03 15 19 Vol. 40 No. 30 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 40, NO. 30 | MARCH 15, 2019

NEW SUPER

Archdiocese names new superintendent of schools By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If you want to understand Vincent Cascone, you must know that he has three passions: his faith, his family and Catholic education. “Everything has been directed by those three things,” said Cascone, principal of Visitation School in Kansas City, Missouri. “They’ve led me to where I was teaching, as a principal and to pursue this opportunity with the archdiocese.” The opportunity is this: On July 1, Cascone will officially succeed Dr. Kathy O’Hara as superintendent of archdiocesan schools and division secretary of the archdiocese’s family and child formation division. O’Hara served as associate superintendent from 1998 to 2003, and as superintendent since 2003. She announced her impending retirement in October 2018. Succeeding a highly successful predecessor will be a challenge, but it’s something that he’s done before. When he was 27 years old, he succeedBorn and raised: Chicago ed a long-serving Age: 45 Sister at a high Married: Wife Mariza, a school where the school counselor at St. Pius principals had X School in Kansas City, Misalways been memsouri bers of a religious Children: Six, ranging in age order. from 12 to 20 Cascone wasn’t Parish: Visitation, Kansas looking for a new City, Missouri position when Education: Received a Cathhe learned of the olic education from grade opening at the school to college Archdiocese of Degrees: Kansas City in • Bachelor of arts in elemenKansas. But when tary education, DePaul Unia friend brought versity, 1995 it to his attention, • Master of education in educational leadership, DePaul, he realized it was 1999 something he was • Doctorate in education, St. at least open to. Louis University, 2012 Cascone got • Principal at Visitation to know O’Hara School, Kansas City, Missouwhile fulfilling inri, since 2005 ternship requireFun fact: In high school, was ments for his doca state championship-level torate. So, after wrestler some research and talking to O’Hara, he applied. He was interviewed by a search committee and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who ultimately chose him. “What I heard from people during the interview process is that it is very important to be supportive and collaborative with principals and pastors, not be someone who comes in and says, ‘No, this is how it needs to be done,’” said Cascone.

Meet Vincent M. Cascone

>> See “FAITH” on page 5

ONE MORE STEP

Three liturgies bring candidates, catechumens one step closer to communion. Page 3

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Vincent Cascone will succeed Dr. Kathy O’Hara as superintendent of archdiocesan schools and division secretary of the archdiocese’s family and child formation division on July 1.

FIGHTING PORN

Find out how to protect your children from the dangers of pornography. Page 5

FINDING HOME

St. Ignatius helps military families find a place to call home at Fort Leavenworth. Pages 8-9

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

Authentic happiness lies in embracing God’s will for us

he decision not to admit the child of a non-Catholic same-sex couple to St. Ann Catholic School in Prairie Village has unfortunately garnered quite a bit of local and some national media attention. Not surprisingly, the secular media has been very negative in their portrayal of the decision. Some St. Ann parishioners, as well as many more non-parishioners from both Missouri and Kansas, have signed a petition urging me to reconsider the decision. I believe most petitioners and many other critics of the decision are wellintentioned. They have a genuine concern for the child and the samesex couple. I share their concern for the welfare of both the child and the parents, but we disagree about the best way to treat them with both respect and compassion. I know this issue is troubling for many because it hits close to home. Most of us know someone in our family or among our friends who struggles with samesex attraction. We love them and desire what is best for them. It is very important to note that experiencing same-sex attraction is not sinful. In fact, some of the most virtuous people I know are individuals with same-sex attraction who choose to live a chaste life. One of the positive developments of contemporary culture has been to make it unacceptable to ridicule homosexuals. It is offensive to God to make cruel, demeaning remarks about those made in his image, about those for whom Jesus gave his life on Calvary. At the heart of our Catholic faith is respect for the dignity of every human person who is created in the divine image and is of such worth in the eyes of God that Jesus gave his life on Calvary. In the very first chapter of the Bible, we read: “God created man in his image, in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them.” Human beings are the masterpiece of God’s creation. Amongst all creation, God gave human beings the freedom to choose to do his will or not. The primary purpose of our parochial schools is to help Catholic parents form their children in the faith. We assist parents to help their children to discover their God-given dignity. Our schools attempt to help students not just know

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN about God, but actually to encounter God and experience his unique, personal love for them. We try to assist parents in their efforts to help their children become disciples and friends of Jesus. If we do this part of the mission well, then our students will be motivated to do their very best — not for human honor and praise, but to glorify God who has given them life and entrusted them with their talents and gifts. An important part of this spiritual formation is helping our students develop the virtues necessary to live a moral life. Part of this virtue formation includes cultivating chastity, helping our students understand the meaning and purpose of their sexuality. Our students are also taught the nature of marriage as a call to heroic, faithful, fruitful and forever love which serves as the foundation of the family. In the third chapter of Genesis, we find words that are echoed in the marriage ritual: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh.” Earlier in Genesis, God had given the command to the first human beings to be fertile and multiply, filling the earth and subduing it. Thus, in the very beginning of the Bible, we find the foundational principles for Christian marriage: 1) between one man and one woman; 2) permanent, never to be divided; and 3) fruitful — open to being co-creators with God of new human life. When Jesus in the Gospel is asked a question about the permissibility of divorce, he cites Genesis to describe God’s intention for marriage. While the Bible helps Christians understand the purpose of our sexuality and marriage, these same truths are available to us through reason. Without the benefit of biblical revelation, non-Christian societies

and cultures have understood marriage to be a permanent commitment between a man and a woman for their benefit and the benefit of the children born from their union. The very design of our bodies reveals their purpose and the meaning of sexual intimacy — the one flesh union of a man and a woman. This most profound physical expression of human love by its nature is intended to create a permanent and lasting bond between the man and the woman. This unique and permanent bond of husband and wife creates the ideal environment for the birth of a child. Children benefit from witnessing the love of their father for their mother and vice versa. Similarly, children benefit from receiving the unique love from both their father and mother. Does this mean that children who grow up in single-parent homes or homes in which they are not raised by one or both of their biological parents are doomed to failure and unhappiness? I hope not, because I was raised in a single-parent family. However, do these children face additional challenges? Absolutely. These children need additional love and support. Catholic schools strive to provide assistance in many instances when parents in less than ideal circumstances are striving to raise healthy and holy children. Children learn from excellent classroom instruction, reading the best literature and the wealth of information provided through modern technology. However, the most powerful influence upon a child’s moral formation is the witness and the examples of the significant adults in their lives. Parents are the first teachers of their children, especially as regards faith and virtue. Our schools enter into a partnership with parents. We require our parents to commit to the best of their ability to model in their home life the moral formation their children

receive in our Catholic schools. There are many ways in which we can rebel against the design of our human bodies. Sexual sins include adultery, fornication, masturbation, pornography, homosexual acts, promiscuity in all its forms, etc. Whenever we rebel against God’s plan and design, there are always serious and inevitable negative consequences resulting from our choices. With our fractured human nature, these sins have always existed. However, what is different in our post-sexual revolution society is that virtues such as purity, modesty and chastity are subject to ridicule by the secular culture. At the same time, there is strong cultural support to choose to deny such a fundamental reality as the nature of marriage. Our cultural morals are no longer based on reason and understanding the innate purpose of an institution as fundamental as marriage; rather, marriage is now whatever we want it to be, declare it to be. Some have posed the question: Why not admit a child of a same-sex couple, when there are other school parents not living in a manner consistent with Catholic moral teaching? I am not sure how those posing the question know the intimate details of other parents’ lives or how they propose the church should acquire such knowledge. However, let us consider the case of a heterosexual couple where one of the spouses has a previous marriage that has not received a decree of nullity. In such a case, the pastor would normally request that they seek an annulment. It is possible that their situation can be brought into conformity with church teaching. However, even if it cannot, it does not engender a similar confusion occasioned by the same-sex couple, because their invalid marriage does not contradict a fundamental component of the nature of marriage. Marriage by its nature is a public commitment. Homosexuals advocated for same-sex marriage because they wanted their relationships to be given societal recognition. They chose to be part of an effort to redefine marriage. They disagree publicly with an essential component of Christian marriage — namely, the one flesh union of a

Archbishop Naumann March 15 Conception board meeting March 16 Conception board meeting Pastoral visit to Corpus Christi, Lawrence March 17 The visitation of the relic of St. John Vianney Mass — Church of the Nativity, Leawood The visitation of the relic of St. John Vianney Mass — Curé of Ars Church, Leawood March 18 The visitation of the relic of St. John Vianney Mass — St. James Academy, Lenexa

man and a woman. Similarly, marriage by its nature gives a couple a right to sexual intimacy. Once again, the decision of the same-sex couple to enter into marriage publicly contradicts Catholic moral teaching on the sinfulness of homosexual acts and is part of an effort to normalize immoral actions. Frankly, I fail to see how admitting a child of same-sex parents to one of our schools is merciful or helpful to the child. Recently, I read the comments of a gay rights leader who was upset by the policy of another diocese that actually held open the possibility of admitting children with same-sex parents. The parents had to be interviewed by the pastor and, if the pastor accepted them, they were required to sign a promise that they would uphold Catholic teaching. This gay rights activist first questioned why any same-sex couple would want their child in a school that taught homosexual acts were immoral. Secondly, he said that the church — by requiring same-sex couples to sign these promises to publicly support Catholic teaching — was actually encouraging them to lie. In a culture that celebrates same-sex marriage as cultural progress and encourages gays to be proud of their lifestyle, our church needs to uphold moral truth. Of course, to sin, we must know an action is sinful and freely choose to do it anyway. Pope Francis is right. While we can judge the objective moral nature of a

“Shepherd’s Voice” recording Confirmation — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea March 19 Priests Personnel meeting Administrative Team meeting Confirmation for parishes of Resurrection School and their religious education classes — Cathedral March 20 Presbyteral Council meeting Catholic Education Foundation board meeting March 21 Confirmation — Holy Cross, Overland Park

certain action, it is not our place to judge the disposition of someone else’s heart. Certainly, the moral confusion and chaos in our society impacts the culpability of individuals. Nevertheless, there are real life and death consequences when we use our bodies in a manner for which they were not designed. There is a reason that the life expectancy of gay men is much shorter than for heterosexual men. We know the path to authentic happiness and abiding joy is to do the will of God and live a virtuous life. This is why the church must proclaim moral truths with clarity and love. Those with same-sex attraction can live very happy and fruitful lives. They can enjoy beautiful chaste friendships. They have much to contribute to society and the church. This is not to say living a chaste life is easy, but Our Lord does not promise an easy life to any of his disciples. However, Jesus does promise an abundant life and complete joy to those who are willing to follow him on the path of authentic love. I suggest to anyone struggling with issues involving same-sex attraction to contact our local Courage chapter. Similarly, I encourage everyone to attend Christopher West’s “Made for More Event” on the evening of April 4 at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. It will help you understand much better than this article the beauty of our Christian understanding of our sexuality.

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

‘I FEEL CLOSER TO GOD’ Rite of Election brings candidates and catechumens closer to Catholicism Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

ASEHOR — Brenda Clayter of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth has been waiting a very long time. And her wait is almost over. Her husband Marvin, who has been attending Mass with her for 40 years, participated in the Rite of Election March 10 at Holy Angels Church in Basehor and will enter into full communion with the Catholic church at the Easter Vigil. “I just thank God that it is now here,” said Brenda, who is also serving as Marvin’s sponsor. It isn’t only Brenda who has looked forward to the Rite of Election with great anticipation. “I feel closer to God, closer to the church family,” said Marvin. The rite was the second of three in the archdiocese. The first was held the afternoon of March 10 at Christ the King Church in Topeka, and the third was March 14 at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe. Marvin said it was personal reasons that have prevented him from becoming fully part of the church before now. And he said there is one thing he is looking forward to most once he joins the church. “Being able to take Communion,” he said simply. Marvin is one of the more than 300 candidates throughout the archdiocese who will join the church at the Easter Vigil. More than 200 catechumens throughout the archdiocese will join as well. Catechumens are those who have never been baptized and will receive all three sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation and Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. Candidates are those who have been baptized in another Christian religion and will make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church and receive their first Communion and confirmation to be in full communion with the church. Since August, the catechumens and candidates have been receiving a “crash course” in Catholicism, learning about the belief, the Tradition and the teachings of the church. “[RCIA] is a journey that begins with inquiry, is developed through prayer and discernment, is strengthened

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Catechumen Ryan Hernandez of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, signs the Book of the Elect as Theresa Smith, director of adult formation at St. Patrick, stands in as his sponsor during the Rite of Election March 10 at Holy Angels in Basehor. Hernandez is one of more than 200 catechumens throughout the archdiocese who will receive the three sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.

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I’M REALLY EXCITED BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO.” by an ever-increasing faith through the discovery of the teachings of the Gospel by the church’s witness, and matures fully through sacramental reception and the life of Christian identity and grace,” said Michael Podrebarac, consultant for liturgy and sacramental life for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Rite of Election brings together the catechumens and candidates throughout the archdiocese who are then presented to the archbishop for election. It is the second of three major rites throughout the RCIA process, Podrebarac said. “The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is the second major rite within the RCIA, which commences with the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome for new catechumens and candidates, cele-

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, center, recites the opening prayer while server Joseph Zoch, 14, holds the book and seminarian Keith Chadwick, master of ceremonies, and Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels in Basehor, look on during the Rite of Election March 10 at Holy Angels. The service was the second of three in the archdiocese. brated at the parish level,” he said. “The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion stands out because it is celebrated by the local bishop, as pastor of the diocesan church. “It is he himself who elects the catechumens to become the elect to receive baptism, and who welcomes the baptized candidates for full communion to join us during Lent as they make their way toward their profession of faith and reception into the Catholic Church,” Podrebarac added. During the service, following readings from Scripture and a homily by the presiding

bishop, the catechumens are presented to the bishop and enroll their names in the Book of Elect, a ceremonial record of the catechumens about to receive the Easter sacraments, which is kept at the archdiocesan offices. After they sign their names, the catechumens are officially elected by the bishop. The candidates are then called to stand and affirm their desire to be in full communion with the church. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, in his homily, said that spouses, friends, neighbors and co-workers play a major

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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role in motivating the catechumens and candidates to take these steps into joining the church. Such was the case for catechumen Karla Marquev, 13, who is a parishioner of Christ the King in Kansas City, Kansas. She said her family is all Catholic and she has wanted to be baptized ever since she was old enough to understand that she hadn’t been baptized as an infant. “It is something I’ve asked my dad to do since I realized I wasn’t baptized when I was little. This year, it finally worked out. So, now I’m really excited because it is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Marquev. As the catechumens and candidates prepared to take this next step in their journey with RCIA and toward the Easter Vigil, Archbishop Naumann said there was one thing he wanted them to understand. “Remember that our Catholic faith is first and foremost not about dogmas and doctrines, though our creed and the catechism are great gifts and important,” Archbishop Naumann said. “Our Catholic faith is not primarily about living a moral and ethical life; again, it is important that we do this and strive to live a virtuous life of faith, but it is not the essence of our Catholicism. It is really the fruit of our faith. “Central to what it means to be a Catholic is our personal encounter with Jesus Christ. It is our relationship with Jesus, our friendship with Jesus, that is the core and the foundation of what it means to be Catholic.” “So, during this Lenten season, invite Jesus to come into your heart each and every day,” he continued. “Ask Our Lord Jesus to reveal his love for you, his unique and personal love for you. Develop your friendship with Our Lord through frequent, daily prayer; through the prayerful reading of the Scriptures, especially the Gospels; through your participation very soon in the sacramental life of the church.” “Surrender your lives and your hearts to Jesus,” the archbishop concluded. “Give everything to Our Lord. “Tell Jesus you’re ready to live your life in following him and to discover the abundant life and complete joy that he promises to those disciples who will follow him, even to Calvary.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Equip your child with the tools to reject pornography By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Yet, there’s a certain type of picture that is a great source of harm and worry. That is pornography. According to some estimates, pornography is an industry of nearly $100 billion. That’s enough money to feed 4.8 billion people and more money than Major League Baseball, the NFL and the NBA combined make in a year. In terms of monthly traffic, pornographic websites see more than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined. As a Catholic counselor and lead consultant for the archdiocese’s My House initiative, Sam Meier said he’s concerned about what pornography is doing to society — especially to children. The archdiocese’s My House initiative’s threefold mission is designed to “help [people] protect their children and families from pornography; develop a deeper understanding of the beauty and sacredness of God’s gift of human sexuality; and experience freedom from the effects of pornography.” Meier regularly interacts and communicates with religious leaders, educators, parents, clients and counselors. One such person is Amanda Khemraj, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe.

Protecting young minds A few years ago, Khemraj attended a Valor & Virtue conference. It proved to be a life-changing experience. There, she learned of a book written by Kristen A. Jenson and Gail Poyner called “Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids.” The book is aimed at parents with 7and 8-year-olds, and is distributed by Protect Young Minds, an organization seeking to empower and promote the protection of children from pornography and sexual exploitation. Published in 2014, the book has become one of the top 100 best-selling parenting books. It is available in both English and Spanish. Meier, as part of the My House initiative, originally began a campaign to distribute the book to parents of children in second grade at either Catholic schools or in parishes’ religious education programs. Nowadays, Meier turns to Khemraj for help. “Kristen Jenson was looking for a Catholic representative for her book, and I thought that Amanda Khemraj would be a great candidate with her background in education and parish leadership,” said Meier. After the conference, Meier helped connect Khemraj with the authors of “Good Pictures Bad Pictures.” Together, they wrote a contract permitting her to sell the book in bulk throughout Kansas and Missouri. “Sadly, many parents just don’t realize the true addiction that we’re up against,” said Khemraj. Khemraj and Meier compiled PowerPoint slides for Khemraj to use in presentations about the book to mothers’ groups, women’s organizations and parishes. Young people today will be exposed to pornography at some point in their lives. “Times are different. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when,” Khemraj said.

According to some estimates, pornography is an industry of nearly $100 billion and children are especially vulnerable to pornography via the internet.

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“THE BRAIN OF SOMEONE ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY WORKS LIKE SOMEONE WHO IS ADDICTED TO DRUGS. THIS IS DOING REAL DAMAGE TO PEOPLE AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. The trick is, she said, to equip kids with the tools they need to turn away from it. Saving souls from permanent damage is not only a concern of parents and educators, but also of priests. Father Brian Schieber, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood, said his parish provided 125 copies of the book to the families of the second graders. “Jesus wants us to be free, and sin leads to slavery,” said Father Schieber. “Sin isolates us and turns us inward.” Discussing the physiological effects of pornography, Father Schieber said, “The brain of someone addicted to pornography works like someone who is addicted to drugs. This is doing real damage to people and their relationships. “Nobody’s immune from the bombardment through media today.” In addition to St. Michael the Archangel, the following archdiocesan parishes have provided the book to families of second graders: St. John Paul II in Olathe, Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, Sacred Heart in Shawnee, Prince of Peace in Olathe, Sacred Heart in Emporia and Sacred Heart in Ottawa. Despite the damage being done, it’s important for Catholics to realize that even though sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. Creating awareness of God’s plan for human love, Meier said, is essential to bringing truth into the world we live in.

SEVEN STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS FROM PORNOGRAPHY Protect all internet devices in your home. • Use accountability and filtering software on all internet devices. • Use and store all internet devices in public areas. • Have all family members turn in their internet devices at a certain time each night.

Provide positive Catholic resources about the beauty of God’s gift of human sexuality.

Monitor all social networking sites. • Be your teenager’s friend on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. • Know all user names and passwords for every site your teenager uses — whether for entertainment, homework or connecting with friends. Educate your children about the dangers of pornography. • Read “Good Pictures Bad Pictures” • Talk to your children about how to turn away from pornography when exposed to it. • Help your children develop a decision-making model that employs thinking through decisions. Screen movies and TV shows as well as music. • Rely on resources such as usccb.org/movies or PluggedIn Online.com for reviews of movies and whether they contain inappropriate content. • Block all “adult” or “mature” content on TV. Know your children’s friends and their parents. • Allow your children to go over to friends’ homes only after you’ve gotten to know the parents and have verified the security of their internet devices. • If your children wish to go over to another family’s home where the media usage rules do not meet your standards, invite those friends to your home.

Create a positive and encouraging atmosphere within your family.

For more information, visit the website at: archkck.org/myhouse or contact Sam Meier by email at: smeier@archkck.org.

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Student art shines in fundraiser for school scholarships By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Mo. — This year, the theme of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) Futures Art Event was eat, drink and give back. The sold-out evening at Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri, on Feb. 28 met all those conditions and raised $37,000 for the Futures’ Guardian Angel Fund. Event chairs Cara Haas and Chris Miller greeted guests as they arrived in the brewery tap room and invited them to If you missed try some of the the Art Event this best beers in year, it’s not too Kansas City. late to donate to Patrons also the CEF Futures were treated Guardian Angel to an array of Fund. Go online cocktails, the to: www.cefks. city’s famous org/cef-futures barbecue proand click the vided by Fiorel“Donate” button. la’s Jack Stack and a dessert bar of cupcakes made by Aggie Gutierrez. While enjoying the food and friendship, attendees were able to stroll around the room, viewing some truly outstanding artwork donated by local artists and art students at CEF schools. For the first time at this annual event, buyers interested in the artwork were able to use mobile bidding for silent auction items. CEF board chair Terry Sexton opened the evening’s bidding by telling the crowd, “You have an opportunity tonight to fund a need, so go onto your app and donate.” CEF staff and young Futures members were on hand and more than happy to help non-tech-savvy attendees figure out the process. Student art was once again auctioned by raffle drawing. In addition to supporting local artists, Sexton assured guests they were making a positive difference in the lives of children. “Everything you give us tonight will go to the Guardian Angel Fund,” he said. Guardian Angel scholarships help

You can still donate

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Futures Art Event chairs Cara Haas (left) and Chris Miller look at artwork donated by student artists from schools supported by the Catholic Education Foundation. families facing a short-term crisis — such as a job loss or unexpected medical bills — that impact their ability to keep up with tuition payments for their children. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was on hand to echo Sexton’s gratitude for the sold-out crowd and its support for Catholic education. The archbishop said the event brought up memories of his first days in kindergarten when his own mother was his teacher. “All the other kids were crying for their mother,” he said. “And I thought, ‘What’s the problem? She’s right here.’” He remembered struggling with the first art project assigned to the class by his mother. “I sat next to a young girl,” he said. “And she was an incredible artist. “I remember my mother told us we were supposed to draw something, and I kept trying to draw it, but it didn’t look anything like it was supposed to. “I kept looking over at my classmate’s picture — I’ve been recovering from this

trauma ever since.” Even though his own artistic talent is lacking, the archbishop was able to appreciate the art on display at the event and encouraged patrons to do the same. “Thank you for your willingness to come tonight and celebrate our artists,” he said. “They have created wonderful works for us to appreciate and perhaps purchase.” More importantly, the archbishop thanked those in attendance for their willingness to support the mission of the CEF. “Our schools help our students develop all their gifts and talents and every dimension of their lives,” he said. “And what makes our schools truly unique is that we’re developing their spiritual life as well. “Thank you for helping us with this important mission and for making Catholic schools affordable and accessible to everyone.” CEF associate executive director Erica Kratofil was pleased with the evening’s

Join the Futures The Catholic Education Foundation Futures Committee is a fun and active group of young professionals (ages 21 to 40s) committed to promoting the mission of CEF. Led by the Futures Leadership Council, the group hosts events to fund emergency scholarships available to CEF students through the Guardian Angel Fund. If you’re interested in joining the CEF futures, visit the website at: www.cefks.org/cef-futures.

success and the young supporters who are looking to the future of CEF. “We’d love to have new people get involved with Futures,” she said. “And we really appreciate everything the committee did to organize the event, as well as all the art donors and sponsors.”

‘Faith is what sets us apart,’ says incoming superintendent >> Continued from page 1 “It’s about building relationships, being supportive and having ideas,” he added. “It’s about listening to what pastors and principals want.” Cascone believes that Catholic schools should be “unapologetically Catholic.” “With Catholic schools, we have to be careful to not water down our faith,” he said. “Our faith is what sets us apart. It’s why we exist. It’s easy, sometimes, for the sake of what we think would be increased enrollment, or this or that, to change some of those things. It’s important to be true to who we are. . . . What we have to offer that other schools do not is our faith in Jesus Christ.” Some of the challenges he faced as principal he will also face as superintendent. “In my role as a principal, there are things I have to address where the parents may feel one way and the teachers another way,” he said. “There can be a

lot of ‘noise’ or ‘cloudiness’ about it. You have to have an ability to hear all that, take it in, and weed through it and have a laser focus on the main thing, the most important thing. “As a superintendent, you need to do that. And to support pastors and principals, you need to listen to the challenges they’re going through and work with them to get that laser focus.” Cascone is already working with O’Hara in hopes of making the transition smooth. From now until July 1, he’ll attend a number of meetings and get to know the principals and archdiocesan schools. O’Hara believes the leadership of archdiocesan schools is being left in good hands. “[Cascone] is a great listener,” she said. “He has good relationships with people in his school community. He has a great sense of humor, and there’s a steadiness about him. I think the fact he has a large family . . . is very beneficial.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Vincent Cascone welcomes students to Visitation School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is currently principal. On July 1, he will become the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

Prayer: It saves you from making matters worse By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

y wife and I were in the middle of a road trip. We agreed on a certain time to leave the hotel so that we would get to our destination at a decent hour. The next morning, I made the mistake of reading email from work and felt the need to answer before departing. When Barbara reminded me about the time, TOOLS FOR I snapped back that FAMILIES I knew the time and Growing as this needed my attenDisciples of tion. Jesus I saw surprise and hurt in her eyes. I knew my careless words had hurt. I wanted to justify my response by blaming it on the pressure I felt trying to write an answer. She was right about leaving on time; I was right to try and answer the email! Rolling around in my head was a phrase my dad would use if Mother was angry or upset: “She will just have to get glad in the same clothes she got mad in.” Luckily, I pushed those words aside. Instead, I turned to God in a quiet prayer asking for guidance. His answer was advice given to many couples by a priest: The issue is not about who is right or wrong. It is about the two of us and our love for each other. I went to Barbara, took her hands and looking into her eyes told her that she did

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not deserve my sharp answer and asked for forgiveness, which she lovingly gave. Prayer saved me from making matters worse. Now you have noticed that this has been about my prayer when we were hurting. If prayer is so powerful in that one moment, imagine the effects of making couple prayer a regular part of our daily marriage instead of waiting until there is a disagreement. Begin your day together thanking God (out loud) for the gift of your spouse. If you struggle for the “right” words, just

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Kay (Lister) and Patrick Dulohery, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding a n n i ve r s a r y on March 15. The couple celebrated earlier with a cruise to eastern Canada. They were married at St. Andrew Church in Gladstone, Missouri, by Father Walter J. Pilecki. Their children are: Kelly Aaron, Michaela Dulohery and Kahn Dulohery. They also have six grandchildren.

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say, “Thank you, God, for this woman or this man” and name one gift you experienced because of them that day. Pray for their protection and support in the day ahead. End your day in the same way, taking time to ask for forgiveness for any hurt during the day. Turn to one another and trace the cross on one another’s forehead while asking God to grant your beloved a restful night. Don’t be afraid to let your children see you pray. What a great example! Perhaps you will begin to pray in this way for them.

Correction In the March 8 issue of The Leaven, the quote: “In the economy of charity to which we are all called, in which we are called to give not only what we have but who we are, we must work hard to develop our talents” was misattributed to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The quote should have been attributed to Richard Coronado. The Leaven regrets the error.

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

‘God keeps us going,’ says swimmer with Olympic hopes >> Continued from page 16 As if that’s not enough, they’ve also set their sights on going to the Olympics together — representing Mexico. Both Max and Lex speak fluent Spanish and have Mexican citizenship through their father. “We’ve been racing in Mexico since the summer of 2015 and we’ve gone back ever since,” said Lex. They swam at Junior Nationals for both the USA and Mexico this past year, and have top 10 finishes with medals in several events. Their parents are their greatest fans. “They’ve always told us to keep dreaming,” Lex said. “That’s what we’ve been doing, and they have supported us.”

Team spirit Max and Lex are competitive with each other but, when it comes to their team members, it’s all about motivation and support. “The team is a brotherhood,” said Max. “It’s a family. And within a family, there is always going to be some conflict. “We just keep the team settled, we

get them hyped up, we encourage them during training to go their hardest and enjoy.” The twins are so skilled that Mueller equates them to assistant coaches. “And that helps when you’ve got a lot of boys to worry about,” he said. “You can’t pick up everything, and they may pick up something. “It’s been a good relationship.” And how do they deal with defeat? “I’m not going to lie,” said Lex. “It hurts; but it also motivates us to bounce back and perform better the next time we have the chance to swim.” According to Mueller, faith is at the core of that motivation. “I think that is one of the strengths of their character,” he said. With God in their corner, these boys will continue to shine. “I just believe that God gave me the gift and the ability to swim,” said Max. “How I train and how I use it and live it out is up to me.” “God also keeps us going because sometimes swimming can be very lonely,” added Lex. “So, having someone there with you in your head is really nice. “We’re never alone.”

Join Us for the 23rd Annual Joint Diocesan Healing Mass and Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Curé of Ars Church, 94th and Mission Rd., Leawood, Kansas Celebrant will be Bishop Johnston Homilist will be Archbishop Naumann The anointing of the sick in both dioceses will be administered to Catholics whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age. All are invited to participate. The ceremony will follow the Lourdes pilgrimage format. Among those who may be anointed, the ritual mentions, in particular: • Those undergoing a surgery whenever serious illness is the reason • Elderly people when they have become noticeably weakened even if no serious illness is present • Sick children if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament. We are asking those who wish to receive the sacrament at Mass, to register by email: maltakansascity@gmail.com or 816-622-2323 and leave your name. This service is being held under the auspices of the Order of Malta, whose service to the Church is founded on the caring of the sick and the poor.

Name cards are made for those receiving the sacrament.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available to participants from 8:45a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

The recently awarded Eagle Scouts from Troop 181, Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, are: (front row, from left) Alexander Braun, Daniel Feist, Brett Ward and Eric Andrews; (back row, from left) Casey Booth, Samuel Curnes, Dylan Feist and Andrew Swiecicki.

Eight Holy Trinity Scouts earn the rank of Eagle LENEXA — Eight Boy Scouts from Troop 181, sponsored by Holy Trinity Parish here, were awarded the rank of Eagle on Feb. 24 at a Court of Honor held at St. James Academy. The eight were: Eric Andrews, Alexander Braun, Casey Booth, Samuel Curnes, Daniel Feist, Dylan Feist, Andrew Swiecicki and Brett Ward. Their Eagle projects were: • Andrews organized and built two compost bins for the garden at Shalom House Men’s Shelter in Kansas City, Kansas. • Braun conducted a bone marrow registry drive. He registered over 70 new potential donors and raised $500 for Dynamic Kernel Module Support. • Booth coordinated the building of

two benches that convert into a picnic table for Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City, Missouri. • Curnes built birdhouses for the Great Plains Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Merriam. • Daniel Feist helped to start an outdoor classroom for Holy Trinity Early Education Child Care Center by building a racetrack and two chalkboards. • Dylan Feist organized a project for St. James Academy’s flag mall by leveling the ground and placing pavers for a walkway. • Swiecicki renovated the rosary garden at Holy Trinity Parish. • Ward coordinated the building of custom greenhouse tables for St. James Academy.

Wherever they are stationed, soldiers find their way home

Story and Photos by Katie Peterson

E AV E N W O R T H Fort Leavenworth, that is. There, they — When a man or discovered the St. Ignatius Catholic woman joins the Community. military, rotations “I think we need to do everything between duty stawe can as a church to support our famtions and unexpectilies,” said Michelle Taylor, Catholic ed deployments are coordinator of St. Ignatius. part of the job de“They can immediately jump into a scription. But that family community here that they know often makes it difficult to put down they’re going to get love and support roots anywhere. from,” she continued. “We’re blessed in It can be even more difficult when the military that the Army funds many it comes to keeping faith a priority in programs that my friends, who go in the family. town, don’t have.” Though finding a place to attend “The most important thing that we Mass isn’t necessarily difficult, the provide is the community because unpredictability of one’s assignment they already know each other. They’re makes it hard to connect with those in already affiliated,” added Dorothy Ling, the church who don’t have experience religious education director. with the military lifestyle. From a military family’s first step “There’s a great frustration that in the door, the St. Ignatius Catholic comes with moving and trying to find Community provides benefits. places to go to Mass,” said Lt. Col. “It is more of a convenience here,” Erik Jablonski, a history instructor at Jablonski said. “Being able to live here Army University. “Whether you’re on close, it also ties you to the military vacation or in the military, we travel a community on-post — your neighbors, lot. So, you rely a co-workers and lot on the web to everyone else. go there and find “So, you build out [where the that kind of a nearest Catholic family bond and church is]. your children see “WE ARE NOMADIC “Two rituals for that they’re not me on Sunday are alone,” he added. DURING OUR CAREERS, to call my parents Geneski said it BUT THE FAITH AND THE — wherever we gave her children are in the world — — 12-year-old CHURCH COMMUNITY and go to Mass,” Zoe and 8-yearhe said. “So, raisold Gage — PROVIDES ONE OF ing two kids like something they that . . . it becomes couldn’t get when THOSE LILY PADS challenging.” attending the offFROM ONE LOCATION Army spouse post chapel in Nicole Kallo said New York. TO ANOTHER THAT some duty sta“My kids — tions they’ve been being military BRINGS HOME WHEREVER at have included kids — that was a Catholic church something really YOUR FAMILY MAY BE on the installation, neat to do: to go AT THAT POINT.” but some did not. out of their spec“When we trum and be part were in England, of the civilian the Catholic community,” she church closest to base was a 15- to 20said. “But I think coming here and fiminute drive to get there,” said Kallo. nally being part of an organization on“We chose that church just because of post, it helps strengthen their religion. it being close to the base, so we would “It is a neat thing. I love coming here have an influx of people from the unit together with the kids.” be there — so, we can get that camaFor Kallo, the difference had an even raderie of being with other military deeper meaning when her husband, Lt. families. Col. John Kallo, Mission Command “But it was still sort of isolating beCenter of Excellence, found out he cause that church had many locals that would be deploying to Mali, Africa, for were nonmilitary.” a year starting March 10. Army spouse Amanda Geneski exThe Kallos’ 8-year-old twins Timperienced a similar situation when othy and Victoria were preparing for her family was stationed at Fort Drum, their first Communion on April 27. New York. However, when they found out about “We didn’t live on-post. We lived the deployment, the Kallos said Ling off-post, so we attended a little chapel and chaplain Father (Maj.) Jeffrey called St. Andrew’s,” Geneski said. Whorton, the pastor, didn’t hesitate to “Our kids were probably the only milihelp find a solution. tary kids that were in that group.” Timothy and Victoria made their No, finding a place to fit into a Cathfirst Communion Feb. 23, with their olic community while in the military is father present. not always easy — until they came to “Father Jeff’s reaction was proba-

Sandy Law, Life Teen coordinator, shows depictions of the Ascension as created by Life Teen member

“

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCIANA HERMAN

Eight-year-old twins Timothy and Victoria Kallo stand with their parents — Lt. Col. John Kallo, Mission Command Center of Excellence (left), and Nicole Kallo (right) — and chaplain Father (Maj.) Jeffrey Whorton after they made their first Communion Feb. 23 at Pioneer Chapel on Fort Leavenworth. Because Kallo left for Mali, Africa, for a yearlong deployment March 10, Timothy and Victoria were able to receive their first Communion early so he was there to share in the celebration. bly second nature,” said John Kallo. “They understand how important the sacraments are in a specific religious event. So, that sense of family when you have that inclusion, they didn’t

bat an eye.” “Dorothy (Ling) said to me, ‘This is why the military community is so great — because we have these deployments that happen. We have these (tempo-

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Catholic Women of the Chapel, Women of St. Ignatius Bible study group members — from left, Jennifer Klaas, Amanda Geneski and Gina Espinosa — pray in the Benediction chapel before the opening CWOC prayer Feb. 28 at Pioneer Chapel on Fort Leavenworth.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

rs to the group during their weekly meeting Feb. 24 at Frontier Chapel.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Fifteen-year-old Mateo Lemus, right, transfers money from the offertory collection into the basket for 14-year-old Michael Cook to take up during Mass Feb. 24 at Frontier Chapel. Lemus and Cook are both members of the Life Teen program for St. Ignatius Catholic Community on Fort Leavenworth. Isabella Espinosa, 12, is pictured at left, bringing up the hosts. rary duty assignment) exercises that occur, and we can work around that,’” Nicole Kallo said. “So, she was flexible in saying whatever we need to do, just let them know the date,” she added. Being able to go to Mass on a military base helps service members reinforce the importance of faith and strength to their children, said John Kallo. “From a career perspective, it reinforces spiritual faith and strength, which is part of some of the well-being or self-care as military professionals,” he said. “It reinforces to our children as we’re raising them how being a soldier, being a representative to serve your nation, faith is still part of that. “We are nomadic during our ca-

reers,” he continued, “but the faith and the church community provide one of those lily pads from one location to another that brings home wherever your family may be at that point.” To further help soldiers create that community Catholic environment with other military families, St. Ignatius offers several avenues for additional connection.

For youth On Feb. 23, Ling held a retreat for the 34 children set to receive their first Communion on April 27, and their parents. During that retreat, they read from Scripture, held a family prayer service to remember Jesus’ Last Supper, learned bread making and made first

Communion banners. “I really like it that as a parent, they make you come in and learn a lot more about the church itself,” Jablonski said, whose daughter Ella will be making her first Communion. “Growing up Catholic, I never had quite the education I see we offer to both the parents and the children.” Ling also provides retreats for the confirmation students as well. Along with retreats for the sacraments, St. Ignatius also has a Life Teen group that meets every Sunday morning after Mass. “The whole purpose of Life Teen is to bring teens closer to Christ. It is a little different from the typical religious ed programs. I like to think it is more fun,” said Sandy Law, Life Teen coordinator. “We get to have more discussions. We do follow the Life Teen curriculum, but we have a lot of discussions about current events. “We do a lot of activities with the kids, but it is really to get them to find ways to live out their faith in their everyday life.” Law said having a Catholic youth group, specifically for military teens, has a further benefit. “A lot of what we talk about are things they’ve seen at different locations where they’ve lived, how their faith is lived out,” she said. “Sometimes, these kids have lived around the world, so they get to share their experiences. And I think that we all learn a lot from each other because of that.” Georgina Connolly, 16, said she enjoys being part of Life Teen. “It has helped with my faith because you get to talk and meet with kids your own age who also share your faith, which is harder in our society,” said Connolly. “So, it is pretty cool.” Along with their weekly meetings, Life Teen also has retreats. Last January, they also attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

For women Every Thursday morning throughout the school year, it is easy to find out where the Catholic spouses on Fort Leavenworth are: at the Women of St. Ignatius Bible study group at Pioneer Chapel. This Bible study stems from the Catholic Women of the Chapel program through the Military Council of Catholic Women, which is represented at installations throughout the Army. “Just like any PCS (Permanent Change of Station), we start look-

ing for housing, for schools and for churches,” said Dollia Lemus, WOSI president. “So, because [CWOC] is widespread, you can plug into it quickly ahead of time. You might even know people from a different installation that happen to be there and reconnect that way.” Each meeting, the women come together in prayer, enjoy some fellowship with breakfast and discuss whatever book they may be reading at the time. They also are regularly involved with Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese for the Military, Lemus said. Geneski converted to Catholicism in April 2018 after being born and raised Lutheran, and she said being a member of the Bible study group helped her as she went through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. “The ladies really helped me go into the religion and I’ve learned so much about Catholicism through this ladies group. I think [in] all these ladies, there is a lot of wisdom,” Geneski said. “My heart just feels beautiful here.”

For men The Knights of Columbus are also active on post, through the St. Ignatius Council 13354. The group consists of active duty, retired military and civilians affiliated with Fort Leavenworth. The mission of the council is to “serve the St. Ignatius Catholic Community, while providing men a means to grow in their faith, to serve their community and to fellowship with other Catholic men,” according to the council’s brochure. “The Saint Ignatius Council 13354 was founded in the summer of 2003 through the efforts of the men of Saint Ignatius and the Catholic soldiers of Fort Leavenworth,” the brochure continues. “It is named after Saint Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. Our council provides members an opportunity to get involved with their church and community while stationed at Fort Leavenworth through various outreach programs.” Taylor said the St. Ignatius Catholic Community provides these resources and more for one simple reason. “Knowledge is power, and knowledge strengthens the domestic church,” Taylor said. “The church has given us a great gift, and we need to take advantage of it. “My hope is that we all continue to work together as the body of Christ.”

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Maryland marches as it faces legalized assisted suicide By Emily Rosenthal Catholic News Service

NNAPOLIS, Md. (CNS) — As crowds gathered outside of St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis for the Maryland March for Life, Roger Donnelly handed out hundreds of pro-life signs. Donnelly, the life activities director for the Knights of Columbus Maryland State Council, was attending the Maryland march for the first time. A parishioner of Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville, he has an issue when any vulnerable people are not protected — from preborn children, to those with disabilities, to the elderly. He was among hundreds who turned out to make their presence felt in the streets of the state capital for the march, in its 40th year and in the midst of a politicized climate in general and in particular, a heated Maryland General Assembly session. An increased urgency accompanied the annual event, held the evening of March 4. Just three days before two committees of the Maryland House — Health and Government Operations and Judiciary — passed a measure to legalize physician-assisted suicide with a 24-20 vote. Three days after the march, the House of Delegates approved it, 74-66. The bill, called the “End-of-Life Option Act,” now goes to the state Senate. In reaction, Jennifer Briemann, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, said March 7 it was a “dangerously flawed bill.” As Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori celebrated Mass at St. Mary’s immediately preceding the march, he addressed the issue with the congregation, which packed the church beyond standing room. “As citizens, we should be

CNS PHOTO/KEVIN J. PARKS, CATHOLIC REVIEW

Ryan Bomberger, a pro-life activist who was conceived during a rape, shares his pride in his mother’s choice to give him life during a presentation at the Maryland March for Life rally in Annapolis, Md., March 4. very alarmed by the possibility that physician-assisted suicide could become legal in our state,” the archbishop said in his homily. “The bill under consideration is regarded by many as a ‘Death With Dignity’ bill, but the death which this bill would allow for is anything but dignified.” Archbishop Lori said the bill would “further undermine the dignity of human life.” The bill would allow lethal medication in pill form to be taken home. Those receiving the prescription would not be required to take the pills in the presence of a medical professional or family member — or to take them at all. “In an already drug-ridden society, lethal pills are suddenly on the loose,” Archbishop Lori said. “In the face of Maryland’s epic opioid crisis, this is

not good public policy.” That, he said, is just the beginning of the dangers: With rising health care costs, it might mean the government and insurance companies using physician-assisted suicide as a cost-effective alternative to life-saving measures or palliative care. “This has already happened in states where physician-assisted suicide is legal,” Archbishop Lori said, acknowledging those who support legalization would dispute that assertion. “In European countries where euthanasia has been legal for decades, it is no longer a question of a right to die, but it is now an obligation to die when one’s condition has become burdensome to the family or to the state-run medical system.” Those issues, Archbishop Lori said, are not “a matter of Christian doctrine,

but rather a matter of sound reasoning about the bad consequences of the legislation now under consideration.” “It is also the case, however, that many people of faith, like ourselves, oppose this bill,” Archbishop Lori said. “As you know, religious proponents of legislation are sometimes accused of trying to impose their faith on others and on society at large; they are accused of trying to make church doctrine the law of the land.” This, the archbishop said, is not true. “In the state that pioneered the legal recognition of the God-given right of religious freedom,” he continued, “you and I have the right — and we have the duty — not only to bring the truths and values made true by faith into the public forum, but also to shape a society where God’s gift of life is respected from the moment of conception until natural death.” Before the Mass, Students for Life hosted a youth rally outside in a tent. Speakers addressed the organization’s pillars: education, supportive services, industry impact, public policy and rapid responses; and shared their outreach efforts. Mount de Sales Academy brought one of the largest groups to the march, all in blue and white hats. Senior Carleigh Stokes said this year she had attended the national March for Life on the Mall in January and the Maryland march for the first time. Education, she said, is key in keeping the pro-life movement alive for future generations. “I became pro-life because I was educated through my Catholic school,” said Stokes, who worships at the Catholic Community of Ascension and St. Augustine in Elkridge and St. Philip Neri in Linthicum Heights. “I think [education is] the best thing you can do.”

N.Y. bishops push legislators to reject legalizing marijuana

LBANY, N.Y. (CNS) — The New York State Catholic Conference called on the state’s legislators to reject any proposal that would legalize recreational marijuana use. The conference warned that the state was rushing to approve a measure that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pushed to be included in legislation setting the state budget for fiscal year 2020, which starts April 1. Legalization would “open a Pandora’s box that will have multiple deleterious effects on individuals, families and all of society.” The Catholic conference’s stance against the measure was in line with education, medical and law enforcement communities. “The Catholic Church is not prohibitionist but at the same time we believe the government should not be encouraging destructive behavior, whether gambling or drug use, to raise revenue,” a conference statement said March 6. “Vice is not an appropriate economic development engine for a state that prides itself as a national progressive leader. Our state motto is ‘Excelsior’ (‘ever upward’), but policies that exploit addiction instead lead us ever downward,” it added. Cuomo revealed a plan for legalizing marijuana while unveiling a 2020 budget

CNS PHOTO/SHANNON STAPLETON, REUTERS

In this 2016 file photo, a billboard in New York City displays a marijuana hashtag. The New York State Catholic Conference called on the state’s legislators to reject any proposal that would legalize recreational marijuana use. of $176 billion in January. The plan estimated legalization would bring in $300 million in revenue annually once it is fully implemented over several years. Sales could start as early as 2020. The plan would limit legalization to people 21 years old and older. Some lawmakers have said more time was needed to address concerns about the plan and they suggested con-

sideration of the program’s approval could be delayed until closer to the end of the legislative session in June. The conference, which represents the Catholic bishops throughout New York on public policy issues, said the while Cuomo and some legislators “see enhanced revenues for the state’s coffers,” church leaders were concerned about various social, health and safety

consequences. Among the concerns raised by the conference were “increased teenage and childhood usage (of marijuana), harmful effects on developing brains, addiction, natural progression to harder drug use, increased impairment-related transportation accidents and deaths, and other potential public health and safety issues.” The 21-year-old age restriction also could easily be skirted, the conference said, pointing to widespread efforts by the alcohol and tobacco industries to market products to young people. The conference also pointed to studies that show racial and ethnic disparities in enforcement of marijuana possession laws, saying: “We take this issue seriously.” The bishops called on state officials to take steps to “ensure that skin color or ZIP code do not result in different outcomes for the same offense.” Such steps would include re-evaluating criminal penalties for low-level marijuana possession. “At the same time, we must not simply throw up our hands and legalize a harmful substance in order to declare the problem of discrimination solved,” the bishops said. If the program is approved, New York would become the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana.

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

Four CRS staffers aboard crashed Ethiopian jet By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Four Catholic Relief Service staff members on their way to a training session in Nairobi, Kenya, were among the passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed moments after takeoff in the east African nation. The accident March 10 claimed the lives of 157 people on board, many of them from humanitarian agencies. Others on the jetliner included a Georgetown University law school student who was serving as a campus minister and 19 staff members of U.N. agencies. Two Kenyan religious, Mariannhill Father George Kageche Mukua and an unidentified nun, were also among those killed in the crash. Pope Francis offered prayers for the passengers from 35 countries in a telegram March 11. “Having learned with sadness of the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash, His Holiness Pope Francis offers prayers for the deceased from various countries and commends their souls to the mercy of almighty God. Pope Francis sends heartfelt condolences to their families, and upon all who mourn this tragic loss he invokes the divine blessings of consolation and strength,” said the telegram from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. In a statement March 11, Catholic Relief Services shared the news of the tragedy involving its staffers, all Ethiopian nationals. The dead include Getnet Alemayehu, Mulusew Alemu, Sintayehu Aymeku and Sara Chalachew. They worked in various administrative positions for CRS.

CNS PHOTO/MAHEDER HAILESELASSIE, REUTERS

People watch a tractor excavate Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash March 10 near Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The crash killed 157 people from 35 countries. Among the dead were Georgetown University law student Cedric Asiavugwa and four Catholic Relief Services staffers: Getnet Alemayehu, Mulusew Alemu, Sintayehu Aymeku and Sara Chalachew. “Although we are in mourning, we celebrate the lives of these colleagues and the selfless contributions they made to our mission, despite the risks and sacrifices that humanitarian work can often entail,” CRS said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and all of those who lost a loved one as a result of this tragedy.” Cedric Asiavugwa, a third-year law student at Georgetown University and campus minister, was among the passengers. A letter sent to the Georgetown community late March 10 said he was on his way home to Nairobi because of the death of his fiancee’s mother. “With his passing, the Georgetown family has lost a stellar student, a great friend to many, and a dedicated champion for social justice across East

Africa and the world,” said the letter from Jesuit Father Mark Bosco, executive vice president and dean at Georgetown’s law school. Asiavugwa was a residential minister at Georgetown. He had served as assistant director of advancement at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, a free high school for orphans with HIV/ AIDS in Nairobi, before enrolling at the law school. He also had served refugees and marginalized people in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and Zimbabwe before enrolling at Georgetown, the letter said. During the current semester at Georgetown, Asiavugwa was enrolled in the Center for Applied Legal Studies clinic, working with refugees seeking asylum in the U.S. “Cedric’s goal was to return to Kenya

after his studies to pursue a career promoting the rights of refugees in East Africa and beyond,” Father Bosco wrote. The day of the crash, the Ethiopian Catholic bishops also sent condolence and offered prayers “for those who have lost their lives, that they may rest in peace in heaven.” “We ask our Lord to console the hearts of the families of those who died, all the staff of Ethiopian Airlines and the people of Ethiopia,” said the bishops’ statement, issued in the country’s Amharic language. “We particularly pray for the staff of Ethiopian Airlines, so that the Holy Spirit may grant them the strength to continue their well-praised services to all the clients of Ethiopian Airlines,” the bishops said. A list of the dead released by Ethiopian Airlines included 32 Kenyans, 18 Canadians, eight from the United States and others from China, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Aviation officials from Ethiopia were investigating the accident, the second in recent months involving the brandnew Boeing 737 Max jet. In October, a Lyon Air flight killed 189 people in Indonesia. The plane has been the workhorse for airlines worldwide and has been the company’s best-selling aircraft. China and Ethiopia grounded all flights involving the modern airliner March 11. Four investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Security Board were dispatched to Ethiopia to assist in the investigation, an NTSB spokesman said March 10. Addis Ababa and Nairobi are major hubs among worldwide agencies serving poor and marginalized people, refugees and migrants.

Hunger, brain drain: Church working to help Venezuelans By Barbara J. Fraser Catholic News Service

IMA, Peru (CNS) — Catholic Church leaders in Venezuela say a peaceful transfer of power from embattled President Nicolas Maduro to a transitional government, probably led by National Assembly president Juan Guaido, is the best hope for the crisis-wracked country. But it is impossible to say when, or whether, that will happen, according to Jesuits and analysts who met March 4-7 at Jesuit-run Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University here to analyze the situation. “As church and as the Society of Jesus, we don’t want a violent outcome that prolongs the people’s suffering,” Jesuit Father Jose Virtuoso, president of Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas, Venezuela, told Catholic News Service. “We favor a transition that is as peaceful as possible.” Venezuela’s spiraling political and economic crisis has caused shortages of food and medicine and interrupted public services like water, electricity and transportation. A power outage affecting most of the country stretched into a second day March 8, forcing schools and offices to close. An estimated 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, according to U.N. agencies. Many have crossed the border into neighboring countries, where they often face discrimination

CNS PHOTO/CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS, REUTERS

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is seen in Caracas, Venezuela March 4, 2019. Catholic Church leaders in Venezuela say a peaceful transfer of power from embattled President Nicolas Maduro to a transitional government, probably led Guaido, is the best hope for the crisis-wracked country. and must work in low-paying jobs in the informal economy. The impact of the crisis has rippled through Venezuelan society, affecting parishes and schools as well as ordinary people, said Father Rafael Garrido, provincial of the Jesuits in Venezuela. Every aspect of life has been disrupted, he said. Something as simple as a family outing to a park may be

impossible because of a lack of transportation, while “going to the movies means skipping a meal” to be able to pay for a ticket. “The church is making an enormous effort to accompany people,” but with inflation running at a mind-boggling 2.69 million percent in January, it is difficult for parishes to pay operating expenses and meet people’s needs for aid, Father Garrido said.

Without basic services like water, schools have cut back class hours, he said. Some children in low-income neighborhoods have been forced to drop out of school. Universities are suffering a brain drain as professors and researchers take better-paying jobs outside the country, Father Virtuoso said. College students also drop out to emigrate. Although they may hope to resume their studies, their immediate concern is to find work to help support their families, he said. The Venezuelan crisis also has international consequences because of other countries’ economic and political interests, Father Virtuoso said. Negotiations for a peaceful transition would probably have to include Russia, China and Cuba, which support Maduro for various reasons, and the United States, European Union and the Lima Group, a group of 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, which back opposition leader Guaido, he said. A change of government would not solve Venezuela’s problems immediately. A new administration would have to stop inflation and jump-start the country’s economy, restore public services and rebuild the deteriorated health care and educational systems. Father Garrido predicted that people will be patient with reconstruction “if people see clear signs that the government is concerned about the people and places the people at the top of its agenda.”

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Certified medical assistant - A new pediatric dermatology practice at Shawnee Mission Pkwy. and State Line Road is looking for a full-time certified medical assistant. Experience is a plus, but new grads may apply. A cheerful and friendly personality is the most important quality. Must have a love for children. Strong computer skills are a plus. Competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with experience. Direct resumes to Marissa Freise, MHSA, Pediatric Dermatology of Kansas City, at: Freise247@gmail.com. Principal - Visitation Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. For more information and to apply, go online to: careers.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph and scroll down to the tab: “Principal for Visitation Catholic School.”

Director of special events - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is seeking a dynamic director of special events. The director will oversee the smooth operation of fundraising events, including the prestigious annual Gaudeamus dinner, which raises over $1 million annually. The director will be responsible for growing the events by securing sponsorships from businesses and individuals; recruiting and managing volunteer committees; and promoting events in the community. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of direct fundraising or sales experience; proven ability to recruit and lead volunteers; be highly organized; and have exceptional communication skills. CEF raises funds to provide scholarships for children in need to attend high-quality Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Candidates must be able to speak passionately about the value of Catholic education. Individuals interested in this full-time position should send a cover letter and resume to: CEFAdmin@archkck.org.

Executive director - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is currently seeking a full-time executive director to provide Christ-centered leadership for our clinic that has been open 12-plus years. The director will be under the supervision of the governing board and responsible for the day-to-day operations of the clinic, including: community networking; marketing; employee leadership and fiscal oversight. If you feel called to lead this ministry that is changing lives and saving lives, email your resume to: Dkelsey@wpcnetwork.org.

Bored with the same old routine? - Need some extra cash? Whether you are looking for part time or full time, the Kansas City Transportation Group has a great opportunity for you. We are looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, business functions or just a night on the town. Our business is growing and we are in need of chauffeur and drivers with flexible hours, those who are retired and need something to do, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Kansas City Transportation Group, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.

College placement/post-secondary counselor - Due to a retirement, St. Thomas Aquinas High School is seeking an experienced individual to work closely with students and parents in all aspects of the college placement/post-secondary process. With a 99 percent college placement rate of a typical graduating class, s/he will be part of the counseling team with a primary focus on college admissions and placement as well as preparation for all secondary options. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: Dr. Bill Ford, President, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park, KS 66215 or via email to: wpford@stasaints.net.

Maintenance technician - Prairie Star Ranch is currently seeking a full-time lead maintenance technician position in Williamsburg. If you are interested in working in a dynamic, ministry-focused environment we invite you to join our team. The position involves performing regular preventive maintenance, as well as handling basic repair and responsive maintenance that includes skills involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and welding. More information and an application can be found online at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should submit an application to: Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095, or via email to: psr@archkck.org. Position open until filled.

Lead teacher - Nativity Day School in Leawood is seeking an individual with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and at least one year of experience to teach kindergarten prep. The full-time teaching position responsibilities include: developing and maintaining constructive and ongoing rapport with child and parents; collaborating with other preschool teachers to ensure that the day school fosters an environment that is inviting and nurturing for every child; managing day-to-day classroom activities, including structured lessons; and other duties assigned by the director. Competitive pay and benefits are available. Interested applicants should email a letter of application and a resume to the attention of Nativity Day School director Jami Huderski at: jami.huderski@kcnativity.org.

Assistant teacher - Nativity Day School in Leawood is seeking an assistant preschool teacher. Responsibilities include: engaging children in activities and play that stimulate their development; assisting them with activities of daily life; appropriately supervising children while keeping them safe at all times; and working in collaboration with the classroom lead teacher. Full- and part-time positions available. Competitive salaries and benefits for full-time employees. Interested applicants should email a letter of application and resume to the attention of Nativity Day School director Jami Huderski at: jami.huderski@kcnativity.org.

Director of development - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is seeking a director of development for its major giving program. The director will be responsible for promoting the program in the community, cultivating donors and securing donations from businesses and individuals. CEF provides scholarships to children from low-income families to attend high-quality Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three - five successful years in fundraising or corporate sales. The ideal candidate should be able to communicate at the executive level; have polished marketing and presentation skills; and communicate compassionately with a variety of constituencies, including business leaders and families seeking scholarship assistance. The director will supervise an administrative staff position and must be able to speak passionately about the value of Catholic education. Interested individuals should send an email with cover letter and resume to: tcl@archkck.org. Mathematics teacher - Bishop Miege High School has a teacher opening for mathematics for the 2019-20 school year. Send a letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@ bishopmiege.com. Executive director of institutional advancement Saint Thomas Aquinas High School (Overland Park) is seeking an executive director of institutional advancement with a proven track record to serve as the chief development officer for the school. The director reports to the president in direct consultation with the board of trustees. S/He is responsible for securing financial support to advance the mission of the school, including overseeing a comprehensive fundraising and alumni relations program. This includes, but is not limited to, furthering the development of the annual fund; cultivating and securing major and planned gifts; promotion and marketing effort; and other stewardship opportunities. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of not-for-profit experience, a willingness to quickly grow to understand a Catholic educational environment and a proven ability to work with a diverse community. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: Dr. Bill Ford, President, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park, KS 66215 or via email at: wpford@stasaints.net Accountant - Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking an accountant. This full-time position will be responsible for the finances of the parish and school. It includes all receivables/payables; payroll; and financial reporting for the organization. Salary will be commensurate with expertise and experience. For a complete position description and to apply, go online to: cccparish.org/joblisting.

Director of youth and young adult ministry - Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking a part-time director of youth and young adult ministry. The youth minister provides vision and coordination for the parish’s efforts in ministry to young people. Salary will be commensurate with expertise and experience. For a complete position description and to apply, go online to: cccparish.org/joblisting.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Sheetrock repaired - We can repair your ceilings and walls and can retexture with popcorn or knockdown ceilings. We can repaint old yellowed ceilings. Interior painting for 25 years with no mess!! Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118. Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.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. 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 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. Interior painting - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years experience. Call anytime. Jerry (913) 206-1144.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net

SERVICES Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Doll dresses - First Communion dresses for American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace for $35. Call (913) 345-9498 or send an email to: wwelch4@kc.rr.com to order. 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 montemacedisability.com. Tutoring - Summer tutoring/enrichment for K - 12. Instructor has 17 years of experience and is degreed. For more information, call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

CAREGIVING Caregiver - CNA has many years of experience with elderly and dementia patients. Will do meal prep, doctor appointments, errands, medication setup and companionship. Call Johnna at (816) 786-1093. Senior CNA - Has extensive nursing training. Will do private care, Johnson County area. Available Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Call (913) 701-6381. Fee negotiable. 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.benefitsofhome.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.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) Lenten sale - Religious art, rosaries, books, jewelry and more. March 10, 17 and 24 from noon to 5 p.m. 1545 N. 85th Place, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. For more information, call (913) 299-3808. For sale - Two side-by-side crypts; tier B, 13 and 15, located in the St. Joseph Chapel at Mount Calvary Cemetery, the only two left in the chapel. Call (913) 269-6176 for pricing. For sale - Two internal crypts at Prince of Peace Mausoleum, Nativity Cove, Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, call (913) 631-4348. For sale - Two spaces at Resurrection Cemetery in Mausoleum, St. John Corridor. Reasonable rate. Call (913) 894-2448.

REAL ESTATE

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063

CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.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.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

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.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. MEDICARE - Just starting the process? Or would you like to review your current coverage? Local, licensed, independent and experienced Medicare adviser. Holy Cross parishioner. Will shop your current rate or answer your Medicare questions. Contact Rhonda at (913) 579-3349. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

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 SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market. Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblaufuss@remax.net

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

BUYING AN AD

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.

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! Certified coach: kathioppold.8toyouridealweight.com.

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios

Decked Out in KC - www.WEFIXDECKS.com. We repair, power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

Concrete Work

Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call or text 913-621-2199

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR WOMEN’S RETREAT Camp Tekakwitha 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg April 26 - 28

This retreat is offered for women ages 21 and older. There will be group and breakout sessions, speakers, fellowship and celebration of the sacraments. For more information and to register, go online to: camptekakwitha-womensretreat.com. Registration now open.

DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 2nd and 4th Sundays from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

What’s next after divorce/annulment? Join us for a formation series on the gift of self, which helps us fulfill the call to love again. Various topics will be discussed. Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ giftofself143 or send an email to: called to love143@gmail.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DANCE Nativity Parish (hall) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood March 16 from 7 - 11 p.m.

The dance is sponsored by the Singles of Nativity. The cost of admission is $20 per person and includes food and drinks.

ST. PADDY’S IRISH FEST Corpus Christi Parish 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence March 16 at 5 p.m.

Celebrate Irish tradition after the 4 p.m. Mass. There will be Irish cuisine, music and drink. Tickets are $25 per person. There is a $10 “wisdom discount” for persons 70 and older. Tickets may be purchased online at: cccparish.org/irish. Proceeds support the parish.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner March 16 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Dinner will be hosted by the 4th-degree Knights of Columbus. The cost for a dinner of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, rolls and dessert is $10 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Williamsburg March 17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The suggested donation for a dinner of corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, homemade bread and more is $10. There will also be raffle prizes and music by Beyond the Heather.

LENTEN SOUP SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia March 20 from 6 - 7 p.m.

A variety of homemade soups, relishes and desserts will be served. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

LIFE RUNNERS PRO-LIFE SPEAKER Divine Mercy Parish (Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner March 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Pat Castle, LIFE Runners founder, will be speaking about his part in the movie “Unplanned” and other critical pro-life topics. No reservation is needed. All are welcome. To learn more about LIFE Runners, go online to: liferunners.org.

DINING TO DONATE WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET Jasper’s Restaurant 1201 W. 103rd, Kansas City, Missouri March 20

Jasper’s Restaurant is donating 20 percent

of all lunch and dinner sales to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to benefit their good works. Reservations are encouraged. Contact Jaspers at (816) 941-6600 or online at: jasperskc.com.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION NIGHT - EMBRACE St. Agnes School 5130 Mission Rd., Roeland Park March 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Parents, teachers and caregivers are invited to join Sam Rockwell’s presentation: “Growth Mindset in Catholic Schools.” All are welcome and child care is provided at no charge. Learn more online at: www.embraceks.org.

MEDICARE Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas March 20 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

This workshop will provide some basic information and answer questions pertaining to Medicare. For more information, call (931) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

‘JULIAN OF NORWICH: MYSTIC FOR OUR TIME’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri March 21 at 6:45 p.m.

This 14th-century English mystic has never been more relevant and needed than today. She teaches that God is at home with us and how to find God in the ordinary. Register online at: info@pbrenewalcenter.org or call (816) 415-3745.

SHROUD OF TURIN REPLICA Divine Mercy Parish (Formation Center) 333 W. Main St., Gardner March 21 at 7 p.m.

Visit a 15-foot replica of the Shroud of Turin, which is believed to be the burial cloth of Christ.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars (Father Burak Room) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups will be held. Father Ken Kelly will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

RUMMAGE SALE Sacred Heart Parish 408 S. Cedar, Ottawa

March 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. March 23 from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will be clothes, household items, furniture and appliances. Friday is half-price all day. Saturday is $2 bag day.

LENTEN RETREAT Holy Family Parish 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kansas March 22 at 8 a.m.

The day will begin with Mass. The retreat will continue at Holy Family Hall, 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. There will be a light breakfast. The speaker will be Sister Maureen Hall. The topic is: “Living the Lenten Journey: Tipping the Scales in the Favor of Love.” The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

DREAMS AND INNER HEALING Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dreams are a language of the heart, a way that our deeper self speaks to us. They are a language of symbols and metaphors that help us to understand what lies beneath our fears and inner struggles. This retreat is directed by Sister Maureen Conroy, RSM. The fee of $110 includes lunch. Call (913) 3606173 or visit the website at: www.sophia spiritualitycenter.org.

POLKA DANCE Knights of Columbus Hall 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 23 at 7:30 p.m.

The cost to attend is $10 per person. The Brian McCarty Band will play polka and timeless dance music. BYOB. Beer and pop will be available for sale. Proceeds will go toward the priest and seminarian fund. Contact Dan Nicks at (913) 406-8717 for a table reservation of six or more.

ST. BENEDICT PARISH 10K TRAIL RUN AND 5K WALK/RUN St. Patrick Parish 19384 234th Rd., Atchison March 23 at 8 a.m.

The 10K run will travel over gravel, dirt and unpaved roads with challenging hills. The entry fee is $30. All participants will receive a pancake breakfast. For more information and to register, go to the website at: www.active.com and type “St. Patrick’s Day 10K” in the search bar. The day will also include breakfast, an open house at the church, a raffle, Texas Hold ’em and Bunko.

WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus March 23 at 7:45 a.m.

The day will begin with registration at 7:45 a.m., followed by Mass. The topic is: “The Feminine Genius.” The fee of $10 includes lunch. Send payment to: QHR Altar Society, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, KS 66013. For more information, send an email to: dkerra53@yahoo.com.

39TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. OSCAR ROMERO St. Sabina Parish 700 Trevis, Belton, Missouri March 23 at 6 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the bilingual Mass, followed by a meal and fiesta in the gym. For more information, call Kris Larkey at (816) 331-4713.

FEAST DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish (basement) 302 S. Boyle St., Scranton March 24 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be a ham or turkey dinner and all the trimmings, including pie and a beverage. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids 6 - 12; and kids under 5 eat for free.

BLOOD DRIVE Knights of Columbus Hall 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 25 from 1 - 7 p.m.

This blood drive is hosted by St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee. Schedule appointments online at: www.savealifenow.org, using sponsor code “stjosephcatholic.” Walk-in donors are welcome. For more information, call Virginia Wiedel at (913) 268-3874.

‘THE PASSION OF CHRIST, A DOCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE’ Sacred Heart Parish 312 N.E. Freeman, Topeka March 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Robert Conroy has studied medical and psychological aspects of Jesus’ death and has extensively reviewed all available research on the Shroud of Turin. Prepare for surprises while walking with Jesus during his final moments.

LENTEN SOUP SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia March 27 from 6 - 7 p.m.

A variety of homemade soups, relishes and desserts will be served. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

LENTEN DAY OF PRAYER Rockhurst University (Massman Hall) 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, Missouri March 27 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City and Rockhurst University are offering this day of prayer with Dr. Michael Scherschlight. There will be a continental breakfast, lunch and Mass. For reservations (by March 20) go online to: www.rockhurst. edu/alumni and scroll down to “Friends of RUL/Ladies of Charity Annual Day of Prayer,” or mail to: Bebe Harrington, 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110.

POTLUCK DINNER Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka March 28 from 5 - 7 p.m.

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

WOMEN’S RETREAT Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka March 29 or March 30 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The theme of the retreat is: “Invitation to Joy.” Jesus calls us to a life of joy when we focus on him. For more information and to register, contact Marceta Reilly by email at: marcetar@gmail.com or call (785) 608-8899; or call Marty Backer at (785) 246-1182. The suggested donation is $30.

BREATHE RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park March 30 from 4 - 8 p.m.

BREATHE respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a loved one with a disability age 5 years or older. If you have any questions regarding the program, contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org. To register a loved one, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/specialneeds and complete the online form.

FAMILY SPECIAL-NEEDS SUMMER CAMP Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg June 28 - 30

This is a summer camp for families who have a loved one with special needs. For more information, go online to: www.archkck.org/ specialneeds or contact Tom Racunas at: tracunas@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

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

Registration and further information is available online at: www.stasaints.net/summer camps. For more information, call (913) 3192416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints. net.

CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City area July 8 - 11

Do you need your house painted, inside or out? Or need your yard cleaned up? Do you need any minor home repairs? Contact the Kansas City managers online at: chwc.kc@ gmail.com or call (402) 306-9043. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

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

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Lent is just a matter of time

SECOND WEEK OF LENT March 17 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 15: 5-12, 17-18 Ps 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14 Phil 3:17 – 4:1 Lk 9: 28b-36 March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church Dn 9: 4b-10 Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13 Lk 6: 36-38 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 Wednesday Jer 18: 18-20 Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16 Mt 20: 17-28 March 21 Thursday Jer 17: 5-10 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 16: 19-31 March 22 Friday Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Ps 105: 16-21 Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46 March 23 Turibius of Mogrovejo, bishop Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20 Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12 Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

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’ve always loved stories. The following one, sent by a parishioner almost 10 years ago, has inspired me this Lent: Jenny, a cheerful little girl with bouncy curls, was almost 5. Waiting with her mother in the checkout line, she saw a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. “Oh, Mommy, please! Can I have them?” the little girl said. “Please!” Quickly, the mother checked the back of the box and then looked into her daughter’s pleading eyes. “It’s $1.95. That’s almost $2. If you really want them, I’ll think of some extra chores for you so you can save enough to buy them,” said the mom. “Your birthday’s only a week away and you might get another dollar bill from Grandma.” As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her piggy bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner that week, she did more than her share of chores. On her birthday, her grandma did send her $1. Soon, Jenny had enough money to

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.

buy the necklace. She loved her pearls and wore them everywhere. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bath. Her mom said that if they got wet, they might turn her neck green. Jenny had a loving dad. Every night, when she was ready for bed, he would come upstairs to read to her. One night, as he finished the story, he asked his daughter, “Do you love me?” “Oh, yes, Daddy,” said

Jenny. “You know that I love you.” “Then give me your pearls.” “Oh, Daddy,” said Jenny, “not my pearls! But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. She’s my favorite.” “That’s OK, honey. Daddy loves you. Good night.” And he brushed her cheek with a kiss. About a week later, after story time, he asked again if she loved him and would she give him her pearls. Again, Jenny refused, but offered her dad her brandnew doll instead. “That’s OK, honey. Sweet dreams. Daddy loves you.” A few nights later

when her daddy came in, the little girl was sitting cross-legged on her bed. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. “What’s wrong, Jenny?” asked the father. Jenny didn’t say anything but lifted up her hand. When she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she said, “Here, Daddy. This is for you.” With tears in his eyes, he reached out with one hand to take the dimestore necklace. With the other hand, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them the whole time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. (Adapted; source and author unknown) How are you doing with Lent so far? What God asks of us in these days is something that we consider most

precious: our time. Being faithful to the three disciplines of Lent — prayer, fasting and almsgiving — demands time. And, like little Jenny, we cling selfishly to our usual schedules and hesitate to give time away to God. We only see the loss; we’re blind to the gain. Perhaps that’s why the church gives us a whole season of Lent. It takes time to surrender to God. It’s hard to relinquish control of our agendas. This week, carve out a little bit of time for Lent by attending a daily Mass or Stations of the Cross; reading a Lenten meditation on an online site like Dynamic Catholic; attending a fish fry and sitting with people you don’t know; or sending a generous donation to a charity. The time we’ll give away to God is cheap compared to the genuine treasure he wants to give us: the chance to become the best we can be, his saints.

Landless, childless Abram finds answers in the night

ysterious things happen at night. Cloaked in the darkness, all kinds of weird beings can lurk about. The creaking of tree branches, the howling of a dog, can make our imagination run wild. That is the setting for Sunday’s first reading, Gn 15:5-12, 17-18. It tells us: “As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.” In the midst of that darkness, Abram witnesses a strange sight: “There appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch which passed between those pieces.” Abram has cut up several animals as a sacrifice

IN THE BEGINNING

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

to God. The fire pot and torch pass through the cut-up pieces of these animals as a sign of God’s presence.

The flaming torch anticipates the burning bush that Moses will see on Mount Sinai, the pillar of fire that will eventually guide the Hebrew people at night through the desert, the tongues as of flame that much later will descend upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. Fire, a form of energy, represents God’s power at work.

The cut-up pieces of animals are intended to be a sacrifice, to seal the covenant between Abram and God. Ordinarily, they would be consumed by fire. Strangely enough, the narrative in Genesis does not describe that precise moment, even though we can assume it. The covenant confirms the promise that God has made to Abram, to give him the Promised Land and to make him the ancestor of a huge number of people yet to be born: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so, he (God) added, “shall your descendants be. . . . I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.”

Keep in mind, that when God says these things to Abram, Abram is an elderly man with no children, a nomad with no permanent residence. He owns no land and has no family. God makes the promise to Abram at night, just as the sacrifice sealing the covenant takes place at night, although not evidently the same night. After all, nighttime is when mysterious things happen. Perhaps it is then that we are more willing to believe in mysterious things happening. And it is then that Abram believes what God has told him: “Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.”

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Fidelity to Christ is the “secret” to every effective work of Christian charity, so every activity of outreach to the poor and suffering should be supported by prayer, Pope Francis said. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the “Circolo di San Pietro,” a charitable association founded to support the pope and serve the poor, the pope focused on the group’s motto, which is “prayer, action, sacrifice.” The group was among the first in Rome to run soup

kitchens, food and clothing banks and homeless shelters. During World War I and World War II, the association fed thousands of Romans each day, serving more than four million meals annually during some of those years. Pope Francis told members that “the apostolic vitality and future of your association” will depend on how attentive members are to their core values of “prayer, action and sacrifice,” but especially prayer. “If Jesus is present in the brother or sister we meet, then our volunteer activity can become an experience of God and of prayer,” he said. — CNS

MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Stewardship starts when we learn to tend God’s love for us

fter weeks of dreary winter, our houseplants burst into life with blooms in bright shades of white, gold, pink and red! I had very little to do with the transformation of the cacti and violets — just a little water and letting them bask in their pots in warm southern light. That’s about it. I tend to them regularly, but they are God’s handiwork. Stewardship is like that. Stewardship begins because God loves us. We know this because of Jesus Christ, and through all we experience in daily life. We see God’s love in all things that are good

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who then moves us to act charitably toward others.

Stewardship doesn’t begin with love for our neighbor. Nor does it begin with gratitude for the gifts that we receive. It begins with God. Without much effort on my part, plants bloomed. Without any effort on my part, God has given me our beautiful

mother, the church, and all of you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We are stewards because of all that God has given to us. Pope Benedict XVI wrote: “Love of God leads to participation in the justice and generosity of God towards others.” Every day, the people with whom I work are witnesses of the generosity of Catholics in northeast Kansas who, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, participate in some way in the mission of the church. We witness your love for God blooming brightly through your charity. A retired business owner starts a family Donor Advised Fund.

A widow names her parish in her will and becomes a member of the Catholic Legacy Society. A family pledges support to help build our priest retirement community, provide for the care of our elderly, expand our ability to welcome guests at Savior Pastoral Center and other causes supported by the archdiocese’s One Faith, One Family, One Future in Christ capital campaign. A young couple makes their first commitment to help in the mission of the church through the ministries funded through the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Not all gifts are financial. On March 1,

the Catholic Fine Arts Council opened the sixth annual monthlong Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art Exhibit at Savior Pastoral Center with awards to the artists who used their talents to teach others about discipleship. God not only blesses us, but makes us a blessing to others. Look around and you will see glorious, colorful, sunlit signs of God’s goodness and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for all you do to brighten our often frustrating world and, lately, a very long and gloomy winter. May God bless you with a holy season of Lent.

Social justice is ‘church speak’ for all of us working for the common good

ocial justice has somehow gotten a bad reputation, even among Catholics who think it’s “church speak” for socialism. In some ways, this is understandable because liberal progressives have taken to using the term to promote progressive policies such as multiculturalism and identity politics. But to make matters worse, social justice is also used now as an insult. In case you missed it: “Social Justice Warrior” (a.k.a. SJW) is now a negative term used online to denote someone who promotes socially leftist views, usually as way to pursue

DO UNTO OTHERS

BILL SCHOLL Bill Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@ archkck.org.

personal validation (often called virtue signaling) instead of an authentic desire for the

common good. The misuse of the term “social justice” both as a slur and a mislabeling of an unchristian political agenda should be a matter of grave concern for all Catholics. Working for authentic social justice is an essential part of our vocation as

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baptized disciples of Jesus Christ. As Catholics, we should fight to get our words back: by first learning about the Catholic teachings concerning social justice and then evangelizing our neighbors and friends about what this concept really means. In a nutshell, social justice is our individual responsibility to work for the common good. And the common good is the sum total of social conditions that enable human dignity and flourishing for all. As Christians, social justice is one of the ways we participate in Jesus Christ’s kingship. We practice social justice when we fight for

the rights of the unborn, or dismantle racism, or seek to build an economy that pays living wages. As well, social justice is an integral part of being specifically Catholic. The term is used extensively in the popes’ social encyclicals and magisterial teachings. The Catechism of the Catholic Church dedicates an entire section (CCC 1928-48) to the subject of “social justice’ in its coverage of morality. A priest friend used to say, “Hey, don’t try to use our book against us,” whenever he was defending the Catholic faith to a non-Catholic who quoted Scripture. His point was that

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the Bible was compiled by the Catholic Church and was our book way before anyone else laid claim to it. Likewise, as Catholics, we need to say to each other and the world, “Hey, don’t misuse and abuse this term. Social justice is our term and it’s our job.” Properly understood and practiced, social justice is neither left nor right politically. If you’d like your parish to reclaim social justice and learn how we as Catholics are called to live it, please contact the office for social justice to arrange a presentation for any of your parish groups.

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MARCH 15, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

A SPLASH OF FAITH

Twin swimmers take Miege to a higher level competitively and spiritually By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

OELAND PARK — Dennis Mueller, head swim and dive coach for Bishop Miege here, is proud of his team’s impressive performance at the Boys State Swimming and Diving Championship in Topeka last month. But the highlight of the event for Mueller may surprise you. “A favorite memory happened not in the pool,” he said, “but on Friday night at our hotel.” Mueller was in his hotel room just after 10 p.m. when he heard a knock at his door. He opened it to find his entire team, led by co-captains Max and Lex Hernandez-Nietling, crowded outside. They wanted to pray together. “It was kinda cool to have 20 guys lining the hallway to pray at a hotel, of all places,” he said.

Leading with faith Bishop Miege didn’t win the state championship, but they took fourth and posted some outstanding individual performances. “We dominated the meet, winning six out of 11 swim events and broke three state records,” said Mueller. “And we just missed the other three by a half-second or less in time.” But it was that moment in the hotel that assured Coach Mueller that his team had learned the most important lesson Catholic education has to teach — faith matters. “I am saddened with the loss of seniors [to graduation], but our team will remain strong and can compete for the trophy next year with God’s blessings,” he said. Two of those seniors, twin brothers Max and Lex, are top swimmers in the Midwest and ranked nationally. They earned their spots as co-captains with their athletic talent, academic achievements and leadership skills. They’re also the kind of leaders who would encourage their teammates to pray. “They are just two of the finest young gentlemen I’ve coached,” said Mueller. “They have all the attributes you’d want in a scholar-athlete level. “But their faith is still the center point of their lives.” For these brothers, faith is behind the drive to be their best. “Faith surrounds my whole swimming career and anything that comes with it,” said Lex. “I like to think God has a plan for me. “If something doesn’t work out the first time, that’s because he is preparing me for the next thing that’s going to be even better.”

The road to Miege

Max and Lex, along with their older sister Frankie, were born near

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Dennis Mueller, head swim and dive coach for Bishop Miege High School, talks to Max (left) and Lex Hernandez-Nietling during warmups at the state championship meet in Topeka.

Staggering performance Bishop Miege set three state records in 2019 and another was less than 0.4 seconds away. Here is a list of Miege’s records: • 200-yard medley relay (Max Hernandez-Nietling, Kevin Hannon, Kyle Eskew): 1:35.02 (prelims); previous record was 1:36.68 • 100-yard freestyle (Lex Hernandez-Nietling): 45.12; previous was 45.58 • 100-yard breaststroke (Lex Hernandez-Nietling): 56.08; previous was 56.28

the ocean. Their swim training started early because, according to Max, “our parents didn’t want us to drown.” It wasn’t love at first stroke. “I didn’t like it,” Max confessed. “They had to bribe me with goggles and candy.” Lex preferred baseball, soccer and basketball. “But I fractured my nose in third grade,” he said. “And swimming was the only sport the doctor would let me do.” Eventually, the family moved to Holy Family Parish in North Kansas City, Missouri. “They swam with a USA swim club called KC Swim, and I was a coach,” said Mueller. Mueller coached the boys from fourth grade on. When their sister decided to attend Bishop Miege and swim for the school, her brothers came along for a tour.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The Bishop Miege team gathers for prayer before the state meet. Co-captains Max and Lex Hernandez-Nietling work to foster a strong faith element in the team. “I asked if they thought they might come here,” recalled Mueller, who has coached at Bishop Miege for 23 years. “They said, ‘If you’re here, we’d like to be here with you.’” Mueller is more than just a coach to the twins. “He’s someone I always want to be around,” said Lex. “It’s just a blessing that he’s a coach, too. He always tries to make the best of everything, and that helps us a lot.” Max agreed. “He’s like a second father to Lex and me,” he said. “He’s always there for us, helps us perform well, helps us train.

Friendly rivals Part of the twins’ strong work ethic stems from their constant competition with each other.

“That’s still their trait today,” said Mueller. “Every practice we’re doing, they’re trying to outswim each other.” That competition has paid off. “The [Bishop Miege] record board should be titled the HernandezNietling board,” said Mueller. “They have broken all individual records of our state championship in 2014 here.” Max and Lex were both Kansas state champs in two individual races at state last year as juniors. They shined in Topeka again this year and both were named first-team all-state. The twins have been recruited by some of the top Division I colleges in the country. And they’ve chosen to continue their personal rivalry — both have committed to swim for the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. >> See “GOD” on page 7