1 17 20 Vol. 41 No. 22 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 22 | JANUARY 17, 2020

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT

Retreats help us recharge spiritually, says prayer house director By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ASTON — If you read the Gospels carefully, you will notice that Jesus went on retreats. From the 40 days of being tempted in the desert, to shorter times lasting hours or a day, Jesus felt the need to separate himself from his normal routine and the disciples to spend time alone with God the Father. Think about it: If Jesus went on retreats, shouldn’t we? One of the special places in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas set aside for retreats is Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, located on 120 acres of rolling pastures and timberland 14 miles west of Leavenworth near Easton. Recently, Christ’s Peace announced its 2020 schedule of retreats (see sidebar). What is a retreat? “Making a retreat means taking time to get away from the busyness and stresses of life, to go to another place for some purpose,” said Vince Eimer, director of Christ’s Peace. “Frequently, on a retreat you’ll be taught something.” There are such things as secular retreats done by all kinds of business, governmental and other kinds of entities and organizations. Most of the retreats at Christ’s Peace are religious. “The kinds of retreats we talk about are [directed toward] spending time with God and deepening our relationship with him, and hopefully learning something about building the kingdom among our brothers and sisters,” said Eimer. “[They are places] to learn some skills and become a channel of God’s love.” Retreats have four basic aspects. First, it takes us to a different place. Second, it provides a break in our routine. Third, it involves prayer. Fourth, it involves quiet or even silence. “The best way to have a retreat is to get away from the environment you normally live in,” said Eimer. “So, it’s always good to get away to a place that fosters looking within — places in nature, away from the noise and cities. That’s what we offer here at Christ’s Peace. Why go on a retreat? It’s simple human nature that people get in a rut or a

Retreat schedule for 2020 • Feb. 21-23: St. Ignatius — Discernment of Spirits • March 27-29: St. Therese — The Shroud of Turin • April 17-19: St. Faustina — Divine Mercy • May 15: St. Isidore Day with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann • May 15-17: Thomas Merton — Contemplation and Action • May 22-25: St. John Paul II — Theology of the Body with Father Thomas Loya • June 12-14: Dorothy Day — Social Justice • July 17-19: Katheryn Doherty — A Poustinia Desert Weekend • Aug. 14-16: St. Louis de Montfort — Consecration to Mary • Sept. 11-13: St. Benedict — Work and Holiness • Nov. 6-8: Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin — Family Sanctity • Dec. 4-6: St. John the Baptist — An Advent Silent Retreat • Jan. 8-10, 2021: Spiritual Reflection and Planning

Volunteer opportunities LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Vince Eimer is the director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton. The facility offers several types of retreats for spiritual enrichment. They can be silent, if you so choose. Retreatants can stay with others in the guest rooms or alone in one of the cabins. “IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO GET AWAY TO A PLACE Suggested donations per night, including meals, are: THAT FOSTERS LOOKING WITHIN — PLACES IN cabin/courtyard rooms, $85 single, or $125 couples; single NATURE, AWAY FROM THE NOISE AND CITIES. guest rooms are $50. If you are interested in one THAT’S WHAT WE OFFER HERE AT CHRIST’S PEACE.” of the retreats on the schedule, a retreat as an individual or member of a group, or have routine. They can grow stale or than listed there in the sidebar questions about Christ’s Peace complacent and need a “boost” to the right. A retreat can be deHouse of Prayer, contact Eimer to get them moving, or even a signed for anyone according to “reset” or “refreshment.” the circumstances of his or her by email at: info@christspeace. com; call (913) 773-8255; or visit A retreat can accelerate life. one’s goal to be closer to God Retreats can last from a 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton. Christ’s Peace House of and others, said Eimer. couple hours to days, weekPrayer is on Facebook and its Although Christ’s Peace has ends or weeks. They can be website can be accessed at: a formal retreat schedule, there done in a group or individuare actually more opportunities ally, directed or undirected. archkck.org/cpp.

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Christ’s Peace House of Prayer has a small staff, so they welcome volunteers to help them maintain the buildings, trails and other amenities on the 120-acre property. The volunteers who have helped Christ’s Peace in the past include parish groups, Knights of Columbus councils, AmeriCorps and Catholic HEART Workcamp. “They did work in three days that I thought would take a couple of weeks,” said director Vince Eimer. Christ’s Peace has monthly volunteer weekends. To volunteer, individually or as a group, contact Eimer (see main story).

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

New vocations and religious communities are encouraging signs

am returning today from the “ad limina” visit in Rome that I made with my brother bishops from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. In the future, I hope to communicate some of the experiences and insights gained from my visit with the Holy Father and curial offices in Rome. In last week’s column, I shared with you some of the negative trends revealed by the comparison of this year’s “ad limina” report with that of 2012. In the next two weeks, I want to review with you some of the reasons for hope that I found in reflecting on the current report. One of the most encouraging elements of the comparison of data from 2018 to 2011 is the portion concerning priestly vocations. The number of seminarians actually increased slightly from 28 in 2011 to 30 in 2018. What makes this slight increase more significant is that it reveals that we are more than sustaining the remarkable growth in seminarians that has occurred in the archdiocese for the past 25 years. If you compare the data from 1993 to 2018, in 26 years we have gone from 3 to 30 seminarians. The number of archdiocesan priests has increased by 6% from 99 in 2011 to 105 in 2018. If you add the six priests ordained this past May, the increase is more than 10%. Thirty-five percent of our current 111 archdiocesan priests were ordained since 2005 and 45% of our priests were ordained since 2000. With last year’s ordinations, our number of seminarians is down to 24. However, in December, we had by far the largest number (54) of young men (juniors in high school or older) participate in the annual

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN “Quo Vadis” discernment retreat. Of course with regard to priestly vocations, the quantity is not nearly as important as the quality. Our screening process for admitting candidates to the seminary is greatly improved over the past 25 years. As the New Testament reveals clearly, Jesus did not demand perfection in those he chose to be apostles. We do not expect those entering into seminary formation to be saints. We are looking for men who desire holiness and who are also willing to work conscientiously in their formation to foster psychological and emotional health, to develop good pastoral skills and intellectually to become knowledgeable in Scripture and theology. The two major seminaries (Kenrick-Glennon in St. Louis and St. John Vianney in Denver) that we send our seminarians to have excellent spiritual, human, pastoral and theological formation programs. The seminary formation teams challenge our men not only to build on their strengths, but to be transparent about their weaknesses, so that they can become holy, healthy and well-integrated spiritual fathers for God’s

Announcement Joseph A. Butler & Son Funeral Home has re-opened as

is affiliated with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS “Locally Owned and Operated Since 1904”

1844 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 913-371-7000 “Dignified and Affordable Without Compromise”

people. Leadership is the key to every successful organization and enterprise. This is also true for the church. If we have healthy, holy and dedicated priests, our parishes will prosper and flourish. I believe the future of the priesthood looks bright for the archdiocese. This does not mean that our priests are perfect. Another recent, positive development is the establishment of our ministry for priests. Father Francis Hund visits with every diocesan priest annually to check on his well-being and to help connect him with resources to remain spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and intellectually strong. I take seriously reports of concern about the health and conduct of our priests. On one hand, I do not believe it is prudent for me to attempt to micromanage our parishes. If a priest is a spiritual father, it is inevitable that he will not please every parishioner all the time. At the same time, we investigate carefully serious concerns about a priest. We share with a priest concerns raised about his ministry and, based on the results of our inquiry, we take the next steps. I am also committed to appropriate levels of transparency with parishioners. I believe because of the resources we have

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia

available to investigate serious issues of concern, as well as the assistance we can provide to our priests, our priests and parishes are healthier today. The first permanent deacons were ordained for our archdiocese in 2011 with a second cohort ordained in 2017. Along with those who were ordained in other dioceses but have relocated to our archdiocese, we have almost 50 permanent deacons serving in the archdiocese today. God willing, I will ordain this June a third cohort of approximately 20 men to the permanent diaconate. We have a fourth cohort of another 20 men, who have already begun their formation for the permanent diaconate. The permanent diaconate has been a great enrichment for the archdiocese. Our permanent deacons undergo a five-year formation process in order to be well-equipped to serve in our parishes and other diocesan ministries. I am also encouraged by the state of religious life in the archdiocese. In addition to the blessing of the well-established women’s religious communities in the archdiocese — such as the Sisters, Servants of Mary; Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth; and Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison — we have had several additional communities establish houses in the archdiocese during the past 15 years — e.g., the Apostles of the Interior Life, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, the Little Sisters of the Lamb, the Franciscan Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ, and the Sisters of St. Anne. Likewise, I am edified by the steady stream of new men in formation at

Topeka March for Life Depart for the March for Life

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Jan. 18 Catholic Charities Snow Ball Jan. 20 Martin Luther King Day Mass — Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 21 Kansas Catholic Conference — Topeka Red Mass — Mater Dei Assumption, Topeka Jan. 22 Mass of thanksgiving for the gift of life — Topeka Performing Arts Center

St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison. The archdiocese continues to be blessed with the witness and service of the Carmelite Fathers in Leavenworth and Scipio as well as the Capuchin Franciscan friars serving in Lawrence, Eudora, Perry and Meriden. We also are fortunate to have the priestly service of members of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. I am also encouraged with the arrival of the male counterparts of the Apostles of the Interior Life, the Little Brothers of the Lamb and the Friars of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ. The archdiocese also benefits from the service of the Missionary Fathers of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales. Religious life well-lived serves as leaven within a diocesan

Jan. 23 Mass for Catholic prolife and social justice leaders Vigil Mass for the March for Life — Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. Jan. 24 Mass with archdiocesan March for Life participants March for Life rally Jan. 26 Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 27 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Clergy open house

church, inspiring everyone to seek holiness with greater determination. The growing number of well-formed diocesan priests, the addition of the permanent deacons, and the new religious communities of women and men serving our archdiocese are a source of encouragement to me. I find the quality of our priests, deacons and men and women religious to be bright rays of hope for the future of our archdiocese. Next week, I will conclude this three-part series of my analysis and reflections on the implications of our 2020 “ad limina” report. I will examine in this final article the vitality of the laity within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for next week’s conclusion.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis holds the Book of the Gospels as he celebrates Mass on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1. The pope has established the third Sunday in Ordinary Time as “Sunday of the Word of God.” It will be celebrated for the first time on Jan. 26.

Pope sets special day to honor, study, share the Bible

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By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The newly established “Sunday of the Word of God” is an invitation to Catholics across the world to deepen their appreciation, love and faithful witness to God and his word, Pope Francis said. By papal decree, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time — Jan. 26 this year — is to be observed as a special day devoted to “the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God.” A day dedicated to the Bible will help the church “experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world,” the pope said in the document establishing the special Sunday observance. Dioceses and parishes have been invited to respond with creative initiatives, helpful resources and renewed efforts for helping Catholics engage more deeply with the Bible at church and in their lives. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, said

“WE NEED TO DEVELOP A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH SACRED SCRIPTURE; OTHERWISE, OUR HEARTS WILL REMAIN COLD AND OUR EYES SHUT, STRUCK AS WE ARE BY SO MANY FORMS OF BLINDNESS.” added emphasis on the importance of the word of God is needed because “the overwhelming majority” of Catholics are not familiar with sacred Scripture. For many, the only time they hear the word of God is when they attend Mass, he told Vatican News Sept. 30, 2019, when the papal document, titled “Aperuit Illis,” was published. “The Bible is the most widely distributed book, but it’s also perhaps the one most covered in dust because it is not held in our hands,” the archbishop said.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

With this apostolic letter, the pope “invites us to hold the word of God in our hands every day as much as possible so that it becomes our prayer” and a greater part of one’s lived experience, he said. In his letter, Pope Francis wrote: “A day devoted to the Bible should not be seen as a yearly event but rather a yearlong event, for we urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the risen Lord, who continues to speak his word and to break bread in the community of believers.” “We need to develop a closer relationship with sacred Scripture; otherwise, our hearts will remain cold and our eyes shut, struck as we are by so many forms of blindness,” he wrote. Sacred Scripture and the sacraments are inseparable, he wrote. Jesus speaks to everyone with his word in sacred Scripture, he said, and if people “hear his voice and open the doors of our minds and hearts, then he will enter our lives and remain ever with us.” Pope Francis urged priests to be extra attentive to creating a homily each Sunday that “speaks from the heart” and really helps people understand Scripture “through simple and

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

suitable” language. The homily “is a pastoral opportunity that should not be wasted,” he wrote. “For many of our faithful, in fact, this is the only opportunity they have to grasp the beauty of God’s word and to see it applied to their daily lives.” Pope Francis encouraged people to read the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, “Dei Verbum,” and Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic exhortation on the Bible, “Verbum Domini,” whose teaching remains “fundamental for our communities.” The pope also suggested pastors provide parishioners with the Bible, a book of the Gospels or other catechetical resources, “enthrone” the Bible in order to emphasize the honor and sacred nature of the text, bless or commission lectors of the parish and encourage people to read and pray with Scripture every day, especially through “lectio divina.” “The Bible cannot be just the heritage of some, much less a collection of books for the benefit of a privileged few. It belongs above all to those called to hear its message and to recognize themselves in its words,” the pope wrote.

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Minnis takes Catholic concerns to White House

TCHISON — Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis participated in a briefing at the White House in Washington last December. He and other Catholic leaders brought their policy concerns and asked questions about federal action on issues of importance to Catholics. “Congressman Tim Huelskamp of Kansas invited me to participate in this important meeting,” Minnis said. “He indicated that I should come prepared to discuss issues that Catholics — and in my case, Catholics in higher education — care about. Naturally, life issues and religious liberty are top of mind for us.” Minnis said he focused on three points and left behind information Stephen Minnis on each. First: “Catholics need the freedom to create strong public-service institutions.” “The church has built an incredible network of educational, health care and social institutions, which provide important services to our cities, states and nation,” Minnis said. “But regulations requiring those who serve in the public square to violate their consciences on the right to life and the sanctity of marriage are threatening this important work.” Second: “Catholic colleges need the freedom to strengthen our communities.” He said he was particularly concerned that “free college” plans for a government grab of the higher education sector would undermine and ultimately destroy many private faithbased institutions: • Students would lose the option of learning within a community of faith. • The costs of millions of students would be pushed into the public sector. • Many small towns across the country that depend on these schools would be devastated. Third: Minnis said “Catholics need the right not just to worship but the free exercise of religion, allowing us to prepare students for all walks of life. Too often, aggressive secularization and overreach by government and quasi-governmental bodies make it impossible for Catholics to contribute fully.” This is not the first time Minnis has been tapped to represent Catholic higher education. He was previously invited to participate in the U.S. bishops’ “Ex Corde Ecclesiae” working group and the Vatican’s “Church in America” conference. “I am honored to be invited, but I know they aren’t inviting me as much as they are acknowledging the national reputation Benedictine College has for our commitment to the faith and to Catholic higher education,” said Minnis. “That Benedictine College is included in opportunities like this is due to our strong faculty, administration and board of directors.”

Santa Marta residents showcase some blankets that were donated to homeless teenagers as part of the community’s Fleece 4 Friends initiative. Pictured from left to right are Sue Brown, Donna Strieder, Gay Woosley and Lou Ella Scobie.

Santa Marta brings warmth to homeless teens

LATHE — In 2008, a team member at Santa Marta senior living community kickstarted a charitable initiative geared toward helping underprivileged youth. The program — Fleece 4 Friends — involved residents at the Olathe retirement community making fleece blankets to donate to local homeless teenagers. More than a decade later, the program shows no signs of slowing down. Residents from both the independent living and the assisted living units get together each month to collectively work on the no-sew blankets. Around 20 seniors are currently involved in the endeavor. This year, the blankets were gifted just two days before Christmas. Santa Marta provides materials and tools for the initiative, which has impacted hundreds of teens in need since its humble beginnings. “Philanthropy is an important part of our community culture; many of

our residents recognize how blessed they have been throughout their lives and are committed to paying it forward,” said Gina Zwickel, director of resident operations at Santa Marta. Zwickel, who helps coordinate the program, has been part of the community’s management team for 11 years. “A majority of homeless teens don’t receive gifts for Christmas,” she said, “so we provide the blankets during the holiday season to let them know there are people out there who love and care for them. Staying warm is also critical during the wintertime.” The program recently began repurposing plastic bags to make sleeping mats as well. Residents cut and tie the bags into ropes and crochet them into pads and cushions intended to bring comfort to the homeless. Resident Gay Woosley has been involved with the program since she first moved to Santa Marta in mid-2018. Despite being relatively new to the community, she

said the opportunity to give back through Fleece 4 Friends has been one of the most rewarding aspects of living there. “It’s been very worthwhile,” said Woosley. “I’ve been involved in volunteer work all my life, and Fleece 4 Friends has a special place in my heart, because it gives me the opportunity to do something I’ve always loved. “It’s also fun and a great way to connect with my fellow residents while helping people who are experiencing hardship.” Her sentiments were echoed by other participants. “Giving back is so important, especially to kids who need it most,” said resident Lou Ella Scobie, a veteran of the initiative since 2014. “We all absolutely love it.” “Knowing we’re putting smiles on people’s faces is what has kept this program thriving for so long,” said Zwickel. “We’re looking forward to making a difference by helping others in need for many more years to come.”

Martin Luther King Day celebration set for Jan. 20

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The man who more than any other personified the struggle for equal rights in the United States will be honored at the 36th Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Celebration on Jan. 20 at the Reardon Civic Center here, located at 500 Minnesota Ave. The theme of the celebration is taken from the words of King himself: “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” Separate from the event but related to the national observance, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate

Mass at 9 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas. The pre-service events will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will include presentations by individual youths, youth groups, a Mass choir, and church youth dance and praise teams. The formal program will begin at 11 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, and host of a daily radio show “Go Ask Your Father” on Relevant Radio. A celebration highlight will be the inaugural announcement of the office

of the Wyandotte County district attorney’s Scholarship Program. Thirty graduating high school seniors who have exemplified by deeds their belief in King’s dream will receive the Rev. C.E. Taylor/ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Scholarship. More than $1 million has been awarded to deserving students since the first Kansas City, Kansas, Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration. Scholarship donations can be made online at: www.growyourgiving.org. On the homepage, click on “Greater Giving,” then “Contributing,” then “Give to a Community Foundation Fund” where you’ll see the holiday celebration listed. Churches, organizations and individuals are encouraged to bring canned goods, which will be donated to various food pantries.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Sharon Vallejo to lead Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sharon Vallejo, a 19-year veteran of cemetery management with hands-on operational experience, has been promoted to the position of president/CEO of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas. She succeeds Robert W. Chenoweth, who led the organization for 15 years and retired effective Dec. 31, 2019. Father Jerry Volz, chairman of the Catholic Cemeteries board of directors, acknowledged Chenoweth for his service and leadership, which encompassed the expansion of the number of cemeteries managed by the archdiocesan organization and a strong maintenance and beautification program. Father Volz also praised Chenoweth’s successor and the ability she brings to the position. “Sharon brings excellent skills to her new role,” he said, “along with her commitment to further the ministry of Catholic Cemeteries, enhance its outreach and customer service, and achieve continued financial growth.” In her new role, Vallejo plans to remain focused on building relationships with priests, parish staff, funeral homes and Catholic Cemeteries’ employees — all toward the shared goal of serving families and individuals during times of grief and as they make burial pre-arrangements. “Through the years,” said Vallejo, “I have strived to learn [the] scope of the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

Sharon Vallejo is the new president/CEO of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas. She is pictured above in the Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas. cemetery business and developed deep respect for our ministry. Being with and serving individuals and families as they experience loss are important roles entrusted to our Catholic Cemeteries team.” “Our mission statement captures the reason we exist and the spirit that compels our service,” she continued. “It states: ‘As a ministry of the Catholic Church, we bury the dead with dignity and respect; we comfort the living with compassion and concern; and we pro-

vide sacred space for remembering.’” Vallejo joined Catholic Cemeteries in 2000 as office manager. In this key position, she spearheaded accounting efforts to transition to tax exemption as a nonprofit organization; supervised budgeting and forecasting, as well as the monitoring and review of finances; and directed major conversions to electronic systems for record-keeping and payroll. She was also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety policies and

Archdiocese aids Hurricane Dorian relief

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Although the storm may be a rapidly receding memory to some, parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas have not forgotten that those recovering from Hurricane Dorian still need help. On Dec. 19, 2019, the archdiocese sent relief funds to affected areas in the Bahamas and areas of the United States. The Category 5 storm barreled through the Caribbean and then up the East Coast of the United States and Canada, hitting northern Bahamas hardest of all on Sept. 1, 2019. Hurricane Dorian was the worst natural disaster in the history of the Bahamas, causing 65 deaths for the island country; 282 are still missing. The 185-mile-per-hour winds and 25-foot storm surge, in addition to causing death and injury, caused an estimated $3.4 billion in damage. The archdiocese sent one check for $25,235 to Catholic Charities USA for hurricane relief in the United States, and another check for $25,235 to Catholic Relief Services for their efforts in the Bahamas. Six of the seven Catholic Charities agencies in Florida have provided services to and hosted Bahamian refugees, according to Catholic Charities USA. Agencies from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, St. Augustine and Venice have completed their assistance. The Dioceses of Orlando and Palm Beach, and the Archdio-

CNS PHOTO/AL DIAZ, MIAMI HERALD VIA REUTERS

Destruction from Hurricane Dorian is seen at Marsh Harbour in Great Abaco Island, Bahamas, Sept. 4, 2019. In time for Christmas, a trailer loaded with supplies furnished through donations from Catholics and charitable foundations around the South Florida region, reached the Bahamas capital and port city of Nassau Dec. 7, according to Peter Routsis-Arroyo, director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. cese of Miami, continue to provide social services to 1,500 Bahamian evacuee families. As of Nov. 14, 2019, these three di-

oceses determined that post-disaster services will continue until June of this year.

adherence to maintenance guidelines to keep nine geographically dispersed cemeteries in a highly functional and well-groomed condition. In addition to her extensive experience, Vallejo has a bachelor of arts in management and human relations from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe. She also earned a fouryear curriculum certificate from the Notre Dame School of Leadership and Management Excellence, South Bend, Indiana. Vallejo is a longtime resident of Kansas City, Kansas, where she attends daily Mass at St. Patrick Parish. She is a member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas provides perpetual care for seven cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson counties and for Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, and Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lansing. The organization offers a variety of interment/entombment options and works to ensure that personal or family preferences are central to burial plans. Counselors are available to meet with families 365 days of the year to arrange at-need and preneed purchases and services. “We recognize that our cemeteries are an extension of the Catholic Church,” concluded Vallejo. “Our team members are dedicated to respectfully caring for the deceased and providing a place of comfort for family members and friends.”

Sister Ann Catherine Burger

ICHITA — Sister Ann Catherine Burger, 98, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, died Jan. 4 in Marian Hall at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent here. Sister Ann Catherine was the oldest of 14 children — seven boys and seven girls — born to Mary Elizabeth (Haines) Burger and Julius Anthony Burger on Aug. 25, 1921, in Kansas City, Kansas. She attended elementary school at St. Thomas in Kansas City, Kansas, then completed high school at Bishop Ward in Kansas City, Kansas. After completing high school, she entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wichita and was received into the community on April 2, 1940. First profession of vows followed on Aug. 15, 1942, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1945. Her education included a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Friends University in Wichita, with additional study at Marymount, Salina; St. Mary’s College, Leavenworth; and the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana. She had an 18-year teaching career in Coffeyville, Fort Scott, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Kingman and Wichita in Kansas before she went into medical technology. She spent 23 years at hospitals in Dodge City, Pratt, Ulysses and Wichita in Kansas and in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She was well known in the Hilltop area of Wichita through Dear Neighbor Ministries. She would drive a golf cart around the neighborhood to visit the families and find out what they needed. Among survivors are Father Ray Burger and Father Frank Burger of the archdiocese.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

The wisdom of ‘I don’t know’

once read an interview with a pastor who said that the most important thing a parent can say to a child is often, “I don’t know.” His words rattled me as a parent. Wasn’t my job to fill my children with knowledge? Wasn’t my role to pass down truth? Didn’t my authority as an adult depend on having answers? But I decided to try out his advice. For the next few months, I tried saying, “I don’t know” more often. Rather than trying to come up with all the answers to my kids’ questions, I started admitting when I had no clue. Whether for facts I forgot (“Why is the sky blue?”) or ancient, unanswerable problems (“Why does God let people suffer?”), I discovered that “I don’t know” became the beginning of memorable conversations — rather than closing the door to my kids’ quest for knowledge. In my experiment of embracing the unknown, I discovered that there are three ways to frame

Mass at 9 a.m. Feb. 1

MT CALVARY, KCK George J. Alonge Candelaria F. Alvarado Roseann Anzek Michael A. Bahr George Baptist Paul Barbarich Florence A. Bialek Helen Borzymowski Fr. James V. Brown Mike Brulja Margaret Devero Elivira Gonzales Arthur Haug Virginia Helliker Mee Her Joe A. Hernandez Sr. Elia O. Ibarra Lillian L. Knoff Pascuala Mendez Michael Meyer Everardo Meza Mary A. Mikesic Gilbert B. Muzquiz Clayton Park Donald Park Virginia Province Paulo Ramirez Esperanza Reyes Eugene G. Scherer James M. Solsky Joseph Tanner Jesus Cortez Vaca Juanita Vaca Carmen Villalpando Catherine F. Vrbanac Henry A. Wille Jr. Charles L. Weaver Patricia J. Zamora RESURRECTION Marilyn F. Ameche

LAURA KELLY FANUCCI Fanucci is a mother, writer and director of a project on vocation at the Collegeville Institute in Collegeville, Minnesota. She is the author of several books, and blogs at: www.motheringspirit.com.

“I don’t know” toward the children (and adults) in our lives. We can invite them into a shared search for knowledge: “I don’t know, but let’s learn together!” We can let other people teach us: “I don’t know, but who else could help us figure it out?” We can wonder together about the unknowable: “I don’t know, but it’s a great question. What do you think?”

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

Guadalupe G. Andrade Joan M. Arehart Rejeanne Bagley Robert Banach Michael Bayne Dr. Marion F. Biondo Luis E. Briseno Rose M. Brown Clark Campbell Helen F. Campbell Carl K. Carpenter Charles R. Coughlin Linda C. Curtis Barbara L. DeGrande Janet Dillman Catherine Edge Clement F. Egger William G. Fairchild Elois Frechette Barbara Graham Karla Green Jeanne Hallinan Judith D. Hanson Frank C. Hauber Aiden D. Herman Virginia Hermes Michael F. Hickey Frances C. Hill Joseph A. Horvat David Huff Susan Kagiri Anna Kloster Herbert Kloster Donald L. Knighton Dr. Donald H. Krause James R. Kudlinski Jeanine M. Lane Timothy C. Leary Baby Loya Melissa A. MacDonald Albert S. Madrigal John P. Malbon

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

Joseph Marciniak Barbara Mathewson Theodore R. McClard Patrick Mckessor Hope Gian Mirarchi Harold Mueller Violet Munshi Dolores M. Murphy Mary E. Newbanks Peter Nguyen Susan Nurnberger Patricia Palmer Wanda L. Peluso Ella Mae Pias Joseph O. Preston Peter J. Pruneda Dale Putman John A. Pyle Teresa S. Quinn Barbara Redlin Lola J. Redmond Richard D. Reyes Mary K. Reynolds Andrea S. Rice William M. Richmond Lawrence Riley Joann V. Rodriguez Melania A. Rosenberg Ernest J. Rupp Sr. Edward L. Sammarco Albert Savala Jr. Logan Schmidt Christina M. Sharpton Jonathan Sinclair Evelyn A. Smith Robert E. Smith Sr. James Sullivan Arlene R. Swenson Nancy Temoshek Maria Lucia Vidal Edna E. Warman Walter Weaver

As parents, grandparents, teachers or pastors, we can never have all the answers. But we can welcome each question as a holy invitation. The church tells parents they are the first catechists of their children. But in my work with families in parishes, the vast majority of parents are intimidated — not affirmed — by this prospect. They don’t think they know enough. They aren’t sure what they believe. They worry about their

Holy Trinity Chapel

Mount Calvary Cemetery 801 SW Westchester Rd. Topeka

Franz K. Winklhofer ST. JOSEPH Dorothy M. Geary Bernard Klein Patrick Sullivant Timothy Van De Berghe ST. JOHN, LENEXA Eugene O. Allen Diane Halbert GATE OF HEAVEN Alfredo Calderon Jr. Lisa R. Collins Billie Courtney Robert J. Goossen Robert P. Heath Gustavo Hernandez Juarez Bertha M. Marshall Ruth A. Morris Mary Lou Stika Eugene Thomeczek James Whisman MT CALVARY, TOPEKA Lawrence J Beier Jack R. Bone Frances Cervantez Elizabeth E Conrad David J Desch Goldie K Desch John P Desch Edward H Dillon Mary Alice Dominguez Clifford G “Hap” Eiche Teresa M Escobar Barbara L Estes Rita R Fairbanks George A Garcia Rosallie S Garcia Ruth Gardner

Rosemary Hackett Linda D. Hager Nancy H Halford Sandra Halligan Mary Ann Heit Harold J. Henning Walter M Holmes Marcelina O Juarez John W Kelly Michael H Kelly Normand Landry Mary K Langer Gerald Letourneau Vikki L Long Jill Ann Monie Karen E Ostrander Gerald Letourneau Louise M Letourneau Pound Adam J. Long Bernard C. Long Marie M Putnam Edward L Schiffelbein Richard A Schiffelbein James D “Jim” Sheehan Clyde L. Sheets Virginia Smith Virginia Huckabee Specht Robert “Bob” J Streff Helen M Thomas Paul V. Urbom John O Williamson Agnes M Wrenn

children asking questions they can’t answer. Yet the Gospels are full of questions. Jesus’ favorite response to any request or challenge is to ask a question in return. Even the answers he offers are often hidden in parables, beyond simple and satisfying solutions or black-and-white clarity. Teaching younger generations is not simply the transmission of facts, satisfying the need for certainty. It models that faith is another way of knowing, engaging

heart and soul as well as mind and body, drawing us closer to God who understands and embraces our questions. In an era when we can Google everything, always a click away from instant answers, the chance to rest in unknowing can become an unexpected opportunity. Curiosity, imagination and wonder are holy gifts. Turns out that maturity is not the accumulation of answers, but the deepening of wisdom — which is humility in

the face of all we do not know. Stand-up comedians rely on a two-word phrase that packs a punch for improvisational comedy. “Yes, and . . .” allows the comic to accept whatever crazy premise their partner offered and build on it to advance the scene. Admitting “I don’t know, but . . .” can be just as powerful. It opens the path toward wisdom. It teaches the humility of limitation. It embraces the mystery of unknowing-yettrusting at the heart of faith. Children are used to not knowing as part of their stage in life. But as adults we mistake “I don’t know” for failure or weakness. Yet unknowing can become the beginning of prayer. The strength found in surrender to God’s wisdom. The vulnerability that leads to deeper relationship with God and each other. Saying “I don’t know” can become a spiritual practice to embrace in 2020. How might this new year inspire your quest for deeper wisdom and better questions?

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

IGNITE rally open to all

Cathy (Badami) and Joseph Bellafiore, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 21. The couple was married on Jan. 21, 1970, at St. Viator Church, Las Vegas. They will celebrate with a Mass, blessing and dinner with family, and then head off on a cruise to the Caribbean. Their children are: Christina, Toni Jo and JoAnn. They also have one grandson. Joseph J. and Mary Ann (Bish) Spohn, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Jan. 23 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Jan. 23, 1960, at St Nicholas Church, Struthers, Ohio. Their children are: Joseph J. II (deceased), Theresa, Gerald and Donna. They also have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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

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T PHOTO COURTESY OF GRATIA PLENA

Gratia Plena, a house of discernment for women, shown in an artist’s rendering above, will have a fundraiser on Feb. 1.

Gratia Plena House fundraiser set for Feb. 1 at Holy Trinity

ENEXA — Gratia Plena, a house of discernment for women here, was founded to provide a spiritual and supportive environment in which women can live and grow in holiness while discerning God’s call for their lives. In support of this important ministry, Gratia Plena will have its first fundraising dinner event on Feb. 1 in Father Quigley Hall at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. The evening includes a social hour, dinner catered by Paulo and Bill American Bistro and a presentation by Sister

Marie Hesed. Sister Marie, now a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, was one of the first Sisters to join the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity. She worked with St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and spent 27 years establishing new convents for the contemplative nuns. For more information and to order tickets, visit the website at: gratiaplenaks.org and click on “Events.”

OPEKA — The Kansas March for Life will kick off again this year with the IGNITE youth pro-life rally on Jan. 22 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Although the IGNITE rally has a special emphasis on youth, anyone of any age may also come to the rally and the following events, said Debra Niesen, pro-life consultant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in • 8:30 a.m.— Kansas. Doors open • 9 a.m. — ProThe Topeka gram begins Performing Arts • 11 a.m. — Mass Center is at 214 with the Kansas S.E. 8th Ave. The bishops event is spon• 12:30 p.m. — sored by the March to the CapiArchdiocese of tol for the Kansans Kansas City in for Life rally Kansas and the pro-life office. The keynote address will be given by D.J. Hueneman, a dynamic youth speaker who enjoys sharing important life topics with humor and love. His experiences as a Catholic husband, father, firefighter and pregnancy center counselor make him passionate about the gospel of life, said Niesen. The doors open at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program, a Mass at 11 a.m. with the Catholic bishops of Kansas and the march to the Capitol. There’s no cost, but participants must register online at: www.archkck. org/ignite.

Schedule

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MEET SOME ANGELS OF THE

By David Gibson Catholic News Service

“I

n my old age ‘angels,’ as I call them, have come to me,” a 95-yearold woman named Erminia told Pope Francis during his March 2015 visit to Naples, Italy. Her angels included “young and not-soyoung people,” she explained. They “help me, visit me, support me in my daily struggles.” Erminia found herself “alone, increasingly fragile and in need of help” after her husband died. But she encountered a Christian community “where affection and gratuity are lived” and where her angels brought her “strength and courage.” Why did Erminia think those aiding her resembled angels in their generous friendship? Possibly she just found them God-like. Psalm 91 speaks of angels God sends to guard people. “With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone,” it confidently states (11-12). Did Erminia welcome her angels because they so hospitably welcomed her, not considering her age an obstacle? Hospitality, a virtue often judged especially timely today, is linked in Scripture at one point with an incident involving angels. The patriarch Abraham demonstrated generous hospitality in Genesis 18 when three strangers stopped outside his tent. We learn that this threesome actually included God and two angels. Abraham’s hospitality prompted the author of the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews to advise early Christians not to “neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (13:2). Angels appear in Scripture a remarkable number of times, good angels who remain close to God and some bad angels, whom Scripture says warred against God (Rv 12:7-9). Sometimes Scripture’s angels keep silent; only their actions are witnessed. Other times angels announce tremendous news. Typically, Scripture’s angels bear some kind of message. Scholars observe that the Greek and Hebrew roots of our word “angel” signify a messenger of God. In Luke’s Gospel the angel Gabriel delivered astonishing news to Mary, an as-yet-unmarried young woman. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” Indeed, “of his kingdom there will be no end,” Gabriel told Mary (1:31, 33). When Mary asked how this could be, the angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (35). Where will you find angels in Scripture? Think of the time after Jesus’ resurrection when the apostles were jailed in Jerusalem. “The angel of the Lord” came at night, unlocked the doors and led the apostles out, according to the

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

SAVING ANGEL

An icon painted by Augustinian Father Richard G. Cannuli shows an angel saving Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from a furnace, where they had been sentenced to death by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a golden statue. The biblical story is told in the Book of Daniel. The icon is pictured in Rome April 12.

Acts of the Apostles 5:19. Also, as St. Paul sailed toward Italy, aiming to bring the Gospel to Rome, a fearsome storm arose at sea, threatening all on board. Nonetheless, Paul urged everyone to keep their courage, saying:

“Last night an angel of the God to whom [I] belong stood by me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You are destined to stand before Caesar.’” What’s more, “God has granted safety to all who are sailing with you” (Acts 27:2224). Sometimes an angel spells out a great event’s meaning. This happened the first Christmas. Announcing Jesus’ birth to shepherds “keeping the night watch” (Lk 2:8), an angel clarified the new child’s identity. He is, the angel explained, “a savior” and “Messiah and Lord” (2:11). Then, suddenly, that angel was joined by many, by “a multitude of the

heavenly host,” that is (2:13). Angels are on hand at key moments that illuminate the connection between divine and human life. Pope Francis suggested as much in a July 8, 2019, homily. He recalled the angels of Genesis 28, who appeared in a memorable dream the patriarch Jacob had. If you’ve heard of “Jacob’s ladder,” you know something about Jacob’s dream. The New American Bible insists, though, that the term “ladder” be translated instead as “stairway.” In Jacob’s dream “a stairway rested on the ground,” its top reaching toward the heavens. “God’s angels were going

E BIBLE

CNS PHOTO/CROSIERS

THE MESSENGER

An angel is shown at Christ’s empty tomb in this stained-glass window. Angels are messengers; the Greek word, “angelos,” translates as “messenger.”

up and down” it (28:12). Awakening, Jacob declared this place “the gateway to heaven” (28:17). The angels on Jacob’s staircase were unheard. But with them was “the God of Abraham” and “of Isaac,” Jacob’s grandfather and father (28:13). “In you and your descendants all the families of the earth will find blessing,” God promised in the dream (28:14). Since the angels on Jacob’s staircase moved “up and down” it, they were not ascending only out of this world. The staircase “represents the connection between the divine and the human,” Pope Francis affirmed. He delivered his homily on the sixth anniversary of his 2013 visit to Lampedusa, a southern Mediterranean island. His hope there had been to alert the world to the tragedy of countless, desperate migrants who drowned while attempting a voyage in unsafe or overcrowded crafts from African coasts to European shores. Climbing Jacob’s staircase “requires commitment, effort and grace. The weakest and most vulnerable must be helped,” said the pope. He connected Jacob’s staircase with the life of the world to come, yes, but with faith’s expression in this world too. “I like to think,” he said, “that we could be those angels ascending and descending, taking under our wings the little ones, the lame, the sick, those excluded,” who otherwise might never experience “in this life anything of heaven’s brightness.”

CNS PHOTO/DOMINIC EBENBICHLER, REUTERS

ALWAYS WATCHING

An angel statue is pictured at a grave during dusk at a cemetery in the western Austrian village of Absam Oct. 30. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says our guardian angels “always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (18:10).

OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS

By Shemaiah Gonzalez Catholic News Service

here are moments in my life I don’t understand. Moments where I knew God cared for me in a way I just can’t explain

away. Like two years ago, I was walking down the street in Edinburgh, on a solo trip to Scotland. I stepped off the curb into the street, only to automatically step back onto the curb. A split second later, a bus whooshed past me. I had forgotten traffic was behind me, instead of front, like in the United States and had walked right into the line of traffic. The bus driver would not have had time to brake. As I watched the advertisement on the side of the bus whiz past my face, I knew something had intervened. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’ Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (No. 336). A guardian angel has been assigned to guard each one of us, helping us avoid spiritual and physical dangers especially if it will guide us to salvation.

“

“BESIDE EACH BELIEVER STANDS AN ANGEL AS PROTECTOR AND SHEPHERD LEADING HIM TO LIFE.” In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says our guardian angels “always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (18:10). Angels are messengers (the Greek, “angelos,” translates as “messenger”) in the heavenly court; they may behold the face of God and communicate his love and protection to those who cannot see God. In my mid-20s, the man I had dated for several years broke off our engagement. I was shattered. I moved to a city where I knew no one, hoping for a fresh start, but my loneliness was eating me alive. On the weekends, I’d go for hikes outside the city limits. It was there I discovered my devastation had turned into prayers of lament. As I prayed, I hiked the trails each weekend, frustrated at my ex, at myself and at God. One Saturday, I didn’t think God was really listening to me. Nothing had changed. I was still distraught and so sick of being alone. I stood at the trailhead, not certain I really wanted to hike that day, when a man tugged at my sleeve, “Are you coming

or not?” I didn’t care anymore. I was so desperate; I followed this man who I didn’t know into the woods. We hiked for hours. We talked about the trails, the new city and shared trail mix. Back at the parking lot, he shook my hand, said thanks and took off. I returned to my car feeling refreshed, encouraged and less lonely. When I looked back to see my hiking partner I couldn’t find him anywhere. The thing is, I was at a crossroads that morning. I really didn’t know if I wanted to believe anymore. My faith hadn’t seemed to have got me anywhere. I was afraid to go into the forest, but I was afraid to go home too. Was my hiking partner a guardian angel? I don’t know. But I look back to that day over and over again as a day where God met my loneliness in a very tangible way. He let me know he was listening. Starting up my car to return home, I knew I believed and would keep pressing on in faith. The psalmist says, “No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone” (Ps 91:10-12). So we pray: “Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

McCarrick moves from Kansas friary By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Theodore McCarrick, the former cardinal who was laicized by the Vatican in 2019 after numerous claims of abuse by him were substantiated, moved Jan. 3 from the Capuchin Franciscan friary in Kansas where he had been living since late 2018. McCarrick made the move on his own accord, according to a spokesman for the Capuchin Franciscan province that oversees the friary. The former prelate had stayed a little over one year at St. Fidelis Friary, run by the Capuchin Franciscan order in Victoria, Kansas, in the Diocese of Salina in the northwestern part of the state. While his new residence has not been publicly disclosed, one diocese vociferously declared that McCarrick was not within its territory. “Rumors that the former cardinal Theodore McCarrick has moved to Jacksonville and is staying at a priest retirement facility in the Diocese of St. Augustine are absolutely false. The diocese has made no arrangements for McCarrick to stay at any of its church-owned properties,” said a Jan. 8 statement from Kathleen Bagg, diocesan communications director for the northeast Florida diocese. The election of a new provincial for the Denver-based Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Conrad had no influence on McCarrick’s decision to leave, according to Capuchin Father Joseph Mary Elder, director of communications and vocations for the province, which also has a friary in San Antonio within its boundaries. “There was nothing on our part” that suggested McCarrick leave, Father Elder said. “Our provincial was very clear with him.” Nor was space an issue. Fewer than 10 Capuchins live at St. Fidelis. “It’s a huge place. We have our meetings there and we have enough room for almost everybody,” Father Elder told CNS in a Jan. 10 telephone interview. “There may have been concern on his part on the report coming from Rome” stemming from the allegations that first surfaced in 2018, Father Elder added. “But that is just conjecture on my part. He was free to stay as long as he wanted to.” But “he had to be supervised at all times,” Father Elder told CNS. “The friary is a big building that adjoins a church,” and behind the church was a school, he added. Wherever McCarrick moved to, he kept his own counsel on the matter. “The only knowledge we have is that he made plans to leave, and we were privy to his plans,” Father Elder told CNS. “That was the first time I heard any plausible location to where he might be.” After a query from CNS, Paula Gwynn Grant, secretary of communications for the Archdiocese of Washington, where McCarrick had served as archbishop, said in an email: “We understand that Mr. Theodore McCarrick has moved. As he is now a layperson, he is responsible for his own actions.”

In secularized culture, bishops must give bold witness, archbishop says By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite recent studies that indicate a rise in secularism, bishops must continue to give witness to God’s love by laying down their lives for their flocks, said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas. Referring to a Pew Research Center study released in December, Archbishop Naumann encouraged bishops to “not concede without a fight a single soul to the darkness of unbelief, of life without the friendship and love of Jesus.” “Despite the findings of Pew studies, let us commit ourselves to laying down our lives with love in our efforts to restore and, in some way, instill eucharistic amazement in the hearts of our people,” the archbishop said in his homily Jan. 14 during Mass at the Rome Basilica of St. Mary Major. Archbishop Naumann was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass with the bishops of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The bishops were making their visits “ad limina apostolorum” — to the threshold of the apostles — to report on the status of their dioceses. The good news proclaimed 2,000 years ago in Rome by Sts. Peter and Paul, the archbishop said, “is the same good news our people need to hear proclaimed with enthusiasm and authority today.”

CNS PHOTO/JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses a woman after concelebrating Mass with U.S. bishops at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Jan. 14. Bishops from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska were making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses to the pope and Vatican officials. “In a secular culture where so many are dying spiritually and even physically from loneliness, in a society infected by a defective anthropology that claims that ‘I can be anything that I could ever want to be,’ which means that ‘I am nothing more than I can imagine,’ let us witness boldly to our people — as the Apostles Peter and Paul did to a deeply secular culture — that God loves them, that Jesus came to liberate them from all that enslaves us,” he said. An important aspect of the bish-

ops’ visit, he said, “is prayer, our Masses in these four major basilicas and praying at the tomb of the great apostles Peter and Paul, that we might have the same apostolic zeal in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus to the world today as they did in their time.” After the Mass at St. Mary’s, the bishops walked down the stairs under the basilica’s main altar to pray before the silver reliquary that houses what tradition holds is a relic of the manger where Christ was born.

Dioceses take steps to prevent flu from spreading By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — The flu season is here and dioceses across the country are taking precautions to avoid spreading illness. The steps outlined by at least three dioceses are designed to minimize contact among the faithful in order to reduce the possibility of transmission of an influenza virus. The dioceses of Portland, Maine, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, are among those that have implemented a change in practices during Masses beginning the weekend of Jan. 11-12. The changes include asking people who are sick to refrain from attending Mass and stay home. “When individuals are ill, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation. Encouraging people who are at risk to stay away from large church gatherings is an extra step intended to maintain their health,” the Diocese of Portland said in its directive. The changes primarily involve the reception of holy Communion and greetings during the sign of peace at Mass. Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester, Portland Bishop Robert P. Deeley and Allentown Bishop Alfred A. Schlert

CNS PHOTO/KAREN CALLAWAY, CHICAGO CATHOLIC

With flu season in full swing, several dioceses have taken percautions to prevent the spread of the disease, including asking people who are sick to refrain from attending Mass. have urged — but not required — people to receive Communion in the hand, the norm in the United States under the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. “This will limit contact with saliva and the potential spread of the influenza virus,” the Santa Fe Archdiocese’s

directive said. People who insist on receiving the Eucharist on the tongue have been asked to wait until the end of the distribution of Communion so that possible virus transmission is limited. The three dioceses also have suspended reception of Communion from the cup. “In those parishes where the reception of holy Communion is given under both forms, parishes are asked to use this as a catechetical moment to reinforce the church’s constant teaching that the entire body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ is present in the sacred host,” the Diocese of Allentown said in a notice in The A.D. Times, the diocesan newspaper. In addition, all extraordinary ministers of holy Communion are being required to sanitize their hands before and after distribution of the Eucharist. During the sign of peace, worshippers have been asked to simply nod or offer a verbal greeting to their neighbors in church rather than shake hands or hug. Hospitality ministers and church greeters in the Portland Diocese also were being asked to welcome Massgoers with a simple verbal greeting and to refrain from shaking hands. A final precaution offered by the Portland Diocese involved the removal of sponges that are occasionally used in holy water fonts.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

‘No end in sight to the horror’ of Australian fires

ANBERRA, Australia (CNS) — Saying that “there is no end in sight to the horror which confronts us,” Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said the bishops have implemented a national response to months of wildfires. The bishops have set up a national network, connecting people affected by the fires with “people who can help with tasks such as preparing meals, clearing properties, rebuilding communities, as well as pastoral and counseling support.” They are collaborating with other religious agencies and their institutes and will take up a special collection the last weekend in January, when Australia Day is celebrated. Archbishop Coleridge said people who do not want to wait to donate to their parish collections can donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, known in Australia as Vinnies. The bishops’ conference also set up a special page, www.catholic.org.au/ bushfires, with a button for donation to the Vinnies, as well as resources such as prayers of intercession, prayers for those affected, and statements on the fire from other organizations. “We have all seen the apocalyptic images, even if we are not in the areas most affected,” the archbishop said. “Lives have been lost, homes and towns have been destroyed, smoke has shrouded large swathes of our country. “The efforts of firefighters have been heroic. The resilience of the communities affected has been extraordinary.” At least 24 people have died in the fires, which began in August and now are in four states. CNN reported Jan. 7 that more than 2,000 homes in the state

CNS PHOTO/TRACEY NEARMY, REUTERS

Brian Allen uses a garden hose to wet down the house as high winds push smoke and ash closer from the bush fire in Nowra, Australia, Jan. 4. Soaring temperatures, often higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and a protracted drought have contributed to an unprecedented national emergency which, by Christmas, had already seen more than 14.5 million acres of forest and rural land burned. of New South Wales alone have been destroyed. Archbishop Coleridge said the bishops were aware of “the huge amount being done” by governments and first responders and noted that local faith communities also were responding. “This has been Australia at its best,

Court ruling on madrassas will affect Catholic schools

EW DELHI (CNS) — India’s Supreme Court has allowed the government to control the appointment of teachers in educational institutions run by religious minorities, a ruling church leaders say violates their right to manage such institutions. Ucanews.org reported the country’s top court upheld a West Bengal state law that allowed a government commission to screen candidates to be appointed as teachers in government-funded madrassas, Muslim religious schools. “The order definitely will have a bearing in the administration of church-run education institutions, too,” said Salesian Father Joseph Manipadam, secretary to the Indian Catholic bishops’ office for education and culture. The Jan. 6 verdict came while deciding on an appeal challenging a provision in the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act 2008, which said the government panel could screen teachers to be appointed to state-aided madrassas. The schools were declared minority education institutions in West Bengal state, just as thousands of Christian schools in the country.

The Indian Constitution allows religious and linguistic minorities to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice to help with the social advancement of their people. The Catholic Church runs some 54,000 educational institutions in the country, and at least half of them get financial aid from the state. The verdict “is a direct interference in the administration of minority aided-education institutions,” Father Maria Stephen, a former principal and public relations officer of the Archdiocese of Bhopal, told ucanews.org. “It will only create problems. The government appoints one or two teachers at such institutions, thereby indirectly taking control of the administration. It will affect the freedom of the minority institutions to enforce discipline and impart quality education,” he said. Father Stephen said the quality of public schools is not good, so people send their children to minority educational institutions, including state-aided ones. “Minority education institutions maintain their high standards due to noninterference of the government in their administration,” he added.

and we all stand with those who have been most stricken and with those who are putting their lives on the line to fight the fires,” he said. He also renewed his call for “insistent prayer for those stricken by drought and fire, for those who have lost their lives in the fires and their families, for rain

to quench the parched land and extinguish the fires, and for urgent action to care for our common home in order to prevent such calamities in the future.” “A genuinely Catholic response to a crisis of this magnitude must draw strength from prayer, which inspires concrete and compassionate action.”

Spanish church leaders concerned about government secularization

ALENCIA, Spain (CNS) — Spanish church leaders voiced concern for their country’s future after the government pledged to legalize euthanasia, secularize education and strip the church of “improper assets.” “Spain faces a critical situation, a true emergency for our future,” Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera of Valencia told Catholics in a pastoral letter. The letter, dated Jan. 4, was circulated just before Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez formally took office Jan. 8 at the head of a coalition government, the first since Spain’s 1978 restoration of democracy. Sanchez had been caretaker prime minister since early 2019. Cardinal Canizares said his warnings were not “rhetoric or sterile drama,” but a call for the church to “testify to Christ in words and deeds” and help “build a new mentality and a new Spain.” Archbishop Jesus Sanz Montes of Oviedo said in a Jan. 8 tweet: “Uncertainty is drawn on the horizon, but we know the sun will rise behind the clouds and storms. . . . The sun will bring back color after all the clumsiness, lies and vanity which beset us.” The coalition parties’ agreement, described by some media as “fragile,” proposes legislation to allow “a dignified death and euthanasia” at public expense and a range of “feminist

policies,” as well as further downgrading commemorations of Spain’s former dictator, Gen. Francisco Franco. It also will “facilitate recovery of assets improperly registered to the church” and guarantee “state secularity and neutrality toward all religious denominations,” removing religious teaching from school curricula and enhancing comprehensive sexuality education. In a message to Sanchez, Cardinal Ricardo Blazquez Perez of Valladolid, the bishops’ conference president, said church leaders would offer “loyal and generous collaboration” in helping him “work in service of the common good,” believing “authentic religious life contributes to the general good of Spanish society.” However, in a November statement, the conference warned that restricting religious education risked violating basic rights in the country, where Catholics make up about 67 percent of the 47 million population. Spain’s Catholic schools confederation, Escuelas Catolicas, which employs more than 82,000 teachers in more than 5,000 schools, also charged Sanchez with “breaking the social consensus” with projected restrictions on religious teaching. It said the right of parents to choose “religious and moral training in line with their convictions” was guaranteed under the constitution, as well as by European Union regulations and international law.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Director of human resources - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of director of human resources. The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 associated organizations. Services include: benefits administration; Workers’ Compensation; retirement plans; and a standardized payroll process. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Applicants must have expertise in creating and implementing HR policies and processes; client employee services and support; legal compliance; HRIS and data management; and employee benefit management and administration; Workers’ Compensation, leave management and related processes; employee relations and performance management; and employer/employee communications. This position manages a staff of three HR professionals; is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations; and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have expertise in multiple HR disciplines, demonstrated skill with innovation and process improvement, and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck.org/jobs. Send cover letter of recommendation from your pastor and resume to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attn.: Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109; or email to: cmills@archkck.org with subject line HR Director. Application deadline is Jan. 24. 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 preacademics 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 safety & 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 2 years; pass a background 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; 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. Community 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 day service 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. Part-time administrative assistant for general counsel - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of administrative assistant for our in-house legal counsel; part-time flexible schedule working 20 – 25 hours per week with the possibility of increased hours in the future. The office is located in the northern Overland Park area. Qualified applicants must have experience handling reception duties; ordering office supplies and managing vendor relationships; must be proficient using the Microsoft Office Suite of products (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet and the ability to learn other software and online systems as required; file management of both paper and electronic files. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Previous experience working in a legal office is preferred but not required. The successful candidate must also have a valid driver’s license and the ability to pick up and deliver documents to various courthouses, chancery offices and other law offices. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck.org/ jobs. Completed application and resume/cover letter can be emailed to: jobs@archkck.org. Application deadline is Jan. 24. Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new? Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com. Full- and part-time teaching positions - St. Joseph Early Education Center is currently looking for candidates for openings for a full-time teacher and a part-time teacher who can support at multiple levels at our center. These candidates are for our infant and toddler rooms in hopes of expanding our ability to care for the children on our waiting lists. The salary is at or above the norm and benefits are excellent. Please contact us if you are interested by calling the school secretary, Ms. Patricia, at (913) 248-4588; the general number at (913) 631-0004; or by sending an email to: pfraley@stjoeshawnee.org. Summer camp coordinator - Coordinator needed to begin in May. Summer camp begins with the children the Tuesday after Memorial Day, May 26. If interested, call Ms. Theresa at (913) 248-4589. Give the gift of yourself in 2020! - BREATHE is a respite care service for parents/guardians of a child with a special need to give them a break from caregiving. Adult, college and high school volunteers are needed to be a “buddy” to a person with a disability one Saturday each month for four hours at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. For more information and to register as a volunteer, go to: www.archkck.org/special-needs or contact Tom Racunas, lead consultant for the special-needs ministry for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at (913) 647-3054 or at: tracunas@archkck.org. Equestrian manager and laborer - Prairie Star Ranch, the archdiocesan retreat center, has an immediate opening for the position of equestrian manager and laborer. This permanent, full-time position oversees all areas of our equestrian program, herd management and serves as a part of our facilities improvement team. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Christian; have a strong foundation in horse care and management; demonstrated skills in instructing youth and adults; a practitioner of safety awareness; and a commitment to detail and professionalism. Interested individuals should submit a resume and application, which can be found at: www.archkck.org/ranch/jobs, as soon as possible, to: Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095, or via email to: psr@archkck.org. School secretary - Full-time secretarial position in the early childhood center. The candidate should have good interpersonal skills, computer skills necessary for office work and a record of reliability. A background check and CPR/ first-aid training required by state; child care workshop required by the school. If interested, please contact Ms. Theresa at (913) 248-4589. Assistant principal - St. Joseph School in Shawnee is accepting applications for a new assistant principal for the 2020-21 school year. The preferred applicant is a practicing Catholic; has a strong desire to help others foster a relationship with Christ; has demonstrated experience in spiritual and instructional leadership within Catholic schools; and holds or is working toward Kansas licensure in educational leadership. The assistant principal works directly with the principal to uphold the mission of the school and to provide ongoing support in a variety of ways for teachers, students and parents. The assistant principal is responsible for specific tasks related to discipline; school-wide assessments; scheduling; technology; classroom support for teachers; supervision; as well as other duties. Interested applicants should apply online at: www.archkckcs.org., select “Employment” to access the online application. Once the online application is submitted, email resume and cover letter to: Jodie Maddox, principal, St. Joseph School, at: jmaddox @stjoeshawnee.org. Administrative assistant, office of evangelization - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time position of administrative assistant for the office of evangelization. Qualified applicants must have experience handling general office duties; assisting with travel arrangements; creating and maintaining databases; using software platforms to create fliers and promotional materials; must be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of office products (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet and the ability to learn other software and social media as required; file management of both paper and electronic files; must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years’ prior experience working in a professional office environment. Must have strong writing and creativity skills. Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck.org/jobs. Completed application and resume/cover letter can be emailed to: jobs@archkck.org. Application deadline is Jan. 17. Communications coordinator - Holy Cross in Overland Park is looking for a faith-filled person with a heart for serving others to join our team! Our communications coordinator’s main focus is to consistently highlight and promote the mission of the parish through the various communication channels available today. The position also works with staff, ministry leaders and parishioners to communicate our vision and encourage engagement. Demonstrated proficiency in creating online and printed media a plus. The position is part time and hours are flexible. Please check out our website at: www.holycrossopks.org for a complete position description and an application form. Please submit application and resume to Phil Thacker at: pthacker@ holycrossopks.org.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 2623100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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.

Tutor - Available for K - 12 in various subjects and test preps. Tutor has 17 years of experience teaching and tutoring. Call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: klmamuric@yahoo.com. Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230. 8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/

Interior painting - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years of experience. Call anytime. Jerry (913) 206-1144.

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

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

Quality work - Kitchens, bathrooms, painting and home repairs. Nothing too big or too small. Insured. Call Jimmy at (913) 206-4524.

NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions. All interior and exterior work. Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned. Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. (913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net Sheetrock repaired - We can repair your ceilings and walls and can retexture with popcorn or knockdown ceilings. We can repaint old yellowed ceilings. Interior painting for 25 years with no mess!! Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

REAL ESTATE

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.

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.

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

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.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, 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. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) 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. 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

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

SERVICES

WE SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market. Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblaufuss@remax.net.

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) For sale - Inside tandem space for two traditional entombments. Tier F, Mount calvary Mausoleum, Holy Trinity in Topeka, last ones available. Call (785) 215-9540 or (785) 580-3928. For sale - Two single crypts at Mount Calvary in the patio mausoleum, tier C. Valued at $14,950; will sell for $9500. Call Pam at (913) 631-4911. For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $7500. Call Lou at (512) 294-2869. For sale - Two spaces at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Everlasting Life on a hill with mature trees. Asking $1500 per space or best offer. Seller to pay $150 transfer fee. all (719) 633-8292.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

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

For sale - Inside tandem space for two traditional entombments. Tier F, Mount Calvary Mausoleum, Holy Trinity in Topeka, last ones available. Call (785) 215-9540 or (785) 580-3928.

Tree trimming/landscaping Free estimates licensed/insured/references (913) 620-6063

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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

The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR HELP FOR HURTING MARRIAGES Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 24 - 26

Have you thought about separation or divorce? Have you stopped sharing how you feel? Retrouvaille is a lifeline for hurting marriages. For more information, contact the KC registration team at (800) 4702230 or visit the website at: www.helpour marriage.com.

TACO DINNER Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish (hall) 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Jan. 18 from 3 - 7 p.m.

Come support the 8th-grade taco dinner. The cost for an adult dinner of three tacos, rice and a drink is $7; a kid dinner of one taco, rice and a drink is $5. There will be a Chiefs-themed cake to be raffled off, so don’t miss out!

MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION Reardon Civic Center 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 20: Formal program begins at 11 a.m. Pre-service events at 10:30 a.m.

The theme of the program is: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (Martin Luther King). Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, will be the keynote speaker. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, at 9 a.m. before the King celebration begins.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (Back Room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed. We can help each other ease the pain and get through this time in life. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@ gmail.com.

‘PRAYERFUL PAUSES - SABBATH TIME’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

JOURNEY TO JOY Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Jan. 25 from 8:15 a.m. - noon

A reasonable course fee is charged and preregistration is required at: www.ccli.org. For more information about this class or other self-paced online classes, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015.

KANSAS MARCH FOR LIFE AND IGNITE PRO-LIFE YOUTH RALLY Topeka Performing Arts Center 214 S.E. 8th Ave., Topeka Jan. 22

Come for a day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children and to acknowledge the 47th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. This event is presented by the pro-life office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For more information, visit the website at: archkck.org/prolife. The event is free and open to all. Register groups at: www.archkck.org/ignite.

Join us for a time of sacred and classical music that will bring joy to the heart. The program of sacred and chamber music features harp, organ and choral pieces. The suggested donation is $25 per family and will benefit Our Lady’s Montessori School, an apostolate of the SOLT community and run by the SOLT Sisters. For more information, send an email to: lpetruccelli@olmskc.org.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Topeka Jan. 25 at 4 p.m.

This will be a series of three classes. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for more information, including the location or the class and the availability of online classes. Online registration is required at: live-the-love.org.

TASTE OF KCK Resurrection Catholic School 425 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

Taste of KCK is an evening of food, culture and community. Enjoy a social hour with live music, an ethnic buffet dinner and a program. There will be a speech by Father Mark Goldasich and we will honor the Church of the Nativity for its support. We will also recognize Father Harry Schneider for his lifetime of service. Proceeds support students at Resurrection School. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased online at: rcskck.org or by mailing a check to: Resurrection, 425 N. 15th St., Kansas City, KS 66102. Sponsorships are available.

The cost for an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner is: $6 for adults; $4 for kids ages 5 - 10; and free for kids under 4. Pasta will be served until 6:45 p.m. Bingo begins at 7 p.m. with the blackout game at 9:15 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.

MASS OF THANKSGIVING Sisters, Servants of Mary Provincial House Chapel 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 25 at 9 a.m.

A Mass of thanksgiving for the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the mother foundress of the Sisters, Servants of Mary, St. Maria Soledad, will be celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in the Sisters’ chapel. This is also the anniversary of the beginning of the first group in the U.S. of the Lay Sons and Daughters of St. Maria Soledad. Please RSVP by Jan. 21 by email at: superiorasdemkc@gmail.com or call (913) 371-3423.

Come for lunch and a discussion with AmeriCorps team leaders to learn about their experience. Stay for the day or half day to work alongside AmeriCorps volunteers to deepen your understanding of their life of service. All are welcome, but ideal for high school and college students. RSVP to (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christspeace.com.

There will homemade chili, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups with relishes and pie. The cost is a freewill offering.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Jan. 26 at 12:45 p.m.

The rosary will be followed by a business meeting and a social. If anyone knows of a member or family member in need of the circle’s prayers, call Bobbie Graff-Hendrixson at (785) 271-0145. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Cindy Keen at (785) 2289863.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension Parish (St. Luke’s Room) 9500 W. 127th St., Overland Park Jan. 28 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a Catholic ministry designed to help parents who have lost a child find hope through sacred Scripture and community. The guest speaker will be Msgr. Charles McGlinn talking on Scripture. For more information, contact Ken Billinger by email at: kbillinger@archkck.org. More information is on the website at: www.hopein scripture.com. The group is open to those who have lost a grandchild. Immediate family members are also invited to attend.

SUDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Boulevard Brewing Company 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 30 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

BINGO AND PASTA DINNER Sacred Heart Parish 1100 West St., Tonganoxie Jan. 25 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

ENCOUNTER AMERICORPS TEAM LEADERS Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Feb. 1 or 8 at noon

SOUP DAY St. Mary Parish 9208 Main St., St. Benedict Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

All women are invited to this mini-retreat. It will begin with Mass, followed by a light breakfast. The retreat will be given by Sonja Corbitt. The cost to attend is $20. Register online at: www.kcnativity.org/journey-tojoy. Contact Susan Vogliardo by email at: suesues6@hotmail.com or by phone at (816) 215-0189 with questions.

Sabbath is about breaking away from dayto-day life, breaking the cycle of stress and renewing your energy and creativity. The day will begin with spiritual sharing and joining the Sisters for lunch. The afternoon will be a time to continue the spiritual experience from the morning, relax into silence and contemplation, and grow closer to yourself and to God. The suggested donation is $30 and includes lunch. For more information and to register, call (913) 360-6173 or visit the website at: www.sophiaspirituality center.org.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence Class begins Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

OUR LADY’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL JOY OF MUSIC CONCERT Visitation Parish 5141 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 26 at 3 p.m.

Join us at this Suds and Scholarship event as we celebrate the students and faculty at the Holy Name of Jesus School in Kansas City, Kansas. Jack Stack Barbecue will be available, and entertainment will be provided by The Hamptones. Have fun and help our students achieve their goals.

YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISER Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (hall) 27 Cottonwood St., Emporia Feb. 1 at 4 p.m.

The Sacred Heart Youth Group will be making and selling bierocks in the parish hall until they are sold out. The cost is $4 each or 10 for $35.

PRE-SUPER BOWL DANCE St. Thomas More Church (More Hall, lower level) 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

This will be a fun evening with great music, delicious snacks and wonderful friends. All are welcome. The cost of $20 per person will go toward helping people attend a Beginning Experience Weekend or the Coping With Life Alone sessions and need some financial assistance. For more information, call Maria at (913) 314-9844.

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. This prayer opportunity will continue on the first Thursday of each month through May. For more information, visit the website at: marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342.

F.I.R.E. RETREAT 2020 Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Feb. 8 - 9

The men of the archdiocese are hosting the annual Men’s Catholic F.I.R.E. Retreat. Where are you? Where is your brother? For more information and to register, visit the website at: fire-ministries.org.

THE SPIRITUALITY OF IMPERFECTION Conception Abbey 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, Missouri Feb. 14 - 16

We are born into this world completely innocent, but then find out we are imperfect. If we can claim our imperfections, they can lead us into a deeper relationship with God, the source of all healing and hope. For more information and to register, call (660) 944-2809 or visit the website at: www.conceptionabbey.org/ guests/upcoming-retreats/.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE Johnson County area Twice monthly

This will be a safe, supportive environment to talk about the impact to your lives, to know you are not alone, and to promote healing. To protect the privacy of potential participants, contact Linda Slater-Trimble for information on days, times and location of meetings by email at: lslater-trimble@archkck.org; or by phone at (913) 298-9244. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st. St., Overland Park Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Come join this group who prays this devotion weekly. Prayer includes the Mother of Perpetual Help novena and Benediction. For more information, call Martin at (913) 213-8810.

CALENDAR submissions CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Jan. 19 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 49: 3, 5-6 Ps 40: 2, 4, 7-10 1 Cor 1: 1-3 Jn 1: 29-34 Jan. 20 Fabian, pope, martyr; Sebastian, martyr 1 Sm 15: 16-23 Ps 50: 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 Mk 2: 18-22 Jan. 21 Agnes, virgin, martyr 1 Sm 16: 1-13 Ps 89: 20-22, 27-28 Mk 2: 23-28 Jan. 22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children 1 Sm 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51 Ps 144: 1b-2, 9-10 Mk 3: 1-6 Jan. 23 Vincent, deacon, martyr; Marianne Cope, virgin 1 Sm 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7 Ps 56: 2-3, 9-13 Mk 3: 7-12 Jan. 24 Francis de Sales, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Sm 24: 3-21 Ps 57: 2-4, 6, 11 Mk 3: 13-19 Jan. 25 THE CONVERSION OF PAUL, THE APOSTLE Acts 22: 3-16 Ps 117: 1-2 Mk 16: 15-18

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Have you read the Good Book lately?

suspect that I have significant scar tissue on the inside of my cheeks. It’s caused by trying to suppress laughter when a lector mispronounces a word while reading. At one of the parishes I served, the lector read this on the solemnity of the Epiphany: “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dormitories from Midian and Ephah.” Obviously, the prophet Isaiah was not talking about college residence halls. But that’s the image that pops into my mind each year rather than that of the correct word: dromedaries. And reading the Passion during Lent is always a minefield for the narrator. Two instances stand out from over the years: Once, a lector said, “And Jesus turned to Simple Simon and said . . .” And all I could think of was: “Have you seen the pieman?” By the grace of God and the Holy Spirit, I kept my composure. The other instance happened on a Palm Sunday, when the narrator said, “A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and laminated him.”

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.

And here I thought those machines were a modern invention! I’m sure every priest — and parishioner — has memories of mangled readings at Mass, but those stand out because they’re so unusual. The vast majority of times, the word of God is proclaimed with faith and devotion. What place does the word of God have in your life? Pope Francis hopes that it’s a cherished one. And not just when in church, but especially in our homes and hearts. Do you have a Bible

in your home? If so, is it more of a decoration rather than a part of your daily reading and prayer? When I was growing up, reading the Scriptures was not a part of my family’s prayer. Part of that might be due to the version of the Bible we had: It was the Douay-Rheims translation and, although it was in English, it didn’t read like it. I received my first Bible at my grade school graduation, a gift from the pastor. It was the New American Bible translation and, when I did have the courage to open it up and read, I was amazed at how understandable the English was. That same Bible still has a prominent place in my life. Pope Francis, in an effort to encourage

Catholics to become familiar with the Scriptures, has designated the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jan. 26 this year) as a time devoted to “the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God.” You can read much more about this day on page 3 of this week’s Leaven. I’m encouraged to see that many parishes offer some sort of Bible study. However, most Catholics still seem intimidated by the Scriptures. If that describes you, then here are some helpful hints for beginning to read the Bible and making it a trusted friend: First, remember that the Bible is more like a library than a “novel.” What that means is that you don’t have to start reading at the very first page, the Book of Genesis, and then plow your way to the Book of Revelation. In fact, I’d not recommend that approach. Instead, you can open the book anywhere and begin to read. Second, many Bibles have some introductory information before each book. Read those. They will help immensely in your understanding of the intention of the book.

After all, we’re reading about a culture centuries removed from our own, and with customs not our own. Third, start reading one of the Gospels. I’d suggest the Gospel of Mark. (It’s the best one, but then, I’m a little biased.) It’s the first Gospel written and the shortest. Because the stories are familiar ones about Jesus, it’s easy to get into a habit of reading the Scriptures by using one of the Gospels. Fourth, read just a little at a time. When something — a word or phrase strikes you — stop reading and ponder. That’s the Holy Spirit getting your attention. Finally, never worry about not reading every word of the Bible. As someone once said, “It’s not important how many times you’ve been through the Bible. What’s important is how many times the Bible has been through you!” So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that Bible and start reading. And if you do encounter any of those “dormitories” from Midian and Ephah, let me know!

Isaiah’s ‘servant’ anticipated Jesus Christ

enturies ago, a person knew from an early age what occupation he or she would end up in. Often, that meant going into the same line of work as your parents. So, if your father was a farmer, you would become one, too. If your father was a merchant, you would take over the shop when you grew up. Even as a child, you knew your destiny. That is the idea behind Sunday’s first reading, Is 49:3, 5-6: “Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb.” From the very first moment of this person’s existence, God has had a plan for that individual. And that plan involves a massive task. God

IN THE BEGINNING

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

orders this servant “that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him.” But that is only the

POPE FRANCIS

beginning. God further informs the servant: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” So, who is this servant of the Lord? Since these words appear in the book of the prophet Isaiah, we might assume that they are directed to that prophet, or to one of his disciples.

Christians must be on guard against the spirit of worldliness that confuses and blurs the lines between what is good and what is evil, Pope Francis said. While the Holy Spirit gives men and women “the strength to remain in the Lord,” there are still Christians who “even today identify the Holy Spirit only with the dove,” the pope said Jan. 7 in his homily during morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. “The Holy Spirit brings you to God, and if you sin, the Holy Spirit protects you and helps you to get up,” he said. “But the spirit of the world brings you to corruption, to

At the same time, they anticipate our understanding of Jesus Christ. After all, we call him the light of the world. We believe that he has come to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. And how does Jesus Christ accomplish this awesome undertaking? We might remember that the words of our reading were originally directed to a prophet. A prophet is a person who speaks on behalf of God. We sometimes think of a prophet as a person who foretells the future. For example, we interpret many of the prophecies of the Old Testament as pointing to the Messiah yet to come. While sometimes the message of the prophet concerns the future, it sometimes instead

focuses on the present. What characterizes the prophet’s message is that it originates from God. When Jesus traveled from town to town in Galilee, he would teach the people, tell them parables and speak to them about God’s love and mercy. In doing that, he was spreading the good news about God. He was carrying out the prophetic mission that God had entrusted to him. When we echo the message of Jesus, he continues to speak through us. His light continues to shine. God’s salvation continues to reach to the ends of the earth. That is the plan that God has for Jesus and for us.

the point that you can’t distinguish between what is good and what is bad; it is all the same, everything is the same,” he added. In his homily, the pope reflected on the reading from 1 Jn 3:22 – 4:6, in which the apostle encourages the early Christian community to “not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God” or the world. “What is this putting the spirit to the test?” the pope asked. “It is simply this: When you feel something, when you want to do something or you have an idea, a judgment of something, ask yourself, ‘Does this feeling come from the spirit of God or the spirit of the world?’”

— CNS

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

We don’t empower women by leaving them without help

“C

hoice,” “health care” and “reproductive rights” are clever phrases designed by abortion advocates to mask the reality of an abortion and present it as an empowering solution for women. Yet, to empower means to strengthen those involved for their own good, and countless testimonies, credible studies and simple logic prove this claim to be a lie for the majority of women who have experienced an abortion. Abortion, rather, is a tragedy . . . • a tragedy because each abortion ends the life of a precious, unique, never-to-be-repeated

s Kansas the “new New York” for abortion? Regrettably, the short answer is yes. Barely a year ago, state lawmakers in New York cheered — literally cheered — passage of the Reproductive Health Act (RHA). Signed into law by a Catholic governor, the RHA allows termination of preborn babies up to the moment of birth, for any reason. State taxpayers even pay the cost of abortion for Medicaid clients. The Kansas Legislature responded with a bipartisan resolution condemning the RHA, saying, in part, that the law incited “abusive behavior toward a pregnant woman.” Little did our lawmakers

LIFE MATTERS

DEBRA NIESEN Debra Niesen is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

human life; a gift given by our Creator to the world and specifically to the parents, to bless them, not harm them.

• a tragedy because of the significant physical, spiritual and psychological damage it inflicts on the woman — depression, anxiety, guilt, higher suicide rates, as well as increased risks for infertility, premature births and breast cancer. What makes these pains worse is that

she can choose life for her child and therefore bring forth new, incredible potential into this world while also protecting herself from harm. That’s empowerment! Reality is, it is much easier for her to believe this if she does not feel alone. The church should be the place where women facing challenging pregnancies can find help and feel supported and valued. As the body of Christ, we are to be the voice, hands and feet of Jesus here on earth and therefore must be ready to help, whether she decides to parent or choose adoption. We have often heard from post-abortive

Kansas is the ‘new New York’ for abortion CHURCH AND STATE

CHUCK WEBER Chuck Weber is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

know Kansas would soon stand shoulder-to-shoulder on abortion with New York. In a stunning development just weeks later,

the Kansas Supreme Court issued a “worstcase scenario” decision for defenders of the unborn in the abortion case Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt. By enshrining abortion as a “natural right” in the state constitution, the legal landscape is now clear for unlimited and unrestricted abortion.

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women often suffer them alone and in secrecy out of regret for their abortion. But mostly, abortion is a tragedy because ultimately a woman feels so unsupported, scared, pressured or is told that she isn’t capable or strong enough to choose life, that she feels the best option is to abort her own child, many times against her own values and wishes. In our great country, we shouldn’t fight for the right for women to experience tragedies. Instead let’s fight for a woman to know, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” — Phil 4:13 — and to believe that, though circumstances are difficult,

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Click on: Training-Retreats or call (504) 439-5933 Mrs Carol Weiler at: carolweiler@cox.net Fr. Marty Gleeson, OP, at: mgleesonop@gmail.com

Once Kansas abortion restrictions and laws are challenged, they are all but certain to be found unconstitutional and unenforceable. These measures include, but are not limited to, prohibitions on late-term abortions, parental consent for minors seeking an abortion, taxpayer-funded abortions (including Medicaid-paid abortion) and much more. Put another way, Kansas is the “new New York” when it comes to abortion. The immediate impact of the ruling allows live dismemberment abortion to continue in Kansas. Few realize an average of nine preborn babies die in Kansas through this grisly abortion technique each

week. (Source: Kansas Department of Health and Environment) So how do we respond? The only legal remedy is passage of a constitutional amendment simply stating abortion is not a constitutional right in Kansas. While it won’t outlaw abortion, passing this amendment will save lives and protect mothers in crisis by once again allowing enforcement of Kansas’ life-saving abortion laws. Here’s how Kansas Catholics — and anyone else — can help. • Contact your state senator and representative and urge them to vote YES on allowing a statewide vote on the amendment. You can find your elected official

women that all they needed was one person to say, “You can do this,” and they would have chosen life. Join us in Topeka on Jan. 22 for the Kansas March for Life and Mass marking 47 years since the Roe v. Wade decision (visit the website at: archkck.org/ignite). We somberly acknowledge the over 60 million precious lives lost to abortion and the incalculable damage these abortions have had on women, men and families. The National March for Life has chosen this year’s theme to be: “Life Empowers: Pro-life is pro-woman.” May our parish communities be bold, loving advocates for this truth!

by going online to: www. KansasCatholic.org and click TAKE ACTION. • On that page, you can also sign a petition that also makes this request. • Most importantly, PRAY. We have dedicated our constitutional amendment efforts to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Pray the rosary! Join the bishops of Kansas in the Kansas Rosary Crusade online at: www.Kansas RosaryCrusade.org. I invite you to learn more about the many layers of this issue. Visit the website at: www. KansasCatholic.org and click on the “State Constitutional Amendment for Life” tab at the top. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

JANUARY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Iowa priest surprised by viral cattle cross image By Dan Russo Catholic News Service

ANKSTON, Iowa (CNS) — It wasn’t a miracle, but the scene that unfolded on Dan and Judy Gotto’s farm in Bankston shortly before Christmas became a beautiful testament to faith. On Dec. 23, 2019, members of the family had carefully laid out many small piles of cattle feed in the shape of a giant cross on one of their fields, attracting 171 hungry cows into planned position. In the distance, the steeple of St. Clement Church in Bankston reached upward toward a clear sky. At the right moment, Father Michael Schueller sprang into action. The pastor of the St. Elizabeth Pastorate, which includes St. Clement Parish, pilots drones in his spare time and enjoys taking aerial photographs. The priest flew his camera equipped remote-controlled device high above the herd, capturing both still shots and video and posted the image of the Angus beef livestock appearing in the shape of the sacred symbol on his Facebook page. Almost immediately, the image went viral. There were dozens of comments, hundreds of shares, and the image was featured with an article in the Telegraph Herald,

the area’s biggest daily newspaper, which ran the story with the headline: “Holy cow: Bankston cattle photo going viral ahead of Christmas.” Thousands have seen the photograph and its impact continues weeks after the priest took the shot. “I am humbled by the response from the photo,” Father Schueller told The Witness, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. “I have received many messages from people far and wide, and it has been shared many times — such a simple image that has connected with so many people.” The inspiration for the photo came from the Gottos’ desire to integrate their Catholic faith into their farming. Judy and Dan work land that has been in the family since 1889. Many other relatives also are in the agriculture business, including their son Chad Gotto, who is also a full-time farmer. Most of the cows in the photo are his. This successful effort to capture a cross wasn’t the first time they had tried. He said it is something he and his dad have done the last few years to celebrate the Christmas season, and they just couldn’t get a good enough photo. Father Schueller is a friend and pastor of the family’s parish, so the Gottos decided to ask for his help this time. Chad Gotto said it was

easy to get the cows in the right place. Also, their goal in staging the photograph wasn’t to achieve fame. “I didn’t even know he posted it,” said Gotto. “We just wanted a picture for the family.” The image encapsulates a way of life that has been important to the Gottos for generations. “Our family lives by the three ‘Fs’ — faith, family and farming,” Gotto explained. Father Schueller couldn’t have predicted the response to the photo when he started flying drones as a hobby about five years ago. “It was just something different,” he recalled of his first experiences with piloting. “At the time, drones were a newer technology. I started taking pictures in the area, primarily of churches.” After crashing the devices quite a few times, especially in the early days, he has since improved his skills and developed a nice portfolio. The hobby has helped him get to know the rural communities he serves. Farmers will sometimes ask him to photograph them at work, so they have images to share with friends and loved ones. The priest offered encouragement to anyone who might want to take up the hobby. “I think a lot of people are afraid to fly drones because they are afraid to crash,” he said, suggesting that people should

take the risk and start with something inexpensive. In the wake of the popularity of the cattle cross photo, Father Schueller has made it his Facebook profile photo and has posted one of the videos showing how the Gottos got the cows lined up. Commenters on the cattle cross image express a wide range of feelings — everything from reverence to humor. Father Schueller believes the photo went viral for two reasons. “I think it is the faith aspect,” he said. “There is a yearning when you see a symbol like that. I also think people like cows.” Chad Gotto is getting ready to welcome some new calves into his herd. The message he wants to share with those who like the photo is that people can make faith part of their daily lives, even if they are engaged in something as simple as feeding cows. “I just wanted to tell everyone to involve Christ in everything you do,” he said.

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY FATHER MICHAEL SCHUELLER

Father Michael G. Schueller’s viral photo of a cattle cross set up by the Grotto family is seen Dec. 23, 2019, on their farm in Bankston, Iowa. Father Schueller, pastor of St. Elizabeth Pastorate, which includes St. Clement Parish, pilots drones in his spare time and enjoys taking aerial photographs.