02 14 20 Vol. 41 No. 26

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 26 | FEBRUARY 14, 2020

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Sister Carmela Sanz, SSM, congratulates Michelle Hersh, a member of St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, on becoming a member of the Lay Fraternity of the Sons and Daughters of St. Maria Soledad.

THEY’RE NUMBER 1

Sisters, Servants of Mary embrace first lay associates

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — How do you say “thank you” to the Sisters who were by your side during the sickness and death of a loved one?

Ed and Jeri Vogrin found a way in the chapel of the Servants of Mary Ministers of the Sick Provincial House in Kansas City, Kansas, during a special event on Jan. 25.

On that day, the Vogrins and five others stood before Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and made promises to become members of the Lay Fraternity of the Sons and Daughters of St. Maria Soledad.

They are the first lay associates in the history of the Sisters within the United States.

“This fraternity shares in our charism (spiritual gift and ability), spirituality and apostolate with the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Ed Vogrin receives the insignia of the Lay Sons and Daughters of St. Maria Soledad from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. To Vogrin’s left are Larry and Barbara Yoksh of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, who also became lay associates that day. sick and dying in their own homes,” said Sister Lucero Garcia, local superior.

Ed Vogrin learned about the Sis-

ters (commonly known as the Sisters, Servants of Mary) growing up in the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

These were the women religious who came to the homes of the sick and dying — regardless of faith — and nursed them there at no charge. His grandfather helped the Sisters get established in their first house when they arrived in this area in 1917, and his father would drive the Sisters to the homes of their patients.

“About 20 years ago, both of my parents became sick,” said Ed, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee. “The Sisters got involved in their care . . . and we saw firsthand their spirituality and charism.

As they cared for my parents, they cared for us, as family.”

Within a few short months in 2000, his wife Jeri’s older brother died, and both Ed’s mother and father died.

“I can say without a doubt that had it not been for the Sisters ministering to each one of us, it would have been very difficult,” said Ed. The rite of admission in the >> See “LAY” on page 6

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

2

Opposition to amendment cannot be defended on Catholic grounds

U

nfortunately, as of this writing, there is a stalemate in the Kansas Legislature over the passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment that seeks to return to the elected representatives of Kansas the authority to determine public policy regarding the protection of the lives of unborn children, as well as safeguarding parents from living with the incredible burden of being an uninformed participant in an unnecessary loss of life.

Governor Kelly’s outlandish claim that the passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment would somehow put Kansas in the “Dark Ages” is laughable, were not consequences of the failure to pass the amendment so deadly serious.

Evidently, the governor believes that the “Dark Ages” were as recent as less than one year ago. The amendment only returns to Kansans and their elected representatives the authority that they exercised 10 months ago, prior to the Kansas Supreme Court claiming to discover a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

Does anyone seriously believe the authors of the Kansas Constitution more than 150 years ago intended to protect a socalled right to abortion?

In the Jan. 16 meeting of the Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska Bishops with Pope Francis, the Holy Father stated that he poses two questions to those who support legalized abortion.

First, he asks: Is it ever right to kill a child to solve a problem?

Secondly, Pope Francis queries: Is it ever right to hire someone to kill a child to solve a problem?

The Holy Father, while acknowledging the bluntness of the questions, believes they make clear what is genuinely

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN at stake with each and every abortion.

Sadly, in the Senate debate, a Catholic senator from our archdiocese, Pat Pettey, in an effort to explain her opposition to the “Value Them Both” amendment, stated: “Kansans deserve the right to make their own personal, private medical decisions without government interference. A constitutional amendment would allow increased government overreach into our private lives. These measures are a violation of the core principles my Catholic faith teaches — namely, the priority of conscience, the importance of social justice and the respect for religious freedom. The Kansas Supreme Court reached a thoughtful and well-reasoned conclusion that protects every Kansan’s right to personal autonomy. I vote NO!” Sadly, Senator Pettey’s statement is fraught with multiple errors in logic and Catholic teaching.

1) The amendment does not allow the government to do anything more than exercise the same authority that it had less than one year ago before the court decision. How does such an amendment allow increased government overreach?

2) The senator misrepresents Catholic moral teaching on multiple levels. By invoking

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her Catholic faith for her reason for voting against the amendment, the senator actually created an even more serious moral problem for herself. The senator not only has misapplied Catholic moral teaching by her vote, but she is actually attempting to confuse others about church teaching.

3) Senator Pettey justifies her vote by invoking the “priority of conscience,” while ignoring the responsibility for the proper formation of conscience. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings” (1783).

4) Senator Pettey invokes the importance of social justice to rationalize her vote. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in the section devoted to social justice states: “Respect for the human person entails respect for the rights that flow from his dignity as a creature. These rights are prior to society and must be recognized by it. They are the basis of the moral legitimacy of every authority: by flouting them, or refusing to recognize them in its positive legislation, a society undermines its own moral legitimacy” (1930).

In addressing the issue of abortion directly the catechism states: “Human life must be respected and protect-

ed absolutely from the moment of conception.

From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person — among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life” (2270); “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of procured abortion.

The teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable” (2271); “Formal cooperation in abortion constitutes a grave offense” (2272); “The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation” (2273).

Sadly, the senator does not seem to understand that the right to life is one of the foundational principles of the church’s social justice teaching.

5) The senator invokes “respect for religious freedom.” Pope Francis in our Jan. 16 meeting reminded us that the protection of the life of the unborn is first and foremost a human rights issue, not a religious issue.

One does not need to have any religious belief to know that it is gravely wrong to take the life of another human being.

On the other hand, coercing Kansans to be complicit in abortion through payment of their taxes is a religious liberty issue.

The senator mischaracterizes the Supreme Court’s decision as thoughtful and wellreasoned. There is nothing thoughtful in the court’s trampling on both conscience rights and religious freedom of Kansans.

6) Finally, the senator makes the incredible claim that the court’s decision “protects every Kansans right to personal autonomy.”

The court certainly has not protected the autonomy of the unborn child. If the Supreme Court and the senator

Feb. 18 Envisioning Team meeting Confirmation — Mater Dei, Topeka

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 14 Groundbreaking for parish activity center — Curé of Ars, Leawood Feb. 15 Annual White Mass and reception — Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Kansas City, Missouri Pastoral visit — Holy Cross, Overland Park Feb. 16 Mass of thanksgiving for church renovation and altar dedication — St. Joseph Church, Topeka Feb. 17 Permanent deacon candidate pre-ordination interviews Confirmation for Leavenworth parishes — Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph, Leavenworth

think that they are really protecting women by disallowing the regulation of the abortion industry, I challenge them to view the movies “Unplanned” and “Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer.”

Next to the child, women are the group most victimized by abortion. In our Project Rachel post-abortion ministry, we see the devastation suffered by women, who were often pressured into an abortion by the child’s father.

Merely allowing the people of Kansas through their elected representatives to be able to decide public policy regarding abortion is not a return to the “Dark Ages.” Hailing the killing of our own children as a right does

Feb. 19 Mass — Hayden High School, Topeka Donnelly College board meeting Confirmation — St. Ann, Effingham Feb. 20 Worldwide Life Runners pro-life banquet — Omaha, Nebraska Feb. 20-22 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter council meeting — Omaha Feb. 23 Junior high rally Mass — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg Feb. 24 Adoration — Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison Finance Council meeting Confirmation — Curé of Ars, Leawood

envelop our culture in a terrible ethical darkness.

When a society not only permits the killing of children but coerces citizens to participate in the travesty of the most fundamental of all human rights, then as the catechism warns: “such a society undermines its own moral legitimacy.”

It is disappointing that we are four votes short in the House of Representatives from attaining the super majority required to place the “Value Them Both” amendment on the ballot for Kansas voters.

We must not yield to discouragement, but must persevere in our prayers and our advocacy.

The lives of children and the soul of our state hang in the balance!

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

COMBATING PREDATORY LENDING

Kansans for Payday Loan Reform coalition invites public to Feb. 17 hearing STORY BY MARC AND JULIE ANDERSON

T

OPEKA — It’s been called predatory lending, and it affects one in 10 Kansas adults.

That equates to 175,000 Kansans annually who use payday loans, a short-term but high-interest loan.

Also known as cash advances, they can wreak havoc on people’s finances for years because of the high interest rates they charge.

For example, in Kansas, payday loan companies can legally charge up to 391% interest.

The high interest rate means a simple $500 loan to cover one month’s rent can quickly grow to $1,955 and can keep growing, depending on one’s ability to pay back the loan.

That’s something Christy Grecian and Jim Johnson, both members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka and of the Kansans for Payday Loan Reform coalition, would like to see changed with the eventual enactment of payday loan reform.

Together with the Kansas Catholic

“

“THE TWO GOALS OF THE COALITION ARE ULTIMATELY TO GIVE PEOPLE MONTHS, NOT WEEKS, TO PAY BACK THE LOAN . . . AND TO LIMIT THE PAYMENTS TO ROUGHLY FIVE OR SIX PERCENT OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S INCOME.” Conference, the coalition has secured two informational hearings to be held on Feb. 17 at the Kansas Capitol and is inviting the public to attend the hearings.

Established in 2019, the coalition consists of two dozen members and is a grassroots movement supporting bipartisan legislation to protect Kansans from predatory lending practices.

Coalition members include, among others, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and the Missionary State Baptist Convention of Kansas.

Grecian clarified the coalition’s goals.

“The two goals of the coalition are ultimately to give people months, not weeks, to pay back the loan, which is typical of pretty much any debt you take on, and to limit the payments to roughly five or six percent of an individual’s income.”

Although the coalition would like to see traction on reform efforts during this legislative session or even next year’s, it’s thrilled to have secured the informational hearing.

“Legislators can actually get information about what’s going on,” said Chuck Weber, execu-

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

tive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

“An informational hearing is just what it sounds like. It’s information only,” he said. “We can bring up all the issues we feel are important — how payday loans are predatory and unfair and hard on working-class Kansans — but there’s not an actual bill that someone can ask about and debate and amend. It’s simply an informational setting where we bring in experts.”

The hearing will feature experts like Gabriel Kravitz, a senior associate with the Pew Research Center’s Consumer Finance project, who provides research and analysis on payday loans to policymakers, regulators and other state stakeholders. The hearing will also feature someone from the office of the bank commissioner to lay out the state landscape as far as current state policies, regulations and statutes. Weber also expects industry members to offer perspective.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

“Ultimately, we support payday loan reform. What we are trying to do is to use our expertise in the legislative process to get this moving,” said Weber.

This is an area, Weber said, for which the Catholic Church had been advocating for reform for many years.

The demand for payday loans, say members of the coalition, is high.

“Payday loans for a number of reasons are highly profitable for the owners of them, and the number of options for their clientele is very limited,” explained Weber. “Basically, it comes down to a payday loan in their neighborhood or a loan shark standing on the street. It’s a very tough spot where people are trying to work, trying to pay their bills, trying to pay their rent.

“Sometimes, they don’t have an uncle or aunt or a family member they can borrow from. And so, this is their one and only resort. It puts them in a very difficult spot, and it’s highly profitable for the payday loan industry.”

Grecian said customers often secure payday loans in times of trouble, but end up in worse financial shape.

From a Christian perspective, all three coalition members said it was an unacceptable practice that must be stopped.

“I want to add to this part of the conversation, too, that this area of social justice and payday loan reform is a priority issue with the current pope,” said Johnson. “He’s very aware of this, and he’s identified it as a priority.

“When it gets to a point where it’s normalized within the institutions and within our government,” said Johnson, “that’s a problem, and he’s identified that.

“We’re called to live that Gospel out, and we’re aware we have a responsibility.”

Grecian said she’d love to see more people get behind the coalition’s efforts.

“I think it would be great if people would read this article and come out and support us at the hearing,” she said.

“There’s a lot of division now, all around us,” she continued, “and this has the potential to bring good out of people and really bring people together for the right reason.”

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

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

4

BUILDING BETTER SCHOOLS

Program helps schools stabilize financially, increase enrollment

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

L

EAVENWORTH — “This is a passion for me,” said Rolly Dessert, board chair at Xavier Grade School here. “I think a Catholic school in a community is such a treasure that we’ve got to find ways to keep it going.”

Because Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann feels the same way, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is taking a proactive approach to making sure Catholic schools, especially those in urban and rural communities, are sustainable into the future.

The School Advancement Program (SAP), headed by Michael and Patty Morrisey, is at the heart of that goal.

“Catholic education is not going to get any cheaper,” said Michael Morrisey. “We’ve got to figure out a way to help parishes support these schools — and we’re not sitting on our hands in this archdiocese.

“We’re looking for better ways to conduct business in our schools, the end result being the sustainability of the schools and increased enrollment.”

Archdiocesan superintendent of schools Vince Cascone is 100% behind the idea.

“I strongly believe that every Catholic diocese in the country should have a School Advancement Program such as we have in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas,” he said. “We are blessed to have wonderful resources such as Patty and Michael Morrisey to work with our schools.”

Karen Hopson, principal of Holy Cross School in Overland Park, knows what the SAP means to struggling schools.

“It’s a game changer,” she said.

Three steps to sustainability The Morriseys formerly headed the Catholic Education Foundation and so are familiar with the schools in the archdiocese, particularly those challenged financially.

SAP is a three-year process involving three phases of development for the school.

The first phase involves setting up a business team of volunteers from throughout the archdiocese that understands and can help manage the business side of the school.

Phase two includes development and fundraising, and phase three encompasses enrollment management.

All phases of the program are undertaken in cooperation with the principal of the school and the parish pastor, but with a focus on giving them support in business matters, so they can concentrate on the curriculum and spirituality in the school.

The outcome is financial solvency for the school and enrollment growth.

Schools are recommended to take part in SAP through collaboration between the archbishop, the superintendent and the Morriseys.

“We look at every school in the archdiocese every year,” said Morrisey. “So, it’s based on need. That’s really what it comes down to.”

SAP is in its fourth year and now has 10 participating schools: Holy Family, Mater

The Our Lady of Unity business team joins the students from the school in Kansas City, Kansas, for lunch. As part of the School Advancement Program, business teams at various schools give advice on how the school can better manage the business side of their operation.

“

“WE’RE LOOKING FOR BETTER WAYS TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN OUR SCHOOLS, THE END RESULT BEING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SCHOOLS AND INCREASED ENROLLMENT.” Dei and St. Matthew in Topeka; John Paul II and Holy Cross in Overland Park; Resurrection, Holy Name, Our Lady of Unity and St. Patrick in Kansas City, Kansas; and Xavier in Leavenworth.

Family, to get a great education for its students and to allow them then to go to Hayden.”

Xavier School has also been on board with SAP from the start.

“There are about 15 of us,” said Dessert. “So, in a collaborative sense, we’re going to get some pretty good ideas once we start having discussions.”

The focus of those discussions is envisioning the future in a way that will enable the school to continue to thrive.

“We anticipate the needs and the requirements that are coming,” said Dessert. “We don’t have the luxury of tax dollars like the public system.

“We have to be looking at financial resources, how we get them and how we ensure good stewardship of those resources.”

A successful launch

Support for principals and pastors

Holy Family was one of the first schools to take part in SAP and board chair Dennis Lawlor said it’s been nothing but positives.

The board consists of 17 people chosen specifically to serve on committees that address the needs of the school.

When they invited people to serve on the committee, said Lawlor, it was with some knowledge of the individuals’ professional expertise in mind.

“We went after people with the specific mission to acquire the right talents,” he said.

The SAP program has helped Holy Family clarify its vision and strategically put the efforts of its volunteers behind the things that matter most.

The results have been positive, and Lawlor admits his gratitude for that is a little selfish.

“My wife is a teacher at Hayden High School [in Topeka],” he said. “One of the things [Hayden] needs is more kids coming from the grade schools — that’s what drives their tuition.

“So, our mission is to grow Holy

Knowing that the business side of the school is being monitored by business experts allows the principal and pastor to concentrate more effort on curriculum and spirituality.

Cally Dahlstrom was a new principal at Our Lady of Unity when she and pastor Father John Cordes contacted the Morriseys to ask about SAP. “We knew we needed some help with organization and fundraising,” she said.

In its first year, Our Lady of Unity already has 13 business team members, including Jerry Wonderlich from St. Michael in Leawood.

“Saint Michael is a Companions in Faith [parish] with Our Lady of Unity,” he said. “It’s rewarding to know we’re helping that parish make their school sustainable for the future of Catholic education.

“Each one of us has a little special business background that comes together to help them achieve that goal.”

Dahlstrom and Father Cordes meet with the business team monthly and also meet with several different committees.

“Right now, we’re working on marketing pieces and trying to restructure our vision and mission statements,” said Dahlstrom. “Those are difficult for me to get my hands around, with everything else on my plate as a principal.

“I’m so impressed with the talent that’s being shared with us and so full of gratitude for everything they’re doing for us.”

Hopson has experienced a similar positive outcome with SAP. “The Morriseys reached out to [pastor] Father Mike [Stubbs] and me,” she said. “They said the school office suggested reaching out to us to see if this would be a fit for our school.”

The Morriseys met monthly with Hopson and Father Stubbs to get to know the workings of the school and determine how it could build a business team.

“I was somewhat apprehensive,” said Father Stubbs. “I didn’t know, for example, if we’d be able to get business team members or not.

“And we have.”

Indeed, business-savvy people who believe in the value of Catholic education and the mission of Holy Cross were interested in supporting the effort.

“They wanted to be a part of seeing the school survive and thrive and grow,” said Hopson.

Father Stubbs has been to the business team meetings and one of the committee meetings concerning development and fundraising. So far, he’s impressed.

“It’s setting some goals for the school,” he said. “The plan is to increase enrollment as well as to reduce the parish investment that goes to the school, so that will help out the parish financially.”

Dahlstrom is already feeling the support of SAP. “Knowing there’s a group of us that’s working toward this goal has really been a huge blessing,” she said.

“It allows me to focus my priority on the curriculum and the teachers and what’s happening day to day in the building,” she added.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Gratia Plena supports women’s discernment

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

L LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Father Mark Goldasich speaks at Resurrection School’s Taste of KCK fundraiser. Father Goldasich noted the diversity of the school during a recent visit and how it led to a spirit of joy, welcome and respect at the school.

Resurrection School brings cultures together

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. – It was homecoming day for Father Mark Goldasich at this year’s Taste of KCK — an annual fundraiser for Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral here.

A native of the city’s Strawberry Hill district, Father Goldasich attended St. John the Baptist Grade School from 1959 to 1969.

“So, we consider him an alumnus of Resurrection,” said principal Lynda Higgins.

Resurrection was formed in 2007 from a consolidation of schools that included St. John the Baptist.

The school serves families from diverse ethnic heritages, and each was reflected in the menu of its eighth annual Taste of KCK. Father Goldasich, of Croatian descent, was delighted to see one of his all-time favorites — Croatian potato salad — on the menu, among many others.

And those old-neighborhood staples were complemented by traditional dishes from other Resurrection families like pulled pork barbecue, tamales, enchiladas, fried chicken, Polish sausage and Burmese soup.

When it came time for his keynote speech, Father Goldasich relied on the method of communication he’s most known for — storytelling.

While his audience enjoyed desserts as varied as churro cheesecake, povitica and rum balls, Father Goldasich told stories that illustrated diversity and acceptance of differences.

He said that a recent visit to Resurrection School felt a bit like he’d been to a little United Nations.

“I was so impressed with the children there,” he said. “They certainly had different nationalities, they came from different races, they had different cultures. But the spirit of joy in that school, the spirit of welcome, the spirit of respect I felt was

Help Resurrection reach its goal To help Resurrection reach its fundraising goal, visit the website at: www. rcskck.org/ and click the “Donate” button. Or join the fun at the school’s next fundraiser: Summer Sips for Scholarships Sunday, July 26 Boulevard Brewery 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri

just a beautiful thing.

“To me, it makes real what Pope Francis continues to talk about, and that is the culture of encounter.”

In a 2014 meeting with the bishops of Asia, Pope Francis talked about the importance of empathy in a continent of varied cultures, saying, “This capacity for empathy leads to a genuine encounter; we have to progress toward this culture of encounter in which heart speaks to heart.”

Father Goldasich echoed that sentiment, telling the audience that changing the world — changing people’s hearts — means sitting down with one another and speaking heart-to-heart.

“And one of the things we come to appreciate is that we’re all the same,” he said. “We’re all children of God. “We’re all brothers and sisters of Jesus, but we have unique heritages.”

The food shared that evening, he pointed out, was a wonderful example of the diversity we can all appreciate.

Father Goldasich praised Resurrection for preparing children to respect and love one another in acceptance of their diverse nationalities and cultures.

“If we can teach all children this lesson from a young age,” he said, “I think we have a real chance of moving away from the prejudice that unfortunately is so prevalent in our world.”

Father Goldasich told another story illustrating the importance of knowing God — not just with your mind, but with your heart.

The children of Resurrection, he said, learn more than the recitation of catechism answers.

“They’re here to know not about Jesus, but to know Jesus,” he said.

“They know Jesus as their friend, as their guide, as their protector.

“What that does is change the hearts of these children, so no matter what they do after they leave Resurrection . . . they’re going to carry that in their hearts.

“They’re going to carry the love of Jesus in their hearts and they’re going to know him as a friend.”

Father Goldasich concluded his remarks with a couple of stories about bringing light into the darkness and the contagiousness of a smile.

He called the students of Resurrection the light of the world, as we are all called to be.

“And just as we gather tonight, the joy that fills this room is electric,” he said. “It is light.

“It reminds us all we’re called to take this spirit out into the world.”

The evening’s celebration also included student speakers, who themselves illustrated the excellence in academics and spiritual development that Resurrection strives for.

In short presentations, they shared their experience at the school and their hopes for the future.

The Resurrection Legacy Award was presented to Church of the Nativity, Leawood, for its parishioners’ volunteer efforts at Resurrection School.

And Father Harry Schneider, who retired as pastor from the Cathedral of St. Peter in 2019, was recognized with a Lifetime Service Award.

At evening’s end, Resurrection had reached $100,000 of its $150,000 goal.

But as students circulated throughout the room with donation baskets in hand, Higgins reminded the audience that “we know, with God, all things are possible.”

ENEXA — At the first fundraising dinner of Gratia Plena House of Discernment for Women here, a simple pillowcase embroidered with a small cross was on display.

In her keynote speech, Sister Marie Hesed, SOLT, told the story of how the pillowcase came into her possession.

“Saint Teresa of Calcutta was my mother,” she said. “I was with Mother in Calcutta before her death.

“I was leaving for Africa on one of my missions, and I went by Mother’s room To supports its thinking that I mission, Gratia would not see Plena House of her alive anyDiscernment for more, to ask Women is raffling for Mother’s a School of Faith pilgrimage to the blessing.

Holy Land for “A Sister two. Raffle tickwas changing ets are $100 each her bed, and with a guarantee she handed that no more than me Mother’s 300 tickets will pillowcase.” be sold.

This FrenchRaffle tickets Canadian nun can be purchased from a small online through village in Feb. 29 by visiting: Quebec had gratiaplenaks.org ex p e r i e n ce d and clicking on an incredible “Events.” life, and she captivated her audience with tales of her journey.

She received her calling at her confirmation.

“The moment the bishop put his hand on my cheek,” she said, “I knew I was called; I was set aside.”

That began a life of discernment.

“I have 44 years of religious life and three different communities,” she said.

In her 20s, Sister Marie entered a contemplative cloister in Canada, but soon realized her call was to contemplative life in the heart of the world.

She met St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta in the Bronx, New York, in 1976, and had the honor of being the first candidate of the Missionaries of Charity Contemplatives.

With St. Mother Teresa, she spent 27 years establishing new convents for contemplative nuns.

During her missionary work, Sister Marie heard her own “call within a call” that led her to join the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) and establish the Domus Trinitatis Retreat and Renewal Center, located on 31 acres outside Carroll, Iowa.

“My life cannot be said in 20 minutes,” Sister Marie told her audience.

“It can be said in a few minutes because my life is simply the life of the tremendous love of God for me, and my awareness that I am deeply loved

by God.” Sister Marie spoke with passion, from her own experience, about the need for women to have support in their discernment. >> See “GRATIA” on page 6

Gratia Plena raffle

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Gratia Plena offers a spiritual environment >> Continued from page 5 “God calls every moment of our lives,” she said. “And he calls and knocks at the heart, it doesn’t matter how old you are.

“But you need the proper environment — not water, air and light, but rather a spiritual environment.

“Gratia Plena is a means to offer this spiritual environment.”

Located near the campus of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, Gratia Plena is a house where post-collegeage women live in community while growing in holiness and discerning God’s call for their lives.

Father Scott Wallisch, co-director of seminarians and Gratia Plena’s liaison to the archdiocese, echoed Sister Marie’s pleas for support of women discerning a religious vocation.

“There is one priest and assistant [in this archdiocese],” he said.

“Their full-time job is to help men discern.

“It didn’t take very long in my role to realize there is another half of the population that needed to discern their vocation.

“And we really didn’t have anything for them.”

Father Wallisch talked with women seeking to discern a vocation and, in the process, came to understand the need for more support.

“When I heard about the vision of Gratia Plena,” he said, “I was

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Sister Marie Hesed, SOLT, shares the story of her life of discernment at a fundraising dinner for Gratia Plena. overjoyed to know that women would finally have something local to help them.”

Kathleen Fox, director of Gratia Plena, also shared her own spiritual journey to establish a place where women could intentionally discern a vocation to religious life.

“Vocational discernment is difficult, especially in our culture today,” she said. “Living in community with other women who are also serious about discovering God’s will for their life is helpful on many levels.

“That is the main inspiration behind this leap of faith that I’ve taken.”

In its first two years, Gratia Plena has been supported by Fox, the women living in the house and a handful of benefactors.

But funding is desperately needed to sustain this ministry and help it grow in outreach.

Go online to: gratiaplenaks.org to learn more about the house, to apply for residency,or to make a donation.

Lay associates receive formation, ongoing training >> Continued from page 1 chapel came after a year of discernment and spiritual formation. Ten longtime volunteers who assisted the Sisters with transportation and fundraising were invited to become lay associates. Seven completed the process, and three remain in formation.

The laypeople made their promises after a Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the order’s foundress, St. Maria Soledad.

The first group of lay associates in the history of the order was formed in Argentina in 1997. Other groups were founded in several countries in the following years.

The first group in the Sisters’ Province of the United States (which includes Mexico and Canada) was formed in Puebla, Mexico, in 2006. The Kansas City, Kansas, group is the first group in the United States.

The lay associates were invited from among the guild volunteers who help the Sisters, said Sister Bernadette Proctor, who directed their formation.

“It’s a vocation, it’s a call,” she added.

“You know when it’s the right time.

“The lay people . . . are called to give themselves more. They commit themselves more to fulfill their baptismal promises to be a Christian, work in the world and to strive for holiness.”

Michelle Hersh, a member of St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, was introduced to the Sisters while her daughter was involved with the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas.

“Because of this love for [the Sis-

ters] that has developed over the years, I have been to every one of their convents in the United States — three in California, one in New York and one in New Orleans,” said Hersh. “I’ve been to the convent in Rome, in Cuba . . . [and two] in Spain.”

She became a volunteer 10 years ago, but, five years ago, felt a call to become a lay associate.

The yearlong formation consisted of learning more about St. Maria Soledad and the spirit and charism of the Sisters; a study of the sacraments; a deep dive into Scripture and various types of prayer (lectio divina, meditation and contemplation); and training in how to help and care for the sick and their families.

The lay associates participate according to their ability and availability.

Some of the seven new lay associates are retired nurses or certified nursing assistants and can perform personal care.

Those without any medical training can provide prayer and presence, and offer a respite to family members who need to rest or take care of other responsibilities.

Barbara and Larry Yoksh, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, are also among those who learned of the Sisters when they cared for a sick relative — Larry’s parents.

“We both have an affinity for helping the elderly and sick, people who need help,” said Barbara. “And the charism of the Sisters just spoke to our hearts.

“We got involved in their guild, which does fundraisers, and a year ago

Paving the way The first members of the Lay Fraternity of the Sons and Daughters of St. Maria Soledad • Paula Flattery-Aaron • Josephine Alvarado • Michelle Hersh • Ed Vogrin • Jeri Vogrin • Barbara Yoksh • Larry Yoksh

. . . they asked Larry and me if we’d go through a year of formation and become the first members of the lay association.”

Becoming lay associates has deepened their prayer and spiritual life, as well as strengthened their marriage.

“If you want to be in the presence of extremely humble and giving, caring and loving people . . . [seek out] the Sisters,” said Barbara.

“We were just completely drawn to them,” she continued. “Their charism is so beautiful and they live it so humbly.”

Although the first seven lay associates finished a year of formation before making their promises, they also have ongoing formation.

This consists of weekly meetings and monthly retreats. Additionally, they engage in other spiritual activities and disciplines, including daily Mass with the Sisters or at their parish, prayer with the Sisters, the rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours.

6

Robert and Joyce (Lazinek) Tuttle, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family cruise in July. The couple was married on Feb. 14, 1970, at St. Basil Church, Chicago. Their children are: David and Michael. They also have three granddaughters.

Carmen (Ramirez) and James Mott, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 22 with a renewal of vows and a reception with family and friends. The couple was married on Feb. 20, 1960, at St. Mary Church, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: James Mott Jr., Nancy Butters, Leanne Beissenherz, Penny Emory and Mark Mott. They also have 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ruth (Ramsey) and Gerald Higgins, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Feb. 16 with a dinner with their children and grandchildren. The couple was married on Feb. 13, 1960, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina. Their children are: Matthew Higgins, Maria Higgins and Marc Higgins (deceased). They also have three grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY

POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

Correction In Dr. Catherine Powers’ guest commentary in the Feb. 7 issue of The Leaven, there were two mistakes. The sections should have read as follows: “Again, it baffles me about the duplicity of medical liability, when I have been expected to maintain and resuscitate life in any premature babies at Children’s Mercy Hospital (greater than 22 weeks gestation may be viable). . . . And yet, the abortion industry is allowed to kill babies without any comparable liability. Currently, there are maternal-fetal surgeries being performed at Children’s Mercy Hospital for congenital abnormalities. Not only is the mother anesthetized for this intrauterine operation, but the fetus is given pain medication to relieve the hypersensitive pain response that would be detrimental to the baby’s welfare. Research has shown that babies greater than 18 weeks gestation have developed pain pathways. This especially concerns me when I hear about dismemberment procedures during abortion.”

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Don’t be intimidated by the size of the catechism!

By Olivia Martin Special to The Leaven

was released.

It’s written in Q&A format and is considered a hybrid between the Baltimore Catechism and the current catechism.

Also, in 2011, the YOUCAT — Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church — was published, offering the catechism in a format easily accessible to youth.

I

t can seem daunting.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church goes to impressive lengths to compile and articulate the essential teachings of our ancient faith.

But its 800-plus pages are read more often in seminaries and rectories than they are in people’s living rooms.

And that’s a problem.

“One of the big struggles of our time is . . . we don’t know the faith very well,” said Father Adam Wilczak, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner.

One of the best ways to change that, he suggests, “is to learn how to study, read on our own and take that into conversations with other people.”

Q: What is a catechism?

A: A catechism is a summary of essential and fundamental church doctrines. It is often used as an introduction to the sacraments and other church teachings or as a guide when answering questions about the faith.

Q: What role does the catechism play in the life of the church?

A: The catechism is a teaching tool — primarily for the bishops as teachers and pastors of the church.

It is also meant as a resource for teachers, catechists and priests — and anyone looking to know more about Catholic teachings and beliefs.

“It’s a good summary of our faith, of the key doctrines we hold close to us,” said Father Wilczak, “and it’s got a lot of good footnotes.

“It’s a great starting point if you have a question about what the church be-

with

FATHER ADAM WILCZAK

Pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner

lieves. You can go there and get a relatively quick answer, and it will also point you to other documents that will spend much more time exhausting it.”

Father Wilczak pointed out that as Catholics have started to grasp the faith on a wider, more intellectual level, the catechism has become a more popular tool.

“When I teach RCIA or other classes,” said Father Wilczak, “I try to get the catechism into other people’s hands and try to teach them how to look things up and use it as a tool themselves.”

Based on St. Robert Bellarmine’s 1614 “Short Catechism,” the Baltimore Catechism was mainly intended for teaching children the faith.

“The catechism we use now is a result of the Second Vatican Council,” said Father Wilczak. “St. John Paul II asked it be brought into existence.”

Father Wilczak said Vatican II produced lots of useful documents and helped breathe fresh air into Catholic theology. The updated version of the catechism was created to help all Catholics better apply the church’s teachings to modern times.

Q: Many older Catholics are most familiar with the Baltimore Catechism, which they studied in grade school. What was its origin, and was it the first catechism of modern times?

Q: How are Catholics to understand the relationship between the Baltimore Catechism and the current catechism today?

A: The Baltimore Catechism is known as a “minor catechism.”

“It’s in a simple questionand-answer format with short answers to help us understand the fundamentals of the faith,” said Father Wilczak.

The Baltimore Catechism was the first catechism written for Catholics in the United States and was widely used from the 1880s to the 1960s.

The main difference between the two lies in the level of detail it provides.

“Today’s catechism is a little more of an exhaustive level of teaching,” said Father Wilczak.

Since the release of the current catechism in 1992, supplementary catechetical texts have been released to increase the catechism’s accessibility.

For example, in 2005, “Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church”

Q: How is the new catechism meant to be read?

Do you read it from front to back? Or is it meant to be used as a reference book?

A: “Actually, you can do either,” said Father Wilczak.

“A lot of times when I’m teaching it or introducing it to people, I use it as a reference book.

“But you can also read it front to back.”

Doing so gives you a good foundation, said Father Wilczak.

Q: How can the average Catholic benefit best from the catechism in his or her daily life?

A: “Just pick one up,” said Father Wilczak.

Father Wilczak also encouraged people to use it to prepare for Sunday Mass.

“In the readings there are always teachings from the Gospel . . . so look them up in the catechism. Just try to be active in expanding your knowledge.”

And he said to start conversations based on what you read in the catechism.

“Prayer and conversation are two great promptings to start to open up the book a little more often,” he said.

Q: If someone has never read from a catechism, which version would you recommend they start with?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church can be purchased online, from major book dealers, Trinity House Catholic Books and Gifts in Overland Park and other Catholic bookstores.

A free online version of the catechism is available at: www.usccb.org.

• Click the “Beliefs and Teachings” tab.

• Click the “What We Believe” tab.

• Click the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” tab to the left on the page.

A: “I recommend the big one,” said Father Wilczak.

“Just like anything else we do in life, it might feel a little over our heads for a while, but the best way to get used to it is to wrestle with it.

“When we’re learning to walk, we do more falling than we do taking steps. Eventually, we learn how to walk.”

If you need help reading your catechism, Father Wilczak recommends asking a priest or an RCIA teacher to help.

“Try not to be intimidated,” he urged.

“Don’t be afraid to pick it up and fumble through it for a while,” he added.

Erin Barrett, Agent www.insurewitherin.com

Call or Text: (913) 648-1100 | erin@insurekcmetro.com | St. Joseph Parishioner 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee, KS 66216 | Bishop Ward Alum

‘We have to go out and get to them’

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Around five years ago, Kay Schmidt hit a roadblock in her faith life.

“I sat in the pew [at church] thinking there has

to be more,” she said.

It wasn’t until she and her husband Brian, parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Olpe, traveled to Rome a short time later that Kay’s faith was transformed and she was moved to do more.

“In the last five years, I’ve done so much more and I have so much joy in my life,” said Kay. “I know it’s because I did more than sit in a pew and wait for God to come to me.

“I had to go after it.”

This past October, the Schmidts joined around 1,500 other Catholics at the “Enflame Our Hearts: Be Disciples, Make Disciples” convocation in Overland Park.

For three days, delegates representing every archdiocesan parish were inspired by speakers, shared their own faith journeys and learned new ways to evangelize at the parish level.

To close the historic event, Archbishop

Crowds to three Who are your three and 12? Where is your child’s or spouse’s faith development? Not sure?

A powerful new video tool called “30 Minutes to Deeper Discipleship” can get you up to speed in the same amount of time it takes to watch a sitcom.

This month, a free 30-minute online experience on the Enflame website will be unveiled. It will coach individuals on the high points of new and ancient evangelization wisdom.

The purpose of the site is simply to leave individuals feeling more confident in joyfully sharing the faith with children, family and friends. Praying for, deeply caring for and sharing abundant life with those in our heart, home and community can become second nature. Start or accelerate your discipleship journey with “30 Minutes to Deeper Discipleship” online at: www.archkck.org/enflame.

Joseph F. Naumann commissioned his flock to “go forward to bring the good news to the lowly, the brokenhearted, the doubtful, the despairing and all who seek the truth.”

Afterward, Kay felt renewed yet again to follow that call. Since then, she and her fellow delegates have made great strides in their evangelization efforts.

“We can’t just wait for people to come to us,” said Kay, “we have to go out and get to them.”

Convocation in a box Several parishes have created their own convocations to mimic the atmosphere they experienced at Enflame and share it with even more parishioners.

“It’s really hard to put into words the feeling of being in that environment and sharing the love of Christ with so many people,” said John Milburn, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence.

St. John delegates wanted to give more parishioners that feeling, so they hosted an event on Dec. 14 with the theme “Heart, Hope and Community.”

The day included delegate testimonies, small group sessions and a video from the Enflame convocation.

“We tried to show that living the faith and sharing it and being there [for others] is really what evangelization is all about,” said Milburn.

Milburn knew the day was successful when he discovered the event inspired a fellow parishioner, who in the past had been particularly critical of parish events.

“He wants something that’s going to be really meaningful, have an effect on people and do something that’s lasting,” said Milburn. “I knew that when he signed off on this, we had something going.”

Church of the Ascension in Overland Park held its own convocation Jan. 25, and parishioner Laura Haeusser hoped it replicated Enflame as much as possible.

“It was so amazing to see all of our priests there and people from all the different parishes throughout the whole diocese,” she said.

The Ascension convocation included video excerpts from Enflame’s keynote speeches, live witness talks and campfire discussions.

Msgr. Tom Tank, the parish’s pastor, also spoke about his vision for Ascension.

Haeusser shared with attendees tools for evangelization and encouraged

Parishioners at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park gather for a campfire session at the parish’s co

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Laura Haeusser, a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, spoke at Ascension’s own convocation Jan. 25. The event brought in around 200 people, and Haeusser hopes it left them inspired to be a stronger parish.

“

“IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, I’VE DONE SO MUCH MORE AND I HAVE SO MUCH JOY IN MY LIFE. I KNOW IT’S BECAUSE I DID MORE THAN SIT IN A PEW AND WAIT FOR GOD TO COME TO ME. them to do simple acts of kindness, like “ask the nosy question” to find out how someone is really doing and “tell someone you’re bringing them dinner; don’t just offer.”

The event brought in around 200 people, and Haeusser hopes it left them inspired to be a stronger parish.

“I hope the Ascension community will be more intentional about getting to know others and ultimately sharing our faith with others,” she said.

Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park is looking forward to its own convocation, which youth minister and confirmation coordinator Doug Leikam said will be a gift for parishioners.

“So often, there’s another appeal for money,” he said. “We wanted to give a gift that will be more [like a] retreat.”

The event will be broken up into three days of two-and-a-half-hour sessions and will offer eucharistic adoration, lectio divina, a renewal of baptismal vows and breakout groups.

“The convocation is a time of prayer and formation,” said Leikam. “This isn’t

How to implement Enflame At the heart of the Enflame movement, organizers say that praying, caring and sharing are the keys to evangelization. Here are a few ideas for how to implement each one in your own life or at your parish.

Prayer • Start a rosary group with your neighbors, friends or family.

• Tell a friend you’re praying for them.

• Create a weekly Bible study.

• Sign up for a Holy Hour at your parish.

• Implement a prayer chain through email or text.

• Participate in the 1% prayer challenge (found online at: www.evangelical catholic.org/onepercent).

Care • Volunteer at parish events or projects that give back to the community.

• Offer child care when a friend is sick.

• Bring a home-cooked meal to a family experiencing loss.

• Thank your pastor after Mass.

• Offer a smile or quick hello to those in your pew at church.

• Send a card when a fellow parishioner loses a loved one.

• Take time to listen to the people around you.

Share • Create small prayer groups to share your faith journey with others.

• Give a talk at your parish about your own testimony or a pilgrimage you’ve attended.

• Engage in meaningful conversations with parishioners after Mass.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

onvocation on Jan. 25. The event was an offshoot of the archdiocesan convocation held in October 2019.

‘It’s very personal. It’s very small’

“E

verybody wants to be part of a strong and vibrant parish. Everybody wants to show up to Masses and recognize people,” said Emily Lopez.

“They want to have great music and great preaching and this beautiful culture where they’re welcomed with great hospitality. There’s no reason every one of our parishes can’t be that,” she said.

Lopez and Deacon Dana Nearmyer, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization, hope within the next three years archdiocesan parishes do even more to carry out the mission sparked by Enflame.

“We’re very excited about the reaction that parishes have had [so far],” said Deacon Nearmyer.

something where we’re hoping to jump into new programs.

“It’s primarily the reiteration of the call of Christ in their life to go and make disciples.”

For Leikam, evangelization is very simple.

“A part of being Catholic is we are called to [offer] this external gift of self in reaching out,” he said. “Who has the Lord put in my life already that I can walk with?”

Leikam hopes Holy Spirit parishioners will be inspired to “put to practice the art of giving your life in walking with [others].”

Parishes are also incorporating various aspects of Enflame at their parish missions. For Christ the King in Topeka, that means a particular concentration on prayer.

“If we’re focused on prayer, it allows our hearts to be more open to God and the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts,” said

“We want to shift the lexicon of evangelization to listening, to prayer, care and share, to simplicity,” he said.

“It’s very personal. It’s very small.”

Lopez wants parishioners to know “you have a vital role in the church,” she said.

“And if we don’t lean into that with the fullness of the gifts we’ve been given, then we’re not allowing the Holy Spirit to really enflame our parishes in the way God best intends.”

The official Enflame website offers resources, an opportunity to share your story and merchandise. Visit: www. archkcks.org for more.

For questions, call Deacon Nearmyer at (913) 647-0331 or Lopez at (913) 6470323.

parishioner Bridget Heier.

Beginning with that foundation, Christ the King’s upcoming mission will be a three-night event featuring guest speaker Emily Lopez, lead consultant for adult evangelization in the archdiocese.

The event will also include eucharistic adoration, time for conversation and small group breakouts.

“I believe everybody has depth to grow and to deepen your relationship with God,” said Heier. “So, we really want people to look at their prayer life and look for a small way they can deepen their faith.”

She also hopes the mission will “plant some seeds that will help develop holy friendships that can create a more vibrant community at Christ the King.

“We’re hoping to ignite a flame where there’s greater movement and communication and connection with [our parishioners],” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Christine Bial, an Enflame delegate from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, presents her testimony during the parish’s convocation-inspired event Dec. 14, 2019.

A season for mercy, prayer and evangelization Lent is an opportunity for parishes to grow in a special way. This year, Enflame inspired pastors and parishioners in the archdiocese to do even more.

At St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, the theme “Move at the speed of prayer” will carry parishioners through a fruitful Lenten season.

The parish will take on the 1% prayer challenge (found online at: www.evangelicalcatholic.org /oneper cent) and spend 15 minutes (1%) of their day in prayer.

John Williams, director of Christian formation and evangelization at St. Michael, put it this way: “It isn’t about the next program, but about their relationship with Jesus, which is prayer.”

“Rooted in this reality, they will better serve their homes and better serve their communities,” he added.

Father Brian Schieber, pastor of St. Michael, said “evangelization begins with prayer.”

“The first step is to invite Jesus to enflame our hearts,” he said. “We cannot give what we ourselves have not first received. If we want to share Jesus with others, we must first take seriously our own relationship with Christ.”

Father Schieber hopes parishioners will use the challenge “to read the word of God, reflect on it and then make a res-

olution to live [it] out for the day.”

St. Michael will also offer three prayer workshops on Wednesday nights during Lent at the same time as reconciliation is available.

“The Lenten season brings with it a heightened sense of awareness,” said Williams. “The heightened sense of awareness, plus the length of time, provides an opportunity to plant a seed.”

“The Holy Spirit can do amazing things in people, so we really want to use this time to facilitate an encounter with Jesus or an experience of faith,” he said.

St. Joseph in Olpe was also eager to inspire parishioners in a special way during Lent. The parish will host a conference in Emporia featuring Patrick Madrid.

Although it’s hosted guest speakers each Lent for a few years, Brian Schmidt said the parish was inspired by Enflame to do something bigger this year.

“I wanted to bring something in so the whole Southern Region could all come together,” said Schmidt.

“We’re a small parish,” he continued.

“We can do our part, but we really need this whole area to work together.”

The theme of the event is “Why Be Catholic?” and the day will include talks and an open forum Q&A workshop.

“I think it’s critical [in order] for us to be able to evangelize to understand why we’re Catholic,” said Schmidt. “Because if you don’t have that knowledge, you can’t really share it.”

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

10

Making a difference in Appalachia is ‘a privilege,’ says Sister

By Karen Adams Catholic News Service

C

LINCHCO, Va. (CNS) — When Sister Bernadette “Bernie” Kenny, a religious in the Medical Missionaries of Mary, brought her nursing skills to Appalachian Virginia in 1978, she was startled by the long and steep distances between towns.

But the Boston native soon found that driving those routes to provide health care changed her perception: they seemed shorter because they were familiar.

That image also fits her career of caring for the people in the southwest corner of the state, very few of whom are Catholic: first they were far apart, and now they are closer.

Sister Kenny has written a book about her experience titled “Better for Being With You: A Philosophy of Care,” released in December by Pacem in Terris Press.

“Every day, somebody in need comes in my path, and it is a privilege to make a difference for them,” said Sister Kenny, 81, a nurse practitioner who served in Ireland and East Africa before arriving in Virginia. “I believe God calls me in that way, in the number of people I can help.”

“Better for Being With You,” which is Sister Kenny’s reply when people ask how she is, is a blend of autobiography, medical handbook, cultural chronicle and journal of spiritual reflection.

It describes Sister Kenny’s longtime work with Remote Area Medical services as founder of the Health Wagon, a Wise County-based nonprofit organization with a mobile medical unit that, since 1980, has traveled mountain roads in all kinds of weather to provide health services to the medically underserved in southwest Virginia.

The Health Wagon, the first mobile health clinic in the nation, serves areas

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY TAUNA GULLEY

Tauna Gulley and Sister Bernadette “Bernie” Kenny, co-authors of “Better for Being With You: A Philosophy of Care,” pose for this undated photo. Sister Bernie is a religious Sister with the Medical Missionaries of Mary. with poverty rates 70% to 140% higher than the rest of Virginia, an area where chronic unemployment, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, injuries and suicide are higher than elsewhere in the state.

Struggles with substance abuse, addiction and depression are significant.

Infant mortality rates have been high but are improving, through education and access to care.

The book also describes how Sister Kenny’s work has blessed her own life and how so many area people, Catholics and non-Catholics, work together to help others.

One of those colleagues is Tauna Gulley, who holds a doctorate in education and is a nurse practitioner, educator and Sister Kenny’s co-worker for more than 30 years — and a Southern Baptist minister’s wife — and co-author of the book.

The two friends spoke by phone to The Catholic Virginian, newspaper of

the Richmond Diocese. They were in the kitchen of Sister Kenny’s “log cabin on the side of a mountain, in a coal camp,” as the religious Sister described it, in Clinchco.

Even though Gulley lives in Clintwood, a winding 10 miles away, she calls herself a neighbor.

“We wrote most of the book sitting right here at Sister Kenny’s kitchen table,” she said with a laugh.

The two began writing in September 2017; the book has been well-received by the community.

“It holds so many truths about our area, the challenges and how we can offer solutions,” Gulley said. “People are excited to be part of it and tell their stories and share what the care has meant to them, to know that someone cares about them.”

Another goal of writing the book is to have it read among the nursing, medical and social work communities, including

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

students in those fields. The emphasis on respect and dignity runs throughout.

“Very often I hear people call upon Jesus to give them strength, and that strengthens my own faith,” she said.

“But it doesn’t matter which church people attend, or if they go at all. We all have the same God.” With recent health challenges of her own, she has retired from the Health Wagon but still works part time to maintain her nurse practitioner’s license. Several days a week she is at Appalachian Family Care, a low-cost health clinic at the Food City grocery store in nearby Vansant, run by a nurse, Frannie Minton, and her family, who also are Catholic.

Sister Kenny and the clinic staff treat minor injuries and illnesses, prescribe and refill medications, provide exams, check blood pressure and blood sugar, administer flu shots and advice, refer people to other resources, and more.

She sometimes even walks the grocery aisles with clients to help them choose affordable and healthful food.

A recent Medicaid expansion is helping many more people in the area, she said. A clinic in Clintwood named after Sister Kenny is being built this year.

“We’re working to break the cycle of fatalism,” she said. “People see their neighbors improving, and they want to learn how their lives can improve, too.”

After so many years of building friendships, growing trust, offering service and education, Sister Kenny said the area feels like home now.

Through it all, she said, God has been with her.

“There are ‘aha’ moments when I know that’s God, it’s not me,” she said.

“I see supplies and medications show up in our cupboard after I was sure we didn’t have what we needed. I see people getting better after I thought they were going to die. That’s God at work.”

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

11

Patriarchs share concerns of Christian survival in the Middle East

By Doreen Abi Raad Catholic News Service

B CNS PHOTO/ELOISA LOPEZ, REUTERS

Following confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Philippines, passengers wearing protective masks arrive at the departure area at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila Feb. 5.

Bishops try to prevent coronavirus outbreak

By Ryan Harms Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the bishops of the Philippines have asked Catholics to receive Communion only in the hand, to refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and to regularly clean out holy water fonts.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines also sent every parish an obligatory prayer to be recited “after Communion, kneeling down,” asking God to protect people from “the 2019 N-coronavirus that has claimed lives and has affected many.”

Fides, the news agency of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, reported on the guidelines and prayer, which were released in late January.

The Catholic Church has issued safety precautions to aid in limiting the spread of the coronavirus, according to Fides, the news agency for the Evangelization of Peoples.

These safety measures, while necessary, may prove disconcerting to traditional Catholics.

The church directs its followers “to follow the health recommendations of experts in order to prevent the spread of the disease.”

Parishes are cautioned to observe specific actions during Mass.

The Eucharist should be received

by hand rather than mouth. Cloths should be placed over the screens of confessionals.

Holy water should be routinely inspected and changed out of holy water fonts. Parishioners should refrain from holding hands during the “Our Father” and avoid shaking hands during the Sign of Peace.

Members of the faithful also offered the “Oratio Imperata,” during Mass at Catholic churches in the Philippines.

“God our Father we come to You in our need to ask Your protection against the N-coronavirus that has claimed lives and has affected many.”

The prayer was endorsed and issued by the Filipino bishops in hopes of quelling the spread of the coronavirus.

Pope, Ukrainian president talk about peace

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — After meeting Pope Francis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy tweeted that he was inspired by their discussions about peace.

The pope, he said in the Feb. 8 tweet, “does everything possible to bring peace and harmony to the whole world.”

Pope Francis and Zelenskiy spent about half an hour meeting privately before the Ukrainian president met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

Zelenskiy said he asked for the pope’s help “to liberate the Ukrainians imprisoned in Donbass, Crimea and Russia.”

Russia annexed Crimea in early 2014 and, shortly afterward, Russian-backed separatists began fighting Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine in the area known as Donbass.

A Vatican statement about Zelenskiy’s visit did not mention what the pope and president spoke about; however, journalists present in the room

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 8. said Pope Francis gave him a medal of St. Martin of Tours, telling him the saint “helped people who were needy and in difficulty.”

The pope added that “in a difficult situation like war, I hope St. Martin will protect your people,” the journalists reported.

EIRUT (CNS) — In a private meeting with Pope Francis, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East had an opportunity to sound the alarm regarding the survival of Christians in the region as a result of persecution, extremism, economic insecurity and immigration to the West.

They provided Pope Francis with an overview of the general conditions of their countries and regions — Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Egypt and the Holy Land — particularly wars and crises that have led to the emigration of Christians and the need to follow the faithful pastorally in their adopted Western countries. They also presented the pope with a more detailed memorandum at the Feb. 8 meeting at the Vatican.

The Vatican did not comment on the meeting, but, in a statement, Cardinal Rai said he was “very happy” about the Holy Father’s awareness and concern regarding the churches’ affairs in the Middle East and the issues they face, as well as “the importance of the presence of Christians, their role and mission” in coexisting with Muslims.

Cardinal Rai said the meeting “was an occasion to emphasize the importance of the word and stance” of the pope “to our Christian peoples and our region, which live a model of coexistence with Muslims to build our homelands and preserve their rich heritage” as well as to stress the role of the Holy See “and its diplomatic relations with the international family in order to put an end to the wars and conflicts that our Arab world suffers from.”

Syriac Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan noted that “in an atmosphere of frankness, respect, and appreciation,” Pope Francis reassured the patriarchs “that he was closely concerned with the situation in the Middle East, and he endeavored with all his strength to stop the powerful of this world from interfering in the affairs of the Middle East region.”

Patriarch Younan reported the pope also feels people have legitimate rights to have honest governments that respect citizens and seek the good of the homeland.

The patriarch added that Pope Francis said he would continue to defend Syria, “which is always in his heart and mind.” He said the pope reiterated his desire to visit Iraq but noted he cannot at this time.

The other patriarchs at the meeting were Iraqi Cardinal Louis Sako, Chaldean patriarch; Melkite Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi; Armenian Patriarch Gregory Peter XX Ghabroyan; and Coptic Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak.

Their meeting with the pope Feb. 8 was followed by a working meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT High school principal - Bishop LeBlond Catholic High School is accepting applications for the position of principal.

The principal leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence, but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. Regular duties include: lead and facilitate the church’s teaching mission and provide for religious development of the school community members; identifies, implements and monitors annual goals and strategies to ensure the overall quality of the academic program; and supervise students and faculty, financial processes and maintenance programs. Candidate must have a master’s degree, state certification and previous experience, be a practicing member of the Catholic Church, have a minimum of three years’ teaching experience in a Catholic school, and have state certification/license in administration. To apply, go to: careers.hireology.com/the catholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph and click on “Jobs for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph” then scroll down and click on “Principal - Bishop LeBlond High School.”

Bus drivers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and social-emotional development, children grow with us, build confidence, and a strong self-esteem. At Special Beginnings, we believe providing the right environment will give children the foundation to be successful in life. Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking a part-time bus driver (15-20 hrs/week; no weekend hours) of a 15-passenger bus to drive children to school and/or pick them up after school. Duties include: safely transport children to and/or from school following ALL safety & security procedures; safely transport children to and from field trips and other off-site activities; follow a planned route on a time schedule; help children get on and off the bus; ensure children stay in their seat at all times; follow traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations; carefully navigate roads and watch for ice, debris or slippery spots; report accidents immediately; maintain “clean” driving record during off hours. We require the following: driver must be at least 25 years old (due to insurance requirements) with a “clean” driving record for at least 2 years; pass a background check; must maintain and practice safe driving and have a “clean” driving record; have patience and understanding when working with children ages 5-12 years old; enjoy working in a child friendly environment. Benefits: competitive benefit package; excellent support and training from an experienced leadership/management team; pay: $11-15/hour depending on experience.

Principal - Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth is seeking an innovative school principal to assume responsibility for the spiritual and academic leadership of the school. The successful candidate must be a practicing Catholic and hold a master’s degree in building leadership (or be in the process of obtaining the same), possess or be eligible for PK-12 building leadership licensure and have a minimum of five years’ teaching experience on a professional license. The successful candidate will be able to: lead ongoing professional development and school improvement; be a team-builder, able to lead an innovative and academically rigorous 21st-century curriculum that assures success for all students; employ collaborative practices to engage all stakeholders in the mission of the school; have an accessible and approachable leadership style; and have a willingness to relate to all constituencies while being extremely visible and interactive at school and parish events. Xavier Elementary is an accredited school located in the Kansas City metro area in Leavenworth. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or email to: vcascone@arch kckcs.org. Deadline for applications is March 13.

Marketing and communications manager - The Catholic Education Foundation is seeking a creative, highly organized marketing and communications manager to be responsible for planning and executing integrated marketing and communications efforts for our growing Catholic nonprofit organization. This new position is responsible for planning, executing and optimizing communications in a variety of media and developing marketing materials for special events and other agency campaigns. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience; a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications or journalism, with graphic design experience; be a practicing Catholic; have strong written and verbal skills; and experience in managing content development and publishing in digital and print media. The manager will collaborate with school, parish and key constituencies; develop and publish content; and manage production and performance of web, digital and direct response marketing to benefit fundraising and public relations efforts. This position offers competitive salary and benefits, growth and professional development opportunities, and the benefits of a faith-based working environment. To apply, send a letter of interest and a resume to Vince Anch at: vanch@archkck.org.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. School secretary - Full-time secretarial position in the early childhood center. The candidate should have good interpersonal skills, computer skills necessary for office work and a record of reliability. A background check and CPR/first-aid training required by state; child care workshop required by the school. If interested, please contact Ms. Theresa at (913) 248-4589.

Director of communications - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has an opening for a full-time director of communications. This position comes with great responsibility for managing communications of the bishop and the entire diocese, as well as serving in the role of official spokesperson. This position is responsible for leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy for the diocese and will oversee all public relations activities. An undergraduate degree in communications, public relations or related field is required. A minimum of seven years’ experience in nonprofit and/or corporate communication/ marketing that includes electronic, social and print media work, with a minimum of five years’ managing a communications/marketing staff and function are also required.

The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off and a defined benefit pension plan.

For a full job description and to apply, visit the “Job Openings” page at: www.kcsjcatholic.org.

Chief executive officer - Catholic Charities of Kansas CitySt. Joseph is recruiting a new chief executive officer. The 140-year-old nonprofit is a multiservice organization dedicated to serving and lifting the poor and vulnerable in the 27 counties within the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Together with the board, the chief executive officer is responsible for the organization’s overall success and will lead the staff, engage the board of directors and expand the financial resources to help the organization lift people out of poverty. We seek a dedicated and practicing Catholic, master’s, prepared with 10+ years’ successful high-level leadership experience in a senior management position. Qualified candidates should send a resume to Dan Heiman, Cornerstone Executive Search, at: danh@cornerstone-kc.com or call (913) 341-7655 for more information.

Community assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services.

We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of day service assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Equestrian manager and laborer - Prairie Star Ranch, the archdiocesan retreat center, has an immediate opening for the position of equestrian manager and laborer. This permanent, full-time position oversees all areas of our equestrian program, herd management and serves as a part of our facilities improvement team. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Christian; have a strong foundation in horse care and management; demonstrated skills in instructing youth and adults; a practitioner of safety awareness; and a commitment to detail and professionalism. Interested individuals should submit a resume and application, which can be found at: www.archkck.org/ranch/jobs, as soon as possible, to: Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095, or via email to: psr@archkck.org.

Director of pastoral care ministry - Our Lady of the Presentation, a dynamic and growing parish in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, seeks a full-time director for its extensive pastoral care ministry. The areas of responsibility for the director of pastoral care include: ministry to the sick and homebound; bereavement ministry; BeFriender ministry; widows group; transportation and meal ministry; and emergency assistance liaison. Qualified candidates must be a practicing Catholic with knowledge of the sacramental life of the church. A bachelor’s degree as well as direct experience training and overseeing volunteers, coordinating programs and supporting those in need of pastoral care are preferred. Please submit resume to Father Tom Holder at: frtom@olpls.org.

Assistant principal - St. Joseph School in Shawnee is accepting applications for a new assistant principal for the 2020-21 school year. The preferred applicant is a practicing Catholic; has a strong desire to help others foster a relationship with Christ; has demonstrated experience in spiritual and instructional leadership within Catholic schools; and holds or is working toward Kansas licensure in educational leadership. The assistant principal works directly with the principal to uphold the mission of the school and to provide ongoing support in a variety of ways for teachers, students and parents. The assistant principal is responsible for specific tasks related to discipline; school-wide assessments; scheduling; technology; classroom support for teachers; supervision; as well as other duties. Interested applicants should apply online at: www.archkckcs.org., select “Employment” to access the online application. Once the online application is submitted, email resume and cover letter to: Jodie Maddox, principal, St. Joseph School, at: jmaddox@ stjoeshawnee.org.

Principal - Nativity of Mary Parish in Independence, Missouri, seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. Nativity School is a parish school in a vibrant parish community. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic; should have a master’s degree in educational administration; teaching experience; and preferably three years’ administrative experience. This position leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. This person is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the assigned superintendent of schools. Apply at the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph website or use this link: careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascityst joseph and click on “Jobs for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph,” then scroll down and click on “Principal Nativity of Mary School.”

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 3564849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new?

Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT NELSON CREATION’S. Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions.

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net 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.

Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Sheetrock and plaster repair Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

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

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol. com.

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!!

Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide.

Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome. com or call (913) 422-1591.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

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

Tree trimming/landscaping Free estimates licensed/insured/references (913) 620-6063 Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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.

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.

8 to Your Ideal Weight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered.

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or KOATorganizing@ gmail.com. Insured. References.

REAL ESTATE 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.

Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

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

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Two single crypts at Mount Calvary in the patio mausoleum, tier C. Valued at $14,950; will sell for $9500 Call Pam at (913) 631-4911.

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Joseph Parish 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Feb. 16 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.

and end on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Come learn the practice of the discernment of spirits, and how God communicates directly with each of us. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking.

Cabins/courtyard rooms cost $170/single or $250/couple, or single guest rooms cost $100. To attend, send an email to: info@ christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

prayers, call Bobbie Graff-Hendrixson at (785) 271-0145. If you are interested in or would like more information about Daughters of Isabella, call Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

‘ARE YOU GROUNDED? THE BENEDICTINE VALUE OF HUMILITY’ RETREAT Conception Abbey 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, Missouri Feb. 21-23

There will be jambalaya, king cakes, beignets, maque choux, pizza, and chicken and noodles. The cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 4 to 10; and free for children 3 and under.

The retreat will feature reflections on the Benedictine value of humility as a way to understand what humility and meekness really are. It will be led by Brother Cyprian Langlois, OSB.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Francis de Sales Parish 900 Ida St., Lansing Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. - noon

The breakfast is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Chris Cakes Pancakes cost $6 for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and drinks. For more information, call Don Portice at (913) 775-3363.

HEART OF MARY Divine Mercy Parish Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Auxiliary and active members or anyone interested in learning about the Legion of Mary are invited to join us for a novena and Mass. This will be followed by food and fellowship in the Christian Formation Center at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by email to: Legion OfMary.DM@gmail.com. Include your full name and number attending.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Classes are in the sympto-thermal method of NFP. A reasonable course fee is charged. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 7491015 for more info. To preregister (required), visit the website at: live-the-love.org.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd, Leawood Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

This will be a Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups in the Father Burak Room.

Father Anthony Ouellette will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

SALVATION: WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC SHOULD KNOW Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish 1800 S.W. Stone Ave., Topeka Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Michael Barber, associate professor of Scripture and theology at the Augustine Institute, will speak on “Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know.” Cost is a freewill donation.

‘ST. IGNATIUS - DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS’ RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Feb. 21 - 23

The retreat will begin on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

ROSARY RALLY Holy Trinity Church (courtyard) 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa Feb. 22 at noon

The rosary is sponsored by America Needs Fatima and will honor Sts. Jacinta and Francisco. For more information, contact Sheila Ruzick at (913) 888-1582.

MARDI GRAS St. Benedict School (commons) 201 Division, Atchison Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE SUPPORT Church of the Ascension (St. Luke’s Room) 9500 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Questions about annulments? Join us for a meeting and a Q&A session with Msgr. Tom Tank. For more information, send an email to: calledtolove143@gmail.com. Called to Love has regular meetings on the second and fourth Sundays at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Ascension.

‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ A PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT GROUP St. Bernadette Church (hall) 9029 E. 51st, Terr., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 22 - April 4 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

“Coping with Life Alone” is a Beginning Experience grief support program that meets each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation — move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. For more information and to register, call Donna at (816) 305-3760.

DAY OF PRAYER, CLAY AND CONTEMPLATION Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sisters Lynn Casey and Pam Hinkle will facilitate a playful and contemplative approach to shaping earthenware clay while exploring transformation during a day of prayer, titled “I am the potter.” The cost of $35 includes lunch.

A $15 deposit holds a reservation. Overnight accommodations are available. Registration deadline is Feb. 15. Register online at: www. marillaccenter.org; by email at: retreats@scls. org; or by calling (913) 758-6552.

BEEF & NOODLE DINNER Neosho Rapids Grade School (multipurpose room) Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension (St. Mark’s Room) 9500 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 25 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a Catholic ministry designed to help parents and grandparents who have lost a child find hope through sacred Scripture and community. We also welcome parents of those whose children have lost their life to suicide. For more information, contact Ken Billinger at: kbillinger@archkck.org.

There is more information on the website at: www.hopeinscripture.com. Immediate family members are invited to attend.

‘THE JOURNEY OF FORGIVENESS WHEN YOU ARE STILL WOUNDED’ St. Joseph Parish (center) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Feb. 25 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

March 3 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Fully Alive is a new integrated mind-body-soul wellness program in the archdiocese. Join us for this two-part series on forgiveness. The presentations will begin with prayer, followed by the presentation and small group discussion. RSVP to Tom Racunas, special-needs ministry, by calling (913) 647-3054 or by sending an email to: tracunas@archkck.org.

It is not necessary to give your name when responding.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Kansas City area Feb. 28 - March 1

St. Mary Parish, Hartford, is sponsoring the dinner. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. There will be drawings for prizes. Pay at the door.

The start of a new year brings with it the opportunity to begin anew in all relationships.

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is the perfect way to renew your love and commitment to each other. For more information or to apply for a weekend, visit the website at: www.wwme4youandme.org or call/text Tony and Barb Zimmerman at (816) 741-4066.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA Christ the King Parish 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 23 at 12:45 p.m.

MEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th, Overland Park Feb. 29 from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

There will be a rosary followed by a business meeting in Yadrich Hall and social. If anyone knows of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s

under 18. Register online at: www.menunder construction.org.

WOMEN’S LENTEN DAY OF PRAYER The Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 29 from 8:15 a.m. - noon

Sister Charlotte White, SCL, and Susan Carroll will lead this uniquely titled retreat: “Pig Wallows and Stardust.” The day will begin with Mass, followed by registration and a continental breakfast. The cost is $15. (Checks payable to “Cathedral Altar Society” can be mailed to the cathedral at the above address.) For more information or registration, call Susan Carroll at (913) 634-9840 or send an email to: suscar1960@gmail.com.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 1 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Father Scott Wallisch will bless the table at 8:30 a.m. and viewing will be until 2 p.m. A variety of items will be featured for purchase.

Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.

CREATING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR A LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS St. Joseph Parish (center) 5901 Flint, Shawnee March 3 from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m.

‘IGNITE THE GREEN AND WHITE — A NIGHT OF FAITH AND HOPE’ J.W. Crancer’s 530 Delaware St., Leavenworth Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Xavier School invites you to this event which brings together supporters of Catholic education to celebrate the gifts of our Catholic school in Leavenworth. The program features a cocktail hour with live entertainment, dinner, a silent auction and community awards. All proceeds fund financial aid at Xavier.

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This Catholic men’s conference will feature Dan Spencer, Phillip Morgan, Father Andrew Mattingly and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

The cost is $40 per person or $20 for students

Come learn about special-needs trusts, guardianship and ABLE accounts, which allow for tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. RSVP online to Tom Racunas at: tracunas@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

LENTEN DAY OF REFLECTION: SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Conception Abbey (Guest Center) 37174 State HWY. VV, Conception, Missouri March 5 at 8:30 a.m.

How can we experience the intimacy, joy and peace of being reconciled with God? The day begins with coffee and breakfast, followed by a reflective talk, private prayer time, Eucharist, lunch, a final reflection and an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Register online at: www. conceptionabbey.org; click on “Guests,” then “Upcoming Retreats” or call (660) 9442809.

DAY OF REFLECTION St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 6 at 8 a.m.

This Lenten reflection, sponsored by the Strawberry Hill Altar Societies, is open to all men and women. The day will begin with Mass, followed by a continental breakfast.

The session begins at 9 a.m. Reservations are desired, but not required. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. For reservations, call Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833 or send an email to: cshomin@everestkc.net.

LENTEN RETREAT FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN: TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 8 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The day begins with Mass with the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. The retreat time will focus on how we can be instruments of transformation in our hurting world. Lunch is included. The cost is a freewill offering. You may register online at: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

CALENDAR submissions CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 16 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Sir 15: 15-20 Ps 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34 1 Cor 2: 6-10 Mt 5: 17-37 Feb. 17 The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order Jas 1: 1-11 Ps 119: 67-68, 71-72, 75-76 Mk 8: 11-13 Feb. 18 Tuesday Jas 1: 12-18 Ps 94: 12-15, 18-19 Mk 8: 14-21 Feb. 19 Wednesday Jas 1: 19-27 Ps 15: 2-5 Mk 8: 22-26 Feb. 20 Thursday Jas 2: 1-9 Ps 34: 2-7 Mk 8: 27-33 Feb. 21 Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the church Jas 2: 14-24, 26 Ps 112: 1-6 Mk 8:34 – 9:1 Feb. 22 THE CHAIR OF PETER THE APOSTLE 1 Pt 5: 1-4 Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 16: 13-19

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T

14

Scam it, this really makes me mad

he first one dinged at 3:54 p.m.

“Did you just text me?” asked a parishioner.

I texted back: “No, it wasn’t me.”

Then, the phone rang. Next, a text came in from another parishioner. Finally, I got an email from the parish: People were calling, asking the same question: Had I just texted them?

Reporter Joe Bollig’s words from an April 5, 2019, Leaven article came to mind: “Watch out, because you might be next.” I was. Someone was scamming my parishioners with a text, supposedly from me.

Here’s what it said: “I need a favor from you (parishioner’s name), there is something I need you to do. I am going into a meeting now with limited phone calls, text me back as soon as you get this Message.

“Rev. Fr. Mark Goldasich” OK, so a parishioner replies and then gets this message: “Good to hear from you (parishioner’s

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.

name), i need to get some gift cards for a friend of mine going through cancer in the hospital. She needs the cards to download her favorite songs and videos to boost her confidence on her next phase of surgery and fight over cancer which she will undergo today but i can’t do this now.

Can you get the gift cards from any store around you and send the pictures to her email? I will pay back as soon as i can.

“May The Lord Be With You” To my knowledge, no one who got this scam text followed through with the “request,” as it was something absolutely out of character for me. I’m glad that alarm bells went off for parishioners who got these fake texts.

My advice to the scammer: Just don’t do this . . . to anyone . . . ever again. And especially don’t do this to an editor, who is going to correct your many grammatical mistakes: 1. Be sure to put a comma after “I need a favor from you” and before the parishioner’s name. Also, put a period after the name, as it’s the end of a sentence.

2. Capitalize the “t”

in “there” as it’s a new sentence.

3. In the next sentence, use either a semicolon after “phone calls” or a period if you intend to make “text me back as soon as you get this Message” a new sentence. And, by the way, don’t capitalize the “m” in message.

4. If you’re going to use the title “Rev.,” it should be preceded by the word “the.” Also, it’s dated to use “Rev.” and “Fr.” together. And please, never abbreviate Father as “Fr.” Then ask yourself why, if the recipient knew me, I’d sign the text in such a formal way with my full name.

5. Now, regarding the first sentence in the responding text, refer to No. 1.

6. Be sure to capitalize “I” throughout your response.

7. Just FYI: HIPAA laws would prevent me from revealing why a patient is in the hospital, let alone their gender.

8. I’d suggest using “lift her spirits” rather than “boost her confidence” since she’s battling a disease, not going in for a job interview.

9. People don’t “fight over” cancer — it’s not an argument. They just fight it. And that sentence is rambling and a grammatical nightmare.

End it after “spirits” (see above) and delete through “today.” Start a new sentence with “But I can’t do this now.”

10. Be much more polite, too. Don’t say: “Can you get the gift cards?” Try: “Would you have time to please buy . . .”

11. When suggesting sending pictures of the cards to an email address, it’s recommended to actually include that address in your text.

12. Also, say: “I will pay YOU back.”

13. Lastly, your conclusion — “May the Lord . . .” — is a complete sentence, so no need to capitalize all the words.

And please end with a period.

Other than these minor points, Scammer, your texts were flawless and utterly convincing.

By the way, if this is your day job, please quit.

Then go buy some gift cards for someone in a hospital near you.

It matters how you play the hand you’re dealt, says Sirach

N

ature or nurture. Do our genes determine how we live?

Or is it rather the environment in which we live that shapes us? Do we have any choice in the matter? Or is it all predetermined?

The emphasis upon personal freedom in modern society perhaps results from a perception that outside forces, from nature or nurture, are attempting to restrict that freedom. Is this a subconscious way to rebel against the universe?

In the ancient world, people often believed that the stars governed their destiny. Kings would consult astrologers to guide them in making policy.

Common folk similarly resorted to astrologers

IN THE BEGINNING

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

for advice in their personal lives. That is why the Bible issued cautions against such methods: “Do not go to mediums or consult fortunetellers,

POPE FRANCIS

for you will be defiled by them” (Lv 19:31).

Instead, the Bible encouraged people to view the stars, not as gods who could control the course of events in the world, but, rather, as physical objects that God created to give light to the earth: “God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to

The world needs the concerted effort of everyone to end tax havens and money laundering and to promote the common good over the narrow interests of powerful companies, Pope Francis told leaders of major financial institutions and economic experts.

“Let’s work together to end these injustices” in the current economic system, he said Feb. 5 during a high-level gathering at the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

The war industry, too, must come to an end, he added, since it takes billions of dollars a year away from ending poverty and illiteracy and directs it instead toward creating “division and death.”

govern the night; and he made the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth” (Gn 1:16-17).

That is their purpose.

Sunday’s first reading, Sir 15:15-20, emphasizes personal responsibility. The stars do not control our lives.

Neither does our DNA. We have a choice to make. And for Sirach, it all boils down to how we respond to God’s commandments. Do we obey them, or do we disobey them?

For Sirach, choosing to obey the commandments means choosing life: “[God] has set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand. Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be

given him.”

It is true that there are elements in our lives that we cannot control.

We did not decide where we would be born, who our parents would be or if we would inherit certain predispositions to health problems.

There are many things in our life that just happen to us. We are dealt certain cards.

Consequently, some of us may have been given a better hand than others.

But what matters is how we play the cards that we have been dealt.

For Sirach, that makes all the difference in the world: “If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live.”

The pope’s remarks came during a daylong meeting focused on how financial and economic institutions and policies can create “new forms of solidarity” that would promote “inclusion, integration and innovation.”

The meeting brought high-level representatives from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as economic experts and government ministers of finance.

The world is rich with resources, the pope said, and yet poverty, exploitation and inequality are still on the rise. Five million children under the age of 5 will die this year alone because of poverty and another 260 million will go without education because of war, lack of resources and migration, he said.

— CNS

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Looking for the face of God through service

J

ust a month past the Snow Ball, one of Kansas City’s biggest charitable fundraisers, and my heart still bursts with gratitude.

It was breathtaking to gaze out across the sea of over 1,800 people gathered for a common cause — to support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Each one of those attendees had prioritized making a difference in someone’s life.

To be part of something with the potential for life-changing outcomes for the people we serve was a humbling experience.

As I reflect on the last 18 months at the helm

I

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INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

LAUREN SOLIDUM Lauren Solidum is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

of Catholic Charities, I realize that each chance encounter with God has not just been in a ballroom full of mission-

minded patrons.

Every day at Catholic Charities is an opportunity to see the face of God and to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Sometimes, God’s face is unshaven and standing at the door of Shalom House, our men’s shelter. Sometimes, God’s face is tear-stained

and weary while developing a plan with a case manager for both their short-term needs and long-term goals.

Other times, God’s face is that of an infant child being placed into the loving arms of adoptive parents. Every individual we serve is created in the image of God. All of these encounters, and many more through our 20-plus programs, are made possible by the staff and volunteers who become the hands and feet of Christ — selflessly giving of themselves for others.

What a testament of our faith to bring to life the words in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25!

This Lenten season,

won’t you join me and our over 1,400 monthly volunteers in renewing your spirit and having your own chance encounter with God? There are so many ways to engage with the mission of Catholic Charities.

Here are just a few: EXPERIENCE • Schedule an individual visit over coffee, lunch or after a weekday Mass to learn more about what we do.

• Join us for a tour of a specific site or program.

• Coordinate a “Lunch & Learn” educational event at your parish, school or office.

SERVE • Schedule a “Serve Day” for your family, parish, school or corporate team.

• Coordinate a food, clothing or personal hygiene items drive.

• Volunteer with your favorite Catholic Charities program.

GIVE • Make a one-time or recurring financial donation to the area of greatest need or a specific program.

• Host or attend a fundraising event.

• Donate real estate, property or a vehicle and consider including Catholic Charities in your will, trust or estate.

We look forward to serving side by side with you. Thank you for your support!

To learn more about Catholic Charities, visit the website at: catholic charitiesks.org.

In a life of faith, God should be the first help we seek

n the past few months, I’ve prayed with and for young people, friends and family members struggling with some form of serious illness.

I asked one mom, “How are you doing?”

She replied, “You’ve got to have faith, right?”

Just have faith. How many times have we heard that? Or said it to someone in our circle of influence?

I was reminded of how important having faith truly is on Feb. 4 at daily Mass. The Gospel reading (Mk 5:21-43) recounts the healing of both the woman with a hemorrhage and the

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

daughter of Jairus, a

synagogue official.

In both accounts, Jesus reveals the role of faith. To the woman with the hemorrhage, he said: “Daughter, your faith has saved you.” To Jairus, when he is told his daughter

has died, Jesus said: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

Many times, when faced with difficulties or failure, we tend to do one of two things.

We call someone close to us to vent or seek advice. Or, we go to Our Lord in prayer and seek his aid.

While the first is good, the second option should always be our first choice before, during and after anything we are planning or facing in our lives. In a life of faith, God should be that friend we call first to vent, seek advice and request help.

I love what St. John

XXIII said about dealing with fear: “Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams.

Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”

What is still possible for each of us is building a relationship with Christ so he is that close friend we turn to before anyone else.

This year’s junior high rally is Feb. 23 and offers the perfect opportunity for your middle schooler to further develop his or her

relationship with Jesus.

Our theme, “HoleyWholly-Holy,” helps young people understand how God takes us in our sinfulness and, through reconciliation, repairs the holes we’ve torn in our faith, helping us arrive at holiness. I encourage you to have your young teenager attend.

In the end, it is faith that saves us and provides hope to erase our fears.

Let us build this faith in our young people, so that they may face their futures with the courage that is found only in Christ.

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

Freelancer Hesse captures church life with lens

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Asking a photographer for his or her favorite photograph is a lot like asking a mother which is her favorite

child.

Sort of.

When one takes a lot of photographs, it’s a given that some will be bad, some will be mediocre and some will be great.

Doug Hesse, a freelance photographer for The Leaven, simply cannot choose a favorite from among his many great photos.

“I’m often asked what my favorite photo is of my career,” he said. “Honestly, that’s too hard to answer. I love my photos for different reasons, and sometimes favorites change over time.

“I often answer with a more recent photo or tell them about an assignment that was interesting. I don’t know that I have one favorite photo or even one favorite assignment. It would be way too hard to choose.”

That being said, he will allow a certain fascination with photographing nuns.

In fact, photographing women religious was how he began working side gigs for the Catholic press.

In 1992, Hesse was studying photojournalism at the University of Kansas in Lawrence when he got a call from a photographer friend. His friend had photographed Benedictine monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison for The Leaven.

He was unable, however, to shoot photos of the Benedictine Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison.

“He asked if I were interested, and I said, ‘Sure’,” said Hesse. He contacted associate editor Anita McSorley, who hired him for the shoot.

Hesse stayed with the Benedictine Sisters for a week, photographing all aspects of their life. It was a lot of fun, because he had never spent any time at all with Sisters before.

Since then, he’s taken untold numbers of photographs of women religious in the 28 years he has freelanced for The Leaven. He particularly likes taking photos of Sisters in natural settings, which he calls “nuns in the wild.”

So, what is it about them that he likes so much?

“Especially when they’re in their habits, they’re very interesting to photograph,” said Hesse. “Some nuns have very historic and interesting habits. I like the way that photographs, especially in black and white.”

Hesse took his fledgling steps in photography when he got his first camera as a first-grader. He continued honing his skills in junior high and high school before going to KU, graduating with a degree in photojournalism in 1994.

His wife Nancy teaches first grade at Visitation School in Kansas City, Missouri. They have two teenage daughters.

Today, he has his own firm: Kdog

“

“NOW THAT I DO PRIMARILY PORTRAITURE, I MISS DOING ASSIGNMENTS WHERE I’M DOCUMENTING EVENTS AND PEOPLE, SO THE LEAVEN ALLOWS ME TO GET BACK TO MY PHOTOJOURNALISM ROOTS.” PHOTO LLC. It’s a high-end portrait studio specializing in photographing people for personal portraiture, or commercial and editorial portraiture.

But he still accepts assignments for The Leaven.

“When I started out, I did primarily photojournalism, which is what I do with The Leaven,” said Hesse. “Now that I do primarily portraiture, I miss doing assignments where I’m documenting events and people, so The Leaven allows me to get back to my photojournalism roots.”

“Doug actually helped us grow the role of photography at the paper,” said now-managing editor Anita McSorley. “It was through his photos that we began to see that our job wasn’t only to provide a photographic record of a church event, but also to use images to invite readers into that special moment in the life of the church as well.”

Hesse’s assignments have included documenting Catholic cowboys in the Flint Hills, missions in Latin America, poverty in Jamaica, archdiocesan seminarians in Rome, and World Youth Days.

As a good photojournalist, he has always maintained a dispassionate professionalism. But there have been assignments that have torn out his heart. “[One] was going to the juvenile prison in Topeka with the archbishop,” said Hesse. “It was terrible to see the kids behind bars.

“It was a place without hope. I wasn’t emotional while shooting because I

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Leaven freelance photographer Doug Hesse has long enjoyed photographing nuns, calling them the “workhorses of the church.” He has been freelancing for The Leaven for 28 years. could hide behind the camera. But after I left and was on the way home, it was heart-wrenching to think about those kids.”

Another interesting assignment took him to Catholic missions in Peru. When he arrived at the airport, he was briefly detained by machine-gun-toting police.

Once they were satisfied his equipment bags contained no firearms, they let him pass.

“During that same assignment, Todd Habiger (Leaven production manager) and I went up in the Andes Mountains to a village, and we were given a ride by a nun,” said Hesse. “At the bottom, she made sure we prayed first.

“We got in and began to put on our seat belts, but she said, ‘Don’t do that.’ We asked her why, and she said if the Land Rover went over the side we would want to be ejected. We had a better chance of surviving that than if we rolled all the way down the mountain in the truck.”

Hesse’s selection of a photo to accompany the story here illustrates well one of his signature looks.

“I like to frame my subjects with outof-focus people, or shoot through something that gives that feeling of pulling

Advice for budding photographers 1.

Just keep taking pictures. You’ll get better if you keep doing it.

2.

Talk to other photographers for advice and tips.

3. Never put the lens cap on — always be ready.

4.

Learn to banter with subjects to set them at ease, so they won’t stiffen up.

you into the subject,” he said. “I love the narrow-depth-of-field that a long lens and low light gives me.

“I think I chose this photo [above] because it’s beautiful and shows nuns how I see them — quiet and powerful.

“I’ve met many nuns in my time working for The Leaven and I know they are the workhorses of the church. But they do it with such quiet dignity.”