03 05 21 Vol. 42 No. 29 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 29 | MARCH 5, 2021

Deacon Jody Madden, the faith formation director for St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, delivers the keynote speech at the junior high youth rally.

From left, Garrett Foster, Vince Herold, Lydia Reynolds, Claire Hollis, Nina Bolts, Colleen Schroeber and Sofia Gometz enjoy some foosball time. All belong to St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, except Reynolds, who is a member of Sacred Heart, Shawnee.

Emma Johnson, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, lectors at the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann that concluded the junior high youth rally.

Junior high youth rally hosts 200 at Prairie Star By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ILLIAMSBURG — For the current crop of junior high students, the past 14 months under pandemic conditions have been a time of isolation, canceled events and separation from friends. But approximately 200 youths had a chance to get past that, if only for a day, at an archdiocesan junior high youth rally on Feb. 28 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. The rally was sponsored by the archdiocesan office of youth evangelization. “I missed it so much since COVID started — being around people and being able to connect with them,” said Katherine St. Marie, a seventh grader at Holy Trinity School in Paola. The rally had the Mikey Needleman Band playing praise and worship music; speed painting by Mike Debus; inspirational talks, games and activities; and a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “I feel like [the organizers] did a really good job of engaging the kids,” said Rose Lopez, an eighth grader from Curé of Ars School in Leawood. “It was something that kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to hear more speakers,” Lopez said. “I wanted to hear more life stories and background stories — how these speakers found their faith, how their faith plays a role in their lives. It helped me understand and see my faith more clearly.” For St. Marie, one of the most interesting things that day was watching Debus paint. “I think he’s really amazing,” she said. “He was incredible” Debus quickly transformed a blank canvas into a picture of St. Joseph holding the infant child Jesus. “It was one of those moments when I was in awe,” she said. St. Marie also liked the speakers. “I liked how the people opened up and talked about their lives,” she said. “It was super cool.” Kaycee SinghDhillon, an eighth grade student at St. Marys Junior High in St. Marys, liked the music and the opportunities for prayer. She also learned a lesson from the story of the disciples Jesus met on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. “We learned about our different spiritual journeys and what we can do to make them better,” she said. The next junior high youth rally will be on March 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Seneca. For more information, go online to: archkck.org/ family-kids/kids-teens/programs/parish-youthministry/.

Above, Garrett Benny, director of youth ministry at Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, leads a small group session at the scenic grounds of Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. Left, performance painter Mike Debus creates an image of St. Joseph right before Mass at the junior high youth rally.

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

ARCHBISHOP

MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Equality Act would infringe on religious liberty in host of ways

am privileged to co-chair with the Rev. Jerry Kirk, a Presbyterian pastor, the Religious Alliance Against Pornography (RAAP). I have a profound compassion for our young people who are exposed to pornography — on average — at age 11. In some ways, the pornography pandemic is much worse than COVID-19. Unlike the coronavirus, young people are the most vulnerable and least equipped to defend themselves against pornography’s distortion of our human sexuality and the counterfeit love it offers its users. Of course, young people are not the only victims of pornography. Some estimate that at least 5% of the adult population is addicted to pornography. The capacity for healthy marital relationships is impaired by this moral virus. Pornography destroys marriages and families. It disrespects, particularly, the dignity of women and fuels sex-trafficking. Is it any wonder that many young people and adults are confused about their sexuality? One of our

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN great cultural myths is that one must be sexually active to be happy and fulfilled. The counterevidence to that claim surrounds us. Yet, this cultural lie dominates so much of our music, literature and visual entertainment. Growing up in such a confusing environment, it is not surprising that an increasing percentage of young people struggle with samesex attraction and gender confusion. The innate dignity of every human being is a fundamental tenet of Catholic anthropology. We believe that every human being is created in the divine image. Even more significantly, we hold that every human being is of such worth in the

eyes of God that Jesus Christ gave his life on Calvary for each of us. There are no throwaway lives for the Christian. This is true for every human being, no matter our frailties and flaws. It is true for men and women who experience same-sex attraction or gender confusion. As Catholics, we oppose all forms of unjust discrimination against any and all groups. It is a sin to participate in ridicule or demean individuals who struggle with sexual confusion. The U.S. House of Representatives a week ago passed The Equality Act by a narrow margin. The bill now goes to the Senate for debate and vote. President Biden during the campaign promised to seek to pass The Equality Act within his first 100 days.

Despite its lofty name, this is one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation ever proposed to Congress. The Equality Act, if enacted as passed by the House of Representatives, would do the following: • require women athletes to compete with men and boys in sports as well as share locker rooms and shower facilities • force faith-based charities such as foster care agencies or homeless shelters to violate their religious beliefs or shut down • jeopardize existing prohibitions on the use of federal taxpayer dollars to provide abortions • pressure and even mandate the performance of abortion by health care providers • force health care professionals, against their best medical judgment and/or their religious convictions, to engage in treatments and procedures for gender transition • exempt the implementations of The Equality Act from having to comply with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, thus allowing it to infringe on religious liberty and conscience rights. Before the House vote, five chairs of

USCCB committees, including myself as the chair for pro-life activities, wrote a letter to Congress stating: “Every person is made in the image of God and should be treated accordingly, with respect and compassion. This commitment is reflected in the church’s charitable service to all people, without regard to race, religion or any other characteristic. It means we need to honor every person’s right to gainful employment free of unjust discrimination or harassment, and to the basic goods that they need to live and thrive. It also means that people of differing beliefs should be respected. “The Equality Act represents the imposition by Congress of novel and divisive viewpoints regarding gender on individuals and organizations. This includes dismissing sexual difference and falsely presenting gender as only a social construct. As Pope Francis has reflected, however, biological sex and the socio-cultural role of sex (gender) can be distinguished but not separated. .

. . It is one thing to be understanding of human weakness and the complexities of life, and another to accept ideologies that attempt to sunder what are inseparable aspects of reality. Tragically, this Act can also be construed to include an abortion mandate, a violation of the precious rights to life and conscience.” I encourage you to write both to Sen. Jerry Moran and Sen. Roger Marshall encouraging them to oppose vigorously the so-called Equality Act. Gender ideology is the fruit of bad philosophy. The idea that we can deny our own biological identity and choose to become the opposite sex is both false and dangerous. It defies scientific fact and rejects moral truths. We do not help others by enabling them to persist in denying their biological identity. Those experiencing same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria deserve our compassion and concern. The Equality Act fails to do either, but instead strips conscience rights and religious liberty from millions of Americans.

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

At Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, a simple form makes it easy for volunteers to fill each order.

A batch of fried catfish goes into a pan ready to be added to the food line at Sacred Heart.

Leaven freelance photographer Jay Soldner gets a double order to go after completing his tasty assignment.

FLYING FISH

Lenten fish fries still popular despite changes to format By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Lenten fish fry is alive and well, thank you very much. With a pandemic still hanging over the country, most parishes decided to take their fish fries to the streets, offering curbside pickup, carryouts and deliveries only. If the first week is any indication, fish fries are still a roaring success. “We were pleasantly surprised,” said Bryan Schmit, of Holy Angels Parish in Garnett. “We ended up serving around 325 people. The numbers were down a little bit, but 325 is still pretty respectable.” The story was the same all across the archdiocese.

Return of the fish fry At Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, Knights of Columbus organizers were caught off guard the first week with how popular their fish fry was. “We didn’t really know what to expect, so we didn’t prepare nearly as much food in advance as we have in the past,” said Paul Haverkamp, one of the organizers. “So, we were playing catch-up most of the night.” Haverkamp said that orders in the first week fell in line with what the fish fry has done in previous years. At St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, Mike Pollock, who manages the parish fish fry, said the early part of the evening was pretty hectic. “The biggest challenge was just to figure out how to organize, plan and execute,” he said. “The first 30 minutes were a little bit challenging, but once we were able to properly position our workers, it went really smooth.” St. Gregory Parish in Marysville reported a good turnout as well. “With the pandemic, we didn’t know what to expect so it exceeded our expectations,” said Rob Peschel. “We served 257. Our average is usually around 270 so we were pretty close.” St. Gregory offered carryout and delivery service. Both did brisk business. While most people chose the carryout option, the parish saw an uptick in the number of deliveries. “We had about twice the number of

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

After going with a drive-in model for its fish fry in week one, Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie switched to drive-thru service in week two, which worked much better. Here, Phil Neal delivers an order. deliveries that we had in past years,” Peschel said. Going from a dine-in model to a mostly carryout and curbside model required some changes. At St. Michael the Archangel, the parish simplified its menu, cutting back on the number of items it offers to make it easier on volunteers to move food faster. At Holy Angels, where past meals were served as an all-you-can-eat buffet, the parish decided to cut prices on adult tickets with the move to carryout meals. Sacred Heart went with a drive-in model for the first week, where a car would park in the parking lot and a volunteer would come take their order. With the fish fry being more popular than anticipated, some cars got lost in the shuffle, causing longer waits than necessary. For the second week, the parish switched to a drive-thru model, >> See “COVID” on page 4

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The Sacred Heart kitchen was nonstop action as orders kept the Knights of Columbus cooks and volunteers busy throughout the evening. From left, Michael Holton, Paul Bedtke, Joe Frevele and John Martin keep orders moving at a quick pace.

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) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

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MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Family service advisers guide clients through end-of-life decisions By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

Haley Klemencic (left), Catholic Cemeteries sales administrative specialist, discusses options for preplanning funeral and burial arrangements with Betty and Steve Klemencic, her parents and members of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. In her role, Haley can assist families with writing funeral policies in collaboration with 10 funeral homes.

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istening with empathy, educating on end-of-life decisions and serving with compassion are key components of the roles of the family service advisers of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas. Whether meeting needs at the time of a personal loss or assisting with preneed planning, the scope of this team’s work exceeds expectations of a traditional sales team and reflects commitment to the ministry of burying the dead with dignity and respect. Bryan Alonzo, director of sales and marketing, emphasized the importance of information-sharing, education and guidance as team members reach out to families and individuals. “We respond to needs and anticipate needs,” he explained. “We take a difficult subject — the immediacy or eventuality of death — and strive to provoke thoughts among clients about end-oflife decisions.” He stresses that the team of family service advisers avoids typical sales tactics like cold calls and high-pressure pitches. “We connect with people, listen to them and help them understand the value of planning ahead for themselves and for their family members,” Alonzo said. Family service advisers focus on the peace of mind that comes with preplanning. Alonzo described this as a great gift for loved ones who survive the deceased. “Who better than an individual or a couple to discuss and plan their own personal final arrangements?” he asked. Moreover, the sooner individuals and couples prearrange burial plans, the more they will save financially. Catholic Cemeteries locks in prices when contracts are signed and offers payment plans with no interest. In addition, Catholic Cemeteries can assist with the many details associated with end-of-life arrangements. Through expanded collaboration, Catholic Cemeteries can now write policies for 10 funeral homes. Performing this role, Haley Klemencic, sales administrative specialist, is available to guide people through planning the visitation, funeral, burial and/or inurnment — from start to completion. This can range from discussion of the clothing the deceased will wear to identification of readings for the Mass to coordina-

WE WANT TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS OF MAKING ENDOF-LIFE ARRANGEMENTS BY OFFERING A VAST ARRAY OF SERVICES THAT ARE AFFORDABLE, RESPONSIVE TO NEEDS AND CONSISTENT WITH TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH. SHARON VALLEJO PRESIDENT OF CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

tion of other details. Catholic Cemeteries also offers an extensive assortment of monument and urn options. “Our goal is to be an important and valued resource to parishioners and

the church of northeast Kansas,” said Sharon Vallejo, president of Catholic Cemeteries. “We want to simplify the process of making end-of-life arrangements by offering a vast array of services that are affordable, responsive to needs and consistent with teachings of the church. We do this with deep respect for the dignity of each person and family we serve and in partnership with priests, parishes and funeral homes.” Relatively new to the organization, Klemencic chose to work with Catholic Cemeteries because she considers it a purpose-driven organization. “The different programs we offer have huge spiritual, emotional and financial benefits for the people we serve,” she said. For Alonzo, this boils down to taking a personal approach and considering all client encounters as opportunities to help them think about the details and decisions associated with death. He admitted this has been a challenge during the pandemic with restrictions on in-person meetings. To counter this

and to meet the needs of the Catholic community, Catholic Cemeteries is offering special promotions, which have been very well-received. Just as its sales team encourages individuals and families to plan ahead, Catholic Cemeteries also works to ensure continuous updates and improvements to the nine cemeteries it operates and manages in Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties, and in Topeka. Vallejo points to the new Veterans Garden and Memorial at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka, where the first burial has occurred. Catholic Cemeteries is also adding 200 burial spaces in the veterans section at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. In addition, new columbaria for cremated remains are planned for Resurrection and for Mount Calvary Cemetery in Lansing. For more information, call (913) 3714040 to connect with a family service adviser; send an email to: information@ cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks.org.

COVID gave some teams a chance to recruit new volunteers >> Continued from page 3 where cars would get in line and place their order. That proved to be much more successful. And while some of the veterans of past fish fry teams chose not to volunteer this year because of safety concerns, organizers still found a way. “We had a few of our older members that chose not to come in and help serve because they want to be cautious,” said Peschel. “The cool part about that was it gave us the opportunity to recruit some younger guys to fill in and help. So that was a positive thing.” At each location, safety among workers and customers was paramount. “Our number one goal was to practice safety and follow the guidelines that were out there,” said Pollock. “We

tried to keep everybody safe. Sanitation was huge. Interactions were done with masks and distancing. These things were really reinforced throughout the evening.” At Holy Angels, where customers had to come inside to pick up their order, safe practices were followed and enforced. “The guys in the kitchen were wearing gloves, of course, and serving behind a Plexiglass shield,” said Schmit. “All the people that came had masks on.”

The social dilemma Despite the success of the fish fries, the one thing that was missing was the social aspect of the dinners. “You don’t have the camaraderie

of the parish hall being full of people where you can go around and visit with them,” said Peschel. “You just didn’t have that kind of fellowship this year.” Haverkamp agrees and thinks that one of the reasons Sacred Heart’s fish fry was so successful was that people were looking for an excuse to get out — just for a little bit. Still, he misses the social aspect. “That is one of the biggest drawbacks,” he said. “You don’t get that face-to-face interaction.” At a large parish like St. Michael the Archangel, Pollock felt differently. No, they didn’t have a parish hall full of people. But for the 50 volunteers, the fish fry gave them the opportunity to be together and catch up. “We did have a lot of camaraderie, because the people that were working

hadn’t seen each other in a year,” he said. In Garnett, Schmit felt that the fish fry gave people a brief respite from their isolation. “I know the people in the parish appreciated us doing it,” he said. “It’s a good social event for the parish and the people. Even if they don’t get out much, at least they can see each other briefly and have a little bit of conversation, even if it’s just in passing.” Pollock said he heard nothing but good things from those that took advantage of the fish fry. “The feedback I received was outstanding — not that we didn’t make a mistake on a meal here or there. But people really appreciated the opportunity to get out and try something different,” he said.

LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT Father Anthony Ouellette and an archdiocesan parishioner get the chance to be extras on internet series ‘The Chosen’

CNS PHOTO/VIDANGEL STUDIOS

This is a scene of Jesus at a wedding in Episode 5 of “The Chosen.” The show is crowdfunded, and its creators gave some investors the chance to be an extra in the Sermon on the Mount scene filmed for Season 2.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

weather in Texas at the time. According to Father Ouellette, the conditions disrupted the shoot a couple of times. “They had to stop twice,” he said, “because Jesus (played by Jonathan Roumie) got so cold his teeth started to chatter when he was trying to deliver his lines. “He had to get warmed up a couple of times and then come back out.” According to Leverich, the cold couldn’t come close to dampening the day. “Everyone [was] toughing it out and ready to go,” she said. “And there was no loss of joy. “That’s such a testimony to the Christian spirit. Our joy doesn’t come from our circumstances.”

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Anthony Ouellette has reflected on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount many times in his 15 years as a priest. But never like he did on Feb. 10.

‘Wonder and awe’ Sitting in a field near Dallas in 30-degree weather and surrounded by some 2,000 people dressed in traditional Middle Eastern garb, Father Ouellette heard Jesus’ sermon in a new way. “I was sitting there in awe at what it would’ve been like to hear that for the very first time [when] there was no Gospel of Matthew or Luke or Mark or John,” said the pastor of Holy Name Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “This would’ve been the very first time those words were spoken,” he continued. “I had to ask myself the question: ‘Do I have that kind of wonder and awe when I read the Gospels?’” Father Ouellette’s reflection on Jesus’ words from Matthew, Chapters 5-7, was sparked by his purpose that day — playing the part of an extra in the popular internet series “The Chosen.” Directed by Dallas Jenkins, “The Chosen” has captivated its audience’s imagination by telling the story of Jesus through the eyes of his disciples and others he encountered on earth. The show is crowdfunded, and its creators gave some investors the chance to be an extra in the Sermon on the Mount scene filmed for Season 2. Although he didn’t fall into that investor category, Father Ouellette feels he was meant to be there that day. A couple donated their ticket to the Saint Paul’s Outreach mission for young adults in Kansas City, where Father Ouellette is chaplain. The mission’s director, Nick Redd, invited those involved in

‘A show for believers’

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH LEVERICH

Beth Leverich and Father Anthony Ouellette meet Dallas Jenkins, center, director of “The Chosen.” Jenkins stuck around after filming to get pictures with everyone who wanted to meet him. the mission to put their names in for a drawing. Father Ouellette initially accepted the invitation but later decided against it. “I had a really sneaky suspicion that I would get it,” he said. “And I wanted [someone else] to have this opportunity.” So, he withdrew his name. “I literally told God, ‘If you want me to be there, because I think you do, you’re just going to have to do it some other way,’” he said. Within a day, Redd called him and said the couple realized they had another ticket they needed to give away. He wanted Father Ouellette

to have it, and this time, the priest couldn’t say no. Beth Leverich was the lucky winner of the first ticket. But for her, it was unexpected. “I never win anything,” she said. “I felt like Charlie (from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”) — I found the Golden Ticket!” The opportunity was special because of how much she loves the show. “I ran across ‘The Chosen’ a couple of years ago when it was first coming out,” she said. “I became a super fan really fast. “I was telling everybody about it.”

‘Toughing it out’ Creators of “The Chosen” jumped through hoops to pull off the Sermon on the Mount scene amid COVID-19. The 2,000 extras were tested for COVID multiple times before they were given access to the set. Leverich was worried at first, because she contracted COVID a week after receiving her ticket. Fortunately, her quarantine period was up by the time she needed to travel to Dallas, and she was able to pass an antibody test there. Another complication was the uncharacteristically cold

Looking back, Leverich is grateful she could put herself in the shoes of Jesus’ disciples when he delivered his sermon more than 2,000 years ago. “Hearing Christ say radical things about being loved, being chosen and being blessed must have moved hearts so intimately and so powerfully,” she said. A striking reminder of God’s continuous love was when Jenkins prayed over Roumie while he stood, surrounded by the crowd, preparing to finish one final scene. “It was one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen,” she said. “It just felt like God . . . praying over his son.” Father Ouellette and Leverich look forward to watching the sermon scene carefully when it airs, and to continue watching the show as a way to grow in faith. “It’s really rare to have a Christian show really demonstrate who God is,” said Leverich, “and do that in a beautiful way. “A lot of ‘Jesus’ shows are made for evangelization. ‘The Chosen’ is a show for believers.” To learn more about “The Chosen,” go online to: studios. vidangel.com/the-chosen or download “The Chosen” app on your smartphone.

MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

A vibrant church and society’s future require strong families “ GOD LIVES WITH

n 2014 and 2015, the Catholic Church experienced an unprecedented event: a synod of bishops that spanned across two years. The topic of the synod was the family. In preparation for that event, Catholics around the world were asked their opinions on the needs of families today. Families and their importance in the life of the church were on the minds of the bishops as they debated how to support and care for them. In 2016, Pope Francis, responding to the recommendations of the synod, issued an apostolic exhortation titled: “The Joy of Love” (“Amoris Laetitia”). That was five years ago. The wellbeing of the family is important to Pope Francis. In the “Joy of Love,” he tells us that the church is a family of families. Therefore, if families are strong, the church is strong. Both St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI have stated that the future of the church and of society depends on the well-being of the family. Unfortunately, many families today struggle because of the social and economic damages caused by the pandemic and other disasters. This year, on March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, Pope Francis will launch a year of activities to address the needs of families, and he invites all

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FAMILY LIFE

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

Catholics to reflect on the message of his document “The Joy of Love.” To support the pope’s invitation, I will devote this and future articles to highlight key messages from the document. The last chapter of “The Joy of Love” addresses the spirituality of the family. The chapter begins by affirming the presence of God in every home. The pope writes: “The Lord’s presence dwells in real and concrete families, with all their daily troubles and struggles, joys and hopes” (315). That basically describes all of our families. We all have our lists of worries, especially today during this time of pandemic, and the pope tells us that Jesus is in all of our homes. God lives with us in our homes, regardless of

Question for reflection: If you could hear Jesus’ voice when he rides with you in your car on the way to Sunday Mass, what would he say to you?

US IN OUR HOMES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER WE ARE MARRIED OR DIVORCED OR HAVE A GREAT MARRIAGE OR ARE STRUGGLING. THE POPE ENCOURAGES ALL OF US TO MAKE ROOM FOR GOD, AND TO RECOGNIZE HIS PRESENCE IN THE LOVE WE SHARE. whether we are married or divorced or have a great marriage or are struggling. The pope encourages all of us to make room for God, and to recognize his presence in the love we share. Where love is, there is God. We feel God’s presence in the small gestures of daily life that bring us closer to one another, writes the pope. Jesus is in the kitchen with us when we cook for the family; he is at our dinner table; he is sitting on the couch with us when we watch TV; and he is by us when we help a child with schoolwork. Being aware of his

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis walks past an image of the Holy Family in 2015 during the Synod of Bishops on the family in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. On March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, Pope Francis will launch a year of activities to address the needs of families. presence helps us grow in our ability to love. Learning to truly love one another is not easy, because true love requires sacrifice. There may be times when we are tired; when we have given all that we have to give and our patience runs short; or times when we resist doing a favor to someone who disappointed us; or times when we find it difficult to forgive. The pope suggests that prayer can help our love grow. He writes: “A few minutes

ACROSS 1 Sisters sibs. 5 Pastor (abbr.) 8 Bundle 12 Cleanse 13 Gem carved in relief 15 Spring flower 16 Seaweed substance 17 Assume 18 Flow out slowly 19 A marsh plant 21 Village near Jerusalem 23 Sackcloth and __ 25 Cash with order (abr.) 26 Speck of wood, etc. (KJV) 28 Big truck 30 Opaque gem 33 Outstanding 35 Cain fled to this land 37 Smack 39 Fast plane 40 __ Lanka 42 Digital audio tape 44 Ripen 45 River dam 47 Boxer Muhammad 49 Enter by the __ gate 51 Look over 53 Fib 55 Professional football team

a day can be found each day to come together before the living God, to tell him our worries, to ask for the needs of our family, to pray for someone experiencing difficulty, to ask for help in showing love” (318). Praying together as a family can do immense good, writes the pope. However, many find it difficult to pray together at home. If this is the case, pray alone. What is most important is that you pray. When we turn to God in prayer to thank

56 Large computer co. 58 Tiny island 60 Eye parts 64 Handguns 68 Middle East dweller 69 Theme 71 Coil 72 Mexican sandwich 73 Lark 74 OT book of history 75 Cabbage salad 76 Turf 77 Cincinnati baseball team DOWN 1 Babble 2 Prego’s competition 3 Ovate 4 Ragged 5 Thin slice of ham 6 Flightless bird 7 Part of speech 8 Church officials 9 Region 10 Legal claim to property 11 Catch sight of (KJV) 13 Biblical Ethiopia 14 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries 20 Drug doers

him or ask for help in dealing with our inadequacies, he will respond. Our Catholic tradition has given us many ways of praying. In addition to our personal conversation with God in the privacy of our heart, and our family prayers, we also have the communal prayers of the church. The pope writes: “The family’s communal journey of prayer culminates by sharing together in the Eucharist. Jesus knocks at the door of families to share with them the eucharistic supper.” These words bring to mind images of families kneeling in the pews at Sunday Mass at my parish church: young couples with their children, single parents, parents with their teens and older couples. We are all part of the “family of families,” which is the church. We gather to bring to the altar our lives and join our sacrifices to Jesus’ sacrifice, and to share in the eucharistic supper that Jesus has prepared for us. It is important that we attend Mass, and that we do so with the right attitude.

22 Twain 24 Transgression 26 Sources of inspiration 27 Ocular 29 The Creator 31 Morning bell 32 Nigerian capital 33 South southwest 34 Women’s undergarment 36 Tribe of Israel 38 Bench 41 Sick 43 Biblical weeds 46 Heavenly sign for Noah 48 Three 50 Dangerous snake 52 North by east 54 Caught sight of (KJV) 57 Welcome rugs 59 Plague of Egypt 60 Tigers 61 Voiced 62 Biblical word for You idiot! 63 Soaks 65 Seep 66 The __ is my shepherd Solution on page 13

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MARCH 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

HEAVENLY HOST

New book brings saints to earthly life Touching stories, touching lives

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

Why a dinner party? “One of the traditional images of heaven is the banquet or marriage feast of the Lamb,” Koenig-Bricker writes in the introduction. “Revelation 19:9 says, ‘Blessed are those who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’ The idea of those who have lived a holy life gathering in celebration has often been interpreted as our being present at the Eucharist with all those saints in heaven.” The premise of this book, however, hangs on the simple sentence that follows: “What if the banquet could be seen as a little more earthly than theological?”

Fact from fiction Koenig-Bricker has written extensively about spirituality and family for a variety of publications for much of her life, and has published nearly a dozen nonfiction books. The former editor of Catholic Parent magazine, she is well-known for her popular book, “365 Saints: Your Daily Guide to the Wisdom and Wonder of Their Lives.” So, she knows whereof she speaks. “Dinner Party with the Saints” combines a heavy dose of fact with a little creative license when the saints are talking with one another in heaven. For example, many people might not know that Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada, better known as St. Teresa of Avila, was a fashionista in her time. But it took only a little stretch of the imagination for Koenig-Bricker to imagine St. Teresa walking through the pearly gates of heaven wearing

Author, journalist and occasional Leaven contributor Woodeene Koenig-Bricker’s new book, “Dinner Party with the Saints,” gives voice to 16 saints gathered around a table in heaven, enjoying a potluck dinner. “bright red boots with blue embroidery on the toes.” “Teresa was fond of fashion and fashionable clothes in her youth and read the equivalent of fashion magazines,” Koenig-Bricker noted in the book. “She also loved to read romances, which consisted mostly of stories of knights, and even tried writing a few herself. She felt that a day when she couldn’t read a new book was a day lost.” Another chapter explores the life of St. Martin de Porres and his life in heaven. Known for being an animal lover, Koenig-Bricker recounts how St. Martin “reunites” a cat named Mittens with its owner in heaven. The details make for an emotional reunion, a great read and even a few tears. While that part of the book is of course fictional, history tells us much more about St. Martin’s time on earth and his mixed-race upbringing. Koenig-Bricker’s book details how St. Martin — born to a Spanish nobleman and his mistress, who was of African and Peruvian descent — experienced prejudice even in the 1500s. While serving as a lay brother in a Dominican monastery, he was called a “mulatto dog” and mocked for being “illegitimate,” she wrote.

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magine sitting at a long table and enjoying a delicious feast when you hear St. Peter say, “Pass the bread” or St. Teresa of Avila announce that she brought her famous roast partridge. It’s a conversation that can only take place in your head — or in this case, in the pages of a new book. Author, journalist and occasional Leaven contributor Woodeene Koenig-Bricker’s new book, “Dinner Party with the Saints,” gives voice to 16 saints gathered around a table in heaven, enjoying a potluck dinner. The book was released on Feb. 16, and an early read indicates it will be a Woodeene hit. Koenig-Bricker “I’ve had the idea in my mind for awhile. I wondered what happens when we die,” said the author. “Surely, what makes us who we are on earth is still who we are in heaven. The same is true for the saints.”

“ I WONDERED WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE. SURELY, WHAT MAKES US WHO WE ARE ON EARTH IS STILL WHO WE ARE IN HEAVEN. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE SAINTS. WOODEENE KOENIG-BRICKER AUTHOR

St. Martin’s story touched KoenigBricker like no other, making him her favorite saint to feature in the book. “I cried the whole time I wrote the chapter and when I read it aloud,” she said. The author did not choose her 16 favorite saints to tell her story. Instead, she decided to select saints that represented racial and ethnic diversity, and different times in church history. Having studied the saints for most of her life, Koenig-Bricker said most written accounts spotlight the saints’ “piety, suffering and the good that they did.” She wanted to do something different. “These were real people. I was tired of them all sounding alike,” she said. “I did a webinar called ‘Saintly Secrets’ and it was about the real lives of saints. People are dumbfounded by some of the scandalizing details. For example, St. Gianna Beretta Molla wore bright red lipstick. Many people don’t know that St. Francis of Assisi liked cookies. These were real people.”

Food for thought Paired with each chapter in “Dinner Party with the Saints” is a recipe that would be characteristic of the saint’s personality. Koenig-Bricker’s friend Celia Murphy, who lives in Maine (Koenig-Bricker lives in Oregon), created and cooked each of the recipes. Koenig-Bricker only tasted one of the recipes — St. Lydia of Thyatira’s “Turkish Delight” — when Murphy sent her a sample. (St. Lydia came from what is now modern-day Turkey). And while she wrote the book primarily for entertainment purposes, she said some of the meatless recipes might be valuable during Lent. Also included in each chapter is a traditional and a contemporary prayer. Many of the traditional prayers were uncovered from her research, while Koenig-Bricker herself wrote nearly all of the contemporary ones. There is even a little intrigue, as Koenig-Bricker hints throughout the book at the “special guest” that will be arriving. Of course, the identity of the guest remains a secret until you’ve read the book from cover to cover. “Dinner Party with the Saints” is available in both retail settings and online. And what about the possibility of a second dinner party read? The author hasn’t ruled anything out and is focused on what these 16 saints have to teach us. “My hope is that you will enjoy sitting down at this ‘Dinner Party with the Saints,’” she wrote, “and come away with a deeper appreciation for these holy people, as well as a few moments of amusement and several great recipes to try. “If so, then I will feel greatly blessed, indeed.”

Male branch of Apostles of the Interior Life disbanded

rchbishop Joseph F. Naumann has issued a decree suppressing the Apostles of the Interior Life (“AVI”), a Clerical Public Association of the Christian Faithful, effective February 19. This decree impacts the priests of the clerical association and does not affect the women religious members of the Apostles of the Interior Life, a Private Association of the Faithful. This action was taken in response to a petition by a majority of the priests of the clerical association asking Archbishop Naumann for a dissolution of the association. The Apostles of the Interior Life Clerical Public Association of the Christian Faithful was erected by Archbishop Naumann on August 22, 2012. Priests who are members of the association are ordained priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas who live together in community and also assist in various priestly ministries within and outside of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The stated AVI two-fold mission is “a ministry of direct evangelization and interior formation to people” (www.avipriests.org). As a result of the dissolution of the association, two priests of the Apostles of the Interior Life will be appointed by Archbishop Naumann to priestly ministry in parishes in the archdiocese; one priest has returned and another will be returning to home dioceses in Italy; one priest is discerning other religious communities; and one priest is on leave of absence from priestly ministry. Temporal goods of the association will be distributed according to the prescriptions of canon and civil law taking into consideration the intentions of any donor. Archbishop Naumann wishes to thank the AVI priests for the important contributions they have made in evangelization and spiritual formation of the faithful within and outside of the archdiocese and is grateful for the ongoing ministry of the priests who will serve in our archdiocesan parishes. He extends his gratitude and prayerful support to all current and former members.

Bernard and Darlene Katzfey, members of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 11. The couple was married on Feb. 11, 1956, at St. Agnes Church in Sarcoxie, Missouri. Their children are: Mike Katzfey, Lisa Fiegel, Keri Schoessel and Julie Rigg. They also have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

St. Thomas Aquinas junior Darren Mallot looks at his time after competing in the 200-yard freestyle. He finished with a time of 2:01.32.

Jack Leavey, a junior at Bishop Miege High School, finished third in one-meter diving at the state meet.

WATER WORLD

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

our Catholic high schools from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas took part in the Kansas State High School Activities Association state championship swim and dive meet Feb. 20 at the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center in Lenexa. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents were not able to attend any meets this season. St. James Academy in Lenexa had the best showing of all archdiocesan schools, placing seventh overall. St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park placed 14th, while Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park and Hayden High School in Topeka placed 24th and 31st respectively.

Swimmers leap into action at the start of the 200-yard freestyle relay at the Kansas state swim and dive championships.

St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore Timothy “John” Kurgan works on his backstroke during warmups.

St. James sophomore Nathaniel Leckamp swims the breaststroke in the 200-yard indi

Bishop Miege swimmers Max Smith (left) and Ben Hawley cheer on their teammates at the state championship meet in Lenexa.

Bishop Miege sophomore Jack Elder powers through the breaststroke portion of the 200-yard medley relay.

ividual medley race. Leckamp finished 11th overall.

In Lane 4, St. James Academy’s JT Amrein gets off to a good start for the 200-yard individual medley. Amrein was dominant that day, taking home two gold medals. He was also named Athlete of the Meet.

Hayden High School’s Colton O’Bray jumps off of the blocks for his leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay. O’Bray teamed with Ethan Emmons, Hudson Ramirez and Dylan Gregg to finish 19th in the relay.

Andrew Hartegan, a sophomore at St. James Academy, is caught mid-dive. Hartegan was the runner-up in the one-meter diving and helped St. James finish seventh as a team.

Hayden High School senior Hudson Ramirez swam the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:23.09, good for 15th place overall.

NATION

MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Bishop: Reports of women prisoners being abused are ‘disgusting’

LINTON, N.J. (CNS) — The women housed at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton, the only women’s prison in the state of New Jersey, seem to have the cards stacked against them. Already facing isolation, suspended visitations and restricted gatherings — all to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus and exposure to it — the women incarcerated there are facing another challenge: the fear of abuse. In the early morning hours of Jan. 12, just nine months after the U.S. Justice Department issued a report denouncing past abuse at the prison, calling the abuse of the women there “severe and prevalent,” two women were reported to have been allegedly assaulted and several others were victims of abuse inflicted by corrections officers. Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, who has made regular past visits to the prison to meet and pray with the women there, called the situation “dire” and the offenses against the women “disgusting and shameful.” In a letter shared with local media, Catholics of the diocese, the prison administrator and the chaplain supervisor, Bishop Checchio wrote that “no person, no matter their past offenses nor circumstance in life, should have to endure such abuse.” The offenses, he wrote, “alleged to have been perpetrated by the prison officers, the very people charged with protecting the women in their custody, are terrible. This sad, ongoing situation calls to mind other failures and lack of responsibility by those in authority, even not unlike past failings by some of our own church’s leaders and members

CNS PHOTO/ED KOSKEY JR., THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, celebrates Mass at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, New Jersey, in this 2019 file photo. of clergy.” “I pray that those in authority over the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, who bear the weight of caring for and protecting the lives of those imprisoned, will honestly assess any failings and implement the proper measures so that each person there is treated as a child of God, worthy of inherent dignity,” the bishop wrote. Situated in the rolling hills of Hunterdon County, one of the four counties that make up the Diocese of Metuchen, the prison currently houses about 380 women in three compounds and has reportedly been plagued by violence and abuse for years.

One person in the Diocese of Metuchen knows the plight of the women there especially well, the bishop said in his letter: Anthony P. Kearns III, chancellor of the diocese. Before he was named to the diocesan post, Kearns worked to combat abuse at the women’s prison as the Hunterdon County prosecutor for about nine years. He prosecuted claims of abuse at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. He said that while institutional change can take time, the abuse happening there cannot be tolerated. With 10 jails and prisons in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, Bishop Checchio said the

diocese is fortunate to have several prison ministries to tend to those serving time for their past crimes. Yet, he said he is “mindful that each of us is commissioned to practice the corporal works of mercy, to care for the imprisoned and to protect all human life.” “We have a shared responsibility — as Catholics, as Christians, and as brothers and sisters united in one human family — to defend the rights and dignity of all people,” the bishop wrote. “It is on this very same foundation of our faith, by which we are emphatically reminded that we are all equally made in the image and likeness of God,” he continued, “that we advocate for the unborn, for those facing the injustice of racism, for those confronting a terminal illness who feel compelled to choose assisted suicide, and for so many others who all too often are excluded, marginalized, or are in any other way disenfranchised. “Sadly, this respect for life seems to be lessening in our society.” As the women await relief, as the prison awaits reform and as the public awaits answers, Bishop Checchio encouraged prayer — for those suffering from abuse and for those with the authority to prevent it. “We cannot be indifferent to their pain and suffering. We must strive to see more clearly the face of God in each of our brothers and sisters, regardless of their origin, race, religion, vulnerability, or past choices,” he wrote. “May we each be reminded of our Father’s unconditional and unfailing love for us and, in turn, offer that same love, without condition and without exception, to all whom we encounter,” he added.

Psychological toll of pandemic just now beginning to be felt By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

CNS PHOTO/SHANNON STAPLETON, REUTERS

People in New York City wait in line for donations outside a food distribution facility Jan. 27, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — The psychological and emotional trauma of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is only now beginning to be felt, and is bound to keep affecting American workers for some time to come. “The other virus that we’re dealing with is fear,” said Jesuit Father Thomas Florek, part of the Hispanic-Latino formation development team at the University of Detroit Mercy, during a Feb. 24 webinar sponsored by the Catholic Labor Network, “Ministering to Workers in the Time of COVID.” “Right now, it’s a very vicious circle. I see the deaths as a kind of holocaust for the 21st century,” said Father Florek, who accompanied human rights workers recently in Mexico. “People don’t have to die; decisions have been made, structures have allowed half a million people in this country to die.” “We’ve had so many Catholic workers coming into the office looking for assistance. Also, for emotional and spiritual support,” said Father Patrick Besel, a chaplain at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. “I probably spent more time last year with staff than with patients. There was so much stress.” During the webinar, roughly two dozen clergy got to hear firsthand from two workers. After working 13 years as a guest service agent, Katyra Henderson Hill received a phone call from her employer the day her youngest son was

MY SKIN IS WEARING THIN. I JUST LOOK FOR SOME KIND OF HELP. CYNTIRA GILCHRIST EMPLOYEE OF THE MANAGEMENT AT THE HEALTH CARE FACILITY IN MARYLAND graduating from eighth grade that she was being let go. “They offered a couple of thousand dollars for my severance package,” she said. “I sacrificed so much

for my children, seeing them only on weekends.” Now, “I haven’t paid my bills. My husband and I are separated. I’m unemployed, alone with three teenagers,” Henderson Hill said. “Being in quarantine with no job has tested my faith. Being depressed, dealing with children who are depressed. One of them ran away.” She added, “I have no financial stability. I’m dealing with no insurance. I didn’t ask for COVID. I feel the government failed us. We didn’t ask to be laid off from our jobs.” About the only bright spot, she said, was qualifying for Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to feed her family. Her old job paid $21 an hour; the only jobs she sees available now pay about $11 an hour, barely half as much. “This building has been of no help,” said Cyntira Gilchrist of the management at the health care facility in Maryland where she has worked for the past five months. “It’s discouraging for people who want to come to work. There’s no support from management or anything,” Gilchrist said. “We’re in there fighting tooth and nail for our patients trying to keep them safe, keep ourselves safe, with the lack of PPE (personal protective equipment). We have to wear our masks for almost a whole month at a time. No one should have to wear a mask for that long.” She added, “We don’t have the time to be there for everyone like we’re used to,” saying the former caseload of 10 to 15 patients has jumped to 30. “Since COVID, people have been scared to come to work. I almost became one of the patients myself,” Gilchrist said. “My skin is wearing thin also. I just look for some kind of help.” “We’re experiencing a big amount of insecurity of food. At Catholic Charities, we are reaching 10 million meals that we have served,” said Father Jon Pedigo, director for advocacy and community engagement for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, California. “There are 12,000 folks that we’re supporting with free food through the parishes each week. We have been doing that each week since the lockdown.”

WORLD

MARCH 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Retired pope talks about his resignation, Pope Francis’ Iraq trip By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS

Retired Pope Benedict XVI is pictured in a 2013 file photo greeting Pope Francis at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the Vatican. Pope Benedict told the newspaper Corriere della Sera that he believes his retirement was the right thing to do.

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although it took obvious effort to pronounce each word and sometimes his secretary repeated what he said to make it clear, retired Pope Benedict XVI spoke to an Italian newspaper about his retirement and about Pope Francis’ planned trip to Iraq. The retired pope, who will turn 94 in April, resigned Feb. 28, 2013. He lives in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican Gardens where he and his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, met in February with the director of the newspaper Corriere della Sera. “His words come out drop by drop; his voice is a whisper that comes and goes,” according to the article published on the anniversary of his resignation. Sometimes, the report said, Archbishop Ganswein “repeats and ‘translates,’ while Benedict nods in a sign of approval.” Asked if he thinks a lot about his decision to resign, “he nods,” the newspaper said. “It was a difficult decision, but I made it in full awareness, and I believe it was correct,” the retired pope said. “Some of my slightly ‘fanatical’ friends are still angry; they did not want to accept my decision.” Pope Benedict is aware of what he termed “conspiracy theories” about why he resigned. “Some have said it was because of the Vatileaks scandal,” created when his butler leaked private documents to a journalist, he said. Others thought it was “a plot by the gay lobby,” a supposed group of Curia officials who protect each other. And, he said, some thought it was because of the case of Bishop Richard Williamson, who had been excommunicated in 1988 when he and three other traditionalist bishops were ordained against papal orders by the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, founder of the Society of St. Pius X. Pope Benedict lifted the excommunications in 2009 as a first step toward beginning formal talks aimed at

[RETIREMENT] WAS A DIFFICULT DECISION, BUT I MADE IT IN FULL AWARENESS, AND I BELIEVE IT WAS CORRECT. SOME OF MY SLIGHTLY ‘FANATICAL’ FRIENDS ARE STILL ANGRY; THEY DID NOT WANT TO ACCEPT MY DECISION.” POPE BENEDICT XVI

reconciliation with the group. However, there was widespread outrage at revelations that Bishop Williamson had denied the gassing of Jews in Nazi concentration camps. The Vatican said the pope had been unaware at the time of the bishop’s radical views on the Holocaust. Many of Pope Benedict’s supporters, he said, don’t want to believe his resignation “was a conscious decision” that had nothing to do with outside pressure. “But my conscience is clear.” “There are not two popes,” he said. “There is only one.” Corriere described the retired pope as alert, even though it was difficult to understand his speech at times. His wrists are “extremely thin, which underlines an image of great physical frailty.” He wears a watch on his left

wrist and an emergency alarm on his other, the newspaper said. When asked about Pope Francis’ planned trip to Iraq March 5-8, “his expression becomes serious, worried,” the newspaper said. “I think it is a very important visit,” he said. “Unfortunately, it comes at a very difficult time that makes it a dangerous trip for security reasons and because of COVID.” And, in fact, Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, the Vatican nuncio to Iraq, who was supposed to host the pope throughout the trip, tested positive for the coronavirus and has gone into quarantine, the nunciature announced Feb. 27. “I will accompany Francis with my prayers,” the retired pope said.

Bible reading boosts mental well-being among Christians By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

OME (CNS) — Reading the Bible has had a positive effect on people’s “mental well-being” during the pandemic, according to a Christian Research survey conducted in the United Kingdom. The survey also found that respondents were reading the Bible more and turning to Bible-related videos more during the pandemic. The survey, carried out on behalf of the Bible Society, posed a number of questions to 1,000 people in the United Kingdom who identified themselves as Christians and who had attended church at least once a month before restrictions aimed at curbing the pandemic. The questions were asked in December, and the results were published online by the Bible Society March 1. Forty-two percent of respondents reported that reading the Bible increased a “sense of hope in God during the crisis, rising to nearly half (49%)

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

The Book of the Gospels in Latin is pictured in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 6, 2021. A survey conducted for the Bible Society found that increased reading of the Bible during the pandemic led to a greater feeling of hope in God and confidence in the future. among 45- to 54-year-olds,” the report by the Bible Society said. “Some 28% said that reading the Bible had increased their confidence

in the future,” while 63% said they felt their level of confidence remained the same, rather than dropping, it said. It said 23% of those surveyed said

the Bible “had increased their mental well-being, including 47% of 24- to 34-year-olds,” and 33% of 16- to 24-yearolds reported that reading the Bible had helped them “feel less lonely.” The report said 35% of survey respondents were reading the Bible more during the pandemic with the biggest increase among 25- to 34-year-olds in which “53% were reading the Bible more often.” “A quarter of those asked, said that they were reading the Bible ‘multiple times a day’ and half said that they were reading the Bible on a daily basis,” the Bible Society said. It also found that 25% of the 25- to 34-year-olds in the survey said they had begun reading the Bible during the pandemic. While many continue to turn to print editions of the Bible, 23% reported using “a Bible-reading app, 30% are now listening to the Bible” and 59% of those surveyed said that “they now watched more Bible-related videos or had started watching them.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT 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 Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org. Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org. Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to e successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parent; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3. Career opportunity - Due to the growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are looking for professional men who are interested in helping fellow Catholics with their faith, family and finances. This is a full-time career opportunity that will allow you to be your own boss and a respected professional member of the community. If you or someone you know is self-motivated, good with time management and has a desire to succeed, this might be the opening you’ve been looking for. Benefits include unlimited professional income potential, flexibility, quality training program and incentive award trips such as Rome, Hawaii and Ireland. There are openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. If you want to serve your community, strengthen the church and change the world, call John Mahon at our regional office at (785) 408-8800 or toll free at (855) 356-4849. Part-time 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, grooms 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 our “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. Evening facility coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a facilities assistant. Hours may vary but will generally be Mon. – Fri. from 1 - 9:30 p.m. Responsibilities include monitoring building use; setup for events and meetings; janitorial duties; routine maintenance projects; and secure buildings at the end of the evening. This position is eligible for full benefits, and compensation will correspond with experience. Please submit resume to Denise Greene at: denise. greene@stmichaelcp.org. Middle school math teacher - Holy Spirit School is seeking a full-time middle school math teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a valid Kansas teaching certificate and be licensed to teach 6-12 math, including geometry. Candidates must have experience working in an elementary/middle school setting and value a team-oriented environment. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@hscatholic.org or (913) 492-2582.

Associate director, catechesis and faith formation The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph is seeking to fill a position for an associate director of catechesis and faith formation. This position provides catechetical and discipleship leader training and mentoring services that equip parishes to evangelize/form parishioners and increase ministerial leadership capacity. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including: medical, dental and vision plans; STD/LTD fully paid by the employer; retirement plans including a 403(b) plan; and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. Note: All diocesan employees are required to consent to a background check, and sign and acknowledge the ethics and integrity in ministry code of conduct prior to hire. Completion of Protection God’s Children training is required within 30 days of hire. Visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsjcatholic.org then scroll down and click on “Get Started,” then choose “Click here to view and apply for current opening and apply for current openings” for a complete job description and to apply. Athletic director - Bishop Miege High School is seeking an athletic director for the 2021-22 academic year beginning July 1. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic, possess an advanced degree with a Kansas teaching license, and five years’ teaching and high school varsity coaching experience. This individual will provide spiritual, administrative and educational leadership to faculty, coaches and students, emphasizing sportsmanship and student safety. Excellent organizational and communication skills, including conflict resolution, are required. Duties will include, but are not limited to: planning; scheduling and supervising events; transportation; safety; and may include a teaching assignment. Knowledge of KSHSAA eligibility and regulations is essential. Send letter of interest, resume and references to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com. Hospice aide - Full-time hospice aide positions available in the Kansas City and surrounding area. Competitive wages and benefits. Shifts to include: M - F daytime only; no weekends; or Tuesday - Saturday/Sunday - Thursday options available. No holidays. Candidates must be CNA or HHA. If no CNA, agency will assist in obtaining HHA certification. Visit: www.catholiccharitiesks.org/careers to learn more about this opportunity and to apply. Director of activities and athletics - St. James Academy in Lenexa is pursuing a director of activities and athletics for the 2021-22 school year. We are seeking a faithfilled individual who will lead coaches and sponsors to enhance the mission of our school through competition and performance. St. James Academy was established in 2005 and is a co-ed school of 850 students. St. James Academy is a member of the Eastern Kansas League. Responsibilities will include preparing budgets and allocating spending on items such as coaches’ salaries, team budgets, equipment purchases and facility upkeep. Schedules, facility rentals, allotted use of fields, gym and weight room for teams and athletes are managed by this position. The director of activities and athletics will work through conflict resolution when needed and will be a liaison for parents and students to the school and coaches. The role includes adhering to policies established by KSHSAA and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Most importantly, we are seeking a team member that is willing to be a spiritual mentor to coaches, sponsors and students. The mission of St. James Academy is to create disciples for Jesus and pass on the Catholic faith to the next generation. We find that sports and activities are one of the best ways to accomplish our mission. Candidates must have a master’s degree and experience as an administrator and/or head coach or sponsor. Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Susie Ludwikoski at: sludwikoski@sjakeepingfaith.org. Applications are due March 1. Safe environment coordinator position - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking to fill our safe environment coordinator position. This position works directly with parish and school safe environment coordinators (SECs) and VIRTUS facilitators to implement diocesan-approved educational programs and to ensure compliance with safe-environment requirements for employees and volunteers working with minors. This position is full time, benefits-eligible and reports to the director of the office of child and youth protection. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans; STD/LTD paid time off; generous paid holidays; vacation and sick leaves. Visit: www.kcsjcatholic.org, click on “Get Started,” scroll down to “Job Openings,” click on “additional openings (Paylocity) to find the job description for the safe environment coordinator position for more information and to apply. Office manager - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking to fill a position as office manager for the vocations office. This position will report to the diocesan director of vocations and will oversee and manage office policies and procedures with individual attention to and support of diocesan seminarians. This position is full time and benefits-eligible. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans; STD/LTD fully paid by the employer; retirement plans including a 403(b) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. Go online to: www. kcsjcatholic.org, click on “Get Started,” scroll down to “Job Openings” and click on “additional openings (Paylocity)” to find the job description for the office manager position for more information and to apply.

MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Part-time client advocate - Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers is hiring a part-time client advocate for both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. This position meets Spanish-speaking clients and translates material from English to Spanish for publication. Works in cooperation with the entire client services team to assure that every client receives all appropriate services. Each candidate must be a committed Christian who maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and actively participates in a local, Bible-believing church. They must subscribe to and support the vision, mission and statement of faith of Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers and demonstrate a consistent life-affirming philosophy. Send resume and cover letter to: andreac@adviceandaid.com.

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: pathway prepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Teacher/counselor openings - Bishop Miege High School has openings for a guidance counselor and English and math teachers for the 2021-22 school year. Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

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.

Caregiver, homemaker or CNA - Full-time/part-time PRN homemaker positions are available in Johnson County. Work from 4 - 40 hours per week. Weekdays only; no nights, weekends or holidays. Each assignment is usually 2 - 3 hours per client. Visit: www.catholic charitiesks.org/careers, scroll down to “View Job Openings,” then click on “Caregiver Homemaker or CNA” for more information and to apply. Teaching vacancies for 2021-22 - St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking qualified applicants to join our team! Due to expanding enrollment, we are seeking elementary teachers and a PE/religion teacher. To apply, go online to: www.archkck.org/catholicschools/ employment/teacher-application-page. You may send your resume and cover letter to: Tim Conrad, principal, at: tconrad@stpatrickkck.org. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, contact us at (913) 2998131. These positions are open until filled. Positions available - St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, has several positions available: a fulltime, benefits-eligible position; a part-time custodian position, scheduled to work late afternoon and evenings; full-time teaching positions for the 2021-22 school year in social studies and in science; seasonal head coaching positions in volleyball and golf. A job description and application form can be found on our website at: www.stteresasacademy.org/jobs. For more information, email Patty Thompson, director of human resources, at: pthompson@stteresasacademy.org. Service technician - Do you enjoy tinkering and working with your hands? Then this is the job for you! We are a small, family-owned local company looking for someone who is handy with small equipment and enjoys traveling every now and then. We need team members with a positive attitude who are flexible, dependable, self-motivated, mechanically inclined, customer-service oriented and have great time management skills. Mostly on the job training. Electrical knowledge is a plus. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com. Groundskeeper - Rockhurst High School is seeking a groundskeeper to work in all phases of groundskeeping and maintenance, meeting the needs and objectives of both the maintenance department and Rockhurst High School. This position is an hourly year-round position, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch. There may be occasional evening, or weekend work. Responsibilities include: mowing, edging, trimming, weed control, fertilization and pruning; regular trash and debris pickup; maintenance activities as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and within the scope of the individual’s skill level; assist with all aspects of stadium and sports field care for the purpose of ensuring that the fields and facilities are safe and aesthetically pleasing; assist with the preparation of the grounds for the purpose of providing adequate, attractive and safe areas for assemblies, athletic events and other activities; monitor and maintain in safe condition all equipment, vehicles, tools and grounds equipment; report all incidents of damage or vandalism to the supervisor; perform snow removal services for the purpose of providing safe areas clear of snow and ice; report all unsafe and /or unhealthy conditions to the facilities supervisor; assist with other related duties as well as in other areas of maintenance as assigned by the supervisor; all other job duties as assigned. Must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and a valid driver’s license; the ability and suitability to work in a child-centered environment; ability to abide by safety procedures in order to maintain a safe working environment for students, visitors and employees; ability to meet the physical demands of the position, which includes significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching and climbing; ability to work under temperature extremes; ability to comply with the maintenance department’s health and safety guidelines. To apply, send a resume to: rsmith@rockhursths. edu.

SERVICES Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating. Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount. A Total Door (913) 236-6440. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Clean -up and hauling *Dirt grading/installation *Landscape design *Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings! Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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. Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Private duty nursing - Unique team of experienced nurses and CNAs who provide high quality in-home nursing care. We specialize in compassionate and individualized care for every client. We strive to restore dignity and independence to you or your loved one’s life, while providing support to family members. Contact Amanda at (913) 499-9719 or Vanessa at (913) 401-5963 for more information.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

MARCH 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT Kansas City, Missouri March 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Need healing after an abortion? We offer compassionate, confidential and free services. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Please contact Ann Marie Alvey at (913) 6212199 for further details.

MATER DEI IRISH FEST LITE Mater Dei Parish (hall) 1114 S.W. 10th, Topeka March 13 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Reserve a table (mask and social distancing required) or order our homemade Irish stew or banger and mash for takeout. Reservations for either option must be received by March 5. Blind Tiger beer will be available on-site or a certificate can be purchased to redeem at Blind Tiger Brewery. Details, including pricing, delivery options and reservation links can be found online at: www.topekairishfest.com. The Irish Fest 5K Fun Run Virtual Race will also take place on March 13. Find registration information online at: www.irishfestfunrun.com.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE DINNER Christ the King Parish 3027 N. 53rd, Kansas City, Kansas March 19 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Join us for Christ the King’s first St. Joseph Table dinner. Because the day is a solemnity,

>> Continued from page 12

HOME IMPROVEMENT Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. 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. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Popcorn ceiling texture removal and add knockdown to your ceilings! Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Accepting major credit cards. Call with questions. 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.

CALENDAR/CLASSIFIEDS canon law states that abstinence from meat is not obligatory. A Philly cheese steak dinner will be in the lower east lot outside the south doors. Mass will be held at 5 p.m. with dinner following at 5:30 p.m. Dinners can be preordered online at: ctkkcks.org (click on the “We Share” button).

RETREAT WITH THE HEART OF ST. JOSEPH Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg March 20 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This is a one-day guided retreat on the “Heart of St. Joseph,” to encounter the love of the Father’s heart as you reflect on the life of St. Joseph. There will be options for both in-person as well as livestream participation for men, women, young and old. There will be eucharistic adoration, confession, meditations by the Holy Family School of Faith, personal prayer time around the ranch, lunch and Mass. Register online at: archkck.org/ranch.

PALM SUNDAY RETREAT WITH THE SHROUD OF TURIN Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton March 26 - 28

The retreat will begin March 26 at 5:30 p.m. and end March 28 at 4:30 p.m. Prepare your hearts on this Palm Sunday for the end

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. 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. 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.

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) HOLY ART Religious items and church supplies Made in Italy http://www.holyart.com For sale - Inside tandem space for two traditional entombments. Tier F, Mount calvary Mausoleum, Holy Trinity in Topeka, last ones available. Call (785) 215-9540 or (785) 580-3928.

of the Lenten season and look toward the resurrection of the Lord through study and contemplation of the Shroud of Turin. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, Stations of the Cross, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The suggested donations are: $170/single or $250/couples for the cabins and courtyard rooms; $100 for the single guest rooms. Meals are included. To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@ christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS GRADE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park June and July

There will be a variety of camps for students entering grades K - 8. Registration and further information are available online at: www.stasaints.net/summercamps. For more information, call (913) 319-2416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

Farm-fresh beef - Premium quality beef to fill your freezer. Quarters, halves and whole beef available. The cattle are born and raised on our family farm in N.E. Kansas. Grass fed, and finished on a grain ration. Hormone free. Locker dates in April, May and June. Grilling season is just around the corner, so don’t wait! Call or text David at (785) 294-1192, or email at: bohuerter@nvcs.com. Member of St. Mary Church in St. Benedict.

REAL ESTATE Farm - Ranch - I am interested in purchasing a farm or ranch. If you have considered selling but would like to stay in a home on the property, then we could work that out. My home parish is Holy Trinity in Lenexa. Please call me if interested or with questions. Thank you and God bless. Dennis Montgomery, (913) 208-1379. Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. We 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 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

13 Sister Cyprian Vondras, OSB

TCHISON — Sister Cyprian Vondras, 100, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Feb. 21 at the monastery. Sister Cyprian was born on Sept. 19, 1920, the oldest of the six children of Frank and Rose (Hosek) Vondras of Chicago. Before entering Mount St. Scholastica, she worked as an order filler, maid and child caretaker. After entering the monastery in 1942, she earned her bachelor’s degree in education at Mount St. Scholastica College. A primary teacher for 27 years, she taught in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado. After her retirement from teaching, Sister Cyprian worked in various services at the monastery as a cook, seamstress, sacristan and supervisor of housekeeping. Her knitting, crocheting, and embroidering, which she was still doing at the age of 100, produced beautiful items for community sale and earned numerous ribbons at the Atchison County Fair, even after she had lost the sight in one eye.

Crossword solution

COLUMNISTS

It’s time to get on the fast track

DAILY READINGS THIRD WEEK OF LENT March 7 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Ex 20: 1-17 Ps 19: 8-11 1 Cor 1: 22-25 Jn 2: 13-25 March 8 John of God, religious 2 Kgs 5: 1-15b Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Lk 4: 24-30 March 9 Frances of Rome, religious Dn 3: 25, 34-43 Ps 25: 4-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9 Mt 18: 21-35 March 10 Wednesday Dt 4: 1, 5-9 Ps 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Mt 5: 17-19 March 11 Thursday Jer 7: 23-28 Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9 Lk 11: 14-23 March 12 Friday Hos 14: 2-10 Ps 81L 6c-11b, 14, 17 Mk 12: 28-34 March 13 Hos 6: 1-6 Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21b Lk 18: 9-14

f looks could kill ... Every year around this time — with the exception of last year, of course — I get one of “those looks” from the Knights of Columbus in my parish. One thing definitely not on my “penance list” is the parish fish fry. Each Lenten Friday, my mouth starts to water around noon in anticipation of that evening’s supper: fried catfish, baked tilapia, cole slaw, cheesy potatoes and a wheat roll. (Take a gander at page 3 of this issue to literally see what I’m talking about.) And on two Fridays, there’s shrimp on the menu as well. My sole bit of “fasting” comes from not eating the scrumptious peach cobbler for dessert. The “look” comes when I suggest to the Knights that they should offer this fish dinner every Friday of the year! I can’t for the life of me figure out why they shake their heads at me and mumble something under their breath. Sadly, this year,

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.

there’s one critical element of the fish fry that’s an “imposed” penance: fasting from gathering together to enjoy the meal in-person. When the Knights approached me several weeks ago to discuss the fish fries, we kicked around the idea of having socially distanced tables set up in the parish center. Then, reality set in. Even if we did that, there’s no way that our guests wouldn’t table hop, as that is so much a part of the fish fry experience.

So, we went with the safest option: drive-thru service. It works, but it ain’t the same. For me, fasting from in-person dining has been one of the hardest parts of COVID safety. I enjoy eating out, trying new restaurants or revisiting favorite haunts. And my favorite part is not even necessarily the food, but sharing that meal with friends and family. In the past year, I can count on one finger the number of times I’ve eaten in-person in a restaurant. That’s right: once. It happened in mid-October when a friend from my days in Rome came through Kansas City with his wife on the way back to Milwaukee.

1384–1440 This laywoman and foundress, born a Roman aristocrat, married Lorenzo Ponziano when she was 13; they had several children. In 1409, their palazzo was pillaged by Neapolitan soldiers and Lorenzo was exiled for five years, returning home a broken man. He died in 1436. Frances, known for her great charity during epidemics and civil war, organized a ladies society dedicated to self-denial and good works. It became the Oblates of Tor de Specchi, which she directed for her last four years. She is the patron saint of motorists, perhaps because she was guarded for 23 years by an archangel visible only to her. Her last words were: “The angel has finished his work. He is beckoning me to follow.”

Being a big fan of celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, he wanted to eat at Lidia’s restaurant in the Freight House district in Kansas City, Missouri. I made reservations for the outdoor patio and chose a table in the farthest corner, with the wind blowing away from me. Although we had a delightful time, I was nervous the whole evening — as I’ve not figured out a way to eat or drink with a mask on! Honestly, though, fasting from peach cobbler or from in-person dining is lightweight compared to what the Lord says to Isaiah the prophet: “Is this not rather the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed? . . . Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?” Wow! And if we (secretly) hope those Old

Testament words don’t apply nowadays, Pope Francis sets us straight with his suggestions for Lent: • Fast from hurting words and say kind words. • Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. • Fast from anger and be filled with patience. • Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. • Fast from worries and have trust in God. • Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. • Fast from pressures and be prayerful. • Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy. • Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. • Fast from grudges and be reconciled. • Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. Gee, my Lenten penances seem like baby steps. Much better to follow the advice of Isaiah and Pope Francis and truly start down that fast track to holiness.

Christ’s weakness on the cross is stronger than our strength

O Frances of Rome

MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ver the course of this pandemic year, a local parish community has seen a dramatic increase in the number of families who come in search of basic necessities from the parish food pantry. Like many faith communities across the country, this parish went from serving about 200 families before the pandemic to a weekly line of over 500 families who need basic food items. The pastor reminds the parish community often that their outreach to those in need is one way to live the commandments of God. In Sunday’s first reading from the Book of Exodus, the people of Israel are given the commandments as a

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

sign of their covenant relationship with God. In response, the Israelites accepted God’s commands as a guide to their daily way of life. But as the history of salvation shows, the people of Israel had to work against the

temptation to reduce the commandments to a laundry list of rules to be observed out of fear of God or a sense of obligation. The heart of the commandments was love of God and love of neighbor, as Jesus would teach his disciples — and us — when he spoke of discipleship. Perhaps this is why Jesus is angry when he sees the Temple, the holiest place of worship, reduced to a marketplace of idolatry and economic exchange.

It’s not often in the Gospels that Jesus expresses anger to the point of rage. It’s a wake-up call to see Jesus angered to the point of making a whip out of cords to drive out those in the Temple area and overturning the tables of the money changers so their coins are spilled over. “Take these out of here,” Jesus said, “and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” God continues to be present in the commandments of the law and in those sacred places set apart for praise and worship. At the center of every Christian house of prayer is the central symbol of Christianity: the cross of Jesus Christ. In Sunday’s

second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we “proclaim Christ crucified,” whose weakness on the cross is stronger than human strength. As we continue on our Lenten journeys, God invites us to cleanse our hearts and minds of those attachments, small and great, that weaken our living out of the commandments of love. Again and again, God calls us to recognize those ways in which we can manifest the love of God in our families, communities and particularly to those struggling through the consequences of a pandemic. As we join the psalmist in gratitude for the love of God at the heart of the law of God we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

For Lent, read the Gospel, fast from gossip, pope says at Angelus VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People should fast from gossiping and spreading hearsay as part of their Lenten journey, Pope Francis said. “For Lent this year, I will not speak ill of others, I will not gossip, and all of us can do this, everyone. This is a wonderful

kind of fasting,” the pope said Feb. 28 after praying the Sunday Angelus. Greeting visitors in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said his advice for Lent included adding a different kind of fasting “that won’t make you feel hungry: fasting from spreading rumors and

gossiping. And don’t forget that it will also be helpful to read a verse from the Gospel every day,” he said, urging people to have on hand a pocket-size edition to read whenever possible, even if it is just a random verse. “This will open your heart to the Lord,” he added.

COLUMNISTS

MARCH 5, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

‘Value Them Both’ is on the ballot — now what?

he struggle against the culture of death, including the powerful Kansas abortion industry, is primarily fought on a spiritual level. But not always. In two historic late January votes, the Kansas House and Senate passed the “Value Them Both” (VTB) state constitutional amendment for life. In the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (and statewide), every Republican legislator voted yes. Every Democrat voted no. Kansas Catholics and other citizens will now have the chance to be heard at the ballot box. The choice is clear: Do we want unlimited and unregulated

CHURCH AND STATE

CHUCK WEBER Chuck Weber is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

abortion in Kansas? Taxpayer-funded abortion in Kansas? Will we allow Kansas to be the “new New York” when it comes to abortion? These are the stakes. The Kansas Catholic Conference — the voice

of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the other Kansas bishops — was front and center in helping pass VTB. This measure is crucial after the state Supreme Court discovered and declared an almost unlimited right to abortion. That horrific ruling means almost every pro-life law in Kansas is “presumed unconstitutional” and,

in effect, unenforceable. Few fully realize that abortion in Kansas is now virtually unlimited and unregulated in the wake of the Kansas court ruling. Regulations and statutes requiring parental notification for minors seeking an abortion, informed consent for women and bans on taxpayerfunded abortions, and more, will almost certainly be overturned unless something is done. That something is the “Value Them Both” amendment. The Legislature did their job; now, it is our turn. A statewide vote of the people on VTB is set for August of 2022. There is much to

do. The well-funded abortion industry has already started a campaign of deception and distortion. Don’t be deceived. Here are just a few facts about VTB the abortion industry doesn’t want you to know: • Every registered voter in Kansas is eligible to vote yes or no on “Value Them Both,” including unaffiliated voters or those not registered with the Democrat or Republican party. • “Value Them Both” is not a ban on abortion, but a pro-life vote supporting regulations and laws that both save babies and protect mothers. • The abortion industry will outspend us by millions of dollars

— they’re hoping to buy this election. We can prevail, but it will not be easy. The truth and sanctity of life and the value of motherhood is on our side. Prayer, including the intercessory power of the rosary, is our greatest advantage. Archbishop Naumann and all the Kansas bishops have endorsed the Kansas Rosary Crusade (www. KansasRosaryCrusade. org.) Like Jesus’ earthly ministry, ours will be a grassroots journey. We seek to build the largest grassroots campaign in Kansas history. Come join us. To learn more about “Value Them Both,” go online to: www.Value ThemBoth.com.

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MARCH 5, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

College: an important step toward financial independence

s high school seniors close out their final semester in this most unusual year, families across the archdiocese now face a new raft of questions about college. The Leaven talks to Kevin O’Brien, business teacher and director of Bishop Ward High School’s Academy of Finance in Kansas City, Kansas, for a discussion of some of the basic issues.

. How do you see the pandemic changing the landscape students are entering as it relates to finances and college?

. There is so much uncertainty in terms of what universities will be able to do in the future. Will colleges limit enrollment to ensure proper spacing in classes? Will they limit tuition funding in order to make those spacing issues realistic? Will students forego that dorm experience for a stay-at-home digital one to stay safe as vaccines continue to roll out? I do not think students should take a year off, as that can affect scholarship funding. Also, many students struggle to return to college after a year away. Schools may offer digital alternatives, which could be an opportunity to get an education from a prestigious institution, but perhaps at a lower price.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Kevin O’Brien, director of Bishop Ward High School’s Academy of Finance, talks with The Leaven about finances as they relate to college — tackling everything from student loans to textbooks. Above, he talks with freshman Ruben Luna, left, and sophomore Luis Leon-Madrigal. ever, thanks to free budget apps like PocketGuard and Mint. Students should set a monthly budget for extra expenses and track every expense through one of the apps. It only takes seconds and can be automated when synced with their bank. Setting different savings goals can help students weather income ups and downs.

. Do you counsel greater caution in taking on student loans or suggest being open to community college?

. Student loans often have negative connotations, but what kind of loans you get matters. Private bank loans are expensive, due to high interest rates. Consider applying for need-based federal student loans through the FAFSA application. Strive for a reasonable amount of college loan debt, as a college degree can add hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime earnings and open doors to career advancement. Paying 5-10% of your tuition through loans is reasonable, especially if they are federal Stafford Loans, which have lower interest rates and are more likely to receive loan forgiveness if students pursue service-based options (teaching, AmeriCorps, etc.). Community college is a good option for students who are undecided on a major. Students need to research community colleges as well. They need to find a community college that best fits their transition plan. Students should research private colleges, too, especially if they have financial concerns. Students might see the “sticker price” at a Catholic college, for example, and not apply. However, Catholic colleges and universities offer a lot of robust scholarships

and financial aid, unlike public universities.

. Do you recommend dorm decisions be made primarily on financial considerations, or are study habits, personalities, etc., more important?

. Strive for balance when choosing the right housing option. Financial concerns could prompt some to avoid living on campus. Yet, while living on campus may be a higher cost initially, it could help save in travel and food costs. Not having to drive to class or pay for food can pay off over time and alleviate stressors that distract from academic success. High school students should consider the “social” aspects of living on campus. Building new experiences is part of the college experience and teaches students how to balance life, study and play.

Q. How should students

manage their money while away at college?

A. Budgeting is easier than

. Should students and parents share an account for the purpose of monitoring spending and money transfers?

A. I am not sure if having

joint accounts is worth it since sharing money digitally is now easier and safer than ever. Responsible banking and budgeting is both an important and empowering process for students, especially when they begin college. Having joint accounts prevents students from growing into financial independence. Subconsciously, they know there is that “safety net” in the joint account. Conversely, letting students have their own accounts, and having regular conversations with them about monthly spending in nonjudgmental and honest ways, can be a productive way for parents to help their students manage their money long term.

. Do you recommend a debit or credit card or both?

. Knowing how to use a debit card is important for students. If they are using budget apps and setting regular

monthly goals, it can be a safe, responsible tool. If students lose their debit card, or if it is stolen, it can be canceled. Not true for cash. Credit cards are trickier. We hear horror stories all the time about college students abusing credit cards, accruing debt and ruining their credit scores before they graduate. However, having no credit can be limiting, as the student can’t establish credit. Determining when students should begin using credit cards will be different in every case. Conversations should be ongoing between parents and students to determine when and what is best.

. Tell us about mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay, PayPal and Venmo.

. Mobile payment apps eliminate ATM fees, which is good. College students have so many small transactions in their lives that it doesn’t make sense to pay a $2 or $3 fee to withdraw $20 at a time. Mobile payments are a good way for students to practice managing multiple accounts in a low risk way since apps often require low balances.

. What do you recommend for textbook and meal plans?

. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Digital books are cheaper. However, students need to know how they best study and read. If they didn’t have much experience with

digital books in high school, chances are, they may struggle with reading digitally. The same goes for meal plans. Campus meal plans can pay off in the long run and help students keep their meal expenses lower. Some students may say they can live on ramen noodles, but after a couple of weeks, those ramen noodles sit in the cabinet and students are spending more on fast food than at campus dining.

. How should students prevent identity theft?

. It can be easy to autofill everything. Even adults are guilty of that. Limiting which sites students autofill can be helpful, especially in college where safety and privacy are a concern. Students should vary their passwords and create “strong password” standards. Using the same passwords for everything can cause students to become vulnerable to identity theft. Students should update their passwords every two to three months. Kevin O’Brien is a business instructor and the director of the Academy of Finance at Bishop Ward High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University, a master’s in education from Rockhurst University, and is currently completing his master’s in educational leadership from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.