THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 29 | MARCH 6, 2020
RITE ON TIME
Catholicism comes to candidates at the right point in their lives
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Richard Marsh, right, signs the Book of the Elect at the Rite of Election in Topeka, as his sponsor, Ed Warner, looks on.
By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
T
OPEKA — It is said that time heals all wounds. But waiting is hard. Life, and loss, has wounded Rebecca Laird of Topeka. But Laird has found hope, healing and joy in the Catholic faith, and she can hardly wait to become a part of it. On April 11, she, along with Richard Marsh, will join the Catholic Church, becoming members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in North Topeka. Laird and Marsh represent two members of this year’s class of catechumens and candidates who participated in the Rite of Election on March 1 at Christ the King Church in southwest Topeka. Usually celebrated in early Lent, the rite is one in which those wishing to be received into the Catholic faith — both those who have been baptized into other Christian traditions (candidates) and those who have never been baptized (catechumens) — stand in the presence of their sponsors, the archdiocesan faith community and the archbishop and express their desire to enter the full sacramental life of the church. Two other celebrations were held — one on March 1 and another on March 5 — at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, and Prince of Peace Church in Olathe, respectively. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann presided over each of the celebrations. Just two years ago, Laird found herself still grieving the loss of her father David. He had passed away in 2012 after a
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Ann Kirmse, left, applauds candidate Rebecca Laird, who she sponsored. Laird found comfort in the Catholic Church after the death of her father. long illness. That loss was compounded by the loss of her uncle and aunt, Don and Kay Laird, both of whom died within five years after her father’s passing. All three family members were Catholic. Laird’s neighbor, Jolene File, was a member of Mother Teresa Parish. “Jolene noticed my grief was more of a complicated grief,”
said Laird. “She was watching me through the years,” she continued, “and realized after about five years that I wasn’t healing.” That’s when File decided to give Laird a nudge in the right direction. Over a period of six months, Laird’s neighbor often mentioned Stephen Ministries to her. “Finally, she left The Leaven
in my mailbox,” Laird said. “There was an article about Stephen Ministries in it and I read that.” The article featured a retired police officer who was part of Stephen Ministries, Laird recalled. “I remember the article because my father worked for the police department,” she said. “That was my connection. That’s when I felt, ‘OK, this is
something I need to do.’” After reading the story, Laird called Mother Teresa Church and spoke with Mary Zachariasen, a member of the parish’s Stephen Ministries leadership team. To her surprise, she was quickly matched with a caregiver. “I wasn’t a parishioner of the church. I wasn’t Catholic. >> See “TOPEKA” on page 4
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ARCHBISHOP
Make your Lent a season of more, not less
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e are still at the beginning of Lent. Many of us, perhaps, are not thrilled by the commencement of this liturgical season. Oftentimes, we associate Lent with giving up things that, quite frankly, we enjoy. We often think of Lent as a time of deprivation. However, I want to challenge that mindset and suggest we reconsider Lent as a season where less is indeed more. The church invites us to give up, at least for a time, some things, but it is to make space in our hearts for something better, something more. During this season, the church actually requires very modest corporate fasts. The norms for Catholics in the United States regarding fast and abstinence during the Lenten season requires that on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday we fast and abstain from meat. The obligation of abstinence applies to everyone 14 years of
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN age or older and the requirement for fasting is applicable for those 18 through 59. Fasting allows for one full meal with two smaller meals with no eating between meals. Catholics in the United States are also required to abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent. The norm counsels that no Catholic Christian should lightly excuse himself or herself from these penances. The norm also states that for other weekdays of Lent, a self-imposed
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fast is strongly recommended. This selfimposed fast could be the same as the designated fast days or could be targeted to refraining from particular foods or types of entertainment. With regard to this individualized fast, it is good to give up something that will be difficult for us. For me, refraining from eating Brussels sprouts would not be an appropriate penance; not eating M&M’s, Kit Kats — or chocolate in general — is another story. Why fast? Part of the reason for fasting is to identify what are the foods or activities from which we seek comfort. Fasting frees us from becoming dependent on
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certain physical comforts. Foods and activities can enslave us to the degree that we think we need them for our happiness. Lent empowers us to gain more freedom from dependency on material things that are not capable of satisfying the deepest longings of our hearts. Lent is a time when we can become freer. The norms for Lenten observance for U.S. Catholics also state: “Let us witness to our love and imitation of Christ by special solicitude for the sick, the poor, the underprivileged, the imprisoned, the bedridden, the discouraged, the stranger, the lonely and persons of other colors, nationalities or backgrounds than our own.” Lent is also a time when we allow ourselves to become more aware of the needs of others. We should strive to love better those that are nearest to us — e.g., family, friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners and co-workers. At the beginning of Lent, it is good to pray,
asking the Lord to reveal to us those in our lives for whom he is calling us to give more attention, time and love. The church also presents us with opportunities to share our resources with others near and far. Lent is a great time to make a donation to Catholic Charities and/or to become a volunteer. We can also give to Catholic Relief Services in their efforts to bring Christ’s love to those in other parts of the world. Lent is a time for us to love more. Finally, Lent is a time for us to spend more time in prayer, in conversation with God. Participating in daily Mass, Stations of the Cross, retreats and eucharistic adoration are just some ways that we can expand our time with God. Emptying our lives of some unnecessary activities like television, computer games, movies, etc., can open up more time for personal prayer. Lent really is a time for more — more freedom, more love and more prayer!
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN March 6 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas high school art exhibit — Savior Pastoral Center March 7 Deacon candidate pre-ordination interviews Mass with deacon cohorts March 9-11 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings — Washington, D.C. March 12 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting March 13- 14 Conception board of regents meeting
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MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS
Archdiocese provides guidelines to parishes, schools By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In response to concerns about illness and possible disruptions, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has sent advisories to parishes and schools about how to prepare for and respond to the cold and flu seasons, as well as the coronavirus/COVID-19. The guidelines have come from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life, and from the archdiocesan school office. “We’re working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and local health departments to be informed about the risks for our schools,” said Karen Kroh, associate superintendent for student services. “Currently, the risks are very low” she continued. “At this time (March 2), there are no cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. So, the Centers for Disease Control is encouraging us to implement the everyday preventative practices that typically support environments where people are in close proximity to catching and passing respiratory diseases.” Kroh sent information and resources to principals on Feb. 29. She also informed principals in Johnson County about a webinar hosted by Johnson County Emergency Response held on March 2. Additionally, Kroh sent the principals a sample parents’ letter and three ready-toprint posters concerning best health practices. Although the information was directed at schools, these practices can be followed by anyone. (See sidebar.) “We’re staying in close communication with our state and local health agencies, so if the situation were to change,
CNS PHOTO/KAREN CALLAWAY, CHICAGO CATHOLIC
Catholics who suspect they have been exposed to a contagious disease should refrain from receiving the precious blood from the chalice and holy Communion on the tongue.
FOR UPDATES
For complete guidelines and updates on coronavirus preparedness, go to archkck.org. There, click on Coronavirus response. The link will take you to information useful to individuals and up-to-date information on activity cancellations and closings, should they become necessary. we’d be helping schools to communicate the latest updates,” said Kroh. There have been inquiries from parents and principals, but the level of concern is currently low. “Should we move to the next level of concern, we would receive additional guidance through KDHE and the
Kansas State Department of Education,” said Kroh. Schools have been closed in countries that have been particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus, and New York and Rhode Island have now seen the closing of schools after suspected coronavirus cases. At press time, no cases had been confirmed in Kansas.
“We don’t anticipate at this time having to close schools, but we have encouraged each school to review [their plans] for distance learning,” said Kroh. If the schools must close, that call will come from the KDHE. Reporting of illnesses to the state will be done by local health departments, not the schools. The KDHE has posted a new COVID-19 toolkit on its website, which includes “Interim Guidance for K-12 Schools and Pre-K Programs Operated by Schools.” Go online to: kdheks. gov; click on the COVID-19 icon.
Guidelines from the office for liturgy and sacramental life • Don’t come to Mass if you are sick: Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and other holy days of obligation. But, circumstances such as sickness or severe weather excuse the faithful of this obligation. • Avoid holding hands during the Our Father: Instead, pray the Our Father with hands folded.
• The sign of peace: People shouldn’t be offended if someone chooses not to offer the sign of peace. Those who are concerned about the spread of illness might simply say, “Peace be with you.” The “peace” exchanged between the priest and the congregation is required, but the actual exchange of a sign of peace among congregants is not.
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
• Receiving holy Communion: Those who are ill, or suspect they have been exposed to a contagion, should refrain from receiving the precious blood from the chalice, and only receive the sacred host. Do not dip the host, as this is an illicit practice and may contaminate the chalice. Anyone who is particularly susceptible to infection or complications should
refrain from reception of holy Communion on the tongue. • Pastor’s discretion: Pastors may, without oversight from the bishop, suspend or discontinue administering holy Communion under BOTH forms depending on the severity of an outbreak of contagion in their parish.
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Best health practices • Stay home when you are sick. Stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. • Cover you coughs and sneezes with a tissue. • Dispose of every tissue used; do not reuse tissues. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use at least a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects. • Avoid touching hands to face. That is one of the ways disease is frequently spread. To learn more about coronavirus, go to the website at: kdheks.gov and click on the COVID-19 icon.
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.
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Why be Catholic?: A day with Patrick Madrid
By Olivia Martin Special to The Leaven
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LPE — Bryan Schmidt, a member of St. Joseph Parish here, remembers the first time a Protestant asked him if he had
been saved. It was years ago, and the question caught him off-guard. He didn’t know how to answer. “I knew I believed in Catholicism, but I didn’t know how to articulate it,” said Bryan. His wife Kay shared that experience. “When others ask me, ‘Why are you Catholic?’ I want to be able to express the love I have for my church and for God in a way that makes them understand why I am part of this amazing Catholic Church,” said Kay. Now, explaining the why of Catholicism is about to get a lot easier — especially for those in rural parts of the archdiocese. On March 28, author, international speaker and Catholic radio host Patrick Madrid will host the “Why be
Why Be Catholic? When: March 28 Where: Lyon Country Fairgrounds, Anderson Building Cost: $10 Breakfast and lunch included with the opportunity for a freewill donation. Register by March 25 online at: Eventbrite.com; search “Patrick Madrid — Why Be Catholic?” Questions? Call (620) 475-3767.
Catholic?” day conference at the Lyon Country Fairgrounds in Emporia. And he is excited to get out into the country. “I want to be available to people in remote areas as much as those in big metro areas,” he said. In his work, Madrid has noticed that a vast number of Catholics have the same difficulty Brian and Kay had: They don’t know how to explain why they believe what they believe, especially to non-Catholic friends. “This seminar is going to equip
them to know how to be effective in a friendly, respectful, charitable way,” said Madrid. “They’re going to learn to talk about their Catholic faith in a way that is going to help other people understand it better.” Madrid will walk participants through church history and teachings, the sacraments, Mary, Scripture and tradition. “I’m laying out the big-picture view of the Catholic Church that takes into account the scandals [and] the problems in the church that have existed since the apostles,” he said. “I try to contextualize the Catholic Church so people can see it for what it really is, as opposed to how it’s portrayed in movies and the media.” For Brian, having Madrid come to speak isn’t just an opportunity to grow in his own faith. “This conference is for non-Catholics just as much as Catholics,” he said. “Everyone is welcome.” Madrid agreed. “Because our Catholic faith is precious and it’s true . . . other people deserve to have it as well,” he said.
KC GIVEN gathering offers women growth, fellowship
By Olivia Martin Special to The Leaven
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ENEXA — Women in the archdiocese ages 18 to 35 have a special opportunity to grow in appreciation for the unique gifts of their femininity at the upcoming KC GIVEN gathering. The daylong conference will be held at St. James Academy, Lenexa, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and will specifically focus on empowering women to embrace and live out their gifts.
Organizational committee member Emily Kippes, a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in the Diocese of Kansas City, Missouri, looks forward to the conference as a moment of reflection. “Personally, going to this conference in the past has made me aware of the gifts that God has given me as a woman,” said Kippes. “It gets me really fired up for women. “A lot of women don’t give themselves enough credit or realize how important they are.” Speakers will include Father Timo-
thy Gallagher, OMV, an expert on the spiritual life; Deacon James Keating, director of theological formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska; and Dr. Deborah Savage, professor of theology and philosophy at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, whose research focuses on the gifts particular to men and women and how they inform an understanding of personhood. To register, visit the website at: www.givenkc.org. Tickets start at $40.
Topeka man’s first step was to honor wife’s memory >> Continued from page 1 I wasn’t even attending a church at the time,” Laird said. But she quickly bonded with her caregiver and is profoundly grateful for her help. “She prayed for me. We prayed together,” she continued. “We are still meeting, actually. We’ve met every Tuesday. She never failed me. “There was no push or anything from her at all to join RCIA.” It wasn’t necessary. “I feel like I’m a late bloomer to a lot of things in life, and I’ve learned the hard way on a lot of things,” Laird said. “But I just feel like this is where I was meant to be my whole life.” Baptized as an infant in the Presbyterian Church, Laird said she went to church every Sunday and attended Sunday school, but did not learn about Jesus in the same way. Around her junior or senior year in high school, she stopped going to church altogether. “I feel like that’s when everything in my life started going wrong,” she said. Now that she’s returned to church, Laird said she can hardly contain her excitement about joining the Catholic faith and partaking of the Eucharist for the first time. “I’m excited, of course, to accept the Eucharist for the first time,” she said. “I’m nervous that I’m going to cry. . . .
I’m really excited for that.” She recalls going to her father’s funeral — and not being able to receive Communion. “I didn’t even go to his rosary because I didn’t know the rosary,” Laird said. “Those are regrets I have that are hard to accept.” Although she knows she will not be able to see or hug her dad, uncle or aunt when she enters the church at the Easter Vigil, she has no doubt they will be with her in spirit. Richard Marsh, likewise, said he thinks some of his family will be smiling upon him, too — especially his late wife Dorothy. Marsh said his parents were “really good people who loved the Lord.” Since one parent was Catholic and the other Methodist, he and his younger brother were raised in a Bible church. “I was 11 years old when I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I kind of tried to live my life that way,” he said. A career Army man, he flew helicopters for 39 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He ended as a Medevac pilot in Kosovo. Having met his wife in 1967 on a blind date, the two married in 1970 at Assumption Church in downtown Topeka. In the beginning, the two raised their family (which eventually included nine kids) in the Catholic faith. But like
Marsh’s parents, due to their differences, ended up raising their kids in a Bible church. “I went, but it didn’t mean anything to me,” he said of the times he went to Mass with his wife early in their marriage. In 2013, Marsh’s wife died of cancer. That’s when Marsh realized he had to reinvent himself. Part of the reason he enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was to honor his wife’s memory. “That’s part of it for sure,” he said. When a friend joined the church a year or two ago, however, he encouraged Marsh to take another look at the Catholic faith. “I really didn’t understand,” Marsh said. “But that’s the beauty of my friend, who told me I really needed to go and check this out.” Eventually, Marsh enrolled in the RCIA program. That’s where he’s learned about Mary, church history and the sacraments — especially the Eucharist. “It’s really [Christ’s] body and blood. I can feel that, and I like that. I can understand why we’re kneeling,” said Marsh, knowing that he’s kneeling before the Lord. “It all comes together, and it’s beautiful,” he added.
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Sister Margaret Quirk, SCL LEAVENWORTH — Sister Margaret Quirk, 78, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on Feb. 11 at the motherhouse here. Sister Margaret celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Sister of Charity in 2018. She worked as a nurse before entering the religious community and continued this ministry as a Sister. She enjoyed her calling to nursing and served conscientiously with compassion and competence. She was born on Jan. 10, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, the sixth of nine children of Thomas E. and Mary Frances (Smith) Quirk. She attended St. Peter Grade School and St. Teresa’s Academy, both in Kansas City, Missouri. She then pursued general studies at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, where she decided to become a nurse. Upon graduation, she worked at Providence Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas, for two years. On Sept. 8, 1968, she entered the Sisters of Charity community. Sister Margaret professed vows on May 30, 1971. From 1970 to 2012, she was a nurse at Sisters of Charity hospitals in Colorado, Kansas and Montana; at a clinic for the uninsured; at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse and Ross Hall skilled nursing facility; and in home health services. During that time, she completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Saint Mary. She also worked three years in the campus post office at the college. She retired to Ross Hall in 2016 where she embraced a prayer ministry. Sister Margaret saw the reflection of God in individuals and events. She had an insatiable interest in people and their needs, and a talent for listening. In conversations, she managed to get to the heart of the matter, sharing her insights with kindness and candor. She emulated the Sisters of Charity characteristic virtues of simplicity, humility and charity. She was a beloved and fun-loving sibling and aunt, and a loyal friend.
Sister Mary Ethel Burley, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Mary Ethel Burley, 97, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Feb. 20 at the monastery. Sister Mary Ethel was born on Aug. 29, 1922, the oldest of six children of Francis and Cora Marie (Walters) Burley. She entered the monastery of Mount St. Scholastica in 1942 and lived to celebrate the 75th anniversary of her monastic profession. The education of children was her lifelong passion. Even before coming to religious life, she was a rural school teacher for two years with only a high school diploma herself. Receiving her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College, she was an elementary teacher for 19 years. Later, with her master’s in education from St. Louis University, she became a principal for another 29 years. Within the archdiocese, she was principal at Sts. Peter and Paul School, Seneca, and Sacred Heart School, Ottawa. In her retirement years, she continued to assist in various domestic services within the monastery. Humorous and cheerful, she brought joy to all who knew her.
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Angels help Gabriel Project KC take flight By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
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OUISBURG — You can do it. You’ve got this, and you don’t have to do it alone. That’s the message Ashley Lemke wants to give moms facing unexpected pregnancies. Lemke, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Louisburg, is one of 15 angels involved in Gabriel Project KC, a ministry shared by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Mass and Walk Kansas CityMarch 29 Cathedral of St. St. Joseph. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., CoordiKansas City, Kansas nated by Ann Marie 10 a.m. - Mass with Alvey of the Archbishop Nauarchdiocese mann and Teresa 11:30 a.m. - ImmeH o e p p n e r, diately after Mass, program everyone is invitmanager of ed to gather at the the respect cathedral outdoor steps to join in a life office of short walk to help the Diocese raise awareness for of Kansas the initiative and City-St. the organizations Joseph, Gathat are ready to briel Project help women in need. KC’s mission Participants are enis simple: to couraged to carry a provide supsign with the name port for any of their parish or organization that repwoman in an resent help. unplanned 12:15 p.m. - Receppregnancy. tion with coffee and With the snacks in the cathehelp of angel dral parish center volunteers — an accompanying partner for each mom in need — Gabriel Project helps each mother-to-be access pregnancy resources throughout the region that they might be unaware of. Walking with moms is at the core of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s new initiative, “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service.” The year starts March 25 on the solemnity of the Annunciation, when the church celebrates the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus. The angel (for whom the program is named) told Mary, however, that she need not be afraid for “nothing is impossible with God.” Walking with Moms in Need will include a kickoff event (see sidebar), along with opportunities for Catholics to volunteer within their own parishes. The initiative is not just for the region’s two dioceses. Every Catholic parish within the United States has been asked by the archbishop, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, to take part in the initiative, helping more women to choose life for their children. Gabriel Project KC aims to do just that. By the end of the year, the ministry also hopes to have ambassadors at every one of the 200-plus parishes within the two dioceses. It was a journey that inspired Gabriel Project in the first place. In 1990, Cathy McConn of Houston and Rex Moses of Corpus Christi, Texas, saw a sign outside St. Michael Church in Houston. The sign read: “If
Walking with Moms in Need
Volunteer “angels” of the Gabriel Project KC are matched with women facing unplanned pregnancies and accompany them on their journey.
Deacons of Hope mobilizing to fund Gabriel Project
you will have your baby, this parish will help you in every way.” The sign led the pair to develop Gabriel Project within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The ministry has since spread throughout the nation. And it’s definitely a ministry that Lemke wants to help with here in the region. “I had an unplanned pregnancy,” she said, and some people warned her it would prevent her from finishing college or embarking upon a career. But it wasn’t true, said Lemke. Eight years after she found herself facing a pregnancy with a man with whom she had only been with for three months, she is married to that same man, has three children and is currently working toward her master’s degree. At first, she admits she was nervous to share news of her pregnancy with her husband. “I literally told him in a text message because he thought I was breaking up with him,” she said. But when she texted: “No, I’m pregnant,” he answered: ‘That’s it? We’ve got this.’” The couple married on Sept. 1, 2012, and their daughter was born a month later. Lemke said she first contacted Alvey after reading a story on Gabriel Project in The Leaven in May 2019, when she realized she had to do more. “I contacted Ann Marie and said, ‘I’d really like to do this,’” she recalled. When Alvey heard the words “unplanned pregnancy,” she suggested Lemke speak at a Gabriel Project meeting. That way, the other angels could learn from her experience. “So, I did that,” Lemke said. “I think it’s really great. I’m all about helping women [realize] that empowerment does not have to mean not having your child.” Similarly, Gina Buice of St. Sabina
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n addition to Gabriel Project providing angels to walk alongside moms in need, two deacons are forming an association of the faithful committed to helping raise funds and broadening the outreach of Gabriel Project. It will be called Deacons of Hope. Ordained together for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Deacons Kevin Cummings and Kevin Hemke both found themselves longing for a specific mission beyond their clerical ministry. “My primary goal is respect life and anything to do with the preservation of the family, the support of mothers and the absolute dedication to the well-being of a newborn,” said Deacon Cummings. He found a kindred spirit in Deacon Hemke. It was Teresa Hoeppner, program manager of the respect life office for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, that got both men involved in Project Rachel and Project Joseph, healing ministries for post-abortive women and men, respectively. “Their stories and what happened to them after their abortions was so overwhelming to me,” said Deacon Cummings — how deeply scarring the experience was. “Once I realized that,” he continued, “I realized the best way to prevent
Parish in Belton, Missouri, was looking for a service opportunity. While at work one morning, she prayed while vacuuming. She asked the Lord to lead her. While she was vacuuming, Buice received a text from her sister about Gabriel Project. “She said, ‘You should check this out. I think you’d be interested in this,’” she recalled. Realizing her prayers had been answered quickly, Buice found Gabriel Project KC online and found what might be her calling. “It just really struck a chord with me because I was a teen mom. I had graduated from high school, but I enrolled in community college and was taking psychology
people from ever having to live the life of a post-abortive parent . . . is to prevent abortions.” Deacons, he said, are uniquely suited to aid in the pro-life mission. “They’re usually fathers, husbands and grandfathers,” he said. “They’re people who have lived the family life in the capacity of the faith. Who better in the Catholic Church to reflect the outcome of family life and spiritual life than a deacon?” Deacon Cummings approached Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann with their idea. Currently, the two deacons are working with canon lawyers to form the clerical association of the faithful. Assigned to Curé of Ars in Leawood, Deacon Cummings is being incardinated into the archdiocese. So, he thinks the timing is perfect for a regional partnership. “The only thing that separates us is the state line,” he said. “[A partnership meant we] could use each other’s capabilities, our pregnancy resource centers, our counseling, our food banks.” The deacons, he said, will encourage people to serve as volunteers and will also raise funds within parishes, in particular for the parishes’ angels. “We want to motivate deacons [to consider whether] this could be your ministry,” he added.
classes,” she said. “I was learning more and more about teen pregnancies and all of the negative statistics associated with the children of those teen pregnancies. What I was learning in my schooling was that it had nothing to do with the age of the mom, but . . . with the support system the mother had.” It took Buice 10 years to earn her degree. Along the way, she researched teenage pregnancy, looking for a way to help other moms, even to the point of drafting a business plan for a nonprofit to serve as a support system for young moms. “I quickly realized I couldn’t do it while I’m raising my children,” she said. “There’s not enough of me to go around. “And then I saw this website.”
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FAMILY LIFE
Give young couples the gift of your example By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven
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know I am dating myself, but we all surely remember the posters of Uncle Sam pointing at the observer, saying, “I Want You!” Well, imagine that same poster, only instead Jesus is pointing to TOOLS FOR you as a FAMILIES married Growing as couple Disciples of saying, Jesus “I Want You!” That was the experience of a couple one Sunday morning. Their pastor, during his homily, challenged his married couples to consider becoming a lead or mentor couple for those preparing for marriage. They really weren’t paying attention as they were sure the priest was not talking to them. Suddenly, they became aware of someone looking directly at them. Their son was looking at them and affirming that they would be a good lead couple. I don’t know about you, but that son deserved a hug. He was calling out and affirming a gift he saw in them that they did not see. They answered that call and went
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on to help prepare many couples for marriage, as well as to coordinate the work of other lead couples. What is required of you to be a lead or mentor couple for the engaged? The first is a heart of prayer. As a couple, sit or kneel together and quietly pray for direction. Share your fears or doubts with
Our Lord. You might be surprised to know that the most important requirement is not having a perfect marriage. Those who come across as “having it all together” aren’t very real or believable. The engaged couples already know what it is to have a disagreement. Sharing how
you listen to one another, seeking and offering forgiveness, gives them hope that they can succeed. One of the major reasons many couples just move in together and hold back on marriage is the fear of failure in marriage. They desperately want to be happily married but aren’t sure it is possible. You will learn how to put skills of daily affirmation to work in your marriage. You can show them that — after 10, 20, 40 or 50 years — you can still find joy and excitement in the one God has put into your life to help you and others get to heaven. Here is the payoff: You can give the engaged hope of success. You will give them someone who they can turn to when they first stub their toes over the little things that seem so major. You will share faith and life skills. The other half of this payoff is a win-win situation that, each time you prepare to meet with an engaged couple, you will rediscover all the ways God has blessed you with your spouse. WE WANT YOU. WE NEED YOU. We will prepare you. Call me at (913) 647-0329. I am waiting for your call. I always answer my phone hoping it is YOU.
Daylong Lenten retreat to explore concept of holiness
EAVENWORTH — Keying on the “call to holiness” issued by Pope Francis, Marillac Center here is offering a day retreat March 21, to explore the concept of holiness and ways to express it in the midst of busy lifestyles. Through engaging talks, quiet reflection, journaling and small group sharing, participants will discuss their understanding of holiness and whether it is something they do or become. The retreat will
be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the retreat and spirituality center on the campus of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, located at 4200 S. 4th St. Cathy Newton and Sister Noreen Walter will facilitate the retreat. Newton is an experienced speaker who has engaged audiences for more than 20 years. Sister Noreen, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, is the director of Marillac Center. In spring 2018, Pope Francis issued a letter titled “Rejoice and Be Glad” on “the
call to holiness in today’s world.” In this letter, the pope said: “The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path [to holiness], that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts.” The cost of $40 includes lunch. Overnight accommodations are available. Registration deadline is March 14. Register online or inquire about scholarships at: www.marillac center.org; send an email to: retreats@scls. org; or call (913) 758-6552.
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Dennis and Sallie Redd, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Disney World this summer. The couple was married on March 7, 1970, in an ecumenical wedding ceremony at the George Hamilton Combs Memorial Chapel in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Patrick Lee Redd, James Francis Redd and Thomas Christopher Redd. They also have three grandchildren. Michael and Judy (McKillip) Collins, members of Sacred H ea r t-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth, will celebrate their 50th anniversary on March 9. The couple was married at St. Joseph Cathedral, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their children are: Jennifer Port and Flynn Collins. They also have three grandchildren. They will be taking a Rhine River cruise in May to celebrate. Mary Suzanne (Aita) and John L. Monteil, members of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas C i t y , Kansas, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house on March 15. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church, Mound City. They have four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Gregory J. and Judy L. (Rapp) Koehler, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 14. The couple was married in Wakita, Oklahoma, in 1970 by Father Joseph Kolb and the Rev. Floyd Conway. Their children are: Kristine, Patrick and Megan. They also have nine grandchildren.
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MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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New cemeteries head puts emphasis on customer service
atholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas began 2020 with a new president and a renewed commitment to its mission and ministry of serving individuals and families as they make end-of-life preparations. Two months into her executive leadership position, Sharon Vallejo shares her perspectives on the value and distinction of Catholic cemeteries. Q. What is the mission of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas? A. Our mission statement captures and conveys what we do and why we do it. It reads: “As a ministry of the Catholic Church, we bury the dead with dignity and respect; we comfort the living with compassion and concern; and we provide sacred space for remembering.” We do all of this in the context of our role as a ministry of the archdiocesan church, and an extension of the parish communities we serve. Q. What’s the difference between a Catholic cemetery and the Catholic section of a cemetery that is not Catholic? A. Our Catholic cemeteries are blessed or consecrated, and they have the sacred function of signifying our belief in the communion of all saints (living and deceased), the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. When we pass by a Catholic cemetery or attend a burial in one, we share a link and a connection — just as we do in our parishes — with the extended community of believers, a community unbroken by death and hopeful of resurrection. Father Ken Kelly, longtime Catholic Cemeteries board member and past board chair, explains it this way: “In life, we worship together; in death, we await the resurrection together.” Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas hosts special observances year-round, including memorial Masses and prayer services, to remember the faithful departed. In addition, our cemeteries feature statuary, memorials and mausoleum chapels that reflect our Catholic identity. Q. What is the Catholic Church’s teaching about burial in a Catholic cemetery versus a cemetery that is not Catholic? A. The U.S. bishops state a preference that Catholics be buried in a Catholic cemetery or columbarium (for cremated remains). They describe this as consistent with the sacramental life of a person who has been baptized, received the Eucharist and been anointed with the sacrament of the sick. Burial in sacred ground reflects continuity with this tradition. Father Jerry Volz, our current board chair, sums it up this way: “Throughout our faith journey, the church is present to celebrate significant moments in our lives. Since death is also a part of the human journey, it is only right that the church should also be present when we confront this reality.”
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann speaks at a blessing for the mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Gate of Heaven is one of many Catholic cemeteries managed by Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas. There are exceptions to the church’s preference for burial in a Catholic cemetery, such as the request for a military funeral in a national cemetery and other circumstances that parishioners can discuss with their pastors. Q. Where are the properties located that are operated and managed by Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas? A. Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas provides perpetual care for seven cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson counties and for Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, and Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lansing. We offer a variety of interment/entombment options unique to each location. Q. How does the expense of burial in one of these cemeteries compare with funeral arrangements in other cemeteries? A. We strive to be competitive and transparent in our pricing. Prices for various services are posted on our website at: www. cathcemks.org. We work to ensure that personal or family preferences are central to burial plans. Pre-arrangement of burial services is always available by calling our office 24/7. Family service advisers will explain options and requirements, and discuss our popular no-interest payment plan. Q. How do persons in areas served by Catholic Cemeteries learn more about
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services offered? A. We have recently reorganized our Family Service Advisers Team under the leadership of Bryan Alonzo, our new sales and marketing manager. Bryan oversees the newly formed team that currently has nine members, several of whom will be familiar to families we have served over the years. These family service advisers are available to meet with families 365 days of the year to arrange services at the time of a death and to assist with planning pre-arrangements. Q. How does Catholic Cemeteries coordinate its outreach to parishioners in northeast Kansas? A. We coordinate this very closely with pastors who grant Catholic Cemeteries the authorization to contact parishioners to discuss their end-of-life arrangements. Then, Catholic Cemeteries authorizes our Family Service Advisers Team members to conduct this outreach. Names and photos of our authorized family service advisers are posted on our website. Our team members are very respectful of the privacy of the information related to the individuals and families we serve. Unfortunately, we have received reports recently that unauthorized salespersons formerly associated with Catholic Cemeteries may be using information they previously had access to and continuing to make contacts on behalf of other cemeteries.
If parishioners have any concerns or questions about calls they receive about end-of-life arrangements, we encourage them to call our office at (913) 344-7501, or email us at: information@cathcemks.org. Q. Catholic Cemeteries has had an extensive program of beautifying and maintaining its cemeteries. Are there any projects we can anticipate being completed or announced this year? A. In May, we will bless the new Our Lady of the Rosary Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. We are also restoring and refurbishing the priests’ monument in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lansing. Our board of directors and staff have an eye to the future as we consider other opportunities while sustaining the perpetual care of the cemeteries and being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Q. What are your priorities during your first year as president of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas? A. Catholic Cemeteries has always held excellent customer service as our number one priority when providing burial arrangements for members of the Catholic community. One of my main goals is to continue to build and strengthen relationships with parish priests, parishioners, funeral homes, parish staff and, above all, the families we have the privilege to serve.
PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Liliane Lemani braves her cold garage to work on clothing she sells for her business, Designs by Liliane and Amisi. A refugee from the Congo, Lemani escaped brutal conditions in her homeland to resettle in Kansas.
SEWING A PATH TO THE FUTURE
Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of violence that some readers may find disturbing. By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It is below freezing outside, and not much warmer in Liliane Lemani’s
garage. But she is grateful for what she has — a sewing machine in a frigid garage where she can bundle up and work to support her family. At last, Lemani believes she is living God’s plan for her. But her journey to this moment — from a rebel attack in the Congo to a cold garage in Kansas — is as harrowing as it is miraculous. “Sometimes, I feel all those memories return,” she said. “The rebels came at night, they took my husband and I thought they killed him. “They started asking me to give them money and beating me. We didn’t have any money. They beat me very bad. “The year was 2005, and I was pregnant.”
Escape from the Congo Not only was Lemani pregnant when the rebels arrived, but she had a 4 year old and an infant
Designs by Liliane and Amisi Liliane specializes in making traditional African clothes, but is skilled in any kind of design, tailoring or alterations. If you’re interested in supporting her business, call Liliane at (816) 490-9133 or send an email to: lemaliliane54@gmail.com.
daughter with her, as well as her teenage niece. Three rebels raped her niece while others grabbed the infant from Lemani’s arms, continuing to demand money. “The rebel who took my baby was a girl,” Lemani said. “So, I thought she would have pity on my baby. “But she put my baby down and stepped on it!” When the rebels left, Lemani grabbed her baby, put her in a sling on her back and ran outside where she found her husband tied to a tree — beaten and stabbed, but still alive. The family fled into the dark and walked all night until they reached a police camp. There, they told their story — and learned that Lemani’s baby had died along the way. The shock of the discovery sent Lemani into labor, and she delivered her son prematurely. But the police sent the family back out, telling them that down
the road was a group of Catholics who might help them. To this day, Lemani remembers the moment she came upon the Catholic Relief Services camp. “They helped us with clothes, money, food,” she said. “They took care of my baby; gave him the vaccine. “It is God’s blessing that the child survived.” It was certain death for the family to return home, so Catholic Relief Services put them on a train bound for the Zambia border. Once there, Lemani spent a week begging strangers for food to sustain her family. A truck driver took pity on the group and drove them to an immigration port on the Nambia border. He instructed Lemani to tell officials they were refugees. “We didn’t have any documentation,” said Lemani. “I didn’t know English. When we went to immigration, I just kept saying, ‘Refugee, refugee.’ “They said, ‘What is she talking about?’ and I just said, ‘Refugee.’” A Swahili translator was finally located, and the family was taken to a hospital and then to Nambia’s Osire refugee camp.
God has a purpose “In the refugee camp, I knew I was safe,” said Lemani. “My worries were only what are
Liliane Lemani displays some of her more recent work on the shelves of her garage. we going to eat and where am I going to find clothes for my family? “We stayed there for 12 years.” During that time, Lemani educated herself with every tool available, including learning to speak fluent Portuguese, French and English. “If you wanted people to help you,” she said, “you had to speak their language. So, I learned.” And through a U.N. program, she learned to sew with such talent that she amazed her instructors. She was also relentless in asking authorities at the camp to help her family move on to a better life. “I bothered them,” she said. “I went there every day, asking, ‘I want anything that will help my family out.’” And she never stopped praying. “For all that happened to me in the beginning,” she said, “I was thinking maybe God doesn’t know me. Or maybe I am forsaken. “But when I went to Namibia and I started learning for my family to survive, I started having faith that God had a purpose for my life.” Persistence and prayer paid off. “One day, they called me and said, ‘We will send your case to America,’” Lemani recalled.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops accepted Lemani’s case and eventually forwarded it to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. An apartment was procured here, and volunteers went to work creating a home for a family they didn’t know but wanted to welcome with the spirit of Christ’s love. “That’s what we do before people arrive,” said Kasey Fetherston, director of Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services. “The first time we’re gong to meet them is when we’re picking them up at the airport and taking them to their new home.” “We didn’t know about Kansas,” said Lemani. “But the one who came to meet us at the airport, he was speaking Swahili, so we were not afraid. “Electricity, everything was new to me! I didn’t know how to use a stove — but the case manager explained everything to us.” That was three years ago.
Building a new life In that time, Lemani’s family, numbering six children now, has paid their resettlement loan, rented a house, and started a tailoring and dress design business in their garage, providing em-
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas refugee program
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PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
. Lemani specializes in traditional African clothing, but also does tailoring and alterations. ployment for fellow refugees. That was Lemani’s dream when she arrived in Kansas, though few believed she could accomplish it. “People said it is very hard to start a business,” she recalled. “And I kept saying, ‘If I just get one [sewing] machine, I can start my business. “I trusted myself. I worked hard — I worked every job they give me.” Seeing some of Lemani’s sewing, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas recognized her talent and enrolled her in a partner program called Rightfully Sewn. “She had such tenacity,” said Jenni Kornfeld, coordinator of Refugee Employment Services. “It was very impressive; we wanted to support her. “After she graduated, we helped her get hired at a company that does alterations.” Lemani’s husband Amisi worked, too, and together they managed to pay bills and save enough money to buy that one sewing machine. “She became pregnant and had to take a break from work,” said Kornfeld. “Once at home, she sewed and started selling things to her friends.” As a result of her hard work and initiative, Lemani’s business slowly grew. Lemani had a natural flair for
color and design. She concentrated on what she knew — traditional African clothing. “A lot of Africans like to wear traditional dress and fabrics,” she said. “I do my own styles — anything my customers choose, I can do.” Lemani found a niche in the market and was getting requests from across the region.
“She came to me with questions about how to register her business, how to hire employees,” said Kornfeld. “So, we found her a mentor who helped direct her.” Lemani now has several sewing machines and recently won a small business competition that enabled her to purchase an embroidery machine.
Her next dream is to move her business out of her cold garage. No doubt she will accomplish it, and she has sound advice for anyone else facing hardship. “They should have faith in God and they should trust themselves,” she said. “They should say to themselves, ‘I can do this.’”
atholic Charities is the largest resettlement site in Kansas. It is a “U.S. tie site,” meaning that refugees are united with family members or friends who are already settled in the area and can provide assistance. The majority of refugees served flee from Burma, located in Southeast Asia. Ethnic groups represented include Chin, Karen and the Karenni. Other refugees travel from Bhutan, Iraq, Somalia, Congo, Eritrea and Iran. A grant with the USCCB outlines the services to be provided to every refugee when they arrive, which include: • making sure they have safe housing • giving them orientation to that new house and helping them enroll in food stamps and cash assistance while they look for work • taking them to health care screenings and following up on any medical issues • getting children enrolled in school • providing orientation classes to help them understand American culture and the various U.S. government systems and laws • helping them get a Social Security card. Catholic Charities also enrolls refugees in English classes. An employment services team meets with individuals within the first three weeks of their arrival to access their work experience and help them find employment. The goal is self-sufficiency. There are many opportunities to help newly settled refugees. Meeting members of the community helps refugees broaden their view of American life and allows volunteers to learn what wonderful additions refugees are to their community. To learn more about how to help, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks. org/refugees/
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
YouTube helps order teach ancient music
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RIBOURG, Switzerland (CNS) — Dominican Brothers Stefan Ansinger and Alexandre Frezzato are teaching people to sing 800-year-old Gregorian chant through free weekly lessons on their YouTube channel called OPChant. Internet users around the world are following Brothers Stefan and Alexandre, and they are getting positive feedback on the project from all over, too. “The amount of positive feedback from all sides is very impressive; it shows that we are responding to a current need,” said Brother Alexandre in a recent interview posted on the website of the Dominicans’ Swiss province. Brother Alexandre is from Valais, Switzerland, and Brother Stefan is from the Netherlands. Both are seminarians studying at the University of Fribourg. They live in the Priory of St-Hyacinthe. Launched last November, OPChant is the only channel on the internet that teaches Latin chant in the Dominican tradition in a systematic way. The channel is entirely accessible in English. Each video includes in its description a PDF of the score and the Latin words so people can study along with the Brothers. They release one video a week, carefully following the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar. “I know that our videos have helped Gregorian choirs in England
CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OPCHANT
and America,” said Brother Stefan. “That was the original purpose of our project.” The Brothers said Americans “are the most enthusiastic” students, followed by Canadians, but “there are many and equally enthusiastic echoes in Switzerland and the Netherlands, which is normal given that these are our countries of origin,” Brother Alexandre said. Reaction to the OPChant project
among fellow Dominicans also has been good. “I remember one of our older Brothers giving us some very useful advice when we recorded a few songs,” Brother Stefan said. “He asked us to extend some notes and breathe at times. It was really beautiful. An older Brother who had been trained in singing at the time was giving us advice to improve our singing, in a completely spontaneous way.”
Knights release videos to help men grow in faith
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EW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) — On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Knights of Columbus, the international fraternal organization based in New Haven, released videos and other resources to help men on their spiritual journey. Titled “Into the Breach,” the video series has 12 episodes that address “many of the challenges modern men face, including fatherhood, marriage and leadership,” said a news release from the Knights. The videos and other resources can be found at kofc.org/ intothebreach. “Catholic men and fathers shoulder
Archbishop calls rejection of pro-life bills ‘appalling’
W Dominican Brothers Stefan Ansinger and Alexandre Frezzato pose for a photo at the Monastery of the Dominican Nuns of Estavayer-le-Lac in Switzerland Feb. 22. The religious brothers teach weekly lessons in Gregorian chant in the Dominican tradition through their YouTube channel OPChant.
a great responsibility. Our role in evangelization is indispensable, especially within our homes — building the domestic church,” Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said in a statement. “Our families and our parishes need our faithful witness more than ever. “As Catholic men and as Knights of Columbus, it is our duty to ‘step into the breach’ and play our part in the renewal of our families and the church,” he added. The Knights said the series was inspired by Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted’s 2015 document, “Into the Breach: An Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men,” which called men to be
prepared for the spiritual battle for their souls and the souls of their families. The series builds off the popularity of the organization’s “Everyday Heroes” series that focused on “remarkable Knights whose courage, faith and commitment to charity show that heroism is attainable to the everyday man.” Those who contribute commentary to the series include Bishop Olmsted; author and theologian Scott Hahn; prominent Catholic speaker Father Mike Schmitz; former NFL player Matt Birk; and Curtis Martin, founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — By blocking two pro-life bills from going to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a vote, senators “failed to advance two critical human rights reforms that most Americans strongly support,” the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee said late Feb. 25. Earlier that day, the Senate voted on motions to advance the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, S. 3275, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, S. 311, sponsored Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska. Largely because of “nearly unanimous Democratic opposition to the measures,” neither measure received the 60 votes needed in the Senate to overcome a filibuster and advance to a vote on passage. The Pain-Capable bill, which would protect unborn children from lateterm abortions, failed to advance by a vote of 53 to 44. The Born-Alive bill failed to advance by a vote of 56 to 41. It would prohibit infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. “It is appalling that even one senator, let alone more than 40, voted to continue the brutal dismemberment of nearly full-grown infants, and voted against protecting babies who survive abortion,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities. “Our nation is better than this, and the majority of Americans who support these bills must make their voices heard,” he added in his statement. “The Born-Alive bill simply and rightly provides additional protections to ensure that newborn babies who survive an abortion attempt are given the same care as any other baby and are not left to die or directly killed,” he said.
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
WORLD
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Leaders in New Delhi ask churches to open doors to riot victims
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EW DELHI (CNS) — Christian leaders in New Delhi have condemned the communal violence in the Indian capital and asked churches to open their doors to victims of the riots. The violence that started Feb. 23 in several areas of northeast Delhi has left 27 people dead and more than 200 injured in the deadliest episode of unrest in the capital in three decades, reported ucanews.com. “At this trying moment, when communal riots have suddenly gripped Delhi, let us come forward with our prayers and every possible effort to bring relief to the affected people in terms of shelter, food and clothing,” said an appeal letter from Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi. In his letter to parish priests, Archbishop Couto said churches should open their premises “for this noble cause in the Lenten season. Please convey this to our people and organize them for action.” The three days of violence were the worst unrest since the 1992 nationwide riots following the demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya, and possibly since the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, media reports said. The clashes broke out after groups favoring the Citizenship Amendment Act clashed with groups protesting it. The act, passed Dec. 11, aims to grant
CNS PHOTO/AKASH JAIN, REUTERS
People supporting a new citizenship law and those opposing the law throw stones at each other during a clash in New Delhi Feb. 23. Christian leaders from different denominations in New Delhi have condemned the communal violence and asked churches to open their doors to victims of the riots. Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities from Muslim-majority Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan while blocking naturalization of Muslims. Muslims see their exclusion from the law that makes religion the basis of citizenship as yet another attempt by the Narendra Modi government to marginalize them, ucanews.com reported. Coupled with the National Register of Citizens, the community fears the moves are intended to strip millions of Indian Muslims of citizenship. People
from other disadvantaged caste and gender identities as well as women are vulnerable to the national register. “Humanity has been knocked down one more time, our houses burned, our kindred killed, our peace destroyed, and future betrayed,” said a Feb. 26 statement from the National Council of Churches in India, the forum of Protestant and Orthodox churches in India. “We appeal to members of the different Christian traditions to facilitate each other and all others of different
faith traditions and ideological persuasions in their neighborhoods, to rise from the ashes,” said the statement, which appealed to churches and Christian organizations in affected areas to respond appropriately to those in need. The Evangelical Fellowship of India, the national alliance of evangelical Christians, condemned the “reprehensible violence and killing as the work of vested political interests and forces of hate.” The EFI statement appealed to the people of Delhi to “maintain peace and not to give in to vicious vitriol fed by rumors and spread through social media. We must not let hate win.” It also asked its congregations in Delhi area to open “their hearts and facilities for the afflicted and to come to the aid of the helpless and distraught. This would be our act of service unto our Lord, this Lenten season.” During the riots, hundreds of vehicles, shops and homes were burned. Some streets were deserted Feb. 26, with people peeping from the windows of their homes and a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces. Bricks and stones littered the streets, while shattered glass, burned homes, offices, showrooms and vehicles clearly indicated the intensity of the violence. Delhi police said 18 first information reports were registered at various police stations and 106 people had been arrested.
English Catholics to rededicate nation as ‘Mary’s Dowry’ By Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service
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ANCHESTER, England (CNS) — Catholics are preparing for the historic rededication of England as “Mary’s Dowry” in the hope that it will spur the re-evangelization of their country. The English bishops decided to rededicate the country at a meeting in November 2017 and are now encouraging Catholics to pray the Angelus daily ahead of the March 29 National Day of Rededication. The event involves English Catholics making a personal “Angelus promise” to God in union with the “yes” of Mary at the Annunciation. The original dedication of England
was carried out in 1381 by Richard II. With the title of “Mary’s Dowry,” the intention of Richard was that England and her people would be set aside for the special guidance and protection of Mary. At noon March 29, communal acts of entrustment will be made in cathedrals, renewing the vows of dedication made by King Richard. Schools are invited to join the rededication March 30. Pope Francis has supported the rededication by blessing an icon of Our Lady of Walsingham ahead of the event, and it will go on a permanent tour of English parishes. The devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham focuses on the Annunciation and the willingness of Mary to carry out the will of God. The image by Amanda de Pulford, an English Catholic iconographer, was
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Following his weekly audience at the Vatican Feb. 12, Pope Francis blessed this “Dowry Painting” of Our Lady of Walsingham, the Catholic national shrine dedicated to Mary in Norfolk, England. taken to Rome in mid-February for the blessing. Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, told Catholic News Service the pope’s
blessing was “a great encouragement to us all as we prepare for March 29 and our act of rededication.” In a subsequent pastoral letter, Cardinal Nichols said: “There is much for us to learn about being the Dowry of Mary and the love which is expressed in that title. It is rich in history, even if not contemporary in language. I hope we can use these coming weeks to deepen our knowledge of this ancient and lovely devotion. “Mary will always lead us to her Son,” he added. “She will take us to him so that he can show us his love and mercy.” The Marian icon depicts Our Lady of Walsingham dressed in AngloSaxon clothing and holding up the child Jesus.
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS
EMPLOYMENT Looking for a job? - The Mission Project - Personal Care Assistants LLC is seeking qualified caregivers to support participants in accomplishing necessary activities of daily living, such as meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, apartment care, laundry and organizational tasks as indicated on individual skill plans. Wages start at $15/hour for qualified candidates. Requirements: high school diploma and valid Kansas or Missouri driver’s license and reliable transportation. Preferred: experience working with adults with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities; experience providing life skills in community-based settings; education or training related to individuals with special needs. To apply, contact Robin Silverman at: robinsilverm@gmail. com. Bus drivers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of preacademics and social-emotional development, children grow with us, build confidence, and a strong self-esteem. At Special Beginnings, we believe providing the right environment will give children the foundation to be successful in life. Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking a part-time bus driver (15-20 hrs/week; no weekend hours) of a 15-passenger bus to drive children to school and/or pick them up after school. Duties include: safely transport children to and/or from school following ALL safety & security procedures; safely transport children to and from field trips and other off-site activities; follow a planned route on a time schedule; help children get on and off the bus; ensure children stay in their seat at all times; follow traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations; carefully navigate roads and watch for ice, debris or slippery spots; report accidents immediately; maintain “clean” driving record during off hours. We require the following: driver must be at least 25 years old (due to insurance requirements) with a “clean” driving record for at least 2 years; pass a background check; must maintain and practice safe driving and have a “clean” driving record; have patience and understanding when working with children ages 5-12 years old; enjoy working in a child friendly environment. Benefits: competitive benefit package; excellent support and training from an experienced leadership/management team; pay: $11-15/hour depending on experience. Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org. Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Administrative assistant - Looking for something new? Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com. 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 faithbased 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. STREAM/project-based learning coach - Nativity Parish School is seeking a STREAM/project-based learning coach for the 2020-21 school year. Interested candidates should have advanced training in the incorporation of project-based learning and experience of successfully implementing PBL in their classrooms. Responsibilities include: collaborating with teachers and students to plan PBL activities; staff training; development of community resources; designing a PBL/STREAM Maker Space; and communication of the program through parent communication and a social media presence. Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to principal David Kearney at: david. kearney@kcnativity.org. by March 5.
Bookkeeper - Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth is seeking a bookkeeper. The ideal candidate should have a college degree and/or significant accounting experience. He/she must have a working knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications. He/she must be able to work independently and with other staff and volunteers. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Hours negotiable (23-40 hours per week). Benefits depend upon hours. For more information, contact Father David McEvoy, O.Carm., at: icsj@ sbcglobal.net. Teaching positions - St. John School in Lawrence is seeking teachers in first, second and third grades. Applicants should be innovative teachers that want to help our students grow in their faith, knowledge and service. We are looking for teachers that have an inclusive mindset and want to challenge all students. If interested, visit the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org to apply. Once your online application has been submitted, send your resume and cover letter to Chris Reffett at: reffett@saint-johns.net. Social worker - Advice and Aid is seeking a part-time social worker, 25 hours/week. Will determine client needs and match to social services. Evaluate services and programs to maintain resource list. The ideal candidate has master’s degree in social work, LMSW or LSCSW and two to five years’ experience. Organizing and prioritizing skills and objectivity; nonprofit or ministry experience; excellent communicator; bilingual a plus. Looking for a committed, pro-life Christian who can affirm our vision, mission and statement of faith. Send cover letter and resume to: deniser@adviceandaid.com by March 16. No phone calls. Director of formation in sacred music - Christ the King Church and School in Kansas City, Kansas, invites music educators to apply for the position of director of formation in sacred music. Educators who seek to shape students in both wisdom and virtue, and who share the belief that music and aesthetics play an integral part in the content of a Catholic education, should apply. Salary is commensurate with the qualifications of the applicant. The director is an integral member of the school faculty with professional knowledge of music in the celebration of the sacred liturgy of the modern Roman rite. This ministry aims to create fluency in the language of beauty for the children of Christ the King School by instructing them in the fundamentals of reading music and singing technique with a goal toward training them for sung prayer. As a secondary role, the director provides formation in the planning, execution and celebration of Sunday and feastday parish liturgies. Contact Father Nick Blaha at: nblaha@archkck.org for application details. Male services coordinator - Advice and Aid is seeking a part-time, 30 hours/week, male services coordinator. He will oversee male client services, meet with male clients, oversee male aspects of education programs and oversee volunteer male mentors. The ideal candidate has organizing and prioritizing skills; health, counseling experience; social services, nonprofit or ministry experience; is an excellent communicator; available for some Tuesday/Thursday evenings; bilingual a plus. We are looking for a committed, pro-life Christian who can affirm our vision, mission and statement of faith. Send cover letter and resume to: deniser@adviceandaid.com by March 16. No phone calls. Volunteer part-time bookkeeper - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park is seeking a volunteer part-time bookkeeper. Our nonprofit seeks a candidate to provide eight to 16 hours per week to assist with billing and general bookkeeping duties. This might also be a paid position for the right person. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org. CDL shuttle drivers and chauffeurs - Part-time and full-time positions available: days, evenings and weekends. Flexible schedules and full-time benefits. Great part-time job for retirees/students. Must be at least 25 years old with a clean driving record. Call Mike Goulding, Kansas City Transportation Group, (816) 512-2504. Chief operating officer - The St. Lawrence Center at KU seeks a chief operating officer (COO) to align the internal working and external relations of the center to its mission. The COO manages key staff and oversees the fundraising plan and budget. The ideal candidate has experience with fundraising, staff development, human resources and business operations. The COO must be personally inspiring and able to sell the church’s mission to all constituents, especially benefactors. Find a full job description and inquiries online at: kucatholic.org. Office manager - St. John School is seeking an office manager. Duties include: answering phone calls; relaying messages; and managing the front office. Duties also include the collection of money from fees and invoices, and will require knowledge in basic accounting. The position will also require the management of our online student information database as well as helping with completing several Kansas state reports. Must be familiar with Excel spreadsheet and Work Processor programs. A basic knowledge of first aid will be helpful for taking care of student needs. If interested, send resume and cover letter to Chris Reffett at: reffett@saint-johns.net. Special education teacher – Holy Spirit School in Overland Park is seeking a special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year. Experience with students with Down syndrome and/or American Sign Language would be a plus. If you are a KS-licensed educator with a love for all God’s children, contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org for more information.
Director of music - St Joseph Church in Shawnee is seeking a full-time director of music ministry. St. Joseph is a large suburban parish with a newly renovated church, a new Allen 3-manual organ and a Steinway piano. Responsibilities include: oversight of the musical aspect of all liturgical events at the parish, including five weekend Masses; solemnities and feasts; directing four choirs, two from the keyboard; scheduling all music ministers; and supervising four paid organists and a second choir director. Applicants should have a strong Roman Catholic faith; good knowledge of the liturgy; and a high degree of proficiency playing keyboard, conducting and developing voices. Send resume to: St Joseph Catholic Church, Attn: Vicky Cole, 5901 Flint St, Shawnee, KS 66203 or email to: vcole@stjoeshawnee.org. Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has a June 1 full-time opening for the director of administrative services. Qualified applicants will have successful management experience with an emphasis in human resources, financial and facilities management. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential. This position is responsible for managing the parish front office; managing all human resources responsibilities including the processing of payroll; managing all parish facilities/ grounds needs; coordinating the parish/school finances with the parish accountant; and supervising a staff of three. Strong communications skills are essential, along with a desire to work in a positive faith-oriented environment. Competency with Microsoft Office programs, internet use and email required. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocese benefits. Please submit cover letter and resume to: slemons@gsshawnee. org or to: frkent@gsshawnee.org by March 24. Educational technology teacher - Nativity Parish School is seeking an innovative educational technology teacher for the 2020-21 school year. An advanced degree in technology instruction is preferred. Responsibilities include: classroom instruction; collaboration with classroom teachers to support the curriculum; and staff professional development. Applicants should have classroom teaching experience; be knowledgeable of current educational technology trends; and be proficient in coding, web page design and implementation of a enhanced social media presence for our school. Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to principal David Kearney at: david.kearney@ kcnativity.org by March 5. Part-time accountant - The St. Lawrence Catholic Center at KU seeks a part-time accountant. The accountant inspires trust among staff, the board of directors and benefactors by accurately recording and communicating the financial transactions and position of the center. Find a full job description and inquiries online at: kucatholic.org. Teaching positions - Nativity Day School in Leawood is hiring full- and part-time preschool teachers for the 2020-21 school year. Must have experience working in primary education or preschool setting. Competitive pay, holidays, breaks and summers off. Please send resumes to Jami Huderski at: jami.huderski@kcnativity. org. Goundskeeping position - Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an individual for a full-time groundskeeping position, hours Monday through Saturday. Salary $30K. This position requires heavy lifting. Must be physically fit, experienced in operating construction equipment; being mechanically inclined would be a plus. Must be a fast learner and flexible on hours. Interested individuals should contact Chris Myers at (913) 461-2424 or send a resume to: cmyers@cathcemks.org.
HOME IMPROVEMENT STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. 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
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NELSON CREATIONS Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions. All interior and exterior work. Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned. Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. (913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture. Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint! Sheetrock and plaster repair Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176
CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caring companion - Certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of experience with stroke, Alzheimer and dementia patients. Can assist with personal care services as well as nonemergency medical transportation. Call (816) 986-7767 or (816) 786-1093. 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.
SERVICES Tree trimming/landscaping Free estimates licensed/insured/references (913) 620-6063 Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230. Doll dresses - First Communion dresses for American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace for $35. Call (913) 345-9498 or send an email to: wwelch4@kc.rr.com to order. The dress is on display at Trinity House, 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS. 8 to Your Ideal Weight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
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.
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.
Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118.
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.
The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. >> Continued on page 15
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CALENDAR MARCH MADNESS Holy Name School 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas March 7 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Join the Holy Name Divas and celebrate March Madness. There will be chili, soup and dessert created for you. There will also be a dinner of hot dogs, chips and drinks with tastings of the great food. Tickets range from $10 - $25. There will also be music from Stranded in the City.
The archdiocesan office of stewardship and development will present a short seminar on ways to provide and protect your family, what are visible and invisible legacies, and how to share your legacy with your family, There is no need to RSVP.
A WALK THROUGH HOLY WEEK Holy Angels Parish 15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor March 11 following 5:30 p.m. Mass and 6 7 p.m. confessions
Father Dan Morris will take us through Holy Week as Jesus would have experienced it. Using pictures and Scripture, Father Morris will discuss the customs of the times, the Temple and the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New.
TACO DINNER AND SALAMI BINGO Holy Family Parish (Mejak Hall) 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas March 14 at 5:30 p.m. ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. John the Baptist Parish 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 8 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.
We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www. rosaryrallieskc.org.
LENTEN RETREAT FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN: ‘TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 8 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Altar Society of Holy Family Parish will host its annual taco supper and salami bingo. Dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. A $15 donation includes one bingo card, one taco dinner and all the cold beverages you can drink until the games end. For tickets, call Sandy Cannon at (913) 396-1564 or Cathy Schneider at (913) 371-1561. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted.
MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood March 13 at 8 a.m.
There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “From Winter into Spring.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
Come meet with family and friends for fun and food. There will be a corned beef and cabbage dinner. The cost for a ticket is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids 4 - 11; and free for kids 4 and under for a hot dog meal. There will also be a Pot O’ Gold cash raffle, a silent raffle and activities for children.
‘THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES AFTER DEATH BY SUICIDE’ St. Joseph Parish (center) 5901 Flint, Shawnee March 17 at 7 p.m.
Join other women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed. We can help each other ease the pain and get through this time in life. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail. com.
ALAN AMES - CATHOLIC EVANGELIST WITH GIFT OF HEALING Guardian Angels Parish 1310 Westport, Kansas City, Missouri March 16 at 6:30 p.m. St. John LaLande Parish 805 N.W. R.D. Mize Rd., Blue Springs, Missouri March 17 at 7 p.m.
BREAKFAST Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia March 8 from 8 - 11 a.m.
ST. JOSEPH TABLE Holy Angels Parish 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor March 19 at 6:15 p.m.
RUNNIN’ WITH THE REVS BASKETBALL GAME St. James Academy 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa March 9 at 7 p.m.
This will be the first Runnin’ with the Revs basketball game of the season. Priests, monks and seminarians will be teamed with 8th-grade and high school youth from Catholic schools in a fast-paced, exciting game. Freewill donations will benefit seminarians. For more information, go online to: kckvocations.com.
‘LINGER OVER COFFEE’ DURING LENT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 10, 24 and 31 from 9:30 - 11 a.m.
During sessions on “Praying All Ways,” presenters will discuss ways to achieve a deeper and more reflective awareness of God’s presence. This can occur through praying with music, images, poetry, nature, the imagination, walking and more. All are welcome for one or more sessions and for Mass in Ross Chapel following the discussion. There is no fee, but a freewill offering can be made. There is no need to preregister. For more information, call (913) 758-6552 or send an email to: retreats@scls.org.
CATHOLIC PLANNED GIVING Church of the Holy Cross 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park March 11 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
There will be a dinner of corned beef and cabbage, homemade pies and more. The suggested donation is $10 per person. Traditional Irish music will be provided by Beyond the Heather. There will also be great raffle prizes.
FEAST DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish VFW Hall 324 S. East St., Scranton March 15 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The cost for a dinner of ham or turkey and all the trimmings, plus pie and a beverage, is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5 - 12; and free for kids 5 and under. Raffle items are available. Questions? Call Lori at (785) 640-7262.
MEMORIAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST Christ the King Parish 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas March 15 from 8 - 11 a.m.
Knights of Columbus Council 3768 will host a memorial pancake breakfast in honor of Bob Nill and all his years of service as a crossing guard for the school children. Proceeds go to benefit the Nill family.
ROAST BEEF DINNER AND BAZAAR Immaculate Conception Parish-St. Joseph Parish (Miege Hall) 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth March 15 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The day will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. followed by a light meal and speaker in the Quigley Center. The cost to attend is $15. Sister Maureen Hall of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth will be the speaker. The theme of the day will be: “Tipping the scales in the favor of love . . . as we walk the Lenten journey.”
WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka March 17 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The day begins with Mass with the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. The retreat time will focus on how we can be instruments of transformation in our hurting world. Lunch is included. The cost is a freewill offering. You may register online at: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Williamsburg March 15 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA’S WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION Holy Trinity Parish 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa March 21 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This group will meet for spiritual support and discussion. Please RSVP to: tracunas@arch kck.org or call (913) 647-3054. It is not necessary to give your name.
Each evening will begin with Mass followed by Alan Ames speaking. Then, each person will have the opportunity to receive prayer ministry. Ames has traveled extensively over the last 24 years giving witness to his conversion from a man of sin to one who is very close to God and the Catholic Church. Testimonies are listed on his website at: www.alanames.org.
The Knights of Columbus will be serving breakfast. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.
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Holy Angels will host a delicious Italian dinner. There will also be a silent auction and a bake sale.
ST. JOSEPH TABLE Guardian Angels Parish 1310 Westport Rd., Kansas City, Missouri March 19 from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Guardian Angels congregation invites everyone to view its St. Joseph Table and have a pasta dinner. The cost is a freewill offering.
RUMMAGE SALE Sacred Heart Parish 408 Cedar, Ottawa March 19 from 8:30 am. - 6 p.m. March 20 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (half price) March 21 from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (two bags for $2)
There will be clothing, appliances, household goods, outdoor items, electronics and much more. Proceeds benefit programs within the church, school and community.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IRISH SUPPER Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner March 21 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner after the Saturday 4:30 p.m. Mass. There will be corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, rolls and desserts. The cost for dinner is $10 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA St. Matthew Parish 1000 S.E. 28th St., Topeka March 22 at 7:30 a.m.
There will be a Corporate Communion Mass followed by an open meeting. If anyone knows of a member or family members of Daughters of Isabella in need of prayers, call Bobbie Graff-Hendrixson at (785) 271-0145. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.
ST. THÉRÈSE AND THE SHROUD OF TURIN Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton March 27 - 29
The retreat begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Join us as we meditate on the Holy Face with St. Thérèse and enter more deeply into the passion of Christ by learning what scientists have discovered about the Shroud of Turin. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple or $100 for single guest rooms. Meals are included. To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace. com or call (913) 773-8255.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE Johnson County area Twice monthly
This will be a safe, supportive environment to talk about the impact to your lives, to know you are not alone, and to promote healing. To protect the privacy of potential participants, contact Linda Slater-Trimble for information on days, times and location of meetings by email at: lslater-trimble@archkck.org; or by phone at (913) 298-9244. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st. St., Overland Park Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Come join this group who prays this devotion weekly. Prayer includes the Mother of Perpetual Help novena and Benediction. For more information, call Martin at (913) 213-8810.
CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905
Any condition in the metro area Leave anything behind. We will even help you with your move
Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY SECOND WEEK OF LENT March 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 12: 1-4a Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22 2 Tm 1: 8b-10 Mt 17: 1-9 March 9 Frances of Rome, religious Dn 9: 4b-10 Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13 Lk 6: 36-38 March 10 Tuesday Is 1: 10, 16-20 Ps 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23 Mt 23: 1-12 March 11 Wednesday Jer 18: 18-20 Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16 Mt 20: 17-28 March 12 Thursday Jer 17: 5-10 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 16: 19-31 March 13 Friday Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Ps 105: 16-21 Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46 March 14 Saturday Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20 Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12 Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32
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I couldn’t even voice my objections to God
his past weekend, my parishioners got a rare treat at the Masses. Pat Buttram put in a surprise appearance. In case the name doesn’t ring an immediate bell, Buttram played Mr. Haney on the old TV comedy “Green Acres.” His visit was even more remarkable since he died back in 1994. Actually, Buttram — or at least his signature singsongy voice — was being channeled through me as I battled a bout of laryngitis. That didn’t stop me from celebrating Masses, but it was truly a struggle. It bothers me a lot to lose my voice. And when that happens on a weekend, it’s a huge embarrassment to me. I tried to make light of it by saying at the beginning of Mass that this was my “pony” voice; that is, I was a little “hoarse.” But my embarrassment was nothing compared to how hard it was for people in the congregation to listen to my croaking out the words. The one positive for parishioners was that I had an extremely short homily! My laryngitis highlighted, though, how tough it is for me to not
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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.
be in control. And that’s a great lesson to be aware of as we journey through Lent. Each of our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving invites us to surrender something. With more prayer, we lose control of discretionary time. In fasting, we give up some of our favorite foods or activities. And in almsgiving, we funnel resources that we would have used for ourselves over to someone else. Lent reminds me of how glibly I often take the words of the Our Father. How many times have I prayed “thy king-
dom come, thy will be done,” but still clung to the idea of “my kingdom come, my will be done”? Maybe part of it is being an only child, but I’ve always found it hard to ask for help from others. Why? Because that means I’ve surrendered control to someone else; I’ve said that I couldn’t handle things on my own. But our Christian faith directs us to put our lives into the hands of a God who loves us. Back in 2005, Catherine Donaldson-Evans shared this story on “The Good News of 2005” on FoxNews.com: Letting go of their children and watching them make their own way in the world is tough for any parent. For Tracinda Foxe, however, letting go came much too early in her baby’s life. In December 2005,
Tracinda’s apartment building in the Bronx caught fire. With flames engulfing her thirdfloor bedroom, she was forced to contemplate the unthinkable. As smoke billowed around her, Tracinda leaned out the window with her baby. Then she let go of her child. The infant tumbled three stories down into the hands of Felix Vazquez, who performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the baby until paramedics arrived. Moments later, Tracinda was rescued from her apartment by firefighters and reunited with her child. Neither was seriously injured. Asked later about the painful decision to drop her baby from the window, she said, “I prayed that someone would catch him and save his life. I said, ‘God, please save my son.’ And He did.” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) Surrendering my voice to the Lord seems pretty minor compared with what Tracinda had to do. It’s also a mere inconvenience compared to what Liliane Lemani had to endure. The harrowing story of this refugee from the Congo
is found on pages 8 and 9 of this issue. What a deep faith this woman had as her life unraveled. First, enduring and witnessing the brutality of rebels in her own country, then fleeing to safety with her family with almost nothing, and then living in a refugee camp for 12 years! After finally being resettled in Kansas — half a world away in distance and practically on another planet in terms of culture — Liliane taught me what it means to say that “God had a purpose for my life.” Surrendering control to the Lord certainly doesn’t mean that we just sit back. Liliane learned how to sew, mastered three languages and was relentless in asking the camp authorities to move her family to a better life. Pressing forward confidently when we don’t see the full picture is what faith is all about. By the third Mass this past weekend, my voice was marginally better, and I grew more comfortable in playing the card the Lord had dealt me. And who knows? If they do a revival of “Green Acres” one day, I just might have a shot at playing Mr. Haney.
God calls us, too, to obedience
hen I invite parishioners to become involved in a ministry, they often ask me how much time it will take and what skills will it require of them. They want to know the specifics. They hesitate to commit themselves to a ministry that is open-ended. But in Sunday’s first reading, Gn 12:1-4a, God invites Abram to enter into a commitment noticeably lacking in details. God calls Abram “to a land that I will show you.” The vagueness of this call anticipates a similar call that God will make later on to Abram, who at that point will have his name changed
IN THE BEGINNING
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
to “Abraham.” Then, God orders him to sacrifice his son Isaac “on a height that I will point out to you” (Gn
POPE FRANCIS
22:2). I’m not going to tell you where. Just go where I tell you. In both of these instances, God is testing Abram’s faith, his willingness to trust in God. Similarly, God is challenging Abram to demonstrate that faith by his obedience to God. God is calling Abram to leave his comfort zone: “Go forth from
The most important members of the Catholic Church are not the ones who hold lofty titles and high positions but, rather, those who humbly serve others, Pope Francis said. “Who is the most important person in the church? The pope, the bishops, the monsignors, the cardinals, the pastors of the most beautiful parishes, the presidents of the lay associations?” the pope asked in his homily during morning Mass at the Domus Sanctae Marthae Feb. 25.
the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house.” God is inviting Abram to enter into a world of unknowns, a world where the specifics are unclear, the future uncertain. God speaks to Abram, but notice that Abram does not say anything back. Instead, he responds through action: “Abram went as the Lord directed him.” Besides issuing Abram a command, God also promises him blessings: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you.” Once again, aside from the mention of Abram’s posterity, the promise lacks many
specifics. This vagueness often marks a covenant. Compare the vows of marriage: “For better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health.” That covers a lot of ground. The call that God makes to Abram parallels the call that God makes to us. We similarly are invited to venture into the unknown. We also are invited to place our trust in God, to respond to that call by our obedience to God’s will. Our journey through life also can be a journey of faith. And it also will result in many rich blessings. Our journey through the 40 days of Lent helps us to understand that journey.
“No! The greatest one in the church is the one who becomes a servant for all, one who serves everyone, not the one who has the most titles,” he said. The pope reflected on the first reading from the Letter of James in which the apostle warns that “whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” A person, especially a Christian, who falls prey to worldliness and wants to be more important than others, lives a life “that always seeks to make compromises in order to climb higher, to dominate, to be greater,” he said.
— CNS
MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY
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Movie opens students’ eyes to domestic sex trafficking
o be a baptized and confirmed Catholic is to be on a mission from God. It is not just to someday go to heaven, but to bring heaven here today: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” However, it follows that if we are to bring heaven here, we must be fully prepared to contend with and combat the hell in our midst. We must have eyes opened to some terrible things that lurk in the shadows of our communities. Recently, the office for social justice shared an important documentary with Benedictine College
O
ne of the great blessings I receive as a permanent deacon is the honor and privilege of celebrating the baptism of a child. The first baptism I celebrated was that of our granddaughter Chloe. She was around 11 months of age and a bundle of joy. Very early in the rite is the instruction the celebrant offers to the parents: “You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so, you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught
DO UNTO OTHERS
BILL SCHOLL Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@ archkck.org.
students that models just how Christians are called to look at and contend with the
gates of hell in our own neighborhoods. The film is appropriately named “Blind Eyes Opened: The Truth about Sex Trafficking in America.” In the world today, there are more people living in slavery than in any time in human history. This slavery
— human trafficking — takes several forms: forced labor, debt bondage and sex trafficking. Many Americans today think trafficking is something that happens overseas, or if on U.S. soil, simply involves foreigners. While trafficking of foreign nationals does happen, the reality is that most sex-trafficked victims in the U.S. are American-born, and the tragic majority are children. A recent report by the American Bar Association notes: “Current estimates suggest up to 100,000 U.S. citizen children are trafficked in the Unites States each year.” “Blind Eyes Opened” examines this human crisis by interviews with
survivors, law enforcement and policy advocates. The survivor stories are both heartbreaking and horrific. We behold true evil when we hear what they endured as children and are terrorized by how any man could do such a thing. Pornography conditions some men to do the unthinkable and fuels the demand to sexually exploit girls and boys. “Blind Eyes Opened” brings light on this dark subject by showing the healing power of Christ’s love. All of the survivors share how, by grace and faith in Jesus, they were able to become whole, which is miraculous given the abuse they
There is no time to live unintentionally with kids FAMILY MATTERS
DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.
us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what
you are undertaking?” The emphasis on the last line is my doing. When I spoke those words, I suddenly found myself thinking about how fully my wife and I understood what we were “undertaking” with the baptism of each of our six children. Our children grow up
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ness of each child and lifts them up in the trying times of life. Another practice is to pray daily with each child, asking Mary for guidance in understanding God’s call or vocation for their life. A family rosary is prayed each week. The Angelus is prayed at noon each day. How did this family adopt all these actions? They were cradle Catholics but these “traditions” were not part of their home growing up. This is all the result of wanting more connection throughout the week to the Mass they celebrated on Sunday. They sought out books and blogs for ideas. These were gradually added, one at
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so quickly. There is no time to live unintentionally. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to a woman about steps she and her husband have taken to train their four children in the “practice” of the faith. They celebrate: • each child’s birthday, sharing the joys and gifts they bring to the family • each child’s baptism, displaying pictures, their “light of Christ” represented by their candle, and their baptismal garment representing putting on Christ • the name of their baptismal saint. Each of these key events emphasizes the goodness and special-
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had to overcome. Also, stories of Christian outreach to strip clubs, truck stops and shelters model what the church can do to attack these portals of hell by offering selfless love and prayer. In the Gospel, Jesus tells Peter that “the gates of hell” shall not prevail against the church. Help to open your own eyes to these gates by learning the signs of human trafficking online at: www.archkck.org/ htm. To arrange a screening of “Blind Eyes Opened” at your parish, send an email to: socialjustice@ archkck.org, or the prolife office at: dniesen@ archkck.org.
a time each Lent. Some ideas worked and were adopted. Others did not work and they moved on to other ideas. I share with you how life-giving this is for their family and the church. The day I spoke with the mother of these boys, I was beat and tired from the flu. Getting off the phone, I felt energized and inspired. How could Barbara and I share this with our adult children and our young grandchildren? We are all so busy. Yet, it is our duty and our honor to be the first and best formators of our children and grandchildren. This Lent, why not pick one practice (listed here or your own) and try it out?
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MARCH 6, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FEATURE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Catholics see Ash Wednesday as ‘spiritual cue’ to get into Lenten mindset
By Tim Swift Catholic News Service
B
ALTIMORE (CNS) — Having attended or worked for Catholic institutions all her life, Sydney West never stood out on Ash Wednesday — until now. Early Feb. 26, West left St. Ignatius Church in Baltimore with the signature smudge of the start of Lent and headed to nursing classes at Johns Hopkins University. “At the beginning of the day, I was a little apprehensive because I didn’t want to walk in somewhere and have this stuff on my head,” West told the Catholic Review, the news outlet of the Baltimore Archdiocese. “But for me, I thought it was more important to be able to have time for personal reflection and to have the marking on my head like I’ve done probably the entire 28 years of my life.” Although practiced by other Christian faiths, the tradition of having ashes imposed on the forehead is primarily associated with Catholics. Ash Wednesday may be the one day of the year where observant Catholics are most visible to the rest of the public. Several figures in the Bible used ashes symbolically and the Christian imposition of ashes, a practice in humility, dates to the early centuries of the church. Yet now more than ever, Ash Wednesday may seem at odds with our selfie-obsessed, social-media-wired world. The ashes, made from the burned palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday liturgies, represent mortality. Among the dictums the priest, deacon or layperson says as the ashes are applied include “Remember you are dust and to dust, you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Joshua Brown, an associate theology professor at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, said the mark of Ash Wednesday is a spiritual cue to help Catholics get into the mindset of Lent, a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus. Brown, a parishioner of St. John in Westminster, Maryland, said although the mark may make Catholics more visible on Ash Wednes-
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Ella Dhungel, a fourth-grader at Holy Trinity School in Paola, receives the ashes on Ash Wednesday of this year. Although practiced by other Christian faiths, the tradition of having ashes imposed on the forehead is primarily associated with Catholics. day, it’s a message meant to be transmitted inward rather than outward. Think “look inside,” not “look at me,” he said. “It’s a sign of mourning and grief. And of course, repentance may be part of it,” Brown said. “The ashes help us inform or symbolize the kind of internal processes that we ought to be doing to bring the body into a union with the soul.” “The ashes are not about the ostentation or the display aspect, but it’s about the spiritual practice itself that we have to be mindful of,” he added. Indeed, the Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday from Matthew instructs the faithful not to be overt in their almsgiving or prayer. “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them,” the Gospel passage reads. Every year, Garrett Koslin, a
nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, makes a point to attend Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in downtown Baltimore, where he joined the Catholic Church. Koslin, a 36-year-old parishioner of Church of the Immaculate Conception in Towson, Maryland, said he works in a very visible ward at Johns Hopkins Hospital and often gets questions about the ashes and Catholicism from patients and colleagues on Ash Wednesdays. “Wearing them is definitely a badge of faith,” Koslin said. “I get them every year because it’s a very reassuring feeling. It’s beginning on a journey. It makes me reflect on my life. Like, what can I give up from my life and change in my life to be a better person?” Susan Stewart, 59, and Susan Dunn, 63, attended Ash Wednesday
Mass at St. Ignatius Church before heading to a work conference. Stewart and Dunn mingled with fellow health care professionals of all faiths at the event, organized by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services — all while marked with the cross. “It makes me feel very proud to be making a statement that today is Ash Wednesday and we’re starting this journey for 40 days of prayer and almsgiving,” said Stewart, a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Pittsburgh. Dunn, a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Church in Denver, agreed that the symbolism of the day is important. “In the secular world, there’s not many reminders of a power called to something bigger, so for me Ash Wednesday does that. The challenge is how do you live beyond that today for the next 40 days?” she said.
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