01-29-2016 Vol. 37 No. 24

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 24 | JANUARY 29, 2016

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARYTERESA KISSELL

Maria Matulis, a seventh-grader at Padre Pio Academy, Shawnee, shows her support for life at the pro-life rally in Topeka on Jan. 22. The Topeka rally coincided with the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Rose Hockenberry, a senior at Hayden High School in Topeka, braved the blizzard and joined in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. She did end up trapped in Washington for several days, as the snow measured 30 inches in some areas.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York greets Joshua Kissell, 6, a student at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee, during a Jan. 21 Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Snow forced Kissell’s group to return home before the March for Life began.

THE MARCH GOES ON

But blizzard forces March for Life participants to make tough decisions. Local march goes on without a hitch

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — With “Snowzilla” poised to start clobbering Washington, D.C., and the eastern seaboard any minute, almost every group from the archdiocese had to make the tough decision to head back home before the annual March for Life on Jan. 22 could even begin.

They made a run for it by any means possible — planes, trains, automobiles and, of course, the ubiquitous buses.

Most are back by now, but even as this issue goes to press, groups from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are straggling back into town.

Three buses sponsored by the archdiocese (with marchers from St. James Academy in Lenexa; Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas; Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison; St. Bernard Parish in Wamego; and Curé of Ars in Leawood) left for home the morning of the march and only had to drive for one hour through the snow.

The bus from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park also just >> See “LOCAL” on page 7

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Despite the threat of a blizzard, some 50,000 turned out for the 43rd annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. The march is held on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion.

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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Program helps us turn to God when we might have turned to food

I

do not know about you, but it is usually about the end of January that all my New Year’s resolutions begin to unravel. For many people, New Year’s resolutions often include a commitment to diet.

This fall, I invited any priest who desired to join me by participating in what is best described as a spirituality of eating program developed by a member of our archdiocese, Suzanne Fowler. The program is entitled: Light Weigh — One King.

Light Weigh is not a diet that restricts or limits one from eating a particular food group. It is not about self-discipline.

It is rather shining the light of our faith on the decisions that we make every day about what and how much we eat.

It is a 12-week program. Our small priests’ group completed the first half of the program before Christmas. We have just resumed our weekly meeting in mid-January and will complete our sessions about halfway through Lent.

What I really enjoy about Light Weigh is it is not so much about denying myself things I like to eat, as it is recognizing my choices of how much I eat, when I eat and what I eat are connected to my life of faith.

Suzanne encourages Light Weigh participants not to sacrifice flavor or quality for quantity in

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

LISTEN to

this article online at: www.theleaven.org.

our eating choices.

Light Weigh is very much about portion control, not overeating or, expressed another way, eating more than I need to refuel my body. It is about not eating when I am really not hungry. It is about not turning to food for comfort instead of God. Light Weigh has made me conscious how food, for me at least, can become an idol. When I am anxious or feeling overwhelmed by challenges that I am facing, I can turn to food — eating something that I enjoy — rather than turning to God in prayer for strength and consolation.

One of the aspects that I enjoy the most

about Light Weigh is that it is very scripturally based. It is fascinating how frequently the Bible speaks about food. It was, after all, one of the ways in which the devil tempted Jesus after his 40 days of fasting.

Light Weigh also acquaints participants with some of the stories of heroic saints. Reflecting on the sacrifices made by the church’s martyrs places in perspective the rather small renunciations required in not overeating or choosing not to eat when you are not hungry.

Light Weigh invites participants to draw upon the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who recognized that making what may appear to be small or inconsequential sacrifices can be a means for glorifying God and interceding for the needs of others.

Light Weigh aims at strengthening one’s prayer life by providing a very helpful framework for morning and evening prayer. The program

promotes a daily examination of conscience that includes reflecting upon our eating choices for the day. It helps to place what we choose to eat as part of the spiritual battle that we are all engaged with every day.

Is God first in our life?

Are we striving to be good stewards of our bodies, recognizing them as living temples that carry the very life of God? Do we turn to God for comfort and consolation or rather to so-called comfort food?

With Light Weigh, there are no “weigh-ins,” but it is meant to be done as a group. By participating in weekly meetings, participants both challenge and support each other in their efforts to give God dominion over their eating choices.

Though I have lost a few pounds, I am not exactly the poster child for Light Weigh or, for that matter, healthy eating.

However, I do recommend the program.

Lent is an ideal time for a parish to sponsor a Light Weigh group.

However, with Lent only a few weeks away, it may be difficult to form a group for the beginning of Lent. It could be started midway through Lent and continue through the Easter season and even into the resumption of Ordinary Time in the church’s liturgical year.

Light Weigh is a great resource to become

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Jan. 29 Support Our Seminarians benefit dinner — Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 30 Consecrated religious life Mass and lunch — Savior Pastoral Center

Feb. 6-7 Kansas Catholic College Student Conference bishops’ gathering — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg

Jan. 31 Vespers for Maryvale awards ceremony — Savior Pastoral Center

Feb. 7 KCCSC Mass — Prairie Star Ranch

Feb. 1 Mass — Hayden High School, Topeka Feb. 2 Envisioning Team meeting — chancery Retired priests meeting

Administrative Team meeting Feb. 3 Vespers and dinner — St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison

better stewards of our bodies. The program helps participants recognize how everyday choices that we make regarding what we choose to eat or not eat can be a means for glorifying God and interceding for the needs of others. It is all about acknowledging Jesus as the king and Lord of every aspect of our lives.

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ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Jan. 31 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Feb. 6 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida Feb. 7 Mass — St. Sebastian, Florida

Light Weigh One King and explore for yourself the information about the program. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to contact your pastor about the possibility of organizing a group for your parish. I think you will find Light Weigh a spiritually enriching experience for yourself and you may be the instrument God uses in making this spiritual resource available to other members of your parish.

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JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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PRAYING IT FORWARD

Msgr. McGlinn’s new book compiles his favorite ‘poem prayers’ in one place

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The pews were packed on Aug. 30, 2015, at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood And no wonder.

This was Msgr. Charles McGlinn’s last Mass as pastor there — or anywhere. Health concerns had finally led him to announce his retirement.

As he had for 28 years, Msgr. McGlinn gave his homily and, at the end, he uttered these familiar words: “I have a little prayer for you . . .”

The church erupted with applause.

The little “poem prayers” he would end his homilies with had become his signature over the years, something much appreciated by his parishioners.

But they also became something more.

More than 25 years ago, a parish mission to Mexico identified an orphanage that parishioners decided to support. It was pure serendipity that linked the needs of these orphans to Msgr. McGlinn’s “poem prayers.”

About that time, he said, “people asked me to send out some printed copies of my ‘poem prayers,’ so I did, around Christmastime.

“And I sent it with a begging letter to the people of Curé of Ars, asking them to consider sending a donation to the orphans in Mexico.”

It became a tradition.

Msgr. McGlinn estimates that those little “poem prayer” booklets he began making 25 years ago have raised about $800,000 for the orphanage Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Miacatlan.

And in his retirement, the former vicar general has done it again in a really big way. In November 2015, he published a book compiling 237 of his favorite “poem prayers.”

The 306-page book, titled simply “Poem Prayers,” was published by Xulon Press.

The book is available at the parish, and in print or electronic form from Amazon, I. Donnelly in Kansas City, Missouri, and Trinity House in Overland Park. Proceeds from sales and donations go to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Msgr. Charles McGlinn, longtime pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood and former vicar general of the archdiocese, is now retired. But he has one last gift to offer his former parishioners.

“This was sort of my final gift to the parish,” he said. “I wanted to put these poems in a book, and any money we gain for this — I’m asking people for donations — goes to the orphans. I’m not charging for the book. It’s at local bookstores, Amazon and Barnes & Noble — and they do charge.”

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

The book has been a hit with parishioners, said Jodie Stockwell, director of RCIA and head of the liturgy commission at Curé of Ars. “People are so thrilled to have them,” said Stockwell.

“Many have asked Monsignor [McGlinn] to autograph them.

I would say that, in this Year of Mercy Pope Francis has in-

structed us to have, there are a lot of ‘prayer poems’ that speak to the poor, how to be good Samaritans and how we show mercy to others.”

Stockwell bought eight copies to send to her children and other relatives.

Curé of Ars parishioner Mary Jane Brown also bought multiple copies.

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

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Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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“It is an amazing book,” said Brown. “The poems are absolutely beautiful, and I can hear [Msgr. McGlinn’s] voice when I’m reading them.”

“We gave copies to all the kids and to other extended family members,” Brown continued. “I wrote a little letter explaining how much Msgr.

McGlinn means to us. I got a call back from my 93-year-old aunt in Atlanta, and she said, ‘Your monsignor must be a living saint,’ and I said, ‘Yes, he is.’”

The cover of the book has an illustration of the face of Jesus, based on the Shroud of Turin. Each of the book’s 10 chapters features a piece of art. Monsignor McGlinn’s nephew Michael McGlinn helped with the book’s art.

“They represent my own personal reflections, especially on the Gospels, for the Sunday liturgies through the three cycles of the liturgical year,” said Msgr. McGlinn.

“They’re what I tried to say in my homilies, for the most part.”

“They really made me search more deeply, I think, into the message of Christ,” he continued, “and put it in a form that was not too lengthy, was hopefully attractive and would resonate with our Catholic people.

“And it’s good to have an ending. It helped me put closure to my homilies — and signaled to the teenagers that the homily was almost over.”

He knows his “poem prayers” are not great literature (in fact, one person he consulted called them “kind of like doggerel”) but that isn’t the point. These are meant to be read, one at a time, over time, as an aid to prayer and contemplation.

“I think they are part of my own search for my own heart and my own soul,” said Msgr.

McGlinn. “It’s a search that relates to the search of so many other people.”

With so many parishioners buying the book, odds are that it will become an heirloom among Curé of Ars families.

“It’s a humble offering,” said Msgr. McGlinn. “It’s not any kind of spectacular gift to anybody, but it’s an offering from my heart.

“And for our orphans.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

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JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

THAT MAN IS J.J.

Student leads peers in consecration project

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

“THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I’VE HAD A STUDENT ASK TO CALL KIDS TOGETHER TO PRAY AND BUILD THAT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.”

L

ENEXA — There’s one taboo that almost always causes teenagers to clam up: God. “A lot of kids, and most of their friends, really don’t talk about having faith in their lives,” said J.J. Luck-Smith, 13, an 8th-grader at Holy Trinity School in Lenexa.

“They mostly care about school and other things,” he continued. “And some people don’t want to be the odd one out. They want to blend in, instead of being ‘that one Catholic person.’”

But not J.J. He’s proud to be known as “that one Catholic person.” And he’s bold enough to help his fellow students break the “God talk” taboo.

In the final months of 2015, J.J. led several of his classmates, some teachers and families in Father Michael E. Gaitley’s “33 Days to Morning Glory” total consecration to Jesus through Mary program.

Being in a Catholic school helped. Nevertheless, it took some boldness and leadership on the part of J.J. to approach his peers and ask the school to let him launch the program.

“I’ve had students come to me before to request a change in uniform policy, a canned food drive and just a variety of things that are good,” said Martha Concannon, Holy Trinity School principal.

“This is the first time I’ve had a student ask to call kids together to pray and build that relationship with God.” It all began with good examples: J.J.’s father Jesse and his mother Ly. Jesse LuckSmith initiated the “That Man Is You” program in his parish, and his mother is one of the leaders of the Militia of the Immaculata Village at the parish.

“My mom and dad are both leaders, and I kind of wanted to continue that leadership in our family,” said J.J. “I asked my mom [about things I could do] and she gave me the idea of ‘33 Days.’ So I thought about it and asked Mrs. [Kathy] Morton (7th-8th grade religion teacher), and we set it up.”

His mother had all the necessary materials, which she gave to J.J. After J.J. got permission from the school, he used social media to get out the word and handed out brochures. Associate principal Amy Johnson sent out a group email blast to teachers.

The “33 Days to Morning Glory” is a self-guided retreat

Martha Concannon, Holy Trinity School principal

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

In the final months of 2015, J.J. Luck-Smith, 13, an 8th-grader at Holy Trinity School in Lenexa, led several of his classmates, some teachers and families in Father Michael E. Gaitley’s “33 Days to Morning Glory” total consecration to Jesus through Mary program. that can be done individually or as a group.

“Each day [for 33 days], there is a reading and a prayer at the end that you read to yourself,” said J.J. “It’s a self retreat, but you can have meetings and groups, and watch a video and have a discussion about the week’s readings and how to ponder those things.”

J.J. and his mother made snacks for the group and Morton facilitated group discussions.

“The students were very receptive and respectful of J.J.’s organizing,” said Morton.

As it turned out, this was a busy fall for the 8th grade.

Many of them could not attend the weekly Wednesday meetings held at the school from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

An average of 6-8 students would come to the meetings.

Nevertheless, lots of students participated on their own — about 25.

“I know one student did it with his family,” said J.J. “They read it each day at their dinner table, so the whole family got consecrated.”

The students talked about the growth in their spiritual life and in the recognition that they needed time for stillness and prayer. And they also learned how this could be a struggle.

“They talked about the struggles we all have making time for prayer,” said Morton.

One student said she placed her “33 Days” book on her clothes, and another planned it for the trip to school each morning.

The consecration is supposed to take place on a Marian feast day. They chose the feast of Our Lady of the Expectation on Dec. 18 during a Mass celebrated by Holy Trinity pastor Father Mike Koller.

“I was so impressed at the depth of understanding of the students,” said Morton. “Because we weren’t in school for a week because of Thanksgiv-

ing, and it was a frenzied activity time, we gathered that last week to talk about where we were — if we were ready and wanting to make that consecration.”

“We did not as a group have that consecration at that Mass with Father Koller because the students felt they weren’t really quite ready,” she continued.

They didn’t consider it a failure. Far from it. The students thought they needed more time, possibly making the consecration during Lent.

“I was just very moved and impressed,” said Morton.

“You’d think they’d say, ‘Yes, we’re ready.’ The students realized . . . when you say you are consecrating yourself to the Blessed Mother, you are making a vow and not making it lightly, with full understanding and preparation.

They shared with me that they saw themselves as needing to pray, to reflect and to ponder before they seriously consecrated themselves.”

The project really had an effect on his fellow students, said J.J., causing them to have more respect for the Mass and retreats. And it helped him get a better understanding of people’s hunger for God. “It pretty much changed the way I think about everything,” said J.J. It went so well that J.J. is thinking of doing the same thing at his school for Lent.

Concannon is very proud of J.J. and what he has done for himself and the school.

“Kids who have been given the gift of leadership will exhibit that leadership in ways that are acceptable to their peers, not always acceptable to adults,” said Concannon.

“Oftentimes, we see that leadership in ways that are negative and challenging,” she continued. “To see J.J. exhibit his natural gift of leadership in a way to evangelize his peers is what we are about as a Catholic school. I’m very impressed and proud, and I’m sitting here wishing we had 10 J.J.s in our building to keep the fire going!”

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JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

ACTS offers brighter future for Donnelly College students

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ach year, tens of thousands of people respond generously to the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal. Their contributions help fund more than 40 ministries and services, reaching people in need throughout northeast Kansas. Catholic education is one of the appeal’s top funding priorities and Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese rely on this support. Donnelly College, a private, Catholic school in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, is one of those schools.

Donnelly College was founded in 1949 to meet a pressing need. At the time, first-generation immigrants and the children of working-class families had little hope of attending college or university. The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas established Donnelly College to change that.

For more than six decades, the school has upheld its mission to offer a quality Catholic education to students of all backgrounds and income levels.

Like other colleges and universities, the school boasts a variety of degree programs, clubs and extracurricular activities. So, what makes Donnelly College so unique? A short answer is the students it serves.

Donnelly College enrolls more than 1,300 students each year. Approximately two-thirds of their families live on $18,000 or less a year. Many are the first in their families to attend college.

“Our students are an inspiration,” said Emily Buckley, Donnelly’s vice president of advancement. “They face many challenges, yet they have a deep desire to better themselves, support their families and become leaders in their communities.”

The school has a great legacy in reaching this population traditionally underserved in higher education, but the need is greater than ever.

“We work to provide affordable tuition, scholarships, career counseling,

Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, enrolls more than 1,300 students each year. Approximately two-thirds of their families live on $18,000 or less a year. Many are the first in their families to attend college. spiritual development, mental health services, tutoring and a caring, supportive environment — everything a college student needs to thrive,” said Buckley.

Last year, Donnelly provided tuition assistance to 94 percent of its student body, awarding more than $700,000 in institutional aid. The U.S. Department of Education recently ranked Donnelly College the 76th most affordable private college in the country.

In 2015, Donnelly was named the fourth most affordable small Catholic college by College Values Online.

“None of this is possible without support from the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal,” said Buckley.

Donnelly College prides itself on its solid liberal arts education and commitment to Catholic teaching. The college offers associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees in information systems, elementary education and organizational leadership, as well as practical nursing training. Additional programs include English as a Second Language, outreach for at-risk high school students and even a degree program for inmates at Lansing Correctional Facility.

“We are committed to investing in our students,” said Buckley. “They are the future of our communities, our city and our region.” After graduation, many of Donnelly’s alumni live and work in the Kansas City area.

“It’s amazing to hear our alums talk

about where they came from and the totally different life trajectory Donnelly helped them achieve,” she said.

Donnelly’s president, Msgr. Stuart Swetland, often says, “If we are listening to Pope Francis’ call to serve those on the margins, we’d have to create a college like Donnelly. Fortunately, the vision and commitment of those before us ensured Donnelly already exists — all we need to do is support its important mission.”

The faculty, staff and especially students of Donnelly College are grateful for the generosity of the Archbishop’s Call to Share donors. Their continued support enlivens Catholic education throughout the archdiocese and offers students the promise of a brighter future.

SAVE THE DATE

Rally for Religious Freedom Feb. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.

The Catholic bishops of Kansas and others concerned about the future of religious freedom will be hosting a Rally for Religious Freedom inside the Kansas State Capitol Building under the dome.

Ryan Anderson of the Heritage Foundation will be a guest speaker. More speakers will be announced at a later date.

For more information, please visit www.kscathconf.org.

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

6

Foot-washing ritual not limited to men, Vatican says

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women — a practice already observed by the pope and many priests around the world.

In a letter dated December 2014 and addressed to Cardinal Robert Sarah, the head of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, the pope said the rubric of the Roman Missal, which mentions only men as participants in the foot-washing rite, should be changed so that priests can choose from all members of the church.

The pope said the change would help express the full meaning of Jesus’ gesture at the Last Supper, his “giving himself ‘to the end’ for the salvation of the world” and his endless charity. However, the pope insisted those chosen be given “an adequate explanation of the meaning of the rite itself.”

The pope’s letter and the congregation’s decree were released by the Vatican Jan. 21.

The decree, issued by Cardinal Sarah and dated Jan. 6, states that pastors can choose “a small group of the faithful to represent the variety and the unity of each part of the people of God. Such small groups can be made up of men and women, and it is appropriate that

CNS PHOTO/ENRIQUE GARCIA MEDINA, REUTERS

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, washes the feet of residents of a shelter for drug users during Holy Thursday Mass at a church in a poor neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2008. Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree on Jan. 21 specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include women. they consist of people young and old, healthy and sick, clerics, consecrated men and women, and laity.”

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told journalists that although traditionally 12 men were selected to represent the 12 apostles, the meaning of the rite signifies Jesus’ unconditional love. With the pope’s decree, he said, the pope wished “this dimension of the gesture of Christ’s love for all” be the focus rather than

just a portrayal of the biblical scene during the Last Supper.

Archbishop Arthur Roche, secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, explained the history of the foot-washing rite in an article published in the Vatican newspaper Jan. 21.

He said the rite has endured various changes and modifications throughout the church’s history. For example, the “mandatum” from 1600 said the custom

Sister Marie Damian Glatt, SCL

was for bishops to wash, dry and kiss “the feet of ‘thirteen’ poor people after having dressed them, fed them and given them a charitable donation.”

Changes made by Pope Pius XII were reformed again in 1970, further simplifying the rite and omitting the requirement that the number participating be 12. The significance of the current modifications, the archbishop added, “does not now relate so much to the exterior imitation of what Jesus did, but rather the meaning of what he accomplished, which has a universal importance.”

“The washing of feet is not obligatory” during the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Archbishop Roche said. “It is for pastors to evaluate its desirability, according to the pastoral considerations and circumstances which exist, in such a way that it does not become something automatic or artificial, deprived of meaning and reduced to a staged event.”

In 1987, the then-Committee on the Liturgy of the U.S. bishops’ conference explained, “The element of humble service has accentuated the celebration of the foot-washing rite in the United States over the last decade or more. In this regard, it has become customary in many places to invite both men and women to be participants in this rite in recognition of the service that should be given by all the faithful to the church and to the world. Thus, in the United States, a variation in the rite developed in which not only charity is signified but also humble service.”

WEB EXCLUSIVE

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EAVENWORTH — Sister Marie Damian Glatt, 84, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died Jan. 16 at the motherhouse here.

Loretta Glatt was born in Roscoe, South Dakota, on Sept. 24, 1931, one of five children of Fred and Eva (Meier) Glatt. Later, the family moved to Columbus and then to Billings, Montana.

She graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School, Billings.

She entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Aug. 18, 1949, and, as Sister Marie Damian Glatt, made her profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1951.

Sister Marie Damian taught and was principal of elementary schools across the West and Midwest and served as director of elementary education for the Denver archdiocesan school office for three years. She was assistant director of the Montana Catholic Conference in the late 1970s.

Sister Marie Damian was next assigned to St. Joseph Hospital, Denver, where she participated in the Fellowship in Administration program. In 1986, she went to St. Vincent Hospital and Health Center in Billings, where she served as the director of the planning and outreach program.

In 1987, Sister Marie Damian was appointed vice president of planning for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health Services Corporation. In 1992, she was elected to the SCL Community Council and served as president of the SCL Health Services Corporation. In March 2001, she accepted the position of mission director of the Oregon Providence Health System at Providence Office Park in Portland, Oregon.

CHURCH OF THE WEEK St. Louis, Good Intent Father Frank Burger stands with the newest Eagle Scouts of Boy Scout Troop 240 at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe. They are, from left: Jakob Smith, Tim Klinker, Caleb Wolf, Sebastian Negrete, Grant Whitney and Wyatt Keena.

Scouts earn Eagle rank in Troop 240

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LATHE — Boy Scout Troop 240 at Prince of Peace Parish here promoted six young men to the rank of Eagle at a ceremony at the Overland Park Fire Training Center on Nov. 7, 2015.

Jakob Smith, Tim Klinker, Caleb Wolf, Sebastian Negrete, Grant Whitney and Wyatt Keena earned Boy Scouts’ highest rank of Eagle Scout.

Father Frank Burger joined the six Eagle Scouts at the Eagle Court of Honor.

Smith’s Eagle project was to lead a group of Scouts as masters of ceremonies for an evening of activities and fun for the kids at the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City.

Klinker’s Eagle project was to build

a storage area for the youth ministry at Prince of Peace Church.

Wolf completed a prayer garden for Blue Valley Baptist Church for his Eagle project.

Negrete’s Eagle project involved landscaping at the Olathe Towers Good Samaritan Society.

Whitney renovated the basement of a women’s shelter for his Eagle project. While doing the renovation, he discovered a former bathroom hidden behind a false wall. The women’s shelter has 860 square feet of extra usable space now, thanks to Whitney’s efforts.

Keena built two arbors for the Calamity Line Park in Olathe for his Eagle Scout project.

Address: 11321 Morton Rd., 66002 Pastor: Father Benjamin Tremmel, OSB Mass Time: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. during the school year; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. during the summer

Video

A video tour of this church is available online at: www.theleaven.org.

More photos of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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February enrichment for couples married with children

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In an age when marriage is under attack and sometimes denigrated, could it be that one of the greatest examples of married love is . . . . . . Homer and Marge Simpson?

If you’ve seen the long-running animated series “The Simpsons,” you know Homer and Marge. Marge is the long-suffering and sometimes exasperated wife. Her husband Homer is a two-legged disaster with a can of Duff Beer in his fist.

Homer and Marge have their flaws — especially Homer — but one thing is unmistakably clear: They love each other and are committed to their marriage and family, even when Homer is strangling son Bart to the point where his eyes are bugging out.

Wouldn’t it be great if we were all more like Homer and Marge (minus the strangling)?

Fortunately, February is chock-full of opportunities for married couples to improve their marriages.

The archdiocesan family life office is promoting participation in two marriage-related events next month, sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The first event is World Marriage Day, which happens to coincide with Valentine’s Day this year, but will be observed on Feb. 11 locally. The second event is a Day of Enrichment

The archdiocesan family life office is promoting participation in two marriage-related events next month: World Marriage Day and National Marriage Week. for Marriage on Feb. 27.

In addition to the World Marriage Day Mass and the day of enrichment, the U.S. bishops are promoting National Marriage Week from Feb. 7-14. Materials will be sent to parishes to help parishioners observe the week.

Both events offer much to married couples with children, said Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant of the archdiocesan family life office, which is sponsoring the two events.

“Pope St. John Paul II calls the family the school of virtue,” said Deacon Zimmerman. “Parents, by virtue of their children’s baptism, are called to be

their children’s first teachers in the ways of faith. Parents need support in this area, and it starts with their own relationship.”

After all, said Deacon Zimmerman, you can’t give your children what you don’t have.

The seventh annual joint diocesan World Marriage Day Mass will be at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop James V. Johnson Jr., the new bishop of the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph.

The Mass will be followed by a reception and then a presentation by Jon Leonetti, an internationally known speaker, radio host and author. Leonetti’s book, “Mission of the Family,” is featured in Matthew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic book program.

Married couples really should attend, said Deacon Zimmerman.

“You cannot give what you do not have,” he said. “Unless husbands and wives consciously go to some kind of enrichment together regularly . . . they can find themselves in a dull and lifeless marriage. [Couples] have to be intentionally working on their marriage all the time.”

This event is free, thanks to funding from the archdiocesan annual appeal, the Archbishop’s Call to Share. You do not need to register. Simply show up.

The Day of Enrichment for Marriage will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

This event will feature talks by Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak, noted speakers, writers and radio hosts. They are authors of “Beyond the Birds and Bees: Raising Sexually Whole and Holy Kids,” “For Better . . . Forever” and “Just Married: Surviving the First Five Years of Marriage.”

The cost to attend is $25 per individual or $35 per couple. For information, call (913) 647-0329 or go online to: www.archkck.org/family and click on “Marriage and Family Life Events.”

To register, go to the website at: www. archkck.org/popcak2016.

Local march and pro-life rally draws hundreds to Capitol >> Continued from page 1 managed to scoot out ahead of the officially named Winter Storm Jonas. The same was true for five buses from Benedictine College in Atchison.

Flights were canceled not only on the day the storm hit, but for most of the weekend that followed, leaving the contingent from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park stranded. They straggled home in waves as flights became available.

By press time Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, two groups from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence were on separate Amtrak trains, headed home.

Finally, intrepid Leaven freelancers Marc and Julie Anderson, members of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, arrived home at midnight on Jan. 25.

They and their niece, Hayden High senior Rose Hockenberry, were perhaps the only representatives of the archdiocese to actually march this year.

Locally, there was a prolife Mass, march and rally in Topeka, to coincide with the national March for Life. The event drew several hundred participants.

After Mass at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, participants marched to the state Capitol a few blocks away and held a rally on the steps.

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE

Jordan McEntee, a student at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, reacts to the speakers at the pro-life rally on the steps of the state Capitol in Topeka. Hundreds of participants braved the bitter cold to attend the rally.

Bishop Miege senior Aja Reese, left, and junior Olivia Berger take part in the march from the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka to the state Capitol building.

THE TRUTH IS STILL OUT THERE

“Luis Antonio Tagle: Leading by Listening,” by Cindy Wooden

P

Let one of these writers be your guide this Lent

F

BY ANITA MCSORLEY or people like me who are already struggling to keep their New Year’s resolutions, the Catholic Church is coming to the rescue.

In fact, if all it takes is a

little old-fashioned Catholic guilt to get you to the gym on time, you’ll be happy to hear there is a big

fat load of Lent coming your way — and fast.

But if Ash Wednesday (on Feb. 10 this year) means

a little more to you than another attempt to lose those extra pounds, you’re still in luck.

It appears that among my Catholic journalist friends, everybody but me has written a book in recent months.

A really good book.

Ironically, some of these folks might be friends of yours, too — at least friends once removed through your relationship with The Leaven.

I know a good book does not necessarily make a good Lent. But I would argue that it makes a good start.

So consider yourself among friends here and, as you read, ponder which might provide you with a good guide to the Catholic you’re called to become.

“Luis Antonio Tagle: Leading

by Listening,” by Cindy Wooden (Liturgical Press, 2015) 106 pp., $12.95

ope Francis was a big hit with Americans on his visit to the United States last year. But he had some competition at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia from the young Asian cardinal that gave the keynote address: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, of the Philippines.

Cardinal “Chito,” in fact, is the current favorite of the Irish online betting site, Paddy power.com, to be Francis’ successor. So what does this 5-1 favorite of the next conclave have going for him?

As Cindy’s title indicates, one of the things Cardinal Tagle is known for — in addition to being a fierce advocate for the poor — is his successful Christian ministry in a predominantly non-Christian culture. In fact, that was an important part of his address to the World Meeting of Families.

“He spoke to us about the importance of dialogue,” said Father Jim Shaughnessy, pastor of St. Gregory Parish in Marysville and St. Malachy Parish in Beattie.

“In the West, people are concerned about the shrinking influence of the church. But in the East, [Christians] have always been a minority and they’ve had to learn to live in dialogue, and to have influence through communication and dialogue with others around them who have the same values and goals,” continued Father Shaughnessy.

But the subtitle of Cindy’s book is also important. Cardinal Tagle is adamant that church leaders must truly listen to the voices of the faithful that are raised in question, and not just dole out easy “solutions” that don’t really address their lived reality.

I’ve started off with Cindy’s book because she might be one of the writers with whom you’re most familiar.

Don’t recognize her name?

Did you read The Leaven’s special issue full of the stories of Pope Francis’ trip to the United States? Many, if not most, of those stories were written by her.

The Cardinal Tagle title is part of a series of short biographical books (this one is only 104 pages) called People of God. So if you like her style — or that of her subject — maybe hers is the book for you.

“The Vatican Proph Supernatural Signs Miracles in the Modern

“The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions and Miracles in the Modern Age,” by John Thavis (Viking, 2015) 288 pp., $27.95

hecies; Investigating s, Apparitions, and n Age,” by John Thavis

“Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful,” by Stephen Binz

P

C

indy’s predecessor in Rome as Catholic News Service’s bureau chief is the Vaticanista that really taught me how to understand the workings of the Holy See: John Thavis. And if you’re a longtime reader of The Leaven, he might have taught you a thing or two as well.

You see, John only retired a few years ago. Before that — for almost 30 years — scores of his terrifically insightful “Vatican Letters” appeared in these pages. Why were his analyses so instructive? Because John is an insider, and when you’re talking about the Vatican, that says it all.

John has gone on to even greater renown in retirement.

As one of the few experts on all things Vatican, a whole host of news outlets seek him out to provide both color commentary and analysis whenever something unusual is happening in Rome.

In his books, John writes at length about many of those things that we’ve only heard the Cliff’s Notes version of. For example, in “The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions and Miracles in the Modern Age,” John explains how, in the 21st century, the Vatican proceeds in matters of relics, miracles, apparitions, exorcisms and the like.

The answer, not to put too fine a point on it, is very carefully.

Anyone who has ever wondered why the Catholic Church has approved the apparitions at Guadalupe, Fatima and Lourdes — but not Medjugorje — or what process leads to those kinds of decisions, will find this book very enlightening.

But as interesting as the topics he tackles are the personalities he introduces us to. As in his prior hit book, “The Vatican Diaries,” John tells his stories through the work of the churchmen (and occasionally women) who conduct it.

If we learn anything from his careful analysis, it is that even in the Vatican, apparently, James Joyce’s characterization of the Catholic Church holds true: “Here comes everybody.”

Also of interest by John Thavis is his previous book: “The Vatican Diaries: A Behindthe-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church.”

“Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful,” by Stephen Binz (Loyola Press, Chicago, 2015) 198 pp., $14.95

arishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie met the author of our next book in person at the mission he gave for them last fall.

But author Stephen Binz may also be familiar to many of you through his foundational work on the Little Rock Scripture Study series and Threshold Bible study.

Now, in addition to his writing and speaking engagements, Stephen leads pilgrimages and study trips to Rome, Poland and the Holy Land. Through his new book, “Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful,” he leads us, too, in the aptly subtitled “Walking with Peter from Galilee to Rome.”

I, for one, am fascinated by Peter, who is revealed more fully in the Gospels than perhaps any other figure than Christ himself. One of the reasons we know him so well, said Stephen, is because Peter “was not at all reluctant to tell the full story of his life with Jesus — faults and all, failures and all.”

Peter, it is believed, was the primary source for the Gospel of Mark. So the cringingly honest accounts of his denials of Christ were not something he chose to keep secret, like you or I might. Instead, Peter realized that his failure was an important part of his story.

“In Rome at the time,” explains Stephen, “Christians were being persecuted, and many people felt like they were failing Jesus.”

Indeed, they were failing him. Threats to their lives, or the lives of their families, led many to deny Christ.

“And so there is a great deal of guilt in the Christianity community,” said Stephen. “They were still believers, yet they had publicly renounced their faith to others. Peter must have realized that was exactly what he did.”

And that’s what makes Peter our perfect guide through Lent.

“We all recognize ourselves in Peter, and that’s part of his appeal,” said Stephen.

“Peter is not this great flawless leader of the church. Peter shows that he is very much like us — struggling, and trying to know and understand Jesus and what it means to follow him . . . and failing in that following.”

“Peter is like an older brother to us in our discipleship. I think we can learn so much from Peter about how to be a disciple,” he said. “In all of his humanity, in all of his weakness, all of his sin, he became the leader of the church. And that happened by the grace of God.” That’s the thing that we mustn’t forget about Peter, said Stephen.

There is the Peter of failure and betrayal.

And then, there is the Peter of Pentecost.

“Grace transformed him,” he said.

And it can transform us.

Also of interest by Stephen Binz is: “Transformed by God’s Word: Discovering the Power of Lectio and Visio Divina,” to be released Feb. 5.

“Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus,”

by Father Jim Martin, SJ

N

“Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus” by Father Jim Martin (HarperOne, San Francisco, 2016) 144 pp., $18.99

o book roundup would be complete without a plug for one of the few leading lights of the Catholic press who is actually well known outside the Catholic press.

Father Mark and I both enjoy it when our interns/new hires learn that we actually know Father Jim Martin, of Stephen Colbert — and now Facebook — fame. (You know somebody is really cool if millennials know who he is.)

I’m going to cheat a bit with this recommendation, because there are two books of Father Jim’s that I’d like to mention.

His newest book, “Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus,” would be a tremendous aid to those trying to take up Archbishop Naumann’s challenge to really get to know Jesus as a person.

Focusing on the famous last seven phrases the Gospels record Jesus uttering from the cross, Father Jim has examined in this book not only what Jesus meant in those phrases.

He also explores what these words reveal about how well Jesus knows us — our disappointments, our fears of abandonment, our suffering, our despair.

It is a very moving book — moving in the sense that it touches something deep inside the reader, but also in that it draws the reader — almost irresistibly — closer to Christ.

Father Jim’s other book, “Jesus: A Pilgrimage,” (Harper One, 560 pages; $11.45), which will be released by HarperOne on Feb. 2 in paperback, also comes with my highest recommendation.

It’s hard to recall a book from which I have learned so much with so little effort.

Really. Just read this book and you will understand more about the times in which Jesus lived — and more about what the Gospel stories mean — than you can ever imagine.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out the book’s ratings on Amazon, where 697 customers have enjoyed the book enough to go back and rate it.

The average rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Executive director - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), an educational ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking an executive director.

CEF provides over $1.5 million annually to 20 schools in the archdiocese to be used for scholarships for children cg.

This position is responsible for management of all facets of the organization including: management of five salaried employees, oversight of board of directors and committees, facilitate appointing of new board and committee members, budget goal attainment, donor solicitation, stewardship of foundation resources, and oversight of financial operations and reporting. Applicants must be practicing Catholics in good standing, be able to speak authentically about Catholic education, have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five successful years in the for-profit business arena, and be able to facilitate public relations to increase awareness of the CEF. Nonprofit board experience is preferable. The successful candidate’s job skill set includes: executive level leadership, polished marketing and presentation skills, highly organized, superior planning and forecasting skills, team player, good personnel management skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with a variety of constituencies including business leaders and families seeking scholarship assistance. An entrepreneurial spirit along with the ability to think outside the box is imperative. Interested individuals should email cover letter and resume to: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

Personal banker - The First National Bank branch in Prairie Village, located in the Corinth Square Shopping Center, is seeking a full-time personal banker with account opening experience. Resumes can be emailed to: dwagner@ bankfirst.com.

Director of facility operations - St. James Academy is looking for a director of facility operations. The director will lead a team that is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building, grounds, vehicles, equipment and security system and for the safe and efficient operation of same. He/she will also be involved in planning and coordination of facility or grounds modifications and new construction in future years. Start date will be June 1. Please send resume and cover letter by email to Linda White at: lwhite@sjakeepingfaith.org or by mail to 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66227.

Marketing position - We are looking for a bilingual (English and Spanish), motivated and personable person to aid in our local expansion. We are a publicly traded national marketing company expanding here in the Midwest. We offer complete training in a positive environment. This position is part time and has flexible hours. Send email with resume and inquiries to: localsearch1980@gmail.com.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education.

Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas currently has three full-time openings: - Consultant for pro-life - Consultant for deaf and hard of hearing - Accounts payable/payroll accountant Please visit our website at: www.archkck.org/jobs to view the full job descriptions. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 8 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Job Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Afternoon teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center in Olathe is seeking afternoon teachers. There are openings in our 2-year-olds room and our school-age room from 2:30 - 6 p.m., M-F. Experience preferred for the 2-year-olds classroom; one year of experience in a child care center required for the school-age program. We are looking for the right candidates to fill these positions and we offer a competitive hourly wage. Contact Amanda at (913) 829-2728.

Part-time administrator - Knights of Columbus, Eastern Kansas Insurance Agency, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. 20 - 25 hours per week. Please send resume to: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Part-time customer service specialist - Wellington is searching for a part-time customer service specialist that interacts with clients and delivers best-practice customer service via the telephone and online. S/he must possess an energetic, customer-focused demeanor and be willing to go the extra mile in solving challenges and meeting client requests whenever possible. In addition, the customer service specialist will assist account management teams with a variety of tasks that require excellent organization and problem-solving skills. Hours are M - F from 4 - 8 p.m. Apply online at: https://wellingtonexperience. com/careers? $15 per hour.

Coaches needed - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a head track-and-field coach and an assistant softball coach. Email letter of interest and resume to Mike Hubka at: mhubka@bishopmiege.com.

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Part-time nanny - Holy Trinity (Lenexa) family is looking for a part-time nanny for afternoon help at the home and after-school care for our four children. Immediate opening. 15 -20 hours per week with the opportunity for more.

Competitive rates. Call Adrian 0’Hara at (913) 488-1711 or send an email to: adrian_m_ohara@me.com.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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

Teaching positions - The Goddard School, located at 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is looking for qualified lead teachers and assistant teachers – both full- and part-time positions available.

Lead Teacher – full time.

Assistant Teacher – full-time floating position.

In our warm, loving atmosphere, our highly qualified teachers support the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years. Our teachers write and implement their own lesson plans based on our FLEX program, Goddard Developmental Guidelines and our monthly school theme. Lead teachers also complete other duties such as electronic daily attendance reports, progress reports and parent conferences. The hands-on efforts of the school owner and directors allow our teachers to focus on their children, their lesson plans and teaching to ensure a fun-filled day of learning. Full-time benefits include competitive pay, paid time off, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills and desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an Early Childhood Education degree, a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Please specify for which position you are applying. To apply, forward your resume to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com. Attention: Mandy Ellis, director.

Junkyard Dawg - Can do cleanup, debris removal and any other odd job you have. Call (913) 575-8522 for an estimate.

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 you’ll be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte County area cemeteries.

An excellent earning of $40K to $50K+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year. Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people.

Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes. Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@ cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921.

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record.

Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided.

Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools.

Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean.

Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginnings online.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215.

Administrative assistant/office manager/PT -Looking for something new? Use your experience to help us improve people’s lives. Developmental optometrist needs help with her small practice. M-Th, Noon-6 p.m. No benefits. Background in word processing, Excel, QuickBooks, customer service and medical office experience are helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145, or send an email to: bbazin@ visiondevelop.com.

SERVICES Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken spring rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

Tree service - Certified arborist Chris Johnson at Tufts Tree Service performs all tree services, including restoration, pruning, training, removal and stump grinding. Fully licensed and insured. See Chris at: www.tuftstreeservice@ gmail.com. Call Chris at (785) 218-1531.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees.

Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional.

Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Great Catholic DJ and emcee Affordable, Classy and Entertaining Weddings, parties, fundraisers and church events Good Shepherd parishioner Contact Michael for rates and available dates.

(913)568-1441 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.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661

CAREGIVING Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Personalized care - Experienced, specializing in dementia, medication setup and activities of daily living.

Excellent references. Contact Andrea at (913)548-1930.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM.

Compassionate, tailored care - Provided by nursing professionals. We provide private duty, companion, respite and/or pet care. Excellent references and negotiable rates. JoCo only. Call Mary at (913) 710-5412, Lorinda at (913) 226-5385 or Jeff at (913) 284-2797.

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.

Caregiver/housekeeping - 30 years experience with nursing background. Reasonable rates and recent referrals. Part time, full time or will consider live-in. Call (913) 579-5276.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovation, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Thank you for your continued support. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote at (913) 709-8401.

Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com House painting Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Need help? - Do you or your parents need help at home?

Doctor appointments? Shopping? Light meals? Companionship? Years of experience. References. Call (913) 257-5303.

CNA, Home Health Care Professional - Provides TLC in the comfort of the client’s residence. Budget Friendly.

Available 24 hours, or part time. Excellent references. 25 years of Seasoned Experience. Nonsmoker. Call (816) 806-8104.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Price Reduced! - At Gate of Heaven Cemetery, a double cremation niche with companion urn in the mausoleum. It is located in the St. John Corridor, #8 H. Today’s selling price for the double niche and urn is approximately $6,522; offering for $3,500. Call Colleen at (913) 269-6944.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee 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.

FOR RENT For Rent - 2 BR house near Santa Fe and 87th St. in Overland Park. Beautiful hardwood floors, attached garage, private yard and extra storage. Near both Holy Cross and Holy Trinity parishes. $900 a month. Call (913) 6898888.

ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - $400 per month plus one-third of the utilities. Short-term or long-term. Six minutes from Oak Park Mall and from Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park. Furnished.

Females only. Call (913) 599-5574.

Roommate wanted - $500 per month, utilities included.

Private room and bath. Use of the house. Long or short term.

JoCo Community College area. Call (913) 579-5276.

PURCHASE AN AD Want to buy a classified ad? Contact The Leaven’s advertising coordinator, Beth Blankenship, at (913) 647-0327 or email her at: beth.blankenship@the leaven.org. Cost is $18.50 for the first five lines, and $1.50 for each additional line.

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR BINGO AND PASTA DINNER - SACRED HEART YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISER 1100 West St., Tonganoxie Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner will be served from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Bingo will begin at 7 p.m. Donations of $10 a card allows you to play all games during the night. Concessions will also be available.

‘THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL’ Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 2 and 9 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

13

WOMEN’S RETREAT St. Peter Cathedral (parish center) 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. - noon

Through presentation and discussion, this program will look at the first teaching document of Pope Francis: a call for the church to choose missionary discipleship that transforms and serves.

Join the women of the St. Peter’s Altar Society for 8:15 a.m. Mass in the chapel. After Mass, there will be a light breakfast and the retreat. The cost is $10. Reservations may be made by calling Linda at (913) 432-9481.

CURÉ OF ARS MARDI GRAS SINGLES DANCE Curé of Ars (school cafeteria) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Jan. 30 from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m.

The cost is $20 at the door and includes meat, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, soda and bottled water. For more information, call (913) 631-6873.

TAIZE PRAYER Sisters Of Charity of Leavenworth Motherhouse (Annunciation Chapel) 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

SPAGHETTI DINNER Holy Cross Church (Lickteig Hall) 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Jan. 30 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 years old and under. For more information, contact Margi at (913) 381-8145.

ST. MARY CHURCH, HARTFORD, BEEF AND NOODLE DINNER Neosho Rapids Grade School (Multipurpose room) 240 Commercial St., Neosho Rapids Jan. 31 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $8 for adults and $8 for children under 10. There will be a drawing for prizes in addition to the dinner.

PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 2 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

This group meets on the first Tuesday of each month. It is a facilitated support group for families who have recently or some time ago experienced the heartache of a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes simple chants sung repeatedly, silence and prayers of praise and intercession.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER St. Paul Parish (activity center) 920 W. Honeysuckle, Olathe Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.

The cost is $12.50 per person or $100 for a table of eight people. The event will also include raffles, door prizes and prizes for the top teams. Proceeds will benefit the Knights of Columbus pro-life efforts in the state of Kansas. Contact Chris Dieterman at (913) 780-6428 for details and reservations.

SACRED HEART-ST. JOSEPH GERMAN FASCHING MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION Sacred Heart Church (hall) 333 N.E. Freeman St., Topeka Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.

Mass begins at 4 p.m. to be followed by a German buffet, polka dance, silent auction and a drawing for cash and three handmade quilts. Tickets cost $25 per person or $225 for a table of eight people. Tickets will be sold until Jan. 31 and may be purchased by calling the parish office at (785) 234-3338 or (785) 232-2863.

THE RAGIN’ SWEET AND SPICY FEST Holy Name Church (cafeteria) 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 6 from 6 - 9 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Holy Name Divas. This is a chili, soup and dessert cookoff. Entries for judging will be accepted from 4 - 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Food, drinks and tastings will be available. Music will be provided by Stranded in the City. For more information, call Sharon Staab at (913) 631-1138.

CATHOLIC CHALLENGE SPORTS SUPER BOWL PARTY Lucky Brewgrille 5401 Johnson Dr., Mission Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.

Come watch the game with young adults in their 20s and 30s. Admission is $2 or two canned goods. Food and snacks will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to compete in a billiard tournament.

MARDI GRAS 2016 St. Benedict School Commons 201 Division, Atchison Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.

A meal featuring jambalaya, maque choux, chicken and noodles, pizza and beignets will be served. Tickets cost: $7 for adults, $4 for kids ages 4 - 10; children under three eat free.

There will be live and silent auctions, games, crafts, face painting and prizes. For more information, contact Anita Buhman-Wiggs at: buhman-wiggs@earthlink.net.

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

‘LECTIO DIVINA - LISTENING WITH THE EAR OF YOUR HEART’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. - Feb 14 at 2 p.m.

This ancient art of prayerfully reading Scripture leads to a contemplative attitude and changes our perspective on life. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit Sophia Spirituality Center’s website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

SOUP LUNCHEON Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Feb. 14 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the soup luncheon. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 272-0055.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Precious Blood Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Feb. 26-28

The weekend is for widowed, separated and divorced people who are suffering the loss of a love relationship. This is an opportunity to turn the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperience kc.org; to register, send an email to: bekc@ gmail.com; or contact Teresa at (816) 5299002.

Stair lifts & More We’ll lift you up!

Scooter/bath/wheelchair/pool Free consults. Leaven discounts!

Member Good Shepherd, Shawnee

Call Ed Toll Free 1-855-543-8632

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

It’s a pressing task, but we’re glad to do it

FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Jan. 31 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 1: 4-5, 17-19 Ps 71: 1-6, 15, 17 1 Cor 12:31 – 13:13 Lk 4: 21-30 Feb. 1 Monday 2 Sm 15: 13-14, 30; 16: 5-13 Ps 3: 2-7 Mk 5: 1-20 Feb. 2 THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Mal 3: 1-4 Ps 24: 7-10 Heb 2: 14-18 Lk 2: 22-40 Feb. 3 Blaise, bishop, martyr; Ansgar, bishop 2 Sm 24: 2, 9-17 Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7 Mk 6: 1-6 Feb. 4 Thursday 1 Kgs 2: 1-4, 10-12 (Ps) 1 Chr 29: 10-11b, 11d-12 Mk 6: 7-13 Feb. 5 Agatha, virgin, martyr Sir 47: 2-11 Ps 18: 31, 47, 50-51 Mk 6: 14-29 Feb. 6 Paul Miki and companions, martyrs 1 Kgs 3: 4-13 Ps 119: 9-14 Mk 6: 30-34

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W

ell, February is almost here . . . again.

Why does it seem like this shortest month of the year always feels like the longest? Maybe it’s because we’re mired in the doldrums of winter or we know that Ash Wednesday is just around the corner. Or maybe it’s because this February will, in fact, be longer as this leap year gives us an extra day to contend with.

In any event, perhaps to help us survive, February is stuffed with all kinds of special days to celebrate. We’re familiar with the more famous ones like Groundhog Day, Mardi Gras, Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day. But even those might not be enough to get us through, so this month features: Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day (Feb. 7); Cherry Pie Day (Feb. 20); Curling is Cool Day (the Scottish game, not the hair style); For Pete’s Sake Day (Feb. 26 — Oh, for Pete’s sake, why?); and Floral Design Day (Feb. 28).

There is, however, something so special that it couldn’t be assigned only one day or week.

Instead, celebrating the Catholic press is given the

I

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.

whole month of February.

One thing that has always been a part of my life and ministry is storytelling. Its inspiration was the following Jewish folktale: When the great Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov saw misfortune threatening the Jews, it was his custom to go into a certain part of the forest to meditate. There, he would light a fire and say a prayer. And the miracle would be accomplished and the misfortune averted.

Later, when his disciple, Magid of Mezritch, saw the people in dis-

tress, he would go to the same place in the forest and say: “Master of the Universe, listen! I do not know how to light the fire, but I am still able to say the prayer.” And again, the miracle would be accomplished.

Still later, Rabbi Moshe-Leib of Sasov, in order to save his people yet again, would go to the forest and say: “I do not know how to light the fire, I do not know the prayer, but I know the place, and this must be sufficient.”

Once more, a miracle.

Then it fell to Rabbi Israel of Rizhyn to overcome misfortune. Sitting in his armchair, his head in his hands, he spoke to God: “I am unable to light the fire and I do not know the prayer; I cannot even find the place in the forest. All I can do is to tell the story of my people, and this must be

sufficient.” And it was sufficient . . . because God loves stories! (Adapted from “The Sower’s Seeds,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) I do believe that God loves stories. After all, the Bible is chock-full of them: the creation accounts, the original sin, Cain and Abel, Noah and the ark, the Tower of Babel — and these are just in the first few chapters of the Book of Genesis. The late Jesuit Father Anthony de Mello, a master teller of stories, believed that “the shortest distance between a human being and Truth is a story.” That’s no doubt why the Scriptures are so packed with them.

Storytellers have a tremendous responsibility. Author Esther de Waal said they must “be able to transform what lies to hand, let the mundane become the edge of glory, and find the extraordinary in the ordinary.” For me, that’s the mission of The Leaven. At heart, we’re storytellers.

We are the archdiocesan historians who collect the stories of our parishes, schools and ministries — their roots and growth, their reach and influence.

We are educators in the faith — from articles on how to pray and appreci-

ate the Scriptures better, to helping people understand what the church teaches on various topics.

We are a voice for Pope Francis and Archbishop Naumann, giving them a forum to reach and teach believers.

But our favorite task is summed up in this little story: People in an African village bought a computer. For weeks, all of the children and adults gathered around it — morning, noon and night — surfing the Internet.

After a couple of months, though, the computer was turned off and never used again.

A visitor to the village asked, “Why do you no longer use the computer?”

“We have decided to listen to the storyteller,” replied the chief.

“But doesn’t the computer know more stories?” asked the visitor.

“Yes,” the chief replied, “but the storyteller knows us.” (Adapted from “Stories for the Journey” by William R. White.)

Thank you for the honor of letting us be the tellers of your stories, 16 pages at a time, 41 times a year.

Happy Catholic Press Month!

Jesus’ ministry grew dangerous long before his passion

n January 1901, a lynch mob forced its way into the Leavenworth County Jail and carried off a young black man whom they then chained to a stake and burned alive.

Fred Alexander, 22, was being held in the jail as part of the investigation of an assault upon a young white woman. At first, the mob was going to hang him on the courthouse grounds, but instead decided to take him to the scene of the young woman’s murder, where they doused him with coal oil and set him afire as he cried, “Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!”

Lynch mobs make up an ugly part of human history. A crowd explodes in anger, gets out of control and takes the law into its own hands.

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

Individual responsibility goes away as mob psychology takes over.

That is exactly what we see happening in

Jealousy and envy are ugly sins that grow like weeds in one’s heart, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. A heart that is envious is not only tormented, but can even “lead one to kill,” the pope said Jan. 21 during the Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae

Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 4:21-30. Jesus’ words have stirred the crowd to action. He reminded them how God had shown favor to certain foreigners in Israel’s history. In other words, he implies that his audience is not so special after all. God’s love is universal. It is not limited to the Israelites.

The crowd responds

violently to Jesus’ words: “They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.” If that didn’t kill him, they would then stone him to death. Throwing a person over the side of a cliff was the usual prelude to stoning the person.

Fortunately, that doesn’t happen. Jesus escapes from them, to continue his ministry elsewhere. At the same time, this attempted lynching anticipates the cruel death that will result from Jesus’ mission. Throughout his ministry, Jesus will continue to provoke anger from his opponents. That anger will eventually lead Jesus to

Marthae. The pope focused his homily on the day’s first reading (1 Sm 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7) in which Saul plots to kill David out of jealousy for his growing fame. Although Saul heeded his son’s advice to not murder David, the pope said, his jealousy returned like a “sickness” that opened the door to envy.

“Envy is an ugly thing! It is an attitude,

the cross. Jesus’ escape in our Gospel story represents a temporary reprieve.

A lynch mob is governed by mob psychology, in which the individual can avoid taking responsibility for the awful actions of the group. He or she is just going along with the crowd. That is not a valid excuse, but the person may draw upon it to rationalize what has happened.

In any event, the Gospel reading cautions us about the dangers of going along with the crowd. We may not end up as part of a lynch mob, but we may give in to peer pressure that leads to sin.

And ultimately, that is what put Jesus to death.

an ugly sin,” he said. “And jealousy or envy grows in the heart like a bad weed: It grows, but does not let the grass grow.” One who has an envious heart, he continued, cannot find peace and is tormented. The pope noted that because of Satan’s envy, “death entered into the world.”

— CNS

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

15

Addictions reduce our freedom to choose the good

A

ddiction can be extremely harmful, and, in some cases, fatal for those individuals ensnared by it. It can be seriously disruptive and damaging to those around them.

Who is to blame when it comes to addiction?

Family and friends may think to themselves, “Why can’t Jane just stop drinking?” Or, “Doesn’t Joe understand that his gambling addiction is bankrupting the family?”

Or, “Can’t Bob see how his pornography habit is destroying his marriage and his relationships?”

It seems to others that those dealing with an addiction ought to be able to recognize their behavior as harmful and turn away from it by a resolute decision. Family and friends, however, can face years of frustration when they see their loved ones fall into a slow motion “crash and burn,” spiraling downwards as they remain unwilling or unable to step away from their addiction.

The individual caught in the web of addiction objectively falls prey to a

loss of personal freedom. His will becomes weakened and he becomes enslaved in a way that limits his ability to recognize the right order of goods in his life. By repetitively choosing the addictive behavior, it becomes ingrained, and the ability to choose better, alternative behaviors becomes enfeebled, if not seemingly impossible.

For these reasons, there is almost always diminished personal responsibility in situations of addiction. To be accountable for our acts, we must freely choose those acts, but the internal pressure and downward spiral of the addiction may have already co-opted the individual’s ability freely to choose otherwise.

Eventually, this bondage can appear to be permanent, and addicted individuals can imagine themselves pathetic and hopeless to such a degree that they almost give up. In the words of a formerly addicted individual: “I believe that I did not have a choice to stop. . . . It never

MAKING SENSE OF BIOETHICS

FATHER TAD PACHOLCZYK Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and serves as the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

became clear to me that I could live another way until a medical intervention from my physician and friends took place.

Willpower plays a small role here, but it, too, cannot work if one has a malfunctioning brain. I speak for myself here . . .

I could not stop. Period.

Now, I have stopped. Not just because of the intervention, but because

I have turned my life and my will over to the God of my understanding. That is something 12-step programs have taught me.”

This radical loss of freedom lies at the heart of the tragedy of addiction. Because we are creatures of habit, the choices we make — either for good or for evil — form us in one direction or the other, so we become individuals who are either capable or incapable of choosing the good freely.

Virtue is a habit of good, while vice is a habit of evil. Early choices leading down the road toward addiction, freely made, can quickly snowball into vice, addiction

and a loss of freedom.

As one recovered addict graphically described it: “My beef is with those who claim that they never chose to become an addict or never chose to hurt their families. . . . While we likely didn’t intend to end up helpless, dysfunctional people who [hurt] our loved ones, the choices we made put us at risk of ending up in a sorry state where we were capable of doing things we would have never dreamed of.

Unless you were raised on Mars, we all deep down knew the risk of our choices, especially if you’re talking about coke, crack, meth or heroin, but we chose to roll the dice anyway. At a certain point, when I was starting to do coke almost every weekend, I knew that it would be wise to stop, but I chose not to because I was having fun and I told myself it will never happen to me. By the end, I was going on solo three-day benders with alcohol and cocaine, and I landed in treatment. . . .

My point is that I made the choice to try the

substance, the choice to begin to use the substance more regularly and the choice not to quit when I could have.”

While there may have been significant moral culpability at the beginning of an individual’s descent into addiction, it is still critical for us to never stigmatize, patronize or abandon those who are in the throes of addiction.

They may feel they are defined entirely by their addiction — unlovable and wretched — rather than seeing that they are, in fact, human beings who are precious to God and those around them, and even now endowed with some tiny space of remaining freedom.

That tiny space will become key to determining whether they ultimately choose the behavioral changes needed to improve their situation and recover the human freedom that is rightfully theirs.

We should support, encourage and love them in ways that will help lead them toward those good choices and successful outcomes.

Father Ron Rolheiser is coming to Kansas City!

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Friday Evening of March 11, 2016 Bishop Miege High School 5041 Reinhardt Drive, Roeland Park, KS 66205 Topic: The Year of Mercy-struggling to be deeply compassionate persons

All day March 12, 2016 St. Thomas More Parish 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 Topic: “Seasons of our Lives” describing three stages of discipleship on our journey toward life and toward death Father Rolheiser is the author of Sacred Fire, named Book of the Year and Best Book in Spirituality in 2015. His latest book is The Passion and the Cross. He is the President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

For more information and to register online, visit http://rolheiserkc2016.eventbrite.com or contact Mike Matteuzzi at 913-253-2510.

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas • Catholic Bequests

• Donor Advised Funds

• Gift Annuities

• Named Scholarship Funds

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Remember a gift to the church in your will

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

JANUARY 29, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

POPE MY RIDE

Car used by pope in Philadelphia to be auctioned to benefit ministries

CNS PHOTO/JOSHUA ROBERTS

The Fiat 500 L sedan used by Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia sits outside St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Sept. 27 in Wynnewood, Pa.

By Matthew Gambino Catholic News Service

P

HILADELPHIA (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is auctioning off one low-mileage car, in mint condition, used slightly by one owner.

Two of the dark gray, four-door Fiat 500 L sedans used to shuttle Pope Francis around the Philadelphia area during his visit to the city last September will be available for public viewing and at least one of them will be auctioned off during the Philadelphia Auto Show, running Jan. 30 to Feb. 7 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit ministries of the archdiocese, with 50 percent directed toward the annual Catholic Charities Appeal, and one-third each to Casa del Carmen social service agency in North Philadelphia, Mercy Hospice for homeless women and children in the city and the archdiocese’s schools of special education.

Speakers at a news conference at the convention center Jan. 20 hoped the symbolism of the simple car used by the humble pope may make it an attractive item for a car collector.

Millions saw the pope through the windows of the car as he was driven to and from Philadelphia International Airport, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and center city during his Sept. 26-27 visit.

Chrysler Fiat provided two of the cars for the Philadelphia leg of his U.S. visit, and the company recently reached out to the Philadelphia Archdiocese to donate them back, said Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

Calling the cars “an icon of the papal visit,” Farrell recounted what for her was still an emotional moment, even four months later.

After Pope Francis’ plane landed in Philadelphia and he was about to depart for center city and a Saturday morning Mass, he ordered his Fiat to stop, and stepping out on the tarmac, he walked over to kiss and bless a boy with cerebral palsy.

As the car auction will raise “much-needed funds for ministries to the most marginalized people,” Farrell said, the gesture is “exactly what Pope Francis would have wanted us to do.”

Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre,

CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

Pope Francis waves from a Fiat 500 L sedan as he leaves the airfield at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland Sept. 22. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is auctioning off two of the same model cars used to shuttle Pope Francis around the Philadelphia area during his visit to the city last September. who was the archdiocese’s main contact with the World Meeting of Families that preceded the papal visit, said at the news conference that the two events “strengthened the church in Philadelphia and the wider community.”

He said the archdiocese had two goals for auctioning one of the two cars at the auto show: to allow anyone coming to the popular show to see the car; and “to use the Fiats to benefit people who are poor and most in need in our community.”

The Catholic Charities Appeal will launch its annual fundraising activities in parishes across the archdiocese in early February. The appeal benefits numerous social outreach efforts of the church to people in need regardless of creed or background.

Mercy Hospice, which is in center city Philadelphia, offers a safe, warm shelter for up to 31 women and children at one time — 230 women and 41 children were assisted last year — plus a hot meal, clothing, lifeskills training and a day program for women who may have housing but

need extra help.

Casa del Carmen, an agency of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, serves low-income and primarily Hispanic residents in North Philadelphia.

The archdiocese’s four schools of special education serve children with physical and cognitive challenges. Bishop McIntyre said the schools “pass on the Catholic faith” and show the students that “they are loved, they are important and they have a dignity that can’t be taken away from them,” and they “can strive to make the world a better place.”

Car buffs will have the chance to bid at a public auction for one of the cars — the other car may be auctioned later — the night before the car show opens with 700 vehicles on display.

The auction starts at 8:45 p.m.

(EST) Jan. 29 at the Black Tie Tailgate event at the convention center.

The auction will accept bids from visitors to the event and online as video will be streamed live on the Internet, according to Max Spann

Jr., president of the firm running the auction. The firm’s website is www. maxspann.com.

Spann’s company has in recent years run auctions for several Philadelphia archdiocesan properties that were sold to benefit the church’s needs.

The Black Tie Tailgate itself is a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, raising $6.3 million since it began in 1986. Tickets start at $225.

The Philadelphia Auto Show, now in its 115th year, also benefits Philadelphia charities by donating $2 from each $14 per adult ticket sale.

None of the officials involved with the auction speculated on how much money they hoped to raise from the sale of the Fiat used by Pope Francis.

But it’s a safe bet that the final bid will well exceed the car’s $19,345 manufacturer’s suggested retail price once the gavel comes down with the words, “Sold!”

16