THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 22 | JANUARY 15, 2021
WORKING THE PROGRAM BY SUSAN FOTOVICH MCCABE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Zipporah Kamau, a nursing student from Kenya, has completed her courses with the help of Catholic Charities’ St. Rita Program and is studying for her boards. She also translates for Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities offers hand up through career development effort
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etting an education or learning a new skill has always been important in gaining a competitive edge in the workplace. But perhaps now, more than ever, it’s critical. The economic turbulence left in the wake of COVID-19 has resulted in staggering unemployment. Even before the pandemic, those individuals who were unemployed or underemployed were struggling. In times like these, the St. Rita Program, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, has become a much-needed career development resource.
“I am a legal immigrant from Kenya and a single mum. It was challenging for me to pay bills as well as upkeep for my daughter and I,” said Jane Waichigo of Olathe. Waichigo was attending Johnson County Community College to earn her LPN in nursing when she learned of the St. Rita Program. The cost of a single e-book threatened to end her education. “One day at college, I did not have the required e-book and it was super-expensive. I gathered the courage and approached my professor and told her that I could not do the required assignment because I did not >> See “PROGRAM” on page 13
Lenten dinner notices The Leaven will publish a list of Lenten dinners being held in the archdiocese in the Feb. 12 issue. Notices are limited to around 50 words and are due Feb. 2. Please email your information to: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Jeremiah Higbee reads to his daughters Violet, left, and Lilliana, right. Higbee completed the St. Rita Program to earn his certification in electrical technology.
March for Life Find out all the details about the local and national March for Life. Page 3
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ARCHBISHOP
JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
2020 made clearer what is fleeting and what endures Editor’s note: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was away on a bishops’ retreat this week and submitted this column in advance of that. Watch future columns for his thoughts on the events of Jan. 6 and subsequent developments.
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rom Jan. 5 - 11, I was on retreat with the bishops from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. We were fortunate to have the pope give our retreat! That is, Msgr. Charles Pope, a pastor of a primarily African-American community in Washington, D.C., a regular guest on EWTN and a columnist for Our Sunday Visitor. I am always grateful to begin the year with these days of prayer and reflection. We never know what challenges the coming year will bring. Certainly, none of us last January foresaw a pandemic on the horizon. Whatever plans any of us had last January were changed drastically by the COVID-19 virus. None of us anticipated the health concerns for ourselves, our families and our society. Who could have foreseen the disruption of our economy, resulting for some in the loss of employment and threatening the very survival of many small businesses? Who could have predicted children longing for the opportunity to go to school? No one imagined that social distancing and wearing a mask would become a societal norm for the majority of the year. Did anyone anticipate that it would
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN become nearly impossible to visit anyone in a skilled nursing home, assisted living residence or any institution with primarily elderly residents? The fear of COVID-19, and the resulting social isolation, have caused already high rates of anxiety and depression to skyrocket. I certainly never envisioned in January 2020 churches would be closed for several weeks. One truth that 2020 made apparent was we are not nearly as in control of lives as we had thought. 2020 shattered many illusions. 2020 also made me much more grateful for the gift of our Catholic faith. It helped many of us realize what is really important and necessary in our lives. With most people on the planet, I was happy for 2020 to come to an end. Still, I have to admit that it sharpened my spiritual vision, making clearer what is fleeting and what endures. It helped me appreciate more the blessings of faith, family and friendships. 2020 also made me more aware that the
world, as we know it, is passing away and our destiny is to live with God and his saints forever. During my confirmation homilies, I express my hope that the confirmandi have not just learned about Jesus, but have come to know Jesus. I encourage them to be young men and women of prayer. Prayer, properly understood, is a conversation with God. To have a vibrant prayer life, we must speak to God from our hearts. Jesus is interested in everything going on in our lives — the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the joys and the difficulties. God wants us to share with him our desires as well as our needs. At the same time, a significant part of our prayer must involve listening to God. A conversation must be a two-way communication. We need to speak to God honestly about our lives, but we also need to cultivate the ability to hear God’s voice as he seeks to reveal himself to us. How do we learn to listen for God’s voice? When Pope Francis speaks to young people about prayer, he tells them to unplug! If you want to hear God’s voice, you have to get
away from all the noise in your life. We live in a very noisy society. We are being constantly bombarded with messaging and information. To hear God, we have to seek solitude and silence. This is why our churches and adoration chapels are so important. They are oases where we can shut out the clamor of the world and listen for God’s voice. We also need to create quiet spaces in our homes where we can pray. The sacraments are moments of direct encounter with God. For instance, every time we receive the sacrament of reconciliation, we encounter the liberating mercy of God. What a blessing to be able to experience God’s unfiltered, merciful love. Similarly, each time we receive the Eucharist with attention and devotion, we allow the Lord to satisfy the hungers of our soul. Eucharistic adoration is important because it helps to awaken us to the beauty and power of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Another important way that we hear God’s voice is through the Bible. The Bible is the word of God. God speaks to us through the words of Scripture in a unique and powerful way. I encourage you to read a portion of the Bible each day. Even if you are unable to go to a Mass on a given day, it is an excellent practice to pray over the liturgical readings for the day. We should not read the Bible like a newspaper or a novel. We need to read the Scriptures
This famous mosaic in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is of St. Mark, from whose Gospel Archbishop Naumann encourages Catholics to read a short passage each day. slowly and prayerfully, allowing the words to penetrate our hearts. For most of this year at Sunday Mass, we will be reading the Gospel of St. Mark. Reading and praying over a short passage from Mark’s Gospel each day would be a great way to listen for God’s voice this year. When you finish Mark, then I encourage you to do the same with the Gospel of St. John. Bishop Robert Barron has produced the Word on Fire Bible that contains all four Gospels along with brief commentaries and beautiful illustrations. It is a great tool for praying over the Gospels. After reading slowly a small passage of the Gospel, then ask God the question: “Lord, what is it you are attempting to say to me through this passage?” We should read the Bible with the expectation the Lord wants to speak to us amid the unique circumstances of our lives. Oftentimes, if we ponder the passage prayerfully, there will be a verse or a phrase or maybe just a word that will speak to our hearts. We also hear God’s
voice by pondering the daily events of our lives. During the Nativity narrative in St. Luke’s Gospel, we find Mary pondering the extraordinary events taking place in her life. Part of my daily morning prayer is to ponder my calendar, reviewing the meetings and events scheduled for the day. Then, I ask the Lord to help me recognize his presence in the people, the conversations and the activities of the day. At the end of the day, I ponder all that happened that day. I ask Jesus: “What is it, Lord, that you were attempting to reveal to me through the events of the day?” The art of listening for God’s voice and being able to recognize his presence is essential for a vibrant prayer life. As we begin 2021, we do not know what this year will bring. However, we do know that the Lord will be with us, revealing himself to us in the good times and the difficult times. If we learn to listen for God’s voice, then we will be able to have peace and joy no matter the storms and chaos in the world around us.
LOCAL NEWS
JANUARY 15, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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March for Life invites virtual participation this year
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — This year, as in the past, there will be pro-life activities in Washington and Topeka in January to mark the anniversary of the two 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion. However, because of the COVID19 pandemic and the presidential inauguration, there have been changes for the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. In Washington, pro-life events have been scheduled for Jan. 28-29 to avoid conflicting with the presidential inauguration. Since pandemic restrictions are in place, there are attendance restrictions for the National Prayer Vigil for Life and Masses in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Instead, Catholics at the National March for Life and those across the country are being encouraged to participate in events at the basilica via livestream or view a broadcast by the Eternal Word Television Network. (The basilica’s livestream link is on its website at: nationalshrine.org. Information about the bishop-led vigil can be found on the USCCB’s website at: usccb.org.) Bishops from across the country will lead livestreamed Holy Hours throughout the night, said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “Now, more than ever, our nation is in need of prayer for the protection of the unborn and the dignity of all human life,” said Archbishop Naumann. “I am happy to be joined by bishops in dioceses across the country who are hosting pro-life prayer events including the overnight hours of eucharistic adoration,” he added. “I invite all Catholics to spend time with Our Lord and join in this nationwide vigil for life.”
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By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
NOW, MORE THAN EVER, OUR NATION IS IN NEED OF PRAYER FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE UNBORN AND THE DIGNITY OF ALL HUMAN LIFE. ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN CHAIRMAN OF THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS COMMITTEE ON PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES
The National Prayer Vigil at the basilica will begin with a rosary at 7 p.m. on Jan. 28, followed by the opening Mass at 7:30 p.m. The principal celebrant and homilist will be Archbishop Naumann. (See sidebar for a list of times and events.) Pro-life activities in Topeka also face restrictions due to COVID-19, said Debra Niesen, lead consultant for archdiocesan pro-life ministries. The IGNITE pro-life event for youth at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center will be held, but attendance will be restricted. “In-person attendance is by invitation only this year due to Shawnee County COVID restrictions,” said Niesen. “Representatives from the three other Kansas dioceses and representatives from [archdiocesan] high schools and college Catholic campus centers make up that invitation list.
“In the past, we’ve had about 1,500 people in person, but this year we’ll have only 100 in person. But we’re going to livestream.” The livestream of IGNITE will be restricted to eighth grade, high school and Catholic center college students. The 10:30 a.m. Mass on Jan. 21 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center will have restricted attendance, too, but its livestream can be accessed by anyone, said Niesen. (The link is: livestream.com/ArchKCK/KSMass forLife.) The main celebrant will be Archbishop Naumann. The concelebrants will be Bishop John Brungardt of the Diocese of Dodge City, Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita, Bishop Gerald Vincke of the Diocese of Salina and several other priests from Kansas. All are welcome to gather at noon outside the Topeka Performing Arts Center for the march to the rally on the south steps of the state Capitol. Participants are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. (See sidebar for the full list of times and events.) Plans may change due to weather and COVID-19, so Niesen urges participants to check for updates and details online at: archkck.org/prolife. Niesen said it’s very important for people to pray and participate this year because legislators will likely vote on the vital “Value Them Both” bill this spring. It has to pass both the House and Senate so Kansans can vote on an amendment to the state constitution. “This is a new legislative session [in January],” said Niesen. “It is very possible the legislators will be voting on the ‘Value Them Both’ [bill] at the start of the session. No date has been set [for a vote], but it could come up very quickly.”
Jan. 21: • 10:30 a.m. livestreamed Mass with the bishops of Kansas. The link is: livestream.com/ArchKCK/KS MassforLife. • Noon march to the Capitol. Join in person in front of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 S.E. Eighth Ave., Topeka.
National Prayer Vigil and March for Life, Washington Jan. 28: • 7 p.m. National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception • 7:30 p.m. opening Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann The basilica’s livestream link is on its website at: nationalshrine.org. Information about the bishop- led vigil can be found on the USCCB’s website at: usccb.org. • All-night vigil after opening Mass • 7 a.m. closing Mass with Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore Jan. 29: 10 a.m. concert, rally and March for Life. For information, go online to: marchforlife.org.
People arrive for the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 23, 2020, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 vigil will be broadcast-only on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., and then bishops from across the country will take turns leading livestreamed Holy Hours throughout the all-night vigil. CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
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LOCAL NEWS
JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Virtual fundraiser honors Holy Cross former pastors By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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VERLAND PARK — The Holy Cross community here knows how to celebrate Catholic education. Indeed, for 20 years, their chief school and parish fundraiser was called “Celebration.” It began in the rectory basement and grew into the gymnasium, getting bigger and better over time. For 2021, “Celebration” was redesigned and renamed to be a bigger and better event. Although the COVID-19 pandemic forced some changes, it has the potential to be the biggest one yet. “It was originally scheduled to be at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center,” said Mark Radetic, president and chairman of the Holy Cross business team and member of the event sponsorship team. “Obviously, we had to change that. We decided to make it a virtual event.” “Celebration — Be the Light” virtual event will be livestreamed from 7-7:45 p.m. on Feb. 13. For information, to participate, make a contribution, sign up for a sponsorship and access the livestream link go to: holycrosscatholicschool. com/ celebration. People can participate with their computers, cellphones or tablets. They must register for free event tickets by going to the aforementioned website. This year’s event will include FundA-Need donation opportunities, a silent auction, a Golden Ticket game, a cash raffle, video presentations of school families and parishioners, and videos of the Beacon of Light award winners. The first-ever “Beacon of Light” awards will be given to individuals who made outstanding contributions of time, talent and treasure so students and families could benefit from the culture and experience of Holy Cross School and Parish. This year’s inaugural awards will be given to former pastors Father Tony
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Melissa Wagner, principal of Holy Cross School in Overland Park, talks to third-grader Avery Sumner about her project. Holy Cross Parish’s “Celebration — Be the Light” virtual event will be livestreamed from 7-7:45 p.m. on Feb. 13. The proceeds from the event will be used for scholarships, facilities updates, curriculum enhancements and technology improvements to the parish and school. Lickteig, Father Mark Mertes, Father Mike Stubbs, Father Bob Pflumm (posthumously) and lay couple Rudy and Margie Garcia, owners of Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria. The event’s goal is $160,000. The funds raised will be used for scholarships, facilities updates, curriculum enhancements and technology improvements. The parish and school want each student to “be a light” to the world. “This event is important because it’s all for the students and future generations,” said Melissa Wagner, principal
of Holy Cross School. “Our mission at Holy Cross is . . . that we create a welcoming community that teaches the children about the academic and spiritual lives, and make sure we are creating good citizens who go out into the world and make a difference. “Our hope is that we continue to provide them with the best education. Through Celebration donations, we can provide our students with better technology and curriculum, so they can move to high school and beyond.” The school depends on this yearly event.
“Fundraising is part of our budget,” said Radetic. “We want to continue to provide a high-quality education in a faith-filled environment. Like so many [other] institutions, we have to make ends meet by going outside of just tuition and, at the same time, support families who [want] Catholic education but can’t afford it.” “Holy Cross is a school that is inviting and has a great culture, a lot of diversity. We want to sustain that culture, so it’s so important we provide scholarships and build enrollment.”
Support Our Seminarians to host one last virtual event By Jim Aylward Special to The Leaven
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ver 27 years, due to careful planning, dedication, interdiocesan cooperation and the generosity of so many, successive Support Our Seminarians (SOS) events have been able to raise $4 million to help encourage and fund Catholic priest vocations. By almost every measure, it has been a remarkable accomplishment for an incredible cause. However, now due to the COVID pandemic, as well as the rising costs involved with hosting such a large banquet event, it was determined by mutual agreement to end SOS with one last virtual event. Donations will be totaled and raffle drawings finalized in a “live” virtual event on Jan. 28. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, of Conception Abbey and Seminary College in Conception, Missouri — whose organizations benefited equally from the SOS money raised over the past quarter century — will continue to solicit support through their own specific initiatives going forward.
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann speaks at the 2019 SOS event. Because of the COVID pandemic, as well as the increasing cost of hosting such a large event, this will be the last SOS. Still, they remain hopeful and optimistic that this virtual SOS event will turn out to be the most successful ever. “The SOS event has always been about more than the funds raised,” said Abbot Benedict. “This event has helped us build a culture of support for seminarians and
religious life in the Greater Kansas City area and throughout northwest Missouri. We look forward to continuing this important work in new ways.” The virtual SOS event will feature video testimonials from seminarians, words of reflection from the inaugural
— and now honorary event co-chairs — Larry and Ruth Moore, plus expressions of gratefulness and appreciation from the archbishop, bishop and abbot. Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to donate online or participate in the online raffle, which features a range of items. A couple of the showcase raffle items include a KC Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu (“Honey Badger”) autographed football and a “Pandemic Package” of items and gift certificates that make staying home much more tolerable, or, even enjoyable. Everyone is asked to participate in any way they can. All the details needed to participate in this year’s SOS event, including how to make a donation, buy raffle tickets or attend the virtual event on Jan. 29, can be found online at: www. supportourseminarians.com. Each year, SOS has been dedicated to, and consecrated by, the Blessed Virgin Mary in a particular form of spiritual apparition enshrined by the Vatican. Last year was devoted to Our Lady of Good Help. This year, for the last SOS, it was decided to dedicate the event and give honor to St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For more information, go to: www. supportourseminarians.com
JANUARY 15, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Announcement Father Dan Weger, associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood and chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, announced to parishioners the weekend of Dec. 13 that he had been granted by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann some time away for a renewal of his priesthood after struggling to navigate appropriate professional and personal relationships and a healthy life/work balance during the pandemic. His request had nothing to do with allegations or concerns related to minors or other criminal behavior.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SACRED HEART-ST. CASIMIR PARISH
Throughout COVID-19, Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth has used cards, calls and emails to connect to parishioners — especially the homebound. At Christmas, 68 families were hand-delivered the book “I Heard God Laugh” by Matthew Kelly, a card from pastor Father Marianand Mendem, and a new parish calendar. Above is Darie Hamilton making a delivery to parishioners Danica and Leigh Anne Bullard.
‘Wrapped in the prayers of the parish’ By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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EAVENWORTH — A vital component of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish here has been missing on Sundays for nearly a year
now. Many older parishioners have been staying home and watching pastor Father Marianand Mendem’s Masses online due to the pandemic. In an effort to keep the parish connected, office manager Sheila Thibault organized a small group of parishioners to check in regularly with the homebound by calling or writing. Jane Schmitt, a hospitality committee board member with the parish council, became head of the prayer card ministry for the project. Now, when Thibault receives calls from parishioners seeking prayers for a variety of struggles, she tells Schmitt, who puts together a card signed by Father Mendem. “They’re thoughtful little notes letting them know that we’re thinking about them, praying for them and they’re wrapped in the prayers of the parish,” said Schmitt. “I think a lot of people felt great comfort knowing that the parishioners were all thinking about them,” she added. Calls and cards have been the chosen forms of communication — not just because of their personal touch, but also because of who they’re for. “[The recipients] probably are not as email savvy or up on all the social media type of things,” said Schmitt. “I think this resonates more with our older parish — just getting a letter.” Schmitt said this ministry has “enlivened” her spiritual life, and that when recipients of her cards send her a “thank you” note or approach her at church, it makes the work even sweeter. “This one lady stopped me one
PHOTO COURTESY OF SACRED HEART-ST. CASIMIR PARISH
Matilda Chase, who turned 100 years old in December, was one of the recipients of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish’s outreach to its parishioners. When Chase’s birthday rolled around, she was flooded with cards from parishioners. day and said, ‘Jane, I really needed that card. Thanks so much,’” said Schmitt. “It made my heart happy to know that people really liked getting that card in the mail,” she added. Matilda Chase, who turned 100 years old in December, is another recipient of the ministry’s outreach who was overwhelmed by the parish’s support. When Chase’s birthday rolled around, she was flooded with cards from parishioners, thanks to Thibault and her team. The first line in Chase’s thank-you note said it all: “Can’t say it enough, you have made my life so meaningful making me understand the meaning of love. I so [feel] the love!” But Thibault said she feels grateful, too, for the opportunity to keep her parishioners connected. “I really believe God put me here for a reason,” she said. “And we’re making really good progress on
communicating with our parishioners here.” “I hope they know that we love them,” she continued. “We care about them. They are our family.” During the Christmas season, Thibault wanted to do a little bit more for her parish family. She and a handful of others delivered Catholic calendars, Christmas goodies and Matthew Kelly’s book “I Heard God Laugh” to 68 families. Some who had experienced isolation over the past year were moved to tears at the gesture. “It was very touching,” said Thibault. “It was really worth the effort.” Schmitt said the parish plans on continuing this type of outreach into 2021. “Now, more than ever,” she said, “I feel there’s so many people that need to know that people are thinking about [them] and care about [them]. “It’s something very little that means so much.”
Phil and Joann (Elliot) Feehan, members of Holy S p i r i t Church, Overland Park, will celebrate their 65th we d d i n g anniversary on Jan. 21. The couple was married on Jan. 21, 1956, at St. Agnes Church, Roeland Park, by Msgr. Herman J. Koch. They have eleven children: John, Megan, Maura, Dan, Tom, Bridget, Sue, Jennifer, Kimiko, Dennis and Sam (deceased). They also have 30 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Paul and Dolores (Haug) Miller, m e m bers of Immaculate Conception Parish, St Marys, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Jan. 9. The couple was married on Jan. 9, 1956, at Columbkille Church, Blaine, by Father Leonard Moran. Their children are: Michael Miller (deceased), Timothy Miller, Mark Miller, Theodore Miller, Laurie Glassel, Linda Meredith and James Miller. They also have 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publiation date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names, parish, the date they were married, church and city where they were married, what they are doing to celebrate, date of the celebration, names of children (no spouses), number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; SEND NOTICES TO: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
Crossword solution
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FAMILY LIFE
JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Year of St. Joseph: A time to grow closer to our spiritual father
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need to turn our hearts to our children, cross from the beautiful, original main altar in to walk with them at the different stages of life, assuring them of our constant love the Basilica of the Sacred and of the Father’s love for them. Heart on the campus of the Through our life of prayer and faithUniversity of Notre Dame is a painting depicting St. Joseph on his ful reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, we model deathbed. Mary stands on one side of Joseph the openness to hearing God’s call in and Jesus stands on the other. Both our marriages and families. This life of Mary and Jesus are each holding one of prayer and openness to God’s call gave his hands. St. Joseph is turned toward St. Joseph the peace and strength to follow that call. Even he didn’t Jesus, his head resting against have all the answers for the the face of Jesus. St. Joseph is TOOLS FOR struggles that confronted him. the patron of a happy death, as FAMILIES Here are suggestions on tradition suggests that he died Growing as how to come closer to St. with Mary and Jesus at his side. Disciples of Joseph over the course of this On Dec. 8, 2020, Pope FranJesus year: cis proclaimed 2021 the Year • Obtain a copy of “Patris of St. Joseph. The Holy Father, Corde” (www.vatican.va). Meditate on in his apostolic letter “Patris Corde” (“With A Father’s Heart”) described the the words of the Holy Father. How do qualities of fatherhood that were obvi- you feel moved to turn to St. Joseph as a ous in the life of the foster father of Our spiritual father? • Obtain a copy of “Consecration to Lord. As the beloved father of Jesus, he placed his heart and life at the service St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual of Jesus as he grew to maturity in the Father” by Father Donald Calloway. • Go through the 33 days of meditahome at Nazareth. He was a beloved father in that home. tion and prayer found in the book indiLike many saints, we should turn to him vidually or perhaps as part of a group as our spiritual father, asking him to in- from your parish. • Anyone can use this book to help you tercede for the graces we need, so that we turn our face toward Jesus, resting come to know and draw close to your spiritual father. But fathers, grandfathers our head against the face of Our Lord. and stepfathers especially can use what For those who are fathers, grandfathey discover to be true spiritual fathers thers or stepfathers, we can seek the help to their children and grandchildren. of St. Joseph to receive the graces we
ACROSS 1 Beach stuff 5 King ____ Version 10 New Testament book 14 Pottery ingredient 15 Fat 16 Secondhand 17 Lotion ingredient 18 Chairs 19 Districts of ancient Attica 20 Mayan language 21 Place for the wicked 22 To every thing there is a ____ 24 An apostle 26 Transgressions 27 Fire remains 28 Scat! 29 Sports official 32 Sham 35 Mont __ 36 Also 37 Sacrificial animals 39 Lip
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40 Makes hotter 42 East northeast 43 Golf tournaments 45 KJV pronoun 46 Tribe of Israel 47 Pull 48 Relation 50 Atmosphere 51 Where Noah’s ark landed 55 Spend less money 58 Group admirers 60 Question word 61 Dock 62 Mends 64 Telegram 65 Direction 66 1997 Madonna movie 67 Stake 68 Does (KJV) 69 Wodden projection 70 Urge DOWN 1 Imp 2 God of Islam
3 Mother-in-law of Ruth 4 Tint 5 He was a carpenter 6 Adam’s son 7 Supper 8 Eastern Standard Time 9 Meeting 10 He betrayed J esus 11 Avails 12 Display 13 Adam and Eve’s garden 21 Possessive pronoun 23 First son of Cain 25 Sacrificial animal 26 Fakes 28 Used to kill Goliath 29 Beehive State 30 Speck (of wood, etc.) 31 Model 32 Luge 33 Site of Jesus’ first miracle
34 Last word of a prayer 35 By ____ alone 38 City destroyed by fire 41 Bunsen burner 44 One who speaks for God 48 Midwestern state dweller 49 Internal Revenue Service 50 Joy (KJV) 52 Rhinoceros’ nickname 53 Artery 54 Woolen 55 Hurried 56 See ya! 57 Sleep 58 Gladly, willingly (KJV) 59 Singing voice 63 Adam’s wife 64 Tail wiggle Soluntion on page 5
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LOCAL NEWS
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Family raises awareness, funds for suicide prevention By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven
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VERLAND PARK — October 13 has become a difficult day for the Specht family: It is the birthday of their late son Carl, who died by suicide in 2017, following several years of battling mental illness. But this year, his mom Kelly Specht received an email that she feels was a sign from him. Since Carl’s death, his family has been active in bringing awareness to the issue of mental health and extinguishing the stigma that surrounds it, establishing a nonprofit called Carl’s Cause in 2018. At the suggestion of one of Carl’s college friends, one such thing Carl’s Cause has done is paint green rocks — the national color of mental health awareness — with positive messages such as “You are loved” on one side and the nonprofit’s official website on the other. These have now been placed all over the world. One rock was found by a woman from North Dakota who was playing on a golf course in Minnesota. She planned to die by suicide the following day. But upon seeing the rock and reading Carl’s story, she changed her mind and subsequently sent a grateful email to Kelly — unknowingly on what would have been Carl’s 31st birthday. “I want to thank you for helping eliminate the stigma of mental illness. I want to tell you thank you for allowing your heartache and loss to save my family from the same fate,” read the email. “I love your Carl. Although I never met him, because of his story, I feel like I knew him, and I most definitely understand him. I know I have a long road ahead of me and there will be two steps forward and three steps back but, nonetheless, your rock put my journey back on the long road instead of it ending at the fork in the road.” In addition to the rocks, Carl’s Cause has also partnered with the University of Kansas Health System’s Strawberry Hill Campus, which treats individuals with behavioral and psychological health issues. The complex opened in September 2019. Kelly said that partnership came through yet another coincidence. The Specht family belongs to Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, and Carl was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. It turned out the wife of one of the chief executive officers of the health system was a teacher at the school. “There have been so many little, very cool God incidences and things that are coincidences that we feel Carl is up there steering us,” Kelly said. “It is a very clear path because we know what we need to do.” What they did was create two fundraisers: Strike Out Stigma, a weekend baseball tournament, and a golf tournament.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPECHT FAMILY
Presenting a check to the University of Kansas Health System in the memory of Carl Specht, who died by suicide in 2017, are: Bob Specht (Carl’s dad), Megan Specht-Shepherd (Carl’s sister), Tyler Shepherd (Meg’s husband), Connor Specht (Carl’s brother) and Kelly Specht (Carl’s mom). The health system’s Strawberry Hill Campus treats individuals with behavioral and psychological health issues. “Carl was a three-sport athlete . . . and he loved to golf,” Kelly said. “All the things we do we center around fun activities that Carl would enjoy, and other people would enjoy. “We feel like it appeals to more people to come out and do something that Carl would’ve loved.” With one baseball tournament in 2019 and three golf tournaments (20182020) under their belt, Carl’s Cause has donated more than $200,000 to the Strawberry Hill Campus. The first $100,000 funded several pieces of exercise equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals and rowing machines. “Carl believed in exercise and healthy living,” Kelly said. “It’s something that might have made a difference in his life.” Dr. Gregory Nawalanic, clinical director of psychology services at Strawberry Hill, said exercise is one of the gold standard coping skills taught to behavioral health patients. “If you’re exercising, you’re able to get that endorphin release, you get a little lift, you feel like you’ve accomplished something and done something that is measurable,” Nawalanic said. “You can say, ‘I did this, I made this investment in myself,’ and we can use that as a bench stone to shape their behavior to remember when they get out.” The second $100,000 went toward funding a behavioral health care navigator position, which was filled last November. A health care navigator serves to provide patients and families with educa-
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPECHT FAMILY
One thing Carl’s Cause has done is paint green rocks — the national color of mental health awareness — with positive messages. One rock was found by a woman from North Dakota who was planning suicide. On seeing the rock and reading Carl’s story, however, she changed her mind and subsequently sent a grateful email to Carl’s mother. tion and support, and help them navigate through care and financial resources. “[For] folks that are new to it, it can be very overwhelming,” Nawalanic said. “They’re not really aware of where and how to access these things, how to get it funded and paid for, so the navigator fills that gap. “The other side of that coin [is] . . . there are a number of patients that are
well-known to us and come back regularly,” he said. “In that patient population, the navigator is going to be tasked with . . . trying to identify what is the barrier that is causing the patient to keep falling through the cracks.” Nawalanic said the clinic is very grateful for the partnership with Carl’s Cause and its effort to raise awareness about mental illness. “It’s not just about the funds and funding these positions. But as [Carl’s Cause’s] visibility increases in the community, it’s one of those intangible steps towards removing the stigma that’s been such an ever-present barrier to care,” he said. “The more that this story gets normalized and as this spreads and the word gets out . . . there is a comfort level that increases. “It really can spark a shift to where people are more comfortable acknowledging mental health struggles the same way they would a physical ailment.” Kelly said Carl’s Cause doesn’t know how to prevent suicide, but they will never stop trying to raise awareness. “2020 has been a bad year for people. We’ve had so many people reach out to us who have family members struggling, and we want to help anybody we can,” she said. “All of these things have really helped us heal. “We are very passionate about what we’re doing, and we feel 100 percent that Carl’s guiding us and leading us in what we’re doing.” For more information, visit the website at: carlscause.org.
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DEVOTIONS AND
Popular devotional practices are not a substitute for the liturgical life the Stations of the Cross, prayers to a saint, eucharistic adoration, no globe, witnessing to that faith through popular piety embeds that de
A devotional life will not leave us as it found us By David Gibson Catholic News Service
By Kelly Bothum Catholic News Service
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A woman prays the rosary outdoors. There is no one way to practice or approach Catholic devotions. To each person, it’s an individual choice.
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n older man, out in the morning for his first mileand-a-half walk of the day, silently recites the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me” — or, “have mercy on me, a sinner.” At about the same time of day, somewhere a mother and her toddler are driving to their parish to participate in its biweekly mothers’ group. Prayer, spiritual reflection and conversation about parenthood’s challenges and rewards lie at the heart of such groups’ activities. Each of these people is involved uniquely in the devotional life, which today assumes countless forms among Catholics. “There is no one Catholic spirituality or way of approaching God in ascetical practices, prayer forms or devotions,” U.S. Cardinal Kevin Farrell once said. During his walk, the older man may recite the Jesus Prayer 10 times, now and then altering its words somewhat. Thus, he asks Jesus to bestow mercy not just “on me,” but “on us,” as his thoughts turn to others whose needs equal and outweigh his own. Like a mantra, this prayer focuses his attention, calling to mind the Lord’s faithful presence and companionship. He recalls that Jesus, after the resurrection, “drew near and walked with” two disciples making their way to the town of Emmaus (Lk 24:15). This recollection extends his prayer into the surrounding world. He begins naming others who gladly might welcome Jesus’ companionship. Or he shifts attention to a small group of fellow parishioners who that very day are devoting their prayers and supportive energies to the care of yet another parishioner whose health has veered startlingly off course.
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“ THERE IS NO ONE CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY OR WAY OF APPROACHING GOD IN ASCETICAL PRACTICES, PRAYER FORMS OR DEVOTIONS. U.S. CARDINAL KEVIN FARRELL Such service to a sick person possesses the capacity to become prayerfully devotional, forming a small community of faith among concerned, worried friends. In “The Joy of the Gospel,” his 2013 apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis spoke of devotions that “are fleshy” and “have a face,” and that neither are “detached from responsibility for our brothers and sisters” nor “divorced from” a larger community. Parish groups for mothers might not seem at first glance like an expression of the devotional life. Yet they tend to couple prayer with spiritual reflection and conversation centered on the concrete circumstances parents face. They offer opportunities to explore the parental, Christian vocation.
Such groups help to extend the Sunday Eucharist into the days of the week as their members nourish each other and share parenthood experiences in compassionate, supportive ways. The U.S. Catholic bishops explained in a 2003 document that “popular devotional practices do not replace the liturgical life of the church; rather, they extend it into daily life.” The bishops affirmed that “what is crucial is that popular devotions be in harmony with the liturgy, drawing inspiration from it and ultimately leading back to it.” Scripture serves as a basic resource for many individual and communal devotions. A popular devotional practice today known as “lectio divina” (“divine reading”) approaches Scripture as
God’s living word. The practice has truly ancient Christian roots. Like many devotions, “lectio divina” can be practiced alone or with others. A married couple might pray and meditate together in this way, as might a prayer or retreat group. Basic to “lectio divina” is the conviction that God addresses us through Scripture. To get started, it is only necessary to select a biblical passage to spend time with — perhaps the good Samaritan parable (Lk 10:29-37) or a familiar biblical phrase like: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16). Pope Benedict XVI outlined the four simple steps of “lectio divina” in “The Word of the Lord,” his 2010 apostolic exhortation. “Lectio divina” opens “with the reading (‘lectio’)” of a biblical passage, he noted. One asks, “What does the biblical text say in itself?” The second step is to meditate on the text and ask, “What does the biblical text say to us?” Pope Benedict explained that here each person “must let himself or herself be moved and challenged.”
Prayer is the third step, he continued. Its question is: “What do we say to the Lord in response to his word?” Or, what is our prayer now? Contemplation is the fourth step. It aims “at creating within us a truly wise and discerning vision of reality as God sees it” and “forming within us ‘the mind of Christ.’” Thus, a desire to view others and the world through God’s eyes is a goal of “lectio divina.” Naturally, this desire prompts us to expand as persons. Clearly, a devotional life does not leave us as it found us. I presume that this aim of “lectio divina” is an aim of most, perhaps all, devotions — like the Stations of the Cross, prayers to a particular saint whose example is energizing and motivating, eucharistic adoration, novenas, the rosary and other Marian devotions. In “lectio divina,” Pope Benedict wrote, we overcome “our deafness to those words that do not fit our own opinions” and we allow ourselves to “be struck by the inexhaustible freshness of God’s word.”
eekly M a s s offers a wonderful way to strengthen our spiritual lives by sharing the Eucharist with our fellow Catholics. The challenge is how to sustain that liturgical experience throughout the week as we face the challenges of life. Like a midafternoon snack that keeps us going until dinner, spiritual devotions can nourish and support our faith journey. Whether it’s a novena, a rosary or praying to a favorite saint, these devotions can help us deepen our prayer life. They don’t replace our time at Mass. Rather, they give us an opportunity to find Christ in our midst. Life may be messy, but there is always a path that helps us to see God.
Ca By Barbara Fraser Catholic News Service
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hree times during October, tens of thousands of people pour into the narrow downtown streets of Lima, Peru, accompanying the figure of the Lord of the Miracles in a procession around the city. The devotion, one of the largest in Latin America, is also celebrated in cities such as Los Angeles and Rome. “In Latin America, popular piety is part of the culture,” says Rafael Luciani, a Venezuelan lay theologian at Boston College. “There is a personal relationship between the person and God through the image that is carried in a procession or is in the church or the home.” Although the relationship is personal, it is celebrated in community. “It’s not something that’s done in private,” Luciani says, “because people don’t understand
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e of the church; rather, they extend it into daily life. Devotions — like ovenas, and the rosary — prompt us to grow in faith. And around the evotional tradition into the culture.
ons help Catholics find Christ in the midst of their daily lives For Sister Susanne Bunn, combining the rosary with her physical therapy exercises has given her a chance to connect her real-world experiences with her faith. “It takes about 10 seconds to pray a Hail Mary. Most of my exercises call for 10 repetitions,” said Sister Susanne, a Mission Helper of the Sacred Heart for more than 50 years. “The PT passes much more quickly when accompanied by the rosary.” Maybe you expect a nun to say she prays the rosary, but Sister Susanne admits she didn’t actually like it early in her vocation. When another Sister asked her to pray the rosary on a road trip with her, Sister Susanne obliged. “I was a young Sister and did not want to scandalize her,” said Sister Susanne, of Edgewood, Maryland. On the first mystery, her companion asked Sister Susanne who to pray for. “My sister-in-law Barb was
CNS PHOTO/RAFAEL CRISOSTOMO, EL PREGONERO
A young man prays during a novena at The Catholic University of America in Washington. Like a midafternoon snack that keeps us going until dinner, spiritual devotions can nourish and support our faith journey. pregnant. Sister Annette mentioned all women who were considering abortions. We went back and forth naming intentions,” Sister Susanne said. “The
time flew by as we prayed.” Spiritual devotions have a way of helping our minds cut through the clutter and find what truly matters — God’s plan.
Kathleen Kelly of Ormond Beach, Florida, spends half an hour at eucharistic adoration most Friday mornings after Mass. Doing so helps her
center her thoughts as she takes the Eucharist to the sick and homebound who can’t get to Mass. “What it has given me is a knowledge and belief that whatever I do I must do for God,” Kelly said. “This is my faith.” We turn to prayer in times of need, but sometimes we may feel unworthy to bring our worries directly to God. He welcomes all intentions, but Patti Christopher of Wilmington, Delaware, said she feels better taking those concerns to the saints with the hopes they will intercede on her behalf. She feels a particular kinship with St. Anne, the mother of Mary, and says a novena prior to her feast day on July 26. Praying to the saints makes Christopher feel like she has an advocate who understands her needs and advocates on her behalf. Many years ago, when her infant son faced a critical
night in the hospital after a life-saving surgery, she attached a green scapular — also known as the Badge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary — to his crib. “The next morning they could not believe how great he was doing. Two days later, after he came out of intensive care, it dawned on me we left the green scapular on the crib. I went back to tell them it was left on there,” said Christopher, a retired nurse. “They told me this little girl had been in there with a bad outlook and the next morning she sat up in bed. They said, ‘Can we keep this?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’” Over the years, she has used other devotions, including a relic of St. John Neumann, to physically involve her faith in a loved one’s health battles. “Every time they say, ‘I don’t know what happened,’” Christopher said. “I know how it happened. We prayed and prayed.”
atholics worldwide find strength in popular devotions religion as being separate from the rest of their lives.” The Lord of the Miracles devotion dates to the mid-1600s, when an African slave painted a crucifixion scene on a wall in Lima. The archbishop sent workers to destroy, erase or paint over the image, but each effort was miraculously frustrated. In 1687, a violent earthquake leveled the city but left the wall with the image unscathed. The devotion received official approval and, for centuries, a replica of the original image has been carried in procession every October. The devotion is organized by a lay confraternity — another characteristic of popular religious devotions, Luciani says. Other countries have their own devotions — Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico is one of the best known — and local devotions may draw even more faithful than the more famous celebrations. Processions, whether
around the neighborhood or to a distant pilgrimage site, are a mainstay of popular devotions. “The person goes along, telling God about their problems or their joys, and they join their everyday life to that relationship with God,” Luciani says. In Africa, religious celebrations often are accompanied by music and dancing, says Liz Mach, who has worked in Tanzania for most of her 41 years as a Maryknoll lay missioner. The Sunday liturgy may last several hours, with singing, clapping and the trilling sound that women make with their tongues to express joy. Pilgrimages are the more serious side of celebration, she says. A pilgrimage site more than six kilometers from her home in Musoma commemorates the arrival of the first missionaries to the diocese more than a century ago. “The long, hot, dusty
(CNS PHOTO/ ENRIQUE CASTRO-MENDIVIL, REUTERS
People gather in Lima, Peru, to celebrate the Lord of the Miracles. The devotion is organized by a lay confraternity — a characteristic of popular religious devotions. walk to a pilgrimage site reciting the rosary is something parishes and groups do together,” Mach says.
“Youth often make these journeys.” In Manila, in the Philippines, hundreds of thou-
sands of Catholics throng the streets in January, trying to get close enough to touch the Black Nazarene,
a wooden statue of Christ carrying the cross, which dates to the early 1600s.
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JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Two Catholic members of Congress reflect on Capitol attack By Mark Zimmermann Catholic News Service
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CNS PHOTO/ERIN SCOTT, REUTERS
Flowers are placed in security fencing around the U.S. Capitol in Washington Jan. 11, days after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building.
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Seeing the U.S. Capitol building being stormed by a rioting mob Jan. 6 brought a visceral reaction from Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican from Nebraska. Fortenberry, who is Catholic and often attends daily Mass at St. Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill, called the attack a “desecration.” The rioters broke through windows and doors, overwhelmed Capitol Police lines and rampaged through the building, causing members of Congress and staff to flee to secure areas, as the mob proceeded to ransack congressional offices and wander into the abandoned Senate chamber. “When I saw [TV images of] a fool in the chair of the presiding officer of the Senate, my visceral reaction was [this is] desecration,” Fortenberry said in a Jan. 8 interview with the Catholic Standard newspaper and website of the Archdiocese of Washington. The congressman, who has a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, said what was happening reminded him of how, during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution, a prostitute was installed on the altar of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. “The degradation of culture leads to these moments where violence can be pursued in the name of justice. That’s how twisted this is,” he said. When the crowd stormed the Capitol, Fortenberry was quarantined in his office because of COVID-19 exposure, although he was allowed to return for votes under safety precautions. He said from the front side of the Longworth Building, he could see the chaos erupting around the outside of the Capitol, and from the back side of his building, life was unfolding as normal, and a man could be seen walking his dog.
“IT WAS JARRING AND SURREAL AT THE SAME TIME. I COULD NOT IMAGINE THIS COULD HAPPEN IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA JEFF FORTENBERRY REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN FROM NEBRASKA
“It was jarring and surreal at the same time,” he said. “I could not imagine this could happen in the United States of America . . . To think somehow in the pursuit of justice and democracy, people would take over the Capitol. It’s not only jarring, but outrageous.” He also said that assault was “a threat not just to this space, but to the idea of America.” As it unfolded, he said, “your sense of duty kicks in” and he contacted his
staff members and fellow members of Congress to make sure they were safe, just as he was receiving numerous texts wondering about his safety. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Montana, who also attends daily Mass at St. Peter’s, was in the House chambers along with other members that afternoon, listening to debate about objections raised regarding the Electoral College vote from Arizona. About an hour into the debate, he said they heard an announcement over the loudspeaker that there had been a breach in the Capitol’s security. The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, was escorted out of the chamber. Rosendale said members were advised to get the gas masks under their seats and then to leave the room, after tear gas had been used to disperse rioters in the Capitol Rotunda. “I tried to do my best to keep folks calm,” he said. “There was an orderly evacuation. Everybody had a gas mask in hand. They got us out of the chamber and started taking us to a secure place.” During the melee, Rosendale said
they could hear rioters beating on the doors. Dozens of people were arrested for the rioting in the Capitol, which left five people dead, including a Capitol Hill Police officer. He said it is troubling to think that while he was trying to perform his duties, “there were people outside violating everyone’s First Amendment right to free speech. They had crossed over the line by committing criminal acts . . . It’s contrary to everything we were trying to do up here.” Like Fortenberry, he wanted to make sure his staff members were safe. Meanwhile, his wife Jean was among people who sought sanctuary that afternoon in St. Peter’s Church, after neighbors had to evacuate their homes due to a bomb scare in a nearby building. “We typically walk down there (to St. Peter’s) for daily Mass. We always find comfort and solace in church. . . . It’s special for me to attend Mass each day. It’s part of my life,” he said. Hours later, the members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate returned to work, to listen to debate and then certify the Electoral College vote of President-elect Joe Biden. Rosendale was among members of Congress who voted in favor of objections raised to the Electoral College votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania and Fortenberry joined members of Congress in opposing those objections. Working through the middle of the night, Congress ultimately certified the Electoral College vote Jan. 7. “It was critically important for the whole nation for us to go back in chambers and complete our work and let them see nothing was going to keep us from performing our duty,” Rosendale said. After the Capitol had been invaded by rioters, tall fencing was erected around its perimeter, with members of the National Guard patrolling the Capitol Hill area. “Right now, outside it’s very calm and very peaceful, and I have no concerns as I travel the Capitol,” Rosendale said two days after the attack.
Bishops call for an end to the federal death penalty
ASHINGTON (CNS) — A joint statement from two U.S. bishops who head different committees of the U.S. bishops called for an end to the federal use of the death penalty as “long past time.” “We renew our constant call to President [Donald] Trump and Acting Attorney General [Jeffrey] Rosen: Stop these executions,” said the Jan. 11 statement from Archbishops Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “Following a year where the federal government, for the first time, executed more people than all 50 states combined, there are three more federal executions scheduled this week,” the two archbishops said. Federal executions resumed last year after a 17-year reprieve. Archbishops Coakley and Naumann also called on President-elect Joe Biden and Congress to “make this a priority. One vehicle to accomplish this in federal law is the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act. In addition, we
CNS COMPOSITE/PHOTOS BY BOB ROLLER
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, are seen in this composite photo. “It is long past time to abolish the ask President-elect Biden to declare a death penalty from our state and federmoratorium on federal executions and to commute current federal death senal laws,” they said. tences to terms of imprisonment.” Ten times in the past two years,
bishops, groups of bishops, or the full U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had either spoken out against capital punishment, asked the faithful to add their voice on the issue, or sought to end its use in the courts. Also Jan. 11, the Catholic Mobilizing Network launched an online petition campaign asking Biden to make an end to federal executions a priority once he is sworn into office. “After six months of needless death from what will soon amount to 13 executions, the Trump administration has driven home why an end to the federal death penalty is so urgently needed,” said a Jan. 11 statement by Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director. During a Jan. 6 Georgetown University-sponsored forum on capital punishment, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, cited the “throwaway culture” line frequently used by Pope Francis and said, “We let people die or we kill people, in the death penalty’s case, to solve problems. And the church is simply saying: Enough blood. Stop.” The petition urges the incoming administration to “uphold the sacred dignity of every person” and make good on its promises to dismantle the federal death penalty system.
JANUARY 15, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
WORLD
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Women can be installed as lectors, acolytes By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Recognizing “the gifts of each baptized person” — women and men — Pope Francis ordered a change to canon law and liturgical norms so that women could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes. “A consolidated practice in the Latin church has confirmed, in fact, that such lay ministries, being based on the sacrament of baptism, can be entrusted to all the faithful who are suitable, whether male or female,” the pope wrote in his order changing canon law. The document, issued “motu proprio” (on his own accord), was published by the Vatican Jan. 11. It changes the wording of Canon 230, paragraph 1. The canon used to say, “Lay men who possess the age and qualifications established by decree of the conference of bishops can be admitted on a stable basis through the prescribed liturgical rite to the ministries of lector and acolyte.” The updated canon will say, “Laity who possess the age and qualifications established by decree of the conference of bishops can be admitted on a stable basis through the prescribed liturgical rite to the ministries of lector and acolyte.” “The decision to confer also on women these offices, which involve stability, public recognition and a mandate from the bishop, will make the participation of all in the work of evangelization more effective in the church,” the pope said in a letter to Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In most dioceses around the world — and at the Vatican as well — women and girls have been lectors at Mass and have served at the altar for decades. That service was possible, not as a formally instituted ministry, but under the terms of Canon 230, paragraph 2, which allowed for women or men to carry out the func-
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A lector delivers a reading during Mass at a church in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Aug. 20, 2014. Pope Francis ordered a change to the Code of Canon Law so that women may be formally instituted as lectors and acolytes. tions “by temporary designation.” In his letter to Cardinal Ladaria, published with the document changing canon law, the pope said that since the Second Vatican Council the church has made “a clearer distinction between the attributes of what today are called ‘nonordained (or lay) ministries’ and ‘ordained ministries,’” such as deacon, priest and bishop. Those distinctions, he said, make it “possible to dissolve the reservation of the former to men alone.” Pope Francis repeated St. John Paul II’s teaching that the Catholic Church “in no way has the faculty to confer priestly ordination on women” since Jesus chose only men as his apostles. But with “nonordained ministries it is possible, and today it seems opportune, to overcome this reservation” of allowing only men to be formally and permanently instituted as lectors and acolytes. The pope’s letter also said the Congregation for Divine Worship
and the Discipline of the Sacraments would oversee the implementation of the change and would need to modify parts of the Roman Missal and the rite instituting lectors and acolytes. The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” says: “The acolyte is instituted for service at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. It is his place principally to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if necessary, to distribute the Eucharist to the faithful as an extraordinary minister.” “The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the universal prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings,” the instruction says. The instruction also says that in the absence of persons formally instituted for those roles, any qualified lay person may be assigned those roles.
In message for World Sick Day, pope calls for health care for all VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Praising those who help the sick and praying for those who are sick, Pope Francis called on Christians to practice what they preach, including by guaranteeing equal access to health care for all people. “The current pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in our health care systems and exposed inefficiencies in the care of the sick,” the pope wrote in his message for the 2021 World Day of the Sick, which the Catholic Church marks Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it obvious to everyone that “elderly, weak and vulnerable people are not always granted access to care,” at least not in an equitable way, he said. “This is the result of political decisions, resource management and a greater or lesser commitment on the part of those holding positions of responsibility. Investing resources in the care and assistance of the sick is a priority linked to the fundamental principle that health is a primary common good,” Pope Francis wrote in his message, which was released by the Vatican Jan. 12.
Pope’s doctor dies of COVID-19 complications VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ personal doctor died Jan. 9 of complications caused by COVID-19. Fabrizio Soccorsi, 78, had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital Dec. 26 because of cancer, according to the Italian Catholic agency SIR, Jan. 9. However, he died because of “pulmonary complications” caused by COVID-19, the agency said, without providing further details. Soccorsi had been the pope’s personal physician since 2015. He had also served as an adviser for the Vatican’s health services department and a consultantphysician to the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes. He had been head physician of the hepatology ward in Rome’s San CamilloForlanini hospital and director of its department of liver diseases, the digestive system and nutrition.
For Ash Wednesday, Vatican asks priests to ‘sprinkle’ ashes on heads
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments asked priests to take special anti-COVID-19 precautions this year when distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, including sprinkling ashes on the top of people’s heads rather than using them to make a cross on people’s foreheads. The congregation’s note on the “distribution of ashes in time of pandemic” was published on the congregation’s website Jan. 12 and directs priests to say “the prayer for blessing the ashes” and then sprinkle “the ashes with holy water, without saying anything.” “Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel’ or ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.’” “The priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask and distributes the
ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places,” it said. “The priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.” The usual practice would be to repeat the formula — “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” — to each person as the ashes are sprinkled on the top of their head or rubbed onto their forehead. Sprinkling ashes on the top of people’s heads, rather than marking foreheads with ashes, is the customary practice at the Vatican and in Italy. Given the spread of the coronavirus, the practice has the advantage of not requiring the priest to touch multiple people. The Latin, Italian, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese versions of the note also specify that the mask should cover the priests’ “nose and mouth.”
CNS PHOTO/ELOISA LOPEZ, REUTERS
Worshippers wearing protective masks receive ashes during Ash Wednesday Mass at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Manila, Philippines, Feb. 26, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments has issued a note on how priests can distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday while taking precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19.
CLASSIFIEDS
12 EMPLOYMENT Bus drivers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and social-emotional development, children grow with us, build confidence and a strong self-esteem. At Special Beginnings, we believe providing the right environment will give children the foundation to be successful in life. Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking a part-time bus driver (15-20 hrs/week; no weekend hours) of a 15-passenger bus to drive children to school and/or pick them up after school. Duties include: safely transport children to and/ or from school following ALL safely & security procedures; safely transport children to and from field trips and other off-site activities; follow a planned route on a time schedule; help children get on and off the bus; ensure children stay in their seat at all times; follow traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations; carefully navigate roads and watch for ice, debris or slippery spots; report accidents immediately; maintain “clean” driving record during off hours. We require the following: driver must be at least 25 years old (due to insurance requirements) with a “clean“ driving record for at least two years; pass a back-ground check; must maintain and practice safe driving and have a “clean” driving record; have patience and understanding when working with children ages 5-12 years old; and enjoy working in a child friendly environment. Benefits: competitive benefit package; excellent support and training from an experienced leadership/management team; pay: $11-$15/hour depending on experience. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3. Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to be successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parents; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3. Resource specialist - This position is part time, 30 hours/ week. Will determine client needs and match to social services. Evaluate services and programs to maintain resource list. The ideal candidate has a master’s degree in social work, LMSW or LSCSW and two - five years’ experience; organizing and prioritizing skills and objectivity; nonprofit or ministry experience; excellent communicator; bilingual a plus. Looking for committed, pro-life Christian who can affirm our vision, mission and statement of faith. Send cover letter and resume to: office@adviceandaid. com. No phone calls. Manager - Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers is looking for a center manager, 32 hrs/week. Oversees the coordination of services available and the smooth operation of the center. Oversees and schedules staff and volunteers, including training and coaching. Assures that clients get high-quality services, whether for unplanned pregnancy, STI testing/treatment, follow-up care or getting them connected with longer-term education programs. Works directly with clients when needed because of staffing or a busy schedule. Ideal candidate is able to organize, problem-solve, prioritize and manage. Minimum of two years’ supervisory experience and three years’ experience in health care or social services. Nonprofit or ministry experience; is an excellent communicator; bilingual a plus; looking for committed, pro-life Christian who can affirm our vision, mission and statement of faith. Send cover letter and resume to: office@adviceandaid.com. No phone calls.
‘CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN’ DIVORCE SUPPORT MINISTRY Online via Zoom Jan. 16 and Feb. 27
The “Called To Love Again” divorce ministry will be having virtual meetings due to the COVID pandemic. Send an email to Katie Palitto for Zoom access, time and more information at: thecall2love.com. The topic for January is annulments. Msgr. Tom Tank will be the speaker at the January meeting and will answer questions about the annulment process. The topic for February is forgiveness.
KANSAS MASS, MARCH AND RALLY FOR LIFE Jan. 21 From the Topeka Performing Arts Center to the state Capitol 214 SE 8th Ave., Topeka Mass at 10:30 a.m.; march at noon
Substitute teacher - Miege is seeking a long-term substitute teacher for the family and consumer science department for in-person learning from mid-February through the end of May. The candidate will be teaching foods, interior design and child development. Send letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Career opportunity - Due to the growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are looking for professional men who are interested in helping fellow Catholics with their faith, family and finances. This is a full-time career opportunity that will allow you to be your own boss and a respected professional member of the community. If you or someone you know is self-motivated, good with time management and has a desire to succeed, this might be the opening you’ve been looking for. Benefits include unlimited professional income potential, flexibility, quality training program and incentive award trips such as Rome, Hawaii and Ireland. There are openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. If you want to serve your community, strengthen the church and change the world, call John Mahon at our regional office at (785) 408-8800 or toll free at (855) 356-4849. Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org. Substitute teachers – St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, is looking for substitute staff in our center, ranging from the infant to pre-kindergarten age programs. Please call (913) 248-4589 or email: tgavila@stjoe shawnee.org. Lead/Assistant teachers – St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, has positions available in our infant, toddler and two-and-one-half-year-olds rooms. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Competitive pay and benefits are offered. Please call (913) 248-4589 or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. We are willing to consider half-day applicants.
SERVICES Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.
8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings! Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.
All are invited to join in the March for Life from the Topeka Performing Arts Center to the state Capitol for the Kansans for Life Rally at the Capitol steps. Stay tuned for more detailed information and the livestream links. Visit the website at: www.archkck.org/prolife for updated information and details on the day’s event. The 10:30 a.m. Mass with the Kansas bishops will be livestreamed.
RESURRECTION SCHOOL’S TASTE OF KCK Virtual event Jan. 26 - 29
Join Resurrection School’s Taste of KCK by going online to: rcskck.org and clicking on the “Taste of KCK” icon to watch presentations on some of the community’s historical roots. Get a traditional Croatian recipe, Mexican recipe and a Burmese recipe. There will also be videos to watch. On Jan. 29, there will be an address by Msgr. Tom Tank. While you are there, make a donation to benefit Resurrection School.
JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Getting life insurance is an act of love - As a Catholic agent, I have seen the use of life insurance in action many times. Losing someone, no matter their age, is a sad and overwhelming experience. Being left behind with financial burdens makes it even worse. Life insurance delivers a taxfree dollar amount to fulfill specific needs or purposes. I can help you get started. Please call (816) 431-6500 or visit us at: http://www.JEOrozco.com. 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. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Tree Trimming Licensed and insured Free estimates/10 years experience Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patios) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint! Cracks repaired. Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - If you have an extra car and/or truck you don’t know what to do with, give us a call. We are a cash buyer. Call Mark at (913) 980-4905. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.
FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
HOME IMPROVEMENT
REAL ESTATE
EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176
Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant? I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.
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@hot mail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/ Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.
‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ A PEER-TO-PEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Online via Zoom Feb. 1 - April 5
This is a Beginning Experience support program that meets each week for eight weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. Register in advance and receive the program workbook plus detailed Zoom meeting instructions by going to: www.beginning experiencekc.org. For additional information, contact Donna at (816) 305-3760.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Online class Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
A reasonable course fee is charged, and online registration is required at the class
Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. We Buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com
registration CCLI portal at: powerapps portals.com). Send an email to Alison or Allen Greenlief at: aagreenlief@gmail.com for more information about NFP classes offered by the Couple to Couple League.
PROJECT CHRYSALIS Online via Zoom Jan. 26 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.
Project Chrysalis is a ministry offering hope through Sacred Scripture and community to parents/grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. While this ministry is not a bereavement group, our mission is to offer support and hope through Scripture in a time of transformation. The guest speaker will be Father Shawn Tunink. For more information and the Zoom link, contact Deacon Ken Billinger at (913) 634-4210 or send an email to: kbillinger@archkck.org. The group is open to parents or grandparents who have lost a child.
JANUARY 15, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Program targets a hidden contributor to poverty: underemployment >> Continued from page 1 have the book and I did not know when I would get it,” Waichigo said. “I cried so hard because I had tried to borrow money from friends and I could not get enough as the e-book did not have any financing option.” Waichigo’s professor connected her with the staff at the St. Rita Program, which eventually allowed her to obtain her degree and a job in nursing. Along the way, she and other participants learn so much more. The program is designed to remove barriers for those who are unemployed or underemployed. It is for those who are motivated to break the cycle of poverty and change their life through educational and career advancement.
Employment goals One of the root causes of poverty is unemployment or, in many cases, underemployment, according to Tracy Forbush, Catholic Charities’ Workforce Program senior manager. “According to the 10th annual Greater Kansas City Workforce and Education Summit, hosted by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), 60 percent of available jobs require postsecondary education, and over 345,000 adult Kansans have some college but no credentials,” said Forbush. “Helping our community access those credentials is imperative to breaking the cycle of poverty.” The 2017 pilot program involved small cohorts of six participants, providing significant financial assistance for each person and intensive, tailored case management. The focus was on serving Wyandotte County residents through an educational partnership with Kansas City Kansas Community College-TEC. Since that time, the program has evolved. While the amount of perperson financial assistance has decreased, it serves more participants and has expanded beyond Wyandotte County to include the cities of Atchison, Leavenworth, Lawrence, Topeka, Olathe and Overland Park. “Our focus is on high-demand, high-earning-potential careers in the skilled trades, IT, health care and life sciences,” Forbush said. “We still provide intensive wraparound case management tailored to each client, financial assistance based on the individual’s budget and unique barriers and needs, and essential skills training to prepare participants for the workforce. “The goal, however, remains the same: to strengthen individuals and families through a holistic approach to education and employment.”
Reaching your potential While unemployment is most often talked about, underemployment remains just as significant a problem. A person is considered underemployed when he or she is working in a field below his or her skill level or ability, according to Catholic Charities Workforce Program specialist Sarah Larson. “We have a client who completed his electrical tech certification but is struggling to find employment in that field so he has been working as a delivery driver for FedEx,” Larson said. “Our goal is to personally connect clients like him to employers in his field.” As part of the program, participants get help with resumes, cover letters and preparing for interviews. Each participant completes the work ethics course called “Bring Your A Game” as well.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
The St. Rita Program helped Jane Waichigo, a native of Kenya, get her LPN. She now works at Benton House, a retirement and assisted living facility in Olathe.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Zipporah Kamau discusses preparations for taking her board exams with Catholic Charities Workforce Program specialist Sarah Larson. Jeremiah Higbee of Kansas City, Kansas, completed the St. Rita Program to earn his certification in electrical technology after dropping out of high school. Unfortunately, while a record of DUIs has impacted his ability to get a job in that field, he is thankful for what he learned. “I flunked 7th grade twice and I was too old to stay in middle school so they put me in high school. Eventually, I dropped out of high school, got hooked up with the wrong crowd and messed up everything that was ever good in my life,” Higbee said. “But I love the St. Rita Program. They’ve done so much for me.”
Pride in your work For Larson, watching participants gain confidence is the ultimate reward. “St. Pope John Paul II speaks a lot
about the importance of work in the [1981 encyclical] ‘Laborem Exercens.’ He says, ‘Work is a good thing for man, a good thing for his humanity because through work, man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfillment as a human being.’ I feel like his statement about fulfillment resonates the most with me as I assist St. Rita participants,” Larson said. “This is especially true when I see how excited a client is when they land a job interview or seeing them leave our office with so much confidence after spending hours working on their resume.” To participate in the St. Rita Program, candidates must be unemployed or underemployed; display an interest in, and be eligible for, a degree or certificate program in a skilled trade, health care, IT or life sciences career; be committed to engaging in intensive case management with Catholic Chari-
ties staff; and have at least an intermediate literacy in the English language. The program is always looking to partner with area employers and other organizations. Interested candidates, employers and partners are encouraged to send an email to: workforce@catholiccharitiesks.org or call (913) 621-1504, extension 1150. Even during the pandemic, the staff is able to leverage technology to work with candidates. And there’s a surprising end to the St. Rita journey. Despite struggling financially, and not required, many of the participants tell the program’s staff they can’t wait to find employment and give back to the St. Rita Program. “Everyone is so grateful when they begin to see the end in sight,” Larson said. “Most of the time, they tell us they can’t wait to get a better job so they can start paying it forward to help others.”
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COLUMNISTS
DAILY READINGS SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Jan. 17 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Sm 3: 3b-10, 19 Ps 40: 2, 4, 7-10 1 Cor 6: 13c-15a, 17-20 Jn 1: 35-42 Jan. 18 Monday Heb 5: 1-10 Ps 110: 1-4 Mk 2: 18-22 Jan. 19 Tuesday Heb 6: 10-20 Ps 111: 1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c Mk 2: 23-28 Jan. 20 Fabian, pope, martyr; Sebastian, martyr Heb 7: 1-3, 15-17 Ps 110: 1-4 Mk 3: 1-6 Jan. 21 Agnes, virgin, martyr Heb 7:25 – 8:6 Ps 40: 7-10, 17 Mk 3: 7-12 Jan. 22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Heb 8: 6-13 Ps 85: 8, 10, 11-14 Mk 3: 13-19 Jan. 23 Vincent, deacon, martyr; Marianne Cope, virgin Heb 9: 2-3, 11-14 Ps 47: 2-3, 6-9 Mk 3: 20-21
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t’s too bad that pandemic protocols prevent me from doing this, but I’d sure like to shake the hand of Teacher Jothy Narayanasamy or Harold Pullman Coffin. Depending on what source you consult, one of these men is responsible for creating a national holiday on Jan. 16. It’s called “National Nothing Day” and was created “to provide Americans with one national day when they can just sit without celebrating, observing or honoring anything.” Is it really needed? Well, you decide. January is Human Resources Month, March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month, National Eye Care Month, National Hobby Month, National Hot Tea Month, National Prune Breakfast Month, National Soup Month, Thyroid Disease Awareness Month and Volunteer Blood Donor Month. There are also special weeks in January, such as Healthy Weight Week, National Activity Professionals Week, National Glaucoma
This is much ado about nothing MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
Week and National Handwriting Analysis Week. And don’t forget the individual January days dedicated to World Introvert Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day, National Rubber Duckie Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day and National Kazoo Day, to name a few. My favorite January day, though, is Leave a Three-Course Meal at the Front Door of Your Pastor Day. (OK, I made that up, but it makes more sense to me than days to appreciate houseplants or squirrels.)
As a priest, I’m pretty much “celebrated out” at this time of year, after Masses for Christmas, the feast of the Holy Family, the solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the solemnity of the Epiphany and then the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. They come one after another — boom, boom, boom — with hardly a chance to catch your breath. I’m welcoming the somewhat “nothing season” of Ordinary Time. Many people are uncomfortable with “nothing time” and seek to fill it instead with all kinds of activities. It reminds me of this story told by Alan Wilson: An extreme sports fanatic scaled the famous 120-foot Christ the Redeemer statue on Cordovado mountain
1838-1918 Barbara Koob was born in Germany and moved to the United States with her family when she was 2. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York, serving for 20 years as a teacher and hospital administrator. In 1883, she traveled with six Sisters to Hawaii to minister to people with Hansen’s Disease, then known as leprosy. In 1888, they opened a home on Molokai for women and girls with the disease and continued the work of St. Damien de Veuster after his death. Mother Marianne died on Molokai; her feast is her birthday. At her canonization in 2012, Pope Benedict XVI called her “a shining example of the tradition of Catholic nursing Sisters and of the spirit of her beloved St. Francis.”
in Rio de Janeiro and jumped from its outstretched arms. For the first-ever such leap, Felix Baumgartner, a 30-yearold Austrian, smuggled his parachute onboard the train that takes tourists up the 2000foot mountain to visit the statue. Baumgartner scaled the gray stone figure of Christ, climbed onto one of its fingers and jumped. His parachute worked and he was not injured. Wilson concludes by saying: “How many people approach life like this daredevil? Rather than turning to the One who invites all who are weary to come to him and find rest, many prefer to jump from the safety of his hands.” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) Hopefully, I’m not violating the spirit of “Nothing Day” by suggesting that you “do” something — turn to God — on Jan. 16. (It’s a philosophical conundrum, isn’t it, to consider if it’s possible to “do” nothing. But I’ll leave
that discussion to minds more astute than mine.) I’d like to propose giving “nothing prayer” a try. Often in prayer, we “fill the time” with Scripture, saying the rosary, reading a spiritual book, etc. While all of those things are wonderful, for at least one of your prayer times this week, leave all of those items behind. Instead, just sit with the Lord, and savor simply being in God’s presence. This is a remarkably fruitful, but challenging, way to pray. To get ready to pray in this way, I find it helpful to repeat the words of Psalm 46, Verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse was used by one of our second-grade teachers to great effect with his class. He’d start by saying the whole verse, and then on each subsequent repetition would leave off the last word. Eventually, you’re left with: “Be still.” And then, “Be.” Suddenly, you’ll find yourself at peace with nothing but you and God together . . . and that’s really something!
Paul explains our role as part of the body of Christ
T Marianne Cope
JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
his Sunday, St. Paul says that God has designed our bodies for union with him and has made us parts of Christ’s body. Christ is in us; we are in him. This is a closeness to God more intimate than we can comprehend. The odd thing is that in the middle of talk about God’s presence in us, Paul makes reference to sexual sin. How did that get into the discussion, we might wonder. Why Paul mentions sexual sin becomes clearer if we restore the sentences that have been omitted (for understandable reasons) by those who composed
,
KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
the Lectionary. In what has been deleted, Paul counsels the men in the
church to stop going to the brothel. He gets into speaking about our being parts of Christ’s body because that helps to show what’s wrong with prostitution. Guys, how can you take a part of Christ’s body — which is what you are — and use it to violate the dignity of a woman who is one of his human creatures? In his brief discussion of sex, Paul cites
the Book of Genesis. When a man and a woman have sexual relations, they become “one flesh.” It is not just sexual organs but two whole persons that are joined together. Our sexuality, then, is a capacity to be profoundly united with another person; it is a kind of powerful adhesive. (Genesis speaks of husband and wife “clinging” or “cleaving” to each other — the word means “sticking”). So, what if a man and a woman unite sexually but do not also join their lives? After an hour or a few weeks or some years, they go their separate ways. What effect will that have? They have used
their most powerful personal adhesive to join but have ripped apart. What happens to two boards that are glued together and are then torn apart? If I engage a woman’s deepest capacity for union and then walk away, she will be hurt; her capacity for union with another person will be damaged — and so will mine. I will have harmed myself. As Paul says, “The immoral person sins against his own body.” There is a positive side to this. Just as sex outside marriage does harm, the lovemaking of husband and wife is kind of Velcro that can fasten their two lives, two hearts, together.
Pope says he was ‘astonished’ by violence at U.S. Capitol ROME (CNS) — Pope Francis said he was “astonished” by the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol, especially because the people of the United States are “so disciplined in democracy.” In an interview with Italy’s Canale 5, scheduled for broadcast Jan. 10, the pope was asked about Trump supporters storming the Capitol, leaving five people dead. Violence, he said, must always be
condemned, but it also is true that in even the most “mature” societies, there are violent minorities, “people taking a path against the community, against democracy, against the common good.” “But thank God this erupted and people could see it well. That way it can be remedied,” he said. “No nation can brag about never having a case of violence — it happens. We must understand it,
so it is not repeated — learn from history, right?” The full interview aired Jan. 10, including a segment where Pope Francis spoke about the COVID-19 vaccine. From an ethical point of view, he said, “I think everyone must take the vaccine; it’s the ethical option because you are playing with your health, life, but you also are playing with the lives of others.”
COLUMNISTS
JANUARY 15, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Vaccines are ethical, but advocacy is always needed
A
s the new COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, several people have told me, “I don’t want a vaccine with any connection to abortion.” This is a valid sentiment that most of us would likely echo. At a minimum, it should serve as an important “call to action” for each of us during the course of this pandemic. Even if we decide to get inoculated with a vaccine that was produced using abortionderived human cell lines — which for a serious reason and in the absence of alternatives would not be unethical — we still face a real duty to push back and make known our disagreement with the continued use of these cells by researchers in the pharmaceutical industry and academia. We can do this in several ways. We can write a letter to the editor to heighten public awareness, or contact the pharmaceutical companies that make vaccines, urging
FATHER TAD PACHOLCZYK Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and serves as the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.
them to discontinue their use of abortionderived cell lines. If they do so, we should also thank them. We can similarly initiate discussions with friends or relatives who work in research labs about whether their company or university uses cells derived from abortions. One of the “silver linings” of the COVID19 pandemic is that it
affords us the opportunity to raise awareness about these moral concerns and improve the way that biomedical research is conducted by scientists. I’m often asked whether sample letters are available to help with writing to vaccine manufacturers who use abortion-derived cell lines. An example would be: “I am writing in regard to your COVID19 vaccine. It is my understanding that a cell line originally derived from an abortion is being used in the production of your vaccine. I am contacting you to request that your company stop relying on these cells in the pharmaceutical work that you carry out. Please understand that as one of your potential customers, I am very concerned about these issues. It is my understanding that alternative, non-abortionderived cell sources are available or could be made available. It is important for all of us to show our respect for
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the remains of those children whose lives were taken prematurely, and one way we can do this is by avoiding these cell lines in scientific research and pharmaceutical development. Thank you.” Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas and chairman of the USCCB Committee on ProLife Activities, has also prepared a more detailed letter (available at: https://www.usccb. org/resources/Letterto-FDA-urging-ethicalCOVID-vaccines.pdf) that addresses the need to develop vaccines free of entanglements with abortion. While such entanglements remain a significant concern, we also need to be aware how some of our daily activities may have a much more direct connection to the abortion industry. Dr. Melissa Moschella recently observed how getting a vaccine made with the help of an abortion-derived cell line has “less connection to the ongoing evil of abortion than other
actions we engage in on a regular basis, such as doing business with the many companies that donate money directly or indirectly to Planned Parenthood, including Nike, Heinz, Energizer, Clorox, Facebook, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, CVS, Walmart, Liberty Mutual, Aetna and hundreds of others.” To put it another way, each time we purchase Tostitos/Frito Lay products, fill our gas tank with ExxonMobil gas or buy Pepsi products, our contribution to the continuation of abortion is significantly more direct than when we receive a vaccine manufactured with abortion-derived fetal cell lines. Widespread corporate collusion in the evil of abortion does not, of course, mitigate the ethical concerns about using cell lines taken from fetal cadavers to produce vaccines. But it does represent another important area where letter-writing, boardroom votes, boycotts and other focused
efforts by stockholders, employees and customers can make a difference when it comes to scaling back the support mechanisms that Planned Parenthood and other abortion-minded organizations rely on. As the Vatican emphasized in its recent “Note on the Morality of Using Some AntiCOVID-19 Vaccines,” the reception of an inoculation made from abortion-derived cells “does not in itself constitute a legitimation” of the practice of abortion. Receiving the stick of the needle today does not mean we are somehow cooperating in an abortion that occurred decades ago and for reasons independent of vaccine production. Each of us has a serious obligation to witness to the inviolability of human life. We need to take the time to speak up so that future vaccines and medicines will be developed without any reliance on abortion-derived materials.
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LOCAL NEWS
JANUARY 15, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Nancy Mellard, the executive vice president and general counsel for the Benefits & Insurance Division of CBIZ, Inc., talked with The Leaven about how the pandemic might impact your retirement.
Start planning for retirement about five years out
T
he closer a person is to retirement, the more worrisome the financial impact of the pandemic is. The Leaven visits with Nancy Mellard, of CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, to discuss what has changed and what has not changed for those workers approaching retirement.
Q. With vaccines now in distri-
bution, some businesses might soon expect to return to normal. Others m i g h t still take ye a r s . W h a t should workers consider if they fear they will not earn as much before retirement as they were expecting?
A
. Most folks that arrive at their retirement date do not declare, “Darn, I saved too much!” If the recent downturn in the economy has adversely affected earnings/savings ability and potential, retirement planners have a few options. One option, though not desirable, is pushing back the retirement date. This lengthens the time horizon for savers and allows existing retirement assets time to grow. Another less-than-desirable option is to reduce the amount that one withdraws from retirement nest eggs in the future. Both of these options are things
investors should consider as they approach retirement, even if there isn’t a pandemic.
Q.
Some people don’t realize there is a “catch up” option for people over 50, regarding their 401(k)s and Roths. Could you explain what that is and how it works?
A
. The government allows those over age 50 to contribute more dollars to retirement accounts. In general, participants in 401(k)s, 403(b)s and 457 plans can contribute $19,500 in 2020. The “catch up” provision allows participants to defer an additional $6,500. For those savers who contribute to IRAs, the $6,000 annual limit has a catch up provision for an additional $1,000 for those who are age 50 and over.
Q
. What other developments do you see on the horizon that will impact people hoping to retire in the next five years?
A
. There has been much discussion about possible legislative changes to retirement accounts with a new administration. For now, it is probably prudent to use existing law for planning and wait for 2021 to unfold.
Q
. What kind of help do you think the average worker needs to make good investment decisions in the years before retirement?
A
. Good tax and investment planning go hand-in-hand when approaching retirement. Planning should begin about five years before retirement. That might seem like a long time to plan, but the goal is to try to take
market timing out of the equation and give retirees adequate time to reposition investment portfolios and develop plans. If you are within five years, no need to panic. But it’s a good New Year’s resolution.
Q
. Where should they go for that help?
A
. Talk with your existing accountant and financial adviser. If you do your own taxes, think about retaining an accountant to help with transitions. Many do-it-yourselfers appreciate a second set of eyes in the year leading up to and after retirement. The same goes for investments. Go to your existing adviser to map out a plan to reposition assets to meet retirement funding goals. If you invest on your own, you may want to seek an opinion from an adviser to confirm your plan or expand it.
Q
. What should individuals look for in terms of qualifications of an individual they seek investment help from?
A
. It is essential that they trust their adviser. An individual needs to know that the person and firm they work with serves as a fiduciary, who puts the individual’s interest first. Firms should have Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs) to select investments and determine allocations. This is the highest level of accreditation in the investment industry. Individuals are better served by fee-based advisers as opposed to commission-based arrangements, due to the alignment of interests. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) are also well-educated with assisting those
nearing retirement. Get references and make sure the trust factor is present.
Q
. Finally, there is always a lot of standard advice available for people five years from retirement. But none of that advice factored in a global pandemic. How will this experience change how you advise people in the future? Any final words of wisdom?
A
. The pandemic created a market cycle in nine months. Investors saw both down and up markets over this time frame. Typically, market cycles take years to unfold. An investor can see in 2020 how investments performed in both bad and good markets. A welldiversified portfolio should perform well over time and over market cycles. The second quarter of 2020 strained many portfolios while the third and fourth quarters provided dynamic recoveries. Do your homework or get help. Some retirees like to follow investments and have the tools to deliver good results. Others outsource to firms and individuals for expertise and assistance. My final advice is to develop a plan that includes contingencies and reach out for help where needed. Nancy Mellard is executive vice president and general counsel for the Benefits & Insurance Division of CBIZ, Inc. She and her husband Ken have been chairpersons for Snowball and she is currently serving on the finance council for the archdiocese.