02 11 22 Vol. 43 no. 26

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 26 | FEBRUARY 11, 2022

A LESSON IN LOSS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Dick Forge, a member of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth, serves lunch at the Leavenworth Interfaith Community of Hope, a shelter offering assistance to those living in poverty.

Finding love a place to go: A Valentine’s Day story “

By Jill Ragar Esfeld Special to The Leaven

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EAVENWORTH — There is an adage about grief that says it is “love with no place to go.”

Dick Forge, a member of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth, knows grief and the heartache it leaves behind.

Years ago, a drunk driver took the life of his only son Rick, who was just 5 years old.

The grief he felt then was shared by his wife Kathy. Together, they got through the pain by pouring their love into their work, their church and their four daughters.

But in February 2020, after 53 years of marriage, Forge lost Kathy, too.

“ THESE KIDS WOULD NOT

GET TO SEE THE PARENT WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS LIKE DAD. THIS ISN’T JUST A LITTLE THING. THIS IS HUGE. KAREN WOLKEN DICK FORGE’S OLDEST DAUGHTER

After a normal evening at home, the couple was preparing for bed.

When Forge went into their bedroom, he found his wife unresponsive on the closet floor.

“I grew up on a farm,” he said, “and I was around dead animals.

“You can tell when their eyes are

LENTEN DINNER NOTICES

set — and her eyes were set. I knew she was really gone.”

Kathy was rushed to the hospital and kept on life support just until her family could gather around her and a priest could anoint her.

She was well-loved in the town of Leavenworth — as a teacher at Sacred Heart School, a church cantor and a leader in the religious education program.

A thousand people showed up for her wake and funeral.

“I lost a lot when I lost her,” Forge said of his wife’s sudden death. “I knew life wouldn’t be the same, and it hasn’t been. It’s tough.

“Kathy was a wonderful wife.

Rick was a wonderful boy.”

“But you have to make the best of it,” he continued. “You just have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.”

Oddly enough, long before Kathy

WHEN

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Feb. 25.

Feb. 15.

The Leaven will publish a list of Lenten dinners in the archdiocese on

Because of space considerations, notices are limited to around 40 words and are due

INCLUDE

died, she prepared a path for her husband to grieve through, a place for his love to go.

A place for love Forge has always been a busy man.

A graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, he received the college’s Kansas Monk Award in 2005 for exemplifying its patron’s motto: “ora et labora” — “pray and work.”

“Dad has always been very scheduled,” said his oldest daughter, Karen Wolken. He lives “work and prayer,” and that’s what Benedictine is about.

He and Kathy raised their family in town for 25 years and then moved to a farm in 2000. >> See “SHE SAVED” on page 6

• Time of event • Date(s) of event • Address of event • Specify dine-in, curbside, delivery, etc.

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Please email your information to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.

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ARCHBISHOP

FEBRUARY 11, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

The Christian life — ­ well-lived — should be contagious

love the combination of readings that we had this past Sunday, the Fifth Sunday C Cycle of Ordinary Time.

They capture what is distinctive about Christianity and what being a disciple of Jesus requires from us.

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel from the beginning of the Fifth Chapter of St. Luke describe the calls of the great prophet Isaiah and the leader of the 12 Apostles, Peter. In both cases, God takes the initiative of inviting them to play important roles in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity.

What is distinctive about Christianity among all world religions is that God pursues and seeks us.

The God of Israel and Christianity reveals himself to us and invites us to participate in his mission to rescue humanity from the enslavement and impoverishment of sin. Christianity builds upon Judaism, providing Christians with the ultimate revelation of God. In Jesus, God takes upon himself our humanity, immersing himself into our human condition.

In the second reading from the First Letter to Corinthians, Paul reminds the early Christians that Jesus also defeated death and won the victory of life. We know this because the risen Jesus

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN appeared to Peter and the apostles and eventually to 500 disciples and, last of all, to Paul on the road to Damascus.

Every disciple of Jesus has experienced a similar revelation. For many of us, this happened through faithful and believing parents, who created in our home life an environment where Jesus was very much present.

For some, this revelation of God came through a spouse, a friend or co-worker who lived the Christian life with joy and enthusiasm and whom God used to reveal his love for us.

For many, this revelation of God occurred through a retreat experience or participation in Christ Renews His Parish, Cursillo, some prayer experience or special event in our life where we were touched and overwhelmed by the presence of God.

In Isaiah’s case, he has this overwhelming experience of being taken up into God’s heavenly court. Paul has his conversion on the road to Damascus, where he is physically blinded and experiences the presence of Jesus by hearing the Lord’s voice questioning Paul why he is persecuting the church and, in so doing, persecuting Jesus.

The decisive moment for Peter is when Jesus enters Peter’s boat to preach and teach a large crowd.

Jesus invites Peter to put out into the deep water to cast his nets to catch fish.

Peter is not an influential or welleducated leader in Jewish society. However, Peter is a skilled fisherman. He knows when, where and how to fish. Peter knows that Jesus’ instruction to cast his nets in the deep water in the middle of the day makes absolutely, humanly speaking, no sense.

Nevertheless, Peter does what Our Lord asks and he catches

such an extraordinary number of fish that his nets are breaking and two boats are on the verge of sinking. Peter realizes that what he is experiencing is humanly impossible.

I encourage you this week to ponder how you came to know Jesus and fall in love with his bride, the church. What were the events and who were the human instruments that God used for you to encounter Jesus and experience his unique, personal love for you?

All three readings then describe the natural response to these encounters with God — an authentic sense of unworthiness. Isaiah confesses that he is a man of unclean lips.

Paul identifies himself as the least of all the apostles, not worthy to be an apostle because he persecuted the church. In his sinking boat, Peter drops to his knees before Jesus and declares: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

In the presence of the Creator of the cosmos and all-loving God, it is a healthy response to be aware of our smallness and unworthiness. The Christian life is not about self-perfection through our own energy and hard work.

Christianity is about being transformed by our experience of a merciful and loving God. Jesus prefers to use the weak and the humble to accomplish his mission of building God’s kingdom, because then it becomes abundantly clear that what is happening is not the result of human energy and ingenuity but the grace of God. This is why the frequent use of confession, the sacrament of reconciliation, is a common practice among the saints. In that sacrament, we are transformed by God’s mercy and our experience of his

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Feb. 12 White Mass — Our Lady of Good Counsel, Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 13 World Marriage Day Mass and reception — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Feb. 14 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Feb. 15 Kansans for Life Banquet — Overland Park Convention Center Administrative Team meeting — chancery Feb. 16 Jesus Covenant Prayer Partner Spiritual Mentorship Program — Mass, dinner and recreation Feb. 18-19 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Northern Lieutenancy Councillors Winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska Feb. 20 Mass — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

faithful and unconditional love for us.

Finally, these three readings remind us that God has a mission for each of us. The gift of our Catholic faith is not something that is intended to be kept to ourselves. We are called to live in such a way as to draw others — not to ourselves, but to Christ alive within us.

A week ago, I celebrated the funeral Mass for Steven White, one of our permanent deacons. Steve was only 62 years old.

He had serious heart issues that resulted in a heart transplant and then multiple health complications that eventually took his life.

At the funeral Mass, two individuals gave testimonies.

Steve was a well-respected veterinarian.

One of the testimonies was by the man who owned the veterinary practice where Steve worked. He

spoke about Steve’s professional competence, but more about how Steve’s faith and ethics influenced and impacted his co-workers. The other was by a lifelong friend and classmate in veterinary school who shared the influence of Steve’s faith and virtuous living upon his own relationship with God. We are all called to be missionary disciples who are witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus and bearers of his love to others.

Reflect this week upon the opportunities that you have in your family relationships, your friendships, your work life and in your community to be an instrument of God’s grace by living your Catholic faith with joy, compassion and love.

The Christian life, when it is well-lived, is more contagious than COVID. How is Jesus inviting you to be a fisher of men?

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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WHEN BOOTSTRAPS BREAK

. . . annual Baileyville Benefit is there to cushion the fall

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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AILEYVILLE — It’s an early life lesson that Dan Broxterman took to heart.

“My mom and dad always told us that every dollar you give to somebody else will come back to you sevenfold,” he said.

“My family is living proof of it,” he continued. “And this benefit is living proof of it.”

Broxterman and his wife Lori, parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville, created a benefit in 1982 with the simple goal of helping their community.

Since then, the Baileyville Benefit has generated more than $1 million for individuals and organizations in need.

“The community is what makes this thing thrive,” said Broxterman. “I don’t think this happens everywhere.”

Big impact COURTESY PHOTO

The 40th annual Baileyville Ben- The annual Baileyville Benefit began in 1982 with the simple goal of raising money to fund whatever needs came up in the community. To date, the efit will take place on Feb. 26 and 27 benefit has generated more than $1 million for individuals and organizations in need. at Nemaha Central High School in Seneca. increasingly significant the event had when the next year they want to make It will include basketball and volley- become. sure they are part of it. It’s an eyeball tournaments, a chance drawing, The daughter of one of Broxteropening event for them.”

THIS IS OUR GIFT BACK TO concession stand, silent auction, wheel man’s friends had been abducted, and of fortune and an online auction during the father needed money to hire a priTHE COMMUNITY TO MAKE the week leading up to the event. vate investigator to find her.

IT BETTER. IF YOU’RE NOT Attendance is free and no registraBroxterman had high hopes for raisIf not for the community support, tion is required. ing the money but WILLING TO DO SOMEBroxterman and Kramer might attriThis year’s bencouldn’t get the supbute the Baileyville Benefit’s enormous eficiaries, chosen port he needed.

THING FOR YOUR COMMUNIsuccess to a cherished custom. by a board of direc“I told my wife, “It was always an old German tradiBaileyville Benefit tors, are a young boy ‘We’re going to run TY, IT’S NOT GOING TO GET tion that when you sold a pitchfork at Feb. 26 and 27 with Lennox-Gastaut the thing ourselves,’” Nemaha Central High School your farm sale,” said Broxterman, “if it ANY BETTER. Syndrome; a woman he said. “And we made brought good money, you were going suffering from a pan$5,700.” to have a good farm sale.

DAN BROXTERMAN creatic tumor; a man The friend ended “Every year, that’s the number one SACRED HEART PARISH, BAILEYVILLE recovering from a stroke; the Nemaha up finding his daughter in California item that we auction off.”

Valley Community Hospital; and the and came to the benefit the next year It sells for anywhere from $700 to Nemaha County Training Center. to tell the story. $1,200 each year, and the person who The donations the couple will reSome money raised is also kept for “He totally attributed it to the money buys the pitchfork gets the glory of having community needs that arise through- that we made to help him out,” said ceive will make a world of difference their name etched into a brass plaque. out the year, like car accidents, fires Broxterman. “It was a big tear-jerker for Rex’s recovery, which includes “Ironically, every year, the auction’s home health care four days a week. and medical situations. for everybody that was involved.” gotten bigger,” said Kramer.

He still has no use of his left arm and In 2020, the benefit brought in nearly The organizers hope this year will walks with a cane but is determined to $200,000. Last year’s was held virtually be no different. continue making progress, said Patty. and still raised some $135,000.

“This is our gift back to the com“He really pushes himself to get his It was only the second time in the The financial help is critical for each strength back and get back everything munity to make it better,” said Broxevent’s 40-year history it didn’t raise recipient, said Clete Kramer, president he’s lost,” she said. terman. “If you’re not willing to do more money than the previous year. of the benefit and parishioner of Sts. something for your community, it’s not His outlook toward the professionPeter and Paul Church in Seneca going to get any better.” als who work with him is one of hope.

But narrowing down the beneficiaHe encourages others to get in“‘I won’t give up on me if you won’t ries is never easy. volved in their communities, too. give up on me’ — that’s his motto,” said The Broxtermans never expected “There’s some years we can’t put ev- Patty.

“When you see the people you give the Baileyville Benefit to come as far erybody on [the list], so we pick who to are hugging you and crying,” he said, Although the couple lives in Philas it has. we think needs it now,” he said. “We lips County, Patty attended Baileyville “it’s a really touching feeling.

In 1982, Broxterman’s town basketkeep the names of the ones that we School and her sister works with “It’s a feeling everybody should ball team played on Sunday nights and didn’t use for next year. have.”

Kramer. drew a small crowd. He came up with “It’s very gratifying.”

For more information, visit the benRex is a camp ranger at a Boy Scout the idea to charge admission to benefit Rex Lowe was chosen as one of reservation in Kirwin, where the efit’s Facebook page at: facebook.com/ local causes. this year’s beneficiaries after he had a couple resides. Patty quit her job to baileyvillebenefit.

“We ended up making 506 bucks, stroke in June 2021.

To participate in the online auction, take care of him and ensure he keeps and we thought that was really a great His wife Patty was floored when she his job until he can retire. go online to: charityauctionstoday.com. deal,” he said. “It gave us such a good heard the news.

For questions, call Dan Broxterman For Lori Broxterman, helping people feeling that we wanted to keep doing “I was shocked,” she said. “It’s been like the Lowes is what it’s all about. at (785) 336-1382 or Clete Kramer at that.” very humbling the amount of people (785) 336-1962.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “You really The 1990 fundraiser showed how that will help us out.” know how much they appreciate it

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Rich tradition

Save the date

Worthy causes

Humble beginnings

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; fax: (913) 7215276; 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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

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LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 11, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Synod process will look different from parish to parish

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Parish milestones

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CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis is calling on all Catholics to participate in a worldwide consultation and “become experts in the art of encounter.” This consultative process involves dioceses and parishes around the world.

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[THE SYNOD] IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SEEKS TO CHANGE CHURCH TEACHING ON ISSUES OR THE WAY THE CHURCH VIEWS THIS OR THAT MATTER. IT PROVIDES, IF YOU WILL, A LENS FOR THE CHURCH TO LOOK THROUGH TO BETTER LIVE OUT AND ARTICULATE THE TRUTHS CONTAINED WITHIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. FATHER JOHN RILEY ARCHDIOCESAN VICAR GENERAL AND CHANCELLOR information for the synod through consultation with clergy, laity, the Catholic faithful and non-Catholics.

In the archdiocese, the consultation will primarily consist of listening sessions.

“We’ve already done quite a bit of work in the archdiocese,” said Father

Riley. “We’ve communicated to all the pastors in all 107 parishes. We’ve sent them the questions to be used for consideration in speaking to whatever groups they want to engage. . . . [How the process is conducted] will look differently, I presume, for each parish depending on the size and demographics of the parish.”

The pastors don’t have to use all the suggested listening session questions.

They serve as a guide. Parishes and ministries should focus on the questions most pertinent to them.

The parish groups pastors choose for the consultation process could include pastoral councils, finance councils, Enflame evangelization teams, parish formation groups, Knights of Columbus, altar societies or sodalities, youth groups, prayer groups, Hispanic or other ethnic groups, ministries or others. Individual parishioners who want to participate, but may not belong to these groups, should contact their pastor.

“Once [pastors] have consulted their respective groups in their parishes, they will consolidate all that input into one report for their parish to upload into our archdiocesan website,” said Father Riley.

“We’re looking for one report per parish.

They’ll have to consolidate all their responses and synthesize their discussions to get some general themes about the questions we’ve sent for discussion.”

In addition to the parishes, other entities

Archdiocesan synod consultation questions are grouped under 10 topics: 1. Listening 2. Speaking out about our faith 3. Divine worship 4. Exercising responsibility for our Christian mission 5. Inclusion 6. Participation 7. Decision-making 8. Formation 9. Dialogue in church and society 10. Other communities of faith

and ministry groups will be involved in the synod consultation process. These include religious communities, Catholic campus centers at colleges and universities, high schools and Catholic Charities.

“I think it’s important to note that [the synod] is not something that seeks to change church teaching on issues or the way the church views this or that matter,” said Father Riley. “It provides, if you will, a lens for the church to look through to better live out and articulate the truths contained within the Catholic Church and her teaching, and to carry out the mission of the church in the world.”

The deadline for all parishes and other entities or ministry groups to submit their reports to the archdiocese is April 1. The archdiocesan report, which will consolidate all the parish and other reports, must submit its own report to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

by June 1.

The archdiocesan report — along with those from all the dioceses in the world — will be used by the bishops who will participate in the Synod on Synodality in 2023. Eventually, that synod will produce a document.

Nun Run will give girls a look at religious life “ THE NUN RUN WILL GIVE

“I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

— Jer 29:11

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Question topics

EAWOOD — The passage above from the prophet Jeremiah — taken from Leawood’s Church of the Nativity vocations page — serves as a fitting introduction to the parish’s Nun Run Spring Break ’22.

The weeklong event is open to high school girls ages 14-18 in the archdiocese and lasts from March 11-18. A limit of six girls, led by Nativity’s youth campus director Meghan McCormick, will visit three area convents by minivan. The cost is $50 to attend, and McCormick can be reached at (913) 9542261 to register.

“The Nun Run will give exposure to the girls of the wideness of the

church,” McCormick said. “It is not a discernment. Instead, the girls will learn more about the church and all of its goodness.”

The three convents involved in the Nun Run are the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ and the Sisters, Servants of Mary, both in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, a cloistered convent in rural Missouri, about an hour away from Kansas City.

McCormick said the students participating in the Nun Run would spend one night each at the three convents.

The students will witness convent life and participate in the convent’s respective missions.

Those missions include street ministry and serving the homeless (Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ); visiting hospice patients (Sisters, Servants of Mary); and participating in liturgical life and farm life (Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles).

In total, the girls will experience

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By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven

Jan. 12 - Feb. 14: Pastors decide the groups or ministries from which to gather input and schedule times and dates for in-person, video conference or electronic communication.

Jan. 10 - March 25: Parishes conduct their ministry and group meetings.

April 1: All reports must be entered into the archdiocesan website.

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — There seems to be an art to everything these days. Wafflemaking. Beard-grooming.

And for those of you out there old enough to catch the reference, even motorcycle maintenance.

Now Pope Francis is calling on all Catholics to participate in a worldwide consultation and “become experts in the art of encounter.”

“Today, as we begin this synodal process, let us begin by asking ourselves — all of us, pope, bishops, priests, religious and laity — whether we, the Christian community, embody this ‘style’ of God, who travels the paths of history and shares in the life of humanity,” the pope said on Oct. 10, 2021, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The Synod of Bishops on Synodality will take place in Rome in 2023. Its theme is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Preparation and Mission.”

Now, this consultative process moves to dioceses and parishes around the world.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann kicked off the synod process in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas with an opening Mass on Oct. 24, 2021, at the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Many Catholics may not know what a synod is.

“The process of convening a synod of bishops is really a process of fraternal collaboration among the bishops of the world,” said Father John Riley, archdiocesan vicar general and chancellor. “A synod is basically an advisory body of bishops which gives the pope a way of discussing the issues of the day and receiving feedback and advice from bishops around the world.”

Archbishop Naumann said synodality is a process that involves a community talking, listening and praying together.

“Synodality is a way of talking about how the church is called to be a community that journeys together,” he said. “It draws our attention to the synodal process that illustrates, really, the mission of the entire church — a people journeying together, not each of us going our own way, but attempting to follow the One who is the way, truth and life.”

The pope has asked every bishop to engage in the process of gathering

EXPOSURE TO THE GIRLS OF THE WIDENESS OF THE CHURCH. IT IS NOT A DISCERNMENT. INSTEAD, THE GIRLS WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHURCH AND ALL OF ITS GOODNESS. MEGHAN MCCORMICK YOUTH CAMPUS DIRECTOR CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, LEAWOOD some of the different charisms in which the Lord reveals himself.

Not all of the week will be spent at the convents, McCormick explained.

One night will be spent at Nativity and another night at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

“There will be moments when we won’t be with the Sisters, and in those times we will talk about what we have experienced,” McCormick said. “These will be important times in the week.

We cater the Nun Run so the girls have a good time.”

This is Nativity’s first attempt at a Nun Run, McCormick said, although other parishes in the archdiocese have conducted them. She added she had participated in one herself while in college.

McCormick noted that the girls who sign up for the Nun Run would be “awesome, magnanimous souls” to be willing to give up spring break to instead explore mission work.

“These girls would be very mature already,” she said. “The mission trip with the Sisters is very unique and it takes a powerful person to participate.

I can’t wait to see what these girls will do with their lives.”

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5 Deacon Steve White dies

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LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg is turning 25 this year. The camp’s theme for 2022 is: “Revival: Eucharistic Amazement.” The camp was begun under the leadership of Archbishop James P. Keleher.

Camp turns 25; registration opens Feb. 15

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ILLIAMSBURG — Camp Tekakwitha at the Prairie Star Ranch here has much to celebrate this summer.

The archdiocesan camp is turning 25.

“We came from humble beginnings,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, “but we’re so grateful for the support of all the families over the years, and all of our staff, priests and archbishops.

“Twenty-five years is pretty amazing.”

Deacon Nearmyer and his wife Deborah were integral to the establishment of the ranch 25 years ago under the leadership of Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher.

Since then, the ranch’s various offerings — in particular, Camp Tekakwitha — have formed thousands of young people from across northeast Kansas.

“In 25 years, many young people have encountered Jesus in a unique and powerful way during [eucharistic] adoration or Mass,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“Many young people have grown in their faith during the past 25 years,” he added.

Some 75 staff members are currently preparing to meet an estimated 1,500-1,600 campers who will attend various sessions this summer.

Registration opens Feb. 15.

Nearmyer is especially eager to welcome more priests this year, since the ranch’s Kapaun Priest House was completed in October 2021.

“We’re hoping that there will be more priests that can spend time down there and make reconciliation, Mass and some of the other different prayer experiences more readily available,” he said.

Camp’s theme for 2022 is: “Revival:

EAWOOD — Deacon Steve White died on Jan. 28, surrounded by his family and Father Joel Haug, a close family friend.

White was born on June 2, 1959, married Lisa in July 1990 and was ordained a permanent deacon on June 3, 2017. He was described as the gentlest of deacons and the model of service in his ministry. He was also a loving husband and devoted father.

White worked as a veterinarian for 36 years. After his ordination to the permanent diaconate, he was assigned to Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, where he was a member.

Deacon White’s passing is a great loss to the permanent diaconate community of the archdiocese, said Leon Suprenant, co-director of the permanent diaconate.

His soft-spoken demeanor belied his great intelligence and insightful understanding of the human condition, said Suprenant. He was kind, compassionate, humble and wise.

When Deacon White was asked if he had anything to say to the parishioners at Curé of Ars, he offered the following: “I’m just so sorry my service as a deacon was so short, but I did the best I could. Please pray for me.”

Deacon White recently gained notoriety as the 900th heart transplant patient at St. Luke’s Hospital. During White’s final days, he told Lisa, “I can’t imagine having a better life. It’s been really fulfilling. I just hope I gave glory to God.” He is survived by his wife Lisa and their two children, Kimberly White and Kathryn Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contribution to Curé of Ars Parish, Holy Family School of Faith or KC Pet Project.

Join Lenten experience LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Horseback riding is one of the many activities offered by Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. Some 75 staff members are currently preparing to meet an estimated 1,500-1,600 campers who will attend various sessions this summer.

Eucharistic Amazement.”

Coinciding with the eucharistic amazement campaign launching across the country this year, the archbishop hopes the theme will make campers more aware of Jesus’ unique presence during the Mass.

That presence, he said, can be experienced in a special way at Camp Tekakwitha.

“The camp provides an opportunity for young people to come to know Jesus and the richness of our Catholic faith,” said the archbishop. “The camp helps to renew and strengthen families.”

Deacon Nearmyer said the power of camp comes from the contrast of its exciting outdoor adventure activities and quiet prayer time in the chapel.

“We’ve watched kids that came in pretty anxious and burned out from all the tension that they’ve lived through during the school year and just thrive down there,” he said.

“There’s not too many new gizmos [this year],” he continued, “but the existing grounds and the

fun things to do are really just medicine for the soul.”

Although Camp Tekakwitha was created for youth, entire families can get in on the fun this summer.

Prairie Star will host a family camp, as well as a camp for families who have a child with special needs and one for Spanish-speaking families.

Deacon Nearmyer stressed the importance of the brand-new Spanish camp since the community is “such a gift to the church” but has been hesitant to send their children to camp.

He hopes the opportunity for parents to experience camp with their children will ease their worries.

“The Hispanic community is so precious in our diocese,” he said.

“We haven’t done our best job at reaching them during camp.

“We hope our Spanish family camp becomes a treasure, too.”

Registration for camp begins on Feb. 15. To view session dates and to register, visit the website at: arch kck.org/camp.

Explore the USCCB document “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.” This 40-day Lenten experience will encourage people to deepen their “eucharistic amazement” in preparation for Easter.

Each email contains a bite-sized excerpt from the U.S. bishops’ document, followed by brief commentary and questions for further prayer/ reflection/action.

To opt in to the daily emails: Either text 40for40 to 84576 (click on the link on the welcome text to complete signup) or go online to: archkck.flock note.com/40for40.

Crossword solution

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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She saved his life — by ‘giving him so much to do’ >> Continued from page 1 In addition to continuing his job as a social worker for the Leavenworth Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Forge had his “hobbies” of raising cattle and maintaining a vineyard.

Though he sold his cattle in 2017, he still harvests 160 French grapevines each year and processes them into about 27 gallons of wine.

But there’s one caveat.

“I don’t drink it all,” he said.

When he retired at the age of 74, his wife knew she had to keep him busy.

Wolken remembers her mother’s tireless efforts to that end: “She called everybody in town and asked, ‘What can he do?’”

Kathy volunteered her husband to work with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and to serve at the Leavenworth Interfaith Community of Hope, a shelter offering assistance to those living in poverty.

Forge tried the volunteer work and loved it as much as he’d loved his job.

“People talk about work,” he said.

“And I feel like I’ve never worked a day in my life because I liked what I did.”

He has continued the volunteer work as he mourns the loss of his wife, allowing his love to flow through in service to others.

“Who would have thought,” asked Wolken, “[that] 10 years later, Mom really saved his life by giving him so much to do?”

Forge volunteers with CASA, sitting in on visits between children and noncustodial parents, on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

“And these kids would not get to see the parent without volunteers like Dad,” said Wolken. “This isn’t just a little thing. This is huge.”

On Wednesdays, Forge serves lunch at Leavenworth Interfaith Community of Hope and then washes the dishes and cleans the bathrooms.

“Dick is an inspiration to those wanting to give back,” said executive director Myranda Agnew. “He has done everything from mopping the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

About six months after his wife died, Dick Forge got a dog — Baxter. “He’s been my best buddy ever since,” he said. floors to serving meals and having encouraging conversations with our guests.

“He is such a joy every time he’s here!”

It takes over 70 volunteers a week to operate Community of Hope.

“Individuals like Dick, committing to serving people, make it possible for us to serve those in poverty and the unhoused population,” said Agnew.

To Forge, the service is a last gift his wife gave him to get through his days without her.

“My whole week is based on my [volunteer] work,” he said. “You know I could lie on that couch all day long, but I get out a couple of times a day.”

Work, faith and Baxter Forge does get out a couple of times a day — not just for volunteer work, but also for Baxter.

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

“My daughters have been a godsend to me,” he said. “And one of them, about six months after Kathy died, said, ‘Dad, you need a dog.’”

His daughter put an ad in the paper and found Baxter, a labradoodle in desperate need of a home.

“I said, ‘I’ll take him,’” said Forge.

“He’s been my best buddy ever since.”

Forge is not so sure Kathy would approve of this new addition to his life. She didn’t much care for dogs and wouldn’t allow one in her house.

Now, Baxter is not only in the house, but on the furniture.

“I just told Kathy, ‘I had to have somebody,’” said Forge. “Everybody leaves me except the dog.

“He stays.”

His volunteer work and his dog keep Forge occupied. His faith keeps him going.

“You ask me how I make it — because I do that stuff,” he said. “And, well, my faith. That’s it. You’ve got to have faith.

“And I’m telling you, you can’t just have it. You’ve got to live by it.”

Forge does. And people see that.

“I think people in town see Dad doing the corporal works of mercy,” said Wolken. “They see him volunteering as a living imitation of Jesus.”

Forge looks forward to the day he’ll be reunited with his wife and son.

“I don’t think the end is frightening to face if you have faith,” he said.

“You know you’re going to meet God, and be judged by him, and go on.”

But, at the age of 86, he’s not ready to go just yet.

“You know, I’m lucky,” he said.

“I’m not a spring chicken, but as long as they keep tolerating me at those places, I’ll keep going.

“I love Kathy, and she would want me to keep going.”

ACROSS 1 That girl 4 Box 8 Adjust 14 Youngest son of Noah 15 Women’s magazine 16 Polishes shoes 17 Gone by 18 Wound 19 __ Nevada (mountain range) 20 Piglet 22 No room for them in the __ 23 Promissory note 24 Beech or birch 25 Son of Seth 27 Sixth sense 29 Basin 31 Groupie 33 Stack of paper 36 Computer code for characters 39 Food and Agriculture Organization (abbr.)

40 Intelligence 41 By way of 42 Unused 45 Discs 47 Dine 48 OT book of history 50 Expression of surprise 52 Priest 54 Representatives

55 56 57 59 61 65 67 69 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80

Bill and Jean Dunn, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will be celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary on Feb. 15. The couple was married on Feb. 15, 1947, at St. Elizabeth Church in Kansas City, Missouri. They have eight children, 20 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. They will celebrate with a family dinner.

Marsha

and

Robert “Bob” We i s h a a r, members of St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 12.

The couple was married on Feb 12, 1972, at St. Joseph Church.

Their children are: John Nevins, Rob Weishaar, Damian Weishaar and Dustin Weishaar. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Bonnie and Doug Ondick, members of G o o d Shepherd Parish, S h a w nee, will celebrate their 60th we d d i n g anniversary with a private family celebration. The couple was married on Feb. 17, 1962, at St. Kevin Parish, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their children are: Tom (deceased), Craig and Jim. They have four grandchildren.

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

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

Scarlet Chitchat Tree Last word of a prayer Otherwise Merriment Colony insect Lounging Chant Stretched car Inlet Canned heat Aroma Shrill bark Gift consecrated to God Watch out for Computer key

DOWN 1 Axle 2 Sarah’s handmaid 3 Ham it up 4 Very large truck 5 Earth or Venus 6 Adjust 7 Rapid eye movement 8 Association (abbr.)

9 KJV possessive pronoun 10 Draw 11 Green 12 A Roman emperor 13 Twin brother of Jacob

21 22 26 28 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 43 44 46 49 51 53 56 58 60 62 63 64 65 66 68 70 72 73

Tribe of Israel Son of Abraham Disconnected __ Lanka Old Testament city Cain fled to this land Far away Speck of wood, etc. (KJV) Declare Clothing variant Joseph’s job Serving of corn Parable of the __ and weeds Resort hotel Sign language High naval rank (abbr.)

Adam’s son Sundial pointer Miraculous food Delete African country Escargot Land of Pharaoh State treasury Do __ others Sign element The __ is my shepherd Globe Sodom escapee

Solution on page 5

GUEST COMMENTARY

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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ho doesn’t want the church to grow or the next generation of Catholics to embrace a deep love for their faith?

One simple way we can do this is by asking how our parishes are welcoming to families — of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes.

Start small. Are electrical outlets covered to keep out babies’ fingers? Would parents know what room to visit if they needed to soothe a toddler tantrum? Are there changing tables in both men’s and women’s restrooms?

Is child care offered during parish events?

Are the sounds of children welcome in church — and not just the cries of babies but the sounds or movements of children with disabilities? Are teenagers encouraged to serve as lectors, altar servers or extraordinary ministers of holy Communion?

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Is your parish family-friendly?

CNS PHOTO/CRAIG PITTELLI, THE MONITOR

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

Making a parish family-friendly is a practical and spiritual undertaking. It both requires a checklist and an examination of conscience. Where have we done the holy work of welcoming each person as Jesus?

Where have we failed to reach part of the body of Christ?

Over the years, readers have sent me

Christy Fitzpatrick holds her restless son Matthew in a room set off from the rest of the congregation at St. Mary Church in Williamstown, New Jersey, Jan. 11, 2009. examples of signs posted near church entrances, printed in parish bulletins or tucked in pews to let parents know their children are welcome.

I found one such poster on vacation years ago as I quieted a fussy baby in the back of church. “Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me,’” it read. “Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the church, to God and to one another. Let them know that

they are at home in this house of worship.”

The poster offered ways that parents might engage young children. Sit near the front so it’s easier to see. Explain parts of the Mass in ageappropriate ways. Sing the hymns together.

Feel free to use the gathering space if you need to leave with your child.

But the last words held the most important message to all parishioners: “The presence of children is a gift to the church,

and they are a reminder that our parish is growing! Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents.”

Making a parish family-friendly is not just the work of the pastor or staff. It’s a charge to all of us.

I’ve heard a thousand horror stories of parents shamed during Mass who never returned.

But I’ve also heard heartwarming testimonies about pastors and parishioners who went out of their way to welcome families.

We can debate pastoral approaches for addressing the variety of parishioners’ needs — from separation strategies like cry rooms, nurseries or “family Masses,” to inclusive approaches like offering religious books for children to read in the pews.

But the best way to learn what your particular parish might need is to start asking families.

Could you organize a family Holy Hour of eucharistic adoration where parents or grandparents can bring children to pray without worrying about their volume?

Can you add supplies in the restrooms like baby wipes, diapers and sanitary products: a simple gesture to show that this is a church that cares for body and soul?

Could you ever offer a daily Mass outside of work or school hours to allow more families to attend?

Welcoming families is not a one-size-fits-all task, and every parish is limited in its ministries and resources.

But even the simplest approaches can make a big difference.

No matter what we do, we follow the lead of Our Lord who drew children close to his side and reminded us that whenever we welcome a child, we welcome him.

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATION

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winter storm may have hit right smack dab in the middle of Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 30-Feb. 5, but it didn’t stop the celebrations. Schools throughout the archdiocese carried out a fun-filled week of special events and activities. The Leaven asked schools to send in their photos and they responded. Here is just a sampling of what went down during Catholic Schools Week.

PHOTO BY ANNE ANDERSON

s BUDDING ARTISTS

Second graders at Holy Cross School in Overland Park look for their artwork among a sea of individual art which together combine into a single large cross.

From left are: Iris Troy, Sophia Berry and Miriam Fernandez. The project was a collaboration of every child, from preschool through eighth grade, at Holy Cross.

Preschool teacher Katie Howard and preschool director Stefanie Bridges spent many hours piecing it all together.

s RETURN TO GRUNGE

PHOTO BY MELISSA SCHRAMP

These eighth graders at St. Benedict School in Atchison are rockin’ the look of the ’90s during Decade Day at the school. You remember the ’90s. When grunge music was all the rage and flannel — lots and lots of flannel — was the hot look. Showing off that look are, back row, from left: Kaitlyn Folsom and Bella Black; and front row: Abby Baniewicz and Hailey Gibson.

t CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC

At St. Joseph School, Shawnee, Melissa Nachbar’s second grade class performs a scarf movement activity on Crazy Hat Day during Bridget Hannon’s music class.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET HANNON

PHOTO BY TRICIA MORGAN

s A ROARING START

School mascot Kenny the Cougar helped welcome students to Christ the King School in Topeka as they kicked off Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 31. Pictured are, back row, from left: eighth grader Daniela Reyes-Sanchez, Kenny the Cougar, third grader Sophia Reyes-Sanchez and principal Relynn Reynoso; front row: kindergartner Nora Trussell, third grader Aiden Trussell, kindergartner Bruce Danielson and first grader Murphy McDaniel.

t LIVING ROSARY

Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Wea, gathered together on Feb. 4 to participate in a living rosary to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Pictured from left are: Maddy Hughes, Wyatt Guetterman (with crucifix), Sloane Burgess (foreground), Broden Vargo and Lauren Dudzik (sitting).

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

s KINDERGARTEN COP

Kindergartners at St. John the Evangelist School in Lawrence got a jump on Catholic Schools Week when Lawrence police officer Chloe Fewins stopped by to pick up some cards that the kindergartners made for the Lawrence police. Before heading back to the station, Officer Fewins spoke to a group of inquisitive kids.

Students at Sacred Heart School in Emporia join Father Carter Zielinski, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, in the championship round of GaGa ball on Feb. 3. The tournament wrapped up a week of fun activities at the school. Sacred Heart finished off the week celebrating the school’s staff, teachers and volunteers on Feb. 4 and students celebrated their families on Feb. 5 by presenting them with a special family gift.

PHOTO BY LISA MILLER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KENNY RODRIGUES

t GOING GAGA

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

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Bishop asks politicians in favor of abortion to refrain from Communion

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AS VEGAS (CNS) — The bishop of Las Vegas asked any Catholic politician from the diocese who is “at odds” with church teaching upholding the sanctity of all life, from conception to natural death, to voluntarily refrain from presenting himself or herself for Communion while they hold public office.

“I place the onus of that decision upon the individual politician’s shoulders, and not on the backs of pastors or eucharistic ministers,” Bishop George Leo Thomas said.

He made the comments in response to a recent guest column in the Las Vegas Sun daily newspaper by U.S. Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., who identified herself as a Catholic and said she supports unrestricted “reproductive care.”

Lee “articulated a position that stands in stark contrast to the hallowed moral teaching of the Catholic Church.

Yet she claimed ‘to have a deep understanding of the moral dilemma that the choice to have an abortion presents,” Bishop Thomas said. “Her ‘deep understanding’ is highly flawed.”

“As a Catholic politician, Lee is not alone in her selective and truncated understanding of the church’s moral and social teaching,” he added.

In a Jan. 24 statement responding to Lee’s column, the bishop recalled his inaugural homily as the new bishop of Las Vegas May 15, 2018, in which he set out “a blueprint for the Catholic Church in southern Nevada.”

“I articulated the Catholic Church’s deepest conviction that all life is sacred, from the moment of conception until natural death,” Bishop Thomas said.

“In a word, we believe that all persons, without exception, are unique and unrepeatable gifts from God. We hold that each is fashioned in God’s own image, and therefore, there are to be no throwaway people, no disposable souls and no second-class citizens.

“This conviction explains the Catholic Church’s reverence for unborn life, our care for the hungry and homeless, our investment in comprehensive adoption services, our support for lawful immigration reform, and our advocacy among the poor and vulnerable in the community.”

In the homily, Bishop Thomas said, he stated clearly that ‘we are a church that will never remain silent when

IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT CATHOLIC POLITICIANS AND CATHOLICS AT LARGE TAKE THIS MOMENT TO LOOK DEEPLY INTO THEIR OWN HEARTS, AND REEXAMINE THE CHURCH’S MORAL CONVICTION ON THE INVIOLABILITY AND DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE. BISHOP GEORGE LEO THOMAS DIOCESE OF LAS VEGAS

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Bishop George L. Thomas of Las Vegas asked Catholic politicians in his diocese in a statement Jan. 24 “to voluntarily refrain” from receiving Communion while in public office if they are at odds with church teaching on the sanctity of life, including its opposition to abortion. human life is threatened, whether in the womb or on the deathbed.’”

“We will always assert a ‘preferential option for the poor’ as we apportion our resources and energy,” he added.

“I hold that the unborn child must be counted among the most vulnerable in our midst.”

In his statement, Bishop Thomas quoted from Lee’s column, also dated Jan. 24: “Lee wrote, ‘I will always be a fierce advocate in the fight to ensure that women have the freedom to seek unrestrained and medically accurate advice from their doctors and make their own decisions about their health

and their bodies. Protecting the right to safe, legal abortion will be an uphill battle, but I will never back down.’”

“Throughout her guest column,” he said, “Lee proffers her support for unrestricted reproductive care, without ever mentioning the consequences of her advocacy for the unborn child, over 60 million of whom have been annihilated in the womb since the enactment of Roe vs. Wade, 49 years ago.”

Lee’s column and the bishop’s statement come as the country awaits a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in a case involving Mississippi’s ban on most abortions after 15 weeks: Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Many expect the court to overturn the 1973 Roe decision legalizing abortion nationwide, returning abortion law back to the states.

If Roe falls, 26 states are “certain or likely” to ban abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which conducts research on abortion and reproductive health.

Others are looking to expand abortion access, like California, where legislators want to create a “sanctuary” for abortion if Roe is overturned.

In his statement, Bishop Thomas said the high court’s “much-anticipated decision regarding the constitutional right to abortion stands as a teachable moment for all of us, and most notably for Catholic pro-choice politicians.”

“It is my sincere hope that Catholic politicians and Catholics at large take this moment to look deeply into their own hearts, and reexamine the church’s moral conviction on the inviolability and dignity of human life,” he said.

Bishop Thomas pointed to the statement the U.S. bishops approved last November titled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” calling its message “clear and compelling” . . .

“If a Catholic in his or her personal or professional life were knowingly and obstinately to reject the defined doctrines of the church, or knowingly and obstinately to repudiate her definitive teaching on moral issues, however, he or she would seriously diminish his or her communion with the church.

Reception of holy Communion in such a situation would not accord with the nature of the eucharistic celebration, so that he or she should refrain.”

Bishop Thomas said he is always available to discuss this matter privately with Lee or any other Catholic politician “to whom this position applies.”

“Please be certain of my prayers for all who hold public office during these tumultuous and challenging times,” he added.

NATION

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

11 Mother Seton shrine announces video series, other initiatives for 2022

SCHOOL ‘BUS’

Hall of Famer goes back to school for degree

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OTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS) — Jerome Bettis, in his football days, got the nickname “The Bus” because he was carrying would-be tacklers along with him during his punishing runs from scrimmage.

Today, what Bettis is carrying is a full load of classes at the University of Notre Dame, as he strives to finish what he started in his college days more than 30 years ago — a bachelor’s degree in business.

Bettis, now 49, is on track to graduate this spring and get that coveted Notre Dame diploma. If he does, the Pro Football Hall of Famer will have made good on a promise to his mother, Gladys — you may remember their Campbell’s Chunky Soup commercial from 20 years ago — that he would get his sheepskin.

“I promised my mother that I would get my degree,” he said. “In my immediate family, I’ll be the first person to graduate from college,” Bettis told NBC’s “Today” show Jan. 28. “But most importantly, I have two children. For them to see Dad finish a commitment that he set out some 27 years ago, for me to complete that, I think it says a lot to them.”

And at commencement exercises in May, Bettis getting a diploma means that all 21 Notre Dame football recruits from 1990 will have graduated.

Bettis has lived much of his life in the public eye as a throwback of sorts. In an era of pro football where running backs dipped, dived and swerved to avoid tacklers, Bettis was the hard-charging fullback who plunged into the line, dragging defenders with him as he motored for that extra yard.

It served him well: Bettis is eighth all-time in NFL rushing yardage at 13,662 yards, not to mention eight 1,000-yard seasons, 91 touchdowns, six Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship after the 2005 season, his final season before retiring as a player.

On campus, Bettis is another throwback. Most of the students at Notre Dame aren’t even half his age; Bettis turns 50 Feb. 16. They take their class notes on tablets or laptops; Bettis takes his notes with pen and paper.

Don’t think of Bettis as an academic laggard. He left Notre Dame after his junior year, in which he rushed for 10 touchdowns and caught six touchdown passes, and entered the

Best Selling Titles for Lent CNS PHOTO/JOHN SOMMERS II, REUTERS

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis competes against the Cincinnati Bengals in this 2002 file photo. He played three years at the University of Notre Dame in the early 1990s.

NFL draft, being selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams. He spent three seasons with the team before being traded to Pittsburgh, where he became a much-loved sports hero.

While he was in a dispute with the Rams in 1996 and threatened to retire, he went back to Notre Dame to take classes, which left him just one semester shy of graduating.

Still, he told NBC’s Anne Thompson — herself a Notre Dame graduate: “I am a much better student at 49 because I want to learn, I want to know all of this information.”

The degree will come in handy in

his post-football career, which has involved trucking, staffing, development and marketing companies as well as his career as a television personality, where Bettis is on camera for the NFL Network.

“I say to all our coaches that there are three things we should be concerned about versus integrity: Do things the right way, second is help these kids get a degree and do well in their lives, and the third is winning on the field,” said Holy Cross Father John Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president, on “Today.” “And Jerome getting a degree after all his success just underscores how important that is.”

Pope names new bishop to Archdiocese of Louisville

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, and appointed as his successor Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux in southeastern Louisiana.

Archbishop Fabre, 58, is one of

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MMITSBURG, Md. (CNS) — In the first episode of a series of short videos launched by the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Sister Mary Catherine Conway, a Daughter of Charity, discusses her 40 years in Catholic education as a teacher and principal.

The series, titled “Stories from the Sisters,” features short interviews with Sisters who, like Sister Conway, are members of the orders that trace their lineage to the first native-born American saint. Sister Conway works at the shrine, which debuted the series Feb. 2, the World Day of Consecrated Life.

The annual observance celebrates the contributions that religious Sisters around the world make to the church and in society.

The video series also began on the same day Mother Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first community for religious women established in the United States, in 1809. Both the current day Sisters of Charity and Daughters of Charity stem from that founding. “Mother Seton’s Sisters have so much to offer to all of us in their every day witness to our Lord,” said Rob Judge, the shrine’s executive director.

The videos in the series will be available on the shrine’s social media channels and on its website, www. setonshrine.org. The first episode can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/3HBFU91.

12 of the U.S. Catholic Church’s African American prelates and he will be the first Black archbishop of Louisville.

The newly named archbishop has headed the Louisiana diocese since 2013. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans from 2006 to 2013. He is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

Archbishop Kurtz turned 75 Aug. 18, 2021, and as required by canon law, he turned in his resignation to the pope when he reached 75. He has headed the Louisville Archdiocese since August 2007. The changes were announced Feb. 8 in Washington by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio.

• What Jesus Saw From the Cross • Imitation of Christ • Lenten Companion • Holy Thursday • Last Hours of Jesus • Lenten Journey with Mother Mary • Praying with Jesus and Faustina During Lent • A Cardiologist Examines Jesus • Walk in her Sandles • 40 Days 40 Ways • Pain of Christ and the Sorrow of God • Lenten Cookbook • Jesus of NazarethHoly Week • Cries from Jesus from the Cross Trinity House

Catholic Books and Gifts 6731 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66209 913-652-0080 www.mytrinityhouse.com Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT School counselor - Holy Spirit Catholic School is currently seeking a school counselor. Applicants must hold a current Kansas counseling license. Previous experience working in an elementary school is preferred. To apply go to: archkck.org/catholicschools/employment/ and click on school counselor application. You may also send a letter of interest along with a copy of your resume to: Michele Watson at: mwatson@hscatholic. org.

Thrift store manager - Divine Mercy Thrift Store located in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a manager.

This nonprofit provides funding for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Kansas City. Call Jim at (816) 405-4004.

Marketing and enrollment consultant – Catholic schools office - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a full-time consultant for marketing and enrollment management for the Catholic schools office. This position is responsible for assisting Catholic schools in the archdiocese with branding, core value development, and marketing, recruitment and retention strategies. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing, possess a bachelor’s degree in marketing, sales, communication or related field, and have a minimum of three years of experience in marketing, social media and sales. To apply, go online to: www.archkck.org/jobs. Position open until filled. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2022.

Coordinator of children’s catechesis - Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner is looking for a coordinator of children’s catechesis. This individual provides leadership in the parish formation program for students in grades kindergarten - 6th grade. One of the primary responsibilities of the coordinator of children’s catechesis is to facilitate participation of the parents in the faith formation of their children. This position is part time, approximately 20 hours per week. This person must be a practicing member of the Catholic Church with at least two years of experience as a catechist. Salary based on experience.

Please inquire by contacting Maria Lopeman at (913) 856-7781, ext. 0102, or: maria@divinemercyks.org.

Elementary school associate vice principal – Holy Trinity School in Lenexa is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and social emotional leadership for the 2022-23 school year. Applicants for this position must be practicing Catholics and in good standing, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Part-time administrative assistant for in-house counsel - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of administrative assistant for our in-house legal counsel.

Part-time flexible schedule working approximately 20 hours per week. Qualified applicants must have experience with office and document management; correspondence; must be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of office products including Word, Excel and Power Point, internet, and the ability to learn other software and online systems as required; must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Previous experience working in a legal office is preferred but not required.

The successful candidate must also have a valid driver’s license and the ability to pick up and deliver documents to various courthouses and offices. To apply, please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs. Position open until filled.

Maintenance supervisor, facility and grounds Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, is seeking an individual for maintenance supervisor. This person is responsible for routine campus maintenance, including minor building repair; general maintenance; grounds maintenance; and support building operation activities. If interested, send resume to John Meyers at: jmeyers@popolathe. org or call (913) 747-7706.

Caregiver needed - Adorable elderly couple needs assistance with dinner, minor errands and medication preparation weekends and two evenings a week. Very flexible. Please call (913) 748-7502.

Parish coordinator - St. John Parish and School seeks a part-time parish coordinator. The parish coordinator will be responsible for the efficient use of parish facilities and managing supportive services. Candidates with one - three years of work experience and bilingual (English/Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com.

Position will be open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@ sjevangelist.com or mail to 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Head cheer coach - Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a head cheer coach for the 2022 - 23 school year. Interested applicants may email resume and cover letter to Mike Beaven, athletic director, at: mbeaven@wardhigh.org.

Catholic Cemeteries seeks bilingual family service adviser - Competitive wages and excellent benefits await the person who will join Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas as our bilingual (Spanish-speaking) family service adviser. Our attractive benefits include health, vision, dental and 401(k) plans. The family service adviser will have direct contact with clients to make pre-need and at-need burial and funeral arrangements. Hours will vary, but will usually be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with occasional Saturdays. In addition to speaking Spanish, the job candidate must have reliable transportation as the family service adviser will be required to meet clients at all nine of our cemeteries across the archdiocese. Please send inquiries and resumes to Bryan Alonzo, director of sales and marketing, via: balonzo@cathcemks.org.

Latin teacher - Christ the King School is seeking a Latin teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Partnering with parents in their role as primary educators, Christ the King School extends the mission of the church in forming true disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a Catholic classic liberal arts education centered on Christ, we provide an integrated approach, fostering a love for truth, beauty and goodness. We seek to instill a natural desire for wisdom and virtue in all students. We seek candidates who not only possess a deep understanding of Latin but also possess a love of lifelong learning. The ideal teacher at Christ the King has not only developed a level of mastery in the discipline that they teach, but also understands how that discipline belongs within the context of a strong liberal arts education. Classical languages give us access to a wealth of Western thought that aids in the formation of virtuous Catholic souls; therefore, six years of Latin (3rd – 8th grades) is not an elective, but is part of the core curriculum at Christ the King. Qualifications include: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred and reflected in compensation; mastery of subject matters to be taught, as demonstrated by references and education; two years of teaching experience preferred, with exceptions granted for outstanding candidates who demonstrate a record of effective leadership in a relevant field of work. The applicant must also possess a love of teaching, a passion for mentoring and a desire to continue in his or her own learning. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and CV to Cathy Fithian, principal, at: cfithian@ctkkck.org or mail to Christ the King School, 3027 N. 54th St., Kansas City, KS 66104.

Maintenance opening – Good Shepherd, Shawnee, has a full-time, benefit-eligible position to assist with the daily operations of the school and church. Prior experience in custodial work preferred; handyman, light repair and maintenance abilities helpful. Duties are highly physical and involve walking, standing, lifting and carrying at least 50 pounds. If interested, contact Brad Roder at: broder@gsshawnee.org or (913) 5635313.

Accounts payable clerk - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking an organized, passionate accounts payable clerk.. This position is responsible for managing all payable functions; analyzing and verifying documentation for proper approvals, authenticity, account coding designations and vendor statement reconciliations. Apply at: www.catholiccharitiesks.org/ careers.

Join the Santa Marta team - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe.

You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team. We are looking for part-time servers. Responsibilities include: serving meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and coworkers is required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session.

Part-time servers are normally scheduled for three to five shifts per week (evening from 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). Pay is $10 - $11 hourly rate depending upon relevant experience. Parttime associates earn paid time off for hours worked.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Marta team. Check out Santa Marta at: https:www.facebook. com/SantaMartaRetirement/.

St. Mary’s food kitchen manager - Do you have a calling to serve others? Do you want to feel fulfilled at the end of your workday? If you do, St. Mary’s Food Kitchen is seeking to hire a full-time manager. The ideal candidate has a calling to serve the hungry in an urban context. You will assist coordinators and volunteers from supporting religious organizations serve a delicious and nutritious meal to the underprivileged in Kansas City, Kansas. Reporting to the board of directors of Hot Lunch Service, Inc., you will need to have good communication (writing and verbal) and management skills. Experience in fund-raising, marketing and community outreach are beneficial but not required. Salary range is $35,000 to $50,000 based on experience and education. A college degree is preferred. Interested?

Please submit a current resume, letter of interest and references, along with contact information, to: hotlunchserviceinc@gmail.com.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: admissions counselor, ADN counselor, and Allied Health intake specialist and comptroller. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Live-in or live-out caregivers (assistants) - Looking for purposeful volunteer or paid work? Live-in or liveout caregivers (assistants) needed for all shifts with adults with intellectual disabilities. L’Arche Heartland has five residential group homes that house a max of five individuals, located in old Overland Park. Duties include but are not exclusive to: be responsible for the overall growth and direction of the home; foster appropriate relationships between all members of the home; foster positive and supportive relationships with families and professionals; attend community nights and other community events. Qualifications: a person who has lived or worked in a community with persons with disabilities preferred. A person with good organizational skills; good communication skills; and the ability to deal with conflict objectively. Have a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or equivalent.

Pass all required background checks; pass required pre-employment readiness evaluation. All training provided after hire: CPR/first aid; medication administration; rights and responsibilities — abuse, neglect and exploitation; emergency preparedness and documentation. Hourly pay for live-out assistants dependent on experience: range from $13.50-$15/hour. Perks for full-time employees: eight paid holidays; flexible hours available; health, dental, vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland), 401(k) and PTO. Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks.org Elementary school principal – Sacred Heart School in Ottawa is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership for the 2022-23 school year. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics and in good standing, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org. Deadline for applications is Feb. 11.

Faculty/adjunct faculty positions available - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served, has the following faculty job openings: Information systems faculty coordinator. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology and clinical nursing. Find job descriptions and details on: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Part-time companion needed - Looking for a kindhearted, energetic person to be a team player in our small, growing health care company. Must have reliable transportation. Job may entail driving clients to appointments, running errands and checking in on clients. Person must be personable. Able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a handson caregiving company. Some clients may be stand by assist. Only serious applicants please. Rate per hour will rise quickly for team players. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given.

Drug, background checks and COVID vaccine are mandatory. Perfect for retired employees ready to work part time, compassionate CNAs, or parents wanting to work while kids are in school. Call Jen (913) 530-1795. Clarkson Companion Care.

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 Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. 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.

Teacher - Holy Spirit School is seeking a certified math teacher or someone with a Kansas substitute license with the ability to teach geometry to a small group of advanced placement students. The current teacher will be on maternity leave from March – May 2022. The hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 6:45 – 7:40 a.m. Please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org if you are interested in learning more about this position.

FEBRUARY 11, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG Financial representatives - Knights of Columbus has full-time openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri for full-time financial representatives. Ideal for determined, disciplined, professional, high-expectation individual desiring to serve others. We work exclusively with the families of brother Knights and Catholic gentlemen who are eligible to join the Knights. We have established territories where agents devote their working day to the needs of the members in their assigned councils. Excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits are provided, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is a career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or possibly for someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon, general agent, at (785) 4088800 or email: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Math teacher - The students at Holy Spirit School need a terrific math teacher able to help them learn pre-algebra and algebra. Their current teacher will be on maternity leave from March – May 2022. So, if you have a Kansas certification or a Kansas substitute license with this mathematical ability, we would love to talk with YOU! This position will be Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org if you are interested in learning more about this position.

SERVICES Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Cleanup and hauling *Dirt grading/installation *Landscape design* Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Interior paining - 20 years’ experience; quality work.

Free estimates. Call or text (913) 206-4524.

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.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

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.

Remodeling - Renovates kitchens and bathrooms; tilework, countertops, drywall, custom cabinetry. Quality work. Call or text (913) 206-4524.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing.

Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Nelson Creations LLC. Home remodeling, kitchens, baths, basements.

All interior, exterior work. Licensed and insured.

(913) 927-5240 or: dknelson2001@gmail.com. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 12 after the 8 a.m. Mass

There will be a grief support meeting Saturday morning after Mass. The topic will be: “Moving on after a Loss.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

SOUP-R-BOWL SUNDAY LUNCH St. Mary Parish 9208 Main St., St. Benedict Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

Dine in or carryout available.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Bede Parish 7344 Drought St., Kelly Feb. 13 from 7:30 a.m. - noon

There will be pancakes, sausage and eggs. Dine in or carryout available. The cost is a freewill donation.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Joseph Parish 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Feb. 13 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

‘HEART SPEAKS TO HEART’ Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (center) 411 Pioneer St., Seneca Feb. 26 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Holy Angels Parish 520 E. 4th St., Garnett Feb. 26 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Sister Karolyn will unpack the four identities of the heart so that we may more deeply embrace how to live the truth in love and build the body of Christ.

There will be snacks and giveaways. No RSVP, no-cost adult attendance earns grant money for your rural parish youth ministry. Everyone is welcome: rural and

CALENDAR nonrural parishioners, parents, grandparents, youth leaders, DREs and catechists.

‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel Parish 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Feb. 16 (1st and 3rd Tuesdays)

We who have experienced divorce understand, as perhaps few other can. We too were sad, lonely, scared and angry but we have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, go online to: www.stmichaelcp.org/divorce-support.

DIVORCE SUPPORT: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 18 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

This ministry offers divorced individuals a place to grow their faith and learn how to find God’s call for future relationships. We offer a small group setting led by facilitators who have experienced divorce and successfully remarried. We will laugh, pray and learn together about the beauty of our church’s teaching of healing, theology of the body, annulment, dating and more. Contact Katie and Mike Palitto by email at: calledtolove143@ gmail.com or at: thecall2love.com.

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND BINGO 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.

Dinner and bingo are being sponsored by the St. Patrick Green Club. Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, breadstick, dessert, and tea or lemonade will be served.

The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids; and $30 for a family. For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING St. John the Evangelist (extra building) 200 W. 13th St., Lawrence Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required at: live-thelove.org. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 for more information about natural family planning classes offered by the Couple to Couple League.

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>> Continued from page 12 Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor.

Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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

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

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

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 - Double crypt at Gate of Heaven Cemetery inside Holy Redeemer Chapel; tier D, crypts 21 - 23. Today’s value $16,000. Make an offer. Call (913) 235-8822.

For sale - Double crypt at Resurrection Cemetery inside the Beautiful Queen of Heaven mausoleum and chapel; tier A-1, crypt 111. Beautiful finished wood exterior on lower level. Today’s value is $16,000. Asking $9500. Call (816) 215-2000.

For sale - Two plots for sale at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Section A, lot 7, spaces 8 and 10. Asking $2200 or best offer. Call Levita at (913) 730-8435.

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 Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

Wanted to buy - Cemetery plot in section 2 of Mount Calvary Cemetery. Call Frank at (404) 542-7860 or (678) 464-3023, or email: FCooper316@gmail.com.

REAL ESTATE Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it.

Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

Looking to purchase a home or sell your home? I am here to help you on your real estate journey! Tanairi Kennedy We Sell KC Team - Realty Executive. Call (913) 972-5097. or email: Tanari@WeSellKcTeam.com. See the website at: www.tanairiSellsKC.com. I appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

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.

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 The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers.

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

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Leaven attempts to screen advertisers and copy, but is not responsible for claims and representations made in advertisements.

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 13 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 17: 5-8 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 1 Cor 15: 12, 16-20 Lk 6: 17, 20-26 Feb. 14 Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop Jas 1: 1-11 Ps 119: 67-68, 71-72, 75-76 Mk 8: 11-13 Feb. 15 Jas 1: 12-18 Ps 94: 12-13a, 14-15, 18-19 Mk 8: 14-21 Feb. 16 Wednesday Jas 1: 19-27 Ps 15: 2-4b, 5 Mk 8: 22-26 Feb. 17 The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order Jas 2: 1-9 Ps 34: 2-7 Mk 8: 27-33 Feb. 18 Friday Jas 2: 14-24, 26 Ps 112: 1-6 Mk 8:34 – 9:1 Feb. 19 Saturday Jas 3: 1-10 Ps 12: 2-5, 7-8 Mk 9: 2-13

Cyril and Methodius Ninth century These Greek brothers were distinguished even before they became “the Apostles to the Slavs.”

Cyril taught in Constantinople and Methodius was a provincial governor. About 863, after ordination, they went as missionaries to Moravia, where they had considerable success, partly because they knew the Slavonic language. But their mission was challenged by Germans seeking to dominate in the area. In 869, Cyril died in Rome and Methodius was consecrated bishop and returned to his mission. He was imprisoned by the Germans for two years until the pope won his release. He died in 885. The brothers are associated with Mass in the vernacular, the Cyrillic alphabet and Slavonic literature. They are the patrons of ecumenists, Croatia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Europe.

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Rise up and become a RAKtivist

lthough the forecasted S n o w mageddon didn’t materialize last week, we did get a few inches of snow in Tonganoxie. When I eventually decided to venture out, I found my sidewalk shoveled, my car windows cleared and the area around my car cleaned.

This not-so-random act of kindness was done by the parish’s Knights of Columbus, who also took care of the sidewalks around the church.

I’m sure that they were not aware of it, but the Knights were anticipating Random Acts of Kindness Week, which is celebrated this year from Feb. 13-19. The movement apparently started out as a single day, Feb. 17, back in Berkley, California, in the early 1980s. Writer Anne Herbert penned that famous phrase — “Practice random acts of kindness and acts of senseless beauty” — that was popular on many bumper stickers

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FEBRUARY 11, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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.

ages ago.

We can never know when the smallest good deed will have a profound effect. This story, told of herself

by Mary Ann Bird, is a prime example: I grew up knowing that I was different, and I hated it. I was born with a cleft palate. When I started school, my classmates made it clear to me how I must look to others: a little girl with a misshapen lip, a crooked nose, lopsided teeth and garbled

speech.

When asked about it, I’d tell classmates I’d fallen and cut it on a piece of glass. Somehow, it seemed more acceptable to have suffered an accident than to have been born different. I was convinced that no one outside my family could love me.

There was, however, a teacher in the second grade whom we all adored — Mrs. Leonard. She was a short, round, happy and sparkling lady.

Annually, we would have a hearing test.

I knew from past years that as we stood against the door and covered one ear, the teacher sitting at her desk would whisper something and we

would have to repeat it back — things like “The sky is blue” or “Do you have new shoes?” Finally, it was my turn. I waited there for those words which God must have put into her mouth, those seven words which changed my life. Mrs. Leonard said in her whisper, “I wish you were my little girl.”

(Story adapted from “Mrs. Leonard,” found in William J. Bausch’s “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”)

How grateful I am for all the people who give of themselves around the parish in so many kind, usually unnoticed, ways. They’re the ones who unlock church doors, coordinate funeral dinners, change burned-out light bulbs, straighten up chairs in the worship center, count the weekend collection, launder altar linens, water flowers and plants, pick up trash in the parking lot . . . and so much more.

For us Christians, doing random acts of kindness — loving our

neighbor as ourselves — should not be limited to a day or even a special week in February. In fact, most of us need serious work in tackling those “sins of omission” — the many opportunities that come our way to do good that we don’t notice or choose to ignore.

This upcoming Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week is a wonderful time to start a new, good habit.

From sending a care package to a college student to leaving a positive review online for your favorite restaurant to thanking your child’s teachers to feeding birds in the winter — the opportunities, as well as the needs, are bountiful.

Why not start right now? Put down this Leaven and become an avid RAKtivist (a great word coined by the RAK Foundation).

Let’s inspire our world to make kindness the rule, rather than the exception. Ah, what a blessed world that would be.

There is no trust in God ‘and’

ur first reading this Sunday begins: “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jer 17:5). God’s word confronts us with a sharp “either/or.”

Either put your trust in God or put it in anything else. To trust God is to entrust your whole life to him. So there is no trust in God “and.”

Trust in God is not a matter of trusting in God and in my investments trusting God and my beautiful body my handsome body not God and my wife, parents, siblings not God and my network of friends colleagues comrades in arms sisterhood but God just God period.

Trusting God is not God and my gifts and talents not God and my ability to keep on keeping on not God and my knack for scoping out situations

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

and seeing my way forward not God and my intuitions and insights not God and my sports trophies professional awards community recognitions Bronze Stars not God and my high-salary job not God and my guns not God and my degrees.

It is not trust God and all the good things I’ve done all the people I’ve helped not God and the great kids I raised not God and all I’ve accomplished but God only God because in the end my life is in the hands of God God alone.

It is a blessing to see this.

But I can trust God only if God helps me.

I do trust you, Lord.

Help my lack of trust!

Make world, not worldliness, present in the church, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Consecrated members of secular institutes must strive to “come out of the sacristies” and bring Christ to the world, Pope Francis said.

In a Feb. 2 letter to Jolanta Szipilarewicz, president of the World Conference of Secular Institutes, the pope said the calling to go out in the world must also include “a commitment to make the world, not worldliness,

present in the church. This does not mean returning to the sacristy but being ‘receptive antennas’ that transmit messages” of hope to both the world and the church, he said.

The pope’s letter was written to commemorate the 75th anniversary of “Provida Mater Ecclesia,” Pope Pius XII’s apostolic constitution that recognized secular institutes as a form of consecration in the Catholic

Church. Pope Francis said the document was “in a certain sense, revolutionary” and since then, has led to the “development of many ecclesial movements and communities” in the church.

Encouraging secular institutes to continue to be a “creative and prophetic force,” he also highlighted the challenges they face in balancing the relationship between their secular and consecrated nature.

COLUMNISTS

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Take the opportunity this month to strengthen your marriage

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ot so long ago, the Kansas Department for Children and Families held town hall sessions to get feedback on marriage and family relationship needs.

Some of the people present expressed the idea that marriage and family relationships should not take so much work. I was surprised and a little taken aback by this attitude.

John Van Epp, Ph.D., and J. P. DeGance in their book, “Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America,” state: “People think . . . if their relationship requires intentional work, then there must be a problem.” Who wants to be seen as having a “problem” marriage?

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n the older liturgical calendar, this Sunday begins what is known as Septuagesima, a twoand-a-half week time of preparing for Lent.

While the calendar revisions following the Second Vatican Council did not retain this pre-Lenten period, Lent still begins in two-and-a-half weeks.

Are you ready?

We most often don’t think of getting “ready” for Lent, for, after all, Lent is the liturgical season during which we prepare for Easter, right?

Yes and no. Yes, Lent does prepare us for celebrating Easter.

We spend some penitential time making sacrifices and praying so that we may be able to rise with Christ in

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

My wife Barbara and I experienced our first marriage enrichment after being married for nine years. A priest and couple came to our parish to invite married couples to a Worldwide

Marriage Encounter weekend. I suggested to Barbara that we take the offer. Later, she said she was surprised at my idea. I didn’t tell her at the time but I felt like something was missing in our marriage.

Now, 41 years later, I thank God for the invitation given by that priest and couple.

Our renewed love also

opened our hearts to new life in three more children. What a gift!

We continue to seek a yearly enrichment.

Why? Because healthy marriages do require work!

There are many different ways to enrich your marriage: The Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend teaches a communication technique that allows you to share thoughts and feelings on any topic — even the “touchy ones” — and remain close. For more information, go online to: https://wwme.org.

The “Living in Love” enrichment has been experienced by nearly 1,000 couples in the archdiocese. Discover new ways to affirm the great gift God has given you in your spouse.

One couple married over 50 years asked why they had not heard this good news sooner!

The next enrichment is scheduled for March 26-27 at Church of the Nativity. For details and to register, contact Brad DuPont by email at: bdupont@archkck. org.

The School of Love offers support for daily couple and family prayer in a blog and a podcast. They also offer a collection of short, fun, relevant videos to get you laughing, thinking and talking about topics concerning faith, marriage and family.

These are preludes for a date night at home or before a dinner date.

They also offer quarterly date nights at local establishments, offering an inspirational talk on

some aspect of marriage, discussion and hors d’oeuvres as a set- up for a dinner date on your own. Go online to: www. schoolofloveusa.com.

On Feb. 13, the annual World Marriage Day Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at 11:45 a.m. at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. A reception will follow Mass.

Families are welcome.

Reservations are NOT necessary.

February 14 (Valentine’s Day) is the closing day of National Marriage Week. The theme is: “Called to the Joy of Love.”

These are just a few of the ways to intentionally strengthen your marriage that will bring joy and allow you to grow in love.

Lent is coming. Are you ready?

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of liturgy and sacramental life.

his resurrection on Easter Sunday and during the Easter season.

In this sense, Lent is a lot like Advent, the season which provides

us an opportunity to prepare to celebrate Christmas and welcome once again the Christ Child into our hearts.

But Advent also stands on its own, as it were, directing our minds to that time when Christ will return in glory. And Lent, like Advent, also stands on its own. We don’t keep Lent just

so we can keep Easter.

We observe the Lenten season so that we may direct our minds to being more like Christ.

And so I ask again: Are you ready?

Forty days is a long time, nearly six weeks.

Lent is an opportunity to form new habits, habits which will carry us far past the 50 solemn days of commemorating Christ’s resurrection from the dead, if we let them.

What we accomplish this Lent should mean that when we get to next Lent, we won’t have to start from where we started this year. We should be a good 40 days beyond where we were the year before.

For some, Lent might be like a great marathon race, from

ashes to the empty tomb, from death to life. Fair enough. All the more reason for us to take some time to prepare before beginning this race.

No one in a right state of mind would ever seriously think to run a race before training. To fail to do so would surely result in lots of pain and plenty of discouragement.

No one would ever want such physical frustration and torment. No one should ever want such frustration in the spiritual life, either.

How’s your prayer life? Your ability to deny yourself? Your concern for your neighbor?

The strong should plan to grow stronger.

The less strong should

know that now’s the perfect time to get moving forward.

The strong will want to limber up some in order to be able to try a higher level of discipleship than before. The less strong will want to warm up.

For those who feel completely out of Lenten shape, there’s no better time to begin than the present. Begin a daily conversation with God. Examine your conscience. Give up something and rework its place in your life so that, after Easter, things don’t just fall back into rest mode.

Call it Septuagesima — or call it simply getting ready for Lent. But prepare, for this race is one where everybody can truly be a winner!

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SCRIPTURE

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

16

As God’s people, justice should be our calling card

By Catherine Upchurch Special to The Leaven

T

he Gospel spiritual “Go Down, Moses” begins: “When Israel was in Egypt’s land, let my people go. Oppressed so hard they could not stand, let my people go.”

That spiritual and countless others testify to the conviction that our God hears the cry of the poor and the oppressed and does not sit idly by.

We are told in the Book of E xo d u s ( 3 : 7-1 0 ) that God witnesses the affliction of the slaves, hears their cries, knows well what they suffer and comes down to rescue and to lead them.

But notice this: God chooses to work in and through human beings to accomplish this purpose of liberation. God chooses to rescue the slaves from their suffering by sending Moses to Pharaoh, and then sending Moses, Miriam and Aaron ahead of his people into the wilderness. God chooses to end their oppression by removing them from Egypt and by entering into a covenant with them.

The story of the exodus and its surrounding events becomes the lens through which all of God’s actions are seen. While God is known in many ways, most fundamentally God is the great liberator. By making a covenant with those released from bondage, God reveals to them their own capacity for becoming like him. He acts with loving faithfulness, justice and mercy, and now expects them to create a community to do the same.

The Ten Commandments spell out what that looks like and how to live in right relationships: in three commands about loving God and seven commands about loving your neighbor.

The prophets of the Old Testament can be our guides in this regard. They do not waver in identifying systems that are sinful and in spelling out the consequences of misplaced loyalties (e.g., Is 10:1-3; Jer 7:5-7; Am 4:1-3).

They criticize shady business practices that hurt the poor the most, empty worship that does not transform the worshipers and attitudes that neglect basic human dignity.

The words of God through the prophet Amos ring true in every age: Take away from me your noisy songs; The melodies of your harps, I will not listen to them.

Rather let justice surge like waters, and righteousness like an unfailing stream.

(Am 5:23-24)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION OR DISCUSSION If we approached the Ten Commandments as an invitation to live in right relationships rather than a listing of sins to avoid, how might our attitudes and behaviors be affected?

On the level of personal relationships, how might you be an agent of God’s justice and righteousness?

They help us understand that a tangible sign of being in right relationship with God is living in a way that gives priority to building a society that is loving and just.

God used the prophets to help identify evil with the hope of conversion rather than mere retribution. We sometimes oversimplify and equate justice with punishment that fits the crime.

But God shows us a better way that can best be summarized by the words of Jesus: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. . . . [L]ove your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:38-39, 44).

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On the level of societal structures, how might Christians become agents of God’s justice and righteousness?

What could we be looking for? How could we address injustices?

What has this to do with justice?

Everything. Jesus echoes the message of the prophets of Israel who knew that justice (“mishpat” in Hebrew) had to be accompanied by righteousness (“tsedekah” in Hebrew). Righteousness might be understood as the right relationship we have been talking about. It is also a way of speaking about the moral will to do what is good — the just deed — that will build a community of right relationships.

Understood in this way, justice becomes a calling card of God’s people and a standard by which we evaluate our priorities. Our communities of faith become training grounds for transformation so that our attitudes and actions reflect God’s justice and

How often does your experience of worship lead you to perceive and act differently in your day-to-day life? What might you do to increase the connection between worship and justice/service?

righteousness. We learn to identify those who are neglected or oppressed, and to embrace the moral imperative to address the situations and systems that inflict harm. We try to resolve differences creatively and in ways that honor human dignity.

Far from tolerating evil, God’s justice, acting through God’s people, can transform it. This is a tall order. Our God is up to the challenge; with God’s grace, so are we.

Catherine Upchurch is the general editor of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and contributes to several biblical publications. She writes from Fort Smith, Arkansas.