02 18 22 Vol 43 No. 27 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 27 | FEBRUARY 18, 2022

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Jonathan Goering, a gifted musician and youth leader, accompanies the choir when the children take over the lay duties at Mass once a month.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

The young people of Our Lady & St. Rose perform all the lay responsibilities for the celebration of the Eucharist. Nia Bradley and Tom “TJ” Nuokus bring up the offering in the image above.

Young Disciples in Training leader Patricia Goering directs the choir as they sing during the youth Mass.

YOUNG DISCIPLES

Here, children see themselves in church leaders By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Wasn’t the children’s Mass beautiful?” exclaimed Msgr. Stuart Swetland, pastor of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish here. In a parish that has a long history of ethnic diversity, Our Lady & St. Rose entered Black History Month with a display of their youngest parishioners’ faith and devotion. The youth Mass is this parish’s way of encouraging its young people to know they are an important part of this Catholic community and responsible for carrying on its traditions. Youth leaders Jonathan and Patricia Goering have three children of their own and extensive backgrounds in teaching. They know how important it is for students to be able to relate to their teachers, and similarly believe it’s important for youth to relate to active members of their parish. “We often talk about minority teachers and how kids need to see themselves,” said Jonathan. “So, for me, kids need to see themselves involved in the Mass and connected with the church.” His wife agreed, acknowledging that many adults in the parish look forward to the youth Mass because it gives them a glimpse of the future. “I think a lot of times older adults think the children aren’t carrying the faith on the way they did,” she said. “With the kids being up there and being part of the Mass, I think it gives them hope. “There’s still a future.” The children perform all the lay minister responsibilities during the Mass. “The kids are serving and ushering and greeting and providing the music, responses, readings,” said Patricia. “So, they are part of the Mass, not just showing up and being quiet in the pews.” The youth Mass is a project of the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Claire Carruthers (left) and Nia Bradley listen carefully to the instructions of director Patricia Goering as the youth choir leads songs at Mass. parish youth group called Young Disciples in Training. Patricia has led the group for longer than she can remember. Jonathan was raised in the Mennonite faith but converted to Catholicism, partly because of the warm and welcoming community he found at Our Lady & St. Rose. He joined Patricia in mentoring the youth group after they were married. Both have a love of music. “So, I brought up to Jonathan,” recalled Patricia, “[that] I wished our kids had music as part of what they’re doing.”

So, they started working with the Young Disciples to sing a musical devotional or meditation during Mass. “Once everyone was comfortable with that,” said Patricia, “the kids were encouraged to learn more music, and we were asked if we would do a whole Mass. “We said, ‘Yes, we think we’re ready for that.’ So we’ve been doing full Masses now for around eight years.” Jonathan sees involvement in the Mass as an important step in helping youth feel connected to their church community as they struggle through the process of becoming productive adults.

“God really kind of saved me,” he said. “My senior year, I had some issues, and my faith kind of pulled me through that. “I hope we can make them understand those connections and how lifesaving sometimes they can be.” “When you’re in a pinch and you don’t know what to do,” he continued, “there’s always somebody you can talk to, you can count on.” The couple wants their young disciples to feel connected to their community and their Catholic faith. >> See “THEY” on page 4

ARCHBISHOP

FEBRUARY 18, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Help me make Kansas a ‘destination state’ for life!

his past week’s (Feb. 11) Leaven contained a Catholic News Service article regarding Bishop George Thomas’ response to a commentary printed in the Las Vegas Sun authored by Nevada U.S. Congresswoman Susie Lee, explaining her vote in favor of the so-called Women’s Health Protection Act that would codify into federal law a right to abortion. Congresswoman Lee in her op-ed article identifies herself as a Catholic. Representative Lee described herself as a fierce advocate for legalized abortion. She promised never to back down from her support for unlimited and unrestricted abortion. Bishop Thomas in response to Representative Lee’s column reminded Catholics of a section in his first homily as the new bishop of Las Vegas: “We are a church that will never remain silent when human life is threatened, whether in the womb or on the deathbed. We will always assert a preferential option for the poor as we apportion our resources and energy. I hold that the unborn child must be counted among the most vulnerable in our midst.” Bishop Thomas notes that Representative Lee never mentions the life of the unborn child. Bishop Thomas also referred to “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” a statement overwhelmingly approved by the Catholic bishops of the United States this past November. The Catholic bishops of the United States, quoting from one of our previous

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN documents (“Happy Are Those Called to His Supper”), stated: “If a Catholic in his or her personal or professional life were knowingly and obstinately to reject the defined doctrines of the church, or knowingly and obstinately to repudiate her definitive teaching on moral issues, however, he or she would seriously diminish his or her communion with the church. “Reception of holy Communion in such a situation would not accord with the nature of the eucharistic celebration, so that he or she should refrain.” Representative Lee manifested no awareness of the deep emotional, psychological and spiritual pain that many women experience after an abortion. In our Project Rachel and Project Joseph post-abortion reconciliation and healing ministries, we encounter women who chose to have an abortion and now deeply regret their choice, as well as men (fathers) who regret having pressured or at least supported the mother of his child in procuring an abortion. Abortion not only takes the life of an innocent child, but it

also scars the hearts of parents and many others who assisted or participated in the abortion procedure. Bishop Thomas requested that Catholics in public life who oppose the church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life and the evil of abortion voluntarily refrain from receiving holy Communion. He clearly placed the responsibility on the politician or public figure not to present themselves for holy Communion. I applaud Bishop Thomas for his action. He demonstrates not only respect for the sanctity of innocent human life, but also compassion for pregnant mothers protecting them from making a decision that many will eventually deeply regret. Bishop Thomas also exhibits a desire to protect his people, especially the young, from being misled into error by the grave mistakes of Catholics serving in public life. Finally, Bishop Thomas manifests genuine pastoral solicitude for the spiritual and eternal welfare of Representative Lee and other Catholic politicians. It is irresponsible for pastors to fail to attempt to educate Catholics in public life about the grave consequences of their actions resulting in the deaths of millions of children and

the scarring of their parents. Bishop Thomas’ statement also demonstrates the importance and relevance of “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church” document that was promulgated by the bishops of the United States this past November. The primary purpose of this document was to provide a theological and pastoral foundation for the Eucharistic Revival Pastoral Initiative that will begin this year on the solemnity of Corpus Christi. In so doing, we challenged every Catholic (bishops and priests included) to ponder the importance of being properly prepared to receive the Eucharist, as well as to live a life that is consistent with our communion with our eucharistic Lord and the church. Of course, this applies also to President Biden. His radical and aggressive support for legalized abortion, while claiming to be a devout Catholic, has serious consequences for his own spiritual welfare and is undoubtedly leading others into moral error. We must pray for enlightenment and conversion for the president. We must also pray for all those who serve in public life, especially Catholics, that they may act in a manner that protects the most fundamental of all human rights: the right to life. I am very grateful to all those who have donated to our special Archdiocesan Respect Life Fund. Your generosity will help our efforts to educate Catholics and non-Catholics about the “Value Them Both” amendment.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Feb. 18-19 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Northern Lieutenancy Councillors Winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska Feb. 20 Mass — Church of the Nativity, Leawood Feb. 22 Envisioning Team meeting — chancery Johnson County regional priests meeting — chancery Confirmation — Divine Mercy, Gardner Feb. 23 Adoration — Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison Donnelly College board of directors meeting — Donnelly College Confirmation — Immaculate Conception, Leavenworth Feb. 24 Women’s Bible Study presentation — Holy Trinity, Lenexa Confirmation — Church of the Nativity, Leawood Feb. 26 JP De Gance marriage workshop — Savior Pastoral Center Benedictine Scholarship Ball — Overland Park Convention Center Feb. 27 Jr. High Youth Rally Mass — Prairie Star Ranch Feb. 28 Archdiocesan Finance Council board meeting — chancery Pastoral Council meeting — Savior

The respect life fund is also helping us to increase significantly the resources available to surround pregnant mothers with the necessary medical, financial, educational and emotional assistance for them and their children. Catholics and many other pro-life Kansans are committed — not just to accompanying women during their pregnancy, but for as long as is needed for mother and child to thrive!

California is declaring itself a haven for anyone wanting abortions. We want Kansas to be a haven for pregnant mothers with difficult and untimely pregnancies to find all the support they need to make a choice that both they and their children can live with for a lifetime. I want to do all that I can to make Kansas a destination state for life!

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

It’s not often that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has to thread his way through toys when blessing a new facility, but this Feb. 5 event at the new Nativity House KC was special. Right, Kelly Werkowitch, Nativity House KC executive director, is pictured leading him through the building. Nativity House KC is a nonprofit residential maternity home that serves adult women ages 21 and older who are pregnant and homeless or are on the verge of being homeless because of their pregnancy.

Nativity House provides hope, support to homeless mothers

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The new Nativity House KC doesn’t have a motto, but Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann probably wouldn’t mind if it borrowed his: Life Will Be Victorious. It was a sort of a victory when Archbishop Naumann, accompanied by an honor guard of fourth-degree Knights of Columbus, blessed and dedicated the new Nativity House KC in Kansas City, Kansas, on Feb. 5. Nativity House KC is a nonprofit residential maternity home that serves adult women ages 21 and older who are pregnant and homeless or are on the verge of being homeless because of their pregnancy, said Kelly Werkowitch, Nativity House KC executive director. Its founding in 2014 was led by Barbara Belcher. Werkowitch is grateful for the archbishop’s support. “Our mission is in line with the passion Archbishop Naumann has for supporting and uplifting the organizations that support women in the respect life community,” she said. “The services don’t end at the

“

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

THE SERVICES DON’T END AT THE PREGNANCY CENTER. IT TAKES MORE TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT WOMEN AND CHILDREN. . . . WE FIT WITHIN THAT REALM OF COMPLETE SUPPORT FOR WOMEN. KELLY WERKOWITCH NATIVITY HOUSE KC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

pregnancy center. It takes more to continue to support women and children. Along with the other organizations the archbishop is engaged with, we fit within that realm of complete support for women.” Nativity House KC was forced to look for a new home when their former property became unavailable. “The owner of the house we were renting decided to sell the house, so we were on the hunt for another house,”

said Werkowitch. Through a series of what she calls “God moments,” Nativity House KC learned that a house was available near Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. “I met with Karen Orr, CEO of Providence,” said Werkowitch. “They have a house on their property that the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth were using until April 2020.” The three-story house at 8715 Parallel Pkwy., built in 1913, is the original farmhouse for the land that became Providence. It is located on a hill between the hospital and the YMCA. Providence has been enormously supportive of Nativity House KC, according to Werkowitch. The hospital has paid for asbestos removal, radon mitigation, electrical work, painting, carpeting, septic system replacement, tree removal, broken glass replacement and the installation of two new water heaters. The five-bedroom house was ready for occupancy by the end of January. It can house four mothers and one on-site staff person, who is present 24 hours a day. “Some women who come to the program have another little one, so we can accommodate toddlers, too,” said

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $23/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Werkowitch. Women and children at Nativity House KC are cared for by paid staff and volunteers. Women can stay for a year after their baby is delivered. “We serve the whole woman — mind, body, spirit and soul,” said Werkowitch. “We have different educational programs, prenatal and postnatal education and child care. We have brought on trauma care-informed therapists to meet one-on-one and as a group. “We offer financial education . . . and we offer transportation to medical appointments and mental health appointments. We work with other providers in women’s health care to coordinate services. We coordinate with other organizations in the community to support women’s educational goals.” Nativity House KC is also working with Providence to offer pregnancy, labor and delivery, and newborn education. They may also offer job opportunities. “Our goal is that when women leave our program, they have the tools to be successful,” said Werkowitch. “That they can not only survive — but thrive.” For information about Nativity House KC or to donate, go online to: nativityhousekc.org.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 18, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Legacy societies help parishioners support their parish after death By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

PHOTO BY MARK GOEVA

Father Barry Clayton is the pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie; Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne; and Sacred Heart in Mound City. Each parish celebrated a significant anniversary recently during which Father Clayton talked about legacy societies and honored those who have given lasting gifts to their parish.

“

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Whether it’s a wedding anniversary, birthday, work anniversary or recognition of the day you first met your soulmate, everybody celebrates anniversaries with gifts these days. Various companies have even come up with traditional anniversary gift lists for every anniversary under the moon. So, why not celebrate parish anniversaries the same way? With gift-giving. Terri Lynn is answering that call. Through her work as the associate director of planned giving for the office of stewardship and development in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Lynn has been busy visiting pastors and parishioners alike, creating legacy societies for their parishes. Although the archdiocese has had its own legacy society for about 20 years, Lynn said that some parishes have shown an interest in starting their own legacy gift enrollment page. “A legacy society is like a basket,” Lynn said. “Throughout your life, your seeds are sown and you begin to bear fruit in your life. Then, there is a harvest. “[The priest] helps water your seeds through his homilies. And hopefully, people will make a grateful response in gratitude for the abundant gifts God has given them in their life by remembering their parish as a family member and leaving a gift in their will.” Lynn began meeting with pastors last year when 23 parishes in the archdiocese celebrated anniversaries ranging from five to 155 years. Another 17 parishes will celebrate anniversaries in 2022, including Corpus Christi in Mooney Creek, which is set to celebrate 165 years of baptisms, weddings, first Communions, confirmations and funerals. The goal is for Lynn to visit with all 40 pastors and pitch the idea of starting a legacy society in their own parishes over the next few weeks. Then, she will rely on the pastor to sell the idea to his congregation ahead of the parish’s anniversary celebration. But first, the pastor researches which parishioners have already left a legacy gift, since some donors may not be open about a gift they left in their will or trust. For those parishes that do start their own legacy society, an annual Mass remembers and celebrates those members who leave a gift to the parish at the end of their life. “That’s what the legacy society does,” said Lynn. “It helps a priest know how much his people are giving at death. Are they thinking about the church at death? Are they finishing faithful?” Father Tim Haberkorn of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka and his parishioners celebrated 15 years since

“ A LEGACY SOCIETY IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS, OR COUPLES, TO LEAVE A GIFT TO THEIR PARISH COMMUNITY THAT WILL HELP BENEFIT THAT COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. FATHER TIM HABERKORN PASTOR OF SACRED HEART-ST. JOSEPH PARISH, TOPEKA the two parishes merged in 2006. Lynn spoke to his congregation during weekend Masses and Father Haberkorn took over from there. Following words of encouragement from him, the parish agreed to adopt its legacy society and will now celebrate those parishioners that choose to leave a gift. “One of the benefits of belonging to the legacy society, is having this annual Mass offered up each year for the intentions and the needs of the society

members,” Father Haberkorn said. “I think a legacy society is an opportunity for individuals, or couples, to leave a gift to their parish community that will help benefit that community for generations to come.” Father Barry Clayton is pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Osawatomie; Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne; and Sacred Heart, Mound City. All three communities celebrated anniversaries last year. At the Mass and reception that followed, Father Clayton talked a little about legacy societies and honored the parishioners that had already signed up. He also shared some of the history of the three parishes and explained how leaving a gift could help the three communities moving forward. “People have been giving to these churches and carrying out good works for many years and so we paused and gave thanks to God for that,” said Father Clayton at the presentation following the anniversary Mass. “Then, we invited [parishioners] to find ways in which they could offer support in the years to come. A great way for them to do that is by leaving a legacy gift in their passing. “While we’re alive, we give a percentage back to God in gratitude and give thanks for all of his blessings. Similarly,

‘They are the future. And they want to be.’ >> Continued from page 1 “I feel like there are so many things I’ve learned to understand as an adult,” said Patricia. “When I’m working with the kids, I try to help them kind of break things down in ways that no one ever shared with me or put it that way, when I was a kid. “I do that so the kids can make those connections; have that foundation, earlier in their faith.” The COVID pandemic has meant that youth couldn’t get together for more than a year, and that was difficult.

But the joy experienced when they finally reunited was inspiring. “We had our first Mass this October,” said Patricia. “I truly have never seen them as excited, as happy, as joyful as they were for that Sunday. “They were just beaming.” “The church felt it, too,” added Jonathan. “We got a lot of comments like, ‘That was just awesome!’ “It was good.” Subsequent youth Masses have been equally joyful. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, Msgr. Swetland said: “What anyone

‘with eyes to see and ears to hear’ could tell is the sincere faith that the children and their teachers and directors demonstrate when they help our community praise and worship God.” The Goerings feel the youth of Our Lady & St. Rose treasure these opportunities to support their church. “They are the future,” said Patricia. “And they want to be. They want a role and they want to belong. “That’s part of being in community.”

in our passing, we can leave behind funds for others in gratitude.” Father Clayton said parishioners could notify him should they decide to leave a legacy gift upon their passing. He will then include them in the parish’s legacy society book. Those parishioners would then be remembered for their generosity in the years to come through the annual Mass. Parishioners can contribute to their parish by leaving a gift through their will, a revocable living trust, an IRA or other retirement account, life insurance, charitable remainder trust, donor advised fund, charitable gift annuity, real estate, TOD/POD account, stocks, bonds and a transfer on a death deed. One of Father Clayton’s parishioners at Sacred Heart in Mound City decided to leave a legacy gift because of the example that was set by some parishioners that came well before this generation. “They had left a donation that did a lot of good for the parish,” said the donor, who has chosen to remain anonymous. “We had decided then that we’d try to do something, too. I grew up and I was baptized here. I grew up in this parish. This parish has done so much for me and my family.”

Crossword solution

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Paola teacher helps introduce ‘FaceTime’ with Jesus By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

AOLA — Everything was set on Feb. 2 — during Catholic Schools Week — for the launch of one of the most important initiatives Holy Trinity School here has done in years: an ongoing eucharistic adoration program. Everything . . . except for the weather. Snow and temps in the teens canceled school and thus delayed the program. Plan B was to launch it on Feb. 9. The idea for a school-based eucharistic adoration program, with the assistance and participation of Holy Trinity parishioners, came from school physical education teacher Jeannie Fedor. “I was at Holy Trinity Church in [eucharistic] adoration,” said Fedor, when words came out of nowhere. “I heard ‘Let the children come to me,’ which blew my mind. I thought, ‘That’s Scripture!’” So, she looked it up. It was “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14). That was sometime in September of last year. It wasn’t until mid-January that something came of it. “As I remained in prayer [the thought] just kept coming back,” said Fedor. “I had an idea to bring children to [Jesus] in adoration.” She spoke with her pastor, Father Joe Sellas, and principal Michelle Gavin. Both gave her idea enthusiastic support. Gavin told her to put the program together in a matter of two weeks for Catholic Schools Week. “Catholic schools should impart the faith first,” said Father Sellas. “Down the line, they will, in turn, spread the faith. It will enable [the students] to know the faith, love the faith and live the faith. “Children, by nature, tell their parents. . . . Through the children, we are trying to reach out to all the families in the parish.” He also told Fedor that by participating in eucharistic adoration when they are young, they will grow “roots” of faith that will help them to remain rooted when the storms of life come upon them. Fedor consulted with parishioner Lesle Knop and Rick Cheek, the consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation for youth. All 102 students at the school, kindergarten through eighth grade, will participate in this ongoing program. Younger students will spend less time there than older ones. Eucharistic adoration will be held in the church on the first and last Wednesdays of the month. It will begin after daily Mass ends at about 9:30 a.m., with each class successively taking their turn until about 2 p.m. At least a couple of Holy Trinity parishioners will be present from 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday

This replica of “Let the Little Children Come to Me,” by Carl Christian Vogel von Vogelstein, hangs in the entrance of Holy Trinity School, Paola.

A painting that teaches

H LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Holy Trinity School in Paola kicked off a school-wide eucharistic adoration on Feb. 9. From left, seventh grader Meg Johnson, eighth grader Katherine St. Marie, seventh grader Leah Foster, eighth grader Isabella Lange and seventh grader Brielle Garcia take part in the school’s first adoration. until 7:30 a.m. the following Thursday. The school let the students vote on the name of their program, and they chose “The Adoration Generation.” The school has formed a eucharistic adoration club. Fedor expects the initiative to bear abundant fruit. “It’s teaching our children how to have a closer union with Christ, and how to pray and talk to Christ as a best friend,” said Fedor. “I refer to this as ‘FaceTime with Christ,’ because students are so wrapped into this technology world. “During the week, the students receive catechesis during part of their religious education program. I teach them about what adoration is, and how we can spend time with Christ, but more importantly to teach students how to sit in silence. That’s Our Lord’s number one language. We have a world with so much noise, so we teach them

to be comfortable in silence so they can hear the Lord’s voice.” This initiative is important because many children and even many adults know little about eucharistic adoration, said Gavin. “With anything we teach the children, the more they experience it, the more it becomes ingrained in their lives,” she said. “Just giving them the opportunity to sit in the presence of Jesus will help strengthen their relationship with Jesus. This is an important part of forming disciples. If we do this just once or twice, it won’t stick with them.” Fedor hopes with parishioner support the school can increase days for eucharistic adoration from twice a month to every Wednesday. She also hopes that the idea will spread to other archdiocesan schools. “Our goal is to get this in every school in the archdiocese,” said Fedor.

anging in the entrance of Holy Trinity School is a large painting, a recent addition on loan for the purpose of teaching children about eucharistic adoration. The 30 by 43-inch painting is a copy of “Let the Little Children Come to Me,” by Carl Christian Vogel von Vogelstein. The original oil on canvas was painted in 1805 and hangs in the Gallery of Modern Art in Florence, Italy. The copy was probably made around 1910. The painting, which belongs to Father Ric Halvorson, was left in the care of Lesle Knop when Father Halvorson left the archdiocese last July to teach at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago. The history of this painting is somewhat murky. Allegedly, it hung in a convent in Iowa. When the convent closed, it was given to a relative of a nun, who in turn gave it to her former husband. “I noticed the painting of Jesus and the children,” Father Halvorson later wrote. “It was hard to see because it was covered by a thick layer of dust.” Sometime later, the man died. Father Halvorson went to the home one last time to bless the body. “[I] was in my car ready to leave and the son came out . . . with the painting,” Father Halvorson wrote, “and said his mother wanted me to have it. So, I loaded it in the back of my Explorer.” With each of Father Halvorson’s pastoral assignments, the painting ended up stored in garages and became a bit more battered and worn. He asked Knop to find someone to restore it, which she did. When the eucharistic adoration program began at Holy Trinity School, she asked Father Halvorson if they could use it as a catechetical aid. Often, when a student walks past the painting, they will blow it a kiss.

Women’s retreat set for April 29-May 1 at Prairie Star Ranch

ILLIAMSBURG — Women of the archdiocese are invited to step into a weekend of faith-inspired relaxation at Prairie Star Ranch here. “After what has been some really tough years for us all, we want to bring women to the arms of Jesus,” said Madison Hamilton, a member of the Camp

Tekakwitha Women’s Retreat leadership team. “It is a time to rest and experience nature, friendship and revival of spirit,” she added. The retreat begins at 6 p.m. on April 29 and ends at 1 p.m. on May 1. Women 21 years and older are invited to attend. The weekend will provide opportunities to hear from speakers and

participate in the sacraments, breakout sessions, reflection time, eucharistic adoration and more. “We want [those who attend] to leave with their cups full,” said Hamilton. “We all know you can’t pour from an empty cup. Yet many women just don’t have the time to refill. “I hope we leave with new and stronger friendships, the peace of

Christ and renewed energy to live out our vocations.” Registration began on Feb. 15. For much more information about this retreat, to get questions answered, to learn about financial assistance and to sign up, visit the website at: archkck. org/camp-tekakwitha-womens-retreat.

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 18, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Lent will see a ‘soft launch’ of new campaign on the Eucharist By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

Elevation of the Eucharist is depicted in a stained-glass window at St. Anthony Church in North Beach, Maryland. Starting this Lent, the archdiocese is offering all Catholics three opportunities to renew “eucharistic amazement.”

“

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Some things are just too good to wait for. That’s why the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is doing a “soft launch” of a national campaign for eucharistic revival. Starting this Lent, the archdiocese is offering all Catholics three opportunities to renew “eucharistic amazement,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, the archdiocesan liaison between the archdiocese and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which initiated the effort. “Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, the bishops of the United States and our local priests believe God wants to see a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist,” said Deacon Nearmyer, “and ready to be sent out on mission for the life of the world.” The USCCB has set out a three-year plan of eucharistic revival starting with the solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 19. • Launch of the Eucharistic Revival: June 19 • Diocesan Year of Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022 — June 11, 2023 • Parish Year of the Eucharistic Revival: June 11, 2023 — July 17, 2024 • National Eucharistic Congress, Indianapolis, July 17 - 21, 2024 • Year of Going Out on Mission: July 17, 2024 — Pentecost 2025 This desire to enkindle eucharistic amazement is something that Archbishop Naumann has wanted for the archdiocese from the very beginning of his time here, said Deacon Nearmyer. The archbishop took the expression “eucharistic amazement” from the encyclicals of Pope John Paul II and emphasized it here, writing it as one of the super priorities of the archdiocese’s visioning statement. “The archbishop has been working to create a culture of eucharistic amazement in the archdiocese,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “That is why the archbishop goes to our Catholic high schools to have Mass and [eucharistic] adoration with [the students], and at our summer

THE ARCHBISHOP HAS BEEN WORKING TO CREATE A CULTURE OF EUCHARISTIC AMAZEMENT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE. DEACON DANA NEARMYER

camps, schools and parish religious education programs.” So why the “soft launch”? “We didn’t want to wait until Corpus Christi, knowing that Lent is a time when people are looking for tools to strengthen their faith, so we created three opportunities,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

The first opportunity is called “40 for 40 — Daily Reflections on the Eucharist.” This 40-day experience, starting Ash Wednesday, March 2, is an invitation to “unpack” the USCCB document “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.” Participants will receive daily emails with short excerpts from the document, followed by commentary and questions for further prayer, reflection and action. There are two ways to participate. The first is to text 40for40 to 84576 on your cellphone. Then, click on the link in the welcome text and complete the signup. The second is to go online to: archkck.flocknote.com/40for40 and complete the signup there. The second opportunity is to receive the “Cor Ad Cor” (“Heart to Heart”) newsletter of the Eucharistic Revival from the USCCB. The newsletter contains updates, resources and more. Go

ACROSS 1 10 liters (abbr.) 4 Deprive 8 Struck (KJV) 13 Vane direction 14 Island 15 Singer Estefan 16 Carry 17 Former wound 18 Book near Acts 19 Group of related families 21 Kinds of stars 23 Caustic substance 24 A Nissan car 26 Reverberate 28 Aver 31 Splendor 35 Hoopla 38 Indigent 39 Fencing sword 40 Musical repeat 42 Dance 44 Jesus turned water into wine here 45 Object of false worship 46 Dim 48 Lease 49 Student residence 50 Feeding troughs for animals 52 A king of the Amalekites COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

54 58 61 64 65 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

online to: eucharisticrevival.org. Scroll to the very bottom of the page and complete the signup. The third opportunity is to start following Archbishop Naumann’s 30minute podcasts. Go online to: archkck. org/abn/shepherds-voice for more information. These are individual initiatives, and most parishes will use the time between the launch this year and June 11, 2023, to plan and prepare, said Deacon Nearmyer, with a few exceptions. Archdiocesan chancellor and vicar general Father John Riley, for example, has asked all parishes to consider holding a Corpus Christi procession this year, even if they do not usually do so. Also, there will be trainings and workshops offered this coming summer and fall for priests, deacons and laity. Additional details will be forthcoming.

Moral knowledge Time period Unskillful Meaty Contemporary Ballet skirt Football assoc. Brand of oil Adjoin Ocean Last words of prayers Wise Make a mistake

DOWN 1 Greek ‘D’ 2 Gripping surface 3 Legal 4 They visited Jesus 5 Computer key 6 Actor Alda 7 A Roman emperor 8 Splash 9 Mother 10 Spoken 11 Petite 12 Soothe 15 By the __ of God 20 Offer 22 Giant (2 wds.)

25 27 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 41 43 47 50 51 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 66 68

Pros Oil cartel Foliage Publicist Opaque gem Word written on the wall (Daniel) Type of moss Vinegary Extinct bird Aroma __ matter Afresh Tax Miraculous food Compass point Lasses Compressed Present for sale Shiny balloon material Austin novel Rove Cutting tool Parent teacher groups Band instrument Long time Yank

Solution on page 4

L OUR

eaven photographers and reporters are not usually given a say in their assignments. Until now. When debating ways to celebrate Catholic

Press Month, the youngest among us suggested that Leav-

FAVORITE THINGS

en writers and photographers write just a short piece about his or her most memorable Leaven assignment. Ahhhhh, for the springtime of youth! For while that was a piece of cake for our young heroine, senior reporter Joe Bollig had to figuratively plow through thousands of stories to fulfill the assignment. No matter. The deed is done. We hope you will enjoy revisiting some of our stories, this time through the eyes of the person who first brought them to these pages.

‘It’s impossible to manually focus through tears’

By Jay Soldner Freelance photographer

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the Little Sisters of the Lamb sing “Happy Birthday” to a 14-year-old boy at the Juvenile Detention Center in Topeka.

“

witnessed a 14-yearold boy crying on his birthday. No party. No friends. His parents didn’t come. I saw this at the Juvenile Detention Center in Topeka, and it was such a poignant moment that it’s stayed with me since. Locked up in jail on your 14th birthday. Imagine that. The assignment was really like no other. I had to undergo background checks, submit my Catholic press credentials and copies of my driver’s license, and sign documents. I had to agree to let the prison officials look through my images after I’d made them. I watched the archbishop leave his keys and cellphone in a locker and have to go through security. I saw the Little Sisters of the Lamb put their baby Jesus figurine through the X-ray machine! We were all escorted through multiple locked doors with the quintessential, loud BUZZ each time until we finally made our way into the gymnasium. It was a regular gym. Basketball goals and hardwood floors. Rows of chairs were lined up for the skit just like you’d see at any junior-high play or concert. The first hour or so of the assignment was literally scripted. The Little Sisters of the Lamb put on a skit about St. Francis of Assisi. Archbishop Naumann talked to the young inmates and answered questions from anyone who had one. One teenager asked him what his cross and chain were worth. I shot photos of the goings-on. After the Q&A session with the archbishop wrapped, I thought we would just pack up and leave. But Father Joe Chontos, the chaplain at the detention center, asked the archbishop and the Little Brothers and Sisters if they would like to visit with some of the kids behind bars, those young inmates not selected to come to the gym for the skit and talking session. We left the gym and again

I SAW KIDS LOCKED UP. I SAW THE FACES OF CHILDREN BEHIND BARS. SOMEONE’S YOUNG SONS AND DAUGHTERS. CHILDREN IN PRISON. AND MY HEART BROKE. went through a series of locked, buzzing doors, following the guards down a really long hallway to a cellblock. Once we were buzzed in, the Little Sisters and Brothers and the archbishop wasted no time in getting right up close to the little window in the cell doors and started talking with the young prisoners. I confess I had to rely on my camera’s autofocus to get me through the rest of the night . . . as it’s impossible to manually focus through tears.

Yet, I knew I had a responsibility to let our readers see a glimpse of the reality and make images that provoked deeper feelings and thought. That last bit of the passage from Matthew’s Gospel where it says “When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” (25:34-40) was clearly on my mind as I watched these religious interact with the inmates. Real conversations right away. The religious men and women talking to these kids — that was an amazing

scene of hope and love among such desolation and despair. I couldn’t — and wouldn’t — show all of what I saw to the readers of The Leaven, because I didn’t want to exploit anyone. And because, thankfully, the kids locked up in juvie still have rights — and I wasn’t allowed to photograph their faces. But I saw them. I saw kids locked up. I saw the faces of children behind bars. Someone’s young sons and daughters. Children in prison. And my heart broke. And the one celebrating a birthday? He was 14 that day. He cried with the Little Sisters of the Lamb as they talked about his favorite books and his hopes for the future. He was an avid reader and wanted to go deep into C.S. Lewis with the Little Brothers and Sisters. His only visitors for his

birthday were prison guards until Father Chontos introduced the religious men and women to his cellblock. Archbishop Naumann, the Little Sisters of the Lamb, the Little Brothers of the Lamb and myself became his birthday party. We sang “Happy Birthday” to him. He cried his eyes out. He was the one light in the prison, however, that saved me from leaving there a complete wreck of emotions. He gave me instead something to meditate on. Although it was dim, he did have hope instead of despair. He had dreams. And he had plans for when he’d get out. I hope he made it. The Juvenile Detention Center in Topeka is not only my most memorable assignment for The Leaven, but it’s a lasting, lifetime memory as well.

How does he choose? Reporter has seen it all By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

he assignment was to write a few, short paragraphs about my favorite moment (or story or photograph) while working at The Leaven, something for Catholic Press Month. For a person like me, that’s an impossible task. My tenure at The Leaven has been long — I won’t say how long, but I remember getting excited the day we could access America Online. There have been so many stories . . . so many places . . . so many situations . . . so many people. How could I possibly remember them, must less have a “favorite”? Coverage of the post-Hurricane Mitch recovery efforts in Honduras was interesting. My ride in a B-17 bomber reporting on former WWII and Flying Fortress pilot Emerson Shields was a thrill. Writing for some of our special issues on the priesthood and rural life was challenging. Visits to Prairie Star Ranch were special, although I was always an outside observer parachuting in. Seeing Pope John Paul II and meeting tons of pilgrims at World Youth Day in Toronto was great. I even got to go to a Catholic Press Association convention, once. But what is The Leaven all about anyway? Ultimately, its mission is the same as the Catholic Church: the salvation of souls. So, if pressed, I’d have to say one truly meaningful story was “People really need confession,” in the issue of April 8, 2011. In this story, Father Harry Schneider gave me wonderful, touching anecdotes and thoughts about this great sacrament. A woman, whose name I can’t remember, contacted me about the story. She’d been estranged from the Catholic faith for more than a decade but reading Father Schneider’s words gave her the courage to go to confession. At long last, she had joy and peace, and her return began with a story in The Leaven.

Therese Horvat’s feature on anti-semitism shed lig challenging, educational — and gratifying.

Article on anti-s the mission of Ca By Therese Horvat Leaven freelancer

riting the feature on anti-semitism (The Leaven, March 26, 2021) was a challenging, educational and gratifying experience. The challenges came in researching and synthesizing centuries of harassment, exclusion, violence and genocide against people who are Jewish. The history of this age-old prejudice could have filled volumes, but space limitations required word restrictions. Identifying knowledgeable and reputable subject matter experts willing to address the topic took more time than usual. Based on extensive research and interviews, I strove to relate the unfair and

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY ELAINA COCHRAN

Joe Bollig has written thousands of stories over his nearly 30 years at The Leaven. One called “People really need confession,” in which Father Harry Schneider gave his thoughts on the sacrament, was particularly meaningful for him as it gave an estranged Catholic the courage to go to confession again.

Chiefs superfan wins a fan herself

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

life-size cardboard cutout of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce greeted me as I walked into Melba Mills’ living room in the fall

of 2019. I knew I was in for a treat. I’ve met countless people in my role as a writer for The Leaven over the years. But Melba, who was 100 years old at the time, was someone I’ll never forget. Melba was chosen as the Chiefs 100-year-old superfan in 2019 — the year the NFL celebrated its 100th season. It also happened to be the year they won the Super Bowl, which Melba would likely credit to her role as a superfan. Melba wasn’t shy about the crush she had on Kelce and his teammate, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who she met that year at Arrowhead Stadium while attending her first game there. Meeting her was one of the most hilarious, entertaining and heartwarming experiences I’ve had at this job. She passed away on Dec. 28, 2021, after touching countless lives with her

Susan Fotovich McCabe was impressed by the Be and how they relied on technology to keep their m

Resiliency impr By Susan Fotovich McCabe Leaven freelancer

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Melba Mills displays a football autographed by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce — a gift from the Kansas City Chiefs, who chose Melba as their 100-year-old superfan during the NFL’s 100th season. quick wit and charming personality. As a writer of Catholic news, it’s an honor to interview people like Melba and share their stories of faith, hope and goodwill in the Archdiocese of Kansas

City in Kansas. This Catholic Press Month, I’m grateful for the sources who keep our mission alive.

hen the COVID-19 shutdown occurred in early 2020, I thought of schoolchildren, employees, moviegoers and such. I never considered the impact on close-knit communities of faith, such as the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, until I reported on their experience. I learned that the immediacy of the shutdown forced a halt to in-person, group worship; outside visitors; its

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

The 2021 Chrism Mass was held amid a pandemic that limited the participants to mostly socially distanced priests. Leaven freelancer Kathryn White was humbled to be the one to capture the Mass for The Leaven.

Pandemic Chrism Mass was special

FRANKIE FOUGANTHIN/WIKI COMMONS

ght on an ugly truth. She called writing the piece

semitism reflects atholic journalism harsh hand dealt to Jews across centuries and continuing still today. The article referenced the Catholic Church’s historic role in espousing anti-semitism and conveyed both historic and current efforts by the church and others to counter this injustice. From his post in Philadelphia at the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations, my main interviewee commended The Leaven for tackling this multifaceted issue. In the Kansas City metropolitan area, a Jewish leader offered her organization as an educational resource. The local Jewish news outlet reprinted the feature and followed up with a related story. For these reasons, this article seemed to reflect the mission of Catholic journalism: informing and educating readers to help foster transformation of minds and hearts and to encourage action.

By Kathryn White Freelance photographer

n virtually every assignment I’ve done for The Leaven, I’ve run into someone I knew from my ministry days — a former student or colleague, or someone from a former parish. It is like a little God reunion! You see, even though I am behind the camera capturing an event or story, being a photog is very much about relationships and building up the kingdom of God. Which is why I tell everyone I meet,

“I have the best job ever!” I love the flexibility I am afforded with The Leaven. I am able to live out my vocation as wife and Mom, and still continue my call to ministry, to meet people and talk about Jesus. I mean, it really is the best. One of these such “reunions” — an awe-inspiring one at that — was the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Shawnee, held according to pandemic guidelines in 2021. There was a moment when I looked around and said to myself, “I think I am one of three women (one was the cantor and one worked at Sacred Heart) among all these holy priests!” Wow . . . was that humbling. A

beautiful ceremony and being invited to cover such an important assignment as that was not lost on me. On all these assignments I also catch up with some priests I haven’t seen in years. Another one of my favorites is a friend and former boss (Father Bill Porter) who I saw working at a Lenten fish fry. I like to think because I know them, I capture them in their best light. Like in one of my next favorites from over the years: Pitching for Priests. The team from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas didn’t win, but the spirit of camaraderie and a little healthy competition were apparent.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOPHIA CENTER

enedictine Sisters’ resiliency during the pandemic ministry going.

resses journalist hospitality programming; charitable works; and almost all human interaction. It led to isolation and the risk of illness. We all faced that. But what inspired me was the Sisters’ resiliency. I was impressed by how quickly they learned and deployed new technology — like Zoom — to restart their programs, virtually, to serve those in need, through livestreaming and audio recordings. I walked away with the knowledge that age knows no boundaries when you are forced to learn something new. And the will to share the Gospel with others can yield miraculous results.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

St. Joseph Parish in Nortonville converted an old school bus to serve as the heart of the parish’s annual Lenten fish fry, which draws hundreds from the surrounding communities.

Small town fish fry captures the heart By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

y wife Lori and I grew up in small, rural Kansas towns — me in Iola; Lori in Westphalia. Growing up in these small communities in many ways shaped our lives. Don’t get me wrong — I love the city. But you don’t have that tightknit community that comes from living in a small town where everyone went

to school together and everyone knows each other. Together, we did an article called “The fish that saved Nortonville” that involved a small community — anchored by St. Joseph Parish in Nortonville — coming together to run one of the most impressive Lenten fish fries I’ve ever seen for the benefit of its church. This was classic, small-town stuff. The fish was cooked in an old school bus that was reconditioned from a space for hauling kids to a mobile, fish-cooking unit. See,

small town people don’t buy new; they use and adapt what they have. The bus was an amazing piece of small-town ingenuity. And the atmosphere was amazing. There were young kids outside taking tickets. The women of the church were in charge of desserts and sides. And the men? They were cooking the fish to perfection inside the bus. People came from far and wide for this fish fry. As a small-town guy at heart, I love seeing a community come together.

Human trafficking story received wide circulation and led to real change By Marc and Julie Anderson mandjanderson@theleaven.org

eople often ask us about our favorite stories we’ve written as freelancers. That’s a difficult question. A few stand out — not necessarily because they were easy but because we learned later the story had a profound impact. Such is the case with a four-piece spread, “Think it’s not happening near you? Think again.” The assignment? Interview one of the archdiocese’s permanent deacons, Deacon Brad Sloan, assigned to Mother Teresa Parish in north Topeka. Learn how his ministry intersects with that of the Topeka Rescue Mission, especially as it pertained to human trafficking. That one interview led to another and another. One interview even involved a woman who had been trafficked but wished to remain anonymous for fear her trafficker would find her again. After the article was published, many of our sources circulated copies or online links to nonprofit organizations and government officials at the local, state and national levels. We learned later some programs were established as a direct result of those meetings.

Marc and Julie Anderson’s in-depth article on human trafficking was a large undertaking that won multiple awards from the Catholic Media Association. In the end, we simply wrote a story. Our sources are heroes directly engaged in the everyday struggle. Still, we are grateful God allowed us to play a role in the fight for human dignity.

Writer remembers the journey’s beginning By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

his is the first picture I took on the day the Community of the Lamb arrived in one of the poorest areas of Kansas City, Kansas, to establish its order here. It was in June of 2008, and this Little Sister is standing in the dilapidated former rectory of St. Benedict Church, her new home, gazing at a nest of baby robins in the eave above the balcony. There is nothing remarkable about this photograph; but for me, it is an extraordinary image because it captures the first step on a journey of faith that has produced fruits beyond measure. The robins are long gone now; the building is gone, too. But in its place is a sacred monastery and beautiful chapel built solely on trust in divine providence. The Community of the Lamb is a mendicant order. They came here with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a mission to share the Gospel as they went begging in the streets. I have taken hundreds of pictures of the community since that day. I’ve followed them through their journey of faith that has transformed this broken neighborhood into a place of welcome and love. I’ve chronicled the building of two monasteries and a beautiful muraled grotto known as a place of miracles.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

For longtime freelancer Jill Ragar Esfeld, this photo — taken on the day the Community of the Lamb arrived in Kansas City, Kansas, to establish its order — captures the first step on a journey of faith that has produced fruits beyond measure. I have watched them live their motto “Wounded, I will never cease to love” and their charism of living the Gospel in community. This photograph is a testimony to the power of love and trust in God; through him all things really are possible. I know, because I have witnessed it.

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

Bishops urge prayer, fasting for peace in Ukraine By Gina Christian Catholic News Service

HILADELPHIA (CNS) — As fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to mount, the Ukrainian Catholic bishops of the U.S. have called for a three-day prayer vigil “for peace and the conversion of the hearts of those who preach violence and escalate war.” The appeal, directed to Ukrainian Catholic faithful and “to all people of goodwill,” was issued in a Feb. 12 letter signed by Archbishop Borys Gudziak, who heads the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and is metropolitan archbishop of Ukrainian Catholics in the U.S. Also signing the letter were: Bishop Paul P. Chomnycky of the Eparchy of Stamford, Connecticut; Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago; Bishop Bohdan J. Danylo of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio; and Auxiliary Bishop Andriy Rabiy of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. “We ask that each pastor and community, each family and each person, participate in this vigil in whatever way is possible for them,” said the bishops. “May our churches be open throughout the day, may the prayer of the church interchange with personal

CNS PHOTO/RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY, HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

Members of the Russian armed forces drive tanks during military exercises in the Leningrad region of Russia in this handout photo released Feb. 14. contemplation. “Conduct and participate in services, pray the Jesus Prayer, the Marian rosary, the Paraclesis (a prayer service of supplication), sit with the Scriptures. Fast in order to focus on the hope that only God gives.” Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, while launching large-scale

joint maneuvers with neighboring Belarus Feb. 10. In recent days, a number of countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom and Germany, have urged their nationals to leave Ukraine. A massive Jan. 14 cybersecurity attack, regarded by many as a prelude to Russian military action, crippled approximately 70 Ukrainian government

websites, with an onscreen message warning users to “be afraid and expect the worst.” “Over the last weeks, the world has become fully aware of the fact that democratic Ukraine and its freedom-loving people are increasingly surrounded by hostile military forces prone for invasion,” said the bishops. The threat marks what the bishops termed an escalation of “the eight-year Kremlin-led war” since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. That same year, Russian-backed separatists proclaimed “people’s republics” in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, together known as the Donbas. The move came just 23 years after Ukraine gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, of which it had been a part. Since 2014, clashes, shelling and sniper attacks have become common in eastern Ukraine. The United Nations reported close to 1.5 million registered internally displaced persons in the country as of 2021, and at least 3,353 civilian deaths and more than 7,000 civilian injuries between April 2014 and March 2020. In total, between 14,000 and 15,000 are estimated to have been killed in the conflict to date.

Pope restructures the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — As part of ongoing measures to reform the Roman Curia, Pope Francis has approved restructuring the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the oldest of the congregations. Once comprised of a doctrinal office, a discipline office and a marriage office, the new structure will see the doctrinal and discipline offices become their own special sections led by their own secretaries; the marriage office will become part of the doctrinal office. The two secretaries will serve under the congregation’s prefect. Spanish Cardinal Luis Ladaria, who has been prefect of the congregation since 2017, will celebrate his 78th birthday April 19. The heads of Vatican offices are required to offer their resignations to the pope when they turn 75. In “Fidem servare” (Preserving the Faith), published “motu proprio,” (on his own initiative) Feb. 14, Pope Francis said the main task of the congregation has

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Then-Archbishop Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, arrives for a meeting with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican in this May 11, 2018, file photo. On Feb. 14, 2022, Pope Francis split the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith into two main sections: doctrine and discipline. been to safeguard or “keep the faith.” The changes went into effect the same day. Over time, the congregation has

seen modifications to its areas of responsibilities and how it is configured, and now, Pope Francis said, further change is needed “to give it an approach

more suited to the fulfillment of its functions.” The doctrinal section will be responsible for matters concerning “the promotion and safeguarding of the doctrine of the faith and morals.” Its aim, the pope wrote, is to promote studies aimed at fostering “the knowledge and transmission of the faith in the service of evangelization, so that its light may be the criterion for understanding the meaning of existence, especially before questions posed by the progress of science and the development of society.” The discipline section, through the currently existing discipline office, will handle those offenses and crimes reserved to the congregation — particularly clerical sexual abuse cases — and its supreme tribunal. It will prepare and elaborate procedures in accordance with canon law so as to “promote a correct administration of justice.” To that end, the discipline section will promote needed formation initiatives that the congregation can offer to bishops, dioceses and canon lawyers “to promote a correct understanding and application of canonical norms.”

SAINT RITA HOME CARE State Licensed Home Care Agency www.saintritahc.com 913-229-4267 rmargush@ saintritahc.com Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe

WE’RE HIRING

Caregivers training provided

Accepting New Clients

RANDEN SMITH

Platinum Realty LLC 13795 S MurLen Rd Olathe, KS, 66062 913-648-4933 randenkc1@gmail.com

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Coordinator of Hispanic ministries - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee is looking to hire a coordinator of Hispanic ministries. This person should be someone who can connect and inspire the Hispanic community as well as the broader parish. The position will involve, but not be limited to, planning and organizing events; the development and implementation of programs; being the initial contact for those seeking sacraments and other services of the parish. Administrative responsibilities are also part of the coordinator’s position. This person should be bilingual (Spanish/English) and able to work with a diverse Hispanic and non-Hispanic community. Hours are flexible and negotiable. Send email and resume to: frkent@gsshawnee.org. New student director - This is a full-time position of leadership to assist in the effective implementation of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center playbook by developing and managing the success of our student recruitment with an annual goal of 1,500 members. The director must have a strong desire and natural ability to welcome outsiders and create experiences of encounter on a secular university campus. Please send resume and cover letter to: scretors@kucatholic.org. Biology and Spanish teachers - Bishop Miege HS has teacher openings for biology and Spanish for the 202223 school year. Send letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Math Hub director - Bishop Miege is seeking a Math Hub director for the 2022-23 school year. The director will coordinate all aspects of the Math Hub to align with the goals of the Bishop Miege STREAM program to include a climate of students demonstrating math competencies in problem solving, group collaboration, independent research and interactions with STREAM professionals. The director will teach two math classes as needed. The ideal candidate will possess a current Kansas teaching license with mathematics endorsement and minimum 3 years’ teaching experience. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact principal Maureen Engen at: mengen@bishopmiege.com. Sales associate - Well-established, independently owned sales and marketing company, selling a perishable food product portfolio to the local grocery industry, is seeking a part-time, with possibility for full-time, sales representative to market to our retail customer base. No cold calling. Previous experience in the retail perishable food environment either with a grocery retailer or manufacturer representative a plus. College degree is preferred but not mandatory. Outgoing personality with strong interpersonal and organizational skills required. Flexible schedule with daytime, weekday hours only and no holidays. Competitive compensation based on experience. This is not a commission-based position. Mileage allowance with paid time off. Tremendous growth opportunity for the right candidate. Please email your resume to: joe@jpatrickmarketing.com.

Elementary school principal - Sacred Heart School in Emporia is seeking a highly-motivated individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and academic leadership of both students and staff. In addition, familiarity with enrollment management, technology and the tithing/ stewardship model would be considered especially desirable. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archckckcs. org and send resume and credentials to Superintendant Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, via email at: vcascone@archkckcs.org. For specific questions regarding the school or parish, please contact Father Carter Zielinski at: czielinski@archkck.org. School counselor - Holy Spirit Catholic School is currently seeking a school counselor. Applicants must hold a current Kansas counseling license. Previous experience working in an elementary school is preferred. To apply go to: archkck.org/catholicschools/employment/ and click on school counselor application. You may also send a letter of interest along with a copy of your resume to: Michele Watson at: mwatson@hscatholic.org. Part-time administrative assistant for in-house counsel - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of administrative assistant for our in-house legal counsel. Part-time flexible schedule working approximately 20 hours per week. Qualified applicants must have experience with office and document management; correspondence; must be proficient using the Microsoft Suite of office products including Word, Excel and Power Point, internet, and the ability to learn other software and online systems as required; must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Previous experience working in a legal office is preferred but not required. The successful candidate must also have a valid driver’s license and the ability to pick up and deliver documents to various courthouses and offices. To apply, please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs. Position open until filled. Maintenance supervisor, facility and grounds Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, is seeking an individual for maintenance supervisor. This person is responsible for routine campus maintenance, including minor building repair; general maintenance; grounds maintenance; and support building operation activities. If interested, send resume to John Meyers at: jmeyers@popolathe. org or call (913) 747-7706. Parish coordinator - St. John Parish and School seeks a part-time parish coordinator. The parish coordinator will be responsible for the efficient use of parish facilities and managing supportive services. Candidates with one - three years of work experience and bilingual (English/Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. Position will be open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@ sjevangelist.com or mail to 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Elementary music teacher - Holy Rosary Wea School is seeking a certified music teacher for the 2022-23 school year. The ability to play piano/organ is a plus! Interested applicants should send a resume/cover letter to principal Nick Antista at: nantista@qhrwea.org.

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

Campus minister - This is a full-time position with the Good Company apostolate at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center with the aim of creating a culture of encounter with Jesus Christ and his Gospel as well as intentional relationships with other students at the center. Must have a strong desire and natural ability to welcome outsiders and create experiences of encounter on a secular university campus. Please send resume and cover letter to: nlabrie@kucatholic.org.

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

Stylists - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride/ groom and galas is looking for part-time stylists. Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with your “Moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840. Faith formation director - The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center faith formation director is a full-time position charged with overseeing the intellectual development of our students. Mastery of the interplay between faith and culture and an ability to teach it winsomely to any audience is required. The director must love meeting new people, spending time with students, and be a strong communicator and collaborator. Please send resume and cover letter to: frmitchel@gmail.com. Coordinator of children’s catechesis - Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner is looking for a coordinator of children’s catechesis. This individual provides leadership in the parish formation program for students in grades kindergarten - 6th grade. One of the primary responsibilities of the coordinator of children’s catechesis is to facilitate participation of the parents in the faith formation of their children. This position is part time, approximately 20 hours per week. This person must be a practicing member of the Catholic Church with at least two years of experience as a catechist. Salary based on experience. Please inquire by contacting Maria Lopeman at (913) 856-7781, ext. 0102, or: maria@divinemercyks.org.

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

Marketing and enrollment consultant – Catholic schools office - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accepting applications for a full-time consultant for marketing and enrollment management for the Catholic schools office. This position is responsible for assisting Catholic schools in the archdiocese with branding, core value development, and marketing, recruitment and retention strategies. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing, possess a bachelor’s degree in marketing, sales, communication or related field, and have a minimum of three years of experience in marketing, social media and sales. To apply, go online to: www.archkck.org/jobs. Position open until filled. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2022. Maintenance opening – Good Shepherd, Shawnee, has a full-time, benefit-eligible position to assist with the daily operations of the school and church. Prior experience in custodial work preferred; handyman, light repair and maintenance abilities helpful. Duties are highly physical and involve walking, standing, lifting and carrying at least 50 pounds. If interested, contact Brad Roder at: broder@gsshawnee.org or (913) 5635313. Join the Santa Marta team - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team. We are looking for part-time servers. Responsibilities include: serving meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and coworkers is required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session. Part-time servers are normally scheduled for three to five shifts per week (evening from 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). Pay is $10 - $11 hourly rate depending upon relevant experience. Parttime associates earn paid time off for hours worked. Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Marta team. Check out Santa Marta at: https:www.facebook. com/SantaMartaRetirement/. Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: admissions counselor, ADN specialist, financial aid director, nursing intake coordinator and comptroller. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/ careers. Live-in or live-out caregivers (assistants) - Looking for purposeful volunteer or paid work? Live-in or liveout caregivers (assistants) needed for all shifts with adults with intellectual disabilities. L’Arche Heartland has five residential group homes that house a max of five individuals, located in old Overland Park. Duties include but are not exclusive to: be responsible for the overall growth and direction of the home; foster appropriate relationships between all members of the home; foster positive and supportive relationships with families and professionals; attend community nights and other community events. Qualifications: a person who has lived or worked in a community with persons with disabilities preferred. A person with good organizational skills; good communication skills; and the ability to deal with conflict objectively. Have a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or equivalent. Pass all required background checks; pass required pre-employment readiness evaluation. All training provided after hire: CPR/first aid; medication administration; rights and responsibilities — abuse, neglect and exploitation; emergency preparedness and documentation. Hourly pay for live-out assistants dependent on experience: range from $13.50-$15/hour. Perks for full-time employees: eight paid holidays; flexible hours available; health, dental, vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland), 401(k) and PTO. Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks.org. Faculty/adjunct faculty positions available - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served, has the following faculty job openings: Information systems faculty coordinator. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology and clinical nursing. Find job descriptions and details on: www.donnelly.edu/careers. Part-time companion needed - Looking for a kindhearted, energetic person to be a team player in our small, growing health care company. Must have reliable transportation. Job may entail driving clients to appointments, running errands and checking in on clients. Person must be personable. Able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a handson caregiving company. Some clients may be stand by assist. Only serious applicants please. Rate per hour will rise quickly for team players. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given. Drug, background checks and COVID vaccine are mandatory. Perfect for retired employees ready to work part time, compassionate CNAs, or parents wanting to work while kids are in school. Call Jen (913) 530-1795. Clarkson Companion Care. Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

FEBRUARY 18, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG Teacher - Holy Spirit School is seeking a certified math teacher or someone with a Kansas substitute license with the ability to teach geometry to a small group of advanced placement students. The current teacher will be on maternity leave from March – May 2022. The hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 6:45 – 7:40 a.m. Please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org if you are interested in learning more about this position. Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102. Financial representatives - Knights of Columbus has full-time openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri for full-time financial representatives. Ideal for determined, disciplined, professional, high-expectation individual desiring to serve others. We work exclusively with the families of brother Knights and Catholic gentlemen who are eligible to join the Knights. We have established territories where agents devote their working day to the needs of the members in their assigned councils. Excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits are provided, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is a career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or possibly for someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon, general agent, at (785) 4088800 or email: john.mahon@kofc.org. Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Math teacher - The students at Holy Spirit School need a terrific math teacher able to help them learn pre-algebra and algebra. Their current teacher will be on maternity leave from March – May 2022. So, if you have a Kansas certification or a Kansas substitute license with this mathematical ability, we would love to talk with YOU! This position will be Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org if you are interested in learning more about this position.

SERVICES Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com. Tutoring - Fall tutoring for K - adult. Sessions are fun and meaningful. For more information please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151., Interior paining - 20 years’ experience; quality work. Free estimates. Call or text (913) 206-4524. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. Remodeling - Renovates kitchens and bathrooms; tilework, countertops, drywall, custom cabinetry. Quality work. Call or text (913) 206-4524. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Thank you to all my clients last year! - We had to take my ad out for a few months to catch up. This year, we are looking for more deck jobs, exterior wood rot and house painting jobs. We are also looking for larger interior jobs to include full kitchen remodels, cabinet refinishing, as well as bathroom remodels and basement finishing. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 19 after the 8 a.m. Mass

There will be a grief support meeting Saturday morning after Mass. The topic will be: “Moving on after a Loss.” For more information, call (913) 6492026.

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

Dinner and bingo are being sponsored by the St. Patrick Green Club. Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, breadstick, dessert, and tea or lemonade will be served. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids; and $30 for a family. For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

POTLUCK DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Feb. 20 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

COME AND SEE St. Catherine’s Academy 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 21 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

St. Catherine’s Academy, a Catholic girls hybrid high school (stcatherineskc. com), is hosting a meet and greet for interested freshman/sophomore girls. Lunch is provided. Contact Holle Balzer at (913) 680-6220 or by email at: balzer holle@yahoo.com for more information or to RSVP. St. Athanasius Academy is inviting all freshman/sophomore boys to a Shadow Day on Feb. 22 (lunch provided) at the above location.

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

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

‘HEART SPEAKS TO HEART’ Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (center) 411 Pioneer St., Seneca Feb. 26 from 9 - 11 a.m. Holy Angels Parish 520 E. 4th St., Garnett Feb. 26 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Sister Karolyn will unpack the four identities of the heart so that we may more deeply embrace how to live the truth in love and build the body of Christ. There will be snacks and giveaways. No RSVP, no-cost adult attendance earns grant money for your rural parish youth ministry. Everyone is welcome: rural and nonrural parishioners, parents, grandparents, youth leaders, DREs and catechists.

CONCERT Holy Angels Parish 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Feb. 27 at 3 p.m.

The William Baker Festival Singers will offer a concert at Holy Angels Parish. The choir is a semiprofessional 50-voice choir specializing in sacred music and spirituals. All proceeds from freewill donations support Holy Angels youth ministry.

HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel Parish (Gabriel Room - lower level) March 2 at 7 p.m.

13 >> Continued from page 12

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

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

‘UNBOUND: FREEDOM IN CHRIST’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton March 4 - 6

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

The retreat begins on March 4 at 5 p.m. and ends on March 6 at 4:30 p.m. Start this Lenten season encountering the Father’s blessing. We all have areas in our lives where we don’t experience freedom. These can be patterns of habitual sin, addictions, negative thoughts and other forms of spiritual difficulty. Jesus came to set us free by breaking the power of sin and revealing the love of God. Unbound ministry releases the power of Jesus into wounded hearts. You will learn how to unlock your prison doors by using the “Five Keys to Freedom.” The conference will include times of prayer, teaching and personal ministry from the Wichita Unbound ministry team. The suggested donation is $170/single or $250/couple for the cabins and courtyard rooms or $100 for the single guest rooms (meals included). To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.

MEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, Kansas March 5 from 7 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Men Under Construction is an Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas conference that aims to encourage, engage and equip men in the Kansas City area to become bold disciples of Christ and his church. Among the speakers will be actor Jim Caviezel from “The Passion” movie.

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist. Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Double crypt at Resurrection Cemetery inside the Beautiful Queen of Heaven mausoleum and chapel; tier A-1, crypt 111. Beautiful finished wood exterior on lower level. Today’s value is $16,000. Asking $9500. Call (816) 215-2000. For sale - Four plots at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Great location! Lot 354, section 3, plots 5,6,7 and 8. Asking $2200 each; will pay transfer fee. Call (913) 721-1351.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Cemetery plot in section 2 of Mount Calvary Cemetery. Call Frank at (404) 542-7860 or (678) 464-3023, or email: FCooper316@gmail.com.

REAL ESTATE Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it. Call Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905 Local parishioner. We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. Looking to purchase a home or sell your home? I am here to help you on your real estate journey! Tanairi Kennedy We Sell KC Team - Realty Executive. Call (913) 972-5097. or email: Tanari@WeSellKcTeam.com. See the website at: www.tanairiSellsKC.com. I appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

COLUMNISTS

Want to become friends with God? Yes, pray tell

DAILY READINGS SEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 20 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Sm 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 Ps 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13 1 Cor 15: 45-49 Lk 6: 27-38 Feb. 21 Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the church Jas 3: 13-18 Ps 19: 8-10, 15 Mk 9: 14-29 Feb. 22 THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE 1 Pt 5: 1-4 Ps 23: 1-6 Mt 16: 13-19 Feb. 23 Polycarp, bishop, martyr Jas 4: 13-17 Ps 49: 2-3, 6-11 Mk 9: 38-40 Feb. 24 Thursday Jas 5: 1-6 Ps 49: 14-20 Mk 9: 41-50 Feb. 25 Friday Jas 5: 9-12 Ps 103: 1-4, 8-9, 11-12 Mk 10: 1-12 Feb. 26 Saturday Jas 5: 13-20 Ps 141: 1-3, 8 Mk 10: 13-16

John Fisher c. 1469-1535 A Yorkshire draper’s son, John was one of the “new men” of Tudor England, a distinguished scholar at Cambridge University who was ordained at age 22. Privately austere, John held several high offices: chaplain to a king’s mother, vice chancellor and chancellor of Cambridge, bishop of Rochester, counselor to Catherine of Aragon during King Henry VIII’s divorce proceedings against her. But John steadfastly refused to accept Henry as head of the church in England, and was imprisoned. The pope named him a cardinal, which further enraged Henry, who ordered John’s beheading. He shares this feast with his friend and fellow martyr, Thomas More; their heads were impaled on London Bridge two weeks apart.

FEBRUARY 18, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

here is only one right way to spend an evening with a friend: Go out for a meal and then watch a movie. But suppose your friend suggests going to a ballgame or a theater production instead. No, you remind her, that’s not the way friendship works. Or maybe she wants to take a leisurely walk the next time you get together. Again, you must insist that’s not how time with a friend works. It always has to be a meal and a movie. I’m going to bet that a friendship like the one described above isn’t going to last. And so it is with prayer. On Feb. 10, my parish was thrilled to have a Zoom session with Jesuit Father Jim Martin, who spoke about his latest book, “Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone.” In his usual engaging and clear style, he began by taking us through several definitions of prayer, drawn from Sts. John Damascene, Thérèse of Lisieux,

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.

Teresa of Ávila and Jesuit Father Walter Burghardt. His favorite description, though, comes from Father William Barry, whose insight was: “The way you think about friendships can help you think about, and deepen, your relationship with God.” We often hear that we’re to develop a personal relationship with God. But for many people, that leads to more questions than answers. Father Jim’s

marvelous book tackles the issues that folks might have regarding prayer — things they’re sometimes afraid to ask about. For example, Father Jim devotes a chapter to what happens when you pray. He discusses the place of emotions, insights, memories, desires, images, words, feelings and mystical experiences. And he does so with simple language along with plenty of concrete examples. Another question that people often have is discussed in the chapter entitled, “How Do I Know It’s God?” Father Jim clearly helps readers to understand what the word “dis-

cern” means, especially when it comes to “hearing” God’s voice. In another chapter, Father Jim explains how to deal with distractions in prayer, what it means when prayer seems fruitless (“dry”), what expectations you may have in praying, and the ups and downs of the spiritual life. The bulk of the book, however, is devoted to teaching readers a variety of prayer methods. Just as there is no “one and only” way to do friendships, nor is there a “one-sizefits-all” way to pray. Sadly, we sometimes get into a rut regarding prayer and forget the incredible richness of prayer methods available to explore. Father Jim devotes chapters to petitionary prayer; rote and other formal prayers; the daily examen; Ignatian contemplation; lectio divina; centering prayer; and nature prayer (finding God in creation). Using easy-to-understand language and stories,

he effectively provides a “how-to” for each of these ways to grow in a friendship with God. He also discusses ways to talk about what is happening in your prayer through spiritual direction, retreats, faith sharing and journaling. I love that he ends his book with a chapter called “Now What?” I’ll let Father Jim say it in his own words: “The life of prayer is not simply for our own benefit. It is also meant to encourage us to grow, to change, to act — and in the process to become more faithful to God and more loving toward other people.” This book would be an excellent Lenten companion. The writing is neither stuffy nor dense but written with the idea that “everyone can pray.” (And it’s just come out in a paperback edition.) If your goal this Lent is a deeper relationship with the Lord, then turn to Father Jim’s book and say, “Yes, pray tell!”

Jesus calls us to imitate his example of forgiveness and mercy

esus’ command to “love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you,” is among the most demanding sayings of the Gospel. Forgiving those who hurt us is challenge enough. Yet Jesus asks his disciples, and us, to go beyond forgiveness to love of enemies. We might wonder whether it’s realistic or even humanly possible to do what Jesus asks. How do we live this call of Jesus? To live the meaning of Jesus’ words is possible only in the power of divine grace and the strength of the Holy

JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

Spirit. When we live our new life in Jesus, given us at baptism, we can do what seems

humanly impossible — to love enemies and go above and beyond by doing good for them. Jesus lived his words on the cross when he forgave those who falsely condemned him. Jesus showed his disciples that forgiveness born of love is stronger than hate. From the cross, Jesus’ most profound

lesson was that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but the most powerful manifestation of God’s love. This way of forgiveness reflects who God is and how God acts toward us. So, Jesus’ call is an invitation to imitate his example of divine forgiveness and mercy that transcends the limits and calculations of human forgiveness and mercy. In Sunday’s first reading, David reveals his heart of forgiveness in a dramatic encounter with Saul who he finds asleep. On several occasions Saul had tried to kill David,

who is now given an opportunity to exact vengeance. Instead, David refuses to harm Saul and opens the higher path of forgiveness and love. The psalmist tells us that human forgiveness mirrors divine forgiveness for, “merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.” Today, may we seek the grace to forgive as God forgives, as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

Men must join fight against human trafficking, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Male-female relationships based on “discrimination and submission” lead to the exploitation and humiliation of thousands of women and girls each year, Pope Francis said. “Human trafficking, through domestic or sexual exploitation, violently relegates women and girls to their supposed role of subordination in the provision of domestic or sexual services and to their role as providers of care and dispensers of pleasure, which proposes yet again a model

of relationships marked by the power of the male gender over the female,” Pope Francis said in a video message. Marking the Feb. 8 International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking and the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave, Pope Francis insisted: “The violence suffered by every woman and every girl is an open wound on the body of Christ, on the body of all humanity; it is a deep wound that affects every one of us, too. The thousands of women and girls who are

trafficked every year denounce the dramatic consequences of relational models based on discrimination and submission, and it is not an exaggeration — there are thousands of them!” Praising the women and women religious around the world dedicated to fighting human trafficking, coerced prostitution, forced marriage and slave labor, Pope Francis said men must get involved as well, “opposing with all our might every form of exploitation in human trafficking.”

COLUMNISTS

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

We need to be that person who will always listen

he March for Life this year was both amazing and successful. When I say successful, I mean getting all 150 students and adults to Washington, D.C., and back home without incident or illness. Having to take 2021 off because of COVID, it felt good to invite our high school students once again to take this pilgrimage to Washington. While there may have been some struggles along the way (24hour bus ride and cold weather), in the end,

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

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

the Blessed Mother saw us through. Our hope

is that someday soon there will be victory over the genocide that is abortion. Speaking of victory, our theme this year for our annual Jr. High Youth Rally is: “Victory.”

I believe parents are looking for a victory over the struggles our young people are experiencing through the lockdown that separated them from family, friends, school and other activities. It’s been a tough two years. Where do we need victory? Sister Karolyn Nunes will engage our young people on how to overcome suffering, sin and Satan through prayer, Scripture and tangible strategies they can use — including talking to parents, a teacher or their pastor. Our young people need to know there is

always someone willing to listen. As parents and or influential adults, we need to be that person that will listen. But we also need to model humility, surrender and gratitude: taking our own struggles and sins to prayer, going to Mass, reconciliation, diving into Scripture and sitting before Jesus in eucharistic adoration. We should also welcome young people into these moments as much as is possible or practical. This year’s rally on Feb. 27 will be a time of reflection and revival

for our middle school young people. But also, we want them to become firm, steadfast and devoted in their faith. For more information on this year’s Jr. High Youth Rally, check our website, www.arch kckyouth.org/juniorhigh-youth-rally. Lastly, I ask you to wrap the rally and our young people in prayer. Please offer a daily Memorare to our Blessed Mother that she may intercede on behalf of our attendees, and that God may have the victory in each heart at the rally.

Our students might just be the answer to what ails us

fter more than two grueling and COVIDinfested years, the world needs healing, both physical and spiritual. Add in the contentious political environment, international conflict and cancel culture and you don’t have to look very hard to see Satan’s influence darkening everyday life. How do we combat this? What is the cure? Every day in Catholic schools, our students tackle a rigorous curriculum of math, English, science, history and religion. While doing this, they also pray

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

throughout each day. They may not understand specific worldly issues, but they are

concerned for the world and each of us. They are our prayer warriors and are fighting back against the darkness to bring more light — Christ’s light — into our world. Our students might just be the antidote we

all need right now. When I visit one of our Catholic schools, I am amazed by the level of spirituality I see in the classrooms. Although every class is decorated with a combination of pictures of saints, Scripture readings, scenes from the Bible or religious artwork created by students, it’s the level of prayer that is most inspiring. Our Catholic schools do more than provide a high-quality education to our youth. They also provide important faith formation for thousands of children throughout our archdiocese. Our students attend

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

and serve at weekly Masses, join their fellow parishioners in eucharistic adoration and pray the rosary together. Many schools have “faith communities,” where groups of students from varying grades meet to pray and discuss their faith journeys. Many classrooms also have prayer stations where students can pray on their own during the school day. Our students aren’t just growing in their own faith; they are also sharing their faith with others. They participate in community service and share what they have

learned from their religion classes with their family and friends. They have learned from the teaching of the Gospels to not hide their light under a bushel but to put it high on a hill for all the world to see. This light is what will chase the darkness away and might be the antidote that our world needs. The Catholic Education Foundation invites all to join our students in praying for the world. We also ask for prayers for our students so they can continue to flourish in their faith journeys and be the lights we all need.

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

LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Married couples in the church are called to invest in other couples

his week, Dutch tenBroek takes Leaven readers inside a ministry that he shares with his wife Kathy. They are marriage prep mentors.

What is your name and title and where do you minister?

My name is Dutch tenBroek and I am Kathy’s husband — for the last 55plus years. I minister all over the world. I was a command sergeant major with the U.S. Army for 30 years before retiring. In 2020, I retired as a registered principle for an independent broker dealer after 28 years.

Q. Please describe what you do. A. I help couples preparing for

the sacrament of matrimony to understand how to live their sacrament in the church. The couples learn specific skills that enable them to grow more in love every day, to navigate the challenging times with love and forgiveness, and to bring Christ’s love to life in their parishes. Couples learn that marriage is work and that the rewards are more than worth the effort.

How would you describe how that fits into the larger mission of the Catholic Church?

The quality of love and warmth of a parish is, to some extent, determined by the living out of the sacrament of matrimony. A couple’s love is personal, but not private. A couple is called to be the living sign of the love of the Trinity to those around them. By living their sacrament openly, Christ’s love becomes visible to those around them. A parish full of loving couples is a very inviting place. The visible sign of Christ’s love is very attractive. That is what keeps people, especially the young, in church. The mission of our church is to bring the love of Christ to our world. A couple openly in love with each other, their family and their church is the building block for that mission.

Q. Is this what you set out to do

in life? If not, then, what road led you to this place?

Not even close. In January of 1978, Kathy and I attended a Worldwide Marriage Encounter while stationed in Germany. In addition to encountering my wife, I had an encounter with God. I realized that I was putting my priorities in the wrong place. My career in the Army was going to end, my marriage would not, and that is where I needed

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Over the 40 years of their ministry, Dutch and Kathy tenBroek have helped to prepare over 100 couples to live sacramental marriages in the church. to put my efforts. Once I started focusing on being the husband God wanted me to be, my career took off faster than it did when I was focused on it. I realized I had a responsibility to Kathy and our church to be the head of our family. In the end, my vocation — my life’s work given to me by God — is where I will be judged at the end of my life. Living what God wants me to do is much more important and rewarding than what society asks. The key word here is “work.” Marriage takes effort, and like most of life, you get out of it what you put in.

Did you collect some skills from other jobs along the way that have proved surprisingly helpful?

Not so much from other jobs as other relationships. A priest friend pointed out that we are always comparing how we are doing with those around us. I am not doing as well as they are, or we are doing better than so-and-so. We make those judgments unconsciously. The point is to find couples who are living successful relationships and emulate them.

What would the average Catholic be most surprised to learn about your job?

You can be more in love today than the day you were married. Marriage is our vocation, our life’s work. Our church tells us we are a sign of Christ’s love. When we work to live in love, we receive so many blessings. Your relationship becomes joy filled. Like everything we do for the church, we always get more than we give. We

have developed lifelong friendships with some of our couples. We have been challenged to grow in our faith on a very personal level.

Who does your ministry primarily serve?

Our ministry primarily serves all couples who are considering marriage in the church.

Q. What do you wish everybody

knew about your ministry?

While our faith is personal, it is not private. We are called as a community of believers every Sunday to celebrate together. As married couples in the church, we have an obligation to invest time into the other marriages in our church. There are no special qualifications (there is some training). If you want a better relationship, invest in those around you.

Why does the world need more of what you’re offering, especially right now?

Marriage is in crisis right now. Our sacrament is the primary target of the devil. Christ’s love visibly offered through loving couples/families is the basic building block of faith in our parish and the antidote to the devil. Our faith needs strong healthy marriages. If you have done nothing for your relationship in the past, do something. Our archdiocese offers several programs to help you build your relationship into what God desires for you. You should be working as hard on your marriage as you are on your career.

After all, your career will end at some point. Hopefully, your marriage will not. So attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter or EverMore in Love, or find a retreat for the two of you. Our church needs you to be deeply in love. How can that be a bad thing?

What have you learned about people in this job?

For the most part, people want to succeed. If you give them the right tools and understanding of what the mission is, they will do their best to make it happen.

What have you learned about yourself ?

I am constantly challenged by the sacraments around me to be a better husband. There is always room for improvement. Fortunately, Kathy is quick with forgiveness, as is Christ, which helps me get to confession regularly.

How has it changed the way you view your identity as a Catholic?

Catholic is my family name. Like all families, there are some relatives I like more than others, but I love them all. Those are my relatives going to Communion. Like all families, I am called to be involved with them, to care for them and to pray for them. We cannot live in isolation and live our faith. The quality of our sacrament is highly dependent on all the other sacraments around us being lived out to the fullest. Christ asks that of us each and every day. How can we say no?