10 30 20 Vol. 42 No. 13 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 13 | OCTOBER 30, 2020

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Victim care advocate Linda Slater-Trimble, right, of the archdiocesan office for protection and care, works to help victims find healing within the Catholic Church.

‘HONORING THEIR JOURNEY’ Name change reflects the desire to walk with victims

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

“T

wo years ago, I never thought I would return to a church building, ever,” said Sandra. A survivor of abuse by a representative of the Catholic Church, the journey to find healing for Sandra, whose name has been changed for anonymity, has been difficult. “There’s a sense of loneliness,” she said. “Where do I belong?” Healing from abuse is complicated, and perhaps even more so when the abuse occurred at the hands of a representative of the church, often leaving

the victim survivor to feel betrayed and outcast from their faith community. That’s why the office for protection and care for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, formerly known as the office of child and youth protection, is working fervently to atone for church abuse by taking responsibility for the harm caused. “Although we cannot turn back time, we can work to prevent abuse today and respond to a survivor’s needs with a sense of urgency and respect,” said director Jenifer Valenti. “An abuse survivor should never feel abandoned by the church, nor should they feel further betrayal when they come forward to report their abuse,” she added.

For more information To learn more about the efforts of the office for protection and care, visit: responseincrisis.archkck.org.

The office’s name change is one way it hopes to communicate that message. “The previous office name highlighted the efforts aimed at protecting children and youth from abuse,” said victim care advocate Linda SlaterTrimble. “While prevention efforts are critical,” she continued, “equally important is the sincere care we have for survivors, as evidenced by our name change.”

The change is accompanied by a fresh approach to walking with abuse survivors and honoring their journey and voice, said Valenti. Although the archdiocese has offered services for survivors of church abuse for decades, added Valenti, understanding abuse and the best approach to address it continues to develop.

‘On my time’ Slater-Trimble and Valenti are relatively new to the archdiocese, with Slater-Trimble starting in 2018 and Valenti in 2019. >> See “VICTIMS” on page 2

Get out and vote

Weeds among wheat

Election Day is Nov. 3. If you haven’t voted already, remember to head to the polls and make your voice heard.

Jesus uses a farming parable to show just how unpredictable God’s kingdom really is. Page 16

ARCHBISHOP

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Marriage teaching is rooted in Bible, tradition and natural law

he documentary “Francesco,” chronicling the ministry of Pope Francis and his solicitude for the poor, the refugee, the sick and all those on the margins of society, created quite a media firestorm. Pope Francis continues to provide for the church and the world a beautiful example of love and compassion for all those who are suffering and struggling. I have not viewed the documentary that is an edited version of lengthy interviews. The media has focused upon a segment of the film where the pope is evidently responding to a question about the pastoral care for those with same-sex attraction. Not surprisingly, the Holy Father reaffirmed church teaching regarding the innate dignity of every member of the human family as one created in the divine image. Pope Francis encouraged parents to love children and family members who struggle with samesex attraction. He

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN reminded viewers how important familial bonds are for all of us. The Holy Father expressed support for civil unions for homosexuals, specifically in order that individuals have access to health care and inheritance privileges. While Pope Francis was archbishop of Buenos Aires, he had expressed support for civil unions in an effort to prevent state approval of same-sex marriage. The Holy Father did not endorse samesex marriage in the documentary, but once again offered the notion of civil unions as a means to avoid state

sanctioning of homosexual marriage. Pope Francis did not question or dispute the gravely sinful nature of homosexual actions. Moreover, no pope has the authority to change a moral teaching that is both rooted in the Bible, 2,000-year old tradition and the consistent moral teaching of the church. Similarly, no pope has the ability to change the nature of marriage nor the church’s understanding of matrimony that is rooted in the Bible, church tradition and natural law. Pope Francis’ apparent affirmation of civil unions differs from the opinion expressed less than 20 years ago by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Faith that counseled against homosexual civil unions because of the confusion of equating them with marriage. Frankly, those who have hailed the Holy Father’s proposal for civil unions as an initial step in changing church teaching on marriage actually illustrate the validity of the concern expressed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Holy Father’s remarks were made in a conversational interview, not with the care and precision necessary to articulate official church teaching. The possibility of civil unions is an area of prudential judgment. However, the media treatment of the pope’s statements in the documentary actually reinforce the necessity for caution. The Holy Father’s desire and efforts always to attempt to reach those on the peripheries are laudable and inspirational. The pope’s exhortation to families to keep close to those who struggle with same-sex attraction is pastorally wise,

but must be balanced with care not to enable behaviors that are dangerous spiritually, morally, emotionally and physically. We are fortunate in the archdiocese to have a chapter of Courage, a Catholic ministry to assist those with same-sex attraction who are striving to live a chaste life. The members of Courage are some of the real heroes and saints of our day. Encourage is a sister ministry for families of those with samesex attraction that help families walk that delicate balance of continuing to love their sons, daughters and siblings without enabling choices and behaviors that are harmful and destructive. The virtue of chastity has always been challenging to live for singles, married couples, celibate priests, and consecrated religious Sisters and Brothers. It is even more so in our sexualized culture that boasts pornography as the leading internet enterprise. Living the virtues has never been easy

but it is rewarding. Moral norms protect us from dangerous and harmful activities that promise quick and intense pleasure but leave us empty and absent of joy. The virtues are guides to authentic love and developing true friendships. This Sunday, we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints. There are many saints that are great examples of the virtue of chastity — e.g., Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. Dominic Savio and, of course, the virgin martyrs — Agnes, Agatha, Lucy, Anastasia and Cecilia. One of the most recent of these young saints is Maria Goretti, who is both a patron for chastity and mercy. As we celebrate the festival of the saints, let us ask them to intercede for us that we might excel like so many of them in the twin virtues of charity and chastity. May we have the same passion to serve the poor and vulnerable as we do to love authentically — not using another for pleasure but always seeking what ennobles others.

Victims can feel both shame and relief upon first reporting >> Continued from page 1 Since then, they’ve been working on fulfilling Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s goal of leading the way in how survivors of abuse within the church are cared for. The office began utilizing an accompaniment model and restorative theory, which includes not only offering resources, but listening to the needs of the victim survivor and working at their pace. “One of the great things about the office is everything’s on my time,” said Sandra. “I get to decide when it’s time to do the next step.” That component is huge for Sandra, who said that “with abuse, you’ve lost control.” Sandra had the courage to come forward with her story around two years ago. She explained that reporting her abuse to the archdiocese was difficult and opened up feelings of shame.

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“But then, there’s a lot of relief at the same time,” she added. “It was like this big bag of mixed emotions when I walked out.” According to Slater-Trimble, “delayed disclosures are common, [and] so often, victims are adults before they’re able to find their voice and come forward and talk about what happened to them.” What’s made the process easier has been what Sandra describes as a “ministry of presence” provided by the archdiocese. “It’s just having somebody [there on] the days you’re feeling really crazy and just need to blurt out whatever you’re thinking,” she said. “It’s an extremely safe environment for me to be able to do that. “I always say that they’ve walked me through the good, the bad and the very, very ugly.”

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‘A safe place’ Sandra’s journey toward healing has given her what she calls “a gigantic gift” — the ability to receive the Eucharist again. “That was the part of church that I missed the most,” she said. But attending Mass isn’t always a simple experience. “My desire is to come back fully, but that is not an easy process,” said Sandra. “There are some things related to the church that trigger me,” she explained. “Prayers can trigger people, songs can trigger people, buildings can trigger people.” Slater-Trimble said those reactions are normal for survivors. “So many people struggle with their relationship with their faith community after something like this has happened to them,” she said. “When it’s an

agent of the church, especially clergy, they are their spiritual leader. “And then, to be violated — it hugely impacts a person’s relationship with the church and can sometimes even impact their faith in a loving God.” Slater-Trimble and Valenti hope their work with victim survivors can help the archdiocese continue to improve the response to abuse in the church. Dialogues guided by restorative theory between survivors and church leadership serve as a means towards atonement, said Valenti. “We hope ultimately to be a ministry of hope and healing,” she said. Sandra hopes other survivors of abuse will choose to come forward, too. “It doesn’t matter how long ago this happened to you,” she said. “Secrets will eat you alive. “And telling your story will be incredibly healing for you. It won’t be easy, but it will be really, really healing. “And this is a safe place to do it.”

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 30, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

‘MIRACLE ON 18TH STREET’

Donnelly SHINEs light on first-in-their-family college students By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

PHOTO BY CRAIG DOTY

Msgr. Stuart Swetland facilitates a student and alumni panel during the SHINE 2020 livestream. Participants in the panel are: (from left) Shane Rainey, Erica Thoman (’20), Sunita Kalikote, Jose Marquez (’17, ’19) and Msgr. Swetland.

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Interpersonal relationships and community support were the underlying themes throughout Donnelly College’s annual SHINE event Oct. 15, which raises money for student scholarships. The event was broadcast live from the new Donnelly Education Center in compliance with COVID restrictions and has raised a record $525,000 so far. The college was founded in 1949 by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. “Bishop [George] Donnelly said yes to their amazing vision of providing quality, faith-based education to those who might not otherwise have access or might not otherwise be served,” said Msgr. Stuart Swetland, Donnelly president. “We’re proud of the [new] education building because, for the very first time, Donnelly College . . . has a first-class building for a first-class education.” The new education center includes 72,000 square feet of academic space and a chapel dedicated to Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. “This is the miracle on 18th Street,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “But it’s not just the building that’s a miracle. There are miracles that happen inside this building every day.” A student panel that included both students and alumni bore witness to that statement as they discussed the family feel of the campus, the diversity of the student body and how it all transitioned last spring when in-person classes were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I chose Donnelly because it was a small college. I didn’t want to be at a university because I didn’t want to be remembered by a number,” said freshman Shane Rainey. “I wanted to have that one-on-one time with my teachers.” Erica Thoman, class of 2020, said the relationships she built helped as a nontraditional student coming in at 34 years old and a mother of three kids. “I was really looking for a college that could help support me with relationships,” Thoman said. “I knew I was going to need some support with my instructors and I was going to need to make relationships with other students. . . . Right away, [Donnelly] really just made me feel comfortable. It felt like it was going to be a second home for me and it really turned out to be that way.” Donnelly College, for four years in a row, has been ranked first in ethnic diversity in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 Best College Rankings. “My classroom is very diverse. And seeing my friends that are from all over the country? They really motivate me, and we all have the same goals to be where we want,” said senior Sunita Kalikote. “I love the fact that we don’t

MOST OF US, FOR DIFFERENT REASONS, THOUGHT THAT COLLEGE WASN’T GOING TO BE A POSSIBILITY FOR US. IT’S VERY COOL TO SEE THAT WE FELT THAT WAY AND WE ALL HAD OBSTACLES, AND WE ALL ENDED UP HERE. WE ALL HAVE THIS SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT WITH SUCH A DIVERSE GROUP OF STUDENTS. ERICA THOMAN DONNELLY CLASS OF 2020 know each other much, but we still motivate each other because we are all from different cultures and backgrounds and that just makes me want to do better every day.” Jose Marquez, class of 2019, said the diversity motivated him to learn more. “I like to learn new languages. Coming here, I only spoke English and Spanish,” Marquez said. “But I had very good friends from Thailand and Iran, and I’m interested in learning more [languages].” Rainey feels the diversity prepares

students for tomorrow. “When you go out into the real world, everything and everybody is going to be different,” Rainey said. “They’re going to have different cultures, different backgrounds, and I felt like it prepares me for life.” Thoman said she found similarities among the differences. “Most of us, for different reasons, thought that college wasn’t going to be a possibility for us,” Thoman said. “It’s very cool to see that we felt that way and we all had obstacles, and we all ended up here. We all have this supportive environment with such a diverse group of students — and some of the teachers, too.” Thoman said that these relationships and experiences didn’t change as classes were forced online last spring. “Those personal relationships that I had really went a long way for me,” Thoman said. “My instructors cared about my success and were willing to work with me on certain things.” “I had people reaching out to me because I got depressed, and I think a lot of people did initially, not knowing what was going to happen,” she continued. “I really felt that support even through the distance and that just meant everything to me. “I don’t think I would’ve had that same experience if I was at a bigger school and didn’t have those relationships and connections.” Finally, panelists agreed that their educational experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community. President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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“Thank you so much for being the great people that you are,” Rainey said. “If you didn’t help students like me, I wouldn’t be here today right now, and I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” Thoman said supporting Donnelly students supports the world. “Donnelly does serve a large community of diverse students and so donations really go a long way to helping people that really care and really are hungry for that education,” Thoman said. “So, any investment that you make in this school is really not only an investment in our community but also an investment in the bigger world, because it’s not going to go to waste. “It’s going to people that really wanted that education that they thought they might not necessarily get.” Kalikote said she was one who thought she’d never be able to go to college. “I am the first generation in my family to graduate from high school and attend college,” she said. Marquez said he is inspired by the community support. “I’m very grateful for everything that this college has given to me by its supporters and donators,” Marquez said. “I plan to invest and do the same in the future, so thank you so much for making a great influence on me.” To make a donation to Donnelly College and the SHINE program, visit the website at: www.donnelly.edu/ give/give-now-shine.

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Co-founder of 40 Days for Life campaign leads rally

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

VERLAND PARK — Some 120 people from across the region gathered on Oct. 16 in front of the Center for Women’s Health here to receive encouragement from Shawn Carney, president, CEO and one of the co-founders of 40 Days for Life. The rally and prayer vigil marked the halfway point of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign. Since its inception in 2004 in Bryan/ College Station, Texas, 40 Days for Life has grown from a local effort to “an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion legally through prayer and fasting, community outreach and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses.” According to Carney, when the organization started, abortion rates declined in the area by 28%. In 2007, the organization launched its first national campaign, which included 89 cities. Since then, 40 Days for Life has reached more than 1,000 cities in 63 countries. Prior to Carney’s remarks, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities and a board member of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, joked about the chilly morning, saying, “The Lord wants to wake us up, and he wants to use us. He wants to use you in waking up our nation and our community as well.” The archbishop added, “Everything we do as Christians has to begin with and is [dependent] on prayer. I think that’s really what has made 40 Days for Life such a powerful instrument for good for our culture and for our society today.” Prayer and fasting, Carney said, are at the core of 40 Days for Life. “It’s a requirement because of the grave evil that we are facing. We simply can’t run out the door and say

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Shawn Carney, one of the co-founders of 40 Days for Life, speaks to the crowd of approximately 120 gathered for a rally and prayer vigil held Oct. 16 to mark the halfway point of the local 40 Days for Life campaign held twice each year near the Center for Women’s Health in Overland Park. Established in Bryan/College Station, Texas, in 2004, 40 Days for Life is an international grassroots prayer and fasting campaign which has reached more than 1,000 cities in 63 countries. we’re going to change the world and get all excited. We will be crushed by the world,” he said. “We have to have an interior life to do this because it is unspeakable what happens in an abortion, and it’s a crisis of the human heart, and it’s a crisis of conscience, and our source in this battle is Jesus Christ.” “We are not a bunch of self-righteous Christians,” Carney said later, “trying to tell the world how to live — quite the opposite. We are approaching five decades

of legalized abortion. That means we have experienced it as a nation. We have the data, and we have the pain.” The pain, he said, is only part of the story. Like the archbishop, Carney said many hearts have changed due to the prayers of countless others, and that brings him joy. Still, loving others enough to pray for them can be difficult. “It doesn’t mean we’re all walking around, smiling in front of abortion facilities,” said Carney, “but it does

Sister Ann (Mary Henry) Diettrich, OSB

Sister Irmina Miller, OSB

TCHISON — Sister Ann Diettrich, 80, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, died Oct. 9 at the monastery here. Sister Ann was born in Evanston, Illinois, on Oct. 13, 1939, one of four children of Ruth (Zeiger) and Henry Diettrich. She entered the Benedictines of Mount St. Scholastica in

TCHISON — Sister Irmina Miller, 94, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, died Oct. 15 at the monastery here. Services will be held at a later date. Sister Irmina (birth name Margaret) was born on May 28, 1926, in Atchison, one of seven children of Henry and Irmina (Schletzbaum) Miller. Graduating from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in 1944, she entered

1959 and made her final profession on Dec. 31, 1967. Her sister Mary Ruth was also a religious, a Sister of St. Agnes in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. With a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in early childhood education, Sister Ann served for 30 years as a primary and early childhood teacher in parish schools in Kansas and Missouri, as well as at the

the monastery after high school and made her monastic profession in 1949. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College and a master’s degree in biological sciences from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. She taught in elementary and secondary schools for over 40 years. While already teaching in Colorado, Sister Irmina became a charter

child care center at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. After taking chaplaincy training at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, she served as minister of care for the sick and elderly in parishes in the area. From 1990-2008, she served as oblate director for the Mount’s Kansas City, Kansas, group. When she returned to the monastery, she was a chaplain in Dooley Center, the monastery’s health care facility.

member of Benet Hill Monastery, founded by the Mount in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1965. There, she also served as a horticulturalist and caretaker of 30 acres of forest. After 30 years of ministry in Colorado, she returned to Atchison. During her retirement, her jellies, stuffed clowns and Raggedy Ann dolls were popular items in the monastery gift shop.

mean that our hand doesn’t shake in the midst of spiritual warfare or persecution, or when people don’t agree with us or when coping somehow with the reality of what goes on in over 700 abortion facilities across the country.” “We have to bring the love and joy and peace,” he continued, “to a place that simply will not have it unless we are here, and that is the grace of being the hands and feet of Christ.”

Lois and Fred Mersmann, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g anniversary on Nov. 6. The couple was married on Nov. 6, 1970, at Holy Family Church in Eudora by Father Patrick Hogan. Their children are: Julie Dukart, Omaha, Nebraska; Emily Johnson, Lenexa: and Dennis Mersmann, Portland, Oregon. They also have five grandchildren. The couple will celebrate later with family. Yvonne (Reif) and Melvin Lang, members of St. Theresa Parish, Perry, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a card shower. They were married on Nov. 7, 1955, at St. Joseph Church, Beaver. Their children are: Randall, David, Michael and Brian. They also have one grandson, a step-granddaughter and three step-great-grandchildren. They will have a celebration at a later date.

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 30, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAST FRIENDS RUNNERS FIND CAMARADERIE AMID COMPETITION

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

From left, Jack Keathley-Helms, a junior at Lawrence Free State High School, and Tanner Newkirk, a junior at Hayden High School in Topeka, share a friendship and love for running that started at the Catholic Youth Organization level. The two will take part in the state cross-country championship meet on Oct. 31.

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s been 67 years since Tom Rupp and his University of Kansas teammates won the cross-country national championship in 1953. But the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) coach still carries with him the values he gained from running, instilling them now in a new generation of runners at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence. “It’s very important to me to see the kids do so well and have the success,” he said. “But even if they don’t win, they competed tough.” Two of Rupp’s former CYO athletes and one of their regular competitors are now accomplished high school cross-country runners who are making a difference on their school teams. As the young men look forward to competing in their respective state championship class meets on Oct. 31, the love for their sport is palpable.

Enduring friendships Jack Keathley-Helms started running cross-country in third grade at Corpus Christi and is now a junior at Lawrence Free State High School. Thanks to the strong leadership of a few coaches during CYO, including Rupp, who also served as his confirmation sponsor, Keathley-Helms felt prepared going into high school cross-country. “I have two senior teammates at Free State who started running in seventh grade,” he said. “I started four years ahead of them, so I have all this extra competing experience.” The cross-country program at

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By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

WE REALLY PUSHED EACH OTHER AND MADE EACH OTHER BE THE BEST THAT WE COULD BE. I DON’T THINK I’D BE AS GOOD AS I WAS BACK THEN EVEN NOW WITHOUT HIM. TANNER NEWKIRK JUNIOR CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNER AT HAYDEN HIGH SCHOOL IN TOPEKA

Corpus Christi now has around 35 athletes, but when Keathley-Helms was starting out, there were only a handful. It inspired him to get to know athletes from across the archdiocese after their meets. “I met a bunch of people that I probably wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t done CYO,” he said. “I still talk to quite a few of them to this day.” One of his teammates growing up was Tanner Newkirk, a junior at Hayden High School in Topeka. The pair were equally competitive. “We really pushed each other and made each other be the best that we could be,” said Newkirk. “I don’t think I’d be as good as I was back then even now without him.” Keathley-Helms agreed. “It was nice to have a friend who wants to compete as much as you,” he said. “We always wanted to beat each other.” Although they go to different schools and compete in different classes, the

boys are still friends and continue to check in on one another’s successes. “Every Saturday, Tanner and I after our races will ask, ‘How’d your race go?’ We constantly congratulate each other,” said Keathley-Helms. If they’re anything like Rupp, their friendship has the potential to last a lifetime. “I had great camaraderie with my teammates,” said Rupp. “We still get together — those of us who are left. “You develop lifelong friendships.”

Healthy competition The Kansas Catholic cross-country world is small. Because of CYO, athletes might compete annually from the time they are 10 years old until they are 18. Ashton Higgerson, a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, is one runner who regularly challenged Keathley-Helms growing up and continues to do so today. “There’s one specific race [I remember],” said Keathley-Helms. “It was the fifth-grade city meet for cross-country. We were racing a mile back then. “I was cruising to the finish, thought I had the win in the bag, and then I hear someone screaming at me that someone was running behind me. “I look behind me, and Ashton’s just cooking it toward me,” he said. “I had to sprint to the finish, and it was a battle to the end.” Both boys are grateful for the competitive spirit that’s lasted over the years. “I have had a great experience with cross-country through middle school and high school,” said Higgerson, who competed in CYO through St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village.

“My teammates are pushing me every day,” he added. “Whenever the work is easy and when it is hard, they always push me.”

Renewed gratitude If COVID-19 has taught the runners anything this season, it’s to appreciate the opportunity to race. “I always took it for granted that we’re just able every year to go out and have these sports,” said Keathley-Helms. “With COVID coming in and taking stuff away,” he continued, “it really makes you take a step back and realize this is important and this can be taken from you. “I have to go out and give it everything I have because it could be the last time I ever get to do this.” Additional precautions this season included wearing masks before and after practices and meets, which Higgerson said are worth it. “Taking all these safety measures is not always easy or fun,” he said, “but it is way better than not getting to run at all.” Higgerson, Keathley-Helms and Newkirk all said they’ve been able to lean on their faith when challenges arise during any given season, especially one in a year filled with unknowns. “When running is tough and it is hard to find the motivation, I always have my faith to turn to,” said Higgerson. Newkirk agreed. “I always know that good or bad race, I’ll have God with me,” he said. “He’s going to help me go through the race.” To learn more about CYO, visit its website at: cyojwa.org.

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

New poster showcases seminarians and the virtues they aspire to By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — This year, Catholics all over the archdiocese will be seeing more of our seminarians than ever before. Thanks to a generous Catholic printer, the archdiocesan vocation office has been blessed with a boatload of new vocation posters for 2020-21 featuring its 21 seminarians — just in time for National Vocation Awareness Week, which the church celebrates from Nov. 1-7. Normally, the vocation office has 300 large and 500 small vocation posters printed each year. This year, they have 800 large and 1,500 small. They’re going up all over in Catholic institutions. But there is more to the new poster than a bunch of smiling faces. This year’s new poster sends a message of commitment and names the virtues that young men studying for the priesthood need: courage, humility, sacrifice and celibacy — “For the Sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.” “Every year, we try to come up with a new [poster] theme that is arrived at by what our seminarians are experiencing throughout the year through their prayer life and discernment, and what seems to be coming up most often,” said Father Dan Morris, director of the archdiocesan vocation office. Father Morris gets this input by informally talking to the seminarians and the vocation team, which consists of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, Msgr. Michael Mullen, Father Scott Wallisch and Father Morris. In society at this time, it seems that young people are having a more difficult time than in previous decades making permanent commitments in their lives — whether they’re considering the priesthood, the religious life or marriage, said Father Morris. “We knew we wanted a Scripture passage that really challenged and invited that commitment to be made in their lives, especially young men who God might be calling to the priesthood,” said Father Morris. Father Morris found a bold passage in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 19. In this chapter about divorce and marriage, Jesus said some men choose not to be married “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Originally, Father Morris thought the poster could feature a photo of two men being ordained at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. For various practical and aesthetic reasons, that didn’t work out. Then, while studying the sanctuary, he noticed something of which he had not been aware. On the front of the cathedral altar was the symbol of St. Peter: an upside-down cross (the manner of the saint’s execution) and the crossed keys. “There’s nothing that represents this laying down of one’s life and being willing to sacrifice for something greater than this enigmatic image that looks so backwards to this culture and world,” said Father Morris. “It’s appropriate because our cathedral is the Cathedral of St. Peter, and it’s at the cathedral these men will lay down in front of that altar with that symbol . . . their lives matching up with what this symbol represents.” Father Morris used his design skills to come up with a poster. It features the photos of the vocation team and the 21 seminarians around the symbol

IT’S KIND OF A CRAZY SITUATION TO SEE MYSELF ON A POSTER LIKE THIS, BECAUSE I SPENT MOST OF MY LIFE GOING TO CHURCHES AND LOOKING AT ALL THE GUYS ON THE POSTER AND WONDERING ONE DAY IF I’D BE ON ONE. TREY NIESEN FIRST YEAR SEMINARIAN AT KENRICK-GLENNON SEMINARY IN ST. LOUIS of St. Peter depicted on the altar. Directly underneath are the words “Courage, Humility, Sacrifice and Celibacy.” And below these is the phrase from the Gospel of Matthew: “For the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (19:12). One of those young men featured on the poster is Trey Niesen, from Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa. He’s in his first year at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary

in St. Louis. “It’s kind of a crazy situation to see myself on a poster like this, because I spent most of my life going to churches and looking at all the guys on the poster and wondering one day if I’d be on one,” said Niesen. “This is the first one that I’m on. It’s kind of a surreal situation.” The strangeness of being on the

vocation poster has worn off for Alex Rickert, from Ascension Parish in Overland Park. He’s now in his third year at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. “What I like about the poster is that in some ways it resembles the advertisements for the military,” said Rickert. “It has a slogan that calls people to do something out of the ordinary. And I like the four words — courage, humility, sacrifice and celibacy — because they capture a fighting spirit. The priesthood is not a call to be taken lightly.” Because the archdiocese has an abundance of vocation posters, Father Morris is inviting parishes and individual Catholics to go to the chancery at 12615 Parallel Pkwy. in Kansas City, Kansas, for a free poster. Contact the vocation office in advance by email at: vocation@archkck.org, or by calling (913) 647-0303, and the posters will be available for pickup.

OCTOBER 30, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Breathing new life into BREATHE By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

TCHISON — We all need a little help from our friends — some of us more than others during the pandemic. For families raising children with special needs, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ monthly respite care program, BREATHE, was a big help in prepandemic times. It provided parents the perfect Scholars who are interopportuniested in participating ty to step in the virtual BREATHE program should send away from an email to Tom Racuthe rigors nas, the archdiocesan of parentspecial-needs ministry ing. For consultant, at: tracunas the chil@archkck.org. dren who attended BREATHE, it was as an opportunity to socialize with old and new friends. Today, like most things, BREATHE has gone virtual. Yet, new friends are waiting on the other side of the screen. “All individuals need and desire connection and friendship. Creating communities which support the development of these connections for individuals with disabilities has been a passion of mine for years,” said Kelly Cogan, assistant professor for the school of education at Benedictine College in Atchison. Cogan and Meredith Doyle, Benedictine’s director of service learning, partnered with the special-needs ministry of the archdiocese to bring BREATHE to Zoom — the online tool connecting colleagues, classrooms, families and more. Cogan’s desire to socially engage people with intellectual disabilities began long before the pandemic. “It began many, many years ago while I was observing a classroom. In this second grade classroom,” Cogan said, “there was a little boy with autism sitting in the corner eating chocolate bars and sipping soda while his peers engaged in learning, meaningful communication and a sense of community. Since then, I have sought to create programming to support inclusive, supportive, positive programming, even through virtual communities in this time of a global pandemic.”

In Jesus’ words Cogan encouraged students from

BREATHE, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ monthly respite care program, has gone virtual. Participating at a recent meeting are: Anna Schmitz (top), and from left: Marie Temprendola, Lauren Thompson, Anna Schmitz (again) and Lia Reckmeyer. her Characteristics of Individuals with Exceptionalities class to participate as part of their service learning component. Her students are learning strategies, interventions and resources for supporting individuals with disabilities. As such, virtual BREATHE activities are related to quality of life indicators and rooted in spiritual messaging. Each weekly BREATHE session begins and ends with prayer. Students tie programming to the week’s upcoming Gospel, even choosing a word of the week that relates to the readings. Likewise, students tie that week’s Gospel reading to real life, teaching “scholars” — as they are called — ways in which they can aspire to live God’s word. Verbal engagement can be a challenge for some scholars, according to Cogan, so students provide them with picture boards to promote communication. “Personally, I’ve experienced more engagement with the Gospels [through BREATHE],” said Benedictine College school of education sophomore Sara Pavlyak. “During our meetings, we simplify the message so everyone can grasp it. This simplification has helped me revisit my foundational knowledge of who Jesus Christ is. Additionally, seeing the scholars receive the Gospel

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and get excited about Jesus has given my heart joy.”

would like to meet them in person,” Schmitz said.

Zooming into a new reality

The power of prayer

For scholars like 31-year-old Anna Schmitz, the virtual BREATHE sessions are a welcome alternative to COVID-19 closures. Schmitz moved back into her parents’ rural home in March. Prior to the pandemic, she had been living in her own apartment and working two jobs in Manhattan for three years. “There was more happening in Manhattan socially versus my life now. But I am happy where I am and enjoy being around my friends,” Schmitz said. Since returning home to live with her parents, Schmitz found a new job working for the Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School five mornings a week. She has attended multiple virtual BREATHE sessions and has enjoyed seeing participants each week. One day, she hopes to meet the Benedictine students in person. She has already been on the campus several times and enjoys campus life. “They are a lot of fun and I like hanging out with them together. Seeing their happy faces makes me light up! I

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Schmitz, who said one of the first things she wants to do when the pandemic is over is take her first trip on an airplane, said she uses her time during the sessions to pray for her family. Prayer is a favorite among many of the scholars, Pavlyak said. After the first BREATHE session, students asked the scholars to share their favorite part of the meeting. One of the scholars immediately answered, “Praying.” “This response made me realize how special these Zoom meetings were going to be,” Pavlyak said. “After hearing this, I was even more eager to see how God was going to show himself through these meetings.” As their professor, Cogan couldn’t be prouder of statements like these and the end result. “My heart is full knowing that new friendships are being forged, parents of scholars have a few minutes each week to breathe (maybe have a moment to relax and have a cup of coffee), and — most importantly — we are bringing joy while spreading the lessons of the Gospel to our scholars,” Cogan said.

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PLAGUEPROOF

The Catholic Church is one of the few institutions on the planet that is no stranger to pandemics like the one we’re experiencing now. It even has a patron saint for the occasion! So, join The Leaven on a whirlwind tour of where the action is these days — places where, with a little help from old science (masks), new science (touchless dispensers) and presumably St. Roch — the work of the church goes on.

s MAGIC TOUCH

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Father Travis Mecum, associate pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, demonstrates Trinity’s touchless holy water dispenser. Installed late this summer and inspired by an idea Father Mecum saw on Facebook, it was the perfect answer to the removal of holy water fonts in most Catholic churches due to the pandemic. The dispenser provides a palm full of water, enough for people to dip their fingers in and share with their family members.

s KNIGHTED

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Gordon Thomas Moffitt, a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, is invested into the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on Sept. 20 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri.

u FROM THE HEART

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, explains the heart of Jesus in his homily at the Red Mass Oct. 11 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. The Red Mass is celebrated annually for all members of the legal profession.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SO

OLDNER

t RENEWAL

The Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ renew their vows at a special Mass Oct. 4 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the celebrant of the Mass, at which a total of 16 Sisters from around the country were in attendance.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

s FEAST DAY

Participants in a candlelight rosary procession at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park wait in front of the church for the rest of the procession to make its way back to the church. The procession was held Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and drew between 400 to 500 participants. Father Bill Bruning, parish pastor, and Father Gary Pennings, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea, led the procession, while Dr. Troy Hinkel of the Holy Family School of Faith led the praying of the rosary. Prior to the procession, Hinkel gave a presentation in the church about the history of the feast day.

t 20 YEARS

Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, places the monstrance on an outdoor altar following a eucharistic procession and rosary to celebrate 20 years of 24-hour adoration at the parish.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

NATION

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Parish’s Pumpkin Patch brings church, school and neighborhood together By Dave Hrbacek Catholic News Service

INNEAPOLIS (CNS) — About 1,500 pumpkins of varying sizes and colors have taken up residence on the grounds of Our Lady of Peace Church and School in south Minneapolis. They arrived from New Mexico Oct. 16 and became part of the parish’s second annual Pumpkin Patch that opened the next day. The idea came from Charlie Allen, a parent of two children who attend the parish’s Catholic school. For several years, he has wanted to create an event that not only could raise money for the parish and school, but also could be a way to build stronger ties between the two and with the neighborhood surrounding the parish. It’s working. He launched it last year with 800 pumpkins that went on sale at the event held daily on the parish grounds. In two weeks, he sold every pumpkin and raised $4,000 for the church and school. This year, he made it bigger, adding nearly double the number of pumpkins and setting a fundraising goal of $10,000. The Pumpkin Patch already is off to a good start. Pumpkin sales on the first day exceeded the total of the highest day last year. Crowds were high during the weekend of Oct. 17-18, and he expected the pumpkins to be sold out by Oct. 30. The Pumpkin Patch is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. Throughout the time the Pumpkin

Speaker: Day’s life sets example for today’s similarly troubled times

CNS PHOTO/DAVE HRBACEK, THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

William Quinn searches for just the right pumpkin with help from his mother, Laurie Quinn, and dog, Sam, in the pumpkin patch at Our Lady of Peace in Minneapolis Oct. 18. Patch was going on last year, Allen heard from people in the neighborhood who said to him, “You know, we need this. This is exciting.” Based on that feedback, “I decided to double it” this year, he told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The response has been strong. “It’s been full out there nonstop,” he said the second afternoon of this year’s Pumpkin Patch. The parish has a number of events planned, but the main attraction is pumpkins, which range in price from $4 to $50, depending on size, with most selling for between $11 and $18, Allen said. There also is a cornhole tournament going on, plus a scavenger hunt for kids. Some families buy more than one pumpkin, and he even saw one

family use a wheelbarrow to bring their purchase to his pay station. The pumpkins were grown on a Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico and shipped to Our Lady of Peace via an organization called Pumpkins USA. Allen said there was a chance of getting more pumpkins if the first load of 1,500 sold out before the end of the month. Unseasonably cold weather could slow things down, he said, but he anticipated he’d see steady action at the Pumpkin Patch the second weekend of the event, Oct. 24-25. “It’s awesome,” Allen said of how well things were going. “Raising the money is key, but it’s more for building the community, making the school and the church one, and letting the neighborhood know that we’re here.”

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Dorothy Day’s witness nearly 100 years ago sets an example for today’s society, according to a Duquesne University professor who is writing a book on the life of the co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement. “Day is a wonderful exemplar of someone who was both critical and at the same time incredibly supportive of the church,” Dorothy Day said Ronald C. Arnett, chair of communication and rhetorical studies at Duquesne, a Catholic university in Pittsburgh. “If she were here and she was asked, ‘Who should I vote for?’ I’d love to hear her answer,” Arnett said. But in Arnett’s Oct. 22 talk, “Practices That Matter: The Faith and Politics of Dorothy Day,” he focused more of his attention on shortcomings in American society, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. Arnett, speaking as part of the “Communication & Religion in the 2020 Election” conference hosted by the Institute for Communication and Religion at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, said: “One cannot ignore the power of knowing why you are doing something and having a practical impact. Think of the exhaustion level you have with children, with relatives, with your jobs or with your country,” he said. “The fatigue level seems high. The practices are incredibly important, and the ‘why’ for those practices essential.”

First U.S. African American cardinal gets outpouring of support By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — They came in tweets, news releases and Instagram posts from old friends, women religious and brother bishops in various languages congratulating Washington’s Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. The news of the country’s first African American prelate to be elevated to the rank of cardinal Nov. 28 sparked joy, as well as commentary that it was something that should have happened long ago. “In elementary school, he asked his parents if he could become Catholic. Priests and Sisters in a Catholic school had inspired his heart. Today . . . look what the LORD has done. . . .,” tweeted Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, Tennessee, Oct. 25, the day the announcement was made public. The Archdiocese of Chicago, where the cardinal-designate chose to become Catholic as a boy after attending a parochial school (even though neither of his parents was Catholic), said it was rejoicing over the announcement and touted the cardinal-designate’s experience and contributions during difficult times for the church. “Cardinal Gregory, who came to the Catholic faith as a student in an archdio-

CNS PHOTO/ANDREW BIRAJ, CATHOLIC STANDARD

Cardinal-designate Wilton D. Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, delivers the homily during a Mass he celebrated Oct. 25 at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, Maryland. Four hours earlier he learned Pope Francis named him a cardinal, so it was his first Mass as a cardinal-designate. cese grammar school, went on to become a strong leader in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the church and society,” the archdiocese said in an Oct. 25 news release. “In his years as president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops and beyond, he has been at the forefront of moving the church to repair the damage of child sexual abuse and confronting racism in all its forms,” the release said. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago

pointed out the meaning of the appointment, given that it comes as the U.S. faces increasing social strife. “While we take particular pride in this recognition of a dedicated priest, whom we are proud to claim as our own, we are also moved that Pope Francis chose this compassionate, thoughtful pastor when our nation and the world are in desperate need of healing and courageous leadership,” he said. The social justice organization Pax

Christi USA said the message Pope Francis was sending to the U.S. Catholic Church was clear. “He has named the first African American cardinal in the U.S. in the midst of our nation’s reckoning with systemic racism, as millions assert that Black Lives Matter,” the organization said in a statement. Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, said in a news release that he is “a pastor at heart” and “his wisdom, kindness and faith” will serve him well “as he takes on this new responsibility as a special adviser to the Holy Father and a papal elector.” “As our state and nation continues to grapple with racial tension, the appointment of the first African American cardinal in history also has special significance,” Kraska said, adding that “throughout his ministry,” Cardinaldesignate Gregory “has sought to address wrongs and bridge differences.” In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, then-Archbishop Gregory’s successor as head of the archdiocese, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, said: “Being chosen as the first African American cardinal from the United States indicates the pope’s awareness of the needs and gifts of the multicultural Catholic population throughout the United States. “As his successor in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, I am particularly grateful for his leadership, mentoring and fraternity.”

NATION

OCTOBER 30, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

MARY, UNDOER OF KNOTS seen as offering hope amid tangled reality of pandemic

By Barb Umberger Catholic News Service

T. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — In a year when a pandemic has entangled lives across the globe, Presentation Sister Carrie Link painted an icon that may help Catholics straighten them out. The icon — and a devotion — is called Mary, Undoer of Knots. People needn’t be alone in untangling life’s “knots,” she said. “We lean into the heart of Mary, our Blessed Mother, who, through her intercession with her son, loosens them and gives us hope.” Sister Carrie said the devotion to Mary, Undoer of Knots — also known as Our Lady, Undoer of Knots — originated in the time of St. Irenaeus in the second century. “He wrote of how Mary, ‘the second Eve,’ untied the knots handed down to us by our first parents,” she said. Pope Francis is among its fans. When the pope was a student in Germany, Sister Carrie said he was taken by a 17th-century painter, Johann Melchior Schmidtner, and one painting in particular. It recalls an image that St. Irenaeus described — showing Mary untying knots. Sister Carrie, 79, is semiretired but works at two parishes. She leads formation for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Henry in Monticello, Minnesota, and, one day a week, oversees liturgy at Our Lady of the Lake in Mound, Minnesota. She spends much of her free time painting. Sister Carrie studied and practiced various forms of art for many years — from classical realism to still life and portrait work, using various media. She was introduced to the prayer and art of iconography in 1995. She learned of this icon prototype in a class conducted by iconographer Debra Korluka at the Basilica of Mary in Minneapolis this past March, and then commenced making her own. Working on it as she had time, she finished it in June. “It’s like a rich gold mine when you talk about iconography,” Sister Carrie said, noting her appreci-

CNS PHOTO/DAVE HRBACEK, THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Presentation Sister Carrie Link poses for a photo in Monticello, Minnesota, Oct. 13, while holding an icon she created called “Mary, Undoer of Knots.” ation for “the history, how [the icons] came to be stories, how each person is drawn to them in different ways and which aspect of a particular icon seems to speak to them, how people like to sit in their presence.” Working on Mary, Undoer of Knots gave Sister Carrie hope and confidence that Mary will untie the knots that bind humanity and bring people to freedom and harmony. “Writing” is the proper way to describe what the iconographer does, Sister Carrie said, but acknowledged that those unfamiliar with the term are used to works of art being “painted.” One reason writing is used is because icons have been described as Scripture in visual form. Sister Carrie creates icons in the acrylic method, she said. Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is about the 10th icon Sister Carrie has made. She has kept some and

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parted with others. Brent Aitchison, a parishioner at St. Henry, bought the icon from Sister Carrie as a present for his wife, Lanette, on her 60th birthday in September. Lanette was taken by complete surprise when she opened her gift. As someone who has experienced, from a young age, very difficult situations with family members and the heartbreak of infertility, Lanette knows about the need for healing. She also knows to turn to Mary’s intercession in times of need. The Aitchisons have a statue of Mary on their deck, overlooking a koi pond. “Often, when someone is struggling, we invite the person to sit by our pond,” Lanette said. “Mary has special healing powers.” The Aitchisons are narrowing options for the best place for the icon to adorn their home and

inspire. One thing they know for sure is that it is meant to be shared. “It would be selfish not to share it with other people,” Lanette said. “You never know when something like that is going to speak to somebody. I want her to be shared and be out where people can see her.” Lanette said she wants to share the icon because Mary is so generous and has given up so much. “I’m getting emotional thinking about what she did because she gave up her son. I want to give her up so other people can enjoy her,” she said. Lanette got to know Sister Carrie in 2014 when she started the RCIA process to become Catholic. “She forever, ever, ever touched my life,” Lanette said. “She is definitely a spiritual mentor for me.” Not one to “retire herself” or her brush, Sister Carrie presently is painting Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Holy Trinity.

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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. 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.

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 and assistant bowling for the 2020-21 winter season and the 2021 spring season. Contact Andrew Groene, athletic director, at: agroene@bishopmiege.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. 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. 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 preacademics 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. Preschool/toddler teachers - Little Saints at St. Thomas Aquinas is looking for a full-time teacher and a part-time teacher. Virtus training needed. Call Jeanne at (913) 3192476 for details. 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 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.

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: http:// 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. 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. 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@mike hammermoving.com.

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 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.

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG 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. 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) 3412500 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.benefitsofhome. 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. Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

FOR SALE

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.

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)

HOME IMPROVEMENT

For sale - Double Glass-front niche at Resurrection Cemetery, Holy Family section niche 3. Make an offer. Call (913) 558-0723.

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

For sale - Handicap-accessible van. 2018 Toyota Sienna van with in-floor ramp and passengers’ transfer seat. 8000 miles and well taken care of. Please call (785) 2734160.

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) 8832936, 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 30, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FUNDRAISER Our Lady of Unity 2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 2 - 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.

STS. LOUIS AND ZELIE MARTIN: FAMILY SANCTITY Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher 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 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.

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.

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.

‘EVERYWHERE A BLESSING: A CELTIC RETREAT’ Via Zoom Nov. 10 & 11 from 2 - 4 p.m. Nov. 17 & 18 from 2 - 4 p.m.

We will be exploring ancient poetry, art, song and storytelling, along with Celtic Christianity’s beautiful legacy of prayers and blessings. In true Celtic fashion, we will celebrate the goodness of creation, the nearness of the saints and the power of the Trinity. This retreat is for all who are seeking God in the ordinary of everyday life. The cost is $100. To register, Google “Sophia Spirituality Center,” click on “Retreats” and then click on “Program Offerings.” From there, scroll down to “Everywhere A Blessing: A Celtic Retreat” and go to the end of the description of the retreat to register.

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.

OPEN HOUSE St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa Nov. 14 from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Are you interested in having your child attend St. James Academy? Online registration for this open house is required at: sja keepingfaith.org/openhouse.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS MASS Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Join us for the metrowide Project Chrysalis Mass for parents and grandparents who have lost children or grandchildren. RSVP by email to: kbillinger@archkck.org to reserve a candle to represent your child at the Mass.

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

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) 773-8255 or by email at: info@christspeace. com.

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS THIRTY-FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 1 ALL SAINTS Rv 7: 2-4, 9-14 Ps 24: 1b-4b, 5-6 1 Jn 3: 1-3 Mt 5: 1-12a Nov. 2 THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (All Souls’ Day) Wis 3: 1-9 Ps 23: 1-6 Rom 5: 5-11 Jn 6: 37-40 Nov. 3 Martin de Porres, religious Phil 2: 5-11 Ps 22: 26b-32 Lk 14: 15-24 Nov. 4 Charles Borromeo, bishop Phil 2: 12-18 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Lk 14: 25-33 Nov. 5 Thursday Phil 3: 3-8a Ps 105: 2-7 Lk 15: 1-10 Nov. 6 Friday Phil 3:17 – 4:1 Ps 122: 1-5 Lk 16: 1-8 Nov. 7 Saturday Phil 4: 10-19 Ps 112: 1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9 Lk 16: 9-15

Peter Julian Eymard 1811-1868 The patron saint of eucharistic devotion, Peter Julian began adult life, like his father, as a cutler. But he became a priest of the French Alpine Diocese of Grenoble in 1834. In 1839, he left diocesan service to become a Marist priest and eventually became provincial of his congregation at Lyons. But, after making a pilgrimage in 1851, he understood that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, to whom he was utterly devoted, had no specific religious institute. Subsequently, he founded the Congregation of the Priests of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, an order of Sisters, both devoted to perpetual adoration. He was canonized in 1962.

ver heard of OVCC? I hadn’t until a few weeks ago. And now, I think I’m addicted. There’s no need to panic, though, or stage an intervention. OVCC is the shorthand for the One Voice Children’s Choir, composed of 140 kids from ages 4-17. The choir was founded by director Masa Fukuda for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and today the group has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube. The choir’s goal is to “spread hope, joy and love through original arrangements of popular music” and, through that music, “to inspire, uplift, enrich; serve our global community; and build youth.” What first grabbed my attention to OVCC was a song it was covering. This song has always struck a chord — sorry! — in my heart. It’s called “Memories,” originally recorded by Maroon 5.

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

So, who cares? Well, I do MARK MY WORDS

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

The OVCC version is even more endearing to me . . . and apparently to 6.3 million others who have viewed it on YouTube. The video shows the kids singing the song via Zoom. As you watch it, you get a sense of the wonderful diversity present in the choir and how all of those different kids can blend their voices in a harmonious and uplifting way. (Are you listening, world?)

But the song hits me for another reason that’s particularly important as we enter the month of November. Traditionally, the church devotes this month to remembering those who have gone before us in faith and starts us off with the celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. In other words, it’s a time for memories. And those memories can do powerful things as the OVCC kids sing: “Toast to the ones here today/Toast to the ones that we lost on the way/’Cause the drinks bring back all the memories/And the

memories bring back, memories bring back you.” The video ends with these words: “Hang on. Hang on to the memories. We love you.” November is a time for hanging on to the memories out of love. Years ago, Michael Podrebarac of the archdiocesan liturgy office suggested a meaningful practice for each day of this month: Take out all the prayer cards you’ve collected at wakes and funerals and call to mind the person whose name is there. I guarantee it will bring back memories, which will, in a sense, “bring back” the person into your heart. A similar practice is to shuffle through and savor photos of loved ones who have died. Doing this will have a profound effect, as “Memories” also says: “My heart feel like an ember and it’s lighting up the dark/I’ll carry these torches for ya that you know I’ll never drop.”

Along those lines, OVCC covers another song, this one by Linkin Park, that will tug at your heart. Called “One More Light,” the choir recorded it in memory of one of its former members who committed suicide at age 23. The video shows this girl’s mother visiting her daughter’s grave, looking through old pictures and clutching an item of her daughter’s clothing. The choir members sing: “If they say, ‘Who cares if one more light goes out?’” And they answer at song’s end, each holding a candle, “Well, I do.” This November let’s take time each day to remember — not only those dearest to us who have died, but also those lost to COVID-19, those felled by violence, and victims of injustice and suicide. Who cares if one more light goes out? Well, I do. How about you?

Look to the saints for an alternative to a broken world

oliness is one of the most powerful arguments for the truth of Christianity. The early Christians who lived under severe persecution, rejection and even martyrdom knew this well. Even as they experienced rejection, injustice and false accusations for their faith in Jesus Christ, they persevered in their Christian witness. Their holiness of life, lived in the ordinary moments of each day, became a powerful force for change in society. Within a few hundred years the Roman Empire, once pagan and ruthless, was transformed by the power of faith and love through the ordinary witness of holiness by Christians, just like you and me. In Sunday’s Gospel (Mt 5: 1-12a), Jesus

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

gives his disciples the beatitudes as qualities that mark a saintly life. And as the church celebrates the feast of All Saints, we are reminded that holiness is not only for a select few in the church. The saints are not perfect human beings. They are sinners who conform their lives to

Jesus in radical and simple ways. They responded to Jesus’ call to reflect the pattern of his life, death and resurrection as the path to encounter God. In giving his disciples the beatitudes, Jesus invited them, and each one of us, to walk in the same ways of holiness. You and I are called to be nothing less than saints! “Holiness is the most attractive face of the church,” said Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”). In his most recent

encyclical letter, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” Pope Francis continues the theme of holiness as it shapes the web of our human relationships of friendship and social networks. To live the beatitudes is to change our lives and to change society through justice, compassion and peace. One has only to read the daily headlines and news from around the world to know that the human condition is fragmented and broken. The world continues to struggle through a pandemic and the effects are felt economically and socially. The fragmentation of societies and cultures is seen in our neighborhoods, communities and society. The beatitudes offer us a powerful alternative to the human

condition marked by injustice, sin and greed. Being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers and ready to bear insults for the name of Jesus are all ways to be countercultural witnesses to the Gospel. These are ways in which we sow the seeds of love instead of hatred, peace instead of war, and compassion instead of selfishness. As we celebrate the feast of All Saints, think of one saint who inspires and guides your life in a particular way. Reflect on how that saint is a model of the Christian virtues that the beatitudes describe. Then seek the same grace that inspired the life of that saint to help you as you strive to live the beatitudes in your daily life as you pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

True prayer, like true faith, leads to care for others, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Being indifferent to or hating others is to deny the existence of God’s presence in one’s neighbor, Pope Francis said. “This is practical atheism,” the pope said Oct. 21 during his weekly general audience. “To not recognize the human

person as an image of God is a sacrilege, an abomination, the worst offense that can be directed toward the temple and the altar,” he said. Arriving in the Paul VI audience hall, the pope once again observed social-distancing measures by taking his seat immediately rather than going to greet members of the

crowd up close. He also apologized and explained that mingling with them would increase “the danger of infection for you.” “I am sorry for this, but it’s for your safety,” he added. “But please know that I am close to you in my heart. I hope you understand why I do this.”

OCTOBER 30, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FRATELLI TUTTI

The new encyclical’s formidable challenge

CNS PHOTO/GENE PLAISTED, THE CROSIERS

A stained-glass window at Sacred Heart Church in Freeport, Minnesota, depicts the good Samaritan. The 2,000-year-old parable of the good Samaritan is the anchor of the encyclical “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.”

By David Gibson Catholic News Service

he social encyclical Pope Francis released in October extends a formidable challenge to us all, the challenge to create “a different culture.” What kind of culture? It is the kind where people who basically are indifferent toward each other and deeply divided resolve their conflicts and begin to “care for one another” (No. 57). His challenge is a tall order, to be sure. But he considers it an “urgent” need (No. 33). The encyclical’s title, “Fratelli Tutti,” means “all brothers and sisters” or “all brothers” and refers to the brotherly or family-like relationships that he envisions as the standard for such a culture. “In today’s world, the sense of belonging to a single human family is fading, and the dream of working together for justice and peace seems an outdated utopia,” the encyclical observes. “What reigns instead is a cool, comfortable and globalized indifference.” The temptation is to become isolated and to withdraw into our “own interests.” But that is not the way to restore hope, Pope Francis makes clear. His encyclical exhorts readers: “Isolation, no; closeness, yes” (No. 30). Very early in the encyclical he explains that he is extending this challenge “in the hope that in the face of present-day attempts to eliminate or ignore others, we may prove capable of responding with a new vision of fraternity and social friendship that will not remain at the level of words” (No. 6). As the encyclical concludes, he prays that God will “inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter, dialogue, justice and peace.” The prayer continues: “May we recognize the goodness and beauty that you have sown in each of us.” The “conviction that all human beings are brothers and sisters” is this encyclical’s foundation. Pope Francis cautions against allowing it to “remain an abstract idea,” divorced from life’s concrete realities. He insists that when this conviction finds “concrete embodiment,” it forces “us to see things in a new light” (No. 128). The encyclical is a nearly 43,000-word text, with chapters devoted to many important concerns in 21st-century societies. But a common thread weaves together the encyclical’s numerous timely

CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

Washington Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell and a woman religious walk with others toward the National Museum of African American History and Culture during a peaceful protest on June 8 following the death of George Floyd. Pope Francis’ new encyclical “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” speaks against “narrow and violent racism, xenophobia and contempt, and even the mistreatment of those who are different.” concerns related to political action, immigration, the death penalty or war, for example. It is a thread that signifies the world’s need today for a new culture of encounter. I think that this common thread radiates as clearly as possible when the pope exclaims: “Let us arm our children with the weapons of dialogue! Let us teach them to fight the good fight of the culture of encounter!” (No. 217). Such a culture necessarily encompasses encounters with others who are different from me or you, the pope acknowledges. This is not easy. Much easier, in the pope’s estimation, is to ignore the value of such encounters. The “others” the pope has in mind include the poor, the stranger, the unemployed, migrants, victims of racism, members of other world religions, to mention a few. The pope is emphatic that “the dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances” (No. 213). The 2,000-year-old parable of the good Samaritan is this encyclical’s anchor. In the Gospel of Luke (10:2537), the Samaritan, at real expense to

himself in terms of time and money, aided a stranger encountered along the road. The injured stranger had been attacked by thieves. Pope Francis cautions that society today must not turn “its back on suffering” (No. 65). He writes: “May we not sink to such depths!” The parable “summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of our respective nations and of the entire world, builders of a new social bond” (No. 66). But “social peace demands hard work, craftsmanship,” the pope affirms. “It would be easier to keep freedoms and differences in check with cleverness and a few resources.” Nevertheless, “such a peace would be superficial and fragile, not the fruit of a culture of encounter that brings enduring stability.” The pope comments that “integrating differences is a much more difficult and slow process, yet it is the guarantee of a genuine and lasting peace” (No. 217). What is needed is “the ability to recognize other people’s right to be themselves and to be different,” he advises

(No. 218). This, Pope Francis clarifies, does not imply renouncing one’s own identity. Openness to others need not imply spurning our “own richness” (No. 143). For Christians, he explains, the Gospel remains essential. He insists: “If the music of the Gospel ceases to sound in our homes, our public squares, our workplaces, our political and financial life, then we will no longer hear the strains that challenge us to defend the dignity of every man and woman” (No. 277). The parable of the good Samaritan “eloquently presents the basic decision we need to make in order to rebuild our wounded world,” says Pope Francis. But how? The parable, he writes, “shows us how a community can be rebuilt by men and women who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of exclusion, and act instead as neighbors, lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good” (No. 67).

SCRIPTURE

OCTOBER 30, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Wheat from chaff ? A parable about more than farming By Catherine Upchurch Special to The Leaven

n the days that have stretched into weeks upon weeks during the pandemic, we are learning valuable lessons about ourselves, our relationships and our interactions with the world around us. One of the lessons has to do with the importance of patience and surrender, two related qualities of the spiritual life that also reveal something about the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Matthew contains a parable from Jesus that is unique in the Gospels. It is the story of the weeds a m o n g the wheat (1 3:24-30), which in Matthew occurs imEMBRACING THE m e d i a t e l y following the more familiar parable of the OF sower. The story of the farmer generously sowing seed in all kinds of ground is also found in Mark and Luke, where the seed symbolizes the message of the kingdom and the ground symbolizes the various ways in which God’s kingdom does or does not take root. It is only in Matthew’s version of the sower and the seed that Jesus says the seed symbolizes the people who receive the message. In other words, Jesus is sowing his disciples in the world. Some of these disciples lack staying power when times get tough, some find themselves at odds with cultural values and soon become fruitless and others bear fruit in abundance. It is following this interpretation of the parable where we find the additional parable about the weeds growing among the wheat. Anyone who farms or has a simple home garden knows that the soil prepared for planting is fertile — not just for the intended crop, but also for the weeds that inevitably sprout between our neat rows of vegetables. While farming techniques differ now from the ancient world, and would differ even between climates, the presence of weeds is an age-old dilemma for growers. Jesus tells his listeners about a man who notices weeds among the crop of wheat he planted. It would be natural for his field hands to pull the weeds so that the wheat could flourish and the harvest would be clean. But Jesus is not giving a lesson in farming; he is giving a lesson for

KINGDOM GOD

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disciples about the kingdom of God. The farmer in Jesus’ story tells his workers: “Let them (the weeds and the wheat) grow together until harvest.” (Mt 13:30). This is indeed a strange scenario. Wouldn’t the weeds have the potential of choking out the wheat? Wouldn’t a pure crop be preferable? Again, Jesus is reminding us that God’s kingdom is rarely predictable by human standards. We offer several observations. First, the previous parable in Matthew’s Gospel compared the seeds, the potential crop, to his followers. Now, his followers might well be the wheat. Might we be tempted to want a community that is pure and fruitful in all the right ways? Probably so; it would certainly be easier to thrive in such a community. Secondly, the weeds in question are assumed to be darnel, which often looks very much like wheat until the crop is further along. Jesus is indicating that the harvester (God, in this case) is the one who will be able to tell the difference. It is the job of the harvester to sort it out in the end, determining which growth to burn and which to be gathered for food. Thirdly, if we are the crop that is sown in the soil of this world, perhaps we are being asked to trust that the One who planted us is giving us what we need to be fruitful even if it is not always easy. Our job is to persist, to patiently grow even alongside those who are so different from us and to surrender to the plan of the One who will ultimately harvest what he has planted. Catherine Upchurch is the general editor of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible. She writes from Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The fresco of Jesus Christ as seedsman from the parable in the New Testament was painted by Karl von Blaas and is in nave of Altlerchenfelder Church, Vienna.

Patience Patience is the waiting required to let a seed sprout and grow, to let God’s grace grow in the same way within us. Surrender is trusting that even when the field of our lives gets messy, God the great farmer is still there tending the grace he has planted in us.

Questions for reflection or discussion: • In what current circumstances are you finding it difficult to be patient? Difficult to refrain from judging? Challenging to remain focused? • Do you find it easy to identify the “weeds” in the field of your life? More so than the growth that is fruitful? How might you focus more on fruitfulness at this time? • Recall a time when patience was extended to you by someone else (perhaps waiting for a project to be completed or as you struggled with some dilemma). How did that gift of patience strengthen you? Might your patience with yourself or others be a gift of God working through you? • As you start or end each day, what simple steps might you take to more fully surrender to trusting in God’s plan for you and our world?