01 26 24 Vol. 45 No. 23

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 23 | JANUARY 26, 2024

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Priests and bishops from across the nation — including Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann — join Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, at the altar during the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

GATHERING FOR LIFE

Archbishop Naumann leads National Holy Hour for Life

By Barb Fraze Special to The Leaven

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — More than 7,000 gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception here for the March for Life Vigil Mass held Jan. 18.

A great many of them stayed on for the National Holy Hour of Life afterward, led by To read Archbishop about the Joseph F. NauMarch for Life, mann. go to pages Among those 8-9 who remained to receive a message of encouragement from the archbishop, former chair of the USCCB’s pro-life committee, were many student marchers from his own Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

After eucharistic adoration, recitation of the rosary, additional prayers and hymns, Archbishop Naumann told those gathered on the eve of the 2024

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, former chair of the USCCB’s pro-life committee, leads the National Holy Hour for Life after the National Prayer Vigil for Life on Jan. 18.

March for Life that they should take their example from David in the Book of Samuel. He said he thought it was appropriate that the weekly liturgical

readings had included Samuel anointing David.

The Philistines were threatening the Israelites, and none of the soldiers would

stand up to the Philistine giant Goliath.

“It’s the boy David, who can’t even wear armor, who believes that God is with him, just as [God] was with him when [David] was doing his shepherding,” said the archbishop.

Yet David hit Goliath with a single stone from his slingshot, then killed Goliath with the giant’s own sword.

“And you know, I think that image is apt for us where we are right now in the pro-life movement,” Archbishop Naumann said.

The forces pro-life advocates face can seem overwhelming, like a giant, like Goliath, he said.

“We’re facing a billion-dollar industry that’s willing to spend everything, anything, to defend its livelihood — the killing of children. We have propagandized generations of children, now young adults, through our public education, through higher education, through the mainstream media, through the entertainment industry. . . . But what we have is something more powerful.

“It’s Jesus and it’s truth.” >> See “ARCHBISHOP” on page 10

2 LOCAL NEWS

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JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Marriage plays a vital role in our salvation history

oday, Jan. 26, I fly to Florida to participate in the Good News Cruise. What we do for Jesus! It is tough duty, but someone must do it!

More than 450 married couples will be enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean, while also participating in marriage enrichment sessions. Several of the Eternal World Television Network celebrities — e.g., Dr. Ray Guarendi, Teresa Tomeo, Al Kresta as well as other speakers like Father Mike Schmitz — will be making presentations on how to renew and strengthen marriage.

Bishop Joseph Coffey, a former Navy chaplain and now an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of the Military Services USA, yours truly and several other priests will serve as chaplains for this floating retreat.

I never really had a desire to cruise the Caribbean. There will be nearly a thousand Good News Cruise participants. I asked naively if that meant we would be the only ones on the ship. I was quickly informed that there will be another 3,000 to 4,000 shipmates. Some of the cruise enthusiasts point out that our ship will be bigger than the Titanic. I wish they would make a different comparison, since the maiden voyage of the Titanic did not turn out very well.

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN The Good News Cruise is organized by Corporate Travel of Detroit, a Catholic-owned and -operated agency.

They have invited me to participate in previous cruises, but I always found a good excuse to decline.

As you know, the “strengthening of marriage and family” is one of our super-priorities for the archdiocese. In a moment of weakness and — I hope — wisdom, I agreed to participate in this year’s cruise. I am confident that I will meet some amazing couples.

I also anticipate that I will learn a lot from the other speakers on board, equipping me to better serve married couples and families in the archdiocese.

Many people have told me that the food on these cruises is both delicious and plentiful.

I am grateful that Lent will not have begun yet. Evidently, cruises do not provide the optimum environment for weight loss. Pray

that my guardian angel will protect me from gluttony!

The title of the presentation that I will be making to the Good News Cruise participants is: “From Genesis to Revelation – What the Bible Says about Marriage.” It is true that the Book of Genesis practically begins with God providing a helpmate for Adam. Early in the biblical narrative, the author of Genesis states: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” The beginning of the Bible essentially describes the marriage of Adam and Eve. The Bible ends with the marriage of Jesus, the victorious Lamb of God, with his bride, the church, in the new and eternal Jerusalem. The Bible is described best as the greatest love story ever told, by recounting God’s pursuit of the masterpiece of his creation — human beings.

Marriage plays an important role throughout the biblical narrative. There is the beautiful prayer of Tobiah and Sarah on

their wedding night.

If you read the Book of Tobit, you will understand why their prayer was so intense and fervent.

The Book of Proverbs describes a worthy wife to be priceless.

The Song of Songs is a beautiful love poem that provides an image of God’s love for us.

The Book of Sirach also describes a virtuous wife as a great blessing for man. Psalm 128 compares the good wife to a “fruitful vine in the heart of the house.”

In the New Testament, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives a beautiful and poetic description of human love. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the importance and beauty of marital love as an icon of God’s love for us.

In the Gospels, we find Our Lord’s own teaching on the meaning and purpose of marriage as well as the contradiction of divorce and remarriage.

Of course, it is no coincidence that Our Lord’s first miracle occurs in Cana at the celebration of a wedding. Jesus often uses the image of a wedding banquet to describe heaven.

Please keep me and the cruise participants in your prayers this week. Pray for the couples, that their love for each other may deepen and grow more passionate.

January 26 and 27 are the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s pastoral visit to St.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Jan. 26 Good News Marriage Cruise — Florida Feb. 1 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Feb. 4 NCBC bishops’ workshop — Dallas Feb. 9 Bless new Stations of the Cross — St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 10 White Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Mass and Cathedral gala — cathedral Feb. 11 World Marriage Day Feb. 12 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Pastoral Council meeting — chancery

Louis in 1999. In the homily at the Mass which our Holy Father celebrated in the football stadium and convention center, St. John Paul II said: “As the new evangelization unfolds, it must include a special emphasis on the family and the renewal of Christian marriage. In their primary mission of communicating love to each other, of being co-creators with God of human life, and of transmitting the love of God to their children, parents must know that they are fully supported by the church and by society. The new evangelization must bring a fuller appreciation of the family as the primary and

most vital foundation of society, the first school of social virtue and solidarity. As the family goes, so goes the nation!”

If a married couple spends eight hours a year participating in some form of marriage enrichment, the chance of divorce diminishes dramatically. The couples on the Good News Cruise will have received enough marriage enrichment to protect them for another decade. I will be praying for all of the married couples of the archdiocese, that you know the importance of your marriage, not only for you and your children, but also for the church and world!

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LOCAL NEWS 3

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

SHOPPING FOR EDUCATION

Sacred Heart Variety Store in Atchison helps fund St. Benedict School

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

Cheryl Contreras has served as the manager of Sacred Heart Variety Store for six-and-a-half years.

By JD Benning Special to The Leaven

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TCHISON — Is it possible to turn someone’s old stuff into a million dollars?

Here in Atchison, the Sacred Heart Variety Store has managed to do just that, raising over $1,000,000 for Catholic education over the last 10 years.

It all started with a simple yard sale.

“Sacred Heart Parish (in Atchison) had incurred a fair amount of debt,” explained Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, so a few parishioners banded together to have a sale to try and offset as much of it as they could.

“They got to a point and had gathered enough goods that they felt called to establish a permanent store to keep the funding steady.”

In 1999, Donna Willming, along with a few other parishioners, moved the yard sale to a permanent location and the Sacred Heart Variety Store was born. In the years that followed, the store moved around town. But in 2013, organizers had the opportunity to purchase an old furniture store in downtown Atchison, and business immediately started booming.

Theresa McDermed was part of the committee that oversaw the store and served as manager at the time of the relocation.

“I saw great potential with this new space, but when we moved in, there was a lot of concern about having enough merchandise to fill it,” she said. “On top of that, the store had been using ladders and two-by-fours as makeshift clothing racks — they were doing the best they could with meager resources.”

But they didn’t have to worry long.

“Within weeks,” said McDermed, “the place was filled to the brim! It was the best decision the parish could have made. Without the volunteers and all the generous donations, the store wouldn’t exist. We had people offering their time every single day; it’s amazing to see our community come together to support Catholic education. All we wanted to do was help people, and because of the variety store, we could.”

On Jan. 18, the store held a celebration at St. Benedict School in Atchison to commemorate passing the $1 million milestone. Store manager Cheryl

LEAVEN PHOTO BY PHIL SMALDONE

Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jennifer Dulac, granddaughter of Nadine Martin, a longtime volunteer at Sacred Heart Variety Store who died in 2021. To the right of Jennifer is Norine Wilderson, twin sister of Nadine, Theresa McDermed and Virginia Kuckleman.

Join the celebration and save To celebrate the 10-year milestone, Sacred Heart Variety Store is holding an open house from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 9 and everything in the store will be half price. All are invited to come celebrate — and shop!

Contreras presented a check to Father Jeremy Heppler, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, and school principal Kevin Lunsford.

“Atchison has a strong Catholic community, and the family atmosphere is tangible,” Lunsford said. “Thanks to the generous donations and all the volunteers at Sacred Heart, we receive $477 per student every year. If a student attends our school

from kindergarten through eighth grade, that amounts to one year of free tuition per student.”

It’s not just about making money, explained McDermed. The store also gives back when people are in need.

“We had a bed on display and one little girl walked by and said ‘that bed looks amazing!’ So I asked her what she liked so much about it,” said McDermed, “and she replied ‘I don’t have a bed, I sleep on the floor.’

“As quickly as we could, we found a set of sheets and blankets that she liked and she left with a bed, free of charge.”

And it doesn’t stop there — Contreras said they’ve been able to help families in need that have had house fires, families that couldn’t afford Christmas gifts and many more.

“The community makes this ministry possible by donating their old things,” Contreras said, “and we want to make sure that we’re giving back to

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) 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; or email at: sub@ theleaven.org. 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 $25/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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the community. People are incredibly generous; we get lots of new items and valuable things donated all the time. It’s a wonderful thing that we’re able to give so much money to Catholic education, but it’s even better that we are able to help those in need.”

Father Jeremy is excited for the future of Sacred Heart Variety Store.

“For 25 years, Sacred Heart has been an invaluable asset to our parish and to our community,” he said. “Being a product of Catholic education myself, and having spent many years as a Catholic school teacher — both before and after being ordained to the priesthood — [I know] these funds are critical to carrying out our mission and sharing the truth of the Gospel with our students.

“It’s been incredible to witness the growth of this ministry, and I am incredibly grateful to our donors and volunteers that make it possible.”

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

4 LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDER

The renovation of St. Malachy Church in Beattie included removing a drop ceiling and painting the original barrel vault interior ceiling blue with gold stars.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

A new wood floor was made for the main center aisle with three inlays featuring symbols of the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Additional work that is still planned involves a ramp on the outside of St. Malachy Church and work on the front steps.

Years of planning bear fruit with St. Malachy renovation

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

B

EATTIE — Members of St. Malachy Church here had a “treasure” right above their heads for 50 years, but only the older parishioners had seen it.

That treasure was a beautiful barrel vault interior ceiling with gothic arches, original to the red-brick church, which had been dedicated on Oct. 24, 1924.

The view of the ceiling had been lost when the parish was renovated in 1971 to 1972.

The original main and side altars were removed. The choir loft was closed off. Steel tie rods were installed wall-towall to address structural issues, and a drop ceiling of acoustical panels was installed.

Deb Dwerlkotte, a parishioner for 37 years, had never seen the arches but heard about them.

“There would be comments off and on over the years,” said Dwerlkotte. “[People would say,] ‘Gosh, it would be so nice to see the arches again and take the church back to the way it was.’”

Periodic inspections revealed that the plaster above the drop ceiling was beginning to loosen, and something needed to be done before chunks of plaster fell on worshipers in the pews.

The decision was made to renovate the church under former pastor Father Jim Shaughnessy. The planning and the work would occur over the tenure of two more pastors — Father Nathan Haverland and Father Quentin Schmitz.

Father Schmitz became pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Marysville and St. Malachy Parish in 2020.

A leadership committee of five laypeople and the pastor was formed. The first phase of work, which concentrated on the sanctuary, ran from January to June 2022. The second phase ran from October 2022 to April 2023.

The renovated church was blessed on April 23, 2023, by Bishop Emeritus Thomas J. Olmsted, of the Diocese of Phoenix, who grew up on his family’s farm a short distance from nearby Oketo.

The original altars were gone, but the renovators found the next best thing.

The parish bought two traditional side altars and a main altar that had been salvaged from St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which closed in 2019. These, as well as the ambo and existing free-standing altar, were refurbished.

The parish, with 70 families, really pulled together for the renovation, said committee member Jarrod Smith. Approximately half the work was done by firms hired by the parish, and the other half was done by parishioners.

Father Quentin Schmitz, pastor of St. Malachy, points out the carving on the altar, and how it is still yet to be painted.

“It would not have been possible without our wonderful congregation,” said Smith. “Any time we asked for help, they came through in big ways.”

Smith also praised Father Schmitz’s leadership and willingness to pitch in. “[Father Schmitz] jumped right in and got his hands dirty,” said Smith. “As long as his schedule allowed for it, he was there. And if he couldn’t make it [for an evening work session], he’d work during the day by himself.”

“I like how the people really got behind the renovation and got involved,” said Father Schmitz. “It was a nice community effort. It brought about a deeper unity and helped us grow together.”

An architect and engineer were hired to design structural work so the two forward-most tie rods could be removed for an unimpeded view of the sanctuary. The remaining were left, but painted white, and thus are hardly noticeable against the white ceiling and walls.

The loose plaster above the sanctuary was removed and replaced with drywall. The ceiling was painted blue with gold stars.

Although the wood floor of the sanctuary could be refurbished, the rest of the floor under the pews and aisles could not. The floor under the pews was replaced with an epoxy flooring. A new wood floor was made for the main center aisle with three inlays featuring symbols of the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

A leadership committee of five laypeople and the pastor — (from left) Kelly FitzGerald, Deb Dwerlkotte, Father Schmitz, Leslie Holthaus and Jarrod Smith — was formed to work on the renovation. Not pictured is Kristi Meyer of the committee.

All the walls and ceilings were painted, with some stenciling.

Wood wainscoting was installed all around the inner wall and the confessional was stained to match the wainscoting.

The walls that closed off the choir loft were removed and additional work will be needed before it can be used.

New lighting and a sound system were installed, along with a new furnace, air conditioning and ventilation. New doors were installed in the vestibule.

Additional work on the outside of the

church will be done in the future, including the front steps and a ramp, said Smith.

Parishioners are pleased at the improvements, said Smith, but a feast for the eyes is not the only payoff.

“We were able to bring students [from St. Gregory School] for a daily Mass a while back and the sound of the children singing was pretty powerful,” said Smith. “It’s amazing how the acoustics in a small church can be better than a larger church.”

LOCAL NEWS 5

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Washburn helps Holy Family School form young leaders

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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OPEKA — What is leadership? What traits do good leaders have in common?

How do people exhibit leadership in their daily lives?

These are just a few of the questions students from Topeka’s Washburn University tried to encourage students in the sixth through eighth grades at Holy Family Grade School in Topeka to consider as part of one session of the school’s advisory program.

Now in its second year, the program consists of students in small groups participating in half-hour sessions every Monday afternoon. The program covers five main topics or subjects, including: vocations and career awareness; digital citizenship and information literacy; organization; philosophy; and leadership.

While faculty and staff lead the various sessions, the school has also hosted people from the Topeka community.

For example, during a session held earlier this school year about career awareness, Marisol Estrella Marcelo, a graduate of the school, spoke about her work as the director of marketing for one of the city’s Catholic funeral homes.

The required advisory program was the idea of principal Travis Lamb. And while many of the topics are not necessarily traditionally taught in depth at the middle school level, Lamb said he thinks it’s important to start talking with kids about these topics earlier. So, he took the idea to the faculty.

“We wanted to formalize this in a way and structure it so we can give it the attention it deserves,” he said. “I think the kids like it. Philosophy can sometimes be heavy for them, but we wanted to get them prepared for high school. . . . When they get to high school, they’re expected to know some of this.”

Lamb speaks from experience.

Previously, Lamb taught at the city’s only Catholic high school, Hayden. He took students to participate in Washburn University’s Leadership Challenge, an annual two-day event during which student teams of five “compete to fulfill the challenges and overcome

By Meghan Ascher Special to The Leaven

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

As part of its advisory program, Holy Family School in Topeka hosts students from Washburn University’s Leadership Institute. Stephanie Vannetti (left), Kira Bird (right) and Rhen Calhoon (not pictured) talk with seventh graders Davion Sanchez, Tristan Ortega and Joey Schneider about their ideas of leadership. Leadership is just one topic covered by the school’s advisory program. Other topics addressed are vocations and career awareness; digital citizenship and information literacy; organization; and philosophy. The advisory program is required for all middle school students and meets every Monday throughout the academic year for 30 minutes.

LEADERSHIP DEFINITELY BUILDS. IF YOU INSTILL IT AT A YOUNG AGE, IT JUST HELPS YOU BECOME MORE CONFIDENT AS YOU MATURE. RHEN CALHOON the obstacles placed before them in a manner that demonstrates exemplary leadership knowledge and execution.”

The competition is hosted by the Washburn University Leadership Institute.

Upon his arrival at Holy Family School, Lamb inquired about the

possibility of a middle school competition or program. Instead, the Washburn University Leadership Institute offered for its students to come to the school and facilitate some conversations and activities about leadership.

And so, this past September, Kira Bird, Rhen Calhoon and Stephanie Vannetti came to the classroom of Jeff Stuewe and led a discussion, encouraging the kids to think about how they can exercise leadership every day, whether within the classroom, their families or on sports teams. The trio also encouraged the kids to come up with their own lists of good leaders and consider their personality traits.

For Calhoon, a graduate of Hayden, the experience helped her develop confidence.

“Leadership definitely builds. If you

instill it at a young age, it just helps you become more confident as you mature,” said Calhoon. “All of the things I learned as an adult I could have used as a high school or middle school student.”

So, exactly what do the students themselves think about the program?

Seventh grader Joey Schneider said the sessions, especially those focusing on leadership, have helped him learn how to be a better leader, particularly to his basketball teammates.

“I’ve learned how to better listen to my teammates and help them through the hard times,” he said.

Snyder’s classmate, Sophia Torrez, agreed, saying the advisory program has given her a better “understanding of how high school and the real world are going to be.”

Gardner parish to host marriage retreat Feb. 3

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ARDNER — With the approach of National Marriage Week Feb. 7-14, Divine Mercy Parish here is devising ways to help those who have committed themselves to the vocation of marriage to renew, sanctify and enrich their espousal in a powerful way.

“Over the last four to five years, Father Adam [Wilczak] has made it a priority to strengthen the marriages within the parish. It is a part of his greater pastoral vision to care for all parishioners in every aspect of their vocation,” said Deacon Jason Imlay of the parish.

In addition to a thrice-yearly date night offered with an element of formation for married couples, as well as small group “tool teams of Our Lady” aimed at monthly ministry, the parish

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Deacon James Keating, director of theological formation at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska, will be the keynote speaker on Feb. 3 at Divine Mercy Parish’s one-day retreat entitled “Beholding Our Spouse in Love: Emotional Intimacy with Spouse and God.” offers a larger yearly retreat around World Marriage Day on Feb. 11.

This year, the parish will bring in

renowned speaker Deacon James Keating for its one-day retreat on Feb. 3, entitled “Beholding Our Spouse in Love:

Emotional Intimacy with Spouse and God.” Deacon Keating is an award-winning author and professor of spiritual theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and has written widely on ethics, spirituality and clergy formation. He has also delivered hundreds of workshops and lectures at various colleges and seminaries both at home and in Rome, and hosts a podcast called “Discerning Hearts.”

“One of the reasons why we wanted to open to the general public is that we are convicted that Deacon Keating has a particular gift of explaining the sacraments in down-to-earth language that appeals to a wide variety of people,” said Deacon Imlay.

The retreat is open to the whole archdiocese. It will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with lunch provided. The cost is $50 for nonparishioners. To sign up, go to the website at: www.divinemercyks. org and click on “Upcoming Events.”

6 FAMILY LIFE

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JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Sharing the great secret: Doing good makes us happy

ecently, I found myself in the multipurpose room of an old Methodist Church, waiting my turn to donate blood.

Since it was a workday, and because older folks are great at volunteering, most of those sprawled out on nearby tables with tubes sticking out of their arms were senior citizens.

After our blood was drawn, we drank juice, ate an unappetizing packaged cookie and were required to wait a few minutes to make sure we weren’t going to keel over, which I imagine must be a rare but exciting event for those running the program.

As we sat, we chatted, learning a bit about each other and our various faith communities.

And we each left with the same positive feeling: “I did something good today.”

And that feeling is supposed to make us feel happier within our lives. At least, that’s the modern consensus. If you Google “Does doing good make me happy?” you’ll find a host

EFFIE CALDAROLA Effie Caldarola is a wife, mom and grandmother who received her master’s degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University.

of articles explaining how doing good does good for us. And there are scientific studies to back this up.

Apparently, engaging in altruistic or charitable behavior releases endorphins in the brain, which help us to feel happy. Volunteering can even help lift our depression.

As I write this, I imagine Jesus standing over my shoulder saying, “Oh, really?”

Jesus probably isn’t sarcastic, but I do think he would like to remind me that his whole call to mission was to love our

OSV NEWS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ, CNS

Nurse Cathy Matarazzo takes a break from her duties in the radiology department at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, New York, to donate blood during the hospital’s blood drive in this 2005 file photo. neighbor — that he told us 2,000 years ago that following him was the way to find that elusive peace which the world doesn’t give.

That’s happiness.

It’s not a new idea, even though Jesus never mentioned endorphins.

Being good to your neighbor as a way of living a peaceful and fulfilling life is a notion even older than Jesus: Major religions throughout the ages believed charity toward others was something foundational.

COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

Fifty years ago, Jesuit Father Pedro Arrupe delivered an address which influenced the future of his order and articulated this concept eloquently.

He spoke of educating Catholics to be “men for others.”

This phrase, today expressed as “men and women for others,” envisioned a person who would “give himself to others in love — love, which is his definitive and all-embracing dimension, that which gives meaning to all

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13 Roman governor 15 Boyfriend 16 Legume 17 Shorten (abbr.)

18 Greeting memo 19 Business abbr.

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his other dimensions.”

The modern “do good to be happy” folks are right, of course, but here’s what they’re leaving out: Living for others is not just another self-help scheme, “one and done” for the day.

It is an all-day, every-day attitude. It is a mindset and desire grounded in God, who is defined as Love. Living out this love gives meaning to our lives.

The love we show for others is our “definitive and all-embracing

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dimension.” It’s who we are as Christians, and it is defined as our way of life.

Doing good for others means giving when it’s sacrificial. It means forgiving when it’s difficult. It means living with a focus on the “other,” rather than how everything will work best for me.

Being a person for others enabled Franciscan Father Maximillian Kolbe to offer his life at Auschwitz in place of a husband and father who was targeted for death. We see Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who refused a chance to flee persecution, only recently released from his unjust incarceration and expelled from his country. This love was embodied on the cross, by Jesus Christ.

Being a person for others may not call us to that kind of extreme sacrifice, but day by day, we can look for ways to be a person for others as a way of life — in our family, our neighborhood, our world.

And if one side effect of that effort is our own increased happiness, all the better!

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Solution on page 2

LOCAL NEWS 7

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

OPENING HOMES AND HEARTS Families welcome children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

O

VERLAND PARK — At the start of a new year, it’s not uncommon for folks to take stock of the year just past and then search for ways to better give back to their communities going forward.

Some Americans turn to their checkbooks as a way to help the less fortunate and the parishes they belong to. Others assist their neighbors through the skill set and talents they possess.

While both practices are critical in lending a hand to our neighbors, adoption may be the most selfless of the three. Not only do these admirable Americans give of their time and money, they truly sacrifice of themselves so these children can have a new home.

Daniel and Kathy White of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park and Quentin and Kristin McArthur of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood have been raising adopted sons for nearly five and seven years, respectively. They’ve also been guiding Zachary White and Del McArthur through a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

Not to be confused with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), FASDs is an umbrella term for a wide range of effects — including FAS — that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol before birth.

“When Zachary came into our lives, he was charming,” explained Kathy White. “He still is. And he crept into our hearts.”

Dan and Kathy started out just helping his birth family with different needs they had.

“And then we began praying and discerning if God was calling us to adoption,” said Kathy.

An already busy family of seven, the Whites hadn’t thought much about being called to foster or adopt.

“Were we open to life? Absolutely,” said Kathy. “We just didn’t know this is what being open to life meant.”

But having five children already, it was clear to the Whites that in addition to young Zachary’s natural sweetness and charm, there were some obvious concerning behaviors.

“He was significantly delayed,” said Kathy. “Most three-year-olds have a vocabulary of around 200 words and can speak in phrases and short sentences.

He could only say a handful of words — and only two words together.”

They also noticed he walked recklessly, as if he were tipsy. They later learned he has a movement disorder and vestibular disorder, along with multiple other comorbidities.

Despite all of that, said Kathy, “Zachary is a survivor. He is doing great!

“The most difficult thing is learning how to parent and educate him differently because he has a neurodiversity.”

He, like most individuals diagnosed with FASDs, doesn’t respond to traditional parenting strategies. And like most individuals with FASDs, his disability is internal — he looks like everyone else.

The McArthurs had fostered many children before having Del join their

COURTESY PHOTO

Zachary White gets a Kansas City Chiefs arrowhead painted on his arm by Sophia Leach at a RunFASD Awareness event held last fall as his mother, Kathy White, looks on. Daniel and Kathy White of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park adopted Zachary and have guided him through a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME. IT TAKES A LOT OF REPETITION TO TEACH THEM SOMETHING. I WANT MORE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS. HOPEFULLY, MORE WILL BE DONE TO HELP THEM. IT’S A HUGE PROBLEM THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT. KRISTIN MCARTHUR CURÉ OF ARS PARISH IN LEAWOOD family of seven.

“I felt a tug from God to start fostering,” said Kristin McArthur. “My husband wasn’t on board at first. Then, he was.

“We got another son and a brother to love.”

FASDs is a developmental disability, not a mental illness. Behaviors are a symptom of the disability. While it does have lifelong effects, the disorder is manageable when given the appropriate accommodations and support.

Individuals diagnosed with FASDs as kids typically have multiple providers on their care team. They benefit from occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech assistance to address sensory needs.

“Without the correct diagnosis and support, these individuals typically develop adverse outcomes like acting out in school, for example, being the class clown and getting into trouble because they’re not following rules,” Kathy said.

“The reality is, those impacted can’t always remember the rules on a day to day basis,” she added. “Or while they can repeat them, they don’t understand what they mean or how they apply them.”

Because FASDs is not widely known or understood, parents like the Whites and McArthurs sometimes find themselves educating the providers: doctors, social workers, educators.

Those diagnosed with FASDs often have memory lapses, inconsistencies with sleep, impulsivity and executive functioning. They are dysmature, which is a significant difference in the child’s development compared to the development of peers.

Confabulation, also a symptom of FASDs, occurs when an FASDs child fills in a memory gap with confused, misinterpreted or distorted information. Some FASDs kids have sensory issues as well.

“They might have a strong reaction to certain smells, tastes or sounds,” Kristin said. “I think most of them have trouble with abstract ideas and things like time and dates and money and math. Money management is really difficult for these kids.”

Individuals with FASDs typically don’t understand sarcasm, or a lot of the idioms Americans use throughout the day. They are very literal. If someone uses the phrase, “raining cats and dogs,” within earshot of a person with FASDs, a puzzled look may precede the sound of a chuckle.

Studies have found that 70% of children diagnosed with FASDs have been in foster care. One in 20 students — or about one in every classroom — is thought to have the malady compared to just one in 700 kids when it comes to Down syndrome.

It is estimated that 60% of people

with FASDs have had legal issues. That rate is 30 times higher than the rate of the general population.

Medication is sometimes used to help with symptoms. Behavior and education therapy — as well as parent training and other alternative approaches — are also remedies for people who have been diagnosed with FASDs. FASDs is two-and-a-half times more prevalent than autism and is often referred to as the invisible disability because adolescents with FASDs tend to look like typical kids. They sound like typical kids. But they are not.

“These kids take a different kind of parenting. So please, don’t judge if you know a parent that is going through this, is sponsoring or adopted a kid, or has a child and he is struggling,” Kristin said. “Don’t be judgey because you don’t know what they’re going through.

“It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of repetition to teach them something. I want more people to know about this.

Hopefully, more will be done to help them. It’s a huge problem that not many people know about.”

While people with FASDs are the No. 1 priority for the Whites and McArthurs and organizations like FASD United, birth mothers are celebrated as well.

“We believe in the birth mom. We champion moms who disclose,” Kathy said. “You are not a bad mother just because you drank while you were pregnant. You are a champion mom because you are doing what you can for your baby. We support you 100 percent.

“If you’re an addict, an alcoholic, it doesn’t matter. You want what’s best for your kid. That’s the most important thing. Birth moms never want to hurt their babies. That’s what we know without a doubt. They don’t do it on purpose.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

From left, Topeka’s Hayden High School president Shelly Buhler, Lenexa’s St. James Academy student Hannah White and Hayden coordinator of faith formation Jared Samson march down Constitution Avenue in support of life as the snow falls. This is the second March for Life since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

WE CONTINUE TO MARCH FOR LIFE

By Kathryn White Special to The Leaven

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ASHINGTON, D.C. — Over 350 Kansas pilgrims, from high school age to adult, journeyed to the nation’s capital last week to participate in this year’s National March for Life, themed “With Every Woman, For Every Child.”

Unlike in past years when many student groups made the 24-hour drive by bus, the entire group this year flew in order to save time and money, arriving Jan. 17. The change in travel plans meant the pilgrims arrived fresh and ready to hit the ground running, and in the days prior to the march, archdiocesan groups toured both religious and historical sites. Two of the groups had special tours of the Senate building and the U.S. Capitol led by Kansas Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran and their staff.

The actual March for Life took place on Jan. 19. Kansas pilgrims began their day with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at St. Dominic Church in Washington. The group then journeyed by foot the half-mile to the rally on the National Mall before marching the distance of the actual route.

The march route started between 12th and 14th streets and continued down Constitution Avenue. Due to the sheer number of participants — 100,000 were predicted — some marchers waited for nearly an hour at the National Mall for the march to reach their place in line. It continued peacefully to the end.

The route ended between the Capitol and the Supreme Court to signify the overturning of Roe v. Wade, while also witnessing to the nation’s legislators that the fight for the right to life will continue until every life will be respected.

The tone was different this year from

WITH EDUCATION, THERE WILL BE AN END TO ABORTION. WE STAND FOR THE MOTHER BUT DO IT FOR THE KID. JOSEPH LUKE SENIOR AT HAYDEN HIGH SCHOOL, TOPEKA

in years past, though, said Deb Niesen, pro-life director for the archdiocese.

“The National March for Life is always a celebration of life and a chance for us to publicly and joyfully witness to the precious gift of life,” said Niesen.

“Last year was very much about celebrating the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe. This year’s march again set the tone that there is still much work to do to make abortion unthinkable in our country.”

According to Niesen, we march, yes, for babies. But the message goes beyond that.

“Abortion not only ends the life of a child,” she said, “but it harms women.

Love is the answer.”

Marchers were challenged every step of the way to be there for moms. “‘With Every Woman, For Every Child’ means we are called to serve and support women who are scared and facing a challenging pregnancy so she can choose life for her baby and a healthier future for herself,” said Niesen.

Joseph Luke, a senior at Hayden High School and a parishioner at Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka, felt a sense of urgency as his takeaway.

“Seeing everyone march for one cause with the same ideology created a sense of urgency to fix the problem,” he said. “With education, there will be an end to abortion. We stand for the mother but do it for the kid.”

While the focus was supporting the

moms and the babies and how to take action, the joy, enthusiasm and participation from those who attended remained the same.

“Life is good and we who support life are people of love and joy!” said Niesen.

Emily Jimenez, a senior at Bishop Ward High School and a member of Holy Name Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was there for her third march.

“My mom was a teenager when she was pregnant for the first time,” said Jiminez. “I know my parents had a hard time at the beginning. My mom even dropped out of school to be able to care for us.”

Nevertheless, they chose life.

“During the march, I loved hearing the chants, and people praying the rosary together as they marched,” she continued. “It was so loud! The laughing and singing was awesome — all for a common purpose.”

After the march, her group from Bishop Ward and ReachKCK celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation and attended eucharistic adoration, which helped everyone feel renewed.

“I hope to be able to share about my experience and make a difference,” said Jiminez.

The entire experience inspired a lot of reflection for all the teens who attended. Sydney Conrad from Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park and a junior at St. James Academy in Lenexa believed supporting moms, especially single teen moms, is about sisterhood.

“We have to be there for each other without judgment,” she said. “Most teens who find out they are pregnant will probably tell a friend first. Or maybe a teacher. We need to be educated and supportive without judgment.”

Leslie Villegas-Garcia, a young adult from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, agreed.

“We have to support women just as much as we support the babies who don’t have the voice to stand up for themselves.”

Father Anthony Mersmann, chaplain at Bishop Miege H

Archdiocesan marchers eagerly await the start of the M pro-lifers say that there is still much work to be done.

Pro-life demonstrators carry a banner toward the U.S. 51st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19

March brings people together for the cause

By Kathryn White Special to The Leaven

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

High School in Roeland Park, flies the Miege flag as the contingent from Miege joined thousands of marchers from across the United States.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

March for Life. Despite the overturn of Roe v. Wade,

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Katie and Joseph Peterson, along with their two-month-old baby Benedict, brave the cold and snow to march. The Petersons are members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Supreme Court building while participating in the 9.

ASHINGTON, D.C. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presided over Mass with 450 Kansas pilgrims on Jan. 19 to kick off a day of March for Life activities here.

Youth and young adults from Atchison, Topeka and Kansas City, Kansas — as well as archdiocesan high schools — prayed together at St. Dominic Church in the nation’s capital, mostly arriving by foot in the 31degree weather with a steady snowfall.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann addressed the importance of relationships, bringing a smile to pilgrims’ faces with a brief allusion to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. He went on to speak on the topic of authentic love and thanked the young people from around the state for taking time to be witnesses at the march.

Katie Peterson, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, attended the March for Life for the first time as an adult pilgrim. She was joined by her husband Joseph and their twomonth-old baby Benedict.

“Archbishop Naumann was spot-on when he spoke about true authentic love,” said Katie. She is a first-time mom and has spent a lot of time praying and reflecting about pregnancy and motherhood and what that must look like without an active husband.

When Katie had any pregnancy concerns, Joseph was right there by her side. They journeyed together, prayed together and being open to life, welcomed Benedict to their new family just 17 months after their wedding day.

“Navigating motherhood without an active husband would be so overwhelming,” she said. “I am so thankful to be married to a man who loves me and our son so deeply he sacrifices again and again.”

That is what true authentic love is about, said the archbishop: self-sacrifice.

This is contrary to what the world teaches, which is selfish love and self-gratification.

“True authentic love will lead us to a pro-life generation,” he said.

The archbishop also encouraged the young people from Kansas to be like the disciples who were chosen not by their qualifications, but by their ability to let God work through them.

He further challenged them to help change the culture that thinks killing their own children is a right they have.

“I will start to pray with other students outside the abortion clinic,” said Kaden Kopp, a member of Ascension Church and a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. He was moved to take action after his experiences.

“Seeing all the people on the march, even though it was snowy and cold,” was his favorite part of the experience.

Addison Burris, from Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, is a senior at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. This was her second year attending the March for Life. Through it, she said, she has gained confidence in her faith.

“Seeing the close-knit community of the pro-life movement has impacted me,” she said. “It is such an incredibly powerful experience to see hundreds of thousands of people all standing up for what they believe in.

“All life, no matter big or small, is so incredibly valuable.”

10 LOCAL NEWS

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Archbishop encourages marchers to think more like David

>> Continued from page 1

“And we can feel overwhelmed and discouraged that the enemy is too big. And what can we do? But we have something stronger and more powerful, more powerful than even the Torah of the Old Testament. We have Jesus Christ,” the archbishop continued.

He said the late Jean Garton, who for years was head of Lutherans for Life, used to refer to the story of David and Goliath and say, “You know, the soldiers of Israel looked at Goliath and said he’s too big, we can’t fight him. But David looked at him and said, ‘If he’s so big, how can I miss him?’”

As laughter resounded throughout the basilica, Archbishop Naumann told the crowd: “We have to have that same attitude. With the Lord upon our side, we will conquer, we will prevail.”

With the monstrance still on the altar, he also spoke of the of the importance of the years of the National Eucharistic Revival, which will conclude with the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21.

“The Eucharist is this incredible miracle that God has given to us,” Archbishop Naumann said. He spoke of various opportunities, especially for young people, to get to know God in the Eucharist.

“To me, it’s so encouraging to see our young people’s love of the Eucharist,” he said.

But the Eucharist is not only for young people, he noted, adding, “We need our older people to be witnesses.”

He spoke of two instances from his childhood in St. Louis that made an impression on him. He said his father died when his mother was pregnant with him, so she was a single mom and a Catholic school teacher.

When he and his brother were in high school, their mother would get up and go to 5:30 Mass every morning before returning home to prepare breakfast for her children. Later, she went to 8 a.m. Mass with her students, but she told them she was unable to “focus on the miracle of the Eucharist” at that Mass; she had to pay attention to what her students were doing.

The archbishop also spoke of his

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, former chair of the USCCB’s pro-life committee, processes into the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., for the National Prayer Vigil for Life on Jan. 18. maternal grandfather, who lived downstairs.

“It always intrigued me that on Saturday morning at 2 a.m., he would go to our parish church and spend an hour in [eucharistic] adoration,” said Archbishop Naumann.

He said he tells adults: “Your children are watching. They’re watching what is important to you.”

After the Holy Hour, Steve Wirtz of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood called

the archbishop’s reflection “amazing.”

“I think his story about David and Goliath — I’m going to use it for five years,” he told The Leaven.

And he praised the archbishop’s unflagging passion for his pro-life work.

“He’s a lion!” said Wirtz.

Wirtz said few people know that when the archbishop was a priest in St. Louis, he provided the money to start Our Lady’s Inn, a maternity home.

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199

Wirtz said his wife Maureen had visited St. Louis to see the inn’s work and now was working with pro-life advocates in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The Wirtzes were among nearly 400 people from the archdiocese who attended the vigil Mass at the basilica Jan. 18. Before the Mass, some of the high school students in attendance spoke to The Leaven about why they were attending the March for Life, even after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022.

Katelyn Kuckelman, a senior at St. James Academy in Lenexa, said: “We all recognize here that this movement is not just about people who are unborn, but it’s about everyone who deserves to live.

“And that includes not just myself, but the young, the old, of all shapes and sizes, of all creeds, of all religions. . . .

It applies to everyone, and that’s really what we’re fighting for.”

Layla Ludwig, a sophomore at St. James, spoke of marching for prisoners who have received the death penalty.

She said she thought it was “wrong to take away that human life, no matter what they’ve done.”

Sophomore Abby Schaffhausen said besides the unborn, they were marching for “people who are being euthanized. Because just because they’re old or have a life-threatening disease, it does not mean that they deserve to die then. It doesn’t mean that another person gets to decide when to end their life, only God decides when somebody’s life ends.”

Farther back in the church, amid students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, senior Nathan Dreiling expressed a similar opinion.

Dreiling told The Leaven he was marching “to be the voice that the aborted are not able to have.” He said he had heard the phrase “my body, my choice,” but paused, choosing his words carefully.

“It’s not the fact that I’m male or female, it’s the fact that it’s Jesus’ child,” he said.

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

NATION 11

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Bishops urge Washington Catholics to advocate for the homeless

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EATTLE (OSV News) — The bishops of Washington state are urging the state’s 1 million Catholics to join the Washington State Catholic Conference in asking legislators for more resources to help the homeless and serve them with dignity.

“In a nation and state of such great wealth, no person should spend their golden years in a shelter or on a city street, no family should ever worry about where they will spend the night, no one should ever lose the roof over their head because of a temporary economic crisis, and no low-income individual should have to accept a dangerous housing environment,” the bishops said in a Jan. 18 statement.

The statement, “Our Call to Serve Vulnerable Populations in Our Communities,” is signed by Seattle Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, Yakima Bishop Joseph J. Tyson, Spokane Bishop Thomas A. Daly and Seattle Auxiliary Bishops Eusebio Elizondo and Frank R. Schuster.

According to data from the 2022 Point in Time count, more than 25,000 people in the state are either experiencing homelessness or are on the brink of homelessness, the bishops said in the statement. But efforts to help those in need are “sometimes muted by efforts to criminalize homelessness, keep certain types of housing out of our communities, or assume any housing is sufficient regardless of the physical, mental, or emotional needs of the person in poverty and their fellow residents.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires each state to make an official count at least every two years of all individuals staying in temporary housing programs, which is the “sheltered count,” and places not meant for human habitation, or the “unsheltered” count.

Outreach staff, social service providers and volunteers take a census of each person experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on a single night — the same “point in time.”

In Washington state, the 2024 count will take place Jan. 25, with the results expected to be released in the spring.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/DAVID RYDER, REUTERS

A woman is pictured in this file photo distributing cookies at a homeless encampment in Seattle. In a statement Jan. 18, Washington’s Catholic bishops urged the state’s 1 million Catholics to advocate for the homeless by asking legislators for more resources to help those who are unhoused.

IN A NATION AND STATE OF SUCH GREAT WEALTH, NO PERSON SHOULD SPEND THEIR GOLDEN YEARS IN A SHELTER OR ON A CITY STREET, NO FAMILY SHOULD EVER WORRY ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL SPEND THE NIGHT. WASHINGTON BISHOPS’ STATEMENT “It is incumbent [on us] to remember that care for the poor is one of the

recurring themes throughout both the Old and New Testaments,” the bishops noted in their statement. “As such, care for the poor is a consistent focus of Catholic teaching and action. . . . Care for the poor is not optional for the Christian.”

The statement lists several areas of needs and asks Catholics to advocate for them — including continuing investment by the state in “adequate and appropriate care for individuals with acute needs who are also experiencing homelessness.”

The bishops ask Catholics to support a more effective coordinated entry system to move homeless people into housing; state laws that reduce barriers to entry in permanent supportive housing while maintaining residents’ safety; and measures to address the

drug epidemic that “leaves addiction untreated and needed housing units unlivable due to residue from unchecked drug use.”

The statement also highlights the Catholic Church’s work for the poor in Washington state through its three Catholic charities organizations and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The bishops encourage Catholics to learn more about that work and to serve the vulnerable through parish ministries and volunteer work.

“Our neighbors experiencing homelessness are individuals of equal value and dignity to any other Washingtonian,” the bishops said. “Let us raise our voices to remind political leaders and each other of that essential truth and fulfill our call to be an instrument of God for their liberation.”

Physician-assisted suicide next front of pro-life cause

By Kate Scanlon OSV News

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ASHINGTON (OSV News) — The pro-life cause will confront new challenges in the coming decades, with physician-assisted suicide in particular emerging as a growing threat to human life, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley of Boston told attendees of the 25th annual Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life Jan. 20.

The annual conference, organized

by Georgetown University students, is typically held the day before or after the annual March for Life in Washington, according to the university. It was first held in 2000 and later named in honor of the late Cardinal John J. O’Connor, who was archbishop of New York, a Georgetown University alumnus and founder of the Sisters for Life. Cardinal O’Connor was known for his pro-life activism on abortion, but also on other life issues, including his opposition to the death penalty and his support for social safety net programs.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/GREGORY L. TRACY, THE PILOT

Boston Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley speaks during the 25th annual Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life at Georgetown University in Washington Jan. 20.

Cardinal O’Malley, who also is the president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, a member

of the Council of Cardinal Advisors and a former chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said in his address to the conference that “the Gospel of life is the centerpiece of the church’s social teaching.”

“When the value of life is compromised or diminished, all life is at risk,” he said.

“The culture of death,” he said, “will be overcome by the witness of a community where people are welcomed, forgiven, celebrated and cared for.”

The conference marked its 25th event by focusing on what the next 25 years look like for the pro-life cause. Cardinal O’Malley said that “there’s no doubt that the next major assaults in the next 25 years are going to come from those pushing physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.”

“A society that allows parents to kill their children will eventually allow children to kill their parents,” Cardinal O’Malley said. “The situation in Canada is alarming. There are proposals to promote euthanasia for the mentally ill.

Once human life is no longer sacred, and the government can continuously move the goalposts, more and more people are in danger.”

Cardinal O’Malley said he wasn’t making a slippery slope argument, and the practice of physician-assisted suicide in some places in Europe also is cause for alarm.

On abortion, Cardinal O’Malley argued the church must respond to societal ills such as poverty and racism, which he called dehumanizing and factors that drive women to abortion.

Amid post-Roe partisanship on abortion, he added, “we must never tire of clarifying misunderstandings, shedding light where there is myth and confusion, and demonstrating empathy and compassion.”

“In the history of our country, people of faith have worked together to overcome racism and injustice,” Cardinal O’Malley said. “Now, we have to come together in defense of the human person, where the innocent unborn and the vulnerable elderly and all of those whose right to life is threatened.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Victim care advocate - The office of protection and care is seeking to hire one full-time victim care advocate who would be responsible for providing support and resources to victims and their families.

Please visit “Employment Opportunities” on the archdiocesan website for more information or to apply.

Go online to “Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas” and scroll down to “Employment Opportunities,” then click on “Victim Care Advocate.”

Full-time maintenance/custodian - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is looking for full-time maintenance/ custodial staff. Qualified applicants will primarily work in a school and early education environment.

Applicants must have similar work history, references and dependable transportation. Must be Virtustrained or attend Virtus training and participate in a background check. Interested applicants should email resumes to: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 631-0004.

Teacher - St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a full-time teacher. Interested individuals should email cover letter and resume to Kristan Mora at: KMora@stjoeshawnee.org. For more information, call (913) 631-0004.

Food and nutrition coordinator - Are you passionate about food and nutrition education and fighting food insecurity? Do you have a heart for advocacy? Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a food and nutrition coordinator to manage our area. To learn more or to apply, visit “catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/ and scroll down to “View All Opportunities” and click on “View All,” then click on “Coordinator, Food and Nutrition.”

Director of finance - The Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as director of finance.

The director of finance is accountable for the overall financial management of the Diocese of Wichita and the stewardship of fiscal resources in support of the mission and vision of the diocese. The finance director advises the bishop in the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the diocese, developing and implementing policies and procedures in accord with canon law and civil law. Responsibilities include providing financial expertise and advice to the bishop, articulating the overall financial condition of the diocese at any point in time, and working closely with pastors, diocesan leadership, diocesan finance council, diocesan investment committee, clergy and other diocesan leaders on a broad range of financial and administrative matters. Qualifications for this opening include the following: must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and a steward in one’s parish with a commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church; must have the ability and willingness to promote and exemplify the curia core values of unity in mission, discipleship centered stewardship and apostolic courage; bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration. MBA and/or CPA preferred; minimum of 10 - 15 years of finance and accounting experience with at least five years of senior level management. Experience in a not-for-profit environment helpful. Experience in budgeting, auditing and oversight of investments required.

Prefer experience in risk management, insurance and contract review. Forward thinker with the ability to conserve resources while recognizing strategic opportunities to utilize existing and new resources; outstanding leadership skills with the competence to manage staff; proven to be a team-oriented, proactive and collaborative business partner with strong business judgment and high level of integrity. Interested applicants may submit resumes, references and salary requirements to: hallacyt@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org. Application deadline is noon, Feb. 29.

Parish administrator - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is seeking to hire a full-time parish administrator as our current administrator will retire in the spring of 2024. This is a leadership position, responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the financial condition, physical plant and human resources of the parish, serving as the primary on-site decision maker with matters of significance. This position reports to the pastor. Supervisory responsibilities include: assigning, scheduling, monitoring and controlling work; evaluating and managing performance of staff; and interviewing, hiring and orienting new employees. Prerequisite knowledge, skills and abilities include (among others): practicing Catholic with knowledge of Catholic moral and social teachings preferred; work experience in business administration, accounting or finance; supervisory experience; working knowledge of Microsoft Office products; strong verbal and written communications. Interested applicants may apply online at: Indeed. com by entering the job title “parish administrator” and the city “Overland Park” at: https://www.indeed.com; by email to: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org; or U.S. mail at Parish Administrator, Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204.

Youth minister - Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. They will work with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry program in accord with the archdiocesan guidelines for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s mission and vision. The youth minister is responsible for the implementation of weekly youth programs for both junior and senior high. Seeking a Catholic experienced in youth ministry who will encourage and train adult core and youth team leaders. The position has the possibility to be full time with benefits. For more information, go to: www.popolathe.org/jobs. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to April Bailey, director of faith formation, at: abailey@popolathe.org.

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG Skilled maintenance worker - St. Pius X Parish, Mission, a skilled maintenance worker to perform general upkeep and repairs; applying basic fixes to equipment and building systems and ensuring facilities are tidy and functional. Will include some spot cleaning of church, parish and rectory. We are looking for candidates with experience and solid technical knowledge; who are reliable with a keen eye for detail; a self-starter with motivation to work independently or with others to provide thorough and efficient work. Work hours can be flexible. Full-time or part-time. Interested applicants may email resumes and work history to: galba@ spxmission.org.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: academic advisor, director of development, and admissions counselor. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Part-time database manager - Part-time database manager needed at St. John the Evangelist Parish in downtown Lawrence. Manager is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of a confidential and time-sensitive nature in the parish database program (ParishStaq). Assuring a steady completion of workload in a timely manner is key to success in this position. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com; 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. To view the complete job description, visit our website at: sjevangelist. com/jobs.

For sale - New Golden Electric Wheelchair for sale. Call Helen at (785) 448-8745. Holy Angels parishioner.

Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Director of development and stewardship - The director of development and stewardship of St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence works closely with the pastor and school principal to ensure the long-term stability of the parish — which includes the church and school — by building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including parishioners, parents alumni, volunteers and community members. The director of development and stewardship will implement and oversee all development and stewardship activities necessary to grow and expand the base of financial support for the parish from a broad range of sources. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@ sjevangelist.com; or mail to Father John Cousins, 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. To view the complete job description, visit our website at: sjevangelist. com/jobs.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings - no current openings. Adjunct faculty job openings: clinical nursing faculty adjunct. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required.

Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation.com for more information. EEO. Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as a direct support professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided.

Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks. org/join-our-team or by emailing: james@larcheks.org.

Early childhood educators - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child-care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Anne at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Caregiver needed - Are you looking for an in-home caregiving opportunity? The Shikles family is urgently hiring a dedicated and compassionate direct support worker for the care of Stephen Shikles. Pay is $19.62 per hour; flexible hours up to 40 hours per week. For more information, please contact Lisa Shikles at (913) 333-0887 or lisa.shikles@gmail.com.

Scientific equipment technician - Would you like to make a difference in a small growing company?

Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customer’s locations locally and within a four-state area. Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented are required.

Mostly on-the-job training. Electrical knowledge a plus.

Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

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 - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in section 3 Old, lot 136, plots 6 and 10. Markers only. Contact Ann at (913) 620-5687.

For sale - Two adjacent cemetery plots in the Henry Addition of Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. Located in lots 547 - Center and 547 - East.

Current selling price for individual lots is $2400 each, asking $4000 for both lots. Seller will pay the transfer fee. Call Mike at (214) 676-0993.

For sale - Three plots at Resurrection Cemetery, Queen of Heaven garden, lot 145, space 4 and lot 147, Section A, spaces 1 and 2. These are flat marker spaces. Original cost $2595 each, asking $2300 each and seller will pay the conveyance fee. Call Kevin at (913) 488-4440.

For sale - Two niches/columbarium at Resurrection Cemetery located in the Holy Family Mausoleum, corridor/garden, Nativity section, tier E1, niches 206 - 208. Original cost $5200; selling for $4000. Call Greg at (816) 944-6886.

SERVICES 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.

Tutoring - for K - Adult. Sessions are fun and meaningful. For more information please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL *LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING *CLEANUP AND HAULING *DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION *LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

WELLERBEEF.COM - Let us be your local farm source for beef for your dinner table. Local, Catholic, family farm. Humanely raised. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass fed and traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees.

Catholic counseling - Sam Meier, MA, LCPC - (913) 952-2267 and David Walter, MA, LCPC - (402) 9130463. Book an appointment online at: StillWatersKC. com, in person or telehealth.

Garage door repair expert New Garage Doors Garage Floor Coatings A Total Door Inc., Since ’83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com; (913) 236-6440 MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload.

In-home moving and office moves. No job too small.

Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 9274347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, mason repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheetrock, knockdown ceilings, decks and fences. My family and I always appreciate the support. Please call Joshua at (913) 709-7230. Check out my Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ FSHomeExteriorsandRemodeling. Call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or at: josh.fser@gmail.com.

Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.

Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

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% www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com (913) 461-4052

REAL ESTATE We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer.

We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage - Join us for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje March 12 - 20, 2024; May 14 - 22, 2024; and June 16 - 28, 2024 (Poland and Medjugorje). Are you being called to go? Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. Call Grace Legaspi for details at (913) 449-1806.

CAREGIVING Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties.

Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www. saintritahc.com; rmargush@saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

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.

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.

Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee, (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.

Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 2139843

CALENDAR 13

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WOMEN’S RETREAT Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

There will be a Mass at 8:30 a.m. for those wishing to attend. The retreat will begin at 9 a.m. The cost is $20 and includes breakfast. The speakers will be Catherine Cheney, Brenna Vidal and Father Luke Doyle. Register online at: www.kcnativity.org/journey or send an email to Susan Vogliardo at: suesues6@ hotmail.com.

TASTE OF KCK Resurrection School 425 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Jan. 27 from 6 - 9 p.m.

The evening will begin with a social at 6 p.m. An ethnic buffet dinner follows at 7 p.m. with a program at 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit Resurrection School students through need-based scholarships, and supports, and the daily cost of operating a school. For more information, to purchase a ticket or make a donation, visit the website at: rcskck.org/taste-of-kck or call (913) 371-8101. STREAM initiatives, academic programing and supports, and the daily cost of operating a school. For more information, to purchase a ticket or make a donation, visit the website at: rcskck.org/ taste-of-kck or call (913) 371-8101.

DIVINE MERCY MARRIAGE RETREAT Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., will be the featured speaker at this year’s Divine Mercy marriage retreat: “Beholding Our Spouse in Love: Emotional Intimacy with Spouse and God.” Deacon Keating is an award-winning author and professor of spiritual theology at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He has written many essays on ethics, spirituality and clergy formation as well as written, co-written or edited over 30 books. He also has a podcast called “Discerning Hearts.” The cost is $50 per couple, lunch included. Please call (913) 856-7781 for reservations.

ST. ROSE ITALIAN FEAST Holy Angels Parish (St. John Hall) 406 S. Prairie, Greeley Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.

The event will begin with a social hour and dinner to follow. There will also be a silent auction. Contact Amanda at (785) 304-2388 with any questions.

JOURNEY BY GRACE WOMEN’S EVENING St. Ann Parish (chapel) 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village Feb. 8 from 6 - 8 p.m.

All women are invited to an evening focused on Journey By Grace. This will be a night to prepare your mind and soul for Lent. Register online at: www.stannpv.org/ grace. The cost is $10 per person and is sponsored by the St. Ann Women’s Club.

‘A GREAT SYMPHONY OF PRAYER’ SILENT RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. - Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Pope Francis urges us to prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” by calling for a “Great Symphony of Prayer” in the year 2024. Join us as we prepare for Lent by deepening our prayer life and love of God by reflecting on what we pray, how we pray and why we pray. The Our Father prayer will be examined through the lens of being a life program for disciples. There will be conferences, spiritual direction, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 singles/ $250 couples or single guest rooms: $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: Christspeace. com or call (913) 773-8255.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Feb. 11 from 8:30 - 10 a.m.

The breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for

great fellowship. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 11; $3 for kids ages 3 - 11. Kids under the age of 3 eat for free. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving through the year.

BLOOD DRIVE Savior Pastoral Center (gym) 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

To participate in the blood drive, call 1 (800) RED-CROSS (1 (800) 733-2767) or visit the website at: RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Savior Pastoral to schedule an appointment.

COFFEE AND SILENCE (ON-SITE) Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 14 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Take time to renew and refresh your mind and spirit by spending time in whatever way suits you: in silent prayer and reflection, reading, contemplative walking or rest. We will have a hot cup of coffee or tea ready for you. Bring your lunch and enjoy a prayerful day away. Cost is a freewill offering but advance registration is required.

Go online to: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org, scroll down and click on “Scheduled Retreat Offerings,” scroll down to “February Offerings,” then down to “February Coffee and Silence (on-site),” then click on “Read more” to register.

EUCHARISTIC MARIAN CONFERENCE St. Mary Parish 600 N. Liberty St., Independence, Missouri Feb. 16-18

The conference will begin Feb. 16 evening with registration and a meal from 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. There will be several talks given during the conference, rosary, Mass, Angelus and a panel discussion. Speakers are: Father Anthony Viviano, Michael McGlinn, Father Sean McCaffery, Tom Blumhorst and others.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Feb. 16 - 18

Give something more than flowers and

chocolates this year! This Valentine’s Day give your spouse the greatest gift of all — your time and attention. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience will allow you to reconnect and reaffirm your love for each other. It is a gift that will last all the days of your lives. For more information or to apply, go online to: www.wwme. org or: wwme4youandme.org.

ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Bede Parish 7344 Drought St., Kelly Feb. 18 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

There will be pancakes, sausage and eggs. The cost is a freewill donation. Takeout meals will be available.

‘ST. PAUL AND JESUS: A SCRIPTURE RETREAT’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty Feb. 20, 27, March 5 and 12 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

We will study the writings of St. Paul to learn how he cultivated his personal encounter with Jesus and how we can do the same. We will follow a retreat format: reading, reflecting, praying and journaling. For more information and to register, send an email to: programs@pbrenewalcenter.org or visit the website at: pbrenewalcenter.org.

‘LISTEN FOR THE VOICE IN THE QUIET’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way Liberty, Missouri Feb. 22-25

God created each of us for a purpose.

But because so many things battle for our attention, many of us have trouble hearing the voice of God revealing the next step in living that purpose. Step aside for some quiet time in silence with God under the guidance of a spiritual director during a directed retreat. Contact the Renewal Center by email at: info@pbrenewalcenter.org or by calling (816) 415-3745 and one of our directors will reach out to you with more information.

14 COLUMNISTS

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Live Lent this year from the heart

DAILY READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Jan. 28 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Dt 18: 15-20 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 1 Cor 7: 32-35 Mk 1: 21-28 Jan. 29 2 Sm 15: 13-14, 30; 16: 5-13 Ps 3: 2-7 Mk 5: 1-20 Jan. 30 Tuesday 2 Sm 18: 9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30 – 19:3 Ps 86: 1-6 Mk 5: 21-43 Jan. 31 John Bosco, priest 2 Sm 24: 2, 9-17 Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7 Mk 6: 1-6 Feb. 1 Thursday 1 Kgs 2: 1-4, 10-12 (Ps) 1 Chr 29: 10-11b, 11d-12d Mk 6: 7-13 Feb. 2 THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Mal 3: 1-4 Ps 24: 7-10 Heb 2: 14-18 Lk 2: 22-40 Feb. 3 Blaise, bishop, martyr; Ansgar, bishop 1 Kgs 3: 4-13 Ps 119: 9-14 Mk 6: 30-34

MARK THE EVANGELIST first century

According to the Acts of the Apostles, Mark’s mother owned the house where the first Jerusalem Christians prayed and where Peter stayed after his miraculous release from prison (12:119). The New Testament also notes that Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their mission to Antioch and that he was associated with both Paul and Peter in Rome.

He may have written his Gospel, based on Peter’s preaching, in Rome. By tradition, he was the martyred bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, with his relics later carried to Venice by Venetian merchants.

T

he picture in an email from a parishioner riveted my attention. It showed a bearded young man with his eyes closed receiving ashes on his forehead. Instead of the traditional cross, however, these ashes were in the shape of a heart. The caption read: When Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday.

Well, this is one of those years when it does! Obviously, the picture is meant to be humorous and not liturgically correct. However, the sentiment behind that picture reminds us of a profound truth: Lent is fundamentally a season when we’re called to a deeper love — for God, our neighbor and ourselves.

There’s a wonderful story told about the great Broadway musical star Mary Martin.

One evening before she was to go onstage in “South Pacific,” she was handed a note. It was from Oscar Hammerstein, the lyricist for the musical, who was on his

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.

deathbed.

The short note said simply: “Dear Mary, A bell’s not a bell till you ring it. A song’s not a song till you sing it.

Love in your heart is not put there to stay. Love isn’t love till you give it away.”

After her performance that night, people rushed up to her and said, “Mary, what happened to you out there?

We never saw anything like that performance before!”

Blinking back tears, Mary read them Hammerstein’s note.

“Tonight,” she then said, “I gave my love away!”

(Story adapted from “Illustrations Unlimited,” by James S. Hewett, editor.)

The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the practical means by which we give love away. I realize it’s a bit early to be thinking about Lent but planning our Lenten “schedule” ahead of time could ensure that we have a truly heartfelt 40 days.

Showing love for God might take shape by attending a daily Mass once a week, praying the Stations of the Cross and receiving the sacrament

of reconciliation.

Lent is an ideal time to set aside a few extra moments to deepen our faith with a daily Lenten guide. Two wonderful ones are “Not by Bread Alone 2024,” by Catherine (Cackie) Upchurch from Liturgical Press (litpress.org; $3) and “The Magnificat® Lenten Companion” (bookstore.magnificat.net; $4.99). Each has a short reflection for each day, a prayer and an action item.

You can also sign up for free, daily Lenten emails from Matthew Kelly’s “Best Lent Ever” (dynamiccatholic.com) and Loyola Press’ “Living Lent Daily” (Google: loyolapress.com).

Showing love for our neighbor could include: donating unused or unwanted items; being on time; practicing safe driving; complimenting rather than gossiping; volunteering at a parish fish fry; or treating someone who is homebound to a visit or a meal. Let your imagination run wild in finding simple ways to love your neighbor.

Lastly, show love to yourself by eating smaller or well-balanced meals; getting adequate sleep; limiting screen time; creating a “to-un-do” list (breaking a bad habit); exercising; or forgiving yourself or burying a grudge. Yes, ideally these should be things we do every day but somehow, we don’t.

Don’t forget to ask God’s blessing on this special season and help you enter it with joy rather than dread. This prayer found on jesuitresource.org might help: “Almighty and ever-living God, you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give.”

By the way, plan to celebrate your Valentine’s Day before Feb. 14 so you can start this Lent with all your heart.

At Capernaum, Jesus demonstrates a different kind of authority

I

n this 21st century, we absorb the news of the world quickly, through myriad technical gadgets.

We’re seeking information, knowledge and understanding of the world, all day long.

As we travel the information superhighway, though, we must learn to discern the authenticity and authority of those who speak or write all the words spinning around us.

In Sunday’s Gospel, St. Mark tells us that Jesus entered a synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath and taught with great

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

wisdom. At the sight of Jesus, the people would have recalled Moses’ promise of a prophet,

as described in the first reading. The scene at Capernaum recalls the Gospel moment when Mary and Joseph, after anguished searching, found the child Jesus in the temple, teaching and conversing with the scribes and doctors of the law.

Jesus amazed the people in Capernaum for he taught with authority. Then, Jesus performed the powerful deed of healing a man by driving out the unclean spirits tormenting him.

No surprise, then, that Jesus’ words and deeds astounded those who heard him or that

his fame spread quickly through the region of Galilee.

Jesus’ identity and mission far surpassed the greatest of the prophets of Israel, for the source of his authority was his divine origin and identity.

Jesus is the Son of God, the one sent by the Father to reconcile us to friendship with God. In a culture marked by individualism, the word “authority” inspires skepticism, indifference or rejection.

At Capernaum, Jesus shows the people a different kind of authority. His words and deeds

reveal the love of God, a love that far exceeds our imagination and expectation.

The word of God is trustworthy because it transcends human words as an expression of divine love. This Sunday’s Gospel reading invites trust in the Word as a light for the journey of life.

Just as the people were astonished by Jesus’ authority revealed in his speech and his actions, may we marvel at the healing, comforting power of God’s word in our lives, as we say in faith, “Speak to me, Lord.”

Lust, pornography poison God’s gifts of sexuality, love, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pornography and lust undermine and rob people from experiencing God’s gift of love, Pope Francis said.

“Sexual pleasure, which is a gift from God, is undermined by pornography: satisfaction without relationship that can generate forms of addiction,” the pope said Jan. 17 at his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall.

“We must defend love, love of the heart, mind

and body, loving by giving oneself to another — this is the beauty of a sexual relationship,” he said. Continuing a series of audience talks about vices and virtues, the pope reflected on the vice or “demon” of lust, which is “a kind of ‘voracity’ with regard to another person, that is, the poisoned bond that human beings have with each other, especially in the sphere of sexuality.”

“Please note,” the pope said, “in Christianity, there is no condemnation of the sexual instinct. . . . However, this beautiful dimension of our

humanity, the sexual dimension, the dimension of love, is not without its dangers.” The “garden” of love “is defiled by the demon of lust,” which destroys relationships and can become “a chain that deprives human beings of freedom,” he said.

“Winning the battle against lust, against objectifying the other, can be a lifelong endeavor. But the prize of this battle is the most important of all, because it is preserving that beauty that God wrote into his creation when he imagined love between man and woman,” he said.

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JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Catholic schools strive for accessibility, virtue and excellence

S

ince 1974, National Catholic Schools Week has been celebrated annually in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week.

The theme for this year is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members.

As we approach Catholic Schools Week, I would like to share with you some summary data and information about our archdiocesan schools.

We have 42 schools,

T

he beginning of a new year is a time for both optimistically looking forward and a reflection on the past year.

We are immediately pushed from post-Christmas sales into the business of self-improvement with offers for discounted gym memberships, personal nutrition plans and new year planners to remind us that we are in desperate need of bettering ourselves.

As Christians, this is not a new idea. We know that we are imperfect people living in a

FROM THE SUPER

VINCE CASCONE Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

including 36 elementary and six high schools.

Our enrollment last year was 13,854 and has increased to approximately 14,000 this year. For the first time in many years,

we have had three consecutive years with increases in enrollment.

We strive to have schools that are accessible to all students: • 13% qualify for free/reduced lunch • 566 students have Catholic School Support Plans • 541 students have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

• 1,324 students have identified disabilities • 655 students have English as a Second Language (ESL) • 35 students are attending our schools with international student visas We have over 1,200 teachers, professional staff and administrators serving our students. The Blessed Seelos Institute, formerly School of Faith, provides faith formation monthly to our teachers, principals and presidents.

All of our elementary schools utilize a program called Education in Virtue, developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and is

based on St. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings on the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. These resources provide a framework that helps all ages understand how to live a more virtuous life.

Our young people are surrounded by a culture that has redefined what it means to be human. Catholic schools must be a beacon of truth to combat a culture that often distorts the truth.

We want our young people to know and understand the glory of the human person.

In order to do this, we teach theology of the body. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the sacramental worldview, which allows us to see the rich meaning

revealed through the created world and in a profound way through our bodies as human persons created in the image and likeness of God. Finally, our schools strive to be academically excellent. “If Catholic schools were a state, they would be the highest performing state in the country” (National Catholic Educational Association 2024).

Archdiocesan schools rate higher than Kansas public schools in math, language arts, science, average ACT scores and graduation rates.

The state of the Catholic schools in the archdiocese is very strong.

New year’s resolution: Grow in God’s love ALONG THE WAY

EMILY LOPEZ Emily Lopez is the lead consultant for adult evangelization.

flawed world. However, we also know that working out, eating right or living organized cannot

fill our need for more.

We are driven to seek perfection because we are created by a perfect God in his image and likeness. Living in a sinful world cannot change the deep desire of our soul toward

perfection. We know perfection exists — not through this world, but because we were created immediately by God and our soul remains connected to him.

Our soul is the unique element of humanity that most especially reflects God’s image, is of highest value to him and the “spiritual principle” of being human (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 363).

We are human souls with bodies.

Regardless of God’s value for our soul, the world has little regard or interest in it.

Everywhere we look, we are influenced by

the “perfect” appearance and pressured to conform. Our physical health is important; we should be mindful of living a healthy lifestyle in response to God’s gift of our body.

But an extreme focus on our physical body to the detriment of our soul is not healthy. Our body is made human through our soul.

The power of worldly influence seeks to constantly remind us that the current version of ourselves is not enough. We are told that the joy we seek is found in perfected bodies and busier lives . . . or the relationships

we deeply crave would present themselves if we were more physically attractive.

The most important relationship you will ever seek is dependent on none of this. The truth is that you are not enough; you will never find the joy you long for outside of Christ.

As you consider renewal in the new year, remember the longing and great value of your soul. Let God penetrate your heart, reminding you of your intrinsic value as his beloved child and inviting you to grow in his love this upcoming year.

JANUARY 26, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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