02 16 24 Vol. 45 No. 26

ST. PATRICK PARISH BLESSES NEW STATIONS

Artist’s goal is to capture the human side of Christ in his paintings

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — This Lent, the story of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus will take on new life at St. Patrick Parish here.

The church installed a new set of Stations of the Cross at the beginning of February in honor of the parish’s 150th anniversary.

It’s a beautification project that pastor Father Mark Mertes hopes will have a ripple effect.

“I feel that churches should be open to the public during the day,” he said. “Because you never know who’s going to come in, and you never know who’s going to encounter the Lord.

ONE OF THE THINGS I ALWAYS LIKE TO DO WITH ALL MY WORK IS TRY TO CAPTURE THE HUMAN SIDE OF CHRIST.

JASON JENICKE ARTIST

“To me, this enhances that goal.”

The Stations were painted by artist Jason Jenicke, who lives in Kentucky but grew up at St. Patrick. Ross Heiman created their mountings.

They were blessed by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during a dedication on Feb. 9.

“By your favor of blessing, draw near with your mercy to your faithful people,” the archbishop prayed, “who devoutly recall the mysteries of Christ’s passion.

“Grant that those who follow his footsteps and bearing their cross patiently may receive as their reward the vision of Christ in his glory, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever.”

The evening also included the praying of the Stations through Clarence Enzler’s “Everyone’s Way of the Cross” and a presentation by Jenicke about his work.

The art was made possible thanks to 14 parishioners or groups of parishioners who covered the cost of each Station, as well as others who donated to the project.

“It’s very heartwarming,” said Father Mertes. “I think people are always ready to be generous to create a holy place, a prayer space.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the new Stations of the Cross at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas, Feb. 9. The Stations were painted by artist Jason Jenicke, who grew up as a member of St. Patrick Parish.

Sports wins are wonderful, but ultimately fleeting

As many are aware, I never knew my father. He died when my mother was three months pregnant with me. My mother always made sure that my brother and I were well acquainted with his virtues and passions.

One of his passions was baseball. After graduating from high school, he played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system. My father attended a public high school. In the 1930s in St. Louis, even in the public schools, Latin was one of the language requirements.

The Cardinals, in the 1920s through the early 1930s, had some great baseball teams that became popularly known as the Gas House Gang! The team got the nickname from their shabby appearance and rough playing tactics. According to Wikipedia, the term “Gas House” referred to factories that turned coal into gas for heating and lighting purposes. The plants were noted for their foul smell and were typically located near railroad yards in the poorest neighborhoods in cities.

In 1934, my father’s senior year of high school, the Cardinals were in the World Series with the Detroit Tigers. My father’s Latin teacher told her class that if any of her students skipped school to go to the World Series, she would fail them, no matter how well they performed academically.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

My father did not believe her and went to one of the World Series games. The teacher was true to her word and failed my father. Much to my grandmother’s chagrin, my father had to go an extra semester in high school before beginning his professional baseball career.

My father gave up his baseball ambitions in the late 1930s, shortly before World War II. He was drafted into the Army and served in combat in the Pacific Theater. When he returned from the war, he played amateur baseball. In 1997, almost 50 years after his death, my father was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

I was reminded of this bit of family history when posed with the question regarding the possibility of closing our schools on Ash Wednesday in order to allow students to participate in the parade and rally honoring the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs. What a blessing the Chiefs are to the Kansas City community, playing in four Super Bowls in

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

the past five years and winning three times!

This year’s Chiefs were particularly inspiring. They lacked the dominant offense that crushed many opponents in the past. Instead, the 2023-24 version of the Chiefs had a sterling defense that kept games close until the offense could get untracked. Despite numerous adversities, they never gave up and found new ways to win games.

There are many devout Christians on the team. I love Patrick Mahomes’ custom of kneeling in prayer before the start of the game. I am grateful that he always gives honor to God for giving him and his teammates the physical and mental talents to be successful on the field. It is not only Mahomes, but many of the Chiefs’ players who give similar honor and praise to God for their talents and the many ways in which God has blessed them. Personally, I particularly admire Harrison Butker, who, besides being a talented placekicker, is a very devout Catholic.

There are very many virtues that team sports help to develop. To succeed on the field or court, athletes have to be good stewards of

their bodies, keeping themselves healthy and fit in order to excel on the field of play. Athletes have to discipline and push themselves to grow stronger and improve their abilities.

Team sports, in particular, foster an unselfish spirit within players. Great teams have talented players who are willing to sacrifice themselves and personal achievement for the good of their team. Team sports provide the environment to develop deep and enduring friendships. With all of the preceding in mind, why not close school for a day to celebrate the Chiefs’ accomplishments?

I doubt that civic officials or the Chiefs’ leadership were aware that they scheduled the victory parade and rally on Ash Wednesday. After all, many Chiefs’ fans are not Christian and many Christian churches do not even commemorate Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday does not occur on the same day of the calendar each year, but changes based on the date of Easter. No doubt, it is incredibly complex to find a date and time that accommodates the calendars of all the key parties.

For Catholics, Ash Wednesday is not just another day. It begins officially the important season of Lent – 40 days of prayer and fasting to prepare us for the solemnity of Easter, the day that commemorates Our Lord’s victory over sin and death.

Ash Wednesday is one of only two days in the annual liturgical calendar that the church requires all Catholics to fast and abstain from meat. The other day is Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Ash Wednesday inaugurates the season that prepares us on Easter to renew the gift of our own baptism — the sacrament through which we received the very life of Jesus and were given an eternal destiny to live with God and his saints forever.

The signing of the forehead with ashes, created from the burnt palm branches from

Feb. 17

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

Men Under Construction Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

Feb. 18

Rite of Election — Christ the King, Topeka

Rite of Election — Sacred Heart, Shawnee

Feb. 20

Envisioning Team meeting — chancery

Feb. 21

Donnelly College board meeting — Donnelly

Confirmation — Holy Spirit, Overland Park

Feb. 22

Holy Trinity Bible study — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

Confirmation — Divine Mercy, Gardner

Feb. 23

EOHSJ winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska

Feb. 24

Benedictine Scholarship Ball

Feb. 25

Junior high youth rally Mass — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg

Feb. 26

St. John Vianney seminarians visit — St. John Vianney Seminary, Denver

Feb. 29

CFNEK board meeting — chancery

Installation Mass of David Trotter, president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy — Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison

March 1

Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art award reception — Savior Pastoral Center

Avila Lenten Retreat Witness filming — residence

the previous Palm Sunday, remind us that everything in this world is temporary and passing away. The ashes are a sober testimony to the reality of death and the fleeting nature of fame and fortune. At the same time, the black cross on our forehead is a symbol of the depth of God’s love for us revealed on Calvary.

This Ash Wednesday provided us a unique opportunity to give witness to what is most important and enduring. Super Bowl championships are rare and wonderful, but, in the end, they cannot save us from the enslavement of sin or the apparent finality of death. Only Jesus can liberate us from these twin curses.

On Ash Wednesday, I invited all of our Catholic school students to do what Patrick Mahomes declared — to give all honor and glory

to God, the one from whom all blessings flow. Jesus has won the ultimate victory, more important than any Super Bowl. In our prayer, we should also give thanks for the Chiefs and all the joy and pleasure they have brought to our community.

During Lent, I also encourage you to pray for the Chiefs players, that they are protected from the temptation to place their hope in worldly fame and fortune that results from success on the football field. May they remember always to give honor, glory and praise to God! If they do, I would not be surprised if they are playing in next year’s Super Bowl!

Before reading this column, did you know that the St. Louis Cardinals won the 1934 World Series? The fame of sports is fleeting, but the love of God endures!

Three pillars of Lent serve as pathways to penance and renewal

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — There’s no doubt about it: Lent is the church’s primary penitential season. Viewed from a related perspective — and true to its name — Lent is meant to be a time of spiritual renewal.

The word “Lent” traces its roots to the Middle English term for “spring” or “springtime.” Applying this understanding to Lent, the church invites us to do soul-searching and spiritual housecleaning as we journey with Christ from the desert of temptations through his ministry of service to his crucifixion and ultimately to the springtime of his resurrection.

From this dual emphasis on penance and renewal, Lent has great liturgical and personal significance as a time to take stock of our lives and to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

In fact, we can take our cues from Jesus for ways to accomplish this. When life was pressing in on him, he went away to pray and fast. He emerged from these times of spiritual respite with renewed resolve and energy to serve God and others.

Jesus’ time in the desert

The first reported occasion of Jesus seeking solitude and one that is foundational to the Lenten season occurs early in the Gospels. Immediately following his baptism and before beginning his public ministry, Jesus goes to the desert to pray and fast.

Like Moses, Elijah and other figures in sacred Scripture, Jesus takes time out to prepare for his God-given mission. His 40 days in the desert are not without challenges: The devil tempts him three times. From this experience of being tried, Jesus affirms his steadfast commitment to accept and to do God’s will.

According to the Gospel of Luke, he returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit to begin his life of serving, teaching and healing.

These 40 days in the desert became a model for Christians in the early church — and us still — to emulate Jesus’ practices of praying, fasting and extending charity to others.

Today, we know these as the “three pillars of Lent” — the practical ways that we can do penance and experience renewal as we journey with Jesus to the cross.

A wake-up call to praying

Later in Luke’s Gospel, shortly before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus prays fervently and with anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. After this

Publication

soul-wrenching experience, Jesus finds his apostles fast asleep. He awakens them and urges them to pray.

Jesus’ wake-up call to them — and to us — is a plea for praying as he did in deep conversation and communion with his “Abba,” Father. Lent casts special light on this request with 40 days dedicated to prayerful preparation for Easter.

There are multiple tried and proven spiritual disciplines to enrich our Lenten journey. These include the Stations of the Cross, daily devotionals, the rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours, litanies, Scripture, a daily examination of conscience, meditation and silent prayer. Heightened opportunities to speak and listen to God can occur while participating in the sacrament of reconciliation and eucharistic adoration and attending daily Mass, if possible. Strengthening our prayer regimens opens up channels for our communication with God.

Prayer and fasting are compatible companions during Lent. Each practice supports the other. We recognize our dependence on God — Father, Son and Spirit. In the process, we seek to deepen our relationship with the Lord. We fast from the stuff that fills our days: food, obsessions, excesses, resentments, things.

Fasting for the right reasons

In the first three centuries of Christianity, it’s likely that seasons of fasting and prayer were observed, particularly in preparation for Easter. The duration

of fasting and abstinence from certain foods varied from three days to three weeks.

With the legalization of Christianity in the year 313 and the First Council of Nicaea in 325, Lent as a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter became more formalized. Candidates for baptism at Easter observed fasts as did those desiring restoration after committing serious sins.

Penitents often wore sackcloth garments and sprinkled themselves with ashes as public signs of their penance. The latter morphed into what we know today as Ash Wednesday. Lent served to remind the faithful of the need for

penitence and of their own mortality. Over time, Lenten practices were modified, adopted and applied to all of the faithful.

Across the centuries, the strictness of the church’s fasting rules has waxed and waned. Today, Catholics 14 and older are asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Additionally, those 18 to 59 have the obligation of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday — consuming one main meal, two smaller meals and no food in between. These rules apply unless physical health or other valid reasons present barriers to fasting.

The 40 days spent by Christ in the desert praying and fasting became a model to early Christians of the “three pillars” of Lent.

Praying the rosary is one of the many tried and proven spiritual disciplines to enrich the Lenten journey.

Communio: Building up parishes by strengthening families

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan.

— Who wants a stronger marriage and deeper involvement in their parish?

Just about everybody, that’s who.

When Travis and Elizabeth Ryan heard about Communio at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, they were interested.

The Ryans, married for seven years and with two young children, got involved a year ago and have been reaping the rewards ever since.

The Communio framework — renamed Community and Family Ministry at St. Joseph Parish — is a way of using parish ministries and events to strengthen marriages and families, build parish relationships and reach out to the broader non-parish community.

“We decided to get involved because we wanted to build our relationship with the parish as well as with God, and we felt it was the right time in our lives to do that,” said Travis.

“We’ve been looking for a ministry to join,” said Elizabeth. “With us having small children, we felt this gave us the flexibility to be integrated into the parish but also not sacrifice time with our kids, which is the most important thing for us.”

Community and Family Ministry offers a buffet of things to choose from. The Ryans have filled their plates with volunteering for the large-scale community outreach events sponsored by the parish and participating in two seven-week marriage courses.

“We attended both and came out as a stronger couple,” said Travis.

The first seven-week course in March and April was about marriage enrichment; the second dealt with building a eucharistic marriage in September and October.

“It taught us to set aside dedicated time to be with each other to talk and pray,” said Travis.

“That put our marriage back in the forefront,” said Elizabeth. “When you have full-time jobs and children, you can forget to prioritize each other and having that time each week really was impactful for us.

“We took it a step further and started doing Spouse Development Nights at home after the courses concluded.”

The Spouse Development Nights are every other Wednesday after the kids go to bed. They spend an hour or more talking about things, cleaning the house or even answering questions in marriage enrichment workbooks.

“We’ve also dialogued a lot,” said Travis. “It has really strengthened our marriage. . . . It’s not something we thought we wanted to do or needed to do. It’s amazing what the courses and that ministry have done in building our relationship with each other and God.”

“We encourage other couples to [take the marriage courses] because you grow and change throughout the years,” said Elizabeth. “Sometimes, you have different opinions from what you had five or ten years ago. Having that time to talk really reshapes each other and instead of growing as an individual, you grow as a couple.”

Date nights

The Ryans also have another kind of set-aside time: date nights.

Unlike Spouse Development Nights, where the emphasis is serious relationship-building, date nights emphasize fun.

Date nights tend to be on Fridays. The couple might get a babysitter and go out, but usually date nights are athome activities after the kids go to bed.

“One of the things we took away from the courses, besides the one-onone Spouse Development Night we do, was that you need to date each other through the ages and through the stages of life,” said Elizabeth. “Even though we went on dates [before], we didn’t actually sit down and plan.”

A date night might be a trip to the Overland Park Arboretum, a walk, playing a board game or a video game like “Mario Party.” It’s anything fun they can do together.

“We thought scheduling things might take away the spontaneity, but actually we learned from the course it’s OK,” said Elizabeth. “We need to schedule these things. We need to put it in the calendar and those nights are off-limits. It gave us permission to schedule something.”

The Community and Family Ministry

has improved the couple’s communication skills, but also has given them tools and methods to face challenges together. It has helped them get to know other parishioners as well and build friendships with them.

“We drove from Lee’s Summit (Missouri) to Shawnee for seven years to go to Mass,” said Elizabeth. “That’s one of the big pulls for us to join the Community and Family Ministry. People knew we went to Mass every Sunday, but we wanted to be part of the community, and it was hard to do because we lived so far away.

“When we moved to Shawnee, the first thing we wanted to do was get involved in a ministry. Now, we show up for Mass and we have so many people saying ‘hi.’ We know their names and they know our names and our kids’ names.”

Strengthening the family leads to strengthening the parish, and in turn, stronger parishes can support families to make them stronger, too.

“Society doesn’t support families the way we think it should,” said Elizabeth. “I feel like the Community Family Ministry does. It provides the parish with support and it provides families and relationships with support. I think that can only be positive in a world where marriage isn’t as revered as much as it used to be.”

Communio: Equipping for ministry

To understand Communio, it might be helpful to start with the really big picture and work your way down.

The organization Communio is an ecumenical, nonprofit church consulting entity that trains and equips parishes to use events and ministries to strengthen marriages to prevent divorce, promote healthy families, build and strengthen relationships within parishes and reach out to evangelize the greater community and grow the parish.

Since summer 2022, the Communio framework — sometimes using a different name — has been implemented in 11 archdiocesan parishes for a three-year period. The Communio framework uses several parish ministry events and programs throughout the year to accomplish its goals.

Rebecca Browns is coordinator of marriage and family ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee. She runs Communio at her parish, which goes by the name of Community and Family Ministry.

“The target audience starts with marriage and family ministry,” said Browns. “Largely, it helps marriages and families, but the longer-term goal is that parishes, once they get the central hub of relationship health running in a parish . . . start forming the youth and young adults in relationship health and also in vocational health. [The intention is to] help them — even before they get married — to be working on the things that lead marriages to divorce, that couples don’t end up working on.”

Next comes the big picture: community outreach events.

To evangelize and build community in the parish, and with the greater community of Shawnee, St. Joseph Parish hosts three large outreach events a year. They are a fall festival, a summer family fun night and a Christmas event. (This year, it was pancakes with Santa.)

“With the outreach events, it’s not just about serving our parishioners but also tapping into our evangelizing mission we have as a church and baptized Christians,” said Browns. “I think we really need to tap into our evangelistic identity as churches and dioceses. I think Communio is a really great partnership, and we are training more of our volunteers and staff to be aware and have a heart and skill set to go out and evangelize.”

Next comes the medium-sized picture: parish ministries and programs.

These, although they are not large outreach events, can also be open to the wider community of Shawnee, said Browns. These include such things as Financial Peace University classes, the Alpha marriage course, date night events with babysitting for couples, a mothers’ group, a men’s ministry and more.

And then comes the small picture: families and couples doing things with each other under the auspices of Communio. These are things such as couples taking marriage courses together, going on date nights at or away from the parish, or holding a spouse development night at home.

“Ultimately, this is the fundamental answer to all of the problems we are dealing with on a daily basis in America today,” said Browns. “That’s a big claim, but I wholeheartedly believe that Communio, if done well, with hearts that are open to evangelization and God’s will, could really transform all of Kansas City into a hub of health, a beautiful, thriving community.

“[It can be a place] where all our families are working toward happiness and healthiness and have community, and nobody’s experiencing loneliness. . . . That’s the real end game.

“I firmly believe . . . that kind of society and culture can happen working with Communio.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Travis and Elizabeth Ryan, members of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, talk to a couple at a Community and Family Ministry event at the parish. The Ryans have been involved in the ministry for more than a year. The ministry follows the Communio framework.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Rebecca Browns, right, the coordinator of marriage and family ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, welcomes Meghan and Adam Burns to a recent marriage event. She runs Communio at her parish, which goes by the name of Community and Family Ministry.

Saints learn to discover their path by first finding themselves

By Tom Racunas Special to The Leaven

OVERLAND PARK — St. Thomas Aquinas High School here is in the second year of its “We Are Called” campaign, an initiative to create new learning environments and sports facilities.

More importantly, the campaign also includes a new mission focus for Aquinas faculty, staff and students.

The effort began when Brian Schenck, president of St. Thomas Aquinas, and Craig Moss, principal, were both serving in principal roles. They noticed that many of their students were exploring college and possible fields of study, but they didn’t know their strengths.

“The faculty and staff are helping our students pursue those interests through a unique lens,” Schenck explained. “They emphasize to the students that God is calling them. They are not just pursuing a career but pursuing a career to use the strengths that God has blessed them with.”

“The church does a good job of encouraging religious vocations,” he continued, “but it is our job to introduce students to other vocations. We tell our students that there is something God has planned for them that is different than their friend.

“No two saints had the same path toward spreading God’s love, so we shouldn’t expect all of our students to take the same path. Our journeys need to help us discover what we are good at. We need to provide our students with more opportunities to discover and experience that.”

To that end, an Academic Pathways program was developed that changes graduation requirements and gives students more flexibility in course offerings. Some of those courses will offer a more in-depth view of careers, especially in business/finance, engineering and health sciences through high quality, hands-on experiences in real work environments.

Currently, all types of health care professionals are in short supply. The American Hospital Association estimates that the industry will face a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2033. And at least 200,000 nurses a year are needed to meet rising demands. Schenck believes that if more students can recognize their interests and strengths in health sciences early,

they will select the right vocation for themselves which will then help reduce the shortage.

So, through a partnership with the St. Luke’s College of Nursing at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, Aquinas students had the opportunity first semester to enroll in a health sciences course that put them into direct contact with health care providers.

“Our students are able to learn by solving real-world problems with real tools mentored by industry professionals,” said Schenck.

The curriculum is divided into two parts: online learning and attending a lab at Rockhurst. The online learning included content such as the principles of nursing, medical terminology and abbreviations, and cultural differences in health care. Guest speakers addressed such topics as the workings of a burn unit, their career path into health care administration and how to survive nursing school.

Led by health care practitioners, the lab experience taught students, practicing on medical mannequins, how to

Catholic App Series

Catholics who travel often or even occasionally can benefit from the Catholic Mass Times app, which provides an interactive map that displays all the Catholic churches in the user’s area.

Catholic Mass Times

Tapping on the church icon brings up the church name and all of its Mass times. Users can also search for a city/town to pull up churches in the area of their choice.

“The purpose of the Mass Times app is to help Catholics get to Mass by helping them find churches and worship times worldwide,” said Debra Niesen, archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

“I love that this app makes it really easy to find your best time and location for Mass when traveling by listing all of the options in a geographical area on one page,” she added.

For Niesen, whose adult children and many extended family members live out of state, the app is a must-have.

“We turn to the Mass Times app to help us locate Catholic churches and compare Mass times,” she said, “so that we can always find a Mass — on weekdays or weekends — while we’re on the road.

“If you like to travel, we highly recommend this app!”

— By Moira Cullings

draw blood and insert a catheter. They learned how to take blood pressure and pulse.

Jennifer Jones, a faculty member at Aquinas, was the proctor for the class.

“There was such excitement in learning,” said Jones. “The students could see how people in the field really enjoyed their job. Once the students began to learn the skills, you could see the change in their interest and excitement.”

Schenck said they were hoping that 10 students would enroll in the course. 24 enrolled.

“The College of Nursing was very pleased,” he said. “They said they could accommodate 50 students next fall.”

One of the students who took the class was Sidney Zinkus, a senior.

“My father is a radiologist and my mother is a nurse,” she said. “I always had an interest in medicine because of my parents’ work. I was thinking about a career in media design.”

“I signed up for the class because I heard great things about Rockhurst and the instructor,” explained Zinkus. “The experience gave me great insights.

I LOVE THAT THIS APP MAKES IT REALLY EASY TO FIND YOUR BEST TIME AND LOCATION FOR MASS WHEN TRAVELING BY LISTING ALL OF THE OPTIONS IN A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA ON ONE PAGE.

Every medical person we encountered was full of joy and loved their work. I walked away feeling more in love with medicine. I know that this is what I want to do. I am definitely going to pursue the pre-med track in college.”

An added benefit for Zinkus was exactly what the faculty and staff at Aquinas are hoping for.

“I realized that in talking to the professionals, I could be a part of something bigger than myself,” she said. “I could serve people. I learned the ‘I’m Third Rule’: God first, others second and myself third.”

The “We Are Called” campaign takes its inspiration from Pope Francis who said, “It is by living with love and offering Christian witness in our daily tasks that we are called to become saints. . . . Always and everywhere, YOU can become a saint.”

The Saints of St. Thomas Aquinas High School are learning to do just that.

For more information about the “We Are Called” campaign, visit the website at: www.stasaints.net.

Debra Niesen archdiocesan consultant for the

COURTESY PHOTO

Instructor Megan Cobb, far left, explains to Overland Park’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School students how the mannequin in the Nursing Simulation Lab at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, breathes, blinks and simulates verbal responses. Students can practice checking the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, urinary catheter, nasogastric tube placement, etc.

Find a way to be present to those who struggle

It was a crisp morning a few years back and the streets were largely empty. I was early for a meeting downtown and I planned to pick up a coffee on my way.

I had forgotten to bring cash. And then, I noticed a man on the corner. Did he have a sign? Or perhaps it was his clothing and demeanor that suggested he wasn’t heading to a meeting, but instead was probably unhoused, facing another day on these streets.

I hurried by. I didn’t even have a couple of bucks to give him. But my softly nagging conscience suggested I could ask him if he’d like some coffee. I could pay for it with the same credit card I would use for mine. But instead, I journeyed on and put him out of my mind.

But I didn’t really put him out of my mind, did I? Because all these years later, I still wish I had paused and done that simple deed.

Here’s another. My daughter and I were once visiting a university she hoped to attend. We went out one evening to a pizza place someone had recommended, and later, making our way down the few short blocks to our hotel with a pizza box, we saw an old man sitting against a building, surrounded by his possessions.

“Let’s give him our leftover pizza,” we

said. He accepted and we headed home.

When would we have eaten those leftovers anyway? What bothered me later was that we simply handed him the pizza and walked on. Could we have spared a few moments to talk to him as one person to another? We had time, we were not in a dangerous place, and he, an old man sitting on the street with a pizza box, was hardly a threat.

Pope Francis once said we should give to everyone who asks. This was in response to someone that suggested money might be used on alcohol, cigarettes or drugs. The pope implied that simple humanity overrode those judgmental concerns.

But if you live or work in a big city, you’re probably overwhelmed by need at

WE BECOME INURED TO NEED. PEOPLE BECOME INVISIBLE, PART OF AN UNHOUSED “PROBLEM,” OR PART OF AN IMMIGRATION “CRISIS,” NOT INDIVIDUAL HUMAN BEINGS WITH UNIQUE LIFE STORIES.

every street corner, every intersection. We become inured to need.

People become invisible, part of an unhoused “problem,” or part of an immigration “crisis,” not individual human beings with unique life stories.

In the Gospels of

Matthew, Mark and John, Jesus utters the words “the poor you have always with you.”

Some people interpret this to mean, “Yeah, there will always be poor people around.” But others see Jesus’ emphasis differently. Jesus tells

his disciples they must always be with the poor, one with them. That’s where a disciple belongs.

It’s easy, living in the suburbs or a quiet neighborhood, to forget this.

We can’t all go to our southern border and help the Catholic agencies assisting immigrants. It would be unrealistic to hand money to every person on the street. We individually cannot solve the housing crisis.

But somewhere in your community, there is a chance to be present to those who struggle. A parish near me hosts lunch for

people on the streets three days a week.

Many parishes have St. Vincent de Paul societies which provide direct outreach to people in need.

Sometimes, I wonder what prevented me from buying that man a good coffee and a croissant. What did I fear? How much would his humanity and my own humanity have benefited from that gesture?

He forgot about my passing by immediately, but I remain with the knowledge that it wasn’t an opportunity he had missed, but an opportunity I had missed.

EFFIE CALDAROLA

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

OSV NEWS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

A homeless man sits with his belongings outside a shopping center in Tucson, Arizona, Oct. 22, 2023.

Even adults can need help hearing what God’s calling them to

By Jack Figge Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Stacey Sumereau’s personal discernment was public — very public — with over a million people following along. Now, she speaks about her process of discovering God’s will for her on her weekly podcast and will speak on that topic Feb. 24 at the rural youth ministry outreach’s Adult Enrichment opportunity.

Growing up, Sumereau wanted to be a Broadway actress. After college, she achieved her dreams, appearing in multiple musicals. But after nine years, Sumereau realized that she was searching for more.

So, she began praying, which led to her beginning to discern entering religious life.

“Through a whole long period of praying and thinking, I began discerning religious life,” she said, “which I didn’t want to do, but it was kind of the thing that became undeniable.

“And I just couldn’t ignore anymore the fact that I better forgo my own dreams and I better start listening to what God wants. From there, it was a really interesting journey.”

Shortly into her discernment, she was approached by a TV producer who asked if a TV crew could follow her discernment journey for a docuseries on Lifetime TV called “Sisterhood,” which first aired in 2014 and followed the stories of young women as they discerned religious life.

“While I was discerning religious life, I ended up just spending part of it

working with a documentary crew for ‘Sisterhood,’” said Sumereau. “It was a very public discernment, which taught me a lot about how to talk about discernment and talk to others about it.”

Eventually, Sumereau decided that religious life was not for her. Soon thereafter, she met her husband John; within a year, they were married, and now they have three children. But through her discernment experience, Sumereau came to realize that many people do not know what discernment really is or the proper way to undertake it.

In 2018, she was asked to speak at an event on discernment, which launched her speaking career. She now hosts a

weekly podcast “Calling and Caffeinated,” during which she talks about discernment with different guests.

“After the reality TV show concluded, I received messages from people all over the world asking me how to know God’s will. I realized that many of the same misconceptions I had had, other people had, too,” said Sumereau. “I then felt like the Lord was inviting me to share my story and speak about discernment publicly.”

Sumereau will be speaking about discernment in big and small matters and how one can reclaim self-worth in the digital age.

While discernment is often perceived

as an issue that young people face, said Angie Bittner, the rural youth ministry coordinator for the archdiocese, it is important for all people, including adults, to know what healthy discernment looks like.

“Discernment is something that we usually think of when we think about choosing our main vocation in life, right? But it’s learning to listen to God in all things,” said Bittner. “So, if we, as adults, can learn to discern decisions in our lives, perhaps we’ll be better teachers of discernment when our children, grandchildren or students are trying to make decisions in their lives.”

Sumereau will give two presentations on Feb. 24: at 8:30 a.m., she will be speaking at Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys, located at 208 W. Bertrand; then at 2 p.m., she’ll be at St. Philip Neri Parish in Osawatomie, located at 500 Parker Ave.

Both talks are open to the public, and the rural youth ministry outreach is encouraging parents, teachers, youth ministers and any other adults to attend the events. To incentivize participation, the ministry said that it will award money based on attendance.

“This event is for any adult in the area — parents, grandparents, catechists, youth ministers, priests, parishioners — anyone who cares about our youth,” said Bittner.

“We pray their hearts will learn new and improved ways to navigate today’s world,” she added, “so their lives and the lives of the young people they love will be more abundant here on earth with the big goal in mind of getting to heaven.”

Almsgiving is a way to model Jesus through acts of charity

People have also become accustomed to “fasting” from other pleasures or activities as a sign of Lenten sacrifice. They might choose to lessen time on social media, give up consumption of sweets or alcohol, or refrain from being critical or negative.

What’s key is the intention behind the fasting. Lent is not a time directed to losing weight or to winning personality contests. Rather, its purpose is to weigh in more with Jesus, to deepen our faith and to live it more fully. It’s about turning away from our sinful ways and turning toward God.

What’s also important is how we fill the voids resulting from letting go of familiar habits and preoccupations. If we Instagram less, can we pray a little more? Can we fill the space created by self-denial with generosity and simple living, self-discipline and prayer? If we become kinder and gentler, can we broaden the experience to encompass greater acts of charity?

Doing unto others

If we use Lent to pray and fast as Jesus taught us, the next logical progression following in his footsteps is charitable outreach to others, especially those most in need. Jesus didn’t stay in the desert or linger in the garden. He quickly moved from places of silence to the nitty-gritty of life.

People with a variety of needs sought him out, or he found them. They had physical impairments, were possessed by demons, were scourges of society,

outcasts and sinners. Jesus remarkably and charitably touched and changed their lives.

The concept of almsgiving as a pillar of the Lenten season urges us to do as Jesus did through acts of charity. This can be financial support of worthy causes — special weekend collections, Operation Rice Bowl, other charitable organizations serving persons in need. Almsgiving also involves the practice of donating food or other material goods to persons living in poverty. It further encompasses performing acts of charity.

The idea is that during Lent we are called to “donate” the value of what we have given up or fasted from to charity. From our self-denial, someone else benefits.

Beyond this, Jesus calls us to a lifetime of charity and service. Lent presents the ideal time to consider ways to get more involved in helping those who are poor in mind, body and spirit.

Giving Pope Francis the final word

In his Lenten message this year, Pope Francis asks if we hear the cries of inequality and conflict in our world today. He invites us to pause in prayer to consider ways we can mitigate suffering, the various forms of social and economic oppressions and the deficit of hope in our world.

Referencing the three pillars of Lent,

Fast facts about Lent

• Lent begins with the observance of Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14 this year) and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday (March 28). Fasting and penance continue through the end of Holy Week.

• Lent covers 44 days. However, the Sundays of Lent are not required times of fasting — hence, the 40 days of Lent.

• In the spirit of the season, worship during Lent is intended to be simpler and more austere with violet vestments, absence of the recitation of the Gloria and Alleluia, and the covering of statues and crucifixes with purple cloth.

• The Fourth Sunday of Lent — Laetare Sunday — is an exception. Marking the halfway point through Lent, the liturgy focuses with joy in anticipation of Easter. Celebrants can wear rose-colored vestments, and decorative floral arrangements are allowed.

the Holy Father concludes: “Prayer, almsgiving and fasting are not three unrelated acts, but a single movement of openness and self-emptying, in which we cast out the idols that weigh us down, the attachments that imprison us. Then, the atrophied and isolated heart will revive. Slow down, then, and pause! The contemplative dimension of life that Lent helps us to rediscover will release new energies.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Stacey Sumereau, host of the weekly podcast “Calling and Caffeinated,” during which she talks about discernment with different guests each week, will speak on that topic Feb. 24 at the rural youth ministry outreach’s Adult Enrichment opportunity.

The third pillar of Lent, almsgiving, represents doing as Jesus did through acts of charity, like donating food to the needy.

ROCKING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Catholic schools from across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas celebrated Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29 - Feb. 2. The Leaven asked schools to send us photos of what they did to celebrate and they delivered. On these two pages, you will find a sampling of an exciting week at Catholic schools.

FLIPPED

HELPING OTHERS

CENTENARIANS?

GRAND ENTRANCE

SONGBIRDS

A Chris Cakes representative flips a pancake onto the waiting plate of Jasmine Bichelmeyer, a fourth grader at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas, as third grader Destinee Espinoza looks on. Chris Cakes provided a special pancake lunch for the school during Catholic Schools Week.

Clara Ewoldsen, an eighth grader at Holy Spirit School tunnel to take part in a student vs. faculty volleyball game.

From left, Bishop Ward High School juniors Hailey Jordan, that sang at the school’s First Responder Mass Feb. 2 invited first responders, medical staff and military to the

Jodi Graverson, left, and Emma Boever, kindergarten teachers at Holy Spirit School in Overland Park, celebrate 100 days of school. The kindergarten classes celebrated the first 100 days of school by dressing as 100-year-olds.

PHOTO BY ANTON JOHNSON

PHOTO BY LISA MILLER

PHOTO BY JENNIFER STARCKE

Pictured above are, from left, Savannah Squire, Roslynn Telken and Brynnley Bauer, third graders at Queen of the Holy Rosary School in Wea. Earlier that day, students had listened to a presentation from Annette Bentzinger of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Bentzinger explained to the students how Catholic Charities supports refugees from other countries after they have arrived in the area. After the talk, the students put that knowledge into action by assembling hygiene kids and breakfast bags for Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas.

LET’S DANCE

Iyali Rangel, a second grader at Sacred Heart School in Emporia, gives it her all as she performs a traditional Mexican dance for the school’s talent show.

SAINTS ALIVE

Riley Etter, left, and Halia Whiles, right, both third grade teachers at St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, join fifth grader Norah Radcliff in dressing as their favorite saints. Both Etter and Whiles chose St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the patron saint of Catholic schools, while Radcliff dressed as St. Lucy.

FUN AND ICE CREAM

Cydney Brunswick’s kindergarten class at Curé of Ars School in Leawood took advantage of the unseasonably nice weather to hold an ice cream social outdoors as part of the school’s Catholic Schools Week celebration.

School in Overland Park, makes her big entrance through the human game.

PHOTO BY KERRY STEIN

Jordan, Angelina Melendez and Florence Kato make up part of the choir 2 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. The school the Mass to honor them with a special intention and recognition.

PHOTO BY CYDNEY BRUNSWICK

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE CABRAL

PHOTO BY JACQUELINE TURNER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

The project took Jenicke around two years to complete.

“It was something I’d always wanted to do,” he said. “It’s been about the last four or five years that I feel like my art ability’s actually reached the level it needed to be at to do [justice to] the Stations.”

The parish’s former Stations were installed in 1967.

“They were a modern design,” said Father Mertes. “But the design was somewhat abstract.”

Each piece portrayed a Station inside of a triangle with a cross in the front.

“They were hard to see in the church,” said Father Mertes. “And through the years, they got forgotten about.”

Jenicke utilized realism for his Stations, taking inspiration from “The Passion of the Christ” film, the TV series “The Chosen” and sculptures made by Juan Lopez based on the Shroud of Turin.

“One of the things I always like to do with all my work is try to capture the human side of Christ,” said Jenicke.

“I see that the more we can relate to him in his humanity, the more that we can begin to see the divinity that Christ is promising us,” he added. “We can find that divinity inside of us.”

Jenicke researched what Jerusalem would’ve looked like during the time of Christ and found models of the city online.

“A lot of the architecture you see in the background and the buildings are all based off of what I was finding in these models and the research I was doing,” he said.

He hired models to fill each position and dressed them in Roman armor he purchased from Amazon.

The entire process was an experience of faith.

“The study of [the] Scriptures and the study of the time period — being able to bring all this together — actually deepens my relationship with Christ,” said Jenicke.

“It makes him more real,” he added. “It makes him more human.

“I think the more we can see the humanity in him, the more we can

see him trying to work through us.”

Father Mertes said the Stations are the perfect addition to the church.

“It has this amazing interplay of light and shadow and the colors of the wood and bricks,” he said. “And it varies throughout the day. It varies throughout the year.”

Father Mertes hopes the Stations

will inspire Catholics around the archdiocese.

“I am a big believer in what Pope Francis says, that churches should be open,” he said. “They should be unlocked.

“So, to add these around the church — the goal is to create a prayer destination.”

“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”

Sister of Charity Sue Miller dies

LEAVENWORTH — Sister Joan “Sue” Miller, 85, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 67 years, died here on Feb. 3. Sue Miller entered religious life on Aug. 19, 1956, taking the name Mary Claudelle. She later returned to her baptismal name.

Sister Sue began her education at St. Therese Little Flower School in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by St. Teresa’s Academy and Bishop Hogan High School. There, she met the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and, through their help, received a scholarship to attend Saint Mary College in Leavenworth.

In her first years with the community, Sister Sue taught grade school in Oklahoma City; Laramie, Wyoming; and Helena, Montana. In 1964, she attended the University of Wisconsin to earn a master’s degree, followed by a Ph.D. in home economics with a focus on design and textiles.

In 1968, she returned to Saint Mary College as a professor in the home economics department. She became the academic dean in 1974. During her time in leadership at the college, she established several outreach programs in the Leavenworth prisons and in Wyandotte and Johnson counties for nontraditional students.

Sister Sue spent 24 years in SCL leadership, first being elected a community councilor in 1986 and 1992. She was elected community director for two terms in 1998 and 2004. Her time in community leadership was also marked by tremendous growth in SCL ministries, especially in international sites. Programs were established in Haiti, Sudan and Kenya and expanded in Peru, with Latin American Sisters stepping into leadership roles there. She led the expansion of the SCL Community’s Charity Fund, which enabled a greater number of projects for the poor to be funded in the United States and around the world.

Throughout these years and ministries, Sister Sue continued her art that began with her studies of textiles and design. She produced works in watercolor painting, ceramics and quilt making.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Artist Jason Jenicke, who lives in Kentucky but grew up at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, painted the new Stations of the Cross blessed at St. Patrick Feb. 9. Following the blessing of the Stations, Jenicke gave a presentation about his work.

Gregg Amos

Chiefs won, but Jesus takes first in Ash Wednesday parade

By Gina Christian OSV News

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (OSV News) — Kansas City Chiefs fans are looking forward to a Super Bowl victory parade Feb. 14 — but for Catholics, who mark Ash Wednesday that same day, “first place always goes to the Lord Jesus and what he’s done,” said Bishop James V. Johnston of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri.

On Feb. 11, the Chiefs became the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions in two decades, as they roared back from a 10-point deficit to best the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime in Super Bowl LVIII, which took place in Las Vegas.

Back in Kansas City, officials are set to throw a $1 million celebration on Feb. 14, with a two-mile parade starting at 11 a.m. and ending with a victory rally in front of Union Station.

Crowds are expected to be even larger this year than last, especially since singer Taylor Swift — who is dating Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce — may be in attendance.

In a Feb. 12 video message, Bishop Johnston said the team is in “rare company” with its historic wins, commending the Chiefs as being “a big part of our local community,” and noting that local faithful are “going to celebrate and rejoice in the Chiefs’ victory.”

However, said Bishop Johnston, “while we do rejoice with our hometown Chiefs, we’re going to rejoice even more in the Lord.”

He said that Ash Wednesday is “a very important day in our liturgical year, where we begin the holy season of Lent, in which we turn our minds and our hearts to the Lord, what he’s

done, but also what he’s calling us to — a deeper conversion in our own lives so that we can be more faithfully his missionary disciples.

“It’s a day of fasting and abstinence and prayer. It’s a day when we go to Mass and receive ashes on our foreheads [and] go to holy Communion,”

said Bishop Johnston.

“And so we’re going to focus on that as Catholics,” he said. “We’re identified by what we prioritize and what we celebrate.”

Bishop Johnston invited the faithful to reflect on how “Lent involves sacrifices, important sacrifices.”

Vatican Christmas gifts bring joy to fifth grader

By Jessica Miano OSV News

WESTFIELD, N.J. (OSV News) — While many fifth graders typically request toys and games for Christmas, Dominic Auricchio surprised his family this past Christmas by asking for a military Bible and a rosary blessed by Pope Francis.

He received seven religious gifts in all and since then has been sharing his joy over the items with family and classmates at Holy Trinity School in Westfield, even taking them to school for a classroom display.

Dominic said that he requested the items because he enjoys learning about religion at school and because he wants to become a priest and a military chaplain when he grows up. He also dreams of meeting Pope Francis.

“If I met him, I’d like to tell him that I want to be a priest,” Dominic told Jersey Catholic, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Newark. He has many questions for the pope, such as how a priest becomes a bishop, he said.

Dominic said his parents were surprised when they saw his Christmas wish list. Nonetheless, the whole family shared his excitement on Christmas morning when he joyfully unwrapped seven religious gifts: a military Bible, a crucifix featuring the Stations of the Cross, a rosary, a miraculous medal,

“He was so happy when he opened these gifts and he couldn’t wait to tell everybody,” his mother, Maria Auricchio, said. “It was the first thing he wanted to do.”

Dominic shared his gifts with family members at Christmas dinner, and when school resumed in January, he brought the items in to show his classmates. Caroline Ponterio, his religion teacher, inspired him, he said.

Ponterio said that Dominic is a very thoughtful and hard-working student and seeks to help his classmates whenever he can. “It is evident how much Dominic loves his faith by the way he shares it in class and treats others,” she said.

He set up a table to display the items in the back of his classroom. The other two fifth-grade classes were invited into the room, and Dominic provided information about each of the items. He translated the Italian prayer for his classmates, as well.

Dominic said he is proud of his faith and that he “loves everything about being Catholic.”

As a result, he said, “we’re also giving up, in a sense, what other people are taking part in.”

“We’re in this together,” said Bishop Johnston. “I want to wish all of you a blessed Lent. . . . May it be a time of great graces and blessings for you.”

Paris Archdiocese reveals details of Notre Dame’s reopening

PARIS (OSV News) —

The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, scheduled for Dec. 8 will be “six months of celebration and praise,” the archbishop of Paris said in a pastoral letter.

The iconic cathedral will reopen five years and 10 months from the devastating fire in 2019. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich gave some details in his Feb. 2 letter on what the reopening will look like, emphasizing it will not be a one-day celebration, but several months of joy.

a vial of holy water, a chalice made of wood from the Holy Land, and an Italian prayer card.

The Bible, holy water, rosary beads and crucifix came from the Vatican and were blessed by Pope Francis. Dominic brought the other items to the church, where Msgr. Thomas Nydegger, pastor of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Westfield, blessed them.

He is an altar server at St. Helen’s in Westfield and said he enjoys helping the priest during Mass.

“Dominic is one of our altar servers and he is one of our best,” said Msgr. Nydegger. “Dominic himself is a very, very fine young man. He serves at the altar faithfully and does it well. He is just a very good person and a fine, young parishioner.”

The archbishop announced the reopening celebration “deserves an octave: From Dec. 8 to 15, every day, we will have a solemn celebration with a particular theme.” But the festive “reopening” time will last until June 8, when Pentecost falls in 2025. That way, the archbishop said, “Many will be able to say: ‘I was at the reopening!’”

The first Mass will be celebrated in Notre Dame Dec. 8, when the new altar will be consecrated.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/MIKE BLAKE, REUTERS

Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas Feb. 11. The Chiefs’ Super Bowl Victory Parade is scheduled for Feb. 14, which this year is also Ash Wednesday.

OSV NEWS PHOTO/COURTESY AURICCHIO FAMILY

Dominic Auricchio, a fifth grader at Holy Trinity School in Westfield, New Jersey, is pictured in an undated photo with seven religious items he received as Christmas gifts: a military Bible, a crucifix featuring the Stations of the Cross, a rosary, a miraculous medal, a vial of holy water, a chalice made of wood from the Holy Land and an Italian prayer card.

EMPLOYMENT

Math teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school math teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and click on “Apply” then click on “Teachers.” Also, email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kc nativity.org.

Help needed - Parishioner of St. Michael Parish is in need of support in her home. 95-year-old female. Lives very close to St. Michael Church. Part-time weekend help. $15 hr. Mostly visiting and assisting if needing help with walker. Please call Jenny at (816) 616-7398.

Catholic school elementary principal for Resurrection School - Are you a passionate and visionary leader looking to make a difference in the lives of young learners? Do you thrive in diverse, culturally rich environments? Resurrection Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a joyfully Catholic school leader with demonstrated skill in the academic and spiritual formation of students. With a board of trustees, the principal will lead a team to advance the school’s academic licensure in educational leadership. Ideal candidates will be fluent in English and Spanish, but Spanish-speaking not required. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply and scroll down and click on “Principals.” For more information, contact Dr. Vince Cascone, superintendent, at: vcascone@ archkckcs.org.

Maintenance technician - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is looking for a full-time, 40 hours per week, maintenance technician with a strong work ethic. We prefer a candidate with knowledge in landscape maintenance. This individual will also have general maintenance skills, including basic electrical and plumbing. This position also includes setting up for events. A maintenance technician is a thorough professional with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and responsibly. The candidate needs to be able to lift 50 pounds and work off a ladder or lift. All employees are required to be Virtus-trained and background-checked. This position may include some weekend and evenings as needed. Competitive pay, including benefits, vacation/sick time and 401(k) with match. Interested candidates should send a resume to the facilities director at: matt.rocca@cureofars.com.

Liturgy coordinator - Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe is seeking to fill a part-time position of liturgy coordinator. This person will work with the pastor in the planning and implementation of all parish liturgies. Primary activities include coordinating ministry volunteers, decorating the church for Masses and administering liturgy events. Please see the website for a full job description at: www.popolathe.org/ employment-opportunities. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to John Meyers, parish manager, at: jmeyers@popolathe.org.

Director - The Ignatian Spirituality Center is currently seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of executive director. The executive director should be someone with a passion for Ignatian spirituality and the experience to lead a small team and a large group of volunteers. To apply, send resumes and cover letter to Kate Hodel at: khodel@gmail.com.

Catholic high school principal - Bishop Ward High School is seeking a school leader with a passion for Catholic education and serving students in the urban core of Kansas City, Kansas. The school serves a diverse student population. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated skill in the following: academic and spiritual formation of students; recruitment and development of joyfully Catholic teachers and staff; and cultivation of relationships with current and prospective families. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, please contact Jay Dunlap, president, at: jdunlap@wardhigh. org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Community and family ministry leader - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a part-time community and family ministry (CFM) leader. This leader would be responsible for nurturing and guiding a ministry and evangelism strategy that provides vision, skills and community for single, engaged and married people. The leader will lead a ministry task force responsible for executing this initiative to invite and move church and community through outreach and ongoing engagements into Growth Journeys where relationship skills content is delivered/transformed. The leader will also serve as St. Joseph’s chief liaison with our Communio church strategist. Interested applicants should email resumes to Veronica Quinn at: vquinn@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 244-3909.

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

Chief financial officer – Catholic Care Campus Inc. dba Santa Marta is seeking a CFO. The CFO is responsible for the overall financial operations of Santa Marta in conjunction with the CEO and finance committee. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited, to: budget preparations; forecasting; audit functions; monitor financial performance; directs the preparation of all financial statements; and prepares financial analysis package to the finance committee and board of directors. Oversees relationship with bankers, calculates bond covenants and provides reporting to bond trustees. Ensures that effective internal controls are in place and ensures compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting. Qualifications include 10 years of health care leadership experience, strategic planning and budgeting. Experience in RFPs and contract negotiations. Investment and bond experience. Efficient and effective organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal professional relationships, both internally and externally. Overall soundness of decisions, effective delegation and maintenance of confidentiality for all sensitive information. CPA or MBA preferred. Interested applicants may apply at Santa Marta Retirement Jobs in Overland Park, KS | Indeed.com.

Executive director of communal life - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) are currently seeking an executive director of communal life. The executive director of communal life, in collaboration with the SCL leadership team and the executive directors of mission and resources, will support the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth community as it focuses on sustaining its mission and charism into the future. The communal life office will create inclusive and holistic systems and structures that support and facilitate ongoing formation; individual member well-being; the well-being of the community; and the engagement of Sisters in the mission. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, spirituality, theology or related field. To view the full job announcement, please visit our website at: www.scls.org. If you possess the desired qualifications and would like to work for a truly wonderful and outstanding religious community, please email a cover letter with salary requirements and your resume to: recruiting@scls.org.

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

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

Now hiring - Looking for part-time horse groom/ care on small family farm. Located in Paola, 20 miles south of Overland Park. Responsibilities include but not limited to cleaning, grooming, exercise for horse; barn maintenance; moving hay; cleaning barn, water troughs; mowing paddocks, etc. It is hot and dirty work in the summer, cold and dirty in the winter. Prior equine experience preferred but not required. Willingness to work hard, honesty, punctuality and reliability are requirements. Must be able to lift hay bales, bags of grain, water buckets, etc. No smoking, tobacco, electronic tobacco, drugs or alcohol allowed on premises; no exceptions. We do background checks and you must have your own transportation to and from work.

Full-time maintenance/custodian - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is looking for full-time maintenance/ custodial staff. Qualified applicants will primarily work in a school and early education environment. Applicants must have similar work history, references and dependable transportation. Must be Virtustrained or attend Virtus training and participate in a background check. Interested applicants should email resumes to: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 631-0004.

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

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

Director of finance - The Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as director of finance. The director of finance is accountable for the overall financial management of the Diocese of Wichita and the stewardship of fiscal resources in support of the mission and vision of the diocese. The finance director advises the bishop in the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the diocese, developing and implementing policies and procedures in accord with canon law and civil law. Responsibilities include providing financial expertise and advice to the bishop, articulating the overall financial condition of the diocese at any point in time, and working closely with pastors, diocesan leadership, diocesan finance council, diocesan investment committee, clergy and other diocesan leaders on a broad range of financial and administrative matters. Qualifications for this opening include the following: must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and a steward in one’s parish with a commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church; must have the ability and willingness to promote and exemplify the curia core values of unity in mission, discipleship centered stewardship and apostolic courage; bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration. MBA and/or CPA preferred; minimum of 10 - 15 years of finance and accounting experience with at least five years of senior level management. Experience in a not-for-profit environment helpful. Experience in budgeting, auditing and oversight of investments required. Prefer experience in risk management, insurance and contract review. Forward thinker with the ability to conserve resources while recognizing strategic opportunities to utilize existing and new resources; outstanding leadership skills with the competence to manage staff; proven to be a team-oriented, proactive and collaborative business partner with strong business judgment and high level of integrity. Interested applicants may submit resumes, references and salary requirements to: hallacyt@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org. Application deadline is noon, Feb. 29.

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

Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as a direct support professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-our-team or by emailing: james@larcheks.org.

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

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

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

Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation. com for more information. EEO.

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

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

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

SERVICES

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

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

Garage door repair expert

New Garage Doors Garage Floor Coatings

A Total Door Inc., Since ’83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com; (913) 236-6440

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

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

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

MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 9274347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

DRC Construction

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

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

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

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 |

EUCHARISTIC MARIAN CONFERENCE

St. Mary Parish

600 N. Liberty St., Independence, Missouri Feb. 16-18

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

BEREAVEMENT MEETING

Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room)

9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m.

The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting following Mass. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Patrick Parish (center)

1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 18 from 8 - 11 a.m.

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

ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Bede Parish

7344 Drought St., Kelly Feb. 18 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

SOUP DINNER

Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room)

3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the soup dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call Gen at (785) 230-2473.

ALUMNI EVENT

St. Pius X Catholic Student Center

301A East Cleveland, Pittsburg Feb. 20 from noon - 3 p.m.

>> Continued from page 12

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

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

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

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 5152950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!

I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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

Reconnect with other Catholic Gorillas and Pittsburg State alumni and friends. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live entertainment and hear from Father Derek Thome about the mission of St. Pius X. RSVP to Bethany Kendrick online at: bethany@ catholicgorillas.org.

‘ST. PAUL AND JESUS: A SCRIPTURE RETREAT’

Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty Feb. 20, 27, March 5 and 12 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH

Perkins Restaurant (back room)

1720 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other widowed women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed; just come. We need each other to help ease the pain and get through this time in our lives. Please invite other widowed women of faith. We meet every month on the third Tuesday. Questions? Call (913) 558-0191 or send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail.com.

CITY ON A HILL: GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP AND PILGRIMAGE INFORMATION SESSION

Our Lady of Good Counsel (Faustina Building)

500 W. 40th St., Kansas City, Missouri

Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

City on a Hill is returning to Guatemala for its annual trip this summer. Young adults (in their 20s and 30s) will journey to San Andres Itzapa to build tiny homes, visit the homebound and more. The trip also includes spiritual formation, visiting the site of Blessed (Father) Stanley Rother’s martyrdom and opportunities for socialization and recreation. Priority will be given to young adults living in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the

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

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

CAREGIVING

Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580.

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

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.

CNA - Can provide home care for those needing assistance. Available Monday - Friday, days or nights. Serving Shawnee, Lenexa and Overland Park. 20 years’ experience. Call Serina at (913) 526-0797.

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For more information, join us on Feb. 21 at the information session or visit us online at: www.kansascityonahill.org/guatemala.

‘LISTEN FOR THE VOICE IN THE QUIET’

Precious Blood Renewal Center

2120 St. Gaspar Way

Liberty, Missouri

Feb. 22-25

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

HEARTACHE TO HEALING

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Feb. 23 at 6:45 p.m.

Heartache to Healing is a social support group for those widowed early in life. Join us for the Lenten Stations of the Cross. After praying, we will go to the Revel Sports Tavern at 7300 W. 119th St. in Overland Park for some socializing. Your emailed RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to Laura at: khaeus1@ hotmail.com or Damon at: damon452@ yahoo.com. Come meet new friends and pray and play with us. We look forward to meeting you.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall)

5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka

Feb. 25 at 12:45 p.m.

There will be a rosary followed by a potluck and birthday celebration. If you know of a member or family member in need of the circle’s prayers, call Shirley Gustafson at (785) 554-3028 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 213-0374.

BEEF AND NOODLE DINNER

St. Mary Parish, Hartford

240 N. Commercial St. (Neosho Rapids Elementary School cafeteria) Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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 - Buy two burial plots and get one free! Located in Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Peace Garden, lot 56, section D, spaces 1, 2 and 3. Valued at $15,000, asking $10,000 for all 3. Call Heather for details at (816) 508-7548.

REAL ESTATE

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

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

PILGRIMAGE

There will be homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert and drink. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under the age of 10. Takeout meals will be available. There will also be a drawing for great prizes. Tickets for the meal and drawing will be available at the door.

DISCOVERY DAY: A TEACHER

RECRUITMENT EVENT

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

March 2 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Calling all individuals interested in working in Catholic schools! Are you a high school student? College student? Retired teacher? Public school teacher? Career changer? Drop in to speak with education staff, explore curriculum, learn about job openings, start the application process and more! Online registration is not required, but encouraged, at: arch kckcs.org/register.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN

DIVORCE SUPPORT

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park March 2 at 6 p.m.

Do you feel as if you will never heal? Wondering if you’re ready for a relationship? Join us once a month for fellowship and formation. Upcoming meeting dates include: April 27 at St. Pius X Parish in Mission and May 18 at Stone Pillar Winery in Olathe. For details, contact us online at: Katie@thecall2love.com.

CITY ON A HILL: UNDIVIDED RETREAT

Prairie Star Ranch

1124 California Rd., Williamsburg March 8 - 10

This weekend retreat is focused on a more integrated life in Christ. Whether you are looking for first steps or to go deeper, God wants to speak to you through this weekend out of the city, in the quiet. There will be speakers, small group discussions and time for prayer, confession and eucharistic adoration. This event is for young adults in their 20s and 30s. For more information, visit the website at: www. kansascityonahill.org/undivided-retreat and scroll down to register.

Lisa and Bernard “Bernie” Ronnebaum, members of St. Bede Parish, Kelly, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 18 with a Mass, dinner and open house for family and friends. A family vacation is also planned for a later date. The couple was married on Feb. 16, 1974, at St. Bede. Their children are: Heather, Amber, Sarah, Adam and Mark. They also have six grandchildren.

Kathleen (Wessling) and Richard Strohm, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 16. The couple was married on Feb. 16, 1974, at Curé of Ars Church, Leawood. They will celebrate with a dinner hosted by their family. Their children are: Christy Copley, Overland Park; Elizabeth Vondemkamp, Shawnee; Mike Strohm, Olathe; and Jeff Strohm, Overland Park. They also have 11 grandchildren.

DAILY READINGS

FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Feb. 18

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Gn 9: 8-15

Ps 25: 4-9

1 Pt 3: 18-22

Mk 1: 12-15

Feb. 19

Monday

Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18

Ps 19: 8-10, 15

Mt 25: 31-46

Feb. 20

Tuesday Is 55: 10-11

Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19

Mt 6: 7-15

Feb. 21

Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the church

Jon 3: 1-10

Ps 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19

Lk 11: 29-32

Feb. 22

THE CHAIR OF PETER

THE APOSTLE

1 Pt 5: 1-4

Ps 23: 1-6

Mt 16: 13-19

Feb. 23

Polycarp, bishop. martyr

Ez 18: 21-28

Ps 130: 1-8

Mt 5: 20-26

Feb. 24

Saturday

Dt 26: 16-19

Ps 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8

Mt 5: 43-48

IVO OF CHARTRES

c. 1040-1116

Born in Beauvais, France, Ivo became a canon regular of St. Augustine at Saint-Quentin. He taught Scripture, theology and canon law there before becoming prior in 1078, and was elected bishop of Chartres in 1090. He was a councilor to King Philip I until he denounced the king’s plan to divorce his wife to marry a count’s third wife. Ivo was imprisoned briefly by the king, but the pope secured his release. Ivo was involved in two controversies of his age: He mediated several investiture disputes and zealously protested simony in the papal court. Three treatises helped secure his reputation as one of the most learned canonists of his time.

Sadly, I lost my faith. Whoops! I hit return on my keyboard too soon. That sentence should read: Sadly, I lost my faith in the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. I was at my cousins’ home enjoying a delicious meal that afternoon. My cousin Frank asked if I wanted to watch the rest of the Chiefs game.

I said, “No, because they stink this year. They don’t have any chemistry and they’re painful to watch.” Sure enough, the Chiefs lost 20-14 to the despised Las Vegas Raiders. My cousin and I commiserated that the Chiefs might not make the playoffs this year and, if they did somehow, they’d be done in the first round.

Well, we know how that turned out. The Chiefs did make the playoffs and knocked off the Dolphins at home and then beat Buffalo away. I still wasn’t convinced, though — hey, the Bills

It’s easy to see where I went wrong

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.

had a lot of injuries, right? — especially when facing the No. 1 team, the Ravens, in Baltimore.

Never content to keep my opinions private, I ended the Mass announcements on Jan. 28 and 29 with: “The Knights of Columbus have moved their meeting from Feb. 11 to Feb. 4 because of the Super Bowl. I don’t know why because I don’t think we’ll care very much

about who will be playing this year.” When I heard rumbling from the congregation, I doubled down, “Sorry, Andy and Patrick, but you’re just not gonna do it. Hey, somebody has to say it.”

Well, I was not the most popular person greeting people after the Masses. One parishioner had just crocheted a beautiful scarf for me in the Chiefs’ colors. She shook her head and said, “You know, after what you said, I’m not sure I want to give this to you!” (She did.) I didn’t need to watch that AFC Championship game since my phone started blowing up with

texts at 5:17 p.m. that Sunday: “Can’t believe you doubted ‘em! How ‘bout them CHIEFS!!!” and “Ye of little faith. Patrick’s prayer was answered.”

And then there were the Facebook messages and the emails! The next Sunday a couple even presented me with a BEL15VE T-shirt.

Cut to Super Bowl Sunday. I didn’t watch the game because: 1) I rarely watch any sporting games live; and 2) a Bayer aspirin ad said that “heart attack risk can more than double when your home team plays.” I wasn’t taking any chances!

I reassured folks that, of course, I was pulling for the Chiefs. I said I’d turn on the TV, though, only if I heard fireworks because that meant the Chiefs won. Sunday night I watched the clock estimating when the game should be over. All was quiet in Tonganoxie. I was about to fold up that special T-shirt when I

heard a massive boom followed by a fusillade of pops. I rushed to the TV and found we’d won . . . in overtime.

Hallelujah!

How can we celebrate this new sports dynasty? I have a couple of suggestions. A delightful video from Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas suggested giving a donation to their ministries in the following amounts: $13 in honor of Taylor Swift’s lucky number; $87 in honor of Travis Kelce’s jersey number; or $100 in honor of them both.

Or if you bought some Super Bowl merch, how about donating an equal dollar amount to your parish (in addition to your usual contribution) or to a favorite charity. That way, our joy in the Chiefs can help others in need celebrate as well.

Incidentally, given my prowess in foretelling this past Chiefs’ season, I think I’m well-suited for another career: predicting the weather in Kansas!

Pray more generously, live more intentionally this Lent

Was that it?

This weekend, the first Sunday of Lent, we hear Mark’s account of Jesus going into the desert before he begins his earthly ministry.

But Mark doesn’t tell us very much.

You almost get the sense that Mark knew he had a bigger story to tell, and he wanted to get to it, so that Jesus could quickly set to work proclaiming his message: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

The 40 days living amid sand and stones were, in Mark’s telling, a brief prelude — a preparation for something more.

DEACON GREG KANDRA

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

And that may be the point.

As we embark on our own time in the desert

of Lent, with fasting and almsgiving and prayer, maybe there is a quiet but insistent message here for all of us.

The desert is an important part of the journey. But there is much more to come.

Our own days in the Lenten desert are intended to draw us closer to the mystery of God’s love for humanity — the sacrifice and suffering he experienced for our sake — and to make us pray more deeply, give more generously, live more intentionally and humbly. It is nothing less than a time to experience more deeply our ongoing conversion as Catholic Christians.

As Scripture reminds us at the very beginning of this time:

The kingdom of God is at hand. What are we going to do about it?

Christ’s first command in this Gospel passage should sound familiar; a lot of us hear it on Ash Wednesday, as our heads are bowed and our brows are marked. It was also the cry of John the Baptist on the banks of the Jordan: “Repent!”

It’s a word to awaken our hearts and stir our consciences. Repent! These days should challenge us to ask how we can do that, and how we can do it better.

These are days we need to use constructively, to reconnect with the very heart of the Gospel and to rediscover the two great commandments — loving

Wallowing in sorrow is a vice, pope says at

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Feeling sad, disappointed or ashamed of oneself sometimes is normal and even can lead to conversion, but when people wallow in their sadness, it becomes a dangerous vice, Pope Francis said.

“We all go through ordeals that generate sorrow in us, because life makes

us formulate dreams that are then shattered,” the pope said during his weekly general audience Feb.

7. While some people, “after a time of turmoil, rely on hope,” others “wallow in melancholy, allowing it to fester in their hearts.”

When “sadness is the pleasure of nonpleasure,” he said, it goes from being a natural emotion to being “an evil state of mind.” Continuing

God and loving our neighbor. We give up, so we can give. Among other things, we come to rediscover the poverty in our own lives and souls and seek to alleviate the poverty in the lives of others.

In Mark’s Gospel, the desert is more than a destination, or a block of time on the calendar.

And the same could be said of Lent. It is an opportunity to plan for the next part of the journey.

It is where we seek to reform our lives and reshape our priorities in the prayerful hope that when we leave the parched landscape, we will be stronger, healthier, holier — ready to embrace and celebrate the blessing of Easter.

audience

his series of audience talks on vices and virtues, the pope looked at how nurturing the “type of sorrow that creeps into the soul and prostrates it in a state of despondency” is a denial of the deep-seated hope that faith in God should produce.

Pope Francis said it is like taking a piece of candy that is “bitter, bitter, bitter, without sugar, awful, and sucking on that candy.”

As I was preparing to write this column, I asked the archdiocesan stewardship and development office team what they thought I should write about. One of them jokingly said to tell everyone not to “give up giving to Archbishop’s Call to Share.”

Well, there is a little truth in every joke.

During Lent, we are encouraged to focus more on almsgiving.

Almsgiving is one of the three pillars of the Lenten practice. It is “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2462).

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, love is still in the air!

The 1,500 students and adults who attended IGNITE for Life in Topeka last month are likely still thinking about the stories of love we heard. “Rescue with Love” was the theme, and each speaker shared how they were rescued with love in different ways. Hear their stories online and how they’re paying it forward at: www.arch kck.org/ignite.

IGNITE for Life is a pro-life and pro-love educational rally and Mass that proclaims the beautiful “Gospel of Life” message. The

Start ‘giving the big bill’ this Lent

point to support one of these organizations.

BILL MALONEY

Bill Maloney is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email him at: wmaloney@archkck.org.

There are many opportunities for almsgiving throughout the archdiocese.

There are countless ways to offer your time, talent and treasure to individuals or organizations. We have many organizations that support the poor and vulnerable in almost every community throughout northeast Kansas. This Lent, please make it a

Another way to give alms is by helping another individual. I recently heard a homily by Father Mike Schmitz that suggests that being generous or giving alms is simply giving something we already have. He said the easiest thing to give is to be present to another person. He suggests looking someone in the eye and smiling at someone. Let others know you love them. Your smile may be the best almsgiving you can do.

Father Schmitz shared another story that hit home with me. The story is about a

man who encourages people to “give the big bill” when you are standing in front of someone in need. After hearing this, I thought of all the times I have been in this situation and decided to give the $1 bill in my wallet.

Father Schmitz shared that many people have said their lives have changed since they started giving away the “big bill.”

Our world needs the light of Christ to shine brightly. Giving alms is a great way to shine the Lord’s light in your community. Giving alms is a great way to follow the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.

Help us rescue with love Kansas moms in need

YES TO THE CALL LIFE MATTERS

DEBRA NIESEN

“Gospel of Life” is the ultimate love story — each of us was created by a God who loves and willed us into being and that every person, no

matter what we look like or what we can do, has infinite value and worth, so much so that Jesus died on the cross for us.

This message inspires us to love and defend all life, and in January, we specifically prayed for vulnerable unborn children and

women at risk of being harmed by abortion.

Sadly, the number of abortions is skyrocketing in Kansas — from 6,916 in 2019 to an estimated 20,000 abortions in 2023 according to the We Count Report from Oct. 16, 2023.

Instead of responding with a shrug, we must respond with love! It sounds clichéd, but it’s really the only way we can change those numbers, since in Kansas, we can now do little to protect through laws. We should look at last year’s abortions as 20,000 cries for help. We know the majority of women who “choose” abortion don’t actually want one, but feel they

have no choice due to lack of support, pressure or other challenging circumstances.

So what can we do? We can do what people boldly and courageously did for our three IGNITE speakers to love them toward life:

• Melissa Ohden shared her unique story as someone who survived an abortion as a preborn child.

• Maddie Martinez faced an unplanned pregnancy as a young, single woman. The encouragement and support Maddie received changed her life forever and led her to choose life for her baby.

• John O’Leary nearly died from a fire explosion at age 9, and

What if we Catholics started genuinely loving our neighbor to this level? What if we considered everyone who crosses our path as important to God as we are? We have the ability to change the world if we just follow this commandment.

So, this Lent, let’s take my co-worker’s advice and not give up “giving.” The Archbishop’s Call to Share is an excellent opportunity to make a gift that impacts people’s lives throughout our archdiocese. To make a gift, visit the archdiocesan website at: www. archkck.org, and click the “Donate” button.

now possesses one of the greatest gifts of all — perspective. His powerful testimony teaches that life is a precious gift to be used for good.

Incredibly, during the IGNITE event, our Gabriel Project pregnancy ministry was working hard to help a local, homeless pregnant woman in need. After covering two nights in a hotel, they helped with an Uber to an affordable apartment appointment, and by the end of the night, had delivered blankets, a mattress, food, gift cards and other basic supplies for this grateful woman.

This is Walking With Moms in Need . . . with love.

Debra Niesen is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

Kids’ Kids’

CHRONICLE CHRONICLE

Jesus tells two parables about the use of wealth

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic Courier

One day, Jesus was teaching the people using parables.

One parable was about a dishonest steward who carelessly spent his master’s property. At the end of the parable, Jesus said that people cannot serve both God and wealth, because they will be devoted to one and despise the other.

The Pharisees, who loved money, overheard what Jesus said and sneered at him.

“You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God,” Jesus told them.

He then told another parable.

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day,” Jesus began. “And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.”

When Lazarus died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.

When the rich man died, he went to the netherworld, where he was in torment.

In the distance, the rich man could see Lazarus and Abraham.

“Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames,” he said.

“My child,” Abraham said, “remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now, he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.”

Plus, Abraham explained, a great chasm was created between their sides to prevent anyone from crossing.

“Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment,” the rich man said.

“They have Moses and the prophets,” Abraham replied. “Let them listen to them.”

The rich man insisted that if someone from the dead visited his brothers, they would repent.

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,” Abraham said, “neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”

Q&A

1. What parables did Jesus tell?

2. Whom did Lazarus and the rich man see when they died?

TRIVIA:

Jesus said that a person who is trustworthy in very small matters also is trustworthy in what? (Hint: Lk 16:10)

Answer: Great matters.

Bible accent

I

n John 11, we can read about another man named Lazarus who died.

This Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. All three were very good friends with Jesus.

One day, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was ill.

Jesus remained in the place where he was for two more days then returned to Judea, where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived in a village near Jerusalem.

“Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him,” Jesus told his apostles, meaning that Lazarus had died.

By the time Jesus and the apostles reached the siblings’ village, Lazarus had been dead for four days.

Jesus asked Mary and Martha to take him to where Lazarus was buried. They led him to a cave that had a stone across its entrance. Jesus had the stone removed then looked up to heaven.

“Father, I thank you for hearing me,” he said. “I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Suddenly, Jesus cried out in a loud voice.

“Lazarus, come out!” he shouted.

Lazarus, who was wrapped in burial bands and had a cloth covering his face, came out of the cave.

WORD SEARCH

St. Matilda

St. Matilda was born about the year 895 in what is now northwestern Germany. She married Henry of Saxony, who in 919 became King Henry I of Germany.

Matilda was very devout, and she gave large amounts of money to the poor and to the religious communities she founded. After her husband’s death in 936, two of her sons, Henry and Emperor Otto I, criticized her generosity.

In 967, a fever she had grew worse, and she died in 968. At the end of her life, the only possession she had not given to the poor was her own burial sheet.

We remember Matilda on March 14.