03 12 21 Vol. 42 No. 30

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 30 | MARCH 12, 2021

AMID THE RUBBLE POPE FRANCIS PREACHES PEACE

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Q

ARAQOSH, Iraq (CNS) — Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death.

But visiting Mosul and Qaraqosh in northern Iraq March 7, he also urged the Christians to live up to their faith and honor the sacrifice of those who died by promoting peace and reconciliation.

Much of Mosul’s old city center remains in ruins or under reconstruction. And Pope Francis stood in Hosh al-Bieaa (known as Church Square in English), facing some of those ruins: the remains of the Syriac Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox and Chaldean Catholic churches all destroyed between 2014 and 2017.

His message was clear: “If God is the God of life — for so he is — then it is wrong for us to kill our brothers and sisters in his name.

“If God is the God of peace — for so he is — then it is wrong for us to wage war in his name.

“If God is the God of love — for so he is — then it is wrong for us to hate our brothers and sisters.”

In Mosul, 250 miles north of Baghdad, Pope Francis listened to the stories of Christians forced to flee, the fear many have to return and the encouragement of Muslim neighbors committed to making the city a thriving, multicultural metropolis again.

But he also heard choirs of children singing in welcome, women ululating to honor his arrival and the cheers of young people waving flags.

Father Raid Adel Kallo, pastor of Mosul’s Church of the Annunciation, told the pope that he and many of his people left the city in June 2014; at that point, he said, his parish had 500 families. “The majority have emigrated abroad,” but 70 families have returned. “The rest are afraid to come back.”

The 2003 invasion of Iraq by U.S. and coalition forces battered the city but the biggest, most horrifying blow came in early June 2014 when militants of the Islamic State group launched an offensive. They controlled the city for three years, terrorizing the population, executing hundreds and kidnapping, raping and selling women.

They blew up major landmarks, both Muslim and Christian. They destroyed libraries and museums and tens of thousands of lives.

Offering prayers “for all the victims of war and armed conflict,” Pope Francis said that Mosul is concrete proof of the “tragic consequences of war and hostility.”

“Today, however, we reaffirm our conviction that fraternity is more durable than fratricide, that hope is more powerful than hatred, that peace more powerful than war,” >> See “THE LAST” on page 11

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis joins in a memorial prayer for the victims of the war at Hosh al-Bieaa (known as Church Square in English) in Mosul, Iraq, March 7.

2

ARCHBISHOP

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Ten Commandments offer good review of conscience for confession

S

pring training is in full swing for major league baseball. This is the time of year when every baseball fan is hopeful for a great season for their favorite team. For the players, this is a time for them to get back in playing condition and even for the seasoned veterans to return to practicing the basic skills of the game.

The final half of Lent can be compared to a spiritual spring training. In a sense, Lent helps us get back to the basics of the spiritual life — an increase in the time we spend with God (prayer), freeing ourselves from being dependent on material things and comforts (fasting), and greater awareness of the needs of others and a greater generosity for assisting others (almsgiving).

The ultimate fundamental for the spiritual life is being aware of our need for God, especially our need for his mercy. The most important step we can take in renewing and deepening our faith life as Catholics is to receive the sacrament of reconciliation/penance.

Even though our priests have made extraordinary efforts during the pandemic to make this sacrament safely available, many Catholics have not been to confession for quite some time.

Jesus in his earthly ministry was constantly forgiving sins. In fact, this was one of the aspects of his ministry

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN that got Our Lord into trouble with Jewish authorities.

In John’s Gospel, on Easter night, when the apostles were most keenly aware of their own sinfulness by having abandoned Our Lord during his passion and crucifixion, Jesus empowered them to continue his ministry of mercy through all time. We know Our Lord desires to heal our hearts by his merciful love available to us through the sacrament of reconciliation.

For our part, we need to bring to this sacrament the virtues of faith, humility and honesty. We know Jesus will respond lovingly when we approach him in this way.

Our preparation for the sacrament is to make a good examination of conscience in order that we have a clear understanding of our sin and our need for God’s mercy. This is again a crucial fundamental of the Christian life, knowing we are

sinners in need of a Redeemer.

There are many excellent tools (examinations of conscience) that are readily available via the internet.

However, perhaps the most frequently used one we heard last Sunday in the first reading for Mass, the Ten Commandments.

The Ten Commandments were the heart of the Law given by God to the Israelites.

The devout Jew sees God’s law as a great blessing. They do not experience the law of God as something that is prohibitive but rather, protective from attitudes and behaviors that are harmful and destructive.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church actually provides an amazing reflection and explanation of the implications of the Ten Commandments beginning with paragraph 2084 through paragraph 2557. It comprises more than 100 pages in the catechism.

I encourage you to read this beautiful meditation on the breadth and depth of the commandments.

I will give you the “Reader’s Digest” version on the first three commandments that pertain to our relationship with God. The First Commandment: I am the Lord your God. . . . You shall have no other gods before me. In many ways, this is the most important of all the commandments. For a happy life, we need to have our priorities properly ordered. Thus, we must place our relationship with God first in our lives and build everything else upon that most fundamental relationship.

Important questions to ask ourselves are: What are the idols in my life? What is more important to me than my relationship with God? Are material things, or being respected or well thought of by others, or certain pleasures or activities, or certain human relationships more important to me than God? These are not bad things in themselves.

However, if any of them assume greater importance than our friendship with God, then they are disordered and will impede the happiness God desires for us.

The Second Commandment — You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain — requires reverence for God. For Jews, to pronounce God’s name revealed to Moses is an act of irreverence.

To use God’s name in a trivial manner is to

disrespect God. The flip side of taking the Lord’s name in vain is the realization that we owe God honor, praise, thanksgiving and adoration.

The Third Commandment — Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy — reminds us that we need to devote significant time to our relationship with God. It is not that God needs us to adore and worship him, but rather we need to spend time with God. For the Christian, the Sabbath day is Sunday, the day of the Resurrection. For the Catholics, Sunday should be the center of our week, and participating in the Eucharist should be the center of our Sunday.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I suspended the precept of the church regarding the obligation for every Catholic to participate each week in Sunday Mass. I did this to protect the health of parishioners and to prevent the spread of the virus in the community.

I plan to reinstate the Sunday obligation sometime after Easter.

Of course, those with serious health concerns are never bound to this obligation However, before the pandemic many Catholics — not for health concerns — were not faithfully observing this precept. We owe giving God time. Participating in the Eucharist, properly understood, should never be considered

an obligation, but the greatest possible privilege.

The Third Commandment also reminds us that, for our own emotional and psychological health, we need to rest and not to be working constantly. We need time to pray, to reflect on the word of God, to do other spiritual reading and to participate in the Eucharist.

However, another part of keeping the Lord’s day is rest from our usual work. This rest includes making a priority to spend time with family and friends, cultivating healthy and holy relationships through which we encourage each other in the pursuit of virtue.

In a subsequent column, I will reflect on commandments four through 10. Once we have given God the proper place in our lives, the remaining commandments guide us in our love and respect for others. Feel free to read ahead in the catechism as you prepare to go to confession.

Jennifer Fulwiler, a convert from atheism to Catholicism, observed after making her first confession: “I cannot believe this is free!”

When we receive the sacrament of reconciliation with humility and honesty, we will experience a peace that, in the words of the old Mastercard commercial, is priceless!

LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

3

Father Emil Kapaun’s remains found in Hawaii

By Therese Park Special to The Leaven

Finding Father Kapaun’s remains ‘was a joyful and exciting surprise’

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Recent news that Father Emil Kapaun’s remains were identified in Hawaii stunned all those who had heard of him, including veteran and Catholic communities worldwide, as well as the Vatican where Father Kapaun received the title “Servant of God” by Pope John Paul II in 1993. He served as the Catholic chaplain in the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during the Korean War (1950-1953). He died in POW Camp Five in North Korea on May 23, 1951. He was 35 years old.

It was previously believed that Father Kapaun had been buried in an unmarked grave by the Yalu River in North Korea, along with thousands of others deemed “unaccounted for.”

But according to the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency, who contacted Ray Kapaun (Father Kapaun’s nephew), his remains had been buried in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii for decades. Thanks to modern medical technology, Chaplain Kapaun’s dental records and DNA (provided by Ray’s father Eugene, the younger brother of Father Kapaun) matched those of his uncle’s remains.

Many Americans first heard of Father Kapaun when President Barack Obama awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 23, 2013, for the gallantry and bravery he showed to his comrades in combat, during what’s known as the Battle of Unsan (Nov. 1-2, 1950). Ray Kapaun received the award for his uncle at the White House.

The medal citation reads: “Chaplain Kapaun calmly walked through withering enemy fire in order to provide comfort and medical aid to his comrades and rescue [the] wounded from No-Man’s Land.”

In September 1953, 60 years before Ray Kapaun received the award for his uncle, Father Kapaun’s extraordinary courage and compassion for his comrades reverberated throughout the world as the result of a prisoner exchange in Panmunjom along the 38th Parallel after the war ended.

A Jewish man named Gerald Fink, who had never met Chaplain Kapaun, was so touched by what he heard about the late chaplain that he crossed the Bridge of No Return clutching a 4-foottall crucifix in his arms, which he himself had carved to honor and remember the chaplain. Today, this crucifix hangs on a wall at St. John Nepomucene Church in Pilsen, where Father Kapaun served as an altar boy, and later as a priest — three years as an associate pastor and a year as the pastor.

Local Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 181 honored Father Kapaun by dedicating one of the red granite panels in the memorial at Lowell and 119th St. in Overland Park to him. The memorial bears the names of 415 sons of Kansas who never returned from that war.

The unveiling of the panel took place on Veteran’s Day 2013. The guest speaker was Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Seminary College in

W

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY U.S. ARMY MEDIC RAYMOND SKEEHAN

Above, U.S. Army chaplain Father Emil Joseph Kapaun, who died May 23, 1951, in a North Korean prisoner of war camp, is pictured celebrating Mass from the hood of a jeep Oct. 7, 1950, in South Korea. A U.S. government forensic team announced March 4 it has identified the remains of Father Kapaun.

Right, Father Kapaun, who died serving prisoners of war during the Korean War, is pictured in an undated portrait. A native of Pilsen, he is a candidate for sainthood.

Conception, Missouri, where Father Kapaun studied for four years, preparing for the priesthood. Abbot Polan spoke eloquently about the “humble priest” who not only cared for his injured fellow Americans during the battle and in the North Korean POW camp, but also managed to show compassion to his captors.

Abbot Polan said that Father Kapaun spent seven long months at POW Camp Five near the Yalu River, where the conditions were so terrible that 1,700 American soldiers died in the first six months. Yet Father Kapaun “displayed perseverance through prayer and dedication to his fellow inmates” and conducted prayer services, all the while disobeying the prison’s rules.

He talked about the chaplain’s nightly visits to the shack where “his boys” were locked in, encouraging them and praying with them.

He volunteered for burial duties, Abbot Polan said, so he could remove the clothes from the deceased prisoners, wash them and give them to his fellow prisoners in need.

Two years later, in the summer of 2016, Father Kapaun was honored again in his home state, this time by

CNS PHOTO/ST. LOUIS REVIEW

recreating the “Jeep Mass” that Father Kapaun had celebrated 66 years earlier in Korea. On Aug. 1, 2016, Father Peter Jaramillo, then pastor of St. John the Baptist, Holy Family and St. MarySt. Anthony parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, who had served as an Army chaplain during the Iraq War, celebrated Mass on the hood of a jeep at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg during an archdiocesan summer youth camp.

Over 1,000 local residents were in attendance and reflected on the saintly priest’s services to mankind.

The news regarding Father Kapaun’s remains will again spread his message to the world: “Love your brothers as Jesus has loved us!”

Park, a retired cellist from the Kansas City Symphony, is Korean-American and has lived in the United States for 54 years. She has written extensively about the Korean War, and Father Kapaun in particular, and is a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ICHITA (CNS) — A U.S. government forensic team announced March 4 it has identified the remains of Father Emil Kapaun, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, who was an Army chaplain and died in a Chinese prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War. Father Kapaun, a native of Pilsen who is a candidate for sainthood, was a U.S. Army chaplain in World War II and the Korean War. “It was a joyful and exciting surprise for the Diocese of Wichita that Father Kapaun’s mortal remains were recovered after so many years and we continue to look forward to his process of canonization in the future,” said Wichita Bishop Carl A. Kemme.

The U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, known as the DPAA, made the announcement about the priest’s remains. The DPAA recently concluded Father Kapaun was among the unidentified soldiers buried in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Remains of many U.S. soldiers were moved from North Korean burial sites to Hawaii in the 1950s and the 1990s.

Details regarding the transport of the priest’s remains and his final resting place are now being planned by the family.

Father Kapaun was known for risking his life on the battlefield during the Korean War to minister to the troops on the front lines. He was taken a prisoner of war in November 1950, enduring a brutal captivity where he continued to serve and bolster the morale of fellow prisoners. Father Kapaun died in a prison camp on May 23, 1951.

In a 2013 White House ceremony, he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions on the battlefield. It is the United States’ highest military honor.

In 1993, Father Kapaun was named a “Servant of God,” signifying that his cause for sainthood could officially begin. A thorough investigation into his life was conducted by the Diocese of Wichita and the details presented to the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes in Rome, where his cause awaits review on the path to what the Wichita faithful hope will be his eventual beatification and canonization.

In general, two miracles through the intercession of the sainthood candidate must be verified; one miracle is needed for beatification and the second one for canonization.

The DPAA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense whose mission is to recover United States military personnel who are listed as prisoners of war, or missing in action from designated past conflicts, from countries around the world.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

4

LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALLED TO FOSTER

‘Living on the edge’ — and loving every minute of it

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

L

PHOTO COURTESY OF CECIL AND KAY WEHR

Cecil and Kay Wehr provided foster care for babies for more than three decades. Over that time, they fostered 46 babies “until their forever families were found.”

“ ACTUALLY, IT WAS A LOT OF FUN. GOING TO HOSPITALS AND PICKING UP NEWBORNS, WALKING OUT WITH THEM AND HAVING PEOPLE STARE AT YOU. CECIL WEHR FOSTER PARENT

pick her up,” said Kay. “At three o’clock that afternoon, our son was getting married in Lawrence.

“A few years later, our daughter was getting married in Florida. We got a baby on Monday and left for the wedding on Thursday, taking a newborn with us.”

Cecil took particular delight in the attention they got traveling with a newborn.

“People would ask, ‘Who’s the mother?’” he said. “And I would say, ‘She is.’

“We went to a lot of places and met a lot of really nice people.”

“We were probably the only couple who went to their 50th wedding anniversary with a car seat in the back of the car,” Cecil added.

The time the babies stayed with the couple varied between hours and weeks, rarely extending to a few months.

But no matter the time, the couple grew quickly to love them and relinquishing care was difficult.

“It was very hard,” said Kay. “But we went into this knowing we had raised seven children and we did not want to raise any more.

“You have to trust in the Lord that they’re going to wonderful homes and they’ll be loved and cared for.”

Many of the adoptive families have stayed in touch with the Wehrs through social media; they get cards with pictures every Christmas.

And they believe foster parenting is an important part of the pro-life movement.

“Any kind of support we can give to these moms, so they know there is

“

“

AWRENCE — Kay and Cecil Wehr, members of Corpus Christi Parish here, were sitting outside their house one day when a strange car pulled into the driveway.

“A woman came up to us and asked if we were Cecil and Kay Wehr,” recalled Kay. “And we said, ‘Yes.’ “She said, ‘Well, you had our little girl in foster care; now, she’s seven years old and she wants to give you a hug.’”

The Wehrs had, indeed, been foster parents for many years. But because they were licensed to foster infants, the little girl could not possibly have remembered them.

“But some of the parents tell them the story,” said Kay. “And tell them about us.

“So, she did come up and gave us a hug.”

The little girl was one of 46 babies the Wehrs took into their care for a short time — just long enough, as Kay puts it, “until their forever families were found.”

The Wehrs’ work with foster infants began when they moved to Lawrence in 1990. By that time, the youngest of their own seven children was in high school.

Catholic Charities reached out to them about the possibility of going through the process of being licensed to foster infants.

They didn’t have to think about the request for long, said Kay. God made sure of that.

“It was literally an awakening,” said Kay. “I was awakened in the middle of the night, honest.

“It was like the good Lord slapped me across the head and said, ‘You’ve got to do this!’”

Though he didn’t feel the slap, Cecil’s response to his wife’s calling was simple: “Whatever you want to do.”

For the next 20 years, the couple said they “lived on the edge” . . . and loved every minute of it.

“We never knew when that call was coming in,” said Kay. “I stayed prepared all the time. I had one closet stocked because we supplied everything.”

And how did she feel when she got a call to pick up an infant?

“I was on cloud nine,” said Kay. “We went to the hospital, picked them up and had them under our care while the mothers were trying to make a decision to parent or to place for adoption.”

“Actually, it was a lot of fun,” added Cecil. “Going to hospitals and picking up newborns, walking out with them and having people stare at you.”

The babies came from diverse backgrounds and situations.

“Every story was different,” said Cecil.

But once the baby was in the arms of this couple, the story was the same — the newborn became part of the family.

No plans were ever altered.

“They went everywhere with us,” said Kay. “You would not believe the places we took these babies.

“If we had a vacation planned, the babies went with us.”

The couple even got a call to pick up a baby the morning of their son’s wedding.

“We had to go on Saturday morning to

“ IT WAS LIKE THE GOOD LORD SLAPPED ME ACROSS THE HEAD AND SAID, ‘YOU’VE GOT TO DO THIS!’ KAY WEHR FOSTER PARENT

Find out more Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said, “To be truly pro-life, we also must make sure that every child has an environment where he or she can thrive.”

When children must be removed from their homes, foster families open their homes and hearts, helping vulnerable children heal, trust and hope again. Is your family being called to help children in need? Learn more online about families who foster at: archkcks.com/foster/foster-parenting.

an alternative to abortion,” said Kay. “Catholic Charities is there to help them.

“And Catholic Charities is totally nonjudgmental. They just listen and give help and support.

“And they give the mothers support after they [choose] adoption. They counsel them and help them through the separation process.”

The Wehrs have since retired from foster care, have downsized their home and are now spending time with their 13 grandchildren.

But they don’t regret a moment spent with their 46 foster infants.

“When you’re doing God’s work, isn’t it supposed to be a sacrifice?” asked Kay. “This was such a joy!”

LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

5

LITTLE MICHELANGELO

Topeka first grader uses art to profess his faith

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

T

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL

Leo Martinez, a first grade student at St. Matthew School in Topeka, used his recess time during the cold of February to draw the Stations of the Cross — from memory.

“

“

OPEKA — Many Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross for Lent. Leo Martinez, a first grade student at St. Matthew School here, has gone a step further.

He’s drawing the Stations of the Cross.

Someday, his drawings will hang in his bedroom with all his other drawings of Jesus, Mary, the saints — and Sonic the Hedgehog.

They’re pretty impressive drawings for a 7-year-old, especially considering they were drawn from memory.

“Leo is a very faith-filled child,” said his teacher, Samantha Pettit. “His faith is extremely important to him. He always shares stories and what he’s learned about his faith at home.”

In mid-February, when snow and arctic temperatures forced the school to hold recess inside, Leo chose to indulge his artistic passion.

“When I asked him what he was doing, he said he wanted to make all the Stations of the Cross so he could hang them in his room,” said Pettit. “I said that they were beautiful and asked where he learned about them. He said he learned them at home. He’s just mesmerized by them.”

Whenever Leo has an opportunity to draw, he usually chooses a religious theme: Christ on the cross, the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross and other biblical characters.

“He’s just amazing,” said Pettit. “He always adds creative details when we are free drawing. He really participates in our class discussions about our faith.

He says the Holy Spirit guides him. He drew a picture earlier of the crucifix with a dove and rays of light coming down.

He’s always thinking and looking for those opportunities to draw and share his pictures with others.”

Leo and his parents, Angel and Maria Martinez, are members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka. There, the Stations of the Cross are “just like pictures in a box,” said Leo. He said he learned about the Stations at church and from a little book his parents gave him.

The Stations of the Cross tell a story — a story that makes him feel kind of sad, he said. His favorite person depicted is Jesus, of course. And when he draws, his favorite tool is the pencil, because he can erase things he wants to change.

Theresa Lein, principal of St. Matthew School, has seen Leo’s Stations project and is very impressed.

“I was amazed at the amount of detail he has in each one,” said Lein. “When I visited with him, he said it makes him feel closer to Jesus.”

Lein told his parents about their son’s remarkable project. They, in turn, told Lein that he has similar pictures all

“HE’S JUST AMAZING. HE ALWAYS ADDS CREATIVE DETAILS WHEN WE ARE FREE DRAWING. HE REALLY PARTICIPATES IN OUR CLASS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT OUR FAITH. HE SAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES HIM. SAMANTHA PETTIT FIRST GRADE TEACHER AT ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL IN TOPEKA

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

SALES Advertising Account Manager

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

Sell ad space for Church bulletins.

Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits.

Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com

over the walls of his bedroom. And also drawings of Sonic and Xeno Goku from “Dragonball,” the video game and cartoon.

Maybe he’ll be another Michelangelo, another artist famous for putting pictures on a wall, or maybe . . .

“Sometimes, he says ‘Mass’ at home,” said Angel Martinez. “He’ll put things on a table, a glass and some cookies he calls the holy bread. He takes red juice from the refrigerator and says it’s wine.”

It’s much too early to say exactly where Leo’s art and faith will take him.

The plan for now is second grade next year and his first Communion.

His Stations of the Cross, meanwhile, will be laminated and have an honored place in the classroom until it’s time to take them home at the end of the year.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

NEED HELP SELLING A HOUSE?

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

Please call me. I’m local, I pay cash anytime. Leave items not needed.

I’ll even pay your closing cost.

MAKE IT EASY. Mark Edmondson 913-980-4905 www.Mark@BuyKCProperty.com Holy Trinity Parishioner

6

FAMILY LIFE

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Assignment Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointment made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann: Deacon Keith Geary, from leave of absence from active ministry to returning to diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, effective March 3.

Art and Aggie (Pfannenstiel) Chambers, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 13 with a small family gathering. The couple was married on March 13, 1971, at St. Joseph Church, Hays. Their children are: Jenee, Jared and Jamie. They also have seven grandchildren.

Is your presence important to your children?

However, I would suggest that the little, everyday parts of life are the most important times. These are usually relaxed times that make for real closegrew up in a large family of ness. nine children. My dad worked However, those everyday molong hours every day to give us ments usually get lost to the distraca comfortable life and a nice tions we face each day. What is your home. He would come home distraction? late each day. We did not spend much Studies tell us it is our time together. We weren’t phones and laptops. The really close.

TOOLS FOR average adult now spends When I competed in FAMILIES nearly three hours a day fospeech and debate tournaGrowing as cused on these items. Bishop ments in high school, I did Disciples of Robert Barron says these denot expect him to be presJesus vices can be addictive, and ent, as I knew how much those who design and sell time his job demanded. I these items count on this for their was OK with that, I thought, until one continued business. Ask yourself: day as I entered a room to compete • Do you jump to look each time in an awards round, I looked up and the tone announcing a new message there sat my dad. sounds?

Talk about pressure! Now, I really • Do you look at email, news, etc., wanted to perform well. Instead, I when you awake, during meals, while performed poorly. I never talked to in the room with family, before bed or my dad about that day, and he never during the night? (Keep a record — came to another tournament. Maybe you may be shocked.) he thought his presence was a dis• Do you see other family memtraction to me. bers following your behaviors?

Whether we realize it or not, our Start now: presence is important to our children.

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

I

• Have a family dinner each evening at a set time and encourage everyone to attend. (All media devices turned off.)

• Buy a book of corny jokes to share laughter.

• Pray at least a decade of the rosary every night.

• Hang out with your children as they watch their favorite show. If they are young, it might be “Duck Tales.”

If they are older, it may be watching a ball game.

• If your children are small, make bath time a time of fun, right down to cleaning between little toes. (Remember Our Lord washing the feet of his disciples?)

• Don’t send them to bed saying, “Be sure to say your prayers.” Pray with them, using your finger to trace the sign of the cross on their foreheads, and give them a hug and kiss.

Your time says they are important.

The fun and relaxed time allows them to share feelings, joys and struggles you would have missed. Your computer will never love you like your children do.

ACROSS 1 Coin 5 Bad (prefix) 8 Cooking oils 12 Exploiting 14 Gone by 15 Eagle’s nest 16 NT church leader 17 Reverend (abbr.)

18 Strike (KJV) 19 Droop 20 Question 22 Goddess 24 Tally 25 Holy city 27 Styles 29 __ ex machina 31 Biblical word for You idiot!

32 You are the __ of the earth 35 Burdened 37 Where a necklace goes 41 Spots 42 Rend 43 Empty space 44 Musical repeat 46 Mother of Ishmael COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

48 Does (KJV) 49 Sister of Rachel 51 Jerk 53 Jewish teacher 55 Hard to passthrough a needle?

58 Zilch 59 Globe 61 Constellation 62 Snip 64 Many times 66 Bullfight cheer 68 Not glossy 70 Wing shaped 71 Propel with oars 72 Inactive 73 Not there 74 Cain fled to this land 75 Oak DOWN 1 Fees 2 Muslim’s religion 3 Very tiny fly 4 Vane direction 5 A Gospel

Nancy (Glynn) and Elmer Rottinghaus, members of Queen of the H o l y Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g a n n i versary on March 13. The couple was married on March 13, 1971, at St. James Church in Kansas City, Missouri, by Msgr. Thomas Glynn. Their children are: Tom Rottinghaus, Jim Rottinghaus and Katie Duke. They also have 10 grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

6 Grow older 7 __ your neighbor 8 Female (abr.)

9 Get up 10 NT book 11 Appear 13 By the __ of God 15 Association (abbr.)

21 First king of Israel 23 Asian country 26 Central daylight time 28 Tribe of Israel 30 Wife of Abraham 31 Refund 32 Pouch 33 Hoopla 34 Hallucinogen 36 Excavate 38 Pride 39 House pet 40 Kilometers per hour 45 Loose gown Solution on page 13

MARCH 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Organizers tell religious educators: ‘Let us wait on you for once’ “ “THEY DON’T NEED PRO“

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

G

ARDNER — You might mistake them for the Energizer Bunny.

Directors of religious education and youth ministers in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas haven’t stopped running since COVID-19 began.

From creating online curricula to crafting socially distant activities, these men and women deserve a day to re-energize, said Pam Riordan, consultant for children’s catechesis for the archdiocese.

“They don’t need professional development. They’re [tired from] trying to figure out ways to engage people online,” said Riordan. “They need something to refresh, to renew [them].”

The “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will” Lenten retreat is meant to do just that.

The daylong retreat will take place on March 25 on the solemnity of the Annunciation.

Held at Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, it will include opportunities for eucharistic adoration, confession, Mass and talks.

Father Adam Wilczak, the parish’s pastor, will provide the sacraments and Steve Angrisano — singer, songwriter and storyteller — will be the keynote speaker.

The day is designed for DREs, youth ministers, catechists and anyone who works in ministry at parishes around the archdiocese.

The retreat will follow all COVID-19 guidelines, but those who are uncomfortable meeting in person or are unable to travel can participate from home on Zoom.

Riordan hopes it’s a stress-free day for all who attend.

FESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THEY’RE [TIRED FROM] TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WAYS TO ENGAGE PEOPLE ONLINE. THEY NEED SOMETHING TO REFRESH, TO RENEW [THEM].”

PAM RIORDAN CONSULTANT FOR CHILDREN’S CATECHESIS FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE

CNS FILE PHOTO

Steve Angrisano, singer, songwriter and storyteller, will be the keynote speaker at a daylong retreat for directors of religious education and parish ministers March 25 at Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner.

“They’re so used to planning and being so concerned with all of the details,” she said. “We just want them to come.

“Let us wait on you for once, and let us give back to you, because you have done so much this year.”

Parish ministers have faced ample challenges since last March.

Shelly Bole, director of faith formation at St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence, has overcome them as a brandnew employee serving in a brand-new role at the parish.

She started at the parish last August, and her responsibilities include overseeing any ministry related to evangelization and catechesis.

It’s been daunting with all the restrictions in place.

“Even at Mass, you can’t get a feel for the parish,” said Bole. “I have no sense of what the parish is like as a community.”

Bole is eager for a chance to meet others in her field who understand.

“I’m a single woman committed to working for the church,” she said. “I’m used to being alone. But that human contact — I’m starving [for it].”

Karla Melgar, DRE at St. Paul Parish in Olathe, is also enthusiastically awaiting the retreat.

From the moment she read the title on the retreat invitation, she was filled with inspiration.

“For me, it’s a way to reaffirm to God, to let him know that ‘Yes, here I am again and again, to come do whatever you want me to with my personal life [and] with the ministry,’” she said.

Melgar hopes to use the experience as a time to “pray for God to fill me with his love so that I’m able to keep going and share his love [with] others.”

Some of her biggest struggles this past year have been moving religious

education online and reaching families from a distance.

But she’s hopeful this year will bring brighter days, and the retreat has given her something to look forward to.

“God is going to provide many graces on the retreat, especially faith, [and] help us to trust in him and keep going in our ministry the best we can for our communities,” she said.

Riordan is gratified by the chance to provide a day of reflection and renewal for those who work hard to make parish life fruitful and vibrant.

“It’s really important that we take time to grow our own spirituality,” she said, “because we can’t give what we don’t have.

“As hard as it is to clear the calendar and be out of the office, the benefits of doing that far outweigh any of the hassles.”

If you are a DRE, youth minister or are involved in ministry at your parish and are interested in attending the retreat, register online at: archkck.org/ catechetical-leaders.

100 years young — and still counting her blessings

By Sister Marie Noel Bruch, SCL Special to The Leaven

L

EAVENWORTH — She had never used a computer or a cellphone in her life. Nevertheless, Sister Celine Kobe was able to celebrate her 100th birthday on Feb. 15 in grand style, thanks to modern technology.

Members of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth sang her “Happy Birthday” at the conclusion of Mass, which was offered in her honor and livestreamed to her room in Ross Hall, the long-term care facility at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse in Leavenworth.

Five of her nieces and two of her nephews, from various parts of the United States, extended their greetings via Zoom and wished her a great day.

“It was very special,” Sister Celine said, as she smiled from her room.

When Sister Celine, now a proud centenarian, counts her blessings, at the top of the list includes her 80 years as a Sister of Charity, her extended family and her Croatian heritage.

She was christened “Catherine” by her parents, and was originally from the Strawberry Hill area of Kansas City, Kansas. Sister Celine joined the Sisters of Charity on June 24, 1940, a few months before the grand opening of the motherhouse.

Catherine was born into a large family and possesses happy memories of childhood, which she spent playing

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY

Sister Marie Noel Bruch helps Sister Celine Kobe celebrate her 100th birthday on Feb. 15. Members of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth sang her “Happy Birthday” at the conclusion of Mass that day, which was offered in her honor and livestreamed to her room. with siblings and nearby cousins. Her father, Peter Kobe, died unexpectedly at age 49, leaving his wife Mary with several young children. Catherine, the oldest at age 10, did much of the child care for her three younger siblings while their mother worked to provide for them.

Catherine was always fascinated by the Catholic Sisters who lived next door and taught her at St. John the Bap-

tist Grade School. During playtimes, she sometimes donned a veil and pretended she was a nun. She was first introduced to the Sisters of Charity as a student at Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas — now Bishop Ward. She entered the SCL community soon after graduation.

As an SCL, she spent most of her first 30 years as an elementary school teacher in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois

and Montana. She spent five years at children’s homes in Montana and Colorado.

In 1976, she returned to the motherhouse and served in various secretarial roles for the rest of her ministry. She was known for her magnanimous hospitality, special greetings and copious files of inspirational sayings. She possessed beautiful penmanship and a lovely singing voice. (During COVID quarantining, she could often be heard singing aloud in her room).

In her retirement, Sister Celine loved to sit with a cup of coffee and share stories with friends or shop at Walmart. She was well-known for her devotion to friends and family, and faithfully visited the sick and needy.

In 2017, a few days before Christmas, she transitioned from her residence in the motherhouse to Ross Hall. While she misses roaming the halls and seeing Sisters, she remains spry and clear-minded, often recalling past days with special fondness. After all these years, she cherishes her religious habit as a symbol of her life and ministry.

On her birthday, the SCL community and her family presented her with many birthday cards, flowers, balloons and gifts. She even received a letter and blessing from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

With characteristic humility, however, Sister Celine still isn’t sure what to make of all of the fuss.

‘GO TO JOSEPH’ Pope Francis encourages Catholics to look to St. Joseph during this year dedicated to the saint

I

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

te ad Joseph.

Translated, the Latin phrase means, “Go to Joseph.”

Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to do just that — to go to St. Joseph during this Year of St. Joseph which began Dec. 8, 2020, the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the universal church. The year ends Dec. 8.

In announcing the year, Pope Francis released “Patria corde,” an apostolic letter in which he offers reflections about St. Joseph. He writes: “Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus, to whom he gave the name revealed by the angel: ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins’ (Mt 1:21). As we know, for ancient peoples, to give a name to a person or to a thing, as Adam did in the account in the Book of Genesis (cf. 2:19-20), was to establish a relationship.”

‘Mystery man’ For Melanie Savner, a member of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor, establishing a friendship with St. Joseph helped her not only grow in spirituality but to also find love again.

Late in 2006, Savner suddenly found herself alone when her husband of 25 years died.

The following year, her supervisor Father Brian Schieber, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, but then head of the archdiocesan vocation office, decided one of the seminarians needed a helping hand.

“One of our seminarians, now Father Oswaldo Sandoval, was trying to get through the immigration process to get a student visa to be able to enter seminary college,” Savner said.

“Time was running out, and if he didn’t get it, he’d have to go back to El Salvador.”

Although chancery staff usually pray the Angelus at

noon, Father Schieber asked everyone to also pray to St. Joseph for assistance with the seminarian’s visa. Thirty days later, on the last day, the visa came through.

Fresh off that experience of St. Joseph’s intercession, Savner accepted an invitation that summer from Father Schieber to join a pilgrimage to the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal. The church is the largest in the world dedicated to St. Joseph.

During a Mass celebrated in the crypt by Father Schieber, Savner decided to “go to Joseph” for assistance.

“Basically, I was praying for help — for help with the rest of my life now that I was a widow and for help in finding a good man,” she said.

“Right before Communion, I started getting really teary,” Savner said. “In my mind, what I felt was the Holy Family saying to me, ‘You’re going to be all right. We’re going to take care of you.’”

Despite that assurance,

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK AND MELANIE SAVNER

Melanie and Mark Savner, members of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor, found each other through the intercession of St. Joseph. Melanie had lost her first husband of 25 years to cancer.

SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH IS MARCH 19 START YOUR 33-DAY CONSECRATION ON MARCH 30 AND END IT ON MAY 1, THE MEMORIAL OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER Savner admits her faith in St. Joseph wasn’t always unshakable.

“I thought it was going to be impossible to find somebody,” she said. “I worked at the chancery with priests and seminarians, and our parish had — well, if I saw a single man, he was older.”

Part of that, she now recognizes, was her desire to predetermine the outcome.

“I kind of wanted to dictate what sort of man [I wanted],” said Savner, “like give [St. Joseph] a profile of what I wanted. But then, I realized that is so wrong. I needed to just surrender and just let him be in charge.”

One Sunday morning, in November 2008, while scrambling to find a seat at Mass, she found herself in the middle of a pew.

“I noticed there was a man next to me by himself, and I was really impressed that he dressed nice — like he took the time to wear nice clothes to Mass — and he was singing and participating in everything. That just got my attention,” she said.

She didn’t give him much more thought, at first anyway.

The following Sunday, she found herself scrambling for a seat and ended up next to him again. After Mass, she introduced herself and exchanged pleasantries. While Savner was gone for the Thanksgiving holiday, her friend Denise struck up a conversation with him after Mass, helping to break the ice for the two.

The next time Savner was at Mass, the man, whom Savner often refers to as her “mystery man,” saved her a seat, and the two talked afterward over breakfast.

In April 2010, after nearly two years of dating, the couple married at Holy Angels Church.

While Savner said her husband Mark did not fit her profile, “he is the best match” for her.

She said she never should have doubted St. Joseph for a second — nor try to dictate to him what she thought was best for her life. She often recommends St. Joseph to those

looking for a spouse, sharing her story, and she hopes the Year of St. Joseph will lead others to “go to Joseph” and establish a friendship with him.

“As hard as I thought it would be to find somebody, God put somebody, with the help of St. Joseph, right next to me in church twice,” she said.

A father’s example Unlike Savner, Mike Easterday, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, said he didn’t experience any single dramatic moment with

St. Joseph, but just followed his father’s example of honoring the saint.

Years ago, he wrote a paper titled “St. Joseph: What I Learned,” a summary of his research into the saint. Eventually printed in booklet form, more than 600 copies have been distributed to others.

“I’m not a professor. I’m not a writer, but I started reading books about St. Joseph out of curiosity,” said Easterday. “I got into a discussion with a priest one time about some of the things I was reading.”

By the time Easterday’s research was finished, he had read more than 50 different

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Father Tim Haberkorn, pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, holds a photo of him and the late Msgr. Arthur Trompeter near the outside grotto of St. Joseph Church, Topeka. Father Haberkorn grew up in the parish in which he now serves as pastor and says the devotions he learned as a child continue to influence him to this day.

Making a Consecration to St. Joseph

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Gary Pratt, a member of Holy Family Parish in Eudora, said his devotion to St. Joseph has grown ever since he became both a husband and a father. Here, he lights a candle before one of the church’s St. Joseph statues.

sources, and his love for St. Joseph had grown. Reflecting upon the Year of St. Joseph, Easterday said he hopes others will “go to Joseph” and learn from him.

‘Never about him’ Learning from St. Joseph is important to Gary Pratt, a member of Holy Family Parish in Eudora.

Although he had a friendship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pratt admits a relationship with St. Joseph didn’t seem to make sense. Then, he got married. As husband and

father of seven kids, Pratt said he realized early on he needed a role model.

“St. Joseph was always an enigma because he’s got so few speaking parts,” he said. “I couldn’t figure out how I was going to relate to him. . . . St. Joseph seemed to be the perfect father but without a whole lot of explanation about that.”

Somewhere along the line, Pratt learned that St. Joseph is “not only a pillar of strength but also a pillar of meekness in a sense that meekness is controlled strength.” He also realized that St. Joseph never seeks the limelight.

“It’s never about him,” Pratt said.

And that’s instructive.

“Marriage and fatherhood involve a surrender to other people besides yourself,” Pratt said. “The opposite of that is selfishness. That’s where I focus on, asking for help to put others first.”

Recently, Pratt saw “Joseph of Nazareth,” a movie which he said really brought to life the struggles St. Joseph might have had in life. Despite the struggles, Pratt said St. Joseph trusted God in all aspects of his life, just as he is called to do in his own life.

This year, Pratt said, provides him and the entire church opportunities to “go to Joseph” by making a personal consecration to St. Joseph, praying a novena or simply by entrusting one’s daily work to the saint’s intercession.

“When you go to St. Joseph,” he concluded, “you are asking your dad to walk you to the feet of your savior.”

Model of virtue Father Tim Haberkorn,

who grew up in St. Joseph Church in Topeka, cannot recall a time when the saint was not part of his life. Assigned now as pastor of the merged Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish there, he recognizes that this is where his vocation story starts.

As a child, he gazed in awe at a statue of St. Joseph perched above the main altar. Now, during this year dedicated to one of the parish’s patrons, he encourages his parishioners to “go to Joseph” and grow in virtue.

“I think the virtues he can teach us are faith and trust in the Lord,” he said. “A very, very clear virtue of St. Joseph that all of us could use in our lives is the virtue of patience. . . . Think how patiently he waited for the Lord’s direction through an angel in his life, how patiently he dealt with all of that. I think that’s a virtue we can all seek in our own lives: patience not just with ourselves but patience with each other.”

Finally, at a time when marriage and family life are under attack, Father Haberkorn said St. Joseph provides

Father Don Calloway’s “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” is the first book of its kind to outline a 33-day preparation for making a consecration to St. Joseph.

This past summer, Bernie Hayes, a member of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, joined a group preparing for such a consecration. She encourages others to do the same, especially this year.

“I enjoyed the history and learning things about St. Joseph that I never knew before,” said Hayes.

The readings, which focus on the titles of St. Joseph as found in the Litany of St. Joseph such as “Terror of Demons,” “Mirror of Patience,” “Patron of the Dying,” “Model of Workmen” and “Joseph Most Chaste,” led her to invoke his assistance under one of those titles.

“He has become very dear to me,” said Hayes.

“He’s in my everyday life now whereas he wasn’t before. . . . I feel like I have a relationship with him now.”

For more information on making a consecration to St. Joseph, go to the website at: www.consecrationtost joseph.org. To purchase Father Calloway’s book, go online to: www.shopmercy. org or to retailers of religious books everywhere.

a role model for families.

“We need those role models of Joseph and Mary in our lives. What I always tell people . . . is that the Holy Family isn’t holy because everything in their life went perfectly. They’re holy because of their faith and trust in God and his divine providence.”

10

NATION

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Grad students lift spirits of the elderly one conversation at a time

By Denis Grasska Catholic News Service

S

AN DIEGO (CNS) — In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wendell Callahan became aware of two demographic groups with needs.

Counseling graduate students at the University of San Diego faced the challenge of completing their required hours of direct client contact amid a statewide lockdown. Callahan at the same time felt that elderly parishioners at St. Brigid Parish in San Diego would benefit from more regular check-ins.

Callahan is a professor and director of the counseling program in the Catholic university’s Department of Counseling and Marital and Family Therapy. He also has been a member of St. Brigid Parish for about 25 years.

To address both needs, Callahan started a program in which counseling students would make “wellness check” phone calls to some of the parish’s older parishioners as frequently as once a week. The names and contact information for those seniors were provided by St. Brigid’s ministry to the homebound.

For their first phone calls, the students were trained to ask about the seniors’ current situation and any needs they might have, remind them about the importance of wearing face masks and washing hands frequently, and provide information about streaming and televised Masses.

“Once that initial rapport was established, then it became more of a social call,” Callahan told The Southern Cross, newspaper of the Diocese of San Diego.

He noted that social isolation poses major health risks, especially for seniors.

“With the elderly,” he told the students, “that phone call might be as therapeutic as an hourlong counseling session, even if you’re just talking about the weather.”

Callahan said that during a typical call, the student and senior might discuss current events, recent experiences in their own lives, and whether the senior has been receiving adequate nutrition and making it to medical appointments. Callahan said it is not

CNS PHOTO/TEODORA DILLARD VIA THE SOUTHERN CROSS

Teodora Dillard, a graduate student in counseling at the University of San Diego, calls an elderly parishioner for a “wellness check” Feb. 11. unusual for seniors and students to pray together if the senior desires it.

Teodora Dillard, 25, is working toward a degree in school-based clinical counseling and will be graduating in May. She makes regular wellness checks to seven seniors and one parishioner in his 40s who is homebound because of disability.

“My primary goal is just to have a conversation,” said Dillard, who shared that one of her seniors kindly offered to help her prepare for job interviews for school counselor positions.

The wellness check program began

last April with a group of four students, who conducted regular calls until their graduation in August. A second group of four has been making the calls since September. With their internships no longer curtailed by lockdowns, the current cohort is involved strictly as volunteers and they are not earning credit hours.

Collectively, the students are reaching about 50 to 60 seniors, who range in age from the mid-80s to over 100, Callahan said. The frequency and timing of the wellness checks are based on the seniors’ preferences.

Callahan meets with the students via Zoom every other week. They go through the call list provided by the parish and the students report whether their seniors have expressed any needs. The more common requests have included groceries, yardwork and parish information. Callahan brings those needs to the attention of the homebound ministry, which sees that they are addressed.

Eileen Ward, 81, began receiving wellness checks not long after going through surgery in March 2020.

In terms of needs, she didn’t have any that required the students’ help.

She shopped for groceries on her own, having identified the times of day when the stores were least crowded.

She also was participating in parish life by watching online Masses. For Ward, the appeal of the program primarily has been the social aspect.

“Most seniors didn’t have a lot of need for more toilet paper,” said Ward, a St. Brigid parishioner since 1993, adding that the 20- to 40-minute phone calls from Dillard became something to look forward to each week.

Though Ward has two sons and five grandchildren, with whom she has kept in touch via Zoom, it has been nice to have “a contact once a week with somebody outside of your normal circle that creates a friendship, and a diversion, and a pause in the day’s continuity.”

In addition to reducing the seniors’ social isolation, the phone calls appear to benefit the students, Callahan said.

The seniors “have lived through pandemics before. They lived through World War II, and so it was sort of comforting for the students to hear their perspectives.”

Dillard agreed.

“I just really like talking to people who have more wisdom than I do, and who’ve had more life experience, and who are older and are going through different things than I am,” she said.

Though the wellness check program arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems unlikely to end with it.

“I don’t see an end in sight, to be honest,” Callahan said of the program.

“It’s up and running and it kind of runs itself. As long as we have seniors and as long as we have students interested, I think we’ll continue this.”

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

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

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

WORLD

MARCH 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

11

‘The last word belongs to God,’ said Pope Francis >> Continued from page 1 the pope said. “This conviction speaks with greater eloquence than the passing voices of hatred and violence, and it can never be silenced by the blood spilled by those who pervert the name of God to pursue paths of destruction.”

Dr. Rana Bazzoiee, a 37-year-old pediatric surgeon, who fled Mosul to Irbil in 2013, told reporters, “I don’t like to remember that moment.”

Before the Islamic State fighters came, “we were living here in Mosul all together — Christians, Muslims” — and “we couldn’t believe something like that would happen. I think nobody stayed here. All the Christians left.”

Explaining that her Muslim and Yazidi friends helped her in those dark days, Bazzoiee said she is not angry, and she hopes the pope’s visit will help the process of getting life back to normal.

“Why not?” she said. “We lived together for a long time in Mosul.”

After the prayer service and a private visit to the ruined churches, Pope Francis took a helicopter about 20 miles to Qaraqosh, a majority Christian city that also suffered devastation at the hands of the Islamic State group.

Less than half of the city’s inhabitants have returned since the militants were ousted in 2016.

Mounir Jibrahil, a 61-year-old math teacher, said he came back in 2016, but only finished rebuilding his house last year.

“Now, it’s safer here,” he said. “It’s great to see the pope; we never expected him to come to Qaraqosh. Maybe that will help to rebuild the country, finally bringing love and peace.”

The largest crowds of the pope’s March 5-8 visit to Iraq lined the streets in Qaraqosh. While security concerns meant leaving the popemobile in Rome and using an armored Mercedes-Benz in the town, the pope had the window down and the driver going slow enough that the police and security officers on foot did not even have to jog.

Bells pealed to welcome the pope to the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, desecrated during its use as a base by Islamic State fighters, who turned the courtyard into a shooting range.

While much of the city still needs to be rebuilt, Pope Francis said the presence of the jubilant crowds inside and outside the church “shows that terrorism and death never have the last word.”

“The last word belongs to God and to his Son, the conqueror of sin and death,” the pope said. “Even amid the ravages of terrorism and war, we can see, with the eyes of faith, the triumph of life over death.”

With Muslim and Yazidi guests joining Catholics in the church, Pope Francis told the people that “this is the time to restore not just buildings but also the bonds of community that unite communities and families, the young and the old together.”

And he thanked the international organizations, particularly the Catholic organizations, that are helping fund the reconstruction of homes, schools, churches and community halls in the city.

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Irbil, Iraq, March 7.

Papal trip to Iraq influences Muslims beyond Iraq’s borders, analyst says

By Dale Gavlak Catholic News Service

A

MMAN, Jordan (CNS) — Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Middle East’s most conflictriven nation gives hope and comfort to Iraqis of all faiths, and some would even say to Arabs beyond Iraq’s borders.

“The pope’s visit has been very well received by Muslims in the region. Did you see anyone on the news protesting against his visit? I myself am a Muslim, and we are very excited,” said Dania Koleilat Khatib, an analyst affiliated with the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut.

“I think it’s well-received by most people. There is no survey, so I can’t say how many people, but this is an impression I have,” she told the Catholic News Service by phone from Dubai.

Khatib referred to a tweet by Sheikh Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar University and a top authority in Sunni Islam, who wished Pope Francis well in Iraq. The sheikh welcomed Pope Francis’ “message of peace, solidarity and support to all Iraqi people” and expressed hope that “his trip achieves the desired outcome to continue on the path of human fraternity.”

Both religious leaders signed a document on human fraternity and interreligious dialogue during the pope’s visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in 2019.

Many Middle Eastern newspapers, such as the Saudi Arab News daily, and satellite TV stations ran live feeds of Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Iraq, where he has urged interreligious tolerance and fraternity and rejection of violence and terrorism.

Khatib also noted the significance of the pope’s meeting in Najaf with the reclusive and revered Shiite cleric,

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Children are seen near an image of Pope Francis during the pope’s visit with the community at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh, Iraq, March 7.

Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. He is followed by most of the world’s 200 million Shiites — a minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq — and is a national figure for Iraqis whose voice holds sway on the streets.

Al-Sistani issued a statement saying he “affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights.”

The Vatican said Pope Francis thanked al-Sistani for having “raised his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted” during some of the most violent times in Iraq’s recent history.

“We feel proud of what this visit represents, and we thank those who made it possible,” said Mohamed Ali Bahr al-Ulum, a senior Shiite cleric in Najaf.

Khatib said “al-Sistani represents coexistence with, acceptance of and respect for the ‘other.’ It is one step ahead of tolerance. The visit falls in line with al-Sistani’s line of thinking, which always seeks social cohesion and fights sectarianism, despite the

immense pressure he has been placed under.”

“Sistani also says that we all have to live together and be together. This is against the politicians who are polarizing the people,” she added.

“For example, in the midst of a bloody Sunni-Shiite conflict, a group of Shiites came to him and referred to Sunnis as their brothers; he corrected them by saying: ‘Don’t say Sunnis are our brothers, they are ourselves,’” the Lebanese Sunni Muslim analyst said of al-Sistani.

Khatib pointed to a poster featuring Pope Francis and al-Sistani with doves above their heads bearing the slogan: “We are part of you, and you are part of us.”

Iraqi Dominican priest Ameer Jaje, an expert on Shiite relations and an adviser to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, told CNS that “tensions exist between Shiites espousing al-Sistani’s school of thought, which opposes direct rule by clerics, the system in place in Iran, and those who are pro-Iranian and who want to impose that system in Iraq.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Associate superintendent for schools - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an associate superintendent for student services. This position is responsible for assisting schools in meeting the needs of students with special learning needs enrolled in Catholic schools within the archdiocese. This position provides onsite consultation with principals and teachers regarding students with special needs; provides on-site training for teachers; works with archdiocesan school counselors; and engages in the Student Improvement Teams. Additionally, the incumbent assists schools in accessing funds from federal title programs to support students with special needs. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. This position requires a master’s degree in special education with at least five years’ experience in special education. Please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs for application instructions. Submission deadline: March 22.

Director of sacred music - The Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, Iowa, is seeking a full-time director of sacred music. The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate the planning and execution of sacred music for liturgies of the Cathedral Parish, which also includes St. Boniface and St. Joseph churches. Essential functions include but are not limited to: plan music for Masses in English, Spanish, and in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, as well as lead most liturgies; schedule musicians for liturgies not led by the director of sacred music; direct, promote and oversee Cathedral choral program(s); serve as principal musicians at all episcopal liturgies; oversee the maintenance and upkeep of musical instruments; meet with couples planning weddings; meet with families planning funerals; work with Bishop Heelan High School to plan, and occasionally lead, school Masses. The applicant must possess excellent communication/organization skills. A master’s in sacred music/conducting, or organ performance is desirable. For a complete job description, please visit our website at: sccathedral.org/sacredmusic.

To apply, send a resume to Very Rev. David Esquiliano, Rector, at 1000 Douglas St., Sioux City, IA 51105; or email at: desquiliano@sccathedral.org.

Elementary school principal – Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership for the 2021-22 school year. Resurrection has approximately 260 students in grades preschool through 8th grade, served by 25 teachers. Resurrection families come from diverse socioeconomic, language and cultural backgrounds. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. In addition, applicants must have experience implementing and advancing school-wide STREAM and project-based learning initiatives and working with a diverse community of learners and families. (Dual language skills are a plus.) To learn more about Resurrection, visit: rcskck.org. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org.

Deadline for applications is March 26.

High school teachers - St. James Academy is seeking to fill several teacher openings for the 2021-22 school year.

Please visit the employment page on our website for details: sjakeepingfaith.org/about/careers/. Ideal candidates will be practicing Catholics with a passion for evangelization and discipleship who are licensed, experienced secondary teachers. Those interested should apply at the archdiocesan website and send a cover letter and resume to the St. James principal, Dr. Shane Rapp, at: srapp@sjakeepingfaith.org.

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

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

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Part-time client advocate - Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers is hiring a part-time client advocate for both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. This position meets Spanish-speaking clients and translates material from English to Spanish for publication. Works in cooperation with the entire client services team to assure that every client receives all appropriate services. Each candidate must be a committed Christian who maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and actively participates in a local, Bible-believing church. They must subscribe to and support the vision, mission and statement of faith of Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers and demonstrate a consistent life-affirming philosophy. Send resume and cover letter to: andreac@adviceandaid.com.

Teaching vacancies for 2021-22 - St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking qualified applicants to join our team! Due to expanding enrollment, we are seeking elementary teachers and a PE/religion teacher. To apply, go online to: www.archkck.org/catholicschools/ employment/teacher-application-page. You may send your resume and cover letter to: Tim Conrad, principal, at: tconrad@stpatrickkck.org. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, contact us at (913) 2998131. These positions are open until filled.

Positions available - St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, has several positions available: a fulltime, benefits-eligible position; a part-time custodian position, scheduled to work late afternoon and evenings; full-time teaching positions for the 2021-22 school year in social studies and in science; seasonal head coaching positions in volleyball and golf. A job description and application form can be found on our website at: www.stteresasacademy.org/jobs. For more information, email Patty Thompson, director of human resources, at: pthompson@stteresasacademy.org.

Help wanted - Do you enjoy tinkering and working with your hands? Then this is the job for you! We are a small, family-owned local company looking for someone who is handy with small equipment and enjoys traveling every now and then. We need team members with a positive attitude who are flexible, dependable, self-motivated, mechanically inclined, customer-service oriented and have great time management skills. Mostly on the job training. Electrical knowledge is a plus. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Accountant – St. Teresa’s Academy is seeking a full-time staff accountant. The accountant will be responsible for all aspects of accounting, including financial statements, payables, tuition billing/collection and budget monitoring.

The candidate must have a BA in accounting, at least two years of accounting experience and proficiency in Excel.

This individual will report to the director of finance. For more details and to apply, visit: stteresasacademy.org.

Evening facility coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a facilities assistant.

Hours may vary but will generally be Mon. – Fri. from 1 - 9:30 p.m. Responsibilities include monitoring building use; setup for events and meetings; janitorial duties; routine maintenance projects; and secure buildings at the end of the evening. This position is eligible for full benefits, and compensation will correspond with experience. Please submit resume to Denise Greene at: denise. greene@stmichaelcp.org.

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to e successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parent; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.

Middle school math teacher - Holy Spirit School is seeking a full-time middle school math teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a valid Kansas teaching certificate and be licensed to teach 6-12 math, including geometry. Candidates must have experience working in an elementary/middle school setting and value a team-oriented environment. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@hscatholic.org or (913) 492-2582.

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Caregiver, homemaker or CNA - Full-time/part-time PRN homemaker positions are available in Johnson County. Work from 4 - 40 hours per week. Weekdays only; no nights, weekends or holidays. Each assignment is usually 2 - 3 hours per client. Visit: www.catholic charitiesks.org/careers, scroll down to “View Job Openings,” then click on “Caregiver Homemaker or CNA” for more information and to apply.

Teacher/counselor openings - Bishop Miege High School has openings for a guidance counselor and English and math teachers for the 2021-22 school year.

Send a letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Associate director, catechesis and faith formation - The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph is seeking to fill a position for an associate director of catechesis and faith formation. This position provides catechetical and discipleship leader training and mentoring services that equip parishes to evangelize/form parishioners and increase ministerial leadership capacity. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including: medical, dental and vision plans; STD/LTD fully paid by the employer; retirement plans including a 403(b) plan; and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. Note: All diocesan employees are required to consent to a background check, and sign and acknowledge the ethics and integrity in ministry code of conduct prior to hire. Completion of Protection God’s Children training is required within 30 days of hire. Visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsjcatholic.org then scroll down and click on “Get Started,” then choose “Click here to view and apply for current opening and apply for current openings” for a complete job description and to apply.

Clinical therapist - LCPC treats trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD; EMDR-trained. Treats adult recovery from child abuse; anxiety reduction through emotion-regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness. Also treats couples with wounded attachments. Sliding scale. Call Donna Constantineau, LCTC, at (913) 602-1415.

Hospice aide - Full-time hospice aide positions available in the Kansas City and surrounding area. Competitive wages and benefits. Shifts to include: M - F daytime only; no weekends; or Tuesday - Saturday/Sunday - Thursday options available. No holidays. Candidates must be CNA or HHA. If no CNA, agency will assist in obtaining HHA certification. Visit: www.catholiccharitiesks.org/careers to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.

Director of activities and athletics - St. James Academy in Lenexa is pursuing a director of activities and athletics for the 2021-22 school year. We are seeking a faith-filled individual who will lead coaches and sponsors to enhance the mission of our school through competition and performance. St. James Academy was established in 2005 and is a co-ed school of 850 students. St. James Academy is a member of the Eastern Kansas League. Responsibilities will include preparing budgets and allocating spending on items such as coaches’ salaries, team budgets, equipment purchases and facility upkeep. Schedules, facility rentals, allotted use of fields, gym and weight room for teams and athletes are managed by this position. The director of activities and athletics will work through conflict resolution when needed and will be a liaison for parents and students to the school and coaches. The role includes adhering to policies established by KSHSAA and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Most importantly, we are seeking a team member that is willing to be a spiritual mentor to coaches, sponsors and students. The mission of St. James Academy is to create disciples for Jesus and pass on the Catholic faith to the next generation. We find that sports and activities are one of the best ways to accomplish our mission. Candidates must have a master’s degree and experience as an administrator and/or head coach or sponsor. Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Susie Ludwikoski at: sludwikoski@sjakeepingfaith. org. Applications are due March 1.

Groundskeeper - Rockhurst High School is seeking a groundskeeper to work in all phases of groundskeeping and maintenance, meeting the needs and objectives of both the maintenance department and Rockhurst High School. This position is an hourly year-round position, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch. There may be occasional evening, or weekend work. Responsibilities include: mowing, edging, trimming, weed control, fertilization and pruning; regular trash and debris pickup; maintenance activities as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and within the scope of the individual’s skill level; assist with all aspects of stadium and sports field care for the purpose of ensuring that the fields and facilities are safe and aesthetically pleasing; assist with the preparation of the grounds for the purpose of providing adequate, attractive and safe areas for assemblies, athletic events and other activities; monitor and maintain in safe condition all equipment, vehicles, tools and grounds equipment; report all incidents of damage or vandalism to the supervisor; perform snow removal services for the purpose of providing safe areas clear of snow and ice; report all unsafe and /or unhealthy conditions to the facilities supervisor; assist with other related duties as well as in other areas of maintenance as assigned by the supervisor; all other job duties as assigned. Must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and a valid driver’s license; the ability and suitability to work in a child-centered environment; ability to abide by safety procedures in order to maintain a safe working environment for students, visitors and employees; ability to meet the physical demands of the position, which includes significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching and climbing; ability to work under temperature extremes; ability to comply with the maintenance department’s health and safety guidelines.

To apply, send a resume to: rsmith@rockhursths.edu.

Career opportunity - Due to the growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are looking for professional men who are interested in helping fellow Catholics with their faith, family and finances. This is a full-time career opportunity that will allow you to be your own boss and a respected professional member of the community. If you or someone you know is self-motivated, good with time management and has a desire to succeed, this might be the opening you’ve been looking for. Benefits include unlimited professional income potential, flexibility, quality training program and incentive award trips such as Rome, Hawaii and Ireland. There are openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. If you want to serve your community, strengthen the church and change the world, call John Mahon at our regional office at (785) 408-8800 or toll free at (855) 356-4849.

SERVICES

FREE LIFE INSURANCE QUOTE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE - For your free, no obligation life insurance or final expense quote from a dozen highly rated carriers, visit: www.mcevoyins.com or call (913) 481-2896. Sean McEvoy, Donnelly College graduate, and Bill McEvoy, Ascension parishioner.

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

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 209-9234.

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathway prepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

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

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.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

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

Handyman - Furloughed railroader just trying to keep the bills paid for my little family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years before working for the railroad last year. I can do all carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. I can paint, sheetrock and love to do tile. Just about any project you have around your home, I can do. No project too big or too small. Just give me a call at (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com.

Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

MARCH 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Mary/St. Anthony Parish 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 14 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.

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

Join us for Christ the King’s first St. Joseph Table dinner. Because the day is a solemnity, canon law states that abstinence from meat is not obligatory. A Philly cheese steak dinner will be in the lower east lot outside the south doors. Mass will be held at 5 p.m. with dinner following at 5:30 p.m. Dinners can be preordered online at: ctkkcks.org (click on the “We Share” button).

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

This is a one-day guided retreat on the “Heart of St. Joseph,” to encounter the love of the Father’s heart as you reflect on the life of St. Joseph. There will be options for both in-person as well as live stream participation for men, women, young and old. There will be eucharistic adoration, confession, meditations

>> Continued from page 12

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.

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

Popcorn ceiling texture removal and add knockdown to your ceilings!

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Accepting major credit cards.

Call with questions.

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

SocialMEDIA

CALENDAR/CLASSIFIEDS by the Holy Family School of Faith, personal prayer time around the ranch, lunch and Mass.

Register online at: archkck.org/ranch.

BLOOD DRIVE St. Joseph Parish 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 22 from 1 - 7 p.m.

The Community Blood Center is calling on all healthy individuals to make a life-saving blood donation. If you wish to make a donation, appointments are needed. To make an appointment, contact Virginia Wiedel at (913) 268-3874 or send an email to: vwiedel63@ gmail.com.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION MASS WITH ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe March 24 at 7 p.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will give a special blessing for children in the womb and the expectant parents. All are welcome. The vigil Mass will be livestreamed on the Prince of Peace Facebook page, which can be found by searching for “Prince of Peace Catholic Church Olathe” or by going to the parish website at: www.popolathe.org and clicking on the Facebook icon.

‘MERTON & DAY: LENTEN WISDOM FOR CRISIS TIMES’ Via Zoom March 26 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

March 27 from 9:30 - 11 a.m.

In their many writings, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton seem to be speaking

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

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

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

We Buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

directly to the personal and social challenges we are facing today. We will delve into what they have to say about healing division and conflict, meeting social needs, seeking peace, the importance of prayer and taking time to pause. We will look at how we, too, can become “contemplatives in action” and work to heal a broken world. To register, Google “Sophia Spirituality Center,” click on “Retreats” and then on “Program Offerings.” From there, scroll down to “Merton & Day: Lenten Wisdom for Crisis Times” and go to the end of the description of the retreat to register.

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

The retreat will begin March 26 at 5:30 p.m. and end March 28 at 4:30 p.m. Prepare your hearts on this Palm Sunday for the end of the Lenten season and look toward the resurrection of the Lord through study and contemplation of the Shroud of Turin. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, Stations of the Cross, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The suggested donations are: $170/ single or $250/couples for the cabins and courtyard rooms; $100 for the single guest rooms. Meals are included. To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Via Zoom March 30 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

13 Project Chrysalis is a ministry offering hope through sacred Scripture and community to parents/grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. While this ministry is not a bereavement group, our mission is to offer support and hope through Scripture in a time of transformation. Our guests will be Bob and Kelly Specht talking about mental health awareness and what we can do to better understand the importance of good mental health. For more information and the Zoom link, contact Deacon Ken Billinger at (913) 634-4210 or send an email to: kbillinger@archkck.org. The group is open to parents or grandparents who have lost a child.

ST. PATRICK, KCK, VIRTUAL AUCTION Online April 5 - 10

Go online to register at: https://stpatrick kck.cbo.io beginning on April 5 at 9 a.m. All silent auction items will be open for bidding until April 10 at 9 p.m. If you have questions or want to learn about ways to help, send an email to: stpatrickauction@stpatrickkck.org.

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

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

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, lot 14A, space 4. $6500 includes plot, grave liner and transfer fee. Call Joan at (913) 634-3366.

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

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

Farm-fresh beef - Premium quality beef to fill your freezer. Quarters, halves and whole beef available. The cattle are born and raised on our family farm in N.E. Kansas.

Grass fed, and finished on a grain ration. Hormone free.

Locker dates in April, May and June. Grilling season is just around the corner, so don’t wait! Call or text David at (785) 294-1192, or email at: bohuerter@nvcs.com.

Member of St. Mary Church in St. Benedict.

CAREGIVING

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

FOR SALE

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

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)

Wanted to buy -Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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.

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.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

Crossword solution

for The Leaven

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/ theleavenkc

TWITTER

@theleavenkc

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE INSTAGRAM theleavenkc

8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF LENT March 14 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT 2 Chr 36: 14-16, 19-23 Ps 137: 1-6 Eph 2: 4-10 Jn 3: 14-21 March 15 Monday Is 65: 17-21 Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b Jn 4: 43-54 March 16 Tuesday Ez 47: 1-9, 12 Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Jn 5: 1-16 March 17 Patrick, bishop Is 49: 8-15 Ps 145: 8-9, 13c-14, 17-18 Jn 5: 17-30 March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church Ex 32: 7-14 Ps 106: 19-23 Jn 5: 31-47 March 19 JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 2 Sm 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29 Rom 4: 13, 16-18, 22 Mt 1: 16, 18-21,24a March 20 Saturday Jer 11: 18-20 Ps 7: 2-3, 9b-12 Jn 7: 40-53

O

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

A dream comes alive . . . at least for a bit

nce again, he walked the walk . . . admittedly, with a pronounced limp, due to sciatica. But what this 84-year-old accomplished this past week is close to miraculous.

Of course, I’m talking about Pope Francis and his historic visit to Iraq.

Check out the details on this week’s front page and page 11. One of the reasons for this trip was to restore hope to the beleaguered Iraqi Christians. It was like a modern-day version of this story: In September 1862, the Civil War tilted decisively in favor of the South. The morale of the Northern army dipped to its lowest point. Large numbers of Union troops were in full retreat in Virginia.

Northern leaders began to fear the worst, seeing no way to reverse the situation.

Only one person had the ability to work such a miracle: General George McClellan.

He’d trained the men for combat and they admired him. Although neither the War Department nor the rest of the Cabinet saw this

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.

connection, President Abraham Lincoln recognized McClellan’s leadership skills.

Ignoring the protests of his advisers, Lincoln reinstated McClellan in command. He told the general to give those soldiers something no other man on earth could give them: enthusiasm, strength and hope. McClelland accepted the command, mounted his horse and cantered down the dusty Virginia roads.

What happened next is hard to describe. The general met the retreating Union columns,

waved his cap in the air and shouted words of encouragement.

When the worn-out men saw their beloved teacher and leader, they took heart. They were moved with an unshakable feeling that now things could be different, things could be all right again.

Bruce Catton, the Civil War historian, described this excitement that grew when word spread that McClellan was back in command: “Down mile after mile of Virginia roads, the stumbling columns came alive.

Men threw their caps and knapsacks into the air and yelled until they could yell no more . . . because they saw this dapper little rider outlined against the purple starlight.

“And this, in a way, was the turning point of the war. . . . No one could ever quite explain how it happened. But whatever it was, it gave President Lincoln and the North what was needed. And history was forever changed because of it.” (Adapted from “A Leader’s Impact” in Father Brian Cavanaugh’s “More Sower’s Seeds: Second Planting.”)

Photos and printed words can’t describe the unbridled excitement the pope’s visit stirred, especially in the hearts of Iraqi Christians. Google “Pope Francis Iraq videos Vatican” to experience a flavor of this. In them, you’ll often hear a kind of cheer called ululation, defined as “a long, wavering, high-pitched vocal sound resembling a howl with a trilling quality.” The pope was met with dancing and waving flags from crowds gathered along the street. Amid a background of ruined churches and buildings, he brought a sense of renewed hope.

But another reason for the pope’s visit was to come as a “pilgrim

of peace” to all the people of Iraq. The respect shown to him by government officials and the Muslim population was touching. In so many of these encounters, Pope Francis is seen listening intently.

He has spoken often of the importance of a “culture of encounter,” most powerfully in his encyclical “Fratelli Tutti.”

Like St. Francis, who centuries earlier visited Sultan Malik-el-Kamil in Egypt and “did not wage a war of words aimed at imposing doctrines; he simply spread the love of God,” so, too, did this modern-day Francis.

Again walking the walk, Francis lived his encyclical’s words: “Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.”

Let the ululation resound!

We’ll find success walking only the roads God calls us to walk

A Cyril of Jerusalem c. 315-386 Cyril lived when the Arian heresy was roiling Christianity. Raised and educated in Jerusalem, he was ordained by St. Maximus and succeeded him as bishop of Jerusalem around 350. His episcopate lasted until his death, but he spent 16 years in exile, turned out by emperors influenced by the Arian bishop of Caesarea who claimed ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Jerusalem.

The Council of Antioch sent St. Gregory of Nyssa to investigate Cyril and his diocese. He reported that Jerusalem was rife with factionalism and Arianism, but that Cyril was orthodox. He is famous for his extant “Catechetical Instructions,” some of which consist almost entirely of carefully interwoven scriptural passages. Pope Leo XIII named him a doctor of the church in 1882.

characteristic that set the Israelites’ God apart from the gods of their neighbors was that he didn’t always support them when they went to war.

Ancient Near Eastern kings had prophets in their courts. Generally, when a king decided to take his army into the field against an enemy, he could depend on his prophets to deliver oracles of encouragement from the gods: “Go for it. We’re with you. Victory ahead!”

This was not always the case with Israel’s God, however. Sometimes, the king decided on war, and God sent a prophet to tell him, “Bad decision. Call it off.”

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Sunday’s first reading mentions Jeremiah, a prophet who delivered such a message.

He was among the

prophets the Second Book of Chronicles has in mind when it says, “Early and often did the Lord, the God of their fathers, send his messengers to them. . . . But they . . . despised his warnings, and scoffed at his prophets.”

Jeremiah told the kings and people that God would not support military resistance against the attacking Babylonians. The reason wasn’t that he no longer cared about them; quite the opposite.

They had strayed very far from his vision of a just society — there was luxury for the social elite; grinding poverty, even slavery, for the less fortunate — and until they remedied the breakdown in their relationships with each other, God was not going to be accompanying them on any military expeditions. So they found false prophets who proclaimed messages of victory and they suffered disastrous defeats.

Like the Israelites, we too have to discern our way forward in life. Where does God want us to invest our energies? What new courses of action is he calling us into? The options don’t involve

taking a nation to war; they may involve developing a career, building a business, taking on responsibilities.

On the roads God calls us to walk with him, we will find success — at least, success in his eyes, and the peace of fulfilling our purposes in life.

In discerning these roads, we might remember the Israelites.

Does the path we’re considering reflect God’s abiding concern for rightness of our relationships? “If you can dream it, you can do it” and “Go for your passion” are fine as far as they go. But no dream should be pursued at the cost of those God has entrusted to our care.

In interview, pope says he will remain in Rome until death VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said he believes he will die in Rome, either in office or retired, and will not be buried in his native Argentina.

In an interview published in the Argentine newspaper La Nación Feb. 27, the pope said that while he thinks about death, he is

not afraid of it.

“How do you imagine your death?” the pope was asked by Argentine journalist and doctor Nelson Castro. “As pope, either in office or emeritus. And in Rome. I will not return to Argentina,” he replied. The interview was an excerpt from Castro’s new book, titled “La

Salud de Los Papas” (“The Health of the Popes”), which details the health of the pontiffs from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Francis.

According to Castro, Pope Francis encouraged him to write the book and agreed to be interviewed.

The conversation took place in February 2019.

COLUMNISTS

MARCH 12, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

We can shrink social distance while still keeping physical distance

A

lot of us have felt blue and deflated.

There is a widespread hurt and detachment in our young people. Lots of trips and activities have been canceled or moved online.

Physical distancing has been necessary, but social distancing is devastating to us individually, as families and as church communities.

Camp Tekakwitha is running a full slate of camps this summer.

That would not normally be big news, but this year, it is exciting that the laughter of young people and songs of praise will fill the blue sky.

Our psychiatric and mental health workers are booked solid.

O

ur men in training for the diaconate study various church documents on the Mass, including the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (GIRM).

One thing some of them find surprising is the frequent mention of “silence” during the liturgy — whether it’s before the penitential act, after the readings or homily, or after receiving Our Lord in holy Communion.

Even before Mass begins, the church teaches that “it is a praiseworthy practice for silence to be observed in the church . . . so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting

SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART

DEACON DANA NEARMYER Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.

Marriages are under stress. All of us need to find ways to release stress, find focus and shrink the social distance between us, while staying safe.

Camp Tekakwitha

is a great way to release stress, find focus and shrink the social distance around, while staying safe.

Youth and families can hike, climb, canoe, bike, swim and try their hand at archery, while finding focus in vibrant prayer experiences.

At camp, social interaction is palpable and enduring. Camp will have many levels

of safety, but the experience of campers will be a vibrant experience of faith, fun and friends.

As individuals, families and parish communities we are called to find ways to safely shrink social distance. While we need to temporarily physically distance, we must work hard to find safe ways to build and strengthen relationships and reduce social distance.

The Eucharist is central to Catholic life because Jesus is central to Catholic life. The Eucharist invites each of us into the perfect communion of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In creating Adam, God said that it is not good to be alone. There

is a beautiful Greek word called “perichoresis” that is used to describe the dance or rotation that we are invited into through the Eucharist.

The heavenly community flows from the Trinity to Mary to Joseph and all the saints and angels. We pray in the Our Father the words “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Most parishes have worked very hard to offer Mass and the reception of the Eucharist in a variety of ways, so even the most vulnerable can safely receive the Eucharist and the sacraments.

Our next challenge is to work hard to find safe ways to build and strengthen relationships and reduce social distance in

parish life.

Frequently calling friends and loved ones can be great comfort.

Video calls can be healing in seeing faces and the growing grandchildren. Driveway gatherings for friends and Bible study groups can be great ways to safely gather in warmer weather.

Disciples throughout history have found ways to have community through plagues and pestilence. Our best efforts and thinking need to be aimed at inviting our community back to safe, vibrant liturgy and to safe, vibrant communal life that shrinks social distance, regardless of the amount of physical distance that is asked of us by public health officials.

Lent calls us to find God in the silence ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

manner” (GIRM, 45).

This emphasis on silence during Mass is also found in the documents of Vatican II (1962-65), which

taught that “at the proper times, all should observe a reverent silence.”

Perhaps ironically, the clarion call for silence during the liturgy has largely fallen on deaf ears. St. John Paul II noted toward the end of his pontificate that “one aspect that we must foster in our communities with greater

commitment is the experience of silence.”

We all know, deep down, that silence is pivotal — not only for liturgical prayer, but for all prayer — as a privileged place where we encounter God. In that regard, we might recall the prophet Elijah, who discovered God not in thunderous earthquakes and winds, but mysteriously in “a light silent sound” (1 Kgs 19:12). As Pope Benedict has stressed, such silence is eminently fruitful.

When someone has a truly important message for us, we instinctively turn down or even turn off our devices to focus on the messenger and his or her message. Most of the time, however, we

are lost in our noise and are only partially paying attention, if at all.

If we are honest, that is also how it is with our interior lives. The late theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar put it this way: “Although we pretend to long for [silence], we avoid it and start up a noise within ourselves.” We are often way too antsy to sit still and be silent with God. In Lent, we are called to the desert to engage within ourselves the battle for interior silence. For some of us, an apt penance just might be cutting down on the noise we allow into our lives through media and other diversions.

Even our Lenten liturgies have a greater emphasis on silence,

from the omission of the Gloria to the instruction that we use musical instruments only to support singing, perhaps in part to make us listen more intently for the “light silent sound.”

So, this Lent, are we bringing the noise of our culture with us to Mass, or are we going to bring the silence of life with God back out into the culture? That is the challenge. That is the battle.

Deacons conclude the Mass with the exhortation, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” May we glorify God through our greater commitment to fostering interior silence, so that God may truly fill us with his presence and his peace.

16

LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 12, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Use Lent as an opportunity to build healthy habits

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

Tips for a healthy Lent

R

OELAND PARK — With three weeks left in Lent, you might have already given up on your Lenten goals. But Annie Eller, a registered dietitian and member of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, said it’s not too late to get started on some new habits — habits you can continue to build on even after Easter has come and gone.

A dietitian at the outpatient clinic for the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, Eller regularly meets a variety of people, all of whom are trying to live healthier lifestyles.

Additionally, within her consulting business, she encounters clients who are trying to lose weight, reduce their dependence on prescriptions and/or learn how to shop for and cook healthy foods.

While any time is a good time to focus on improving your health, Eller said Lent provides a unique opportunity with its focus on almsgiving, prayer, fasting and abstinence from meat.

Growing up in Christ the King Parish in Topeka, Eller was accustomed to eating fried fish on Friday.

But Lenten abstinence from meat on Fridays, said Eller, provides an opportunity to incorporate more fruits, vegetables and legumes into your diet. And that can lead to a healthier lifestyle long after Lent ends.

“Lent gives us a chance to be creative with meal planning [since] we cannot have meat once a week,” said Eller, “but I’d encourage people to take it beyond Lent throughout

1. Prepare health-conscious meatless meals.

2. Eat more plants.

3. Be mindful of your eating habits.

4. Let your faith be a motivator.

5. Take care of yourself spiritually and mentally.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNIE ELLER

Annie Eller, a registered dietitian and member of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, offers some healthy eating tips that you can use this Lent. the rest of the year and commit to having a meatless meal once or twice a week.”

With a focus on fasting and the “giving up” of something, Eller said Lent offers Catholics a chance to take that one step further and reflect on all their food choices. While you might give up cookies for Lent, fresh fruit can serve as a healthy replacement for a sweet snack.

“Lent gives us a chance to take a big-picture look at our eating habits.

We can take that increased awareness with us throughout life and be mindful of eating foods that will support a healthy body versus being indulgent too often,” she said.

As a Catholic, Eller said she relies on her faith to keep her motivated. She encourages others to do the same. Sacred Scripture, she said, is

full of references to the body being a dwelling of the Holy Spirit. For example, in the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God and that you are not your own?”

Knowing the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Eller said, helps people set more meaningful goals.

“People tend to start a weight loss journey or try to change more for . . . surface goals — whether that’s fitting into specific clothing or seeing a specific number on the scale,” she said.

“But more deeply held motivators are more indicative of long-term success.

Faith, of course, is one of the more substantial motivators.”

Because Lent encourages people to focus on prayer, Eller said the

season can also help people focus more on mental and spiritual health.

Turning off the television and participating in activities like journaling, praying, reading the Bible more and attending Mass more frequently can impact both a person’s spiritual and mental health.

“It’s easy to get caught up in improving ourselves physically, whether that’s through food changes or increasing physical activity, which are both great and essential,” said Eller. “But we should not forget how important it is to pay attention to our mental health and well-being, and that can really play a role in our overall health as well.”

Additionally, Eller said, it’s important to realize living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be an “all-or-nothing approach” and Lent should be the springboard for — not the end of — any changes people make for their health.

“It cannot be emphasized enough,” she said, “how important it is to take care of our physical bodies in this life and let our faith be a guide in terms of why. These habits should be lifelong.”