02 02 24 Vol. 45 No. 24

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 24 | FEBRUARY 2, 2024

SERVING IT UP FOR OTHERS

Shalom House meal ministry offers mighty rewards

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Olathe’s Prince of Peace Knight of Columbus Oscar Horn and parish member Joanna Marin prepare to put tacos in the oven for the Shalom House meal ministry.

Olathe’s Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus Tom Keegan (left) and Tom Farmer serve a taco dinner to residents of Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas.

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “I love to cook and I love to give,” said Joanna Marin as she poured homemade salsa into bowls at Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living Program here.

“And I love seeing the smiles on their faces,” she added.

The Shalom House meal ministry is one of the most satisfying outreach opportunities available through Catholic Charities of

Northeast Kansas.

It’s easy, fun and extremely rewarding.

Volunteers simply prepare a meal for the men living at the facility that includes a main dish, side and dessert.

Meals can be prepared off-site and dropped off, or any part of the meal can be prepared in the Shalom House kitchen. Volunteers can stay to serve and socialize.

The well-stocked industrial kitchen is a chef ’s dream. And the residents of Shalom House are the perfect recipients of any >> See “SHALOM” on page 4

S

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Shalom House meal ministry

halom House is located at 2601 Ridge in Kansas City, Kansas. The property is secluded and very safe. Meal ministers are greeted by staff, and residents are eager to help them in any way they can.

Meals can be dropped off or prepared and served on the premises.

Ministers are encouraged, but not required, to eat with the residents.

No one under the age of 18 is allowed on the property. However, young people can earn 2-½ service hours by helping prepare a meal off-site and have it delivered by an adult.

If you are interested in preparing a meal for Shalom House residents, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks.org/shalom-house and click the “Meal Ministry” sign-up button for guidelines.

2 LOCAL NEWS

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Lent: A solemn time of reckoning — and hope

his past Nov. 22, 2023, marked the 60th anniversary of the assassination and death of President John F. Kennedy.

I was 14 years old at the time and a freshman in high school.

Anyone my age or older remembers vividly what we were doing that day. I was in typing class when we were informed that the president had been shot. We prayed for the president and for our nation. School was dismissed, but before I left the building, we were informed that President Kennedy was dead.

For the next several days, the nation was in mourning. The National Football League canceled all their games that Sunday.

Most other athletic competitions were also canceled. In St. Louis, I remember that wrestling at the Chase still

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN went forward, though they did offer a prayer for our fallen president and his family.

What I was not aware of at the time and only discovered recently was that on that same day, two other famous individuals died: C.S. Lewis and Aldous Huxley.

Peter Kreeft wrote a small book entitled: “Between Heaven and Hell – A Dialog Somewhere Beyond Death.”

The book is Kreeft’s imagined conversation between the three, who meet somewhere beyond death.

Huxley represents the view of a pantheist who was influenced

by Eastern mysticism.

Kennedy, though Catholic, is classified as representative of a humanist. Lewis is a Christian theist. I found the conversation between the three fascinating and intriguing. Lewis, a great Christian thinker and apologist, dominates the dialogue.

Most of the great

Catholic saints thought about the reality of death every day.

They lived their lives with the perspective that life in this world was passing away, but something much better awaits us. The pantheist and humanist live with the same inevitability of death, but not with the same sure and certain hope about eternal life.

Kreeft’s book is out of print, but you may be able to find a used copy. As we approach the Lenten season preparing ourselves to celebrate the central events of our Christian belief — the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the great gift of our baptism that has given us an eternal destiny — I encourage all of us to ponder the reality of our own mortality but also the great hope that comes from our Catholic faith and our friendship with Jesus.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Feb. 4 NCBC bishops’ workshop — Dallas Feb. 9 Bless new Stations of the Cross — St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 10 White Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Mass and Cathedral gala — cathedral Feb. 11 World Marriage Day Feb. 12 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Pastoral Council meeting — chancery

Death for the Christian is not something to fear. However, it is a reality that should impact the way we live our lives in this world, preparing ourselves to share in the eternal kingdom of heaven.

What a gift is our

Christian faith. It gives meaning and purpose to everything we do in this life. Our friendship with Jesus means that we are never without hope or cause for joy!

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Call or text 913-621-2199

LOCAL NEWS 3

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE STATE RALLY FOR LIFE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates the Mass for Life with Bishop Carl A. Kemme from the Diocese of Wichita (left with gold vestment) and nearly 20 priests from across the state.

By Kathryn White Special to The Leaven

T

OPEKA — This year’s Ignite Rally and Mass for Life starting at the Topeka Performing Arts Center Jan. 24 and ended at the state Capitol.

Nearly 1500 participants from across the state attended, ranging from infants to seniors and all ages in between.

The sixth annual event opened with worship music by the band, All Things I Am. Deb Niesen, archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office, followed with a message of hope and courage — the courage to support moms in need and the courage to say yes to life and to rescue with love.

“To rescue means to save someone from danger,” Niesen explained. “Abortion is dangerous. It ends the life of an innocent child and harms a woman — emotionally, spiritually, and many times, physically.

“To rescue with love means we as Christians must have the courage to step in to help, with love. We can see the 20,000 abortions in Kansas last year as cries for help, and that is an opportunity for us to rescue with help and hope.”

Each speaker on the program echoed that same theme of rescuing with love.

Melissa Ohden of the Abortion Survivors Network and Maddie Martinez from Embrace Grace were both inspirational as they spoke about their stories of survival.

Best-selling author and speaker John O’Leary was 9 years old when he had an accident which left his body with burns over 100% of it. Now an adult, he shares his story to bring hope to others.

While he could not attend the event, he did challenge the group by video to “say yes to being used for good. Your life — and the lives of those around you, both born and unborn — is a priceless precious gift.”

Madelynn Gaggero from St. Matthew Parish in Topeka was moved to make a difference by simply smiling at classmates or giving a compliment in the hallways of Hayden High School where she is a sophomore.

“Doing these small things can help others know their dignity. Being prolife means so much more than just being against abortion,” Gaggero said.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Following the Ignite Rally and the Mass for Life on Jan. 24, participants from across the state marched from the Topeka Performing Arts Center to the state Capitol.

“John O’Leary’s little sister showed him dignity by hugging him when he was naked [from the burns of the house fire].

“She splashed water on him from their burning home. We never know who is burnt on the inside from fiery words or pain, and small actions of kindness can splash cool water on their internal burns.”

The rally stage transitioned quickly from a worship music and speaker venue to an altar for nearly 20 priests from across the state concelebrating with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, including Bishop Carl A. Kemme from the Diocese of Wichita.

“I’m old,” Archbishop Naumann said with a chuckle during his homily, which represented a call to action to the young people gathered there. “I’ve been privileged to be involved with this pro-life movement for almost 50 years.”

DOING THESE SMALL THINGS CAN HELP OTHERS KNOW THEIR DIGNITY. BEING PRO-LIFE MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST BEING AGAINST ABORTION. MADELYNN GAGGERO PARISHIONER OF ST. MATTHEW, TOPEKA “You’re the next man up,” he continued. “You’re the ones that have to reach this generation. . . . Whether our nation goes down the path that it’s going to celebrate abortion as this great human right, or is America going to be what [it] was founded to be — this beacon

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; or email at: sub@ theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $25/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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of hope for the world? Where every human being is equal because they’re made in the divine image that every human being, every life is celebrated.”

Kicking off the Kansas March for Life to the Capitol was Lucrecia Nold of the Kansas Catholic Conference who explained the three areas of life-affirming legislative proposals: First, protect the safety of all pregnant women; next, highlight the humanity of the preborn child; lastly, provide aid for women who choose life for their babies and those who serve them.

Marchers heard from pro-life legislators, the Knights of Columbus about their efforts to support pro-life efforts in the state and members of Kansans for Life on the steps of the Capitol building — all promoting the pro-life movement.

Each represented, in different ways, what Archbishop Naumann had said: “Every one of us has a purpose and a mission that no one else can do. Life will be victorious.”

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

4 LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Lenexa school helps young actress see her name in lights

By Megan Sollenberger Special to The Leaven

L

ENEXA — It’s Catholic Schools Week, but for a fifth grade student at Holy Trinity Parish here, the last three months of Catholic schooling looked a bit different.

Ivy Sollenberger, 10, recently returned home from performing six days a week in the Broadway National Tour of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” where she was taught by a traveling tutor in conjunction with her teachers at Holy Trinity.

After a quick audition process in New York City, Ivy was offered the roles of Annie Who and the Cindy Lou-Who understudy. Once the excitement of performing in Whoville for the holidays settled down, the reality of how to remain enrolled in Catholic school and travel to eight different cities set in.

Holy Trinity assistant principal Liz Minks and fifth grade teachers Kari Ashley, Larissa Filipsen and Dave Trompeter had never been presented with this unique situation before.

But they went above and beyond to accommodate the situation and reassured both Ivy and her parents that they would figure it out together.

Using the blueprint from online schooling developed during the COVID19 pandemic, Ivy’s team uploaded all of her work to a Google classroom and provided her with a Chromebook to make life on the road easier.

The Grinch staff provided the child members of the cast a tutor from On Location Education (OLE) to teach and serve as the child guardian backstage.

Melissa Waters, from OLE, was in daily communication with Ivy’s team of teachers in preparation for her daily school hours.

During the rehearsal process, a typ-

ical day consisted of rehearsal from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and school from 3 to 6 p.m.

Once performances began, “Schoolville” could take place in hotel conference rooms or theater dressing rooms at any time — the girls sometimes studying in full makeup and pin curls before and after their shows.

And prayer before performances, meals and their many flights were standard for Ivy and two of the other child actresses, who attend Catholic schools in New York and Texas.

Aside from typical daily work, the girls were allowed to explore the cities and take field trips. They visited the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit; the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio; The Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia; Disney 100 in Chicago; and too many local ice cream shops to count. The cast also had the opportunity to volunteer with Broadway Serves and performed at children’s hospitals and nursing homes along the way.

To make the last stretch of the tour even sweeter, Minks and Ashley both made the trip to Chicago to catch Ivy in a performance during their winter break.

Ivy was delighted to see their familiar faces.

Waters even requested to meet Ashley, as she had never seen a teacher attend a show for one of her child performers before, and wanted to thank her for all of the communication and collaboration that made it all possible.

On New Year’s Day, Ivy said goodbye to the Whos, Whoville and Mr. Grinch and headed back home to regular life. She was back in her uniform and classroom at Holy Trinity two days later, ready to reunite with her friends and teachers.

Knowing she had the unwavering support and love of her Holy Trinity community made Ivy’s first Broadway tour a magical experience and proved there’s truly nothing like Catholic schools.

COURTESY PHOTO

Ivy Sollenberger, 10, a student at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, recently took part in the Broadway National Tour of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” Ivy played the role of Annie Who and was the Cindy Lou-Who understudy.

Shalom House helps residents transition back into society >> Continued from page 1

cook’s efforts — they’re hungry and grateful.

On top of that, residents are eager to help out and always do the cleanup.

“It is fun because the men are so appreciative,” said Tom Farmer. “I don’t think I’ve ever been thanked more than when I come here.

“They’ve been through a lot and they’re just so grateful for anything they get.”

Farmer is a member of Olathe’s Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus.

The group has been on the meal ministry schedule at Shalom House for many years.

This evening’s repast was tacos with all the fixings and a side of Spanish rice.

For dessert, Farmer made his famous sopapilla cheesecake bars.

He was assisted by fellow Knights Tom Keegan and Oscar Horn. Marin joined the group to see if the meal ministry might be a volunteer opportunity for her women’s faith group.

“It’s an incredible ministry,” said Farmer. “The Knights always dedicate some money to this cause. We buy ingredients, make a dinner, bring it over, cook it, serve it and visit with the men.

“But if you look at the sign-up right now, most nights go unfilled. So, it’s important that we get more groups to participate.”

When Shalom House closed during the COVID pandemic and to renovate

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Residents of Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas, share chores and are on hand to provide cleanup after meals are served. its new facility, it lost many of its meal ministers. Now Catholic Charities is trying to get the word out about this opportunity to serve the community.

Cooper Eitel, a seminarian from St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, is currently on mission at Shalom House.

When volunteers provide a meal, he sees how much it lifts the men’s spirits.

“Most of the food here is sent over from the food pantry,” he said. “And so, it just means there’s not a ton of selection and the guys are eating the same

things throughout the week.

“It is so appreciated to get some new variety and some food that’s healthier.”

The men at Shalom House often come from difficult circumstances, but they go through vigorous screening and are working to become independent and productive.

“These are men who are going through the process of transitioning back into society,” explained Catholic Charities volunteer engagement manager Kathleen Currie. “They’re people who are really

choosing to live a better life.

“They just need help getting there.”

Meal ministers who choose to stay and share dinner support that process.

“Serving the meal and getting to know the men I think is the most special part of the dinner ministry,” said Currie.

“That’s where these men are going to make connections and gain a lot of those social skills they’re seeking.”

There are approximately 13 men presently living at the facility. Program director Tenesha Williams is hoping to get them more healthy home-cooked meals.

“We have some men here who struggle with diet,” she said. “They have diabetes, high blood pressure, things of that nature because of their situation being out on the street, homeless.

“A lot of our guys have made improvements to their health just being here, so we want to maintain that.”

The meal ministry is a fun and satisfying way to give back to the community.

“What we do with our time can bring us closer to Christ,” said Currie. “I truly believe the greatest benefit someone will get out of doing the meal ministry is giving another person in need the gift of their time.

“It’s a chance for the men to connect with people. Ultimately, that’s where community is formed.

“We learn so much about each other when we all sit down and eat together.”

LOCAL NEWS 5

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Area Catholics find ministry in advocating for seniors

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — When the time comes for families to make life-altering decisions for their senior loved ones, Stephanie Garcia said it’s the emotional aspect that’s the most challenging.

“The fear that [the family members are] going to make the wrong decision is so overwhelming sometimes,” she said, “and they’re scared and stressed.”

To ease the pressure families feel, Garcia and her fellow team members at CareStreet are there to help.

“We want to be the one-stop-shop for seniors to be able to provide all the information they’re needing as they age and their families are trying to support them,” said Garcia, senior advocate and clinical liaison and a parishioner at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

“It’s stressful and overwhelming,” she continued, “and we really just want to come alongside them and help alleviate a lot of that stress as they’re working through whatever’s going on.”

CareStreet is a senior living placement and advocacy service founded in 2022 and based in Overland Park.

Jerry Pullins, one of its founders and a parishioner at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, said the company is a spinoff of SeniorCare Homes, which he also owns and operates.

SeniorCare Homes operates six small residential group homes for memory care and Parkinson’s residents.

It’s given Pullins insight into the ins and outs of senior living, and now through CareStreet, he’s able to meet even more of the community’s needs.

CareStreet offers a variety of services, including providing resources, connecting seniors with an elder care attorney and setting them up with meals and transportation.

“There’s nothing that a senior could need that we can’t help or resource or find for them,” said Pullins.

“I think the biggest thing that we get to do is take the pressure off and renew the roles for the families we serve,” he added.

Often, children or spouses take on an administrative or caregiver role for their aging loved one, but CareStreet can step into that position.

“It’s such an honor to be able to help people,” said Pullins. “There’s nothing too small or too big. If there’s a question, we’ll find an answer.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

From left, Mark Nato, Stephanie Garcia and Jerry Pullins, all Catholics of the archdiocese, collaborate at the CareStreet office in Overland Park.

CareStreet is a senior living placement and advocacy service that offers a variety of resources and services for seniors and their loved ones.

Formed by faith A handful of CareStreet team members are lifelong Catholics who view their work as a ministry.

“I started at a young age volunteering at a senior living community for my service hours with St. Joseph Catholic School [in Shawnee],” said Machaela Dechant, senior guide, St. Joseph parishioner and St. James Academy, Lenexa, alumna.

“And since then, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she continued. “Part of the mission of my faith is to serve others, and in this role, I am able to do that every day.”

Dechant assists seniors at whatever point they’re at in their aging journey.

“First and foremost,” she said, “we meet with seniors and their families in person to get a good understanding of who they are, their needs and desires.

“From there, we can provide tools for how to be set up with additional resources at home or with exploring the senior living options — independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term or long-term skilled nursing care.”

Catholic App Series

T iBreviary

he iBreviary app is a digital version of the breviary that users can take with them wherever they go.

The “Pray” button pulls up the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily missal for the celebration of Mass, daily readings and other prayers and rites.

Katie Locus, archdiocesan consultant for deaf ministry, appreciates the app’s Mass readings features.

“I like that you can find almost anything Catholic-related in one app,” said Locus, “like [the] Liturgy of the Hours, parts of Mass and different prayers.

“I would recommend the iBreviary app to other Catholics, especially other deaf Catholics, because you can follow along with Mass better with the app if there isn’t an interpreter.

“Plus, the app comes in handy when you want to pray [the] Liturgy of the Hours when you’re traveling and you don’t have the actual breviary with you.”

— By Moira Cullings

CareStreet arranges and attends tours with seniors and their families and asks questions to see if the community is the right fit.

“Senior living can be very overwhelming,” said Garcia. “If you do a Google search, you’re going to get a thousand different options. And they may not be the right option for you.

“That’s where we come in as being the experts in knowing what every community’s doing, how they’re performing [and] what are their specialties.”

Garcia said it’s important for seniors to have a purpose wherever they live.

“Ultimately, you want your family member to be happy,” she said. “These are their later years, and you want them to be happy and be supported and get the care that they need.”

Mark Nato, senior advocate and financial liaison and a parishioner at Nativity, said CareStreet’s mission is special.

“We’re small, we’re local and we’re deeply interconnected with resources and knowledge that comes with living in and loving Kansas City and its people,” he said.

“Our team knows and genuinely loves the families we work with,” he continued, “and we treat them like it’s our own loved one who needs care and support.”

The work, he said, goes hand-in-hand with the Catholic faith.

“In our faith, we believe every life is important and matters to God,” said Nato, and that Catholics are called to protect the voiceless and vulnerable.

“We strive to offer dignity to our clients in a season that often is deemed unimportant to the world,” he added.

Pullins encouraged aging individuals and their loved ones to reach out if they need support.

“There’s always hope,” he said. “And hope, I think, is the greatest gift that anybody going through or navigating life with a senior or elderly individual can have.

“That gets us to a solution down the line, and that brings the relief and the freedom for that individual to have a [greater] quality of life.”

To learn more about CareStreet, visit the website at: carestreet.com or send an email to Garcia at: stephanie@ carestreet.com.

SOLUTION I WOULD RECOMMEND THE IBREVIARY APP TO OTHER CATHOLICS, ESPECIALLY OTHER DEAF CATHOLICS, BECAUSE YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG WITH MASS BETTER WITH THE APP IF THERE ISN’T AN INTERPRETER. Katie Locus archdiocesan consultant for deaf ministry

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

6 FAMILY LIFE

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Called to hospitality: One home can make a big difference

By Paul Thigpen OSV New

M

y then-4year-old son and I were reading together from a children’s Bible storybook. In the story leading up to the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus confirmed that God wants us to love our neighbor. I read aloud: “Then a man asked Jesus, ‘Who is my neighbor?’”

“I know!” Elijah said confidently. “Mr. Rogers!”

Sad to say, at that time, Mr. Rogers was about the only neighbor Elijah could claim as a friend. Having recently moved to a different city, we had left behind his best pal in the friendly neighborhood where we’d lived before. On our new street, there were no little boys to play with, and none of our new neighbors — children or otherwise — seemed interested in getting acquainted.

Over the years, our family has relocated often and we’ve learned to value the great gift of neighborly hospitality. Where we live now, for example, neighbors take the time to get acquainted, open their homes to one another and look out for one another.

We’re surrounded by good friends who form a genuine community.

On the other hand, I’ll never forget the time we pulled up in a Ryder truck to a new home and watched as

Sometimes, all it takes is for one family to show hospitality to neighbors. When at least a few of them respond in kind, a new sense of community is born. our new neighbors in their yards spotted us — and literally ran to hide in their houses.

We didn’t meet anyone on that street until someone showed up at our door, two weeks later, to ask if she could use some of our moving boxes. Our family has never felt so lonely in a neighborhood as we did in that one.

Even in the least promising of settings, however, one home can make a great difference. Sometimes, all it takes is for one family to show hospitality to neighbors. When at least a few of them respond in kind, a new sense of community is born.

Especially in a neighborhood where isolation has been the

norm, the best place to start is by reaching out to newcomers. Lending a hand on moving day is a fine strategy for getting acquainted and helping them feel at home in their new location. But even if that’s not possible, a batch of homemade cookies will say “welcome” in a thoughtful way.

Taking regular strolls through the neighborhood provides more opportunities for getting to know the folks who live nearby. On our street, families are out walking often, especially in the evenings and weekends when chances are good that they’ll get to chat. Our next-door neighbors, some of the most hospitable people

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you’ll ever meet, have taken a complementary strategy: When the weather is pleasant in the evening, they camp out in chairs on the front lawn, waving down those who walk by to stop for refreshments and conversation.

Inviting a neighbor over for dinner can open the door to a new friendship. But if dining one-on-one with a near-stranger feels awkward, or you feel you need some “excuse” for a get-together, holidays provide ample opportunities.

We’ve often hosted an evening of Christmas caroling. A neighbor family or two joins us singing as we walk door-to-door through the neighborhood.

ACROSS 1 Thought-provoking 5 Concise 10 Tie 14 Stake 15 Heartland city 16 Green Gables dweller 17 Blessed are ... verses 19 Not many (2 wds.)

20 Adam and __ 21 Dickens’ “__ of Two Cities” (2 wds.)

23 Mr. Seinfeld 26 Mallet 28 Shaft of light 31 Exist 32 NT church leaders 33 North by east 34 Recommend 37 Bedeck 39 Heredity component 40 Clock sound 42 Make fun of 45 Wood for Walls 49 Promissory note 50 Commotion 53 Point 54 Profit 55 Group of related families 56 Entice 58 Parable of the __ and weeds

60 61 63 69 70 71 72 73 74

After the music, everyone is invited to our place for cocoa and cookies.

We know one neighborhood in which whole families go trick-or-treating on Halloween. While the kids collect the candy door-to-door, the parents gather for their own little social event walking along the street, keeping an eye on the kids while gabbing and enjoying hot drinks.

Holidays give us a chance to strengthen neighborly friendships in other ways as well. One Easter custom in our family is to create inexpensive holiday baskets for neighbors. We col­lect the little green baskets in which strawberries

Legume Scat!

Can’t read Royal title Visionaries Wicked Alcoholic Inched forward Prefix for half

DOWN 1 Pat 2 Vane direction 3 Airport abbr.

4 Apostle 5 Carry 6 Flightless bird 7 Radiation dose 8 Grooved wheel 9 Holiday for Jesus’ resurrection 10 Phoenician god 11 Where Dante journeyed 12 Compass point 13 Condensation 18 __ league school 22 NE French region 23 Glass container 24 Bard’s before 25 Official 26 Merriment

are sold, and we fill them with grass, dyed eggs, jellybeans and a small signed card with a holiday greeting.

Then, we quietly leave the baskets on our neighbors’ doorsteps early Easter morning.

Times of need provide perhaps the most important and most meaningful occasions to show ourselves as friends to our neighbors. For example, I once met an elderly neighbor from some distance down the street because I noticed her struggling to start her car, and I was able to give her a jump-start.

We’ve frequently helped neighbors, and they have helped us, with rearranging furniture, mowing lawns, finding lost pets and caring for homes while someone was out of town. I’ve assisted neighbor kids with school projects; my wife has cooked meals for neighbors who have lost a loved one.

And, of course, the borrowed cup of sugar remains a standard token of friendship among those who live closer to one another than to the supermarket.

In all these ways, we’ve come to appreciate why Scripture encourages us to “exercise hospitality” (Rom 12:13). Through such small but welcome acts of kindness, we show the love of Christ himself to those who live nearby.

Mr. Rogers would be proud.

27 Insert 29 Reduced (abbr.)

30 Japanese money 32 White-tailed sea eagle 35 Pride 36 Rebut 38 10 liters (abbr. for dekaliter) 40 Biblical weed 41 No room for them in the __ 42 Transgression 43 Poet Edgar Allen 44 Outer defense fortification 45 English bar 46 A name of God 47 Pinch 48 Greenwich Mean Time 51 Extol 52 Dubbed 56 Ball holder 57 With ears 59 Sanctified 60 Post-traumatic stress disorder 61 Ocean 62 Movie “2001”’s talking computer 64 Limb 65 Anger 66 Average (abbr.)

67 Dickens’ Tiny __ 68 Samuel’s mentor Solution on page 5

LOCAL NEWS 7

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Artists invited to participate in local art show

By Lindsey Weishar Special to The Leaven

M

ISSION — This Lent, Vivify Catholic Arts Collective invites all creatives and makers of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to create in their medium during the Lenten season to contribute to an art show entitled “RISEN: Reflections on Resurrection Stories through Art.” Vivify Catholic Arts Collective thrives on inviting artists into relationship with beauty.

Artist and pastor Father Gerard Alba, of St. Pius X Parish in Mission, is a host and co-leader of Vivify. He describes it this way.

“We are a collective of Catholic artists and creatives who come together for fellowship, prayer and opportunities to share our charisms and artistic gifts — all to grow in discipleship and apostleship in Jesus Christ through faithful stewardship of our artistic gifts under the guidance of the wisdom and teachings of the Holy Spirit embodied in the body of Christ, the church, our mother and muse.”

Father Alba believes approaching Lent with the reality of the Resurrection in mind allows artists to enter more fully into Jesus’ divinity. He recalled, for example, a silent retreat in which he prayed with an outdoor Stations of the Cross.

“When I came upon it, I realized that I had come to the end of the Stations,” he said. “This particular [set of] Stations had the Resurrection as the last station. I decided to go ahead and walk the Stations in reverse, starting from the last Station to the first Station, beginning with the Resurrection.”

“It completely transformed my prayer and reflections, since I was praying with the suffering of Jesus through the lens of the victory of the Resurrection,” he concluded.

Artists who participate in the RISEN art show are invited to create with the inspiration of the following Resurrection stories, each noted by Father Alba for the time and place in which they occurred: • On Easter Sunday in the garden

COURTESY PHOTO

Sarah Hornung attends Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and is a member of Vivify, a collective of Catholic artists who meet for fellowship, prayer and to share their artistic gifts. Hornung plans to display some of her work at the RISEN art show. Vivify is looking for artists to contribute to an art show entitled “RISEN: Reflections on Resurrection Stories through Art” that will be held in April.

COURTESY PHOTO

Father Gerard Alba, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Mission, is also a talented artist. Father Alba created this piece in pen and ink. It is titled “Crucified Christ, 2021.” Father Alba said, “The Jesus Christ Crucified is my most favorite and most drawn subject of my life.” His and other artists’ work will be on display April 21 at. St. Pius X Church in Mission. outside the tomb of Jesus, when Mary Magdalene was the very first disciple to encounter the risen Jesus (Jn 20:1-18) • One week later in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, when doubting Thomas encountered the risen Jesus and placed his finger into his wounds (Jn 20:24-29) • Over a week after Easter, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, when while

out fishing, Peter, John and a handful of other disciples encountered the risen Jesus (Jn 21:1-23).

The art show will take place on April 21 from noon-5 p.m. at the parish center of St. Pius X Church in Mission. From noon-2 p.m., visitors can spend prayerful time with the creative pieces. From 2-3:30 p.m., the creators will share about

their work and the creation process with attendees. The event will end with a reception.

To participate, contact me by email at: lweisharwriting@gmail.com by March 1.

Whether you create with paint, words, photography, textile art, digital media, pens and pencils, wood or any other medium, Vivify invites you to share your work. The collective hopes this opportunity will fill both the Lent and Easter seasons with extra light for creatives and all who interact with their work.

Vivify Catholic Arts Collective is also looking to grow its membership.

“Creation often has a connotation as a solitary pursuit,” said local creative Sarah Hornung. “However, it doesn’t have to be, and the community forming through Vivify is a welcome and heartening change.”

All are welcome to attend Vivify events. To join the mailing list, send an email to: lweisharwriting@gmail.com.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: • Emailed photos need to be 200 dpi or 200 KB in size.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

Volunteering at a food kitchen or doing other works of charity as a family can be an excellent way to make your Lent more meaningful.

MAKE YOUR LENT A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE

Family prayer or daily reading of the Gospel tog

By Libby DuPont Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As a child, I have fond memories of Advent. I vividly remember lying under our Christmas tree, winding the music box on our Nativity set that played “Silent Night.”

I may not have understood the holiday as well as I do now, but I could grasp the joyful anticipation of the gift of a baby, which was mirrored in the preparations we did as a family: decorating the tree and house, making pierogi and cookies, wrapping gifts.

Lent, however, was a different story.

Every year I would dutifully “give up” something (usually chocolate) and put coins for the “missions” in a little cardboard milk carton I brought home from my Catholic school.

On Good Friday, I had a vague notion that I was supposed to feel sad, and perhaps a bit guilty. On Holy Saturday, the sadness was allowed to lift a bit as we colored eggs and took our food to church to be blessed.

On Easter Sunday, we were supposed to feel happy again, while we took pictures in our matching pastel outfits. The whole experience felt like an uncomfortable chore that was rewarded at the end with a chocolate bunny.

This changed for me in high school

A chocolate bunny at the end of Lent isn’t the best way to honor Jesus’ sacrifice. Look for deeper, more meaningful ways to connect to God. when I got involved in a youth program that my diocese sponsored over the Triduum. During the day on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, we would do service projects: visiting nursing homes, cleaning out homes, doing yardwork or sorting donations.

In the evening, we would gather for the liturgy of the day.

This experience transformed my experience of Holy Week. The projects during the day allowed me to meet the suffering Jesus in the face of those experiencing poverty or loneliness, while building friendships with other teens who accepted me in a way I did not experience elsewhere. The

liturgies emphasized that Jesus suffered, died and rose out of love for me.

As I reflect on that high school youth program, it strikes me that the reason it made such a difference in my faith was that for the first time, I saw the events of Holy Week in the context of relationships. While this naturally happened for our family at Christmas, the difficult realities of Lent and Holy Week made for a disjointed, out-of-context series of events. Since it wasn’t personal, I didn’t know what to make of it.

In their books and presentations, Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Popcak and his wife Lisa often emphasize a point that reinforces my experience.

Spend time with aging relatives this Lent. If dis They say that the best way to help our children become lifelong Catholics is to make faith the source of warmth in our homes.

In other words, we are most effective at passing on the faith when our religious practices are connected with close family bonds.

This makes so much sense when you consider that God is a Trinity. He is relationship, and he has given us the family throughout Scripture to help us understand him. Marriage is meant to

BRINGING LENT HOME Here are some ways to connect Lent with the warmth of family relationships: PRAYER • Read the daily Gospel as a family using School of Love’s (Schoolofloveusa.com) digital tools.

• Pray and discuss the rosary together using Holy Family School of Faith’s (Schooloffaith.com) rosary.

• Print off a psalm, Scripture passage or song you’d like to learn, and recite it after dinner or on the way to school.

• Ask extended family for prayer requests and pray for them throughout Lent.

• Follow an extra trip to church (daily Mass, eucharistic adoration, Stations of the Cross or even a pilgrimage) with a special family meal or small treat.

gether can really bring a family closer during Lent.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES Ash Wednesday is Valentine’s Day this year — the perfect excuse to put marriage enrichment on your calendar as part of your Lenten observance. It’s (couple) prayer, fasting (giving up time) and almsgiving (offering your heart and efforts to love better) — all in one!

Find an opportunity near you by going online to: Marriage Enrichment - Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (archkck. org) or scan the QR code.

stance separates you, give them a call, write a letter or do a video chat to connect. be the witness of Christ’s love for his own bride, the church. Through the love of parents, children learn about the love of God the Father, and sibling relationships can teach us about the communion of saints.

Our faith is not simply a collection of doctrines or a moral code of behaviors. Our baptism is an adoption by God the Father into the family of the church, the smallest units of which are our own little domestic churches, our families.

So how do we connect the suffering and sacrifice of Lent to warm family relationships? I have a few suggestions.

First, we need to reframe our approach to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. They are not intended to be a white-knuckled attempt at depriving ourselves or a second chance at a failed new year resolution. Rather, they are an invitation into deeper relationship with Jesus.

Think of a couple in love. Don’t they love to spend time together? That’s

prayer. Imagine all that a parent would sacrifice in order to comfort a critically ill child. That’s fasting. What kind of lavish attention and gifts do grandparents love to shower on their grandkids? That’s almsgiving.

How we spend our time, what we’re willing to sacrifice for and how generous we are with our treasures are all measures of who or what we love best.

Lent is a time to reflect on Jesus’ great love for us and to return that love in a concrete way.

Secondly, we need to remember that we will come to love Jesus in a deeper way through our families, not despite them. Parents in the thick of raising kids might think longingly back to the days when they could sit for long, silent hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament at eucharistic adoration, or do arduous penances, as if those were the days when they could be close to God. But family life is filled with its own rhythm of the sacred, if we have eyes to see it. In the sacrament of marriage, we have the opportunity to communicate

FASTING • Set aside specific days for family meals — this may require the sacrifice of adjusted activities or mealtimes.

• Together fast from a favorite family food, or simplify family meals (such as having only soup, eating vegetarian or no eating out).

• Agree on specific days/times to be totally screen-free (parents, too!) and spend it doing something together: reading, taking a walk or playing a game.

• Fast from your own preferences for music, food or what activity to do in favor of those preferred by your spouse or kids.

• Fast from offering unsolicited advice or from insisting on things being done your own way.

ALMSGIVING • Volunteer together at Catholic Charities, your parish or somewhere else.

• Spend time with aging relatives. If older parents live out of town, video chat with them or send notes in the mail.

• Seek healing for yourself. Our own wounds keep us from being the best gift to the people we love.

Many groups exist in our archdiocese for specific types of situations, or you can find a Catholic counselor online at: archkck.org/ catholic-counselors.

• Give the gift of forgiveness by asking and granting forgiveness within your family. Holding onto a hurt and need help to forgive? Check out the website at: forgivenessinstitutekc. com.

with, sacrifice for and shower affection on Jesus — right in front of us in the person of our spouse!

If we are parents, we get the privilege of communicating — however imperfectly — the love of God the Father every time we cook a meal, dry a tear or offer a blessing. We need to be reminded that family life is a daily exercise of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy!

Finally, it’s important to remember that some of the closest bonds are formed in adversity. If your family struggles with difficulties and brokenness, welcome to the club! At Easter, Jesus turned the worst of humanity into a glorious victory, so Lent can be an opportunity to accept the challenges we cannot change.

10 WORLD

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Church can help rid world of leprosy, says Polish aid worker

By Jonathan Luxmoore OSV New

R

AIPUR, India (OSV News) — The age-old curse of leprosy can be finally wiped out if church leaders join others worldwide in a greater commitment against it, according to a veteran Polish Catholic doctor and missionary.

“Here in India, there’ve been fewer cases recently and a reduced social fear of infection — it’s my greatest hope we’ll eliminate leprosy once and for all in the not too distant future,” said Helena Pyz, a medical doctor and lay missionary who for 35 years has helped those suffering from leprosy, or Hansen’s disease.

“Yet while there are places where victims can count on Catholic Church help, there’s little knowledge or awareness of leprosy among ordinary Catholics — just the occasional media article or parish information campaign,” Pyz said.

The 75-year-old lay Catholic spoke from her center at Raipur, India’s oldest rehabilitation facility, as charities and aid organizations marked World Leprosy Day Jan. 28.

The doctor’s own life was not easy.

As a 10-year-old, she suffered from polio, and since then, had trouble walking and had to use a wheelchair. Due to her operations, she had to take a break from school several times. Fascinated

by Jasna Góra, the famous Polish sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Pyz — in her own account — understood during one of many pilgrimages to the shrine that God was inviting her to dedicate her medical vocation to him. She professed her vows as a member of Poland’s lay Primate Wyszynski Institute.

In an OSV News interview, she said leprosy infections had dropped in India during the 2020-22 coronavirus pandemic, when movement was restricted, adding that the disease could be treated effectively if diagnosed early.

However, people suffering its visible effects still faced “total rejection,” Pyz said, while those impaired by the disease received just $4.20 monthly from state funds and had seen no improvement in their prospects.

“We provide medical help in some of the larger leper colonies, and can offer better chances to affected children with school places and accommodation,” said

OSV NEWS PHOTO/ADAM ROSTKOWSKI, COURTESY JEEVODAYA MISSION SECRETARIAT

Helena Pyz, a Polish doctor who has worked in India since 1989, is pictured in July 2022 examining a child at the Jeevodaya Center in Raipur, India. Founded in 1969 by a Polish priest and woman religious, the center runs walk-in clinics and health camps for victims of leprosy, as well as a free all-year boarding school for 450 children, staffed and supported by former sufferers. the Warsaw-born Pyz. “But there’s still a terrible social stigma attached to leprosy here, especially given the caste system. Those infected or handicapped, with missing or misshapen limbs or facial marks, have to live in their own ghettos — most often on the outskirts of towns where they can at least obtain food and clothing for survival,” she said.

Founded in 1969 by a Polish member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, or Pallottines, Father Adam Wisniewski (1913-1987), and Sister Barbara Birczynska (1927-2010), from the Polish Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel, Pyz’s Jeevodaya Center (“Jeevodaya” means “Dawn of Life” in Sanskrit) runs walk-in clinics and health camps for those with leprosy, as well as a free all-year boarding school for 450 children, staffed and supported by former sufferers.

The center, one of around 600 operated by the Catholic Church worldwide, also runs an outpatient clinic in Kutela,

on the Chhattisgarh-Odisha state border, and deploys funds collected by a mission secretariat of the Primate Wyszynski Institute in Warsaw.

In an interview with OSV News, Pyz said she relies on her Polish state pension, receiving no personal earnings for her work, and was pleased with the “integration and normality” achieved by her center in its 55-year existence.

However, she added that the Hindunationalist government of landlocked Chhattisgarh, India’s ninth largest state, had tolerated “many unfriendly acts” toward the small Christian minority, and said she had had to mobilize diplomatic pressure when denied a visa extension by local officials.

“I still have to renew the visa each year, at considerable cost, and I never know if I’ll receive it — or get a letter instead giving me four days to quit the country,” said the veteran charity worker, known locally as “Mami.”

“Our status as a religious minority

guarantees protection — and police guarded our church services at Christmas and warned potential troublemakers. Without this, I don’t know how our medical, educational and charitable work would be treated,” Pyz said.

World Leprosy Day, observed annually since 1954 on the last Sunday of January, highlights the continued prevalence of one of the world’s oldest recorded diseases, which targets the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes and eyes of sufferers.

Up to 3 million people are believed disabled worldwide by the disease, 70% in India, and over 200,000 new infections are recorded each year across 120 countries.

Leprosy cases have decreased over the last two decades, according to the World Health Organization, although Indonesia and Brazil also report over 10,000 new infections annually, with over 1,000 registered in 13 other Asian and African countries.

France’s bishops strongly back farmers in their massive protest

P

ARIS (OSV News) — France’s bishops stand in solidarity with farmers protesting across the country.

After days of protests in the local provinces, farmers blocked the main roads leading to Paris with spectacular traffic jams of tractors and farm vehicles across the French capital Jan. 29. Protesting farmers aim to pressure the government over the future of their industry, which has been shaken by repercussions of the Ukraine war.

A global food crisis caused by the Russian invasion on Ukraine — called “the world’s food storage” for its fertile land — has made prices for fertilizer, energy and other inputs for growing crops and feeding livestock much higher, and consumed the farmers’ income.

Several French bishops issued statements of solidarity with their struggle. Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes, the diocese of the famous Marian shrine, in the Pyrenees, personally visited the roads blocked by tractors to greet the protesters.

“The farmers we know are responsible people, sensitive to issues linked to climate and the environment,” Bishop Micas said in his Jan. 24 statement. The bishop expressed his “compassion,” “solidarity” and “commitment alongside those who suffer.”

The bishops of the Montpellier province, led by Montpellier Archbishop Norbert Turini, said Jan. 25, “Faced with rising costs that are crushing you, ever more restrictive standards imposed on you, constant controls, excessive administrative procedures, you are suffering to the point of crying out in despair.”

OSV NEWS PHOTO/BENOIT TESSIER, REUTERS

French farmers drive their tractors in a go-slow operation in Compans near Roissy Charles-deGaulle Airport Jan. 27 in a protest over price pressures, taxes and green regulation, grievances shared by farmers across Europe.

WORLD 11

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Polish Catholic midwife who delivered 3,000 babies at Auschwitz recalled as champion of humanity

By Filip Mazurczak OSV News

K

RAKÓW, Poland (OSV News) — Stanislawa Leszczynska, a Polish midwife imprisoned at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Nazi Germany-occupied Poland, delivered 3,000 babies of different nationalities and treated them and their mothers with heroic humanity.

As the world marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day Jan. 27, OSV News recalls Leszczynska, a “Servant of God” who is a sainthood candidate, and her heroic humanity amid the evil of the Nazis.

Stanislawa was born in 1896 to Jan and Henryka Zambrzycki in Lódz (pronounced “Woodge”) in the Russian partition of Poland. The family was working class in a city known as the “Polish Manchester,” because of the textile industry that flourished there, like its English namesake.

The population of Lódz exploded from 30,000 in 1830 to half a million on the eve of World War I. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, Lódz became home to numerous textile factories that attracted migrants: primarily Poles, Jews and Germans.

In 1916, Stanislawa married Bronislaw Leszczynska, who was a printer.

Their first son, named Bronislaw after his father, was born prematurely in 1917. His miraculous survival made the young mother wonder whether she might be able to serve women and babies in similar circumstances.

She already had two children when she began midwifery school. “This academic endeavor required her to leave her children behind for two years while she attended school in Warsaw — a rather shocking choice in Poland in 1920. After graduating with honors, Stanislawa knelt in a church and consecrated her work as a midwife to the Blessed Mother, vowing that if ever she lost a baby she would give up midwifery,” Church Life Journal wrote in 2023.

On Sept. 1, 1939, the bloodiest war in human history began as Germany invaded Poland from the west; the Soviet Union would follow suit from the east 16 days later. Lódz, renamed Litzmannstadt by the occupying Germans, was among the regions of western Poland that were directly annexed to the Third Reich, or Realm; its Polish and Jewish populations were expelled from their homes to make way for German colonizers.

In Litzmannstadt, the Jews were confined to a ghetto and later destined for annihilation in the crematoria of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Non-Jewish Poles, meanwhile, were to become slaves for the Aryan “master race.” In addition to deportations, members of the Polish intelligentsia and resistance were shot in mass executions in forests outside Lódz.

The war was a major blow to Leszczynska’s family. The Leszczynskas were expelled from their home, which became part of the ghetto.

After helping Jews escape from the ghetto and giving them food, Leszczynska and her daughter Sylwia were arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Her sons Henryk and Stanislaw, meanwhile, were deported to the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp in Austria for their resistance activity. Leszczynska’s husband managed to flee to Warsaw, where he would be killed during the Warsaw uprising in 1944.

Their eldest son also managed to escape the arrest and survived the war.

According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 1.1 million people were murdered in the genocidal complex of Auschwitz-Birkenau during the fewer than five years of its existence: 960,000 Jews; 74,000 non-Jewish Poles; 21,000 Roma; 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war; and 10,000-15,000 prisoners of other nationalities.

Killings took place through mass shootings and gassings. Furthermore, many inmates who were not immediately murdered died from overwork, starvation or diseases such as cholera

OSV NEWS PHOTO/YAD VASHEM ARCHIVES VIA REUTERS

Men, women and children are seen behind barbed wire after the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945 in Oswiecim, Poland. Historians estimate that the Nazis sent at least 1.3 million people to Auschwitz between 1940-45, and it is believed that some 1.1 million of those perished there. Auschwitz was liberated by the Russian Army Jan. 27, 1945.

Stanislawa Leszczynska, a Polish midwife imprisoned at Auschwitz-Birkenau, who has the title of Servant of God, delivered 3,000 babies of different nationalities and treated them and their mothers with heroic humanity in the Nazi concentration camp. On Jan. 27, we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and remember the victims of Nazi Germany’s racist ideology. She is seen in an undated photograph. (OSV News photo/courtesy Maria Stachurska) and typhus that flourished amid the camp’s appalling sanitary conditions.

In this inferno, Leszczynska succeeded in not only maintaining her decency but brought hope to many inmates. As an experienced midwife, Leszczynska persuaded camp authorities in letting her deliver babies in Auschwitz-Birkenau’s infirmary. According to her own count, Leszczynska delivered 3,000 babies.

“Although some have been skeptical about this number, it was based on her calculations,” Maria Stachurska, Leszczynska’s great-niece and a filmmaker who has directed a documentary and is now co-writing the script for a drama film about her relative, told OSV News.

“Every day, she had to give a report on the number of births she delivered to her superiors, so it was easy to extrapolate the total,” Stachurska said.

Among all the babies Leszczynska delivered, not one child died during birth and not a single mother died of a postpartum infection. Her German superiors were shocked.

“One day, the Lagerarzt (camp doctor) told me to present a report on the postpartum infections and mortality rate for the mothers and newborns,” Leszczynska wrote in her 1957 account. “I told him that I had not had a single death of a mother or neonate. He looked at me in disbelief and said that even the best German university hospitals could not boast of such a success rate. In his eyes, I could see anger and hatred.”

Leszczynska comforted the mothers and newborns, singing and praying with them. Although they were of a different faith, Jewish mothers did not mind praying with Leszczynska.

Until 1943, all children born in the camp were immediately killed by drowning in a barrel. From 1943, only Jewish children were murdered; meanwhile, other newborns were subjected to medical experiments or, if they had Nordic features, like blond hair and blue eyes, would be stolen from their mothers and sent to German families.

While she was instructed to kill Jewish babies, Leszczynska refused. Remarkably, she was never disciplined for not following this order.

“No, never, children cannot be killed,” she reportedly told the notorious Josef Mengele, the camp’s cruel medic, who was her immediate superior.

Tragically, just 30 of the 3,000

children brought into the world by Leszczynska survived to the end of the war. In addition to being drowned or killed by pseudo-medical experiments, other children simply starved to death; due to the starvation-level rations of Auschwitz-Birkenau, many mothers were incapable of producing milk for their infants.

“Everyone has heard of Josef Mengele, but few know of Stanislawa Leszczynska. Even in Poland, she’s not as well-known as she should be,” Stachurska told OSV News. “We should stop looking at the war through a crooked mirror and remember not just the war criminals but above all the heroes, the champions of humanity.”

Stachurska was 16 when her aunt died in 1974. She remembers her as a very pious woman filled with Christian charity.

“I saw her pray the rosary every day. She demanded much of others and much of herself and had a disciplined prayer life,” she said. “Today, there is a lot of hate and gossip in the public sphere. When we disagree with someone, we tend to accuse them of the worst things. My great-aunt was nothing like that. After the war, she refused to talk about her time in Auschwitz-Birkenau to avoid spreading hatred toward the German people.”

In the early 1990s, the Catholic Church formally launched Leszczynska’s sainthood cause, giving her the title “Servant of God.” During a showing of her documentary in Barcelona, Spain, in 2023, Stachurska learned from the Israeli consul present at the event that Israeli authorities have initiated a petition to give Leszczynska the medal of Righteous Among the Nations, an honorific title for non-Jewish individuals granted by Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, for risking their lives to aid Jews during the Holocaust.

“She loved her professional work very much and delighted in every newborn baby. She told us about the babies with a smile,” noted her daughter Sylwia.

All her own children survived the horrors of World War II. A few years before her passing, Leszczynska reunited with mothers and babies she helped in the camp. One of her patients described her as an “angel of kindness.”

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Refugee youth mentoring program specialist Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a full-time refugee youth mentoring program specialist. The specialist will orchestrate and implement a wide variety of civic, career and education-oriented events based on the interest of the youth being mentored between the ages of 15 24; conduct program services in a culturally sensitive manner and maintain the confidentiality of all clients; and lead outreach presentations to interested individuals and groups about the program itself and the Workforce and Refugee Departments. For more information and to apply, go online to: catholiccharitiesks. org/careers, click on “View all opportunities,” then scroll down and click on “Refugee youth mentoring program specialist.”

Executive director of communal life - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) are currently seeking an executive director of communal life. The executive director of communal life, in collaboration with the SCL leadership team and the executive directors of mission and resources, will support the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth community as it focuses on sustaining its mission and charism into the future. The communal life office will create inclusive and holistic systems and structures that support and facilitate ongoing formation; individual member well-being; the well-being of the community; and the engagement of Sisters in the mission.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, spirituality, theology or related field. To view the full job announcement, please visit our website at: www.scls.org. If you possess the desired qualifications and would like to work for a truly wonderful and outstanding religious community, please email a cover letter with salary requirements and your resume to: recruiting@scls.org.

Gift planning consultant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a gift planning consultant. This position will build and maintain relationships with pastors, individual donors and professional advisers. Go online to: archkck.org, scroll down to the bottom under “More News,” go to “People,” then click on “Employment Opportunities” and scroll down to “Current job openings” and click on “Openings in Our Archdiocese” and then “Gift planning consultant.”

Workforce specialist - Are you seeking an opportunity to advance your career while assisting others to advance theirs? Want to surround yourself with others with a high level of conviction and passion for serving others? Then consider your next career move with our great team as a workforce training and development specialist. For more information and to apply, go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers, click on “View all opportunities,” then scroll down and click on “Workforce Specialist.”

Help wanted - Looking for part-time horse groom/ care on small family farm. Located in Paola, Kansas, 20 miles south of Overland Park. Responsibilities include but not limited to cleaning, grooming, exercise for horse; barn maintenance; moving hay; cleaning barn, water troughs; mowing paddocks, etc. It is hot and dirty work in the summer, cold and dirty in the winter. Prior equine experience preferred but not required. Willingness to work hard, honesty, punctuality and reliability are requirements. Must be able to lift hay bales, bags of grain, water buckets, etc.

No smoking, tobacco, electronic tobacco, drugs or alcohol allowed on premises; no exceptions. We do background checks and you must have your own transportation to and from work.

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

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

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

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

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

Nonmedical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring nonmedical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or rmargush@saintritahc. com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

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

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG Food and nutrition coordinator - Are you passionate about food and nutrition education and fighting food insecurity? Do you have a heart for advocacy? Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a food and nutrition coordinator to manage our area. To learn more or to apply, visit “catholiccharitiesks.org/ careers/ and scroll down to “View All Opportunities” and click on “View All,” then click on “Coordinator, Food and Nutrition.”

Director of finance - The Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as director of finance. The director of finance is accountable for the overall financial management of the Diocese of Wichita and the stewardship of fiscal resources in support of the mission and vision of the diocese. The finance director advises the bishop in the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the diocese, developing and implementing policies and procedures in accord with canon law and civil law.

Responsibilities include providing financial expertise and advice to the bishop, articulating the overall financial condition of the diocese at any point in time, and working closely with pastors, diocesan leadership, diocesan finance council, diocesan investment committee, clergy and other diocesan leaders on a broad range of financial and administrative matters.

Qualifications for this opening include the following: must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and a steward in one’s parish with a commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church; must have the ability and willingness to promote and exemplify the curia core values of unity in mission, discipleship centered stewardship and apostolic courage; bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration. MBA and/or CPA preferred; minimum of 10 - 15 years of finance and accounting experience with at least five years of senior level management. Experience in a not-for-profit environment helpful. Experience in budgeting, auditing and oversight of investments required. Prefer experience in risk management, insurance and contract review.

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

Parish administrator - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is seeking to hire a full-time parish administrator as our current administrator will retire in the spring of 2024. This is a leadership position, responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the financial condition, physical plant and human resources of the parish, serving as the primary on-site decision maker with matters of significance.

This position reports to the pastor. Supervisory responsibilities include: assigning, scheduling, monitoring and controlling work; evaluating and managing performance of staff; and interviewing, hiring and orienting new employees. Prerequisite knowledge, skills and abilities include (among others): practicing Catholic with knowledge of Catholic moral and social teachings preferred; work experience in business administration, accounting or finance; supervisory experience; working knowledge of Microsoft Office products; strong verbal and written communications.

Interested applicants may apply online at: Indeed. com by entering the job title “parish administrator” and the city “Overland Park” at: https://www.indeed. com; by email to: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org; or U.S. mail at Parish Administrator, Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204.

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

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

Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as a direct support professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses.

Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park.

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

Skilled maintenance worker - St. Pius X Parish, Mission, a skilled maintenance worker to perform general upkeep and repairs; applying basic fixes to equipment and building systems and ensuring facilities are tidy and functional. Will include some spot cleaning of church, parish and rectory. We are looking for candidates with experience and solid technical knowledge; who are reliable with a keen eye for detail; a self-starter with motivation to work independently or with others to provide thorough and efficient work.

Work hours can be flexible. Full-time or part-time.

Interested applicants may email resumes and work history to: galba@spxmission.org.

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

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

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

Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation. com for more information. EEO. Early childhood educators - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child-care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Anne at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

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

Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customer’s locations locally and within a four-state area. Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented are required. Mostly on-the-job training. Electrical knowledge a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: academic advisor, director of development, annual fund coordinator and admissions counselor.

Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly. edu/careers.

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

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

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

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

MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload.

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

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years experience serving Johnson County.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheetrock, knockdown ceilings, decks and fences.

My family and I always appreciate the support. Please call Joshua at (913) 709-7230. Check out my Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FSHomeExteriorsand Remodeling. Call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or at: josh.fser@gmail.com.

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

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

DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com (913) 461-4052

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CALENDAR 13

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

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

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

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN SUPPORT MINISTRY Sacred Heart Parish 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.

Do you feel as if you will never heal?

Wondering if you’re ready for a relationship? Join us once a month for fellowship and formation. For more information, send an email to: Katie@thecall2love.com.

‘GOSPEL OF NONVIOLENCE: LIVING THE WAY OF JESUS’ Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont, 100-B Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.

In a world where bullets enter homes and violence disrupts our neighborhoods, where the news seems to report more and more killings and war, come and experience the message of nonviolence that has been preached by Jesus and wise people through the ages. The center offers free classes and services. Call us at (913) 6899375 or (913) 708-0286 (in Spanish).

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

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

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

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

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

The breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 11; $3 for kids ages 3 - 11. Kids under the age of 3 eat for free. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving through the year.

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

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

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

Take time to renew and refresh your mind and spirit by spending time in whatever way suits you: in silent prayer and reflection, reading, contemplative walking or rest. We will have a hot cup of coffee or tea ready for you. Bring your lunch and enjoy

a prayerful day away. Cost is a freewill offering but advance registration is required.

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

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

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

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Feb. 16 - 18

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

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Patrick Parish (center) 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 18 from 8 - 11 a.m.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the breakfast. This is an all-you-caneat breakfast of pancakes, sausage patty, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy along with juice and coffee. The cost is a freewill offering.

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

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

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

We will study the writings of St. Paul to

>> Continued from page 12

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

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

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

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 213-9843.

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

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

CITY ON A HILL: GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP AND PILGRIMAGE INFORMATION SESSION Our Lady of Good Counsel (Faustina Building) 500 W. 40th St., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

City on a Hill is returning to Guatemala for its annual trip this summer. Young adults (in their 20s and 30s) will journey to San Andres Itzapa to build tiny homes, visit the homebound and more. The trip also includes spiritual formation, visiting the site of Blessed (Father) Stanley Rother’s martyrdom and opportunities for socialization and recreation. Priority will be given to young adults living in the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For more information, join us at the information session or visit us online at: www.kansascityonahill.org/guatemala.

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

God created each of us for a purpose.

But because so many things battle for our attention, many of us have trouble hearing the voice of God revealing the next step in living that purpose. Step aside for some quiet time in silence with God under the guidance of a spiritual director during a directed retreat.

Contact the Renewal Center by email at: info@pbrenewalcenter.org or by calling (816) 415-3745 and one of our directors will reach out to you with more information.

CITY ON A HILL: UNDIVIDED RETREAT Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg March 8 - 10

This weekend retreat is focused on a more integrated life in Christ. Whether you are looking for first steps or to go deeper, God wants to speak to you through this weekend out of the city, in the quiet. There will be speakers, small group discussions and time for prayer, confession and eucharistic adoration. This event is for young adults in their 20s and 30s.

For more information, visit the website at: www.kansascityonahill.org/undivided-retreat and scroll down to register.

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.

Caregiver - Retired nurse wants to care for you in your home. Lifetime of experience, very professional, reliable and honest. Referrals available. Prefers southern Johnson County. Call (913) 645-3779.

Caring companion - As a certified nursing assistant, I have over 10 years of experience in providing quality care to seniors. I am particularly passionate about working with this population and have extensive experience in caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, I am well-versed in medical transportation and other healthcare-related tasks.

Call (913) 558-9061.

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

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

Classified Advertising Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

Email: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

14 COLUMNISTS

Would you rather throw shade or spread light?

DAILY READINGS FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 4 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jb 7: 1-4, 6-7 Ps 147: 1-6 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-23 Mk 1: 29-39 Feb. 5 Agatha, virgin, martyr 1 Kgs 8: 1-7, 9-13 Ps 132: 6-10 Mk 6: 53-56 Feb. 6 Paul Miki and companions, martyrs 1 Kgs 8: 22-23, 27-30 Ps 84: 3-5, 10-11 Mk 7: 1-13 Feb. 7 Wednesday 1 Kgs 10: 1-10 Ps 37: 5-6, 30-31, 39-40 Mk 7: 14-23 Feb. 8 Jerome Emiliani; Josephine Bakhita, virgin 1 Kgs 11: 4-13 Ps 106: 3-4, 35-37, 40 Mk 7: 24-30 Feb. 9 Friday 1 Kgs 11: 29-32; 12: 19 Ps 81: 10-15 Mk 7: 31-37 Feb. 10 Scholastica, virgin 1 Kgs 12: 26-32; 13: 33-34 Ps 106: 6-7, 19-22 Mk 8: 1-10

AGATHA

c. 231 – 251 As with other early Christian martyrs, Agatha’s story is legendary, not factual. The Sicilian-born virgin supposedly was martyred during the persecution of Emperor Decius, who ruled 249-51. She was sent to a brothel to force her to repudiate a vow of chastity, but she remained steadfast and her breasts were cut off. Healed when St. Peter appeared to her in prison, she died a few days later from further torture. Her saintly cult spread, and she was added to the Roman Canon of the Mass about 600.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

W

hen most people see the date Feb. 2, it conjures up the image, as Gwen Sublette notes in “The Book of Days,” of a “grizzly, short-legged rodent’s curious activity . . . to determine the next six weeks’ weather forecast.” Thank immigrants from Germany for this custom of Groundhog Day. You know the drill: If the creature pops out of his home and sees his shadow, he’ll retreat in anticipation of six more weeks of winter; if he doesn’t see his shadow, spring is on the way, and he’ll abandon his winter home. Honestly, with our crazy weather in the Heartland, the groundhog has about as much chance of being right as the professional meteorologists.

For Catholics, though, Feb. 2 should remind us of something more significant: the presentation of the Lord as described in the Gospel of Luke

I

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.

(2:22-40). When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, they encounter a man named Simeon who takes Jesus into his arms and proclaims him “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.”

Because Jesus is hailed as the light to the nations, it’s customary on Feb. 2 to process into church with lighted candles and to bless candles, especially those to

be used in liturgies during the coming year. That’s why this feast is also known as Candlemas.

I like that play of shadow (Groundhog Day) and light (Candlemas) on this special February day. There can be a valuable spiritual lesson here.

Let me explain.

When the groundhog sees its shadow, it bolts in fear to hibernate for another six weeks.

Logically, the only way a person can see his shadow is if his back is turned away from the source of light. Social scientists remind us that we all have a “shadow side.” Spiritual writers and Scrip-

ture scholars refer to this “shadow side” as our sinfulness.

Focusing solely on this “shadow side” causes fear because we see the worst aspects of ourselves. The shadows, or sins, are there because we’ve turned our backs to the Light.

The six weeks of Lent are an opportunity to gradually turn back toward the Light, putting our “shadowy selves” behind us, in the past.

As we face the warmth of Christ our Light, we are then energized to become light for others.

Maybe this story can make things clearer: Once a king had two sons. As he grewing older, the time came for him to choose his successor. He called both sons to the palace and handed each six silver pieces, with the challenge to fill the giant hall before the moon was at its highest that very night. The winner would be his heir.

The older son went to his father’s fields

where hay was being harvested. Giving the foreman there the silver pieces, he had men move all the hay into the hall where it almost reached to the ceiling.

When it got darker, the younger son returned to the hall and asked that the lights be dimmed and the hay removed. Just as the moon climbed to its highest point, the boy lit a small candle in the darkened hall. Slowly, the glow of the candle filled the room. The son then handed the six silver pieces back to this father.

The king smiled and said to the younger boy, “You shall be my heir. Your brother filled my hall with hay; you’ve filled it with light, the very thing my people need.” (Adapted from Joseph Durepos’ “A Still More Excellent Way.”) During Lent, let’s turn once again toward the Light and help others do the same. It’s the very thing we, and our shadowy world, truly need.

Christ’s sacrifice of himself started long before Calvary

n this Sunday’s Gospel, Mark shows us a day in the life of the savior of the world — a man on the job, arriving at a house to heal Simon’s mother-in-law.

But that’s just the beginning. Once that was done, “the whole town was gathered at the door.” The sick, the possessed, the troubled of all kinds found their way to Capernaum.

The Gospel doesn’t mention it, but we can presume Jesus couldn’t bring himself to say, “Enough. I’m outta here.” He didn’t punch a clock. And he didn’t turn anyone away.

Even when Jesus was done, he wasn’t really done. He “went

DEACON GREG KANDRA Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.

off to a deserted place” to pray, but there was no escape. The apostles

found him. “Everyone is looking for you,” they said.

It turns out the Son of God can’t get a day off. How did he respond? Did he sigh, grumble, complain, file a grievance?

No. “Let us go. . . .

For this purpose have I come,” he said.

Among other things, this episode serves as a vivid reminder that Jesus wasn’t that different from the rest of us.

He toiled and he tired.

He didn’t just preach parables and cure diseases with a wave of his hand. He gave people time. He gave them himself. He needed to be present to people, to listen to them, to pray for them and to

make their healing possible. He was called on repeatedly to give, sacrifice, surrender. It wasn’t easy.

At every Mass, we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of Calvary, but how often do we think about Christ’s sacrifice of daily living? The patience he needed to give time to others? The exhaustion of repeatedly confronting so much hardship and suffering? The struggle of simply being human?

It is a struggle so many of us contend with, in ways large and small. But Christ’s words to his apostles after a morning of prayer offer us another perspective:

“For this purpose have I come.”

Put another way: He had work to do.

He had a mission to fulfill. He came into the world to sweat with us, to bear with us, to struggle with us — and to help us endure our own struggles until,

by God’s grace, we are made new.

This reading would be a fitting passage for reflection on Labor Day, reminding us that Jesus also labored. He did the work he was born to do — exhausting, demanding, sometimes relentless work that transcended daily life because it was the ongoing work of salvation, carried out with self-emptying love.

Pope asks charismatics to promote adoration, charity, communion VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Thanking members of the Catholic charismatic renewal for helping people learn to pray, Pope Francis asked them to focus on adoration as well as their usual prayers of praise.

People need to learn “an adoration in which silence is predominant, in which the Word of God prevails over our words; in short, an adoration in which at the center there

is truly him, the Lord, and not ourselves,” Pope Francis told leaders of the charismatic movement in Italy Jan. 20.

The second thing the pope asked of the charismatic communities is to keep their attention on evangelization but to remember that the most effective way to share the Gospel is through one’s example, especially an example of charity. Evangelization is part of “the DNA of the charismatic movement,” he said.

“The Holy Spirit, welcomed in the heart and in life,” he continued, “cannot but open us, move us, make us go out.”

But he also told them to “always remember that the first proclamation is made through the witness of life,” adding, “What use are long prayers and so many beautiful hymns, if then I do not know how to be patient with my neighbor, if I do not know how to be close to my mother who is alone?”

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Register now for National Eucharistic Congress this July

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ecently, my wife, daughter and I visited family friends on the island of Maui.

As part of that experience, we went to Mass at St. Theresa Church in Kihei. The church was beautiful and full of welcoming, island hospitality.

We were very moved by the beauty of the music and the participation of the people in all phases of the Mass. The highlight of the Mass for me was the reverence, kindness and sincerity of the worshipers in response to the Scriptures, the Eucharist and each other.

While I cannot invite each of you to St.

SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART

DEACON DANA NEARMYER Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.

Theresa, I can invite you to an experience of great reverence, kindness and worshiper sincerity in response

to the Scriptures, Eucharist and each other at the National Eucharist Congress, the first one in 83 years.

The National Eucharistic Congress will have liturgies with tens of thousands of Catholics that are worshiping with their whole hearts, minds and souls.

Cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons, Brothers and Sisters and all walks of lay faithful will be side by side for several days of study, worship and fellowship.

Our home parishes are precious, familiar eucharistic centers that fuel our hearts and family life, and we are grateful for our home parishes. But we are also part of a global church.

The National Eucharistic Congress will be a national experience of a global church. Every day at the congress is designed to facilitate a life-changing encounter with Jesus, regardless of where you are

on your faith journey.

Attendees will select their preferred series of impact sessions for the morning as well as breakout sessions for the afternoon. Then, gathered together as one, the whole assembly will experience the powerful revival sessions in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis each evening.

In addition to national experiences, several regional Eucharistic Amazement experiences are also available.

Camp Tekakwitha will offer eucharistic catechesis and outdoor adventures to youth and families all summer. In May, “Behold KC” will be held at the

Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.

Both Kansas City dioceses are hosting this free evening of music, Mass and eucharistic adoration for families.

On June 25-29, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is coming to Atchison, Topeka, Leawood and to the cathedral. All are invited for Mass, eucharistic adoration, testimony, fellowship, and to enkindle greater love of Jesus.

On July 17-21, the National Eucharistic Congress will bring 80,000 pilgrims together to grow as missionary disciples. Extensive information is available online at: archkck.org/ eucharistic-revival.

On World Day for Consecrated Life, we have much to celebrate

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ll eyes were on Mother Teresa of Calcutta as she stood below the gaze of the large mosaic “Christ in Majesty — the Apocalyptic Christ” in the north apse of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. It was a hot summer day, in the mid-80s, during one of her many visits to the Marian shrine. My fellow graduate students and I had the firsthand privilege of hearing the diminutive saintly woman of God, known throughout the world as a champion of the poorest of the poor and the foundress

SET APART

SISTER EVA-MARIA ACKERMAN, FSGM Sister Eva-Maria Ackerman, FSGM, is the Delegate for Religious and Consecrated Life for the archdiocese.

of the Missionaries of Charity. Listening to her speak was a welcome

break from our summer studies. It was most of all a great inspiration and dream come true!

The lights in the sanctuary were brilliantly bright above as Mother Teresa spoke in her simple, humble manner. I assumed that the sparkle I witnessed around her forehead

was only a reflection bouncing off her bobby pins.

Later on the way back to our institute, Tony, one of my fellow students, began to speak about his experience of the woman religious.

“I saw an aura of holiness encircling Mother’s head,” he said excitedly.

“It was her bobby pins,” I promptly corrected him.

“No, it was her sanctity,” he dug in.

Tony and I went back and forth for a while, defending what we each believed to be the truth.

Reflecting later on our conversation, I realized that both of us were

correct. Yes, they were highly reflective bobby pins. And yes, there was an almost tangible spirit of holiness radiating through her presence and words, touching the hearts of us hearers.

Now St. Teresa of Kolkata, she lived her calling to give her heart unreservedly to the One whose gaze penetrated every aspect of her life and made her an instrument of his merciful love to the poorest of the poor and to all she met.

More than a million men and women worldwide today live the consecrated life as religious Sisters and Brothers, monks,

contemplative nuns, consecrated virgins and widows, members of societies of apostolic life and secular institutes, and hermits.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is blessed with 262 women religious from 13 congregations, 51 religious priests and 17 Brothers from 13 congregations, and three consecrated virgins living in the world.

As the church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life on Feb. 2, may we remember gratefully those whose very existence helps us to focus our eyes on the true light of the world.

Churches working together amplify needs, find solutions

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s Catholic disciples of Jesus, we believe that people have a right and a duty to participate in civil society, seeking together the common good of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

For as we hear in Scripture, “Our faith is dead if we ignore others in need” (Jas 2:14-17).

Certainly, we help the needy with acts of mercy, but we are also called to organize around the issues that cause people to be in need in the first place.

The archdiocesan office for social justice has been accompanying parishes in engaging with other local faith communities to identify

DO UNTO OTHERS

TIM RIVES Tim Rives is the community outreach coordinator with the archdiocesan office for social justice.

and address together the causes of problems people here face. But how exactly do we identify those problems and lift them up so that laity and clergy may

be inspired to develop solutions? We listen.

Over the past few months, parishioners in Wyandotte, Douglas and Shawnee counties have joined in listening sessions facilitated by affiliates of Direct Action and Research Training (DART) designed to surface the issues troubling their communities.

Archdiocesan social justice staff conducted both one-on-one interviews with individuals as well as group conversations. Participants were asked: What keeps you up at night? What are you most in prayer about?

Numerous issues emerged during the discussions, but a core of concerns soon became evident — affordable housing, gun violence and elder care dominated the conversations.

Churches United for Justice (CUJ) is the Wyandotte County DART affiliate. Our Lady & St. Rose and St. Patrick parishes, both in Kansas City, Kansas, are the first two Catholic churches in the region to join CUJ.

In just two years, CUJ has persuaded the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, to create a community benefit ordinance to help fund an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, adopt Group Violence Intervention protocols to reduce violent crime escalation, and raise the standard of care and support for seniors.

CUJ is just the latest example of success in uniting Catholics with other voices in support of community betterment. The Justice, Unity and Ministry Project (JUMP) of Topeka began in 2012. Most Pure Heart of Mary, Mother Teresa and Christ the King parishes are among the 20 congregations that

compose JUMP. Current JUMP campaigns address mental health, predatory lending, affordable housing, homelessness, and violence reduction.

Justice Matters formed in Lawrence in 2014 with the help of St. John the Evangelist Parish.

Justice Matters also champions housing and eldercare.

Are there unvoiced concerns in the community that need to be heard and redressed?

The office for social justice is eager to engage more parishes in meaningful conversations about the concerns of your community.

“The Lord hears the cries of the poor” (Ps 34:7) and we are here to help you listen.

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Kids’ CHRONICLE

Jesus calls Levi the tax collector to follow him

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic Courier

A

fter Jesus began his public ministry, he traveled to many places to teach and heal people.

In one town he visited, Jesus was approached by a male resident who had leprosy. The man saw Jesus and fell prostrate before him.

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean,” the man said.

“I do will it,” Jesus said as he READ MORE stretched out his hand and touched ABOUT IT: the man. “Be made clean.”

Luke 5 The man’s leprosy immediately disappeared.

In another town, some people tried to bring a paralyzed man on a stretcher to Jesus as he was teaching in someone’s home.

Since the men could not get their friend through the crowd and to the door of the home, they instead climbed to the roof, removed some of the roofing material and lowered the stretcher through the roof so it was in front of Jesus.

Jesus saw how much faith the men had.

“As for you, your sins are forgiven,” he said to the paralyzed man.

Some scribes and Pharisees were listening to Jesus.

They thought to themselves that Jesus was blasphemous, because only God can forgive sins.

Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked whether it was easier to say the man’s sins were forgiven or to tell him to rise and walk.

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home,” Jesus said to the paralytic.

The man immediately did what Jesus said, and he walked home glorifying God. After he healed the paralytic, Jesus went outside. He saw a man there named Levi, a tax collector who was sitting at the customs post.

Jesus went to speak to Levi.

“Follow me,” he said.

Levi got up and followed Jesus. He even gave a great banquet for Jesus in his home. Many tax collectors also were there for the celebration.

The Pharisees and scribes started complaining.

“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” they asked Jesus.

“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do,” Jesus replied. “I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

Q&A

ILLUSTRATION BY LINDA RIVERS

Bible accent

WORD SEARCH

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evi was not the first man whom Jesus called to follow him.

In Luke 5:1, we read that Jesus was teaching a crowd of people at Lake of Gennesaret.

Jesus saw two boats alongside the lake. The fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.

Jesus climbed into one of the boats. It belonged to a man named Simon.

He asked Simon to put out a short distance from the shore. Then, Jesus sat down and taught the crowd from the boat.

“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch,” Jesus said after he was finished teaching.

“Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”

Simon and his crew lowered the nets. They caught so many fish that the nets were overflowing and beginning to tear.

Simon and his crew signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. Both boats became so filled with fish that they were in danger of sinking.

When Simon saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees.

“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man,” he said.

“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men,” Jesus replied.

S St. Ethelbert of Kent

t. Ethelbert of Kent was an AngloSaxon who was born around the year 560.

He ruled over southern England and was the first Anglo-Saxon king to support Christianity. When he wanted to marry Bertha, daughter of the king of Paris, he had to promise to allow her to practice her Christian faith. He also gave St. Augustine of Canterbury land for churches and a monastery so Augustine could evangelize the people of Britain.

Ethelbert became a Christian around the year 601, and he died in 616. We remember him on Feb. 24.

1. Whom did Jesus call to follow him?

2. Why did this upset the Pharisees and scribes?

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