LET US BECOME ‘PILGRIMS OF HOPE’
Story by MOIRA CULLINGS
Photos by JAY SOLDNER
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Everybody needs a moment to pause and reconsider what’s important and to lay down our burdens,” said Michael Podrebarac, consultant for the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life.
With Jubilee Year 2025 underway, that moment for Catholics is now.
Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year, also known as a Holy Year, when Catholics have the opportunity to receive special graces.
To kick off Jubilee Year 2025 in northeast Kansas, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann opened the Holy Door to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, on Dec. 29 before celebrating Mass.
Guided by the theme “Pilgrims of
Hope,” archdiocesan leaders believe this Jubilee Year will provide multiple opportunities for Catholics to grow in faith and service to others.
“I am hopeful that the virtue of hope and of being able to trust God will increase among all of us,” said Podrebarac, “in both our hearts and in very practical ways during the next year.”
>> See “WORKS” on page 8
A crowd gathers outside the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, in anticipation of the opening of the Holy Door.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann enters the adoration chapel of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. The door to the chapel will serve as the Holy Door while the front steps of the cathedral are under construction.
The archbishop knocks before opening the Holy Door to kick off the 2025 Jubilee Year.
The archbishop leads the faithful through the door on Dec. 29.
Pope Francis urges us to follow him through a Holy Door this year
Iwas ordained a priest during the Holy Year of 1975. The theme for the 1975 Holy Year was “Reconciliation.”
At the beginning of the Holy Year on Christmas Eve of 1974, Pope St. Paul VI prayed especially for peace in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Pope Paul said this: “How much we desire that Jerusalem instead of being an object of continuing strife, may become the crossroads of a fraternal encounter for all who believe in the one God and a symbol of peace for the people of the Holy Land and for all the peoples of Middle East.” Pope St. Paul VI prayed also for peace in Ireland and Vietnam.
Sadly, 50 years later, the Holy Land continues to be a place of violent division. At the same time, gratefully, the civil strife that plagued Ireland for centuries appears to be a sad chapter of Ireland’s past. The Vietnam War, that scarred many in my generation, is a tragic period in the histories of Vietnam and the United States.
With Christmas 2024, Pope Francis inaugurated the Holy Year of 2025. The theme for this Holy Year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” We find the historical roots for holy or jubilee years in the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 25. In the Old Testament, jubilee years occurred every 50 years. They were meant to be a time of rest, liberation and forgiveness.
The original jubilee years were celebrated in a culture and society that was primarily agrarian. If land had been sold between jubilee years, it was returned to its ancestral owner. In part, jubilees were meant to prevent intergenerational poverty. Slaves were liberated during jubilee years, and debts
ARCHBISHOP
JOSEPH F. NAUMANN
were often forgiven.
Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Holy Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church in 1300. By the next century in 1470, the church began celebrating Holy Years every 25 years, with some exceptions for special additional Holy Years for significant anniversaries in Christian history. Holy Years are special moments when the church encourages us to experience God’s grace and mercy in new and powerful ways.
The celebration of Holy Years in recent centuries always begins with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Holy doors have become an important devotional symbol for Jubilee Years.
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 10, Jesus referred to himself as the gate or the door.
Jesus said: “I am the gate for the sheep.” Our Lord continued: “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” Jesus declared: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
This is the same chapter in John’s Gospel where Jesus identified himself as the good shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep. Jesus reminds us that the good shepherd knows his sheep by name.
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
Passing through the Holy Door with faith is not meant to be an empty or routine gesture. It is a physical symbol of an interior desire to pass from the world into the presence of God. Going through the Holy Door is meant to symbolize a firm conviction that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and redeemer who suffered, died and rose for our salvation. Jesus made the ultimate act of atonement for our sins: the act of giving his life on Calvary that we touch at each Mass. Walking through the Holy Door is intended to be an act of both faith and courage, revealing our desire to cross a threshold, leaving behind the kingdom of this world with all its enticements to find happiness in fame, fortune and pleasure to instead enter into the new life of grace, mercy, reconciliation and abundant life found in Our Lord’s kingdom.
Pope Francis, by blessing, opening and personally passing through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolically invited the entire church to seek to enter anew through the gate, the door, that is Jesus Christ. In so doing, we are also called to leave behind sin and the world’s allurements. Throughout the world, Catholics have been invited to pray for an increased desire for the mercy and friendship Jesus alone can provide. This is a great year to make a pilgrimage to Rome and to go through the Holy Door
at St. Peter’s Basilica. However, the pope, understanding it is not possible for most Catholics to travel to Rome, asked every diocesan bishop in the world to designate a Holy Door in his cathedral to be a place where all may make a similar act of faith and receive a new outpouring of mercy and grace.
Why is the theme for this Holy Year, “Pilgrims of Hope”? Pope Francis, in choosing the theme, specifically noted that a renewal of hope is particularly needed in our time. The Holy Father identified what so many in the social sciences and public health officials have termed as epidemics of anxiety, loneliness, depression and despair, especially among young people.
As Christians, we understand ourselves to be pilgrims. This world is not our final destination. We are on a journey through this world to the heavenly kingdom for which Jesus is the gate, the door.
Encountering Jesus in an authentic and personal way is the antidote for anxiety, loneliness, depression and despair. As Pope Emeritus Benedict often reminded us, the core of our Catholic faith is not knowing about Jesus, but it is an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. Doctrine and dogma are important, but they will make no sense if we have not encountered Jesus. Living an ethical and moral life are important for happiness, but we will be incapable of achieving virtue and heroic love without the power that comes from the Holy Spirit and being fully alive in communion with Jesus Christ.
In many ways, the Holy Year is a perfect capstone to our three-year Eucharistic Revival in the United States that has been inviting and urging us to open our hearts to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus knows us by name. Our Lord desires friendship and intimacy with each of us.
After the elections this past year, some Americans are despairing, and many others are filled with
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR
Jan. 12
Baptism of third or more child — cathedral
Mass — Holy Angels, Basehor
Jan. 13
“Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery
Jan. 14
Priest Personnel board meeting — chancery
Administrative Team meeting — chancery
Jan. 15
20th anniversary of installation as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Presbyteral Council meeting — chancery
Jesus Covenant Prayer Partner call
Staff and Presbyteral Council midday prayer and lunch to celebrate the archbishop’s anniversary — Savior
Jan. 17
Eucharistic adoration/Benediction for Encounter School of Ministry — Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Missouri
Jan. 18
Snow Ball presidents’ Mass and gala — Overland Park Convention Center
new optimism. I pray for the success of our new president and his desire to renew America, but our hope ultimately cannot be in any human being or political leader. Our hope must be anchored in the only One who will not and cannot disappoint. Friendship and communion with Jesus have given his disciples hope for 2,000 years, during times of adversity, illness, deaths of loved ones, persecutions, imprisonments and even martyrdom. Deeper friendship with Jesus must be the burning desire of our hearts.
Our Holy Father has invited us to have a renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful visual depiction of the depth of Our Lord’s love for us.
In addition to the Holy Door at our Cathedral of St. Peter, I have designated all the churches consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as pilgrimage sites. Members of the archdiocese can make spiritual and devotional visits to any of these churches and receive similar indulgences under the same conditions as making a pilgrimage to the cathedral.
In every case, we must ask for the grace to open our hearts
to accept Our Lord’s invitation to cross the threshold of the One who is the door and the gateway, in order to experience God’s merciful and liberating love. During the Holy Year, Jesus is also knocking at the door of our hearts, begging to enter.
This Holy Year is a perfect time to have your home and family consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The enthronement of the image of Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful reminder of the unique and personal love that Jesus has for each member of the family.
During this Holy Year, let us pray that 2025 will be the beginning of an enduring peace in the Holy Land. May the hope of Pope St. Paul VI be fulfilled that Jerusalem will cease to be an object of continuing strife and become, rather, a crossroads of fraternal love and peace. May Jerusalem become a city of peace and a beacon of peace for the entire world.
May the Holy Year be a time of grace and renewed hope for all of us. May we become pilgrims of hope, who are always prepared to give others a reason for our hope.
Sacred Heart-St. Casimir decides to restore rather than replace SAVED FROM DEMOLITION
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
LEAVENWORTH — Parishioners of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Church here had a difficult decision to make.
Would they demolish or renovate St. Casimir’s old Education Center, which hadn’t been used in years?
As Jenevieve Murphy, a member of the finance council, learned more about the history of the building, she wanted her fellow parishioners to know what they could be losing.
More than a century ago, Polish immigrants settling in Leavenworth founded their own parish, beginning with the building of St. Casimir Church.
According to the parish history, “The men did most of the work themselves, after a hard day’s work in the factory or mine, by the light of the moon or a lantern.”
They began construction in the summer of 1893, and the church was completed the next year.
“And then, they built the rectory around 1905,” said Murphy, “and that is the building that is now the St. Casimir Education Center.”
To honor their handiwork, which contractors said continues to remain structurally sound, parishioners chose to renovate the building for the first time since 1987. It was completed this spring.
The center is now a bustling meeting space for groups of the parish, particularly its OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.
“I think it just goes to show,” said Murphy, “that your parish community can do a lot.
“[It can] really strengthen your church family and your community by coming together and doing what they can to support everyone as a family, as a community, as a faith group.”
A pathway to Sacred Heart
In 2006, St. Casimir and Sacred Heart parishes were merged into Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish.
The Sacred Heart Church building has also required updates in recent years, particularly with accessibility.
In 2023, the parish installed an incline platform lift to help parishioners get from the fellowship hall up to the church proper.
In 2024, it demolished its outdoor ramp leading to the church entrance.
“The ramp was about three times out of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) tolerance,” said parishioner Mo Minchew, who was part of the building committee. “It was very steep in sections of it.”
The lack of accessibility kept parishioners from attending Mass, so a new,
longer ramp was put in, with construction starting Sept. 3 and ending Nov. 22.
On Nov. 24, 2024, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed both the ramp and Education Center following Mass at Sacred Heart.
“I love this church of Sacred Heart,” he said in his homily. “It’s so beautiful, and I commend you on keeping it beautiful.
“It shows a priority of your faith and your love for God.”
Father Marianand Mendem, pastor, said the parish improvements were long overdue.
“Our people are mostly elderly people and find it quite difficult to walk the many steps to come into the church,” he said. “It was worse when there was ice and snow.
“We strongly felt the need of making a new ramp, which is more accessible and welcoming to our elderly faithful.”
Father Mendem was also excited to renovate the Education Center so his parishioners could have a comfortable and convenient meeting space.
Funding the future
All three of the projects were funded by the archdiocesan One Faith, One Family, One Future in Christ capital campaign and its Parish Property Revitalization Fund.
The fund helps parishes in need of repurposing or demolishing buildings that aren’t fitting the current needs of
the community.
The total cost was $100,000 for the Education Center; $406,000 for the ramp; and $57,000 for the incline lift.
Julius Kaaz Construction Co. was the contractor for the ramp project.
The main contractor for the Education Center was Piotr Miller Contracting LLC, which renovated the ceilings, flooring, ramp up to the building, walls, wood staircase, and the windows and woodwork around them.
Alan Thompson did the chimney work and repairs; Chuck’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc. replaced the pipes and water heater; and MDB Electric did the electric updates.
Murphy said the Education Center renovation wouldn’t have been possible without the support of parishioners.
After it was completed, multiple groups purchased a refrigerator and other items to fill the kitchen, she said, as well as furniture for the meeting space.
The enthusiastic response to the building has been amazing for Murphy to see.
“Apparently, it’s being utilized all the time as a meeting space for groups and organizations, the different altar societies and the men’s group,” she said.
Minchew, who’s been an usher and greeter at Sacred Heart Church for years, said the ramp has also brought new life to the parish, as parishioners who were unable to make it to Mass have now come back.
“It’s just been a fulfilling experience,” he said. “It was a community involvement to make sure this thing was everything we needed it to be, and it would serve the community for a long, long time.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the blessing of a new ramp outside Sacred Heart Church in Leavenworth as Father Marianand Mendem, pastor, applauds. Assisting the archbishop are, from left, Carter Prost, Aiden Lessard, Amelia Gould and Lydia Wagner.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Following Mass on Nov. 24, 2024, Archbishop Naumann processes out of Sacred Heart Church to bless the new ramp. In addition to the ramp, Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish renovated the St. Casimir Education Center. Father Marianand Mendem, pastor of the Leavenworth parish, said the improvements were long overdue.
‘Lamb Village’ plans for an addition — and a new resident
By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — On Jan. 7, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann marked the 20th anniversary of his appointment to ministry here in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. As he awaits the naming of his successor (he submitted his resignation to Pope Francis at the traditional age of 75 last June), he continues to serve.
In appreciation of his ministry — and especially for his dedication to his chosen episcopal motto “Vitae Victoria Erit” (“Life will be Victorious”) — many area Catholics are looking for ways to say thank you.
Now there’s a way. The archbishop has specifically asked for prayers and donations to the Little Brothers of the Lamb for St. Joseph House, a guest house for visitors to the community.
The house will be built adjacent to the monastery of the Little Brothers and one block down the street from the Little Sisters monastery.
It will be an important addition to what is fondly referred to as the Village of the Lamb.
Its first guest will be Archbishop Naumann.
“Please pray that Our Lord, his mother and St. Joseph will bless this effort,” said the archbishop. “I am counting on my patron, St. Joseph — worker and carpenter — to supervise this project.”
The Community of the Lamb was first established in the United States at the request of Archbishop Naumann.
The Little Brothers and Sisters have ministered to underprivileged people in the inner city of Kansas City, Kansas, for 16 years, always dreaming of building a guest house to accommodate visiting friends and family.
“It had never been planned,” explained Little Brother David. “And then, we had dinner with the archbishop in June.
“It was a long dinner — we had lots of different topics. And at some point, he’s the one who said, ‘I had an idea, a proposition, something I wanted to talk to you about.’”
“So, it was he who very humbly asked us if we thought it would be possible for him to retire here,” he said. “And we were all very surprised and very humbled because it’s thanks to him we were able to come to this diocese.”
The archbishop’s first concern was that the house be simple.
“He came as a beggar,” said Little Brother François-Xavier. “He was very concerned that it would not be too expensive. It’s one floor, no basement.”
“At first, we said we wanted to have a guest room for his guests,” said Little Sister Marie-Jeanne. “But it was almost doubling the price and he said, ‘It’s too expensive; you don’t have to do that. We’ll build a simple house.’”
While residing at St. Joseph House,
the archbishop hopes to be able to assist the new archbishop and to be able to help priests by celebrating Masses in parishes.
“What’s really on his heart is he cares a lot for his priests,” said Little Sister Hallel. “And so he would love to be able to [substitute for] some priests so that they can have a time of retreat, a time of vacation.
“So, it’s not like he’s retiring to be on retreat all by himself. He really wants to be of service.”
The Community of the Lamb envisions the archbishop becoming a beacon of hope within the neighborhood.
“Those who we encounter, it will be so much easier for them to see this pastor, this father,” said Little Sister Hallel. “I’m thinking of the people in the neighborhood who are far from the church.
“I’m excited to see how his fatherly presence extends to those we know and encounter in the neighborhood.”
Little Sister Hallel shared that the community recently had a dinner with Hispanic friends and told them of the plan for the archbishop to live in the Village of the Lamb.
“You could see they were very touched,” she said. “He’s coming to us; he wants to be with us. He wants to stay
How to help
To donate, checks can be sent to: Little Brothers of the Lamb 921 Homer Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101
Or donations may be made online at: https://communityofthelamb.org/ help-the-little-brothers
here and be part of this neighborhood.
“The people here are honored by it.”
Little Sister Marie-Jeanne believes the archbishop’s choice for retirement sends an important message.
“To see an archbishop choosing the simplicity of life,” she said, “is in itself a beautiful witness for the church in our very affluent society.
“It is also a message of the Gospel and an imitation of Jesus.”
The archbishop looks forward to participating in the liturgical life of the Community of the Lamb and continuing to serve the archdiocese he has grown to love.
“Once I am no longer able to live at St. Joseph House,” he said, “it will serve as the guest house for the Little Brothers and Sisters.”
The Little Brothers have raised half of the $375,000 needed for construction and hope to raise the remainder by the scheduled groundbreaking on March 19 — the feast of St. Joseph.
“The archbishop has been a part of so many people’s lives in the archdiocese,” said Little Sister Hallel. “This is one way, yes, to thank him for that, but also to say we want your presence to continue here.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
From left, Little Sister Marie-Jeanne, Little Sister Hallel, Little Brother David and Little Brother François-Xavier stand on the plot where St. Joseph House will be built. The grotto behind them will be visible from the chapel window.
COURTESY OF THE LITTLE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE LAMB
This artist’s rendering shows the layout of the Little Brothers and Sisters of the Lamb complex with the planned St. Joseph House added. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will live at St. Joseph House once his successor is installed.
Deaf ministry celebrates 50th anniversary
By John Sorce john.sorce@theleaven.org
OLATHE — A major milestone for the deaf community was celebrated Dec. 15, 2024, as archdiocesan leaders gathered with the deaf community at St. Paul Church here to mark 50 years of deaf ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
The ministry was started in 1974 by Sister Ann Albrecht, CSJ, who led it through 2001 and served as a volunteer until retiring in 2015.
As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Sister Ann had a heart for the deaf from the very beginning.
“I’ve always admired deaf people and the strong faith that they have in God by going to Mass all the time, while not being able to understand what the priest was saying,” Sister Ann said. “It was their faith that got them through, and my parents were no exception.”
Sister Ann, who was not able to attend the celebration, wanted to help people in the deaf community to grow in their faith and would literally go door to door trying get people to attend Mass.
But for deaf people to truly get the full experience, interpreters needed to be present to translate the Mass into American Sign Language.
“I always wanted to somehow expose deaf people to the same things that hearing people receive from the church, and having an interpreter there made that possible,” Sister Ann said. “They have the same faith in God, and I always tried to help expose them to different things in the church.”
One of those people in the deaf community is Chuck Theel, a St. Paul parishioner who feels his understanding of Mass grew, thanks to having an interpreter present.
“When Sister Ann came, I began to understand the deaf ministry very well,” Theel said. “Before it started, the priest would say the homily and I would get lost because I didn’t know what he was saying. But when the interpreter is there, I am able to follow what the priest is saying, and that’s a good feeling.”
Another instrumental person to the deaf ministry program more recently has been Father Scott Wallisch, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee. He learned ASL while in the seminary and has been involved since being ordained in 2010, signing one Mass a month at St.
and for it to have been sustained for 50 years is impressive. It speaks volumes to the culture of our archdiocese.”
IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO GIVE THANKS FOR THOSE WHO HAD THE WISDOM AND DETERMINATION TO REALLY BEGIN THE DEAF MINISTRY IN OUR ARCHDIOCESE.
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN
Paul and another at Most Pure Heart in Topeka.
He said that being involved has provided opportunities to interact with deaf ministry leaders throughout the country and he does not take this archdiocesan ministry, in particular, for granted.
“I know that having a dedicated office [for deaf ministry] is pretty rare in the United States,” he said. “For us to have a ministry is a great blessing
Pat Richey succeeded Sister Ann as the ministry director in 2001 and held the role until 2016, when Katie Locus took over. The ministry was not something Richey pursued. But God intervened at the right time.
“When Sister Ann decided to retire, she came up to me and asked if I would be interested in applying for her job,” Richey said. “I didn’t even hesitate and told her yes, and then thought to myself, ‘Why in the world did I say that?’
“I never thought I had an interest in ministry, but that yes just came out! And as time went by, I realized it came from God. The Holy Spirit said yes through me, and having this job was such a wonderful gift from God.”
The support of the ministry not only comes from the people who oversee it daily, but also from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Joan Macy, who serves as the ministry’s interpreter coordinator, is grateful for his continued support.
“I’m so grateful for Archbishop Naumann and his continued support
of deaf ministry,” Macy said. “A lot of times, dioceses will close ministries when the numbers aren’t big, and that shuts people off. But we’re able to reach out to this community through [the] archbishop’s support, and that’s what made us grow.”
Archbishop Naumann celebrated the anniversary Mass, saying it was a day to give thanks for everyone involved with the ministry and all they have done for the deaf community.
“Anniversaries invite us to pause and give thanks,” the archbishop said. “It’s important for us to give thanks for those who had the wisdom and determination to really begin the deaf ministry in our archdiocese.”
“This ministry has brought many blessings to the Catholic deaf community, as well as the many graces and gifts that the deaf community has brought and continues to bring to our church,” he added.
The one who started the ministry feels good about its future.
“The church goes on forever,” Sister Ann said. “Christ is our rock, and we
do
cannot
anything without him.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Pat Richey signs “I love you” and Katie Locus signs for “applause” at the end of the 50th celebration lunch at St. Paul Parish, Olathe.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and archdiocesan deaf ministry interpreter coordinator Joan Macy share a laugh during the anniversary Mass.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The room applauds as Pat Richey thanks the members of the deaf community gathered to celebrate 50 years of deaf ministry in the archdiocese.
In the Jubilee Year, feed the hungry, says
LASGOW, Scotland (OSV News) — As the Jubilee Year picks up speed, the faithful must participate by sharing what we have with the disadvantaged, Catholic charity Mary’s Meals urged.
Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, the founder of Mary’s Meals, explained that hope — the theme for the Jubilee Year opened by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 24 — “is a word that has informed and inspired the work of Mary’s Meals since the beginning.” The charity, named in honor of Our Lady, continues its mission to provide education to children in communities where hunger and poverty have left many without access to schooling.
Mary’s Meals was funded by MacFarlane-Barrow — who quit his Scottish salmon farming career in 1992 and threw himself into the charity business — in 2002. He started with meal distribution to 200 children in two primary schools in Malawi. Today, Mary’s Meals serves meals to 2,429,182 children every school day across 17 countries.
“During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” Pope Francis said in the papal bull published prior to the Jubilee Year’s opening.
In a pre-Christmas press release, Mary’s Meals said it “continues to bring hope to children worldwide, especially in regions affected by conflict, climate change” and the “lingering impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In keeping with the Jubilee theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” Mary’s Meals called on supporters to join in “spreading hope through acts of charity.” MacFarlane-Barrow, who plans his own pilgrimage during the Jubilee, believes that learning to carry out this work with “greater love” allows people to “better share hope with a world in need.”
Pope Francis’ “Bull of Indiction” expresses hope for all, particularly for the billions of poor who still lack the basic essentials of life. “It is scandalous that in a world possessed of immense resources, destined largely to producing weapons, the poor continue
to be ‘the majority of the planet’s population,’” the pontiff wrote, adding the problems of the poor “are brought up as an afterthought, a question which gets added almost out of duty or in a tangential way, if not treated merely as collateral damage.”
Asked by OSV News last November what it feels like for the Mary’s Meals program to have grown so much, from distributing a couple hundred meals a day to over 2.4 million meals a day, MacFarlane-Barrow, husband of Julie and father of seven, said that on the one hand, “it’s amazing. It’s wonderful. It’s something I have this enormous sense of gratitude for to see this thing grow.”
But on the other hand, he said that while “we live in a world of plenty that produces more than enough food for all of us,” there are “67,000,000 children” who are not in school because they are hungry — echoing Pope Francis’ call for the developed world to feed parts of the world that are still hungry.
MacFarlane-Barrow said that a full answer to the question is “always with that other feeling of there’s so much more to do. And why aren’t we making that happen more quickly?”
“That vision that every child in the world should eat every day a meal in school, that’s entirely possible,” MacFarlane-Barrow told OSV News. “You know, it’s a scandal that’s not already happening.” And he thinks that
the Jubilee Year is the best time to make that gap between the privileged and the poor disappear.
As part of the Jubilee, pilgrims can earn the indulgence by visiting any Holy Door, whether in Rome or elsewhere. The faithful are also encouraged to perform acts of charity, especially corporal works of mercy, like feeding the hungry. The Jubilee plenary indulgence can also be obtained by embracing penance, such as fasting or donating to the poor.
The Holy Year will conclude on Jan. 6, 2026, with the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, and at particular churches on Dec. 28, 2025.
OSV NEWS PHOTO/GRAEME LITTLE’S KENYA TRIP PHOTOS, COURTESY MARY’S MEALS
Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, is seen in a 2022 photograph serving school meals to Jacaranda Primary and Secondary School in Malawi. The charity started in 2002 with meal distribution to 200 children in two primary schools in that very country. Today, Mary’s Meals serves meals to 2,429,182 children every school day across 17 countries.
Serra Clubs honor archbishop’s dedication
By Phillip Punswick Special to The Leaven
SHAWNEE — The Serra Clubs of Topeka, Atchison, Johnson County and Kansas City, Kansas, honored Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for his leadership, commitment and spiritual direction of the organizations during a noon luncheon at St. Joseph Church here on Dec. 11, 2024.
Over 100 members attended and presented him with a letter of commendation and contributions to the Heart-to-Heart Scholarship Fund.
The fund, which grew out of the archbishop’s goals for the archdiocese, helps offset the financial burden for a young man or woman answering a vocational call to the priesthood or consecrated life.
Father Dan Morris, archdiocesan vocations director, presented a brief overview of the progress of the 25 seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. He praised Archbishop Naumann for his personal support for the office of vocations and his close relationship with each seminarian.
Father Morris described Archbishop Naumann’s rare gifts of servant leadership and friendship, presence and availability, and being a spiritual fatherly figure for men discerning the priesthood.
“You remain a steadfast fatherly figure,” he told the archbishop, “in seminarians’ lives to keep their ships sailing in the right direction.”
In addition to the Heart-to-Heart Scholarship Fund, Father Morris went on to describe the many programs through which Archbishop Naumann has supported seminarians of the archdiocese. Among them are the annual seminarian pilgrimage he makes with them, the many
John E. and Theresa (Andrade) Davis, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a winter trip with family and friends. The couple was married on Jan. 16, 1965, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. They have three daughters — Connie, Pamela and Jennifer — who live locally. They also have five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
the
World Youth Days he has attended with them and the enhancement of the annual “Quo Vadis” retreat, during which young men can begin discerning their vocation call.
“One of [my] most important roles,” said Archbishop Naumann in his remarks to the assembled, “is to ordain priests. And by spring [2025], God willing, I will have ordained 54 priests in the archdiocese.”
He went on to discuss the significance of the National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis last summer and attended by 65,000 people. This was a major event, he said, and will be repeated in five years.
Archbishop Naumann’s top three priorities have always been to grow the culture of evangelization, strengthen marriage and family, and encounter Jesus in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. During his
tenure, accomplishments in these areas have strengthened parishes and families in the archdiocese.
After Archbishop Naumann’s successor is announced and he helps with the transition, he is prayerfully planning to reside near the Community of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kansas.
The presidents of the four Serra Clubs represented at the luncheon, on behalf of over 260 Serrans in the archdiocese, presented Archbishop Naumann with his commendation letter and a check for $13,370 in contributions to the Heart-to-Heart Fund, which has now grown to over $14,000.
Serra is an international Organization with the mission to ensure the future of the church by promoting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Children of divorce can find healing in the church
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —
“When the love that created you no longer exists, it creates a lot of struggles in how you face the world,” said Brad DuPont, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.
“Yet many times, this difficulty is never recognized by others,” he added, “so these children suffer in silence.”
Adult children of divorce (ACOD) are invited to seek healing through the Catholic ministry Life-Giving Wounds.
“This ministry in no way seeks to shame parents for getting divorced,” said DuPont, “but simply recognizes the need for healing in their children.
“When these wounds can be addressed and open to [the] healing love of Jesus, he can turn that suffering into a great good for the church.”
A Life-Giving Wounds retreat will be held from Jan. 17-19 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Anyone age 18 and older whose parents are divorced, separated or were never married are invited to attend.
THIS MINISTRY IN NO WAY SEEKS TO SHAME PARENTS FOR GETTING DIVORCED, BUT SIMPLY RECOGNIZES THE NEED FOR HEALING IN THEIR CHILDREN.
BRAD DUPONT
LEAD
CONSULTANT
FOR THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
The weekend is peer-led, said DuPont, and will include talks that explore the six common wounds that ACODs experience, testimony of team members, Mass, eucharistic adoration, and opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation, small groups and social time.
“Participants are offered an opportunity to have their own experience validated by others who have experienced similar things,” said DuPont.
“This weekend offers time and space for individuals to bring their own wounds to Jesus and have him minister to them,” he added.
Life-Giving Wounds is an apostolate founded by Bethany and Dan Meola to facilitate healing for ACODs.
“They found that there are specific wounds that adult children encounter that affect the way they relate to themselves, God and others,” said DuPont.
The Kansas City chapter was created in 2022. Since then, it’s offered two weekend retreats, two series of support groups and multiple other events for local participants.
“This fall, they kept the momentum going by offering monthly meetings with different topics,” said DuPont, “such as a movie night, an article discussion and even an Advent dinner social.”
Those who are interested in more information about the ministry’s upcoming support groups can contact DuPont by email at: bdupont@archkck.org.
For details and to register for the Life-Giving Wounds retreat, go online to: archkck.org/LGW. Scholarships are available.
Charley and Terri Kilgore, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 20 with an evening out at J. Gilbert’s restaurant. The couple was married on Jan. 10, 1975, at St. Agnes Church in Roeland Park by Father Tony Lickteig. Their children are: Leslie (Kilgore) Milnes, Linda (Kilgore) Fenton and Steven Kilgore. They also have six grandchildren.
Sandra (Lankard) and Dale Kueser, members of St. Therese Parish, Richmond, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on Jan. 18. The couple was married on Jan. 18, 1975, at St. Therese. Their children are: Sarah Kueser, Amy Harris and Kelly Wrestler. They also have six grandchildren.
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Kansas City, Kansas, Serra Club president Phillip Punswick, on behalf of over 260 Serrans in the archdiocese, presented Archbishop Naumann with a commendation letter and check for $13,370 to
Heart-to-Heart Fund at a Dec. 11 luncheon in Shawnee.
>> Continued from page 1
Works of mercy a new feature of this
Stepping forward in faith
Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee Year on Dec. 24, 2024, when he opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
Since most people can’t make a pilgrimage to Rome, local bishops are able to designate sites in their own dioceses, typically their cathedral, as pilgrimage destinations.
At the Cathedral of St. Peter, the main entrance steps are currently under renovation, so the Holy Door opened by Archbishop Naumann leads to its adoration chapel, where daily Mass is celebrated. The chapel is also a shrine to St. Maria Soledad.
Once the main entrance project is completed, said the archbishop, the Holy Door will be relocated there.
Archbishop Naumann said the Holy Door is “a physical symbol of interior desire to pass from the world into the presence of God.”
“Passing through the Holy Door is intended to be an act of both faith and courage,” he said, one where we leave behind the desires of this world “to enter into the new life of grace, mercy, reconciliation and abundance that’s found in Our Lord’s kingdom.”
The archbishop encouraged Catholics to make a pilgrimage to the cathedral and to deepen their relationship with Jesus this year.
“Friendship and communion with Jesus have given his disciples hope for 2,000 years,” he said, “even through times of adversity, illness, deaths of loved ones, persecutions, imprisonments and even martyrdom.
“Deeper friendship with Jesus must be the burning desire of all of our hearts.”
Abundance of mercy
Making a pilgrimage to the cathedral and passing through its Holy Door is one of the ways Catholics can receive plenary indulgences this Jubilee Year.
Indulgences are significant, said Podrebarac, because even though Jesus forgives sins in the sacrament of reconciliation, temporal punishment still exists.
“A person can be forgiven fully,” he explained, “but that doesn’t mean they’re fully purified from the effects of that sin.
“An indulgence is a way for that purification to take place.”
Unique to Jubilee Year 2025, individuals can receive two plenary indulgences per day — one for themselves and one for someone who is deceased.
“The other thing that’s interesting,” said Podrebarac, “is usually an indulgence is gained through a prescribed set of prayers, or a pilgrimage to a holy place, or some kind of devotional or sacred exercise.”
Although that’s still the case this year, Pope Francis added participation in works of mercy as an additional way to receive an indulgence.
“To me, that’s a beautiful thing in that it underscores the fact that all of our actions done in the name of love, in the name of Jesus, are forms of prayer,” said Podrebarac.
Deacon Dana Nearmyer, director of evangelization for the archdiocese, believes it’s an exciting opportunity for the local church.
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen.
Pope Francis
“Pope Francis is offering Jubilee indulgences in conjunction with calling us to be Jesus’ hands and feet,” he said, “and to flood our community with his sacred heart in the areas of mercy, justice and advocacy.
“These include work in foster care, pro-life activities, visits to the infirm and elderly and more works that Christ
directed.”
Information on how to receive plenary indulgences, including for those who are homebound and unable to make a pilgrimage, can be found online at: arch kck.org/jubilee/#info.
Help for the hurting
taking place in the United States,
The Jubilee Year is “the perfect capstone” to the three-year Eucharistic Revival
Pope Francis pauses in prayer on the threshold of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 24, 2024, after he opened it and inaugurated to become “pilgrims of hope.”
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan greets a man after celebrating Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York off of the 2025 Jubilee Year, with similar celebrations taking place in dioceses across the United States
this Jubilee Year
said Archbishop Naumann. In its final Year of Mission, the revival is encouraging Catholics to participate in the Walk with One initiative by accompanying an individual through prayer and friendship.
Journey to the Sacred Heart
On Oct. 24, 2024, Pope Francis issued the encyclical “Dilexit Nos: On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.”
The archdiocesan evangelization office encourages all Catholics, and married couples together, to read the encyclical.
With that in mind, Archbishop Naumann designated all churches consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as pilgrimage sites, in addition to the Cathedral of St. Peter, in Jubilee Year 2025.
“Members of the archdiocese can make spiritual and devotional visits to any of these churches and receive similar indulgences under the same conditions as making a pilgrimage to the cathedral,” said Archbishop Naumann.
See the decree for more details.
The archbishop offers a further explanation online at: archkck.org/walk-withone.
The overlap of the Jubilee Year and Walk with One is “an opportunity for us to actively participate in sharing hope as we walk alongside another person with an intention to reflect Christ’s love, offering support and encouragement,” said Emily Lopez, director of adult evangelization for the archdiocese.
Catholics are encouraged to “fill up our spiritual tanks, and then to go to the hurting, the marginalized, the peripheries with good news,” said Deacon Nearmyer.
“But most Catholics are uncomfortable sharing their faith,” he said, “and most feel unprepared.”
Tips and tools are offered through a free Evangelization 101 video series consisting of five six-minute videos and supplemental materials, available online at: archkck.org/oe/evangelization-101.
When it comes to reaching out to those in need, said Deacon Nearmyer, the archdiocese has a plethora of ministries, which were highlighted during the Mercy and Justice Summit held at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, this past September.
Resources that resulted from the summit are available online at: archkck. org/mercy-justice-summit.
Messengers of hope
“Our homes, parishes, communities and world are all in desperate need of hope,” said Lopez. “Not the hope we put in 401(k) funds or long-term-care insurance, but the hope that reflects a trust in God’s promise of eternal life.”
The archdiocese is optimistic this Jubilee Year will offer that and more.
“We believe the impact of a Jubilee Year spent growing in trust and hope will strengthen the faith lives of local Catholics,” said Lopez, “renewing their families, parishes and communities.”
Archbishop Naumann prayed that the Jubilee Year would be a time of grace and renewed faith for his flock.
“May we know the peace, hope and joy that God brought into the world by revealing himself in Jesus — the Word made flesh,” he said. “May we be pilgrims of hope, always prepared to give a reason for our hope and joy.”
To learn more, visit the website at: archkck.org/jubilee.
HIS EXCELLENCY MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN, D.D. ARCHBISHOP OF KANSAS
CITY
IN
KANSAS
DECREE DESIGNATING JUBILEE SITES
In the name of God. Amen.
Whereas, the Holy Father Pope Francis has decreed that the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican will be opened on Tues., Dec. 24, 2024, to inaugurate the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” (“Spes non confundit,” 6);
Whereas, the Holy Father Pope Francis has further decreed that each diocesan bishop throughout the church is to solemnly open the Jubilee Year in the local church with the celebration of Holy Mass in the cathedral on Sun., Dec. 29, 2024 (ibid.);
Whereas, the Holy Father Pope Francis, in his desire to offer the Jubilee Indulgence so that the faithful may experience “the unlimited nature of God’s mercy,” (“Spes non confundit,” 23) has directed the Apostolic Penitentiary to set forth norms for obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence;
Whereas, within those norms, it is stated that the diocesan bishop may establish sacred Jubilee sites within his jurisdiction to which the faithful can make pilgrimage or a pious visit so to experience the joys of this Jubilee (Decree on the Granting of the Indulgence During the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025);
Whereas, on Oct. 24, 2024, the Holy Father Pope Francis issued a new encyclical, “Dilexit Nos,” in which the Holy Father reflects on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus;
Whereas, in my consideration for the good of souls, the celebration of the Jubilee Year, and my desire for all the faithful of the archdiocese to come to know the infinite love of the Lord expressed in the Most Sacred Heart;
I, the undersigned, archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, do hereby decree that, effective on Dec. 29, 2024, and for the period of the Jubilee Year, along with the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles in Kansas City, Kansas, all churches within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas under the patronage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, namely,
• Sacred Heart in Baileyville
• Sacred Heart in Emporia
• Sacred Heart (part of Our Lady of Unity) in Kansas City, Kansas
• Sacred Heart (part of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir) in Leavenworth, Kansas
• Sacred Heart in Mound City
• Sacred Heart in Ottawa
• Sacred Heart in Paxico
• Sacred Heart in Sabetha
• Sacred Heart of Jesus in Shawnee
• Sacred Heart in Tonganoxie
• Sacred Heart (part of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph) in Topeka
• Sacred Heart (part of Divine Mercy) in Gardner
be designated as sacred Jubilee sites to which the faithful can make pilgrimage or a pious visit during this Ordinary Jubilee of 2025. Upon making such pilgrimage or pious visit to these sites, along with the usual conditions, i.e., being “moved by a spirit of charity and . . . purified through the sacrament of penance and refreshed by holy Communion, having prayed for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff (Decree on the Granting of the Indulgence During the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025), may obtain a plenary indulgence for oneself or a soul in purgatory.
Given at the chancery in Kansas City, Kansas, on this twenty-third cay of December 2024.
Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, D.D. Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas
Rev. John Riley Vicar General, Chancellor
CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA
inaugurated the Holy Year 2025 in which he calls the faithful
OSV NEWS
PHOTO/JEFFREY BRUNO
York City. The Dec. 29, 2024, Mass marked the kickStates and around the world.
‘Jesus was her everything’ The ‘Fastest Nun in the West’ moves closer to canonization
By Zoey Maraist OSV News
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (OSV News) — A religious Sister who befriended Billy the Kid, calmed a lynch mob and testified against human trafficking is one step closer to canonization.
Servant of God Sister Blandina Segale — an Italian immigrant who ministered during the days of the Wild West — is close to being named Venerable, said Allen Sánchez, the petitioner of her cause, at a Jan. 3 press conference.
Like Jesus Christ, Sister Blandina reached out to the peripheries, said Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester at the press conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a place where Sister Blandina served for years.
“Jesus was her everything,” he said.
Sánchez said he believed the spirituality of Sister Blandina can be summed up in one sentence: “Who are the vulnerable and what do they need from me?”
According to Sánchez, Vatican historians recently have reviewed the “positio,” a vetted record of her life, and voted yes to advance her cause.
So far, 49 people credit Sister Blandina with a miracle due to her intercession, explained Sánchez. After one of those occurrences is officially deemed miraculous by the church, Sister Blandina will be on her way to beatification. A second verified miracle would be needed to advance her cause to the final step: canonization.
Maria Rosa Segale was born Jan. 23, 1850, in Cicagna, Italy, and moved with her family to the United States in 1854. (Sánchez indicated that, if canonized, Sister Blandina would be the patron saint of immigrant children.) After graduating from school,
OSV NEWS PHOTO/NEW MEXICO HISTORY MUSEUM
Servant of God Sister Blandina Segale, nicknamed “The Fastest Nun in the West,” will soon be declared Venerable, an important step toward canonization, revealed a press conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jan. 3. Sister Blandina is pictured in an undated portrait.
she joined the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, who trace their roots to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She received the name Sister Blandina in honor of St. Blandina, a martyr during the Roman persecution.
Throughout her life, Sister Blandina founded numerous institutions, including public and Catholic schools and hospitals in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. In Cincinnati, she and her biological sister, Sister Justina, founded a resettlement home for newly arrived Italian immigrants called the Santa Maria Institute.
Her life is filled with larger-thanlife feats, many of them captured in her diary. The diary was meant to be an account for her sister. At the
urging of New Mexico’s governor, Sister Blandina’s diary was published in 1932 as “At the End of the Santa Fe Trail.”
Once, Sister Blandina persuaded a dying young man to forgive his killer, whom she publicly escorted past an angry mob so he could beg forgiveness in person. Her courageous efforts prevented the mob from executing the man and allowed justice to take its course instead.
Another time, she provided medical care to a member of Billy the Kid’s gang. Later, when the notorious outlaw attacked a stagecoach Sister Blandina was in, he recognized her and let the travelers go in peace.
She frequently was an advocate for people who were disadvantaged. According to a Jan. 2 press release, “Sister Blandina and a young woman she saved from the hands of criminals trafficking young girls for prostitution were the first women to testify in the United States Congress on human trafficking.”
Since Sister Blandina’s death in 1941, stories of her life have been featured in books, magazines and on screen, including the show “Death Valley Days” (in the episode “The Fastest Nun in the West”) and a CBS documentary called “Sister Blandina, a Saint for Cincinnati.”
A biography from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati notes that the courageous and hard-working religious Sister was seen as sainted in her own time. It relayed how a Cincinnati Post journalist wrote in 1931 about Sister Blandina’s return to Italy after 77 years: “Four years old . . . when she left her native land; at 81, she returns. She is going to see the pope about placing Mother Elizabeth Seton among the saints, but people say that S. Blandina is saint enough herself, canonized by 60 years of faithful doing.”
Cardinal McElroy to succeed Cardinal Gregory in Washington
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Hours after Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego was announced Jan. 6 as the new archbishop of Washington, the prelate praised his new archdiocese as “truly sacramental in the rich diversity of its traditions and perspectives.”
He also pledged to “show reverence for the grace of God which is already present in your midst and in the commitment to discipleship that underlies this local church. . . . As your pastor, an essential element of my mission is to encounter the hearts and the souls of the disciples who form our local church.”
Early that morning, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, Washington’s archbishop since 2019, and named the San Diego prelate as his successor. As required by church law, Cardinal Gregory had submitted his resignation to the pope when he turned 75, which was two years ago, on Dec. 7, 2022. Cardinal McElroy is 70.
In a virtual news conference at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, Cardinal McElroy addressed his new flock via the Archdiocese of Washington’s YouTube channel because a major snowstorm shut down the city. “I want to give thanks to God for the grace-filled life of this local church and to Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who today makes me a member of that church,” Cardinal McElroy said.
SEEK25 energizes young Catholics to share hope in Jesus
SALT LAKE CITY (OSV News) —
Over 17,000 Catholics gathered here for the SEEK25 conference, hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, from Jan. 1-5. Another 3,000 attended SEEK in Washington, from Jan. 2-5.
This year also marked SEEK’s first foray into Europe as several hundred joined the FOCUS-run event in Cologne, Germany, from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. Key moments at SEEK included daily Mass, eucharistic adoration, evangelizing session tracks and powerful talks by figures like Father Mike Schmitz. The priest behind “The Bible in a Year” podcast reminded attendees that true happiness is found in Christ, not in seeking fulfillment apart from God. SEEK25 also helped participants explore deep themes like healing relationships, addressing issues like gender identity and fostering missionary discipleship. For many participants, SEEK was transformative, sparking conversions among some and energizing faith among others. FOCUS founder Curtis Martin noted at a press conference that young people have tremendous power to influence lives by following Jesus as his disciples.
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy
Pope names first woman dicastery prefect
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS)
— Pope Francis has appointed Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla to be the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery, naming her prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.
The 59-year-old Italian Sister had served as secretary of the dicastery since October 2023.
The announcement of her appointment Jan. 6 said Pope Francis also named as pro-prefect of the dicastery Spanish Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, 64, the former rector general of the Salesians.
The Vatican press office did not reply to requests to explain why the cardinal was given the title proprefect or how his role would be different from that of a dicastery secretary.
Mercy Sister Sharon Euart, a canon lawyer and executive director of the Resource Center for Religious Institutes in Silver Spring, Maryland, told Catholic News Service, “The appointment of the pro-prefect recognizes that there may be situations that call for the exercise of [holy] orders such as liturgical functions with members of the dicastery and the Curia as well as individual situations involving the internal forum and the sacrament of reconciliation.”
“I do not think the appointment of the pro-prefect diminishes the role or authority of the prefect in carrying out the responsibilities” entrusted to the dicastery, she said in an email response to questions.
The dicastery, according to the apostolic constitution on the Roman Curia, is called “to promote, encourage and regulate the practice of the evangelical counsels, how they are lived out in the approved forms of consecrated life and all matters concerning the life and activity of Societies of Apostolic Life throughout the Latin Church.”
According to Vatican statistics, there are close to 600,000 professed women religious in the Catholic Church. The number of religiousorder priests is about 128,500 and the
Priest in Belarus convicted of treason M
INSK, Belarus (OSV News) — Father Henrykh Akalatovich, pastor of the Catholic parish in Valožyn, was sentenced to 11 years in a penal colony in Belarus Dec. 30 in a move that highlights the growing persecution of Catholics in the Russia-aligned country.
The priest, who had been on trial since Nov. 25 in a closed session by the Minsk Regional Court, pleaded not guilty but was convicted for “treason against the state,” according to Belsat, an independent news channel airing from Poland. Due to the secrecy of the hearing, the details of the charges against the priest were not publicly announced.
number of religious Brothers is close to 50,000.
When a vowed member of a religious order asks to leave or is asked by the community to leave, the decision must be approved by the dicastery.
It approves the establishment of new religious orders; approves the drafting or updating of the orders’ constitutions; oversees the merger or suppression of religious orders; and the formation of unions of superiors general.
Sister Simona succeeds 77-yearold Brazilian Cardinal João Bráz de Aviz, who has led the dicastery since 2011.
She is one of two women Pope Francis appointed in early December to be members of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, the committee that oversees the implementation of the most recent synod and prepares the next assembly.
Born in Monza, Italy, March 27, 1965, she earned a degree in nursing before entering the Consolata order in 1988. She studied psychology at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University, and in 1999, after taking her final vows, she went to Mozambique where she did youth ministry before returning to Rome in 2002, earning her doctorate in psychology from
the Gregorian in 2008.
She served two terms as superior of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, leading the congregation from 2011 to May 2023.
Cardinal Fernández Artime has been awaiting an assignment from the pope since August when his term as superior of the Salesians ended.
Born Aug. 21, 1960, in GozónLuanco, Spain, he entered the Salesians at the age of 18 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1987. He holds a degree in pastoral theology, a licentiate in philosophy and pedagogy, and, as a priest, he worked in Salesian schools both in teaching and administration.
After serving in Spain, he was appointed provincial superior of southern Argentina in 2009. Working in Buenos Aires, Cardinaldesignate Fernández Artime got to know and work personally with then-Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, who would become Pope Francis four years later.
In 2014, he was elected rector major of the Salesians and the 10th successor of St. John Bosco; he was re-elected in 2020. Pope Francis made him a cardinal in September 2023 and allowed him to continue as the Salesian superior until a chapter meeting and election could be held.
Pope praises Jimmy Carter’s ‘deep Christian faith’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) —
Offering his condolences, Pope Francis praised former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s Christian faith and his lifelong mission to advance peace.
The pope “was saddened to learn of the death of former President Jimmy Carter and offers heartfelt condolences,” said a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, on behalf of Pope Francis.
Carter died Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The Vatican telegram, released Dec. 30, said the pope recalled President Carter’s “firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace between peoples, the defense of human rights and the
welfare of the poor and those in need,” the telegram said. “The Holy Father commends him to the infinite mercies of
almighty God and prays for the consolation of all who mourn his loss.”
An evangelical Christian, Carter became the first U.S. president to welcome a pope to the White House when he met with St. John Paul II in the Oval Office for over an hour in 1979.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that Carter’s “lifelong work on behalf of peace among nations will continue to serve as an inspiration for a world in need of peacemakers.”
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta said in a message of condolence that “President and Mrs. Carter exemplified the Christian faith,” and that through their humanitarian work they “made the world a better place.”
Father Akalatovich, who faced a sentence of seven to 15 years in the gulag, according to local law, is the latest and one of the most visible examples of worsening persecution of the church in Belarus.
The priest was detained Nov. 17, 2023, in Valožyn, a town about 43 miles west of Minsk. He spent more than a year in Minsk’s KGB detention center.
He was kept in “the worst of the detention centers in Belarus, commonly referred to as the ‘Amerika.’ The name refers to the ‘American spies’ held there back in Soviet times. During Lukashenko’s rule, hundreds of his opponents have seen the walls of this place,” the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported Nov. 24.
The same newspaper reported Dec. 30 that Father Akalatovich will probably serve his sentence in the notorious penal colony of Novopolotsk, the same one where Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish minority activist in Belarus who was arrested in 2021, is serving his sentence.
According to Belsat, Father Akalatovich had previously suffered a heart attack and cancer, and underwent stomach surgery shortly before his detention. The priest requires special care and medical assistance, but there is no information about his health since he was detained more than a year ago.
The Catholic Church makes up onetenth of the 9.4 million inhabitants of Belarus, a former Soviet republic, where, as of Nov. 11, 1,287 political prisoners are incarcerated, including the founder of the Belarusan rights group Viasna, Ales Bialiatski, who won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.
Under the new Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations law, signed in December 2023 by Lukashenko, educational and missionary activity by churches is restricted, while all parishes must re-register by July of this year or face liquidation.
Fears of new church restrictions follow the departure of the Vatican’s Croatian nuncio, Archbishop Ante Jozic, after a Sept. 15 farewell Mass. Felix Corley of Forum 18 — a news service that partners with the Norwegian Helsinki Committee in defending freedom of religion, thought and conscience — told OSV News that the driver of persecution of the church is that “these regimes do not like any activity that they do not control. So it’s authoritarian instincts.”
CNS PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ
Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla, secretary of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, speaks during a news conference at the Vatican March 14, 2024, about study groups authorized by Pope Francis to examine issues raised at the synod on synodality.
OSV NEWS PHOTO/COURTESY CARTER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter works in Mishawaka, Indiana, Aug. 27, 2018, helping to build new homes for families through Habitat for Humanity. Carter died Dec. 29, 2024.
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Human resources generalist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has an immediate opening for a human resources generalist, who will serve as subject matter expert, project lead and coach in multiple key functions within HR. This position is full time and benefits-eligible. For more details or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” at: www.archkck.org.
Administrator - Santa Marta Retirement center is seeking an experienced administrator to oversee health care operations, including skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care. This role involves managing finances, ensuring regulatory compliance and fostering a compassionate care environment. To learn more and apply, visit: recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/ Details/2921220/Santa-Marta-Retirement/Administrator.
Children’s ministry coordinator - Prince of Peace, a parish in Olathe, is seeking an exceptional leader who desires to help families form their children in the faith. The children’s ministry coordinator is responsible for the organization and implementation of the pre-K through sixth grade programs offered throughout the year for parishioners, including the parish school of religion, summer programming and assisting in sacramental preparation. This is a part-time position, working closely with the director of faith formation, as well as other parish ministers. For the complete job description go to: www.popolathe.org/employment-opportunities. Please send resume and cover letter to April Bailey, director of faith formation, at: abailey@popolathe.org.
Administrative assistant - Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. The administrative assistant serves as the face of Holy Trinity Parish for those contacting the parish office. Key responsibilities include managing the front desk of the office, maintaining the parishioner database, scheduling facility usage and recording parish sacraments. The administrative assistant provides primary administrative support for the pastor and director of administrative services and supports other parish staff for the success of the parish. Must be a team player with strong organizational, administrative and communications skills. Applicant must have a working knowledge of the Catholic Church’s teachings and practices and understand the importance of being a welcoming face for the Catholic Church. Experience required with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Mail, Google Calendar, database systems, general office equipment and managing multiple tasks. Position is full time and qualifies for archdiocesan benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance and 401(k) match. A full position description can be found at: htlenexa.org/job-openings. Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume to: lweber@htlenexa.org.
Catholic elementary school principal - Holy Cross School in Overland Park is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Father Abner at: aables@ holycrossopks.org.
Annual giving manager –The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire an Annual Giving Manager, which would be responsible for the management and continued growth of a dynamic Annual Appeal, and the cultivation of long lasting relationships with major donors; supporters; lay leaders; priests and prospects to ensure the financial stability of the local church. Please visit Employment Opportunities on the Archdiocesan website for more information or to apply. To Apply: https://recruiting. paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2755248.
Liturgy coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood is seeking a full-time liturgy coordinator to prepare for the celebration of the Mass and other sacred mysteries. Applicants must be practicing Catholics familiar with the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition. The position requires strong organizational, administrative and communication skills as well as initiative and responsibility. Hours include weekend and some evening hours. Includes full benefits options. Go online to: stmichaelcp. org/employment for a full job description. Send cover letter and resume to: kevin.vogt@stmichaelcp.org.
Van drivers and aides needed - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport general education and students with special needs to and from school and other activities in Johnson County in passenger vans. Drivers earn $16 - $20 per hour. Aides earn $15.50 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules are available. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 521-4955 or visit: assistedtransportation.com for more information. EEO.
Liturgical musicians - Christ the King Parish and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, are searching for liturgical musicians that can play at English and Spanish Masses on the weekends and holy days, as well as being available for funerals and other special occasions. Organists will enjoy the chance to play our beautiful, recently installed Tracker organ. All musicians are welcome to inquire. Cantors with the ability to sing in English, Spanish or both are also needed. Part-time employment is also available. Visit: ctkkcks.org for more information, or contact Father Nick Blaha to apply at (913) 287-8823 or email: pastor@ ctkkck.org.
Administrative assistant - Come join our team! A small family-owned company located in Lenexa is looking for an assistant to answer phones; invoicing; product ordering; some shipping/receiving and to assist the owner. We need a team member who is organized; detail oriented; self-motivated; trustworthy; has a positive attitude and above all else, gives excellent customer service. Schedule flexibility. Send your resume to: YourCareer101@gmail.com
Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not other wise be served Faculty job openings - Nursing faculty. Adjunct faculty job openings - psychology adjunct instructor for nursing and clinical nursing adjunct. Adjunct faculty Lansing Correctional Campus - English adjunct and math adjunct and psychology adjunct. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Technician Needed ASAP - Do you like to tinker? Are you detail-oriented? Then this is the job for you!
A locally owned family business is currently seeking candidates to provide preventive maintenance (cleaning) and repair service on microscopes. No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided. Good communication, time management and customer service skills necessary. Expenses paid, out in the field majority of time and each day is different! Some travel is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@ gmail.com.
Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served, has the following staff job openings available — Financial aid director, director of nursing, human resources generalist, and director of development. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
SERVICES
Garage door repair expert
New Garage Doors Garage Floor Coatings
A Total Door Inc., Since ‘83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com or (913) 236-6440.
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
Alvarez Painting and Remodeling Kitchen and bath remodeling. Quality work at a fair price. Insured. Call (913) 206-4524.
Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
EL SOL Y LA TIERRA
*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING
*CLEANUP AND HAULING
*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION
*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!! CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391
Catholic CounselingSam Meier, MA, LCPC - (913) 952-2267 & David Walter, MA, LCPC - (402) 913-0463
Book an appointment online at: StillWatersKC.com, In-Person or Telehealth
MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 927-4347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
Tree trimming and landscaping - We provide free estimates and recent references. Five years of experience and fully insured. Call Charly at (913) 405-8123.
Double A’s Lawn Service Lawn mowing, mulching, gutters, leaf removal Brush removal & hedge trimming Free estimates & insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195
Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured, references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.
Free estimates - We do all things home improvement! Services include: interior/exterior painting, flooring, drywall, windows, kitchen/bathroom remodel, decks, etc. You name it, we can help. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We ensure a professional quality job at a competitive price. Call today for a free estimate. (913) 963-6465.
AKC Pros roofing, siding, gutters, insulation - Did you get tired of the door-knocking and constant calls from different roofing companies after the storms this year? Now that the dust has settled, let’s talk. If it’s new damage or old damage, just give me a call. I’ll walk your roof and we will decide together whether to file a claim. Locally owned and operated, licensed and insured. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Local handyman - Painting, int. and ext., wood rot, mason repair, gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior), honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.
Garage renovations - Married couple from St. Paul Parish in Olathe. Haul off, clean-out, floor coatings, shelving/painting. Experienced, references available, insured. Call (913) 405-8123.
Haus To Home Remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. Tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. Call Cole at (913) 544-7352. Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Father and Son Home Remodeling - We specialize in kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. We also do decks, covered decks, porches, sun-rooms and room additions! If you’re not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours, thank you for supporting my small business. To contact me, call (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.
CAREGIVING
Need caregiving at home? Don’t want to move?For nearly 20 years, we have helped seniors stay in their home with personal care, med management and household assistance. We also specialize in dementia care with free dementia training for families, all at reasonable rates and terms. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care at (913) 422-1591.
Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
REAL ESTATE
We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.
Looking to buy or sell a home? - Buy or sell a home with someone who understands your values. We are a Catholic-owned, faith-driven team of Realtors, dedicated to helping fellow Catholics buy or sell homes in our community. We bring integrity, compassion and a commitment to your needs. Let us be part of your journey. Call Kevin Holmes (owner) at (913) 553-0539.
We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer, (913) 599-5000.
WANTED TO BUY
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
Wanted to buy
Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.
Wanted to buy - Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad, sterling, OLD holiday/toys and more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Wanted to buy Vintage baseball & sport cards Cash for cards Holy Trinity parishioner Call Matt at (913) 522-4938
PILGRIMAGES
Pilgrimages - Medjugorje is approved by the Vatican, receiving “nihil obstat” and encouraging people to go. The next pilgrimage date with visionary Mirjana Soldo as our hostess is March 12-20 and April 16-23, 2025. I am also available to speak to groups about Medjugorje. Call Grace at (913) 449-1806.
FOR SALE
For sale - Corner level E, 5 x 5 patio mausoleum entombment located in Topeka’s Mt. Calvary cemetery, facing east, beautifully overlooking Gage Park. Original price last quoted $15,700. Asking $12,000. Pictures available upon request. Call Jill at (785) 408-6586. For sale - Four side-by-side plots beautifully located in Resurrection Cemetery’s Ascension Gardens in the first area behind the wonderful Christ statue at the main entrance. Asking $12,000 for all four plots which is less than if you purchased from Catholic Cemeteries. Foundation fee and maintenance paid. Call Steve at (913) 486-3532.
Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
Classified Advertising
The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org
Monthly memorial masses
• Holy Redeemer Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas
• Holy Family Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd., Lenexa
• Holy Trinity Chapel at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 801 S.W. Westchester Rd., Topeka
Jan. 11 at 9 a.m.
Please join us as we remember all persons buried or entombed in our Catholic cemeteries.
FORGIVENESS 101
Church of the Ascension (St Mark’s Room)
9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
Jan. 11 and 18 from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Are you struggling with forgiving someone who has hurt you? You are not alone! “Forgiveness 101” offers a safe and supportive experience of healing for anyone suffering from unresolved conflict and past trauma. In this workshop, you will review the important difference between forgiveness and justice. People who learn to forgive are happier, healthier, more at peace and more purposeful. For more information, go online to: www.yeabut.org. Send an email to: yeabut40@gmail.com to register.
GOOD GRIEF
Marillac Retreat & Spirituality Center
4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth
Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us for a day of exploration, reflection and healing as we come together to navigate the complexities of grief in a supportive, spiritual environment. Topics include: the power of the story, journeying through grief, understanding suffering and its meaning, spiritual comfort and conflict, the task of mourning, and finding support and peace. This retreat is an opportunity to share, listen, and grow with others who are walking the path of grief. Donations are accepted. Register online at: retreats@scls.org.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS
Divine Mercy Parish
555 W. Main St., Gardner
Jan 12 from 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 13 and free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving through the year.
Rosary Rally
St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish
615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 12 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.
Please join us to honor Our Blessed Mother and Our Lady of Fatima. We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary followed by Benediction and the opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For driving instruction or future dates for the Kansas City monthly rosary rallies, visit the website at: www.rosaryralieskc.org.
encounter regional conference
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri
Jan. 16 - 18
Ignite your faith and encounter God’s transformative power at the Encounter Regional Conference. Join us for a powerful three-day experience. Register online at: EncounterMinistries.us/KC. Don’t miss out; God will be moving!
SPAGHETTI DINNER
St. Patrick Parish (center)
1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.
Dinner will include spaghetti with sauce, meatball, Italian sausage, salad, breadstick and ice cream sandwich. The cost is: $12 for adults; $7 for children under 12; and a family meal is $35. Ten games of bingo are $12. The average prize is $75 per game with blackout around $250. For questions, call Fritz at (913) 515-0621.
SNOW BALL
Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Blvd., Leawood
Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.
Catholic Charities’ mission of providing help, hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable. Ninety-one cents of every dollar raised through Snow Ball supports Catholic Charities’ 30-plus life-changing programs. This black-tie event includes a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner and dancing to music by The Crossroad Sound. There is no fundraising — just celebrating — the night of the event. To purchase a ticket, table or make a gift, visit the website at: snowballgala.org. For more information, call (913) 433-2068.
WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP
Holy Spirit Parish (Martha and Mary Room)
11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park
Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The workshop will run from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. and will begin with light snacks and a social gathering. The presentation will include: What is the difference between a will and a trust? How do you avoid probate (and what exactly is probate)? How can I leave money or assets to my church, school, archdiocese or favorite charitable organization? Register online at: cfnek.org/ events or contact Greg Alejos at (913) 6470365 or by email at: galejos@archkck.org.
‘DIVINE HARMONIES’
Sophia Spirituality Center
751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 22 - 23
This event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. Each year, thousands enjoy the magic of musicals — stories that linger through song and dance. Join us for a few days exploring classic musicals and discover their lessons on faith, morals and our connection to God. For more information, Google: Sophia Spirituality Center.
Popcorn with the Pope St. Pius the X Parish
5500 Woodson Rd., Mission Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.
Join us for the January movie, “Witness to Hope.” Watch the movie, eat popcorn and have fun with friends.
potluck dinner
Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room)
3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka
Jan. 23 at 1:30 p.m.
The Christian Widows and Widowers Organization will host the potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For information, text Gen Orozco at (785) 230-2473.
NEW YEAR SPIRIT
TASTE OF KCK 2025
Resurrection School
425 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.
The evening begins with drinks and appetizers as well as school tours and student projects. An ethnic dinner follows with “diversity on a plate,” ranging from enchiladas to povitica. The program includes “meet the principal.” There will also be an honoree, a student speaker and performances.
EXTRAVAGANZA EVENT
The Foundry Event Center
400 S.W. 33rd St., Topeka
Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.
The Holy Family School Extravaganza is the major fundraiser for the school. The funds raised support programs for our students, teachers and school beyond parish subsidies. If interested in becoming a sponsor, purchasing event or raffle tickets, contact Courtney Engel by email at: engelc@ holyfamilytopeka.net or go online to: holy familytopeka.net/extravaganza. Donations can also be mailed to: Holy Family School, 1725 N.E. Seward Ave., Topeka, KS 66616.
Daughters of Isabella, Little flower circle
Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka
Jan. 26 at 12:40 p.m.
A rosary will be followed by the business meeting and social time. If anyone knows a member or family member of the Daughters of Isabella in need of prayers, call Shirley Gustafson at (785) 554-3028 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 230-2473.
PROJECT CHRYSALIS
Church of the Ascension (St. Luke’s Room, lower level) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.
Are you a member of this club that nobody wants to be in? Project Chrysalis is a ministry for parents or grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child. Questions? Contact Patty in the parish office at: pbillinger@kcascension.org.
BEYOND ACADEMICS: THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION
Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St.
Jan. 29 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
The Blessed Seelos Institute and the
archdiocesan office of Catholic schools is hosting this information event for parents with or without children currently enrolled in Catholic school. The evening will begin with prayer, followed by a presentation on “What is Catholic Education?” and a panel discussion with Catholic school leaders and parents. Register online at: archkckcs. org.
RETROUVAILLE
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2
Rediscover the love that brought you together. Every marriage faces challenges, but it is through these moments that deeper connections are formed. Join us to learn new ways to communicate and strengthen your bond. As one couple shared, “We learned so much about each other that we never knew.” Let this be the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in your relationship. For more details and to register, call (800) 470-2230 or go online to: HelpOurMarriage.org.
prayer & healing service for those touched by abortion Kansas City, Missouri, area (exact location disclosed only to registered participants) Feb. 1 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Have you lost a child or grandchild to abortion? Did you pay for an abortion? Were you her driver? Did everyone else tell you what to do? Did you feel alone in your decision? Did you marry someone who had an abortion in his/her past and it is affecting your relationship? God’s love and mercy are limitless. Find hope, help and healing at this prayer service. This prayer service is an outreach of Project Rachel. Call or text (816) 591-3804 or send an email to: projectrachelkc@diocesekcsj. org. All inquiries are confidential.
OLDE WORLD CHRISTMAS
Strawberry Hill Museum
720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 12 From noon - 3 p.m.
Come experience an Olde World Christmas at the museum. Go online to: Strawberryhillmuseum.org for tickets and a list of other holiday events.
SANCTA MARIA SCHOOL’S EVENING UNDER THE STARS
Abe and Jake’s Landing 8 E. 6th St., Lawrence Feb. 1 at 6 p.m.
Join us for a dinner and dance fundraiser for Sancta Maria School, a small Catholic Montessori school in Eudora and a nonprofit 501(3)(c). The evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Semiformal attire is requested. For more information or to make reservations, send an email to: raventmf@yahoo.com or call (785) 727-0942. If you are unable to attend but would still like to financially support the school, you can write a check to: Sancta Maria School, 1623 Elm St., Eudora, KS 66025.
WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP
St. Patrick Parish (hall)
1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 5 at 12:15 p.m. (Mass - optional) 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. (workshop) The event begins after Mass and will be followed by a light lunch, snacks and fellowship, as well as a welcome message from the parish. Register online at: cfnek. org or contact Jane Schmitt at (913) 6473060 or by email at: jschmitt@archkck.org.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired publication date. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
DAILY READINGS
ORDINARY TIME
Jan. 12
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Is 42: 1-4, 6-7
Ps 29: 1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9b-10
Acts 10: 34-38
Lk 3: 15-16, 21-22
Jan. 13
Hilary, bishop, doctor of the church
Heb 1: 1-6
Ps 97: 1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9
Mk 1: 14-20
Jan. 14
Tuesday
Heb 2: 5-12
Ps 8: 2a, 5-9
Mk 1: 21-28
Jan. 15
Wednesday
Heb 2: 14-18
Ps 105: 1-4, 6-9
Mk 1: 29-39
Jan. 16
Thursday
Heb 3: 7-14
Ps 95: 6-11
Mk 1: 40-45
Jan. 17
Anthony, abbot
Heb 4: 1-5, 11
Ps 78: 3, 4bc, 6c-8
Mk 2: 1-12
Jan. 18
Saturday
Heb 4: 12-16
Ps 19: 8-10, 15
Mk 2: 13-17
IMay the Jubilee Year be all we hope for
overheard a young parishioner say to his mom after the Saturday evening Mass last weekend, “Where’s all the snow?” He was disappointed that all we had was ice. Well, as Sunday morning dawned, here came the snow that seemed to go on and on. So, if you’re looking for someone to blame, it’s him!
One thing this inclement weather did was slow me — and apparently much of the state of Kansas — down. We were prevented from leaving the comfort of our homes and doing our usual rushing around from one activity to another. That’s how I often think of prayer: It slows down the frenetic pace of our lives and gives us the opportunity to ponder. A favorite style of prayer for me is “visio divina,” or “holy looking.” It helps me stop and notice what I so often overlook. There are many stories in this issue of The Leaven that have to
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH
Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
do with the Jubilee Year 2025. In addition to reading them, I’d invite you to do a bit of “visio divina” as well with the Jubilee logo on the front page. It’s chockfull of symbolism. On the bottom is the Jubilee theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” Its color reminds us that liturgically, green denotes life, growth and hope. Pilgrims are people on the move and that’s represented by the four
MARK MY WORDS
colorful figures who stand for all humanity coming from each corner of the world. They’re embracing each other, which according to the Vatican’s Jubilee website, signifies “the solidarity and fraternity which should unite all peoples.”
Notice that the cloak of the figure in front embraces the cross as well, and all four appear to be looking up at that cross. This represents not only faith in Jesus, but “hope which can never be abandoned, because we are always in need of hope, especially in our moments of greatest need.”
Underneath the
figures are waves that remind us that our pilgrimage of life is not always calm; there are often rough waters that we need to navigate. That’s why the bottom of the cross turns into an anchor, a traditional symbol of hope. According to the Vatican website, “In maritime jargon, the ‘anchor of hope’ refers to the reserve anchor used by vessels involved in emergency maneuvers to stabilize the ship during storms.” Who knew?
Those four figures indicate that our pilgrimage is communal and pushes us ever closer to the cross. And that cross in the logo is described by the Vatican as “dynamic”: “It bends down toward humanity, not leaving human beings alone, but stretching out to them to offer the certainty of its presence and the security of hope.”
In a column here some six years ago, I mentioned a magnet from The Christophers, entitled “Hope,” that
first century
Lydia’s name is taken from her place of origin, Thyatira, in the province of Lydia (now Turkey). Paul’s first convert in Philippi, Lydia is mentioned once in the Bible: Acts 16:13-15. Luke calls her “a dealer in purple cloth” and “a worshiper of God.” After listening to Paul, she and her household were baptized. One of the few women in Luke to speak, she says to Paul and his companions, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home.” Luke adds that “she prevailed on us.” This patron saint of dyers may have been a merchant in luxury goods or a former slave working in a textile guild, but her household’s income could support guests.
graced my refrigerator door. Some of its words by Maryknoll Father James Keller bear repeating and pondering in this Jubilee Year: “Hope looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst. Hope opens doors where despair closes them. Hope discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot. Hope draws its power from a deep trust in God and the basic goodness of human nature. Hope regards problems, small or large, as opportunities. Hope puts up with modest gains, realizing that ‘the longest journey starts with one step.’ Hope sets big goals and is not frustrated by repeated difficulties or setbacks.”
Did I mention that the magnet, still on my refrigerator, is luminous? Its light shines steadily in the darkness of my kitchen. And if that isn’t a powerful image of what hope should be, I don’t know what is!
What Catholics experience in worship is no mere memorial
Through the liturgy of the church, we are brought into intimacy with the Lord. Catholic worship always carries us there — to the real person of Christ and to his passion. That is, it is no mere memorial what we Catholics experience in worship; rather, the liturgy always brings us to a sacramental point, to an immediacy, to a moment in which the Lord looks at us and we at him — when he washes us, touches us, feeds us.
Look at how the church’s liturgy has been guiding us these past several weeks. In Advent, we were nudged to watch and
Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” and other books.
prepare for the coming of Christ. And then, we were asked to contemplate his birth
at Christmas. Next, we were invited to notice how God took flesh to begin his work of salvation within the intimacies of a holy family. But the very next week, we were asked to see how this family holds the King of all — of all kings and the universe, that this child born for us is the God-king, that this small thing is bigger than all things. And then, we come to this Sunday and to the baptism of Jesus. In this feast, as it follows Epiphany, we are, as I said, brought to a sacramental moment. We contemplate how this epiphanic Lord of all things humbles himself to receive baptism, the baptism we share
together with him. This is the moment, how we are brought intimately into contact with this Christ we’ve been looking for and whom we’ve worshiped with angels, shepherds and kings.
By this act, by submitting to the baptism of John, Jesus united us with himself in the baptism he would later command his disciples to give those who believed — to us.
That is, we see in this feast of the Lord’s baptism an opening, the beginning of our union with Christ. Contemplating the Lord’s baptism, we immediately contemplate our own.
Baptism is our rebirth and adoption,
Pope preaches ‘very strong bond’ between adoration and
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During the Holy Year 2025, Christians should deepen their spiritual lives through adoration and then transform their prayer into concrete acts of service, Pope Francis said.
“There is a very strong bond between adoration and service, which we must not forget,” the pope told members of the Archconfraternity of Sts. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist of the Knights of Malta
from Catanzaro, Italy.
Pope Francis praised their regular practice of eucharistic devotion and acts of charity, encouraging them to use the Holy Year to reinvigorate their commitment to prayer and service.
“Especially in this Holy Year, I invite you to cultivate prayer with great commitment, personally and communally,” he said Jan. 3.
The archconfraternity traces its roots back to 1457, when a temple was built for the group in southern Italy.
enabling us to call God our Father. Through baptism, we can walk in “newness of life” (Rom 6:4). In baptism, we are free in the Spirit.
Having watched and celebrated the birth of Jesus, the universal Lord, we now celebrate our having been conformed to him in baptism.
We remember that by faith and the Spirit we too live now in Christ as king and servant. Which, if you think about it, prepares us for the weeks ahead as we begin next Sunday to follow and walk with Jesus to Calvary — a journey for which we are ready insofar as the liturgies and Advent and Christmas have shaped us.
service
It has a special bond to the bishop of Rome through its donation each year of the Easter candle used in the Basilica of St. John Lateran — Rome’s cathedral. Pope Francis praised this enduring tradition, linking it to the group’s ongoing mission of embodying Christ’s love through tangible works of mercy.
“When you take care of the poor, each time you visit the sick, while you are in the presence of someone who suffers, you serve the Lord,” he said.
FATHER JOSHUA J. WHITFIELD
LYDIA
SPARC’s mission is to improve and include in 2025
Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a wonderful time for personal renewal, increased hope and continued spiritual growth.
Just as we celebrate the new, we are also called to honor and preserve the old — especially the places, people and traditions that form the heart of our Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Last month, The Leaven published a story about repairs and improvements underway at Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center (SPARC).
One of our primary
IAT THE HEART OF HOSPITALITY
GREG MIES
Greg Mies is the director of Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center. He can be reached by email at: gmies@archkck.org.
goals for 2025 is to make SPARC more accessible to those who have historically felt
excluded or disadvantaged, for those individuals whose participation in events hosted at SPARC was limited or eliminated due to facility limitations within the walls of SPARC.
This year, we are focusing on providing
essential services to offer more opportunities for those with mobility limitations to participate and benefit from the many spiritual gifts offered at SPARC.
Pope Francis directly calls on all of us to care for those who have been marginalized. Specifically, in “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), the official document the pope promulgated last May to proclaim the 2025 Jubilee Year, he states: “Inclusive attention should also be given to all those in particularly difficult situations, who experience their own weaknesses and
limitations, especially those affected by illnesses or disabilities that severely restrict their personal independence and freedom.”
“Inclusive attention.” It is more than just welcoming people who have felt excluded — it’s creating a supportive, respectful and equitable environment for everyone. And as good stewards of the treasures we have been given, we continue to maintain, adapt and improve SPARC.
I invite you to become a part of our mission to protect and improve the heart of our archdiocese,
Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center. A mission of priority for SPARC is to link all areas of Savior to allow all with a mobility limitation to fully participate in SPARC events.
As Pope Francis shared, the spirit behind “Spes Non Confundit” will guide our actions and decisions for projects. May this same spirit of hope lead you to participate via time, talent or treasure in this amazing process.
Please reach out to me directly by email at: gmies@archkck. org if you would like to participate in our mission.
Join me in celebrating the fruits of your generosity
am especially filled with joy this year because my path led me to here to Kansas City, Kansas. I have met many wonderful people, experienced our ministries and visited our beautiful parishes. I am blessed to join you in the outreach we are doing together to serve the people of our archdiocese.
LISA MCKELVEY
SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP
college students growing in their faith at five different campus ministry centers around the archdiocese. You advocated for people growing in their faith so they could attend retreats and adult faith formation opportunities.
its 50th year! 50 years of joining together as brothers and sisters in Christ to make a difference in our community and share our faith through actions and support.
the priests and staff, THANK YOU for your generosity!
parish can do alone.
Lisa McKelvey is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lmckelvey@archkck.org.
2024 was a recordsetting year with the Archbishop’s Call to Share raising over $7 million to support 40 ministries across the archdiocese. You did this! You and your brothers and sisters in Christ came together from all across northeast Kansas to support programs that no one
Think about the marriages you helped build and support. Think about the students in Catholic schools and religious education classes who grew in their faith because of your generosity! You championed
Your gifts help support the administrative efforts at Catholic Charities, the Catholic Education Foundation and Catholic Community Health so that gifts they receive go directly toward programs, scholarships and services.
As we look toward 2025, Archbishop’s Call to Share celebrates
Be on the lookout on social media each Monday for our Ministry Moments, a chance for us to tell you more about each of the 40 ministries supported through the Archbishop’s Call to Share. I hope you will enjoy seeing the faces and learning about the programs and ministries you make possible each year.
On behalf of Archbishop Naumann,
Our faith and trust in the Lord brings us true happiness. I am wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
P.S. The most common question I receive right now is: “When will I receive my tax letter?” They will be mailed out the last week of January. If you have not received yours by Feb. 14, feel free to give our archdiocesan office of stewardship and development a call.
Thank you again for your generosity.
Jubilee year offers opportunity for indulgences, special graces
Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates a jubilee in which indulgences are offered and opportunities for special graces are presented.
Holy doors in Rome and a pilgrimage to our own cathedral are wonderful ways to receive indulgences. In addition to the Holy Door opportunity, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offers these additional opportunities to be missionary disciples, to strengthen marriages and families, and to be pilgrims of hope in this 2025 Jubilee:
• For kids and families: Camp Tekakwitha is a place of very special graces; it offers
SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART
Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.
experiences where conversion is likely. I am full of memories of children kayaking, enjoying campfires, climbing rock walls,
water slides and ziplines, making new friends and spending time watching remarkable sunsets while eating ice cream sundaes with old friends. I, more importantly, am flooded with memories of kids falling in love with Scripture while in a treehouse Bible study, Jesus touching thousands of kids’
hearts during eucharistic adoration, watching the Catholic faith move from being their parent’s faith to being their foundation, and hundreds of kids each summer becoming best friends with Jesus. In this Jubilee year, I pray that your kids have first-generation encounters with the Lord at Camp Tekakwitha, and the other places that minister to young people. Online registration opens in late January at: www. archkck.org/camp.
• 2025 is also the national year of “Going on Mission,” issued by the U.S. bishops. Check out the Walk With One challenge and please consider completing the free Evangelization
101 video series. The series has five six-minute videos and supplemental materials.
• In October of 2024, Pope Francis released the encyclical letter “Dilexit nos” (“He loved us”). Please read this free encyclical about the love and compassion found in the heart of Jesus Christ, especially as married couples, and ponder the great love that Christ has for all of his children. Explore ways to celebrate his sacred heart in your heart and home.
• Pope Francis is offering Jubilee indulgences while calling us to be Jesus’ hands and feet and to flood our community with his sacred heart in the areas
of mercy, justice and advocacy. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas recently hosted a Mercy Summit for priests and parish leaders to explore ways to live as local missionary disciples, reflecting the love of Jesus through concrete acts of love and mercy for our neighbors. The summit gave us three local mercy, justice and advocacy engagement opportunities that can be viewed online at: archkck.org/mercyjustice-summit. Further details on the Jubilee, indulgences and opportunities to grow in the faith can be found online at: archkck.org under “Jubilee.”
DEACON DANA NEARMYER
10 resolutions to kick-start your year
By Deacon Greg Kandra OSV News
For most of us, New Year’s Day means both celebrating what’s ahead and learning from the year that’s ending. For Catholics, it’s seeing the past year not just through the rearview mirror, but refracted through the lens of faith. A new year offers us more than a fresh start. It can be an opportunity for conversion of heart — to take what we have experienced and resolve to grow more deeply as people of faith.
Losing weight and exercising are great — good luck with that diet! — but how about exercising our spiritual muscles?
This is a moment to resolve to get our faith in shape — to live more prayerfully, more gratefully, more thoughtfully, more hopefully.
How can we do that? Here are a few ideas and suggestions to chart a new path for the coming 12 months. You don’t have to tackle them all; try one or two. You might be surprised at what happens. Our God is the God of astonishment and miracles.
Ready? Here we go.
1.
Prayer and gratitude
Hit the ground running — and start by hitting your knees. You can kickstart your daily prayer life by resolving to begin and end every day in prayer. Try starting this new year with a prayer comprised of two simple words: “Thank you.” Find a moment or two to offer a quiet prayer of gratitude. Count your blessings. Find reason to hope. You’ll be amazed at how it can change your perspective — and reset your day. Want to give your renewed prayer life a little “oomph”? Pick a patron saint for the new year. Dedicate each day to your patron. Read up on your saint. Pray with him or her. Ask for guidance, intercession or just help. You might find you enjoy the company!
2.
Eucharistic adoration
“O come let us adore him.” You don’t have to sing those words just at Christmas or only on Sundays. Resolve to carve out some time during the week to drop by church and have a talk with Jesus. If your parish has eucharistic adoration and Benediction, try to work that into your schedule. Simply sit in church and spend some spare time with God. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Pray the rosary
Grab those beads. Maybe they’ve been sitting in your dresser drawer unused. Maybe you only grab them as a last resort, when you’ve run out of words to pray and you’re desperate for some divine intervention. Want to start a new habit for the new year? Resolve to pray the rosary — and not just when you need to ask God for a really
big favor. Build this into your prayer life.
Intimidated? Start small. Begin with just one bead, then try a decade, then two. Soon enough, you’re praying the rosary like a pro. Tuck it in your pocket or purse before you head out the door. Finger the beads and whisper a prayer while waiting for a bus, riding to work or walking the dog. Use your imagination. You can turn almost anything into an opportunity to hail Mary. It can help immeasurably to give you a sense of peace and give your day an added dose of grace. Who doesn’t want that?
4.
Pray with others
Those first three ideas up above? You don’t have to do them alone. Resolve to look for opportunities to pray together, in person, even if it’s just for a minute or two at the end of the day or around the table at mealtime. You might even seek out parish prayer groups — which brings me to the next idea.
5. Get involved
Stop avoiding that parish group that’s been asking you to join! Hey, “family” is more than just the people you live with. It’s also the people around you in the pews every Sunday. Resolve to get to know some of the people you only see in the parking lot on Sunday. Resolve to learn what your parish is doing to reach out to the sick, the elderly, the hungry or the poor. Find opportunities to give and give back.
6. Confession
Get a few things off your chest. When was the last time you went to confession? (Go ahead. Think about it. I’ll wait.) The catechism tells us we’re only required to go to confession once a year (no. 1457), but why be stingy about wanting all that grace? Let’s call this “committing to the Three R’s”: Resolve to be reconciled regularly. Aim for once a month.
If that’s too challenging (or daunting), try every other month — or every six months. Build up a routine. Make it a Saturday ritual. Find a church, go to confession, take yourself out to lunch. (After making a good confession, you just may find yourself wanting to give the waitress a bigger tip. It’s a win/win.)
7.
Fasting and abstinence
Try life in the fasting lane. During Lent, I like to tell people, “Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.” But why limit it only to Lent? The ancient Catholic discipline of fasting and abstinence can do more than just help you drop a pound or two; it can, in a very real and tangible way, become a form of prayer. It reminds us of the poor, the hungry, the suffering around us. And it can connect us powerfully to all of those who have had to go without.
I know, I know, sacrificing a meal or two one day a week or giving up meat or a favorite food on Friday sounds so “pre-Vatican II.” But it’s actually very contemporary. After lifting restrictions on “no meat on Friday,” the church has been encouraging some sort of personal sacrifice on Fridays since 1966.
The fact is skipping a meal may be the easiest thing to do. The U.S. Catholic bishops offered some other ideas in the mid-’60s: “It would bring great glory to God and good to souls if Fridays found our people doing volunteer work in hospitals, visiting the sick, serving the needs of the aged and the lonely, instructing the young in the faith, participating as Christians in community affairs, and meeting our obligations to our families, our friends, our neighbors and our community, including our parishes, with a special zeal born of the desire to add the merit of penance to the other virtues exercised in good works born of living faith.”
That brings me to some advice that I often mention when I preach on Ash Wednesday.
8.
Works of mercy
Remember that “giving up” begins with “giving.” You’ve heard about them,
you’ve read about them, now you can resolve to live them: I’m talking about the corporal works of mercy. (Go ahead and Google them if you need a refresher.) In a nutshell, these involve acts of generosity and sacrifice that can bring abundant amounts of grace. And it all begins with giving — giving time, giving attention, giving a prayer to someone in need.
For starters, resolve to look for ways to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick and shelter the homeless. Send a card to someone who is lonely. Offer a Mass for someone who has died. Donate to shelters, pantries, charities. Often, the most precious gift of all is simply the gift of time. Spend an hour with someone who is hurting or needs help. Buy flowers for a lonely neighbor to let them know they are loved and remembered. Help people know that they have dignity. They matter. It can be a beautiful way of carrying out the second greatest commandment: loving your neighbor as yourself.
9.
Pilgrimage
Take a hike. That’s another way of saying pack a bag and go on that pilgrimage you’ve been meaning to take. Ever wanted to visit Lourdes, Fatima or Rome? How about a nearby basilica or monastery? It doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t necessarily have to go far. Visit a neighboring diocese and check out the cathedral. Take a weekend and go on retreat to an abbey or a convent. Spend some time living somewhere else and walking in the footsteps of our holy forebears. See the world with new eyes, and hear its sounds with new ears!
10. Reflect
If you do nothing else, just do this: remember. Resolve to remember what the last year was like. In your remembrance, remember patience, kindness, mercy. Remember lessons learned, hope restored. We Catholics live as people who every week hear again the quiet, transformative command: “Do this in memory of me.” Remembering is central to our faith. So do this: remember. Take nothing for granted. Reflect on it all. Pass it on. Share what you learned with your children, your grandchildren. You won’t regret it.
Most of all: Resolve to have a truly blessed new year — one that is new, focused on growing, learning, hoping. Every page of the calendar is blank. By the grace of God, every day holds promise and possibility. Recall the stirring and hope-filled words from the Book of Revelation: “Behold, I make all things new” (21:5). Isn’t that what we all really want? May we all resolve to trust, to pray and to collaborate with God to make it so!
Deacon Greg Kandra is the creator of The Deacons Bench blog (thedeacons bench.com) and is the author of “The Busy Person’s Guide to an Extraordinary Life” (Word Among Us Press).
OSV NEWS PHOTO/ADAM GRAY, REUTERS
A man reacts while lying on top of confetti after the ball drop at Times Square during New Year’s celebrations in New York City Jan. 1.