THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 24 | JANUARY 29, 2021
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REIMAGINED
It’s all in the family for Prince of Peace religious education program STORY BY SUSAN FOTOVICH MCCABE \ PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER
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Prince of Peace parishioner Michelle Heiman and daughter Jillian, 10, review a Bible lesson worksheet. With traditional classroom religious education not possible because of the pandemic, Prince of Peace has moved to a family-based program.
lot of what we learn at a young age begins at home. Learning the Catholic faith is no exception. So it was no surprise when Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe re-imagined its religious education program four years ago, placing a greater emphasis on in-home learning with parents. Today, of course, learning from home is the pandemic norm. But moving away from a regular classroom setting has taught Prince of Peace families so much more, said Shannon Cardaronella, the parish’s director of children’s ministry. “The goal of our familybased program is not attendance and grades, but to have faith formation enter your home,” Cardaronella said. “I’m committed to the family-based model. According to the data, if the faith is not studied at home, it’s gone in the later years.”
Outside the box thinking While the initial change was born out of a desire to streamline weekly logistics for families with multiple children, Cardaronella said a family curriculum has enriched conversations about faith at home.
Kevin Heiman and son Ben, 8, discuss a Bible story as part of Olathe’s Prince of Peace Parish’s family-based religious education program. Traditionally, religious education classes meet once a week in the classroom with an individual teacher leading the week’s lesson. The familybased program relies on a small team of volunteer catechists
to deliver the lessons through a closed parent network that families can complete at home. Prior to the pandemic, Prince of Peace’s religious education students met as a group at the school one day a month.
Ignite the faith The pandemic might have limited the annual Ignite pro-life event and Mass, but the faith was still strong virtually. Page 3
Since the pandemic, Prince of Peace relies on the closed network to incorporate a sense of community and spark engagement, Cardaronella said. “Because we already had a family-based program in place,
our parents kept going without a hiccup when the pandemic hit,” she said. “Now, we stay in contact with Zoom, text, direct message, email, phone and the >> See “RELIGIOUS” on page 13
Things to do during a pandemic The Leaven staff gives its readers some helpful ideas on how to make it to vaccination day. Pages 8-9
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ARCHBISHOP
JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Join me in praying for the enlightenment of our president
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n 1995 when I was first appointed a vicar general in St. Louis and began working in the chancery, a friend of mine who had already been working in the chancery for several years gave me some sage advice. He counseled me that many people, when they call the chancery, are often upset with someone in the church and they want someone’s head lopped off! He advised: “The first thing you need to tell them is that we are not in the business of head-lopping.” This does not mean the concerns of the person, who is upset, are not valid. They may very well be legitimate and need to be addressed, but usually not with head-lopping. In recent weeks, many people have been understandably disturbed by the promises and now actions of President Biden to codify the Supreme Court’s decisions legalizing abortion. He wants to have the Congress pass laws that would preserve the legalization of abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, because of a hopefully well-founded fear of abortion advocates that the Supreme Court may overturn, or at least significantly modify, its Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalizing abortion in the United States. What infuriates many Catholics even more is that President Biden and his press secretary seem to
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN never tire of stating that he is a devout Catholic who often attends daily Mass and receives holy Communion. They wonder: How can President Biden act in a way that is contrary to Catholic moral teaching and violates the most fundamental of human rights and then boast that he is a devout Catholic? I thought Archbishop José Gomez’s statement on the day that Mr. Biden was inaugurated was very appropriate in both its content and tone. Archbishop Gomez acknowledged several areas of agreement between President Biden’s legislative priorities and Catholic teaching. Archbishop Gomez stated “it will be refreshing to engage with a president who clearly understands, in a deep and personal way, the importance of religious faith and institutions. Mr. Biden’s piety and personal story, his moving witness to how his faith has brought him solace in times of darkness and tragedy, his longstanding commitment to the Gospel’s
priority for the poor — all of this I find hopeful and inspiring.” Archbishop Gomez, however, went on to say: “At the same time, as pastors the nation’s bishops are given the duty of proclaiming the Gospel in all its truth and power, in season and out of season, even when that teaching is inconvenient or when the Gospel’s truths run contrary to the directions of the wider society and culture. “So, I must point out that our new president has pledged to pursue certain policies that would advance moral evils and threaten human life and dignity, most seriously in the area of abortion, contraception, marriage and gender. Of deep concern is the liberty of the church and the freedom of believers to live according to their consciences. “Our commitments on issues of human sexuality and the family, as with our commitments in every other area — such as abolishing the death penalty or seeking a health care system and economy that truly serves the human person — are guided by Christ’s great commandment to love
and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, especially the most vulnerable. “For the nation’s bishops, the continued injustice of abortion remains a preeminent priority. Preeminent does not mean only. We have deep concerns about many threats to human life and dignity in our society. But as Pope Francis teaches, we cannot stay silent when nearly a million unborn lives are being cast aside in our country year after year through abortion. “Abortion is a direct attack on life that also wounds the woman and undermines the family. It is not only a private matter, it raises troubling and fundamental questions of fraternity, solidarity and inclusion in the human community. It is also a matter of social justice. We cannot ignore the reality that abortion rates are much higher among the poor and minorities, and that the procedure is regularly used to eliminate children who would be born with disabilities.” Archbishop Gomez expressed a desire to engage in a sincere dialogue and conversation with the president about these important social and public policy issues. I applaud Archbishop Gomez’s honest and yet humble desire to enter into this important dialogue. Christianity is all about conversion. We must pray and intercede for the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and change the heart of the president regarding these
extremely important issues. Sometimes, Catholics are accused of being inhospitable because we do not invite non-Catholics to join us in receiving holy Communion. We do this, not to be exclusive, but out of respect for those who do not share our Catholic faith. When a baptized Christian after prayer and reflection is received into full communion with the Catholic Church, they make the following profession: “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.” Each time we come to receive Our Lord in holy Communion, the priest says: “The body of Christ.” The recipient replies: “Amen.” Our Amen expresses not only our belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but also our belief in the church that Our Lord empowered to make himself present through the Blessed Sacrament. In effect, our Amen when receiving Our Lord is an affirmation that we believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God. We do not want a nonCatholic Christian to profess something that they do not believe. Similarly, integrity requires a Catholic not to receive the Eucharist while acting in a manner incoherent with fundamental Catholic teaching. I believe that Archbishop Gomez
and Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C., should engage in a dialogue with President Biden if he is willing. We must always believe in the power of God’s grace to change hearts. At the same time, this is not President Biden’s first rodeo. He has been in public office for almost 50 years. He has had decades to study these issues and ponder the application of the church’s moral teaching. If the president persists in acting in a manner in opposition to the sanctity of human life and other important moral issues, then integrity requires that he choose not to receive holy Communion. The president should not need a priest or bishop to tell him not to present himself for Communion. The people of the United States have entrusted enormous power and responsibility to President Biden. However, the presidency does not empower him to define Catholic doctrine and moral teaching. Now, more than ever, the president needs to pray privately as well as to participate in Mass but not receive the Eucharist. We also need to pray and fast for the enlightenment of the president. Until the incoherence of the president’s actions with Catholic moral teaching is reconciled, he would do well also not to identify himself as a devout Catholic.
LOCAL NEWS
JANUARY 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita delivers the homily at the annual Respect Life Mass. Typically, the Mass is celebrated at the Topeka Performing Arts Center a few blocks from the Kansas Capitol. This year’s Mass was celebrated at Topeka’s Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and streamed live.
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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JULIE ANDERSON
Emily Eckerberg, Rebeca Young and Rose Cooper, students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, take turns asking questions of Shawn Carney, CEO and president of 40 Days for Life, after the Ignite Rally held at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka. Carney served as the keynote speaker.
Resolve to save a life in 2021, encouraged rally speaker By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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OPEKA — As a junior at Hayden High School here last year, Grace Evans boarded a bus and traveled more than 1,100 miles to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life. This year, though, coronavirus and security concerns have required the annual event to go virtual. So, when Evans was given the chance to participate in the annual Ignite Rally and Respect Life Mass in Topeka, she was thrilled. Evans was just one of some 250 grade school, high school and college students from across the state to attend this year’s events on Jan. 21, both of which were sponsored by the archdiocesan pro-life office. Held annually to commemorate the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions that legalized abortion nationwide on Jan. 22, 1973, this year’s events were made available by livestream for anyone unable to attend in person. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and concelebrated by Bishop John Brungardt of the Diocese of Dodge City, Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita and Bishop Jerry Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, along with priests from the various dioceses. In his homily, Bishop Kemme discussed the preeminence of life and the importance of a strong prayer life in order to engage in spiritual battle for the sanctity of life. “Life is God’s first gift to us. It’s also the gift upon which all the other gifts depend,” he said. Prayer together was essential, he continued, “so that we will not grow weary in this Herculean struggle to fight for the life of the unborn, for the newborn and for those whose lives are vulnerable.” “None of us has the strength on our own to do what the Lord asks of us — to complete our mission,” said Bishop Kemme. “But with the Lord at our side, we have strength from above.” The weapons Christians can draw on
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
From left, Deacon Ron Zishka, Bishop Jerry Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop John Brungardt of the Diocese of Dodge City, Father Bruce Ansems and Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita pray at the annual Respect Life Mass Jan. 21 in Topeka. in this spiritual battle, he said, are prayer, adoration, the rosary and fasting. “These are our weapons as Christians as they have been for the saints throughout the centuries,” said Bishop Kemme. “Even if it seems doubtful and uncertain, we go forth nevertheless,” he said in conclusion. “We must go forth to fight this good fight against evil in our world, knowing that God is at our side, and with him near us and within us, we will accomplish great things.” During the rally, Shawn Carney, president and CEO of 40 Days for Life, shared his journey to his life’s work. He was an eighth grader, he said, when he first heard the testimony of a former abortion worker at a church in Tyler, Texas. That one speech changed his life. He went on with others, years later, to
found 40 Days for Life, a grassroots prolife organization now in 960 cities in 64 countries. It allows him to witness to the power of God’s love and mercy. Take, for example, the story of two pro-life leaders in Manassas, Virginia, he said. They bought the property next door to an abortion clinic and started a pregnancy resource center. The clinic and the pregnancy center shared one wall — the very wall of the room where abortions were performed regularly. So, the leaders decided to pray more deliberately. “They got permission to put a [eucharistic] adoration chapel in that back room,” Carney said. Then one day, a group of women gathered in the pregnancy center to sing the Divine Mercy chaplet, not knowing President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
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what effect, if any, they were having on the clinic. They didn’t have to wait long for their answer. The abortionist came out of the clinic, trembling, asking to see a priest. “He never did another abortion, and that facility was forced to close and ended up becoming a location for Catholic Charities,” Carney said. Carney encouraged everyone to “make a resolution to help save a life in 2021.” That statement definitely impacted Evans. “It makes me want to go get involved in the community and go and make a difference,” she said. “I don’t know how yet. He’s (Carney) one person. Imagine if we all did something.”
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FEATURE
JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
PREPARING FOR ASH WEDNESDAY Learning from the saints
By Father Herb Weber Catholic News Service
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was in the town of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. With a backdrop of two volcanic mountains and facing one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it was a picturesque place. It was also where, in 1981, Father Stanley Rother became the first American citizen to be martyred. A group of parishioners had joined me for a Sunday afternoon outing, coming from the neighboring town of San Lucas, to visit Father Rother’s former church. We were spending some time in Guatemala working with people in San Lucas, building cinder block stoves, constructing simple houses and getting to know the Kaqchikel people. Santiago Atitlan, so nearby, had a different culture. The people were Tz’utujil and many still spoke that language instead of Spanish. Father Stan, who had come from Oklahoma, had immersed himself into the people’s lives so fully that when members of his congregation were being killed during the Guatemalan civil war for their work for justice, he was in deep anguish. Although he was a U.S. citizen, he discovered that his name, too, was on the secret death squad list. At first, he left the country and returned to Oklahoma. But eventually, saying that when the sheep are in danger the shepherd cannot run, he chose to return to guide his people. He took precautions, sleeping in a different room of the sprawling church complex each night. But one night the death squad came and found him. The small room where Father Stan had died is now a chapel for personal prayer. One can still see some blood on the floor where he had been killed. After everyone else in my group had left the room, I stayed to pray for strength and perseverance in my own ministry. Spending time with a saint is an awesome experience. I felt like I was personally connected with Father Stan, now Blessed Stanley Rother. There are many ways to spend time with a saint, and Lent is a great time to do it. Each Lent I immerse myself in the experience of at least one saint. This has included both the ones of old and more contemporary ones, some not yet canonized. Often this immersion can be done by choosing the right books to read. In recent years I have read about Blessed Stanley Rother, St. Oscar Romero, Sister Maura Clarke, Dorothy Day, Sister Dorothy Stang, St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Teresa
CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ
Sts. Brigid, Clare, Joan of Arc, Lucy, Margaret, Martha, Mary Magdalene and Rita are depicted in a stained-glass window in the mausoleum at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, New York. This Lent, we can immerse ourselves in the lives of the saints. of Kolkata. I’ve also found some excellent biographies of long-respected saints like Sts. Francis of Assisi, Jean de Brebeuf, Catherine of Siena, John of the Cross, Damien of Molokai and Teresa of Avila. I’m not sure why I started exploring lives of saints for Lent, but I suspect it was my desire to form an image in my mind of a holy person and not just analyze tenets of spirituality. In other words, I needed to enter their experience and feel what they felt, to get to really know them. Faith as expressed through men and women who lived well is both inspiring and relatable. In this immersion into the lives of saints, there are several common threads. The first is the profound and intentional prayer life that comes through. Some, like Teresa of Kolkata, had experienced great darkness, as she called it, feeling an absence of God. Others,
like Catherine or John of the Cross, discovered a deep mystical oneness with God. In addition to prayer, virtually every saint also served the needs of others. Besides Mother Teresa working with those dying in the streets of Kolkata, Sisters Dorothy Stang and Maura Clarke dedicated their entire lives to work with the poor of Latin America. Dorothy Day coupled her service of the poor with a radical voice against injustice in her ministry through the Catholic Worker House. As I explore the lives of the saints, I am overwhelmed by the way these men and women were willing to suffer for the faith. Some, like Jean de Brebeuf, Oscar Romero or Blessed Peter To Rot, died in direct response to their ministry for the faith. Others, like Damien, suffered many other setbacks before actually dying. Upon reflection, the
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When the author was tasked with starting a new parish, he asked the bishop to consider Pope John XXIII to be the patron. The bishop accepted and a new parish was born. common qualities of these saints are: prayer, charity and suffering. Those conform to three ways of observing Lent — almsgiving, prayer and fasting — found in the Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday
(Mt 6:1-6, 16-18). In 2005 when I was tasked with starting a new parish, I was also asked to propose a name for the parish. The possibilities were great as I considered all the saints I had come to know. Ultimately, I asked the bishop to consider Pope John XXIII to be our patron. And this new parish was born. I was acquainted with Pope John through my own studies of his life and the Second Vatican Council. I remember his election in 1958, had visited his tomb, and had read biographies and his own journal. In short, he encapsulated what I felt a parish should be in the new century. Whether during Lent or any other time, making a connection with a saint can provide the necessary inspiration that we all need to follow the Gospel and live for the kingdom of God.
LOCAL NEWS
JANUARY 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Catholic schools have much to celebrate despite difficult year By Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven
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Mary Gentry, a teacher at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, receives her first COVID-19 vaccination. As essential workers, teachers are among the first to receive the vaccination.
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EAVENWORTH — The annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week, slated for Jan. 31 through Feb. 6 this year, is right around the corner. And Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are gearing up to celebrate. Even with COVID-19 restrictions causing schools to make adjustments, plenty has been planned, including days celebrating teachers, essential workers, parents, grandparents and vocations, and activities over Zoom. The school’s principals agreed it was important to find ways to still celebrate despite the pandemic. “Our kids have made a lot of sacrifices this year, and they’re extremely flexible and willing to do that, but we don’t want to cancel everything just because it’s too hard to do, and I think we’ve tried to stick with that theme throughout the year,” said Darby O’Neill, principal of Sacred Heart School in Emporia. “Just because it might take a little more planning or we might have to completely rethink how we’ve done things in the past, we want to make sure it happens.” “Celebrating Catholic schools is incredibly important to us here in Emporia because we are the only Catholic school in about a 50-mile radius, so we want to celebrate our families for continuing to make that decision to send them to a Catholic school,” he continued. “We also want to share with the community what we’re doing as a Catholic school and why Catholic schools are so vital to our society and to our kids.” Janelle Hartegan, principal of Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth, said Catholic Schools Week allows Catholic schools to celebrate their uniqueness. “We talk a lot about the rich history and tradition of Catholic education and how we approach not just helping students develop for this life, but also that God calls us to something greater. . . . Catholic schools take the opportunity to keep the faith at the front of what we’re doing and then everything else falls behind that,” Hartegan said. “We want students to know that God has a purpose in their life and that’s the most important thing we want to instill in children. “Creating that awareness in the community is part of the mission of the Catholic school and just supporting the mission of the church and educating and evangelizing.” Dr. Ann Connor, principal of St. Paul School in Olathe, agreed. “That’s just who we are. We are so different than our public school counterparts,” Connor said. “I think that’s been obvious this year with being able to be in-person every day and being able to make those adjustments.” “We just need to celebrate who we are, and being Catholic is our primary
“ “WE JUST NEED TO CELEBRATE WHO WE ARE, AND BEING CATHOLIC IS OUR PRIMARY FOCUS. WE’RE TRYING TO GET ALL OF OUR KIDS TO HEAVEN.” ANN CONNOR PRINCIPAL OF ST. PAUL SCHOOL, OLATHE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass on Jan. 26 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, getting an early jump on Catholic Schools Week, which runs from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6. focus,” she added. “We’re trying to get all of our kids to heaven.” Each school is also finding ways to help the community, too, with canned food drives, making toiletry bags in partnership with church food pantries, raising money for school families battling illness, having a teddy bear drive for Children’s Mercy and more. Those acts of service and the focus on the Catholic faith are what the principals said they hoped the students hold onto. “I want them to know that our school is unique and that we are special . . . because we want to honor Our Lord
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and we want to value the time that we give to our faith every day,” said Jodie Maddox, principal of St. Joseph School in Shawnee. “It’s not just a class that we take. It’s a way of life for us.” Kathy Rhodes, principal of Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee, said she hopes students learn the blessing of having faith in God’s plan. “We want them to prepare their minds for the future and souls for eternity. An education where we know that God has a plan for us and that we are happiest when we follow that plan is a blessing,” Rhodes said. “[We know] that our prayers for each other make
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a difference and that we can always make a difference by praying.” “Celebrating our Catholic school should bring pride, joy and a spirit of appreciation,” she added. Randy Smith, principal of Holy Name of Jesus School in Kansas City, Kansas, said he hopes the students learn two things from the week. “I would hope that they would value and understand the great opportunity that they have to attend a Catholic school — an opportunity to pray in a school on a daily basis and an opportunity to get closer to Christ and live as a disciple,” Smith said. “I would hope that they would continue to reexamine their own faith and see if there’s things they would like to improve upon in their personal life, here at school or even outside the school setting.”
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FAMILY LIFE
JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
National Marriage Week: A time to refresh and renew By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven
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hen taking Communion to those in the hospital, my wife Barbara and I usually minister together. While visiting one patient, I remarked about the simple beauty of the crucifix that was resting in the open briefcase on the table next to his bed. He shared that this crucifix had been placed in the lid of his wife’s casket during her wake. He carried that crucifix TOOLS FOR with him wherevFAMILIES er he went. He said Growing as seeing us together Disciples of reminded him of Jesus their marriage. He then shared with us about his wife and all their wonderful years of marriage. Just taking time to notice that crucifix opened the door to a touching affirmation of marriage. Taking note of small things invites another to share their thoughts and feelings. Taking time to really listen to another is key to being a good spouse or parent. February 7-14 marks the annual celebration of National Marriage Week, the theme of which is: “Marriage Is Worth It.” This statement is especially relevant as many marriages and families are experiencing crises and struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marriage is worth the time spent in prayer. It is worth the time and effort spent in all the little ways of showing love to our spouse, our children, our extended family and friends, to offer hope for the future. A note sent to another married couple sharing a quality in their marriage that inspires you is just the encouragement that they may have
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National Marriage Week will be celebrated from Feb. 7-14. In this Year of St. Joseph, ask St. Joseph to intercede for the graces needed to be a good husband, wife or parent. needed that day, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, is the celebration of World Marriage Day. The theme chosen by the USCCB for this celebration, “To Have, To Hold, To Honor,” recalls the vows spouses made to each other on their wedding day. It offers an invitation to meditate on how we live out these vows in our daily life. In this Year of St. Joseph, declared by Pope Francis, it would be worth our time spent in prayer asking St. Joseph
Sister Mary Sharon Verbeck, SCL
EAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Sharon Verbeck, 92, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 74 years, died on Jan. 10 at the motherhouse
here. For almost 60 years, Sister Mary Sharon devoted her life to a ministry of education and school administration. She described her best moments as celebrating the “little successes’’ with students as they matured through life. Though petite, with a quiet voice (especially over the school intercom), she was revered as a nonstop giant among students, faculty and staff. Sister Mary Sharon was also a dedicated, lifelong sports fan and had a great love of the Kansas City Royals. She also relished having the same birthday as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Elizabeth Louise Verbeck was born on Sept. 17, 1928, in Kansas City, Kansas, the seventh of eight children of George and Margaret (Sachen) Verbeck, who shared a deep Croatian Catholic heritage. She attended then-St. Mary Grade School and Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas. She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 14, 1946, and professed vows as Sister Mary Sharon on Aug. 15, 1948. From 1948 to 1971, she taught in schools in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming. During this time,
she earned her bachelor’s degree in education from then-Saint Mary College in Leavenworth in 1960. In 1972, she went to provide administrative support at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and was there for 41 years, pausing only to serve at nearby Hogan High School from 1981 to 1983. After returning to St. Pius in 1984, she stayed until her retirement in late 2007. During those years, she juggled multiple responsibilities with ease: managing the office and bookstore, supervising study hall and the cafeteria, working as registrar and planning several graduations. She also volunteered for dances, talent shows and fundraisers (even taking on the role of Lady Liberty in a musical benefit). As one person commented, “The students love Sister Mary Sharon, their parents love her, and their grandparents love her. And the feelings were mutual.” In 2019, St. Pius held a 90th birthday celebration for her, which she adored. Reflecting on her life, Sister Mary Sharon once said, “I’ve loved everything I’ve done and all I’ve been asked to do. Everything about being a Sister makes me happy.” In her last years, she kept up with former students, attended family celebrations and continued a lengthy penpal relationship with one of her nephews.
to intercede for the graces needed to be a good husband, wife or parent. One of the saintly examples found in the life of St. Joseph was that of being a good listener. This quality of being a good listener is one important way of living our vow to honor our spouse. What are the ways you might celebrate National Marriage Week and World Marriage Day? • Attend Mass on Feb. 14. Sit next to one another, taking time for silent
Donald and Alberta (Miller) Prohaska, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchis o n , celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Jan. 16. The couple was married on Jan. 16, 1951, at St. Benedict Church. Their children are: Mary Voth, Richard Prohaska, Lawrence Prohaska, Andrew Prohaska (deceased) and Daniel Prohaska. They also have eight grandchildren. A family celebration will be held at a later date. Cindy (Monson) and Stan Drimmel, members of St. Ann Parish, Effingham, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 6. The couple was married on Feb. 6, 1971, in Paducah, Kentucky. A family celebration will take place this spring. Their children are: Amy Cline, Angie Tomas, Julie Heiman and David Drimmel. They also have nine grandchildren.
prayer, thanking God for each other. • As a Valentine’s Day gift to your spouse, you can celebrate your marriage and sharpen your listening skills by signing up for a virtual Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend, Feb. 26-28, which can be experienced in the comfort of your home. If you have already attended a weekend, you can enjoy a “refresher.” For more information, go online to: www.wwme4youandme.org.
Kathy and George Dobbelaere, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 30. The couple was married on Jan. 30, 1971, by Father William Dolan at St. Joseph Church. Their children are: Tanya Burdiss and Gabe Dobbelaere. They also have seven grandchildren.
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JANUARY 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Christ the King School implements classical approach By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — This past fall, teachers and students at Christ the King School here began something new that really isn’t new at all: a Christ-centered method of learning that is time-tested, rooted in history and very successful. It’s called Classical Liberal Arts Education. So far, Christ the King is the only archdiocesan school with the curriculum. This kind of education is not only food for the mind, but also the soul, said Vince Cascone, superintendent of archdiocesan schools. It focuses on how all learning points to Jesus. “Education isn’t meant to be just the molding of a person for a career,” said Cascone. “Education is to build wisdom, to develop the person to be able to think and to be a cultivation of the soul. [Education] is not to be reduced to the molding of behavior. It aligns very well with what we believe as Catholics about the human dignity of each person. The soul feeds on ideas, truth and beauty.” The idea of bringing a classical liberal arts education curriculum to an archdiocesan school began with the groundwork laid by former Superintendent Kathy O’Hara and associate superintendents Allison Carney, Ann Connor and Karen Kroh, said Cathy Fithian, Christ the King School principal. Also, elements of the classical curriculum have been part of the Holy Family School of Faith teacher formation. “Just on my own I’ve read more and more about it,” said Fithian. “It
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann tours Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, on Oct. 6 with Lamar Hunt Jr., far left, and Christ the King principal Cathy Fithian, far right. Christ the King was named the Catholic Education Foundation School of Excellence in 2020 and has moved to a classical liberal arts education model this year — the first of its kind in the archdiocese. seemed the best fit for Christ the King. It brought everything together that I thought education should be. It made sense of everything I believe education should be for our children.” Another key element to bringing the classical curriculum was the appointment of a supportive pastor. “I have a background in classical liberal arts education at the college level and certain elements of that in my high school and home schooling curriculum, so I was already familiar with it,” said Father Nick Blaha, pastor. “I’ve been plugged into that movement and familiar with it.” “When I was assigned here as pastor in the fall of 2019, I was immediately speaking that language with Cathy
Fithian,” continued Father Blaha. “She said, ‘This sounds a lot like what we’re hearing from the School of Faith in our teacher formation, and I’m interested.’ A lot of different pieces moved into place and it seems providential that God put us all in the same place to do this work.” One more piece needed to providentially drop into place: the hiring of Lisa Corley as dean of academics. She arrived in May 2020 and began training the teachers until the beginning of the school year in September 2020. So, what is a classical liberal arts education for a Catholic elementary school? “Basically, it’s a new-old education,” said Corley. “It’s going back to our roots.”
This curriculum teaches classical literature and history in a timeline: ancient civilizations, classical Greece and Rome, Christendom and the Renaissance, and American history. It has a big emphasis on handwriting, recitation and memorization. It includes math, the arts, science (natural studies) and Latin. It has religion, of course, including the Church Fathers. All subjects are integrated with the faith and point to Christ. Implementing the classical curriculum faced two challenges, said Corley. The first was the teachers having to learn how to instruct according to a totally new philosophy of education. The second was beginning a new curriculum and contending with COVID19 pandemic restrictions at the same time. So far, it seems to be working. “Student engagement is way up,” said Corley. “This is something that really draws the children in. They love the history — they get excited about it. They love discussing the literature. We’ve implemented a wonderful phonics program, which our English as a Second Language students are really taking to. The kids are really reaching toward excellence with recitation, handwriting, math facts and more.” Fithian sees the benefits, too. “We never thought we would see the amount of growth we’re seeing in such a short period of time,” said Fithian. “[The students] are excited to come to school, according to their parents. The kids are discussing more than they ever had before what they’re learning, and . . . engaging [their parents] in conversations about the literature we’re reading and the virtues we’re teaching.”
Join St. Lawrence Center for its virtual Winefest on Feb. 6 By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Attend Divine Winefest virtually
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AWRENCE — It’s been 27 years since St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas here held its first Divine Winefest. After a hiatus that began in 2005, the central fundraising event was implemented again in 2019. Now during its third year back, Winefest will be held for the first time virtually to mobilize support for its mission at KU. “The Winefest is really a rallying around two things that people care a lot about: the University of Kansas [for] Jayhawk fans, but also our beautiful Catholic faith that brings so much meaning into our lives,” said chaplain Father Mitchel Zimmerman. “And, of course, wine,” he added. “A lot of people enjoy great relationships and memories and conversations over wine. “We put those together into an event that really rallies support for the St. Lawrence Center.” The event will take place on Feb. 6 starting at 6:30 p.m. It will include a virtual reception featuring stories that highlight St. Lawrence Center’s work, a program including remarks by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Father Zimmerman, a live auction and other donation opportunities. “It’s essentially the same program, just done from home,” said Father Zimmerman. “We still deliver the same message and we still invite the same support.”
To sign up for Winefest, visit the website at: divinewinefest.com. Scroll down and click on “Register for the Winefest,” then fill out the form to participate. By signing up, you’ll be kept up to date on details about the event. If you can’t make the event on Feb. 6, the livestream will be available to watch any time.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ST. LAWRENCE CENTER
The St. Lawrence Center’s 2020 Winefest drew a huge crowd. Proceeds from the event go toward the center’s efforts to reach Catholic students at the University of Kansas. Because of the current pandemic, this year’s event will be virtual. Various support level tickets were available for purchase until Jan. 26, but registration is still available at no cost. By signing up, participants will receive a link to the livestream and up-to-date information leading up to the event. Giving opportunities will be available during the livestream. Father Zimmerman explained how crucial the evening is for the center’s continued evangelization efforts at KU. Because the center is not a parish, it relies on support from parents of
current students, as well as alumni and friends of KU, he said. “Our opportunity and our responsibility is to place the Catholic faith in conversation and dialogue with all the people at KU,” he explained. “It’s an awesome opportunity for the church and a sacred responsibility to present the faith in a compelling way.” Father Zimmerman said 90% of students stop practicing their faith during their college years and St. Lawrence supporters seek to counter that.
“What we hear from people over and over,” he said, “is they want the St. Lawrence Center to do everything that we can to reach new students — students that the church is having a hard time reaching. “They want us to take risks to do whatever it takes to get into conversation and relationship with those students. “They really want us to go out and try to reach the lost.” Father Zimmerman said that a $500 investment is typically enough to increase the center’s capacity to reach a new student. “If we put those resources creatively to use,” he said, “we’re really confident that we have the staff and we have the strategy to get in front of these young people and to get in conversation with them.”
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS . . . TO DO FROM HOME
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e’ve had both good news and bad news on the vaccines of late. The good news is that they’re finally coming. The bad news is that they are not coming quite yet — at least not for most of us. So, it looks like we’re all going to be stuck at home a bit longer. But not to worry! Leaven staffers have pooled their collective wisdom to come up with some ways for readers to hang in there for just a little bit longer. And with Lent coming up, many of these ideas can be reframed or repurposed with that liturgical season in mind.
Learning sign language can be very rewarding, as well as very helpful to members of the deaf community, who have struggled with masks impairing their ability to read lips.
MOIRA CULLINGS Convert those VHS tapes: Something my family did this winter after years of talking about it was convert a handful of our old VHS tapes to DVDs so we can enjoy them again. Now, we spend time when we’re together watching our home movies from the ’90s and ’00s and cracking up at birthday celebrations, Christmases and other special events we had long forgotten about. We used Legacybox during an online sale, but other companies offer a similar service, too. Just go online, search “Convert VHS to digital” and see what you find. Make a travel list: Travel restrictions and social distancing have many itching now more than ever to travel. This winter is a great time to make a bucket list of places you want to go. Whether it’s a state you’ve never been to, a country you’ve always wanted to visit or a new restaurant down the street, making a list can give you something concrete to look forward to in the future. Get those photos printed: If you’re like me, your smartphone becomes so full of photos that it’s overwhelming. I’ve found that when I get my pictures printed on a regular basis, it gives my phone more space and offers me a way to reminisce. Shutterfly is one convenient app you can download for free onto your phone and order prints that will get delivered to your door. Once you have your favorite photos picked out, you can create a scrapbook to save your memories in a special place. This is a simple way to get creative while also saving physical copies of your memories for future times when you’re feeling nostalgic.
If you’re stuck at home during the pandemic, why not get started on your home repair list? What could go wrong?
JOE BOLLIG Home repair list: Go through the house — inside and out — and note all the repairs you never got around to doing. Sort them into three categories: 1) quick and easy fixes; 2) bigger and longer-term projects you can do yourself; 3) Large projects that will require hiring a contractor. Go to YouTube for free instructional videos about all kinds of “do it yourself” projects. For tips about how to hire a contractor, go to the Federal Trade Commission website at: consumer.ftc.gov, or Angie’s list at: angieslist.com. Learn to speak a foreign language: There are more resources online than ever before, and some of them are free. Join a social media language group. View free online foreign language videos on sites like YouTube. You can use tools like FaceTime to speak with native speakers of the language. One good site is Duolingo at: duolingo.com.
Learn sign language: The deaf community has been impacted by the pandemic in a unique, life-altering way. Masks have made it even more difficult for them to communicate with people in person. During down moments in the day, spending a few minutes learning basic American Sign Language is a rewarding and interesting challenge. Google “free online ASL classes” to get started. It’s a skill that could come in handy and make someone’s day — or at the very least, provide a chance to learn something new. Get healthy: I’m not a New Year’s resolution person, but I still try to start my year off on a somewhat healthy note — key word being “somewhat!” 2020 was no exception, although it did change the way I achieved my goal. I’ve found that free online workouts are an effective way to hold myself accountable and find forms of exercise I actually enjoy. The World Wide Web offers many free workout programs. Go to YouTube.com and type in “free workouts,” or search for something more specific, like “dance workouts” or “arm workouts.” A simple search will bring up a plethora of videos. Whether you try a 10-day challenge or a long-term routine, the online workout community is a great place to go for ideas that fit with your goals.
Declutter: Go into your closets and storage places and ruthlessly rid yourself of things you don’t need or use anymore. Give items away to TurnStyles, Goodwill or similar places. One site you can visit is: becomingminimalist.com. Learn to make beer or wine: That way, you’ll never run out. Books: Join a book club to read genres you’ve never read before, or even write your own book. Set yourself a goal of finishing one chapter a month. Consider joining beginning writers’ groups on whatever social media platforms you frequent for tips and encouragement. Another good place to start is “The Writing Group Starter Kit” offered by The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at: writing center.unc.edu. Or, since Lent will soon be here, why not commit to some religious reading, starting with the Gospels. Pick a time to consistently read a little every day. Conveniently, Mark’s Gospel comes first — the very one Archbishop Naumann asked Catholics to read in his Jan. 15 column. Or choose a prayer book and use it to develop a daily prayer habit. Again, focus on consistency and regularity.
The pandemic is the perfect time to get yourself in shape. There are lots of free workout routines you can find online.
TODD HABIGER Exercise: Let’s face it, winter is a terrible time to exercise. With gyms closed or limiting the number of people inside, the odds are stacked against you. Still, you can find a simple routine that takes an hour or less to get your blood pumping. Even in the cold, a brisk mile walk can be done in under 20 minutes and the fresh air will do you good. If you hate the cold, try some sit-ups, push-ups or walk or run the stairs in your house. You don’t need a load of expensive equipment to stay in shape. Find ways to motivate yourself and get moving. Collect things: One of the things that’s kept me sane during this pandemic has been rediscovering my joy of toys. As a youth, I used to collect Star Wars toys. Most of those are long broken or disappeared. But recently, I started scouring eBay and auctions and began a collection anew. My home office is scattered with my newfound collection and I take great joy in seeing it every day. Is there something that you have an interest in? Great deals can be found in local auctions (most of which have moved online with contactless pickup) or on Facebook Marketplace. Start an Etsy shop: Right before the pandemic hit, my wife, her twin sister and my mother-in-law went to an auction and got caught up in the thrill of bargain hunting. They bought so much stuff, they decided to make an Etsy business out of it. It became an instant success and now they have one of the fastest growing Etsy shops in the world. They hunt for bargains on eBay, Facebook Marketplace and at various estate sales and resell it for a nice profit. Setting up a store is easy to do. If you’ve got stuff that you want to get rid of or can think of a niche, you, too, can become a successful Etsy seller. Do a marathon (via your favorite streaming service): In today’s world, our entertainment choices are almost endless. There are great shows waiting to be discovered on the countless number of streaming services available. You can also take a stroll down memory lane by rewatching the classic TV shows and movies from your youth. Whatever your taste, there’s a streaming service for you. Like superheroes? Try Disney+. My wife is partial to British dramas, so she subscribes to Britbox. For those who like sports, try ESPN+. There are also a number of free streaming services available with large libraries of offerings such as: Tubi, IMDb TV and Crackle. A new entry into the streaming business is Peacock, drawing from old NBC, Syfy and USA shows, as well as movies from Universal, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation. Video games: Video games have changed so much since I was a kid in the ’80s feeding quarters into video game machines and making a yellow pie eat dots while running from ghosts. Many of today’s games have complex storylines and realistic graphics, as well as thought-provoking mysteries. I’m not into the popular shooter games but I do love a good quest. If you’re looking for a great quest, check out Skyrim — the greatest video game ever made, in my opinion. There’s action, mystery and magic. It takes place in what’s referred to as an open world, meaning you can explore any part of that world and take part in whatever quest you choose. You can even go on multiple quests at the same time. For those who prefer something more basic, there are a number of games from the ’80s and ’90s bundled together just waiting for you to rediscover — no quarters necessary.
Use the time you have to travel back in time to the creation of such ancient treasures as the Egyptian Temple of Karnak. Google can be a wonderful tool to help you begin your studies.
ANITA McSORLEY Blast from the past: Tired of being reminded of the history we’re living through? Then escape to ancient Egypt, Tudor England, the London Blitz or the Wild West. There’s been a great, edge-of-your-seat popular history written about practically any era you might be interested in. Where to start? Go to Google and type in: “best popular history of the Alamo” — or whatever your interest is. If you’re on a budget, try Thriftbooks.com, AbeBooks.com or even eBay.com before you buy. Virtual museums: I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I won’t live long enough to get to all the art museums I would love to visit. But one of the fruits of the pandemic is that some of them are now coming to me. One of my personal favorites is: vangoghworldwide.org. But the website artsandculture.google.com is also a great one: Just hit the magnifying glass next to the search box and you’ll be taken to other favorites like Monet and Rembrandt. You can round off your tour by going to: YouTube.com on either your laptop or through a TV app. There, type in “Vatican museums virtual tour” — and think of all the money you’ve saved!
Virtual museums can open you up to a world Genealogy: Many folks are looking for of great art like Claude Monet’s “Woman with ways to connect with others in the midst a Parasol — Madame Monet and Her Son.” of this pandemic. And there seems no better way than starting for real that family tree you faked when the kids had to do it for a school project. Start with what you know; now start calling your relatives. Then hit ancestry.org and take advantage of its 14-day free trial. You might just discover a hobby that will keep you busy for longer than you think! Podcasts: Podcasts have only taken off since The Leaven last wrote about them. If you’re not yet listening to a podcast about some special interest of yours, you are in for a treat. Whether you’re interested in cooking, true crime or day trading, there’s a podcast for you. If you need step-by-step instructions to get started, go to: discoverpods.com and type “absolute beginners” in the search box. Broadway in your living room: One final opportunity I can’t help sharing is the availability of numerous Broadway musicals to view at home. “Hamilton” on Disney+ might have been the most anticipated one. But it is far from the only delightful one. Check out: “What the Constitution Means to Me” (Amazon Prime), “Newsies” (Disney+), “Shrek the Musical” (Netflix) and even “Springsteen on Broadway” (Netflix). On a budget? No worries. Many streaming sites allow you to test drive their product for free!
CNS PHOTO/AMY NEWMAN, NORTHJERSEY.COM, USA TODAY NETWORK VIA REUTERS
Video games can be a way of bonding with your child or provide entertainment for yourself. Either way, there are tons of games to choose from, including some classics from the ’80s.
Bruce Springsteen has his own Broadway show, “Springsteen on Broadway,” which you can stream from the comfort of your own home via Netflix.
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JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Poet Amanda Gorman is a light to us all, parishioner says By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Long before she burst into the public spotlight delivering her inauguration poem, Amanda Gorman got a standing ovation from fellow parishioners of St. Brigid Church in Los Angeles for reciting a poem she wrote about the parish. And on Jan. 20, at the inauguration ceremony of President Joe Biden, parishioners watching this young woman on their TV screens — addressing political leaders and the nation at large about courageously rebuilding the country — applauded her all the more. Floy Hawkins, former director of religious education at the parish for over 20 years, said her phone did not stop ringing after the inauguration, with friends asking if she saw, heard or knew about Gorman’s role. “You see her? Look at that little girl!” fellow parishioners were saying, because as Hawkins put it: “We still see her in a very endearing way.” And even though they were thrilled for Gorman, parishioners of the historically Black church didn’t see her performance as a “solo act,” because Gorman has always been at the parish with her twin sister, Gabrielle, and her mom. Hawkins felt that sense of family when cameras followed Gorman joining her mother when she finished her delivery. St. Brigid’s pastor, Josephite Father Kenneth Keke, also didn’t just see Gorman in that moment but felt she represented the entire parish in South Central Los Angeles — which is predominantly African American but now also has a growing number of Latinos, Filipinos and white parishioners, too. “We are a community; everyone here is important,” the priest said. “Whatever belongs to the parish belongs to everyone; in our parish, the success of anyone is the success of all.”
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CNS PHOTO/PATRICK SEMANSKY, POOL VIA REUTERS
American poet Amanda Gorman reads a poem during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States at the Capitol in Washington Jan. 20. She is a parishioner at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Los Angeles. It’s also the pride of all. “Parishioners are very much proud of her,” the priest, from Nigeria, told Catholic News Service Jan. 22, adding that he personally knew she would go far. “She is a very, very intelligent young lady. The first time I saw her, I knew that one day she was going to be very important.” This pride is displayed on the parish website with photos of Gorman and the words: “We celebrate and congratulate Amanda Gorman: 2021 inauguration poet. Youngest in history.” Similarly, the parish Facebook and Instagram accounts posted a single photo of Gorman at the inauguration with the words: “Our very own Amanda Gorman.” Hawkins recorded that part of the inauguration and plans to watch it again. She told CNS that when she saw Gorman approach the podium and begin speaking, she was “in awe . . . to see such a young African American female be at such a pinnacle point of the world.” She also said it humbled
her “from a spiritual perspective of God’s graces and mercies,” since she knew the national youth poet laureate from Gorman’s middle school days. As adolescents, Gorman and her sister went through a two-year training program at the parish and then received the sacraments of baptism, first Communion and confirmation on the same day. When she graduated from high school to attend Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Gorman received a scholarship donation from the parish. The pastor said she always returned to the church when she visited home. Gorman, who had been writing and developing her own style since she was a young girl, was named the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles at 16, and it was around that time she wrote the St. Brigid’s poem that she recited at the end of a Mass commemorating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The parish assistant choir director, knowing of Gorman’s work, had asked her to consider
doing it. That Gorman stepped up to the plate, then and now, is something Hawkins admires. When she saw her on the Capitol stage in her yellow coat and red headband, she knew Gorman had taken “ownership of the opportunity.” “Sometimes people ask you to do something and you say: ‘Oh, I don’t know if I could do it,’” she said. “I don’t get the sense that was her response when the first lady invited her to speak at the inauguration,” Hawkins added. “I believe she immediately said yes, as we are encouraged to say: ‘Yes Lord.’” Hawkins prayed for Gorman before the poet introduced herself to the country as the “skinny Black girl, descended from slaves and raised by a single mother” who can “dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one.” But as she listened to the 22-yearold’s strong, clear voice she said to herself: “Glory be to God. . . . Look what you have done in the world!” And she felt the strong connection too — that the poet’s description of finding light in dark times was something the people of St. Brigid’s knew all too well. What a time for our Catholic faith and our African American culture, she thought. She also was pleased that Gorman, named the National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, “didn’t minimize or dismiss” the insurrection at the Capitol just two weeks before but spoke of not losing hope when terrible things happen. Her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” speaks in part of a country “bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free” and adds: “We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation.” It ends with the promise of rebirth and reconciliation, saying: “Our people diverse and beautiful will emerge, battered and beautiful . . . For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Father Jack Wintz dies; told stories of inspiration
INCINNATI (CNS) — As a journalist, Franciscan Father Jack Wintz covered stories that explored human nature and focused on the mission of inspiring people as they lived their faith daily. The award-winning journalist and photographer, who helped build St. Anthony Messenger magazine into a popular publication that reflected a down-to-earth message of faith, died Jan. 11 at age 84. A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 18 followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery in St. Bernard, Ohio. Father Wintz was affiliated with the magazine for more than four decades, becoming its editor from 1999 to 2002. Whether reporting from around the world or a local parish community, his stories and photos won numerous Catholic Press Association awards. In 2006, he received the association’s highest honor, the St. Francis de Sales Award, “for his dedication to justice through the power of Catholic journalism and for radiating the truthful, gentle spirit of St. Francis de Sales.” Of his years with St. Anthony Messenger Press/Franciscan Media, Father Wintz said in 2020 they were “the best times of my life.” Father Wintz joined St. Anthony
CNS PHOTO/COURTESY GLENMARY CHALLENGE
Franciscan Father Jack Wintz is seen in this 2009 photo. The award-winning journalist and photographer, who helped build St. Anthony Messenger magazine into a popular publication that reflected a down-to-earth message of faith, died Jan. 11, at age 84. Messenger Press in 1972, becoming associate editor of St. Anthony Messenger magazine. He became editor in March 1999, serving in the position for three years.
In 1973, he founded Catholic Update, an award-winning, four-page religious education newsletter that reached a circulation of nearly 250,000 by 2009. He also wrote a bimonthly email newsletter, “Friar Jack’s E-spirations,” which reached 43,000 subscribers. At the magazine he reported from around the world, including from Haiti, Honduras, East Africa, Israel, Jordan, Vietnam, and, in 1982, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese cities targeted by atomic bombs at the end of World War II. He told Catholic News Service in 1993 that the article he wrote on Hiroshima was a personal favorite because he was able to address a “human and spiritual issue.” A few years later, Father Wintz traveled to El Salvador trying to “shed light on the controversial issue of liberation theology” by interviewing people who were “trying to apply the liberating message of the Gospel to their own situations.” His 2009 book published by Paraclete Press, “Will I See My Dog in Heaven?” explored whether God’s plan for salvation includes creatures other than humans. He told CNS during a book signing in Washington that the question in the title of the work “sounds like a naive kid’s question, but I think it fits in this
broader context [of the question of salvation for all creation.]” He said his motivation for writing the book stemmed largely from his experience as a Franciscan. “I have a great fascination for St. Francis of Assisi, especially his great love and respect for animals as well as for trees, rivers, wildflowers and creation as a whole,” he said. While the book included a substantial amount of theological analysis, Father Wintz said he included several heartfelt stories and wrote “for a wide popular audience.” Paraclete Press later invited Father Wintz to expand a magazine article into a series of spiritual essays. “Will I See You in Heaven?” was the first of six slim volumes he wrote to comfort people struggling with the loss of a beloved companion animal. The series drew from Christian tradition, Scripture and the life and teachings of St. Francis to assure readers that there is a place in the afterlife for all of God’s creatures. Paraclete Press mourned the loss of Father Wintz, calling the Franciscan a “dear, beloved author and friend.” “His books have inspired and gladdened the hearts of thousands of people around the world,” the publisher said.
JANUARY 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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As resources shrink, Quebec Archdiocese reorganizes parishes By Philippe Vaillancourt Catholic News Service
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UEBEC CITY (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Quebec announced its intention to reorganize its parishes to focus on local missionary activities. This move comes as human and material resources continue to diminish. At least 75% of the parishes will be affected by this change, in both urban and rural areas. In a video, Cardinal Gerald Lacroix stressed that the church of Quebec was born out of mission. But, he said, it is now clear that the parish system that had a strong impact on French Canadian society is not sustainable and needs to evolve. “We can no longer be satisfied with giving good pastoral services to the people who faithfully participate in our assemblies and movements,” said Cardinal Lacroix. “These people now represent a tiny part of the population entrusted to us.” Quebec Auxiliary Bishop Marc Pelchat added that in recent years, the life of the parishes has relied on teams that have carried out “almost everything” of the daily functioning, often focusing on “expected services.” “We must now reorient our pastoral teams toward a more intensely missionary activity, turned toward the people and groups that we reach too little,” said Bishop Pelchat. This call to go beyond the usual frameworks aims at “freeing energies” to better reach out to the population that is currently not reached by the church’s message. Priests, deacons and laypeople must “envisage working to spread the Gospel message outside our usual frameworks,” with new means, in new territories, Cardinal Lacroix said. Over the past decade, the number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Quebec decreased from 200 to 38. These 38
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parishes were then organized into 29 large “pastoral units.” “For a long time now, the resources available have not allowed us to appoint pastors and other pastoral collaborators in sufficient numbers to meet the needs of all the communities,” confirmed Marie Chrétien, diocesan pastoral coordinator. “We now lack the resources to assign a pastoral team to each of these large units.” From now on, the diocese will constitute expanded pastoral units, which will be articulated around new teams that will collaborate with people involved in the various areas. The communications director of the Archdiocese of Quebec, Valérie Roberge-Dion, said that, in a first step, 22 of the 29 pastoral units will become 10 missionary units. These changes will be made for the pastoral year that begins Aug. 1. In the meantime, the diocese intends to continue consultations to “clarify the roles and responsibilities of each one” and to determine according to which new financial and administrative agreements the parishes will continue to operate. Cardinal Lacroix said he believes it will be necessary to get used to a “new face of the organization of the church.” He called on employees to welcome these changes and invited them to see how they can collaborate. He also announced other changes anticipated for the church of Quebec. He raised the possibility that eucharistic celebrations could eventually be centered around “a few central churches.” “The use of our places of worship and other buildings will have to be reevaluated, for the financial weight of these has increased and considerably restricts our ability to fulfill our essential mission,” he said. “The number of eucharistic celebrations will also have to be reviewed, because priests, far fewer in number than before, cannot limit themselves to multiplying sacramental celebrations while neglecting other forms of presence.”
CNS PHOTO/PHILIPPE VAILLANCOURT, PRESENCE
Lights illuminate St. Charles Borromeo Church in Quebec City. The Archdiocese of Quebec announced Jan. 19 its intention to reorganize its parishes to focus on local missionary activities. This move comes as human and material resources continue to diminish.
Soup kitchen helps Seoul’s homeless
EOUL, South Korea (CNS) — The Seoul Archdiocese is helping homeless people with a soup kitchen run out of Myongdong Cathedral. The energy and chemicals division of SK Group, the third-largest conglomerate in South Korea, is sponsoring the program by supporting 1,400 packed lunches each week. Lunches are served to homeless people every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, reported ucanews.com. “When Pope Francis visited Myongdong Cathedral in 2014, he blessed us to be the yeast of the Gospel,” said Father Francis Kim Jeong-hwan, executive director of the archdiocese’s One Body One Spirit movement. “I hope that the soup kitchen will be a small yeast that changes the church and the world into a world of warm love beyond Myongdong and the archdiocese.” Seoul Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soojung said the cathedral soup kitchen “is the right place to reach out to those who live in the lowest places in the world and share our food so that no one is left hungry. I hope that the house will become a place that offers real help and service to those in need.”
CNS PHOTO/COURTESY ARCHDIOCESE OF SEOUL
South Korean Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, center, and Father Francis Kim, left, pour soup into a container at the soup kitchen in Myongdong Cathedral in Seoul Jan. 22. Father Matthias Hur Young-yup, archdiocesan spokesman, said archdiocesan officials hope the soup kitchen will not only distribute meals to the homeless but also provide an opportunity for them to become active agents of their lives and members of society.
“It could give homeless people access to safe places to wash and do laundry while offering them employment opportunities with the aim of reintegrating them back into society,” he said.
Pope adds more women scholars to commission
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Renewing the membership of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, a body of scholars that engages in research for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Pope Francis added two more women experts. With the addition of Benedicte Lemmelijn, an Old Testament scholar from Belgium, and Maria Armida Nicolaci, a New Testament scholar from Italy, five women are now part of the 20-member commission. The Vatican announced Jan. 25 the nine new members Pope Francis appointed, and the commission posted the names of the 11 members who were appointed to another term. Pope Francis appointed the first women to the commission in 2014 and renewed their appointments. They are: Bruna Costacurta, an Old Testament scholar who taught at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University; Spanish Sister Nuria Calduch-Benages, a member of the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who specializes in Old Testament Wisdom literature and teaches at the Gregorian; and Mary Healy, a professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.
CLASSIFIEDS
12 EMPLOYMENT Athletic director - St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park is seeking an athletic director beginning July 1. The current director is retiring after building one of the top extracurricular programs in the state and establishing strong rapport with colleagues throughout Kansas and Missouri. We seek a candidate of integrity who acts on a belief that student safety, demonstrated sportsmanship and our Catholic faith are priorities within a successful program that promotes physical, mental and spiritual fitness. The ideal candidate would have experience as a high school varsity coach, preferably as an athletic director in a similar-size school (800 students with 40 teams) or college, an advanced degree, and of added value, a certification as an athletic/extracurricular activities director. Currently, athletic director responsibilities include effective communication, including conflict resolution; upholding KSHSAA standards and rules among coaches and student-athletes; supporting all policies of the school; supervising approximately 90 coaches and staff; managing a substantial budget; representing St. Thomas Aquinas in the Eastern Kansas League; securing and maintaining equipment and uniforms; coordinating transportation and monitoring eligibility; ensuring venue safety; and overseeing summer camps. The activities director role includes supporting a variety of extracurricular activities, including: scheduling, planning, supervision, transportation and safety. Qualified candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume and a list of three references with contact information to Dr. Paul D. Fallon, President, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, KS 66215. Applications will be received until Feb. 28. References will not be contacted until the candidate becomes a semifinalist. EEC open enrollment - Open enrollment will begin on Monday, Feb. 1, for new families for the preschool for the year starting in August! We have openings in full-time preschool for ages 2 - 5, and part-time preschool for ages 3 - 5. The Early Education Center is fully licensed by the state of Kansas and all staff members are experienced and certified. We provide a safe, caring and academically sound environment for the young children of our community. All programs are developmentally appropriate with the added bonus of Catholic education and prayer. Our goal is to enable the children to develop spiritually, socially, academically and physically. We believe that nothing is more important than to provide an environment that fulfills the complete needs of your child! We provide full-time and part-time preschool in addition to before- and after-school care (ASC) for full-day Prince of Peace Elementary School students. Visit popolathe.org/ EEC to download the enrollment form to submit, along with your check, via mail or drop it off at our main EEC entrance. Questions? Contact Kate Potter, director, at: kpotter@popolathe.org or call (913) 829-2728. Resource specialist - This position is part time, 30 hours/week. Will determine client needs and match to social services. Evaluate services and programs to maintain resource list. The ideal candidate has a master’s degree in social work, LMSW or LSCSW and two - five years’ experience; organizing and prioritizing skills and objectivity; nonprofit or ministry experience; excellent communicator; bilingual a plus. Looking for committed, pro-life Christian who can affirm our vision, mission and statement of faith. Send cover letter and resume to: office@adviceandaid.com. No phone calls. Teacher openings - Bishop Miege High School has openings for English and mathematics teachers for the 2021-22 school year. Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Career opportunity - Due to the growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are looking for professional men who are interested in helping fellow Catholics with their faith, family and finances. This is a full-time career opportunity that will allow you to be your own boss and a respected professional member of the community. If you or someone you know is self-motivated, good with time management and has a desire to succeed, this might be the opening you’ve been looking for. Benefits include unlimited professional income potential, flexibility, quality training program and incentive award trips such as Rome, Hawaii and Ireland. There are openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. If you want to serve your community, strengthen the church and change the world, call John Mahon at our regional office at (785) 408-8800 or toll free at (855) 356-4849. Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Substitute teachers – St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, is looking for substitute staff in our center, ranging from the infant to pre-kindergarten age programs. Please call (913) 248-4589 or email: tgavila@ stjoeshawnee.org.
JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.
Needed - Woman to help elderly woman for errands: take to grocery store, doctor visits, etc. Must be good driver. Prairie Village area. Call (913) 341-2565.
Lead/Assistant teachers – St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, has positions available in our infant, toddler and two-and-one-half-year-olds rooms. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Competitive pay and benefits are offered. Please call (913) 248-4589 or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. We are willing to consider half-day applicants.
Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
SERVICES Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.
8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings! Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com
Part-time bookkeeper - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has an immediate opening for a part-time bookkeeper/accountant to assist in the processing of bill payments, preparation of bank reconciliations, account analyses and other duties as needed to assist the director of finance. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required as well as functional knowledge of double entry accounting; previous fund accounting experience preferred. Flexible schedule of approximately 10-15 hours a week. To apply, please send your resume and references to Father Kent O’Connor at: frkent@gsshawnee.org.
Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.
Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.
Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.
Montessori lead directress and afternoon assistant - Our Lady’s Montessori School is growing and searching for individuals trained in the Montessori Method and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or interested in learning more. Our immediate need is for an afternoon assistant, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., beginning in February, and a Montessori lead directress for our 6 - 12-year-olds classroom, beginning in the fall of 2021. Please fill out our online application on our website and send to Jenny at: jwallace@olmskc.org.
Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to e successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parent; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3. Part-time stylists - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride, grooms and galas is looking for part-time stylists. Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “Moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840. Food service director - St. Agnes School in Roeland Park is now accepting applications for a food service director for the school’s cafeteria. This position would be for the 2021-22 school year. The food service director oversees the operation of the food service program; is an authorized representative of St. Agnes Catholic School to the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE); and is responsible for compliance of St. Agnes Catholic School for state and federal regulations and requirements related to the food service program. The director will also serve as the head cook and supervisor of all kitchen operations. For a full job description, please visit: www. stagneskc.org, and click on “Contact Us,” then “Employment,” to read the description and submit your resume.
Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. 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.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
Popcorn ceiling texture removal and add knockdown to your ceilings! Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Accepting major credit cards. Call with questions. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - If you have an extra car and/or truck you don’t know what to do with, give us a call. We are a cash buyer. Call Mark at (913) 980-4905. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
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)
REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. We Buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a classified ad, email: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
HOME IMPROVEMENT Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.
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JANUARY 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
This group will discuss the grief journey and ways to cope and grow as we adjust to the loss of loved ones. Maureen Kelly, director of spiritual health, will facilitate the sessions. The group will meet on Zoom and be limited to not more that 10 participants or fewer than four participants. For more information, call or text (913) 257-9232 or send an email to: mkelly@ villasf.org.
‘JOY OF MUSIC’ Visitation Church 5141 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri Jan. 31 at 3 p.m.
The “Joy of Music” concert is filled with beautiful classical music selections that will bring joy to your heart and glory to God! Suggested donation is $25 per family.
‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ A PEER-TO-PEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Online via Zoom Feb. 1 - April 5
This is a Beginning Experience support program that meets each week for eight weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. Register in advance and receive the program workbook plus detailed Zoom meeting instructions by going to: www.beginningexperiencekc.org. For additional information, contact Donna at (816) 305-3760.
LENTEN SILENT RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Feb. 12 - 14
The retreat begins on Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Feb. 14 at 4:30 p.m. The retreat will focus on our spiritual nature. We will explore how we can live in a way to claim our place in heaven as coheirs with Christ. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms are $170 for single/$250 for couples; single guest rooms are $100. Meals are included. To attend, send an email to: info@ christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Online class Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
A reasonable course fee is charged, and online registration is required at the class registration CCLI portal at: powerappsportals. com. Send an email to Alison or Allen Greenlief at: aagreenlief@gmail.com for more information about NFP classes offered by the Couple to Couple League.
‘CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN’ DIVORCE SUPPORT MINISTRY Online via Zoom Feb. 27
The “Called To Love Again” divorce ministry will be having virtual meetings due to the COVID pandemic. Send an email to Katie Palitto for Zoom access, time and more information at: thecall2love.com. The topic for February is forgiveness.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
Religious educator: Knowing families is key >> Continued from page 1 closed network. I feel I’m in contact more with parents now than I ever was!”
Embraced by families Prince of Peace parishioner Sarah Jurgens of Olathe has two children in the religious education program — 11-year-old daughter Drew, who is in fifth grade, and 8-year-old son Cooper, who is in second grade. Jurgens characterizes the program as having gone from a one-hour, weekly drop-off to becoming a family affair. For Jurgens, it makes sense, both logistically and spiritually. “I do believe the quality has improved with me as the parent so involved. I’m able to gauge how much my children understand the material, how much they understand God’s word and teaching,” Jurgens said. Jurgens said the format often allows her to enrich the lessons with her own faith experiences, such as when her son prepared for his first reconciliation. “In talking to him about how we tell the priest how long it’s been since our last confession, I chose to tell him my story about returning to the faith and to the church after being away for 17 years,” Jurgens said. “His eyes got really big and his questions about why I’d been away so long and what brought me back probably added more to his understanding about this great sacrament than any workbook or video could.” The family-based model also works for Prince of Peace parishioners Michelle and Kevin Heiman and their two children: Jillian, 10, and Ben, 8. As a product of Catholic schooling, Michelle said she and Kevin taught their daughter’s first grade religious education class four years ago because it was important for them to be involved. It’s also a great refresher, she said. When the pandemic is over, she is looking forward to engaging in the large-group activities that supplement family learning. “An aspect I really love about the program is the family gatherings. It’s been so nice getting to know other families in the program and I think the gatherings are what make this model so special,” Michelle said. “A few of our favorites have been Bible Boot Camp for first year sacramental prep. My kids have also enjoyed the game night/information night with various booths and stations set up around the parish hall,” she continued. “We’ve also met in the church for [eucharistic] adoration, Stations of the Cross, and have prayed the rosary together.”
Staying focused The family model is not without its challenges. Both families agree that it takes discipline and an adherence to a schedule to complete the lessons. However, each family likens the duty to the commitment families make for sports and other activities. “The only real downside to this 100 percent online model is that it
Shannon Cardaronella, Prince of Peace’s director of children’s ministry, has drawn praise from families for helping them feel connected as a parish community. can easily be ignored or brushed to the side if parents choose not to make it a priority,” said Jurgens. “My children know Saturday morning is SOR time and that they have to complete their lessons before they can do just about anything else. But the same could be said for last year’s model or even the previous years’,” she added. “Parents have to make religious education a priority — over sports, clubs and every other activity out there that takes up family time.” Similarly, Michelle said her family sets aside time each week to complete the lessons and finds greater success when their religion time is scheduled, just like their other commitments. “My kids know what to expect and a few cups of hot chocolate makes it all the better,” Michelle said.
Motivated to learn Both families say they are motivated to stay the course because of their commitment to raising their children Catholic. “I stay motivated because I want my children to grow up Catholic and to receive the sacraments,” Jurgens said. “It really helped to have Father Kenn Clem tell us he was an SOR kid that grew up to be a priest. That was a huge motivation for me, at least!” And despite the pandemic, many of the families credit Cardaronella with helping them feel connected as
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VILLA ST. FRANCIS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Online via Zoom Mondays through Feb. 22
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“ IF THE FAITH IS NOT STUDIED AT HOME, IT’S GONE IN THE LATER YEARS.” SHANNON CARDARONELLA DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AT PRINCE OF PEACE PARISH, OLATHE
a parish community. In particular, Michelle said Cardaronella is keeps everyone on track by providing calendars, relevant videos for the topic of the week and supplemental art projects and materials. Michelle says her family has been reading the Bible more as well as journaling and learning more about people and saints in the Catholic faith. Recently, Cardaronella organized a Nativity Zoom with scripts for anyone who wanted to participate. It even featured a surprise cameo by Fathers Greg, Kenn and Francis as the Three Wise Men. It’s just one of the ways in which Cardaronella brings unique experiences to the program. “We know our families,” Cardaronella said, “so we can help them in personalized ways. “Whether it’s a classroom, big hall or closed network, you still need people working with people. You need to get to know your families.”
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COLUMNISTS
DAILY READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Jan. 31 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Dt 18: 15-20 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 1 Cor 7: 32-35 Mk 1: 21-28 Feb. 1 Monday Heb 11: 32-40 Ps 31: 20-24 Mk 5: 1-20 Feb. 2 THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Mal 3: 1-4 Ps 24: 7-10 Heb 2: 14-18 Lk 2: 22-40 Feb. 3 Blaise, bishop, martyr; Ansgar, bishop Heb 12: 4-7, 11-15 Ps 103: 1-2, 13-14, 17-18a Mk 6: 1-6 Feb. 4 Thursday Heb 12: 18-19, 21-24 Ps 48: 2-4, 9-11 Mk 6: 7-13 Feb. 5 Agatha, virgin, martyr Heb 13: 1-8 Ps 27: 1, 3, 5, 8b-9c Mk 6: 14-29 Feb. 6 Paul Miki and companions, martyrs Heb 13: 15-17, 20-21 Ps 23: 1-6 Mk 6: 30-34
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More ideas for (we hope) the home stretch
ometimes, I feel like Charlie Brown. Remember where Lucy, holding a football, invites Charlie Brown to come and kick it? Just as he gets there, though, she yanks it away, leaving the poor guy flat on his back. Several weeks ago, the Leaven staff came up with a great idea. Each of us would suggest five activities to our readers on how to make this pandemic time or the upcoming season of Lent more fruitful. Then, we’d compile all of those suggestions in a nice, attractive package. I was so excited to be included! Then came the “Lucy and the football” moment. First, I was told that a couple of my ideas were already taken by another staff member, so I’d have to think of something else. Next came the ultimate blow: While the others got their ideas beautifully displayed in this
MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
week’s center spread on pages 8 and 9, sadly — I was informed — there was no room for mine. Alas, my apparently unworthy suggestions are shuffled here to page 14. (Actually, before you start sending letters of sympathy to me or of protest to the rest of the staff, realize that this was how we’d planned it all along.) In addition to the wonderful ideas of
Anita, Todd, Joe and Moira, I add these: • Journal. This is just a fancy word for writing down your thoughts. All that you need is a notebook, and it doesn’t need to be fancy. Then, well, start to fill it in. You may want to write about how you’re dealing with the pandemic on a certain day or paste a photo on the page and explain what it means to you or compose a prayer or poem if you’re so moved. Let your creative spirit loose. • Learn or relearn a musical instrument. There are plenty of instructional videos online, especially if
1562 - 1597 Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ruling Japan in the name of the emperor, became alarmed at the growth of Christianity resulting from St. Francis Xavier’s mission, begun in 1549. Because of his orders, 26 Christians had their left ears cut off, were marched through towns with blood dripping from their heads, then were crucified and pierced with lances on a hill outside Nagasaki. The martyrs were Franciscans, Jesuits, Japanese laymen and one Korean; their bloody garments were kept as relics. Paul Miki, a distinguished preacher who was the son of a samurai, was the most prominent of the Japanese Jesuits. The martyrs were canonized in 1862; their feast was added to the General Roman Calendar in 1969.
you’re a little rusty or just a beginner. Playing a musical instrument keeps life melodious and harmonious. • Do puzzles. No matter what kind you choose — jigsaw puzzles, Jumble, KenKen, Sudoku and Nonograms, to name a few — they’ll keep you anchored in the present moment and give you a sense of accomplishment when completed. To add some Catholic learning to the mix, try Matt Swaim’s “Catholic Puzzles, Word Games and Brainteasers,” available on Amazon. • Walk the Camino de Santiago. I’ve always been fascinated by this 480-mile pilgrimage, which ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Fascination, however, doesn’t mean I’d actually consider doing it . . . until now. I just registered for it a couple of days ago. Seriously! By Googling “conqueror camino,” I discovered that I can
complete it virtually. Tracking my exercise on this site moves me along the actual Camino and includes all kinds of other cool elements. Check it out online. • Color. Remember the excitement of opening up a new box of crayons? Well, you don’t have to be a kid to relive that. Read Sybil MacBeth’s “Praying in Color” to learn more. Or head to Amazon and search “adult Catholic coloring books” for a variety of choices. While these suggestions and those in the center spread are helpful in a time of pandemic — or in the Charlie Brown moments of life — the most succinct advice to follow comes from none other than Snoopy, who said, “Keep looking up. . . . That’s the secret of life.” Yes, the best thing we can ever do is indeed the simplest: Look up and pray.
What exactly was Paul trying to say to the Corinthians?
S Paul Miki and Companions
JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ometimes when I read St. Paul’s letters, I wish it were possible to put the Bible down and have a conversation with him. “Look,” I would say, “it seems to me you just contradicted yourself.” Or: “What you just said doesn’t take into account some other important considerations.” Or: “I don’t get it. Please explain!” Reading Sunday’s excerpt from Paul’s First Letter to the Christians in Corinth (7:32-35), I wonder if a conversation along these lines might actually have taken place the next time he visited them. I picture the scene: After the liturgy, when snacks are served, some of the
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KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Corinthians sit with Paul and challenge him on a few points. Prisca: “I appreciated your encouraging young people to
remain single to serve God freely. But what you said about marriage puzzled me.” Paul: “Well, Prisca, perhaps I didn’t express myself clearly enough.” Prisca: “You said a married man is anxious to please his wife and a married woman is anxious to please her husband. But I’m sure you know it’s not like that in many marriages.” Paul: “Oh, right. Maybe I should have said explicitly that’s how they ought to
treat each other.” Andronicus: “But isn’t that a beautiful thing, when a husband and wife are trying to make each other happy?” Paul: “Of course, it’s a tremendous thing!” Andronicus: “Then why did you use it as a reason for young people to avoid marriage?” Paul: “I wasn’t trying to help married couples improve their marriages. I did a bit of that earlier, when I talked about couples making love and taking time to pray. At this point, I was trying to guide unmarried people to recognize the benefits of remaining single.” Andronicus: “Fine. But why use a happy aspect of marriage as a reason to stay
unmarried?” Paul: “Andronicus, you’re a husband. You know how complicated married life can be. Devoting yourself to Junia’s happiness is beautiful. But wouldn’t your life have been simpler if you’d stayed unmarried?” Andronicus: “Simpler in the sense of being simply attuned to God’s will, without having to think about Junia too?” Paul: “Yes.” Junia: “But, Paul, if Andronicus and I are both focused on doing God’s will, that brings simplicity into our lives!” Paul: “Great point, Junia, thanks for saying it. Seeking God’s will is the source of peace for all of us, whether we’re married or single!”
Pope urges nations to create a world free from nuclear arms VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Marking the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons coming into force Jan. 22, Pope Francis encouraged nations to work toward a world free from all nuclear arms. The treaty is the first legally binding international agreement to prohibit signatory states from the development, testing, production,
stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons, as well as assisting with and encouraging such activities. Nuclear weapons have an “indiscriminate impact” as they can “strike large numbers of people in a short space of time and provoke long-lasting damage to the environment,” the pope said Jan. 20 during his weekly general
audience, livestreamed from the library of the Apostolic Palace. The pope “strongly encouraged” all nations and people “to work with determination to promote the conditions necessary for a world without nuclear arms, contributing to the advancement of peace and multilateral cooperation, which humanity greatly needs today.”
COLUMNISTS
JANUARY 29, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Among pandemic’s silver linings is a chance to evangelize
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s I write this article, it is Jan. 19. Yesterday, we celebrated the life of the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, President Trump gave his farewell address to the nation. Tomorrow, President-elect Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. The country is still reeling in chaos from the violence in our Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as the eight months of riots that plagued cities across our nation. Over 400,000 people have died from the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The disregard for the unborn through legalized abortion, as well as acts of racial hatred
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FROM THE SUPER
VINCE CASCONE Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.
and injustice, show our struggle to see the dignity of each human person. In this time of chaos, political unrest and violence, we need peace. As Catholic Christians, we know that true peace can
only come from the Prince of Peace, our savior Jesus. In the midst of this chaotic world, over 13,000 children in 42 schools are learning about the Prince of Peace and his mother Mary, the Queen of Peace. They are learning about our God who loves and pursues each one of them.
As I visit schools throughout the archdiocese, I am blessed to witness this in action. At each school I visit, I have the privilege of meeting with teachers, as well as students, in small groups. Just last week, I visited Corpus Christi School in Lawrence. The group of teachers I met with were certainly an awesome representation of the faculty and staff members throughout the archdiocese who help to bring our children into a relationship with Our Lord. As we were discussing the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to our classrooms, we began to discuss the “silver linings” that have also presented themselves.
For example, the third grade teachers talked about a number of students who have transferred from the public schools to Corpus Christi. The teachers explained how they had to adjust the religion curriculum and their lessons in an effort to make sure their new students knew some of the things the other students had already learned. They spoke of examples of how the students would help one another and explain things to each other. They spoke of how their third graders became evangelists for one another, talking about and teaching about God. What a silver lining, indeed.
From Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Throughout the week, we celebrate those who help make our Catholic schools sacred spaces where each person’s relationship with God is front and center and where each child can begin to recognize his/her talents and calling. Our Catholic schools are a vital ministry of the archdiocese. I want to ask you for your prayers, along with your gifts of your time, talent and treasure to the archdiocese and to your local parish and school, as we strive to surround our young people with the peace that can only come from a relationship with Our Lord.
A gift to Archbishop’s Call to Share is a gift of love
t is with great joy that I begin my journey as the new director of stewardship and development for the archdiocese. I am honored to be chosen by Archbishop Naumann to assist the faithful in northeast Kansas in discerning the use of their time, talent and treasure to help build up the parishes, schools and ministries through invitation and education. Over the 32 years that I have lived in the archdiocese, I have experienced a community rooted in the four pillars of stewardship — prayer, hospitality, formation and service. I look forward to using this column to share stories with you of
YES TO THE CALL
BILL MALONEY Bill Maloney is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email him at: wmaloney@ archkck.org.
parishioners who say yes to living the stewardship way of life. My first few months in this role have been humbling. The generosity of parishioners
during these uncertain times is nothing short of amazing. Catholic Charities, the Catholic Education Foundation and many parishes, schools and ministries throughout the archdiocese have received recordbreaking donations at their virtual events. Earlier this month, I sent an email inviting parishioners to
share stories of how a simple invitation changed their lives. Again, I was humbled by the stories that were shared. There was the story of the couple that has been foster parents for 46 children and raised seven of their own biological children. And the story of the young woman who, while in college, was invited by a friend to the Catholic campus center where she is now working after graduation. And the story of a senior citizen who says yes to wiping down the pews after Mass on Sunday. Again and again, I witness great examples of people responding to the call they are receiving.
Great things are happening in our archdiocese. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” There are plenty of opportunities for all of us to accept the Lord’s invitation to do something small with great love. I would like to invite all of you to consider my invitation to make a gift to the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Giving to the appeal is an opportunity to do something with great love. Through your support, you are loving the family who needs services from Catholic Charities. You are loving the family who
is receiving assistance from the Catholic Education Foundation. You are walking with the mother who is in a crisis pregnancy. You are sharing your love of Christ with our youth who attend camps at Prairie Star Ranch. You are supporting the young couple who is preparing for marriage. A gift to Archbishop’s Call to Share is a gift of love. I look forward to getting to know more of you throughout the archdiocese and witnessing how the four pillars of stewardship are alive in our homes and parishes. Thank you for answering the Lord’s call and bringing the light of Christ to others.
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LOCAL NEWS
JANUARY 29, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Seamus P. Smith works for Creative Planning Legal and is a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park. He talked to The Leaven about the ins and outs of trusts and wills.
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What do I need — a will, a trust or both?
aring for your family’s financial well-being after your death is considered smart planning. But it takes legal planning as well. Creating a will and/or trust is the most common way of safeguarding your savings and assets for your loved ones. Attorney Seamus Smith with Creative Planning spoke with The Leaven about how to sort out necessary steps.
Q. What is a trust? A. A trust is a legal agreement that
essentially holds all your assets (savings, stocks, property). The trust agreement identif ies the names of two important roles — the trustee and the beneficiary. The trustee controls the assets as directed by the trust agreement. The beneficiary receives the trust assets as directed by the trust agreement.
Q. Are there different kinds of
trusts?
A.
There are many types of trusts for different purposes. The most common type of trust is a revocable trust. A revocable trust is used for estate planning. The person creating the trust generally names himself or herself as the initial trustee and as the initial beneficiary and retains full control of the trust and all of its assets.
Q. Who needs it?
A. A revocable trust is a useful tool
for anyone who wants to avoid probate, structure inheritances for beneficiaries and address estate taxes.
Q. How is a trust funded? A. Assets can be titled directly to
a trust. For example, a deed on a home can identify a trust as the owner of the property and a bank account can be titled to reflect a trust as the account owner. Assets can also be directed to a trust through a beneficiary designation, like those used for life insurance and retirement accounts.
Q.
Does having a trust eliminate the need to go through probate when a person dies?
A.
A properly written and funded trust can avoid the need for probate in most cases.
Q.
If you don’t have a trust, what’s so bad about going through probate?
A.
There are three primary downsides to probate. First, a probate proceeding can be expensive, due to attorney fees and court costs. This reduces what beneficiaries receive. Second, probate takes time. In most cases, it will take at least six months but will often run significantly longer. Finally, there can be a lack of privacy because probate court records are often open to the public.
Q. What is a will? A. A last will and testament is a
direction to the probate court that becomes effective at your death. It tells the court where you want probate assets transferred following your death
and who you want to be appointed to administer your probate estate. Probate assets include any assets that were not incorporated into a trust or directly payable to a surviving adult under a beneficiary designation or right of survivorship. The person appointed to administer the estate is called the executor or personal representative.
Q. Who needs one? A. All adults should have a last
will and testament in case there are any probate assets at the time of death or any matter that requires an executor to resolve. This is the case even if you have a revocable trust. You cannot always predict what probate circumstances might arise following your death.
Q. Are wills and trusts ironclad? A. A well-written will or trust
established under the right circumstances can be difficult, if not impossible, to overturn. A will or trust is more susceptible to being overturned if it is poorly written or was executed by someone with questionable mental capacity or under the influence of an interested party.
Q.
Can you create a will and trust yourself or do you need an attorney?
A.
An attorney is not absolutely necessary, but like a lot of things in life, it is often best to obtain professional assistance to ensure that it is done right.
Q. Do you need both a trust and
a will?
A. Everyone should have a will. A
revocable trust should be considered if there is a desire to avoid probate.
Q.
How do you choose a trustee for a trust and an executor for a will?
A.
Most people will select a friend or family member. It is best if that person is organized and has at least enough financial experience to know when he or she needs to seek help from professionals like attorneys, wealth advisers and accountants. One important consideration is whether the position will place too much of a burden on the family member or friend. There are a lot of matters to attend to — filing of tax returns, payment of creditors, consolidation of assets and distributions to beneficiaries. Another consideration is whether there will be any family friction for the person appointed. Death and money can create a lot of treacherous landmines for relationships. In some cases, it can be best to appoint an independent professional trustee to relieve your family and friends from the burden and avoid any risk that the appointment might drive certain family members apart. Seamus P. Smith leads one of the largest estate planning law firms in America, Creative Planning Legal. He received a B.A. from Benedictine College in Atchison, a Juris Doctor from The University of Kansas School of Law and an LL.M. in Taxation from the UMKC School of Law. Smith has taught business and tax law for the MBA programs of Benedictine College and the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. He resides in Overland Park with his wife and daughter and is a member of Holy Spirit Parish.