed from July 6, 2020 through Oct. 11, 2020 at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Northeast Kansas Mt Calvary KCK Gilbert Q. Avila Regina Barr Mary Ann Bergman Catherine Ann Bianco Jack W. Breitenstein Jose L. Calderon Amelia Castro Rosemary Chacon Eugene A. Clevenger Ninfa A. Coy Felix Duran Juana De Velasco Marquez Patrick L. Dercher Adrianna M. Diaz-Zimmerman Frances M. Engel Judith Franiuk Theresa Galindo Herman Garcia John L. Garcia Charles K. Garnett II Stephanie George Roy Anthony Hamil Robert J. Hernandez Jeffrey Jonscher Mary Judy John Kluck Judith Krotz Sharon LeManske David J. Lipp Jovita Lopez Leta Luzar Virginia Manning T-Jay Morales Emonnie N. Nunez Frank C. Ojeda Sr. Ursula Orlich Helen Park David Del Percio Amy Perez Joseph Quijas Celestino Zavala Ruiz Rose Mary Ryan Frank C. Smigin Joseph Trzok Valerie Vaca Gary Verbenec RESURRECTION Barbara E. Alexcites Gregory M. Allison Patricia Armstrong Dr. Renato Aves Mary Faustina Bahr Stephanie Beggs Herbert Benskin James Bodine Rita Bodine Lawrence Boehm

Eli Boucher Richard Braunsdorf Josephine Brewer Zelie Violet Carney Rosemary Carter Sue A. Cheshire Terry Allen Clark Jr. John T. Collura Haydee Concha Richard Corrigan Patricia J. Coughlin Jerome Cronan David Cruz Santa Anna John O. Cyphert Joseph E. Danda Hannelore Dawson J. Michael Deckard Gary R. Degen Robert Dehaven John Donahue Viola “Nadine” Donovan Savannah June Dooley Patricia Downey Donald C. Dull Donna Ellebrecht Geraldine Enslinger Peter L. Foley Frances Fritsch Jose Perez Garcia Ricarda Garduno Shirley J. Garvey Baby Gerhardt Ferdinand Giorza Baby Goodwin Betty Groome William V. Gryska Michelle Harold Douglas J. Himebaugh Donald Holtgraves Veronica R. Horn Joseph M. Huber III Michael Patrick Ireland Clifford Kathol Patricia Kavanaugh Ambrose Augustine Kelly Rose Kelly Rosemary Kenny Jeroboam S. King Wayne Kyler Richard Land Catherine G. Lowry Jack W. Lowry Alice Mattson Dennis Maloney Cornelius P. McCaffrey Phyllis A. McClard Daniel J. McLaughlin Mark Medina Thomas P. Mertes Margaret D. Miller

Lavina Mispagel Maria J. ML.Dang Russell Mueller William “Bill” Murphy Dr. Mansour J. Naime Abigail Neal Mary O’Brien Merle Owens Brian K. Palmer Benedict Rose Padley Stephen Parsons Jo Peña James Perkins Mark Scott Poelzl Thomas L. Potter Virginia A. Potter Mary A. Price Virginia Quick Delores M. Rames Mateo D. Hernandez-Ramirez Elizabeth L. Rieke Kathaleen Roberts Amy Alexandra Rodriguez Sister Mariann Rodriguez Nancy Rooney Lillian Sands Helen Saragusa Jeanne Scheuerman Johanna M. Schwed Paul Schweiger Mark A. Sereduck Alison J. Smeltzer Velma ‘Ruth” Spalding Henry C. Specht Catherine Michael Stanfield Leo Stueve Michael Tamer Claire M. Thorne Connie L. Templin Rosemary R. Van Lerberg Mark E. Weger Lillian White Ronald A. Willard Dorothy Wittlinger Mark Wittlinger Alex Wright Louis Vandenberg Jr. Janet Vanlerberg Joanne M. Vandervort Martha Marie Van Rooyen-Eidson Gary Young Jr. Gary Young Sr. Bernard Zarda ST. JOSEPH Stephen Allen Mary Z. Gemmell Jeffrey T. Lamas Lawrence McGinnis

Thomas M. Nelson James Russell Joseph P. Spinelli Robert J. Zahner GATE OF HEAVEN Abayomi Ariwajoye Myrna J. Burdette Frank Bustamante John J. Coomes Marcia Cooper Richard Earp Ryan Earp Consuelo Galvan Larry “Joe” Gillespie Antonia Hernandez Robert Holek Dorothy M. Isabell David Locke Santiago Lopez Vicki Meyers Hope Jeremiah Murray Chase Bennett Roberts Melvin Routh Sr. Damon J. Ruiz Raymond Surbaugh Mao Thao Elizabeth V. Tinburg Patrick J. Tinburg Peter Veselic (Pero) Thomas Warren MT CALVARY, TOPEKA Charlotte Adel Alejos Paul Ray Alejos Raul Alonzo Yolanda Alvarez Crystal Dakesha Andrews Rey A. Cruz Antonio Leonard Ashworth Martin E. Bayless Joan Brosemer Mary J Brown Mary Browne Manuel Roman Cruz George Custenborder Joseph P. Desch John J. Dominguez Edward P. Dunagan

Norman Edee Donald Elersic Spencer Finney David L. Fisher Raymond Flores Kathaleen Garcia Robert “Bobby” Gomez Aurora Gonzalez Vincente Gonzalez Sr. Mary Grant Ruben Hernandez Irene Hinman Mercedes Holford Bernard Hopkins Albert Kamer Virginia Kennedy Stephanie Knowles Dale F. Maas Charlotte Maendele Laurie Martin Margie McGivern Edward J. McKernan III Erma Miller Merwyn Muckenthaler Lynne Mulroy Charlotte K. Noland Joe Ortiz Lon T. Palmer Rudolph Perez Gloria Ramirez Bonnie Rapstine Patricia Reid Jean M. Robinson Jerrie L. Ross Patrick John Ruvalcaba Josefa Santiago Darren D. Severin Miles Joseph Schrader Alice J. Shortt James R. Stadler Shari L. Staehli Frances Valdivia Donald Weaver Mary Anne Weaver Shirley Wheeler William Wheeler Donald Wright Danielle Wyatt Inez Young Linda M. Zeller

913-371-4040

information@cathcemks.org www.cathcemks.org

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS THIRTIETH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 25 THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ex 22: 20-26 Ps 18: 2-4, 47, 51 1 Thes 1: 5c-10 Mt 22: 34-40 Oct. 26 Monday Eph 4:32 – 5:8 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 13: 10-17 Oct. 27 Tuesday Eph 5: 21-33 Ps 128: 1-5 Lk 13: 18-21 Oct. 28 SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES Eph 2: 19-22 Ps 19: 2-5 Lk 6: 12-16 Oct. 29 Thursday Eph 6: 10-20 Ps 144: 1b-2, 9-10 Lk 13: 31-35 Oct. 30 Friday Phil 1: 1-11 Ps 111: 1-6 Lk 14: 1-6 Oct. 31 Saturday Phil 1: 18b-26 Ps 42: 2-3, 5cdef Lk 14: 1, 7-11

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter 1907-1943 This Austrian farmer and parish sexton had done his basic training in Hitler’s army in 194041, but refused to serve active duty in 1943. A military court in Berlin sentenced him to death as “an enemy of the state,” and he was beheaded on Aug. 9, 1943. In prison awaiting his fate, he wrote about a dream he’d had in 1938. In it, many people were boarding a new train, but he heard the announcer say, “This train is bound for hell.” For him, the train symbolized the evils of Nazism, and he had become a conscientious objector. His wife and three daughters were still living when he was beatified in Austria in 2007.

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OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Please spare a moment for your seniors

ot to brag or anything, but I’ve been pretty popular lately.

Every day, I get multiple phone calls from people who want to talk only to me.

And that’s not all: My volume of snail mail has exploded.

In the interest of full disclosure, all the extra calls and mail are because I’m eligible for Medicare next month and everyone wants to entice me into choosing the plan that’s best: theirs. But hey, popular is popular, right?

Honestly, I don’t feel “Medicare eligible” except in one area: Lately, if I don’t write something down, I’m likely to forget it.

And forget this I did. I’d intended to write about the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons, designated by the United Nations to be celebrated annually on Oct. 1.

I wanted to highlight not only the wonderful gifts and advice that older people have

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.

to share, but also to note that, this year, the number of people worldwide aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than 5. Incredible!

As proof that age is just a number, though, recall that on Oct. 28, 1958, Cardinal Angelo Roncalli of Venice was elected Pope John XXIII at what was then the ripe old age of 75.

Many considered him a “caretaker pope,” but in his nearly five-year

pontificate, one of his greatest accomplishments was to convene the Second Vatican Council. His intention was to “throw open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can see in.”

Other folks, as well, came into their own later in life: • George Burns won his only Oscar at 80.

• Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel at 71.

• Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until she was 80. She completed over 1500 paintings, 25% of them after she was 100 years old.

• Michelangelo painted the Sistine

Chapel when he was 71. (Information was found in “More Sower’s Seeds,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) I was blessed growing up because I got to spend many hours with my grandparents and their friends. They taught me so much about life.

Although they’ve all passed away, there are still plenty of elders around to guide us.

One enterprising activities director at a nursing center in St. Clair, Missouri, asked residents there to write down advice on a white board.

Here are some of their answers: • “Find someone to love and keep on loving them.” (Bob, 91) • “Get a good education. Be kind to your parents.” (Rose, 81) • “Keep an open mind. You never know what the future has waiting for you.” (Bob N, 80) • “Slow down. You don’t always need to be in such a hurry.”

(Edna, 81) • “Don’t let the little

things in life get in the way of your success.

Use good common sense.” (Rosemary, 85) • Finally, there’s Waunita who wrote: “Eat, drink and be merry!” (Hey, she’s made it to age 92, so she must be doing something right.)

Honestly, I’m glad this column was late for International Day of Older Persons, since they should be celebrated every day.

It’s like someone said: “Listen to your elders’ advice — not because they are always right, but because they have more experiences of being wrong.”

Especially in this COVID time of isolation, let’s make an effort to creatively reach out to the older people in our parish and community, particularly through that old, but effective, standby: snail mail.

Let older persons know they’re truly treasured and popular . . . and not only when it’s Medicare plan enrollment time.

Old Testament inspires us to think deeply about justice

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hen God led Israelite slaves out of Egypt some 3,000 years ago, they had very little idea what he was about.

He guided them in the wilderness of Sinai, provided for their needs in remarkable ways then told them that he wanted to establish a permanent relationship with them as a group.

“Listen to my voice,” he said, “I will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Who could have known?

God’s idea was that the Israelites would be a kind of demonstration project for the world. He wanted everyone to come to live in intimacy with

,

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

him and harmony with one another. He would mold the Israelites into an example of what this could look like.

Of course, it would be worked out according to the Israelites’ particular circumstances: the little villages of Canaan (Palestine, Israel), where they were headed and would be small-scale farmers and raisers of livestock.

God laid out the basics of the relationship in the Ten Commandments. These called the Israelites to take him alone as God and deal justly with each other.

Then, he elaborated. In what is now Chapters 21-23 in the Book of Exodus, God provided specifics for their living as a people in fairness and mutual care. Sunday’s first reading (Ex 22:20-26) includes a few of these.

Don’t lend at interest, God says. When your neighbor runs out of food and seed, lend him what he needs without charging him interest, because how can an impoverished farmer pay you interest without starving or ending up in debt slavery?

If you make a loan and take your neighbor’s cloak as security, give it back at the end of the day. His cloak is his blanket. He doesn’t have anything else to

sleep in.

Don’t oppress aliens who live among you.

This is remarkable!

In the legal codes of no other ancient Near Eastern people were there laws protecting foreigners.

What a just society looked like around 1200 B.C. is different from what it might look like today — not because justice and solidarity are different, but because of changes in economics and technology.

We can’t simply import precepts from Exodus 21-23 into the United States in 2020.

But we can let these ancient laws inspire us to think deeply about what a just society would look like in our world.

‘Gospel is not reserved for a few,’ pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God loves and has prepared a banquet for everyone — “the just and sinners, the good and the bad, the intelligent and the uneducated” — and every Christian is called to go out to the highways and byways sharing God’s invitation to the feast, Pope Francis said.

Before reciting the Angelus prayer Oct. 11, the pope reflected

on Jesus’ parable from the Gospel of Matthew about the king who prepared a wedding feast for his son; when the originally invited guests did not arrive, he sent his messengers out to invite anyone and everyone.

“Even those on the margins, even those who are rejected and scorned by society, are considered by God to be worthy of his love,” the pope

told the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray with him.

The church as a whole and each of its members, he said, are called to go out to “the geographic and existential peripheries of humanity, those places at the margins, those situations where those who have set up camp are found and where the hopeless remnants of humanity live.”

COLUMNISTS

OCTOBER 23, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Pray, care and share in your home and neighborhood

I

am at my wits’ end.

So many balls are in the air and many once predictable things are not so predictable.

Control is hard to come by these days.

Throughout much of the history of the world, control has been in short supply.

In the archdiocese, we are coming up on one year since Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann introduced the “Enflame: Heart, Home and Community” initiative. In this one year, more than 2000 missionary disciples have been equipped and commissioned to pray, care and share in their hearts, homes and community.

If we as Christians are at our wits’ end,

SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART

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

how exhausted must our doubting brother and sister feel?

In this turbulent, unpredictable world, we can pray, care and share in our hearts, homes

and community.

In times of extreme trouble in this world, the kingdom of God has grown because the church has been a refuge of love, peace and hope to those that are confused and hurting.

We get to be guides to love and peace through a relationship with the Father, Son

and Holy Spirit. Our world needs missionary disciples now, while the hurt is so great. Let us all pray, care and share in our own hearts, in our homes and in our communities.

Missionary disciples rely on God, not human control or understanding. Scripture never promises us control and often warns against the dangers of perceived control and power. Scripture does promise us that we are treasured and accompanied by God. In Chapter 6, Verses 25-29, of the Gospel of Mathew, the Scripture is clear: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you

will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?

“Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?

“Why are you anxious about clothes?

Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.

They do not work or spin.

“But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.”

Each of us is precious to God. We must

remind ourselves that God treasures us, and he treasures and seeks those around us, believers or not. We can show others how they can hear and know God for themselves.

We are all called to be missionary disciples. We have tried to make answering that call as easy as possible.

Missionary disciples pray, care and share in our own hearts, in our homes and in our communities.

We have a free 30minute online course to get you started. It is called: “Thirty Minutes to Discipleship.”

You can access it at: archkcks.org or follow the links on the archdiocesan website — archkck.org — to “Adult Evangelization.”

Deacons can be ‘companions’ to us all on our journey of faith

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f the many beautiful celebrations throughout the liturgical year, one that has always captured my imagination is the occasional feast day of a saint along with his “companions.”

Earlier this month, for example, we commemorated the feast of St. Denis and companions (Oct. 9).

Typically on such feast days, the “headliner” is the ranking cleric, often a pope or a bishop, while the “supporting cast” (aka the “companions”) are other holy people who, along with their celebrated leader, were martyred for their Christian faith.

While the “companions” are a diverse group, including religious as well as heroic

ORDAINED TO SERVE

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

laymen and women, I have noticed in recent years that many of these so-called “companions” were deacons.

For example, St. Denis was a third- century French bishop, whereas one of his two

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companions was the deacon Eleutherius.

Another example is the feast of St. Sixtus II and companions (Aug. 7). St. Sixtus was a third-century pope and his “companions” were six of his seven deacons — four were martyred with him and two were martyred later that day.

(It was typical to have seven deacons at that time in imitation of the seven men in Acts 6

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia

who were commonly considered the first deacons.)

The seventh deacon, interestingly enough, was St. Lawrence (Aug. 10), who famously was apprehended and martyred four days later.

There are many terms and images used to describe deacons: heralds, bridges, intermediaries and envoys.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers refers to deacons as “sheepdogs,” as they help run interference for the bishops and priests (i.e., the shepherds), but are not themselves the shepherds.

And above all, as their title suggests, deacons are servants, in imitation of their Master, who “did not come to be served but to serve” (Mk 10:45a).

I suggest that we

might add the term “companion” to that list.

First, the term “companion” suggests a humble, supportive role that aptly characterizes a significant dimension of the deacon’s ministry. We are reminded of this role in the sacred liturgy, where the presiding bishop or priest has his deacon companion, his “right-hand man,” at his side.

Second, in our liturgical feasts, the “companions” are martyred right alongside St. Denis, St. Sixtus and others, whose names are explicitly remembered at Mass.

While not all deacons are martyred for the faith, we might recall that the first post-Resurrection martyr recorded in Scripture was the pro-

to-deacon Stephen. It’s the logical progression of following Christ the servant, who came “to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45b).

Third, and most importantly, we might note that a “companion” is literally “one who breaks bread with another.”

This term clearly has eucharistic overtones. The deacon is a companion to the bishop and to all the faithful because he is first and foremost a close companion of the Lord Jesus, who is truly present in the Eucharist.

May all of us, in our own journeys of faith, be numbered among the companions of Jesus and his holy ones.

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 23, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

On borrowed time: Managing and escaping credit card debt

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redit is easy — maybe too easy. With just the swipe of a card, you are the new owner of everything from new merchandise to great experiences. You also own the debt.

In an emergency, we may have to use a credit card. But as Un ive rs i ty of Saint Mary business professor Lisa Browning tells The Leaven, a thorough u n d e r standing of credit cards and their use can help you avoid the pitfalls of credit.

Q.

Credit cards are common, but it’s easy to rack up debt. What does a credit card allow us to do — and at what cost?

A.

A credit card is a way to borrow money quickly. If you have a credit card, you can use it to pay some bills that might come due. Being able to access a means to pay some bills can help you, but it’s important not to overextend your credit.

Q.

Is it true that if you purchase something at the original cost and only pay the minimum payment each month, it could take you months or years to eventually pay it off ?

A.

Once you have a credit card, it is important to understand what your interest expense will be and ultimately what the cost of this credit will be.

For example, for $1,000 of credit card debt at an interest rate of 15%, your monthly payment would be $20.

If you did not add to that balance, it would take you until July 2021 to pay off the original balance and you would have spent an additional $579 in interest. Combined, that $1,000 of debt now costs you $1,579, more than half of what you originally borrowed.

Q. In an ideal world, how many

credit cards should a person have?

A.

My husband and I have two credit cards and two debit cards. Debit cards are merely cash cards. You can preload them with any amount of cash.

We use the debit cards at the grocery store or the pharmacy and we put money on the card before we start charging away. We typically do not use our credit cards because they involve borrowing money with interest.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA BROWNING

Lisa Browning, a business professor at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, offers advice on how to select and use credit cards to achieve your financial goals, while avoiding going into credit card debt.

Q.

Many people have several major credit cards and a fistful of department store cards. Should you close most of them or just not use them? Will that affect your credit?

A.

Having a bunch of credit cards can hurt your credit, especially if you are using them. Credit decisions are generally based on how many credit cards or other debts you have. The fewer cards you have, the better the impact on your credit.

Q.

card?

How do you cancel a credit

A.

If you have a zero balance, it is easy to cancel a card. You can just cut them up and throw them away. This is not generally the case with most people, though, so it is smart to have as few credit cards as possible and manage them wisely.

Q.

Assuming you can spend responsibly, what kind of expenses should you put on which kind of credit card?

A.

Emergency expenditures are

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acceptable. For example, if someone in your family becomes ill, you may have to pay for medical treatment. It’s best to have a credit card that has a lot of credit left on it. Also, some medical providers allow you to pay as you go these days.

Q.

What if you are purchasing a major appliance? Doesn’t it make sense to open a new card at that particular store so you can get the 18 months of 0% interest?

A.

If you can commit to only purchasing that one item on the credit card to get the 0% interest rate, and if you have the self-control to pay off that debt before the 0% interest rate expires, then opening a credit card for that purchase makes sense.

If you do not have that level of self-control, then it does not make sense. The money-maker for the store is in the possibility (probability?) that either a) you won’t pay off the card before the 0% interest rate expires; or b) you continue to use the card and get into additional debt quickly.

Q.

It is common for people to juggle balances on multiple cards.

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How should they pay off those balances? Is there a single formula for success?

A.

Most people try to eliminate the higher cost debt first. Working on the higher interest debt helps to eliminate the debt faster.

There is an alternative that, if used carefully, can be useful — debt consolidation. If all of your credit cards can be paid off with a single card or bank loan, that approach will lower the interest you pay each month. It helps reduce the number of monthly payments and the total monthly interest that you are paying.

Q.

Are there certain age groups who should be particularly wary of credit card debt, such as students or seniors?

A.

Everyone should be wary of credit card debt. It can sneak up on you and wreak havoc on your finances. Seniors and students are frequently targets of less-than-optimal credit card offers.

Lisa Browning is a professor at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.

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