03 26 21 Vol. 42 No. 32

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 32 | MARCH 26, 2021

PANDEMIC-PROOF Pastors reflect on keeping the faith, one year in

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Dan Gardner was like everyone else last March: locked down, frustrated and wondering what would happen next.

“When the announcement came out to shut everything down, I just walked around the house for a couple of days, and I was ready to climb the walls,” said Father Gardner, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha and St. Leo Parish in Horton.

One year ago this month, “normal life” went away when the national COVID-19 response began in earnest.

A national lockdown began on March 16 as part of “fifteen days to slow the spread.” And between March 12 and 19, every diocese in the country prohibited the celebration of public Masses. Parish life largely went dormant.

Things didn’t stay that way. Soon, pastors all over the archdiocese began to rally their pastoral staff and parish volunteers to provide the sacraments, operate parish ministries and engage parishioners.

On this first anniversary of what many consider the “beginning” of the pandemic in the United States, The Leaven asked some veteran pastors to reflect on the past 12 months.

Facing challenges The top challenges all pastors faced could be placed into two categories, according to Msgr. Thomas Tank, pastor of Ascension Parish in Overland Park.

The first was maintaining contact with parishioners and keeping them engaged. The second was finding ways to provide the sacraments.

It wasn’t easy to do with all the churches closed.

“I had a real difficulty closing the church, which was the decision of the priests of Johnson County,” said Msgr.

Tank. “We could still have Mass, but the church was locked. That was terrifically painful, and I’ll never do it again.”

Each pastor said they were challenged by the loss of the personal

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

s From left, Keith Krull, Father Bill Porter, BJ Jonsher and Richard Ackmann prepare fish for Roeland Park’s St. Agnes Parish weekly fish fry. Father Porter said he especially misses being able to interact with his parishioners before and after Mass. u Father Dan Gardner, pastor of St. Leo Parish in Horton and St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha, livestreams daily Mass from his dining room table. Livestreaming was something Father Gardner taught himself in order to connect with his parishioners. contact that normally occurred in the context of the Mass and parish social events.

They missed their parishioners, and their parishioners missed them.

“The hardest thing was not seeing people before or following Mass to be able to talk with them and see how their personal lives were going,” said >> See “WE’RE” on page 6

Antisemitism Tax deadline changes The IRS has announced that this year’s tax deadline will be extended to May 17.

The Leaven takes a look at the history and recent rise in antisemitism and offers ways to counteract it.

Page 7-9

2

ARCHBISHOP

MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Put COVID relief dollars to work for pro-life causes, if you can

Y

esterday (March 25), in the liturgical calendar we observed another solemnity during this Lenten season, the Annunciation of Our Lord.

Exactly nine months before the great feast of Christmas, we commemorate the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. This solemnity celebrates the greatest “yes” in human history — when the Virgin Mary accepted God’s special mission for her to be the mother of the Redeemer.

One of my favorite pectoral crosses was given to me by Pope John Paul II. Lest you become too impressed, Pope John Paul gave the same cross to every bishop in the world.

Under the image of the crucified Jesus, there is a tiny representation of the Archangel Gabriel announcing to Mary God’s desire for her to be the mother of his son.

This cross is a reminder that Mary’s “fiat” was crucial for Jesus to reveal the depth of God’s love and mercy on Calvary.

The life of Jesus does not begin in the stable of Bethlehem but in the womb of Mary.

The Scriptures begin the story of the Redeemer with the announcement to Mary of the conception of Jesus.

This is an inconvenient truth for those who believe that the Bible is silent on the sanctity of human life within the womb of a mother.

Last year, the solemnity of the Annunciation also marked

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN the 25th anniversary of the promulgation by Pope John Paul of his landmark encyclical, “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”).

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in observing this important anniversary, launched a new initiative, Walking with Moms in Need.

The initial goal of this endeavor was for every diocese and parish in the country to assess the assistance available in their geographic area for mothers experiencing an untimely or difficult pregnancy.

The purposes of Walking with Moms in Need was for dioceses and parishes to: 1) communicate better the services that already exist; and 2) increase the concrete, practical help for mothers and their children by identifying and filling the gaps of the current assistance available to this vulnerable population.

When my father died in December of

1948 and my mother was carrying me in her womb, abortion was unthinkable. Mom received assistance from my grandparents, other family members, friends and our parish community. The entire culture supported her giving birth. My mother was surrounded by a supportive community that provided her with much needed encouragement and practical assistance.

Sadly, the current culture in our nation not only permits abortion, but promotes abortion. Notice how those supporting legalized abortion rarely speak any more about being pro-choice? Proponents of abortion no longer view abortion as a choice but rather as a right.

Beginning with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), there has been an effort to redefine abortion as basic preventive medicine. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sued Catholic hospitals for medical malpractice for not providing abortion.

Similarly, if the notion of abortion gains

cultural acceptance as legitimate health care, doctors will be forced to perform abortions and surgical nurses will be required to assist. The rights of conscience for medical professionals are in jeopardy.

This is what underscores the rationale of President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Speaker of the House Pelosi to coerce every American to pay for abortions through their tax dollars.

For almost 50 years, there has been bipartisan agreement not to fund abortion with taxes. The effort to gain approval for federally tax-funded abortion realized a victory with the recent passage of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. Previous COVID relief legislation prohibited abortion funding.

Bishop Peter Christiansen of the Diocese of Boise, Idaho, devised a brilliant response to this distressing development. Bishop Christenson initiated a program in the Boise Diocese that is entitled, “I Will Give Half.”

The name of the initiative comes from the episode in Luke’s Gospel (Lk 19:8) when Zaccheus, a reformed tax collector, promised to give half of his money to the poor. Bishop Christiansen encouraged the members of the Diocese of Boise, who can afford to do so, to give at least half ($700) of their COVID relief assistance to a

“The Annunciation” hangs in the Basilica of St. Nicolas of Tolentino, a minor basilica that is part of the Augustinian monastery in the hill-town of Tolentino in the province of Macerata in the Marche region of central Italy. pro-life organization.

For members of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, I wish to promote a similar effort. Specifically, I urge every parishioner to consider giving half or more of your COVID relief income to a local pregnancy resource center/ crisis pregnancy clinic or to the efforts for the passage in August 2022 of the “Value Them Both” state constitutional amendment.

“Value Them Both” is a necessary response to the tragic Kansas Supreme Court decision that invented a right to abortion in our state constitution. Abortion

proponents have already begun a disinformation effort about the amendment. To successfully pass “Value Them Both,” it is necessary to conduct a major educational campaign.

As we approach Holy Week, it is natural to marvel at the amazing love of God revealed by Jesus Christ, who was conceived in the womb of Mary and gave his life for us on the cross.

May the celebration of the solemnity of the Annunciation inspire us to surround expectant mothers with love and support so that they and their children not only survive but thrive.

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MARCH 26, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

3

‘ON THE FRONT LINE’ Virtus volunteers help keep kids safe

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “I live and breathe protecting children,” said Maureen Reintjes.

The resource specialist at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee isn’t exaggerating.

She spends her time volunteering as a victim advocate with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

She’s also on the executive board of Missouri Missing, an organization that, among many things, supports families who have missing loved ones.

But her role as a safe environment coordinator (SEC) at Sacred Heart is just as important, she said.

“It means a lot to me,” said Reintjes, “[to be] able to get so many people aware that they need to be watching out for children.

“We’re on the front line here.”

Each parish and school in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas selects an individual to act as a local SEC, said Sandy Vielhauer, protection compliance administrator for the office of protection and care.

“The archdiocesan mission of protecting all those whose voices may be silent and unheard would not be possible without the local SECs,” she explained.

“These dedicated individuals work with their parish ministries to ensure all employees and volunteers working around youth and vulnerable adults are appropriately trained and screened,” she added.

Their work is a pertinent part of the office of protection and care’s mission to protect children and vulnerable adults in the archdiocese.

One of their key responsibilities is ensuring that every adult who works or volunteers with children in some capacity at the church or school has been trained in “Protecting God’s Children — Virtus.”

Virtus is a child safety awareness program led by volunteer facilitators.

All adults who work with children within the archdiocese are required to attend a Virtus training session and undergo a background check before being allowed to do so.

SECs ensure that this applies to everyone — from teachers to parent volunteers

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Safe environment coordinators Maureen Reintjes (above), of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, and Karen McDonald (left), of Church of the Nativity in Leawood, work to ensure that every adult who works or volunteers with children in some capacity at the church or school has been trained in “Protecting God’s Children — Virtus.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

to CYO coaches.

“It’s a lot to keep track of,” said Karen McDonald, registrar at Church of the Nativity Parish in Leawood. “I sometimes call myself the Virtus police.”

Nativity has more than 2,000 households and more than 5,500 parishioners.

“And we have a very generous parish with lots of volunteers giving their time and talent to work with the kids,”

said McDonald, who acts as the SEC there.

McDonald said the Virtus training is an effective way to educate adults; the videos, especially, show how abuse can happen and how to prevent it.

“They get very passionate then about protecting the children,” she said. “They secondguess sometimes things or situations they’ve seen.

“They become more aware.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

They become great advocates for our kids.”

Both McDonald and Reintjes said their workload varies based on the time of year. It’s busier as school starts in the fall, during CYO sports seasons and when religious education is taking place.

“It depends on what’s going on in the parish and school what the volunteer needs are,” said Reintjes.

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Overseeing Virtus is one of multiple duties these women are in charge of at their parishes, but the work is a fulfilling way to spend their time.

“I’m a mom, and I’m a granny of two beautiful girls,” said McDonald. “I understand how trusting and vulnerable kids can be.

“We as adults are put here to protect them, to help them, and working together collectively as a parish [and] as an archdiocese, it has a big impact on the future of our kids.”

Playing a part in that protection is “a big responsibility,” added McDonald.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” she said. “I’m just privileged to be part of that Nativity village, that archdiocesan village, and to do my part to keep all our kids safe.”

To learn more about the office of protection and care, go online to: archkck.org/protection-and-care/ office.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Pandemic gave Topeka couple time to prioritize marriage

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

T

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANGIANI FAMILY

Leo and Maria Cangiani, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, have found that their marriage has improved during the pandemic by bringing them closer together. Pictured with their family are, clockwise from left: Leo, Milani, Maria, Verani (baby), Gianni, Leilani (green skirt) and Ariani (red pants).

“

“

OPEKA — Marriage can be difficult even in the best of times, but most of 2020 and part of 2021 have not been the best of times.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw everyone a curveball.

Lives were disrupted in many ways: lost jobs, lost income, remote school and work, canceled vacations and other activities, disrupted routines and separation from loved ones and friends.

Families have spent a lot more time together this year than they have in the past. For some couples, the old truism “familiarity breeds contempt” proved true indeed.

But not for others. Their marriages actually improved during the pandemic.

One such couple is Leo and Maria Cangiani, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka.

She’s a nurse practitioner and he’s a teacher, now a stay-at-home dad. They have five children between nine months old and 14 years old. They home school all but two of their children.

“I think the pandemic, honestly, brought us closer than apart,” said Maria. “During the pandemic, we were pregnant with our nine-month-old, so that brought on different challenges.”

“We relied on each other to figure out what was best in our family,” she added. “That required communication and support. We did a lot of checks — ‘How are you doing today?’ — and we improved our prayer life.”

One thing the pandemic did was to clear away distractions that had accumulated in their lives.

“Our marriage, we say, is always a work in progress,” said Leo. “[The pandemic] definitely helped us slow down our weekly routine. We were involved in so many activities with work, school and church — things going on.

It forced us to sit down and be around each other a lot more and get a little deeper on different levels.”

The pandemic, while causing financial strain and other stressors in their lives, actually was a sort of blessing for the Cangiani family.

“We took it as a blessing to increase our prayer lives and to put more trust in God than in ourselves,” said Maria.

“It brought to light many things that we were spending [too much] time on otherwise.”

WE TOOK IT AS A BLESSING TO INCREASE OUR PRAYER LIVES AND TO PUT MORE TRUST IN GOD THAN IN OURSELVES. MARIA CANGIANI MEMBER OF MOST PURE HEART OF MARY PARISH IN TOPEKA

One thing they did was read together a couple of books by Catholic author Matthew Kelly every morning. They also began — when it became possible — to take the entire family to daily Mass. Maria and Leo leave the kids at home on the weekend and go to Mass

alone together, a kind of “date Mass.”

They also attended a marriage course from October 2020 to February this year at St. Stanislaus Parish in nearby Rossville. The course covered things such as communicating within a marriage, resolving conflicts, increasing sexual intimacy, learning your partner’s love language, knowing how to share and respect each other’s roles and more.

Last summer, they went to Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg for a family camp. It wasn’t a true retreat, but it gave them time to be with each other while the kids were off doing their own activities.

They also began a daily family rosary.

Whether or not a marriage improves or suffers during a pandemic — or any time — is really intentional, said Maria.

“It’s a choice,” she said. “You either

deal with the issues at hand you’ve been avoiding because you’ve been busy, or you continue to avoid those problems by having more conflict, being bitter or holding onto those [negative] feelings.

“We both made a choice. It’s not easy. It’s a conscious effort — an intentional choice. I married Leo because I love him, and love isn’t necessarily a feeling. It’s an action.”

The biggest thing, said Maria, is that they put a priority on making God a part of their lives. They’ve prayed constantly for the Holy Spirit to aid them.

“The pandemic brought us closer to each other and closer to God,” said Leo. “Everything was taken away and all we had was each other and, of course, God — who never left us. God needs to be an essential focus every time, everywhere.”

MARCH 26, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

ONE OF A KIND

Miege basketball player leaves her mark on the game

By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

“I felt so bad for all the seniors. They just played their last high school game and didn’t know it,” Verhulst said.

It was especially heartbreaking for her because her older sister was a senior on the team.

If her 2020 basketball experience taught her anything, it was to never take anything for granted. This year, Miege took all COVID protocols seriously by wearing masks and doing all the right things to ensure that they could complete the season.

“Once we figured out we were going to have a season, we went out and played every game like it could possibly be our last,” Verhulst said.

The girls season ended on March 13 with the Miege girls once again being crowned the Kansas Class 4A state champions with a 51-36 victory over McPherson.

R

OELAND PARK — He makes no bones about it.

When asked how current Bishop Miege basketball player Payton Verhulst stacks up against all the players he’s coached in his legendary career, Miege head coach Terry English says simply, “She’s the best.”

“She’s 6’2”. She can be a point guard.

She can be a center. She can be a forward. She can play anywhere because she is so versatile. I would have to say she’s the best player we’ve ever coached at Miege,” English said.

English, who recently announced his retirement as head coach of the Miege girls, has seen a lot of great players pass through his program. He’s won 22 state championships (including this year’s), won more than 800 games and coached numerous players who have gone on to play college basketball. So, calling Verhulst the best is high praise indeed.

“Her basketball IQ is off the charts for her age,” he said. “It’s like having another coach on the floor.”

Verhulst has certainly left her mark on girls basketball. She’s won two state championships, was the 2020 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year and was recently named a McDonald’s All-American. She was also named the MVP of the 2019 USA Basketball Women’s Under 16 national team that won the gold medal in Chile.

Awards and the future

Keeping it Catholic Verhulst is a product of Catholic schools. She attended Holy Trinity School in Lenexa for grade school.

When it came time to find a high school, Miege stood out for her. She and her older sister shadowed at other Catholic schools, but when they shadowed at Miege, they instantly knew it was the school for them.

“It had everything we wanted — a good mix of academics, athletics, and there was such a strong Catholic presence here,” she said. “I was looking for something that would give me a real-world experience, and Miege can offer that because it’s so diverse and so accepting.”

In addition to giving her a chance to

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Bishop Miege basketball player Payton Verhulst drives to the basket in Miege’s opening round playoff win against Tonganoxie High School. Verhulst — the reigning Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year — was recently named a McDonald’s All-American. She’s only the second Kansas female to earn that honor. hone her basketball skills, Miege also helped her hone her faith. “[My faith] has definitely been growing while I’ve been in high school with all the opportunities they offer here,” she said. “I have a long way to go, but I’m happy with where I’m at now.”

One area where she feels she’s made great strides is in her appreciation of confession. Instead of seeing confession as a place to just list her sins, she’s found the sacrament a way to deepen her relationship with God.

Basketball and COVID After winning the state title in 2019, Miege was primed for a repeat in 2020.

After making it to the Kansas Class 4A final four, Miege athletic director Andrew Groene delivered the girls the bad news while they were watching the Miege boys play: The rest of the tournament was being canceled because of COVID concerns.

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Over her career, Verhulst has picked up lots of honors. The biggest was being named a McDonald’s All-American — something only one other Kansas girl has done.

But ask her about it and she seems almost embarrassed.

“I love talking to people,” she said, “but I hate the whole attention thing.”

When pressed, Verhulst gives the same answer you’ll hear veteran athletes give.

“It’s such an honor to be in the same category as some of the other women who have been chosen for these awards,” she said.

For English, Verhulst’s answer comes as no surprise.

“She gives all the credit to everybody else and just goes out and plays hard,” he said. “She’s very competitive but she’s the type of kid that just wants to be a part of it and help the other kids be successful.”

As for the future, Verhulst has committed to play basketball at the University of Louisville, in Louisville, Kentucky, where she plans to major in special education.

Verhulst is thankful for all that basketball has given her over the years.

“It’s given me the personality that I have and the friends that I have. It’s taught me about aspiration, determination and dedication,” she said. “It’s made me who I am.”

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LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

STARRY NIGHT

This stunning image of St. Benedict Church, Bendena, was captured by Leaven freelance photographer Jay Soldner on March 5 from 7:50 to 9:33 p.m. This is the compilation of 323 images shot back-to-back at an exposure of 20 seconds each.

‘We’re not wired to be . . . separated from each other’ >> Continued from page 1 Father Bill Porter, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park.

“We tried regular mail, phone and email, but it’s been an effort,” he continued.

“I just missed being with the people,” said Father Gardner. “I don’t mind being by myself, but I don’t like it for a large amount of time. Life certainly slowed down for a while.”

Father Gardner had the unhappy experience of being called to a nursing home to anoint a resident. At the door, he was given a quick test and was told he was infected with the COVID-19 virus.

It was just before Christmas, so he was forced to quarantine and had to ask the Benedictines to cover his Masses. Later, a more thorough test showed he wasn’t sick at all.

Adapting and adjusting Pastors became creative to maintain contact with parishioners and to provide the sacraments, and technology played a big role. Some pastors were more conversant with social media platforms than others.

“As they said at the evangelization convocation [in 2019], ‘become comfortable with the uncomfortable,’” said Father Gardner. “[I learned] how to use media to connect with people.”

Father Gardner learned how to use the Facebook social media platform and livestreamed daily Mass from his dining room, it being the place with the best connection. He also learned, quite

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Msgr. Michael Mullen, ordained for 58 years, began to use the Internet for his ministry for the first time during the pandemic. He began a daily teaching program called “Holy Dessert.” by accident, about filters when he celebrated Mass with a “Blues Brothers” filter that put him in a hat and sunglasses.

Msgr. Michael Mullen, ordained for 58 years, began to use the internet for his ministry for the first time.

“For me, I wouldn’t be on livestream every day had this not happened,” said Msgr. Mullen, senior associate pastor in residence at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee. He began a 12:30 p.m. daily teaching program called “Holy Dessert.” That, and daily rosaries, will continue as his outreach to elderly and homebound parishioners during post-pandemic times.

Father Porter’s experience in campus ministry and at new parishes helped him adapt.

“Being in campus ministry for 16 years, you learn you don’t need a lot of things to have church,” he said. “If you have the essentials, you can say Mass anywhere, and you can hear confessions sitting in your car seat or under an awning. You can do things differently than you’ve ever done before.

“One of the nice things about this is how appreciative people have been that ministry continues in the midst of [the pandemic]. You’re trying to keep them safe and reach them as best you can, offering Mass even on a limited basis.”

The things they learned The veteran pastors learned a lot of things that inspired and informed them

during the pandemic.

“The faith-filled goodness of parishioners is one of those,” said Msgr. Tank.

“They have a desire to really share in the life of the church, attend Mass and receive the sacraments. Another was the value of social communication, whether it’s livestreaming or telephone contacts.

[Also], the fragility of the whole system — society and the church.”

Msgr. Mullen observed that God is with the church now as much as ever.

“God is still in charge,” he said. “None of this is happening without his awareness. It’s fully a part of his plan as anything else.”

The best response of priests is to remain faithful in prayer, he said.

“I think the top thing [I learned] is that people long and hunger for community, to be with other people,” said Father Porter. “We’re not wired to be in isolation and separated from each other.”

A big unknown right now is what things are going to look like in the post-pandemic period. People are all over the spectrum regarding how they feel about COVID-19, said Msgr. Tank.

Some are still very anxious, while others feel that even the basic safety precautions are not needed. The challenge will be how to minister to them all.

But there is one thing that all the pastors are encouraged by: More people are coming back to regular Sunday worship.

“It’s good to see the church filling back up,” said Msgr. Tank. “It’s great to see families with young children, as well as the older people. It really is a joy.”

ANTISEMITISM

FRANKIE FOUGANTHIN/WIKI COMMONS

A Holocaust survivor displays the prisoner number tattooed on his arm at the concentration camp he was imprisoned in. It is estimated the between 5-6 million Jews died during the Holocaust.

The ‘oldest hatred’ persists and resurges still today

A

STORIES BY THERESE HORVAT

cross the centuries, the Jewish people have been viewed as the “other.” They have been blamed as scapegoats for Jesus’ crucifixion, the Black Death, war and struggling economies.

Based on unfounded conspiracy theories and fabricated claims of racial inferiority, Jews have suffered harassment, exclusion, violence and genocide. Christians, Catholics, Fathers of the Church, Nazis, white supremacists, and leaders and individuals given to stereotyping and to inaction have been complicit in what is called “the oldest hatred” that persists still today.

This year as the Christian observance of Holy Week coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover, this sacred season presents a timely opportunity to probe the history and resurgence of antisemitism, and to identify ways to counter this age-old prejudice.

Origins of antisemitism date back millenia Philip Cunningham, Ph.D., is a professor of theology and the director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He explains that even before the concepts of anti-Judaism and antisemitism existed, there was in ancient times

opposition to the religious beliefs and culture of Jews, or people from Judea. The Jews resisted assimilation into the Greco-Roman cultures.

They were monotheistic, considered other gods false and refused to worship them.

Jesus was a Jew in a world dominated by the Roman Empire that tolerated Judaism. Cunningham says that because of Jesus’ teachings, the Roman overlords perceived him as someone planning an insurrection. “‘Who crucified Jesus?’ is a historic

question. The decision to crucify Jesus was made to enforce Roman rule,” Cunningham clarifies. “‘Who was to blame?’ was a matter of judgment.”

Subject to Roman rule, the early Christians couldn’t very well cast blame on Pontius Pilate for Jesus’ crucifixion. The blame fell instead to Jewish Temple leadership and, in time, broadened to encompass the Jewish people.

The notion of the “blood curse” associated with the Crucifixion prevailed for centuries.

From anti-Judaism to antisemitism Early Christianity started out as a movement within Judaism. However, with the rise of Christianity, church leaders sought to promote the religion as the successor to Judaism.

There were forced conversions of Jews. Some theologians and Fathers of the Church called out “the Jews” as Christ-killers. Cunningham says we need look no further than St. Augustine for examples: He wrote that because of the Crucifixion, Jews were cursed to wander the earth aimlessly.

In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church gained unprecedented influence and power. Anti-Jewish beliefs became institutionalized

Working definition of antisemitism Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

— Adopted May 26, 2016, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance

in laws restricting freedoms. Jews could neither marry nor employ Christians. They were denied citizenship and civil liberties, isolated in ghettos, made to wear identifying yellow badges and expelled from some countries. Judaism drew attacks as a religion.

Conspiracy theories flourished.

When Christian children went missing, Jews were accused of kidnapping and murdering them to use their blood to make Passover bread.

It was alleged that Jews caused the Black Death by poisoning water in wells they were forbidden to use.

During the Crusades, Christians >> See “VATICAN II” on page 8

Antisemi

A

CNS PHOTO/ARTURO MARI

Rabbi Michael Melchior watches as Pope John Paul II prays at Judaism’s holiest site, the Western Wall, in Jerusalem in March 2000. St. John Paul, who lived through the Holocaust and lost friends to the genocide, had a personal commitment to the establishment of harmonious relations between Christians and Jews.

Vatican II ushers in a new era of Jewish, Catholic relations >> Continued from page 7 wiped out Jewish villages and massacred Jews under the cry “be baptized or die.” Popes issued statements condemning the violence. They taught that while Jews should not be harmed or killed, nor should they be given any special rights.

“The idea that God was collectively punishing Jews for killing and/or rejecting Jesus was pervasive throughout Philip Cunningham, European ChrisPh.D., is a professor of tianity,” said Cun“Jews theology and the direc- ningham. were allowed to tor of the Institute for survive but not Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph’s thrive.”

More broadly, University in PhiladelJudaism as a reliphia. gion came under attack in a variety of ways. Sacred texts were burned. In the 1500s, when Jews refused to convert to Martin Luther’s vision of a reformed church, he lobbied against them and for destruction of their synagogues and homes. Luther wrote a pamphlet titled “The Jews and Their Lies” that the Nazis republished in the 20th century.

In the late 1800s, the theory emerged that Jewishness was more of a biological than a religious matter. A German writer and politician coined the word “antisemitism,” expressing bias against Jews as a race. This belief consumed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi ideology, which blamed the Jews for Germany’s loss in World War I. It went on to blame

them for the country’s economic challenges that followed the war, considered them a menacing threat and set out to eliminate them as an inferior race.

From 1933 to 1945, this led to the systematic slaughter of six million Jews.

Catholic responses ranged from opposing Nazism to embracing the ideology and defending it theologically on the basis that the Jews committed the second original sin.

Meanwhile, at different times throughout U.S. history, Jews faced discrimination on the basis of their religion, mannerisms, customs and efforts to advance. Quotas and restrictions limited their access to educational institutions, recreational facilities, hotels and neighborhoods.

Despite this, Jews defended the nation during its wars. They were active supporters of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. White supremacists targeted both Black and Jewish communities as corrupters of white America.

And while anti-Jewish and antisemitic sentiments in this country have waxed and waned, recent years have seen a dramatic rise.

Today, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) writes on its website: “Assault, harassment and vandalism against Jews remain at near historic levels in the United States.”

Toward a new understanding It wasn’t until the 1960s and at the request of Pope St. John XXIII that the Second Vatican Council critiqued and studied Jewish-Christian relations. The

council document “Nostra Aetate” (“In Our Time”) dispelled centuries-old notions held by Catholics, including the blood curse. “‘Nostra Aetate’ stressed the Jewishness of Jesus, his mother and the early apostles,” explained Cunningham. “It deplored antisemitism and called Jews ‘beloved of God’ and possessors of the covenant and the promises because ‘the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable’ (Rom 11:29).

“And finally, it urged Catholics and Jews to engage in joint study and dialogue.”

Pope John XXIII and Pope St. Paul VI were instrumental in the document’s formulation and proclamation.

Pope St. John Paul II was the architect of its implementation. He had lived during the Holocaust and lost friends in the genocide. Pope John Paul had a personal commitment to the establishment of harmonious relations between Christians and Jews.

In his turn, Pope Benedict identified the need to define in a new way the relationship between the Catholic Church and the faith of Israel. U.S. Catholic bishops and leaders have spoken in solidarity with Jewish brothers and sisters, and decried recurring violence against Jews and synagogues.

Pope Francis, likewise, points to the Vatican II reforms and speaks of continuing the “journey of friendship.”

Cunningham sees this journey posited on the belief that Jews and Christians both have traditions of being in covenant with God. “Jews are partners in a covenant of eternal love that was never revoked,” he said. “This is the connecting link.”

s a fifth-generation Jew who grew up in Overland Park, Gavriela Geller has witnessed a rapid rise of antisemitism. As executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee (JCRB/AJC) Kansas City, her focus includes advocacy and education.

“Antisemitism is like a virus,” said Geller. “It never goes away. It lies dormant, then re-emerges when a scapegoat is needed. In times of rapid social change and economic and political uncertainty, Jews have historically become scapegoats.”

Geller describes Gavriela Geller is the as executive director of antisemitism today. the Jewish Commu- pervasive nity Relations Bureau Citing FBI statisAmerican Jewish Com- tics, she says that while Jews account mittee Kansas City. for 2% of the country’s population, 60% of hate crimes nationwide in 2019 represented acts against Jewish people or their properties.

Incidents tracked nationally by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reflect a 56% increase in assaults against Jewish individuals in 2019 compared to 2018. These numbers could potentially be higher; it is believed that 76% of Jews don’t report the antisemitism they experience.

In tracking hate, extremism, antisemitism and terrorism, ADL reports six antisemitic incidents and 11 cases of

Catholics

H

How to coun

ow can Catholics, Christians a others who may not even kno Jews counter antisemitism a advance what Pope Francis ca “the journey of friendship”?

Philip Cunningham, Ph.D., professor of th ology and director of the Institute for Jewis Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph’s Univers Philadelphia, suggests that individuals shou be aware of personally held stereotypes a use of language deemed harmless but lad with antisemitism — for example, the phra “Jewing people down.”

He encourages that upon hearing an a tisemitic statement, persons should call t out and not let it pass. He believes the Cath lic Church should re-evaluate hymn lyrics a homily hints through the lens of sensitivity Jews and Judaism.

First on the list for Gavriela Geller, executi director of Jewish Community Relations B reau|American Jewish Committee Kansas C is: “Educate. Educate. Educate. You may n recognize antisemitism unless you spend tim to understand it.”

Geller offers her organization as a resource groups seeking to begin this process. She iden fies building relationships at the organization and individual levels as important — operati from a position of friendship rather than fear.

She urges people to recognize that antise itism is not just a Jewish issue, saying, “Allo ing conspiracy theories to proliferate and gro is dangerous for the values we all hold dear our democracy.”

At the national level, the March 20 American Jewish Committee (AJC) poli

SOURCES: • American Jewish Committee • Anti-Defamation League • Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia • Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American

itism today: ‘It’s like a virus. It never goes away’

CNS PHOTO/ALEJANDRO ALVAREZ, NEWS2SHARE VIA REUTERS

White nationalists carry torches on the grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, Aug. 11, 2017, over a plan to remove the statue of a Confederate general from a city park. One of the chants the group used during the march was: “Jews will not replace us.” distribution of white supremacist propaganda in Kansas (March 2019 through July 2020). The incidents include harassment and vandalism; five of the six occurred in northeast Kansas.

Geller links demonizing rhetoric and

divisiveness in the United States with the rise of antisemitism. Antisemitism manifests itself culturally, politically, religiously and racially. It operates on the thesis that Jews are the source of all evil in the world. For example, theories arose

that Jews were somehow nefariously involved in the spread of COVID-19 and the California wildfires.

Antisemitism today thrives on what Geller calls “code words and dog whistles” — words, phrases and tropes that

subtly but definitely target Jews. In addition, there are incidents of Holocaust denial and distortion, and rhetoric about Israel that denies Jewish people the right to a homeland. Antisemitism’s main sources are the far right, far left and religious extremists, but it also stems from insensitive remarks and negative stereotypes.

Geller acknowledges that social media platforms perpetuate images and tropes targeted against Jews. An article posted to the “Police Chief Online Magazine” cites the role of online platforms in amplifying hateful ideologies and identifies propaChuck Green is the ganda as a stepping director of commu- stone to violence. nity security for the Chuck Green, Jewish Federation of director of comGreater Kansas City. munity security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, says that there are individuals who need to believe in something and that often they are very impressionable. The former Secret Service special agent says social media makes it easier to recruit and indoctrinate.

His role as security director is to help Jewish institutions detect threatening behaviors before harm occurs.

Green is an alum of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

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statement on “Countering Antisemitism and Hatred at Home and Abroad” calls for opposition to antisemitism and hatred in all its forms and the restoration of U.S. leadership on this issue. AJC advocates for countering hateful rhetoric and antisemitism; improving hate crime reporting; addressing white supremacist ideology as “the most deadly and dangerous threat to the United States”; and asserting American leadership to confront antisemitism abroad.

Cunningham’s work is directed toward acknowledgment that Christians and Jews walk with God in different ways but with many resonances.

“We should assist each other in living out our respective covenantal obligation; we should be ‘co-covenanting companions,’” he proposes. “This requires constant, sustained intensive dialogue.”

W

hen Lisa Bauman developed and taught “Holocaust Literature: Putting Words into Action” at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, her goal was for students to understand that the choices individuals make, make history.

In the elective course, juniors and seniors studied the history of antisemitism and what led to the Holocaust. Annually, they took a day trip to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., where Bauman is a fellow. They heard survivors speak.

In collaboration with two teachers from schools in California and New Jersey, Bauman incorporated a Holocaust study tour into the course for several years. Groups traveled to Berlin, Prague and Krakow, including sites of concentration camps.

Students raised funds to create a memorial in the Czech Republic to recognize townspeople who provided food and occasionally shelter for a Jewish family that hid in the forest for three years.

“I wanted students to understand the compelling history of the Holocaust,” explained Bauman. “It was a specific time in history when people did not do well for others. Good people made choices: They did nothing.”

Bauman invited her students to

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA BAUMAN

For several years, Lisa Bauman (kneeling with green scarf) incorporated a study tour into the Holocaust literature course she taught at St. Thomas Aquinas in Overland Park. As part of the tour, the groups traveled to former concentration camps in Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland to learn more about the individual choices that led to the Holocaust. identify who is being discriminated against today and ways they could counter this. The class visited social service agencies. Students developed projects to raise awareness or work toward change to make the world a better place. Bauman believes that the course changed students’ lives.

n Jewish Committee Kansas City (covering Kansas and western Missouri) • Police Chief Online Magazine • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

A member of St. Pius X Parish in Mission, Bauman concludes, “The Holocaust happened years ago, but its lessons remain universal. Important among them is that the choices we make every day make a difference.

God calls Catholics and Christians to do good for others.”

10

NATION

MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

New York cardinal encourages Catholics to oppose Equality Act

One need not profess the Catholic faith to find problems with the Equality Act. Reason and natural law provide ample grounds for rejecting it. But a Christian perspective can illuminate how the codification of gender ideology into law is harmful.

A Christian understanding of sex and gender is not about following arbitrary rules.

It is about human flourishing, the common good, and respecting the integrity of nature.

The church has long

CARDINAL TIMOTHY DOLAN

leads to educational programmes and legislative enactments that promote a personal identity and emotional intimacy radically separated from the biological difference between male and female.

Consequently, human identity becomes the choice of the individual, one which can also change over time.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan is archbishop of New York and chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

understood that the human person is a unity of body and soul. I am not a mind that happens to have a body. I am a body animated by Imposing gender a soul, a whole person. ideology One’s identity is inseparable from one’s body.

Of course, many Gender ideology presAmericans may reject a ents a counter anthroview of sexuality rooted pology, claiming that in the natural law, and one’s given body could perhaps many more somehow contradict do not accept a Chrisone’s identity. tian understanding Christians recognize of the human person. that there is a distincThe United States is tion between the sexes. highly pluralistic. One Sexual difference is a of the great benefits of fundamental, sacred, living in a free society, and beautiful dimenthough, is that we can sion of human nature, reason together about and the complementarhow best to live togethity between male and er with our differences. female finds meaning As I noted earlier this in “the flourishing of year, Pope Francis family life.” offers much wisdom Much of the lanin “Fratelli tutti” when guage of Scripture and he teachsacred tradies that tion builds dialogue on the natural unTHE EQUALITY ACT allows us the room derstanding SEEMS TO to seek of marriage the truth as a fruitful GO OUT OF ITS together in union between male WAY TO TARGET aticpluralissociand female. ety. The Christianity RELIGION. Equality becomes inAct brings comprehenan end to sible if we dialogue. It forces all of accept that marriage is us to accept the tendenbased merely on strong tious claims of gender affection or that gender ideology. can be untethered from Allowing for room biological sex. While for discernment is esCatholics must accompecially important here. pany all individuals, Consider a scenario we cannot accept an involving female spaces ideology of gender, at a school. A young which, as Pope Francis male informs a teacher says, “denies the differthat he now identifies ence and reciprocity in as a female, and that he nature of a man and a wishes to be treated as woman and envisages a a female. How should society without sexual an educator respond? differences, thereby Proper discerneliminating the anthroment entails taking full pological basis of the account of the whole family.” In fact, the Holy situation. What is going Father seems to be on in this student’s life? speaking directly to the What would be fair to problem represented by all students? What sort the Equality Act when of accommodations are he says, “This ideology

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A Christian understanding of sex and gender

GUEST COMMENTARY

possible? What kind of counseling options are available? It is not difficult to imagine several ways that a teacher could respond to this situation in a way that is both truthful and compassionate, faithful and empathetic. But the Equality Act allows for only one way to handle this situation, and it is a way that is unfair for the female students who want privacy and ultimately uncompassionate to a student in need of accompaniment that is both loving and honest. By forcing gender ideology on schools, charitable services, and hospitals, the Equality Act shrinks the space in which people of good will can discern how best to help persons experiencing gender dysphoria.

government is going to burden religion, it needs to have a very good reason, and it needs to show that it did everything possible to avoid over-burdening the religion.

RFRA has been invoked by Muslims seeking to wear short beards in prison, American Indians using eagle feathers in religious ceremonies, humanitarians leaving water for migrants in the desert, and — yes — nuns who do not want to pay for contraceptives. RFRA protects people of all faiths. But under the Equality Act, a religious service provider is not protected by RFRA if it “discriminates” on the basis of “gender identity.” So, if a Catholic women’s shelter decides that it would be best not Targeting religion to house a biological man self-identifying as Religious freedom a woman in the same is a fundamental right, space as women who enshrined as the first have been victims of in the Bill of Rights. All domestic abuse, that people of ministry good will would not deserve be protectthe space ed under TOLERANCE IS to seek the the Equalitruth about MOST MEANING- ty Act. God and to The FUL WHEN IT’S respond to Equality the truth Act also exMUTUAL. when it is pands the grasped. meaning Certainof public ly, ordering society accommodations. What toward the good while this means is that some respecting the freedom institutions we would of all can be a chalnot normally think of lenge. But at a minias public are considmum, no one should be ered public under the forced by the governEquality Act. For examment to do something ple, a church is obvithat she or he underously a religious buildstands to be against ing. But what if the his or her deeply held church has a banquet convictions. The Cathhall that it rents out for olic Church teaches events? Most reasonthis clearly: able people would say “[Religious] freedom that the law should not means that all men are force a church to host to be immune from an event that it concoercion on the part of siders to be immoral. individuals or of social But under the Equality groups and of any Act, if the church is human power, in such open to the public, then wise that no one is to disallowing the celebe forced to act in a bration of a same-sex manner contrary to his civil marriage would be own beliefs, whether discrimination on the privately or publicly, basis of sexual orientawhether alone or in tion. Of course, in this association with others, instance, the church within due limits.” objects to the activity The Equality Act of the participants, not seems to go out of its the “orientation” of way to target religion. the individuals, but the It exempts itself from act does not make that the Religious Freedistinction. Our recogdom Restoration Act nition of the inherent (RFRA), a bill that was dignity of all persons passed nearly unanidoes not entail that we mously by Congress must celebrate conduct and signed into law by contrary to our beliefs.

President Bill Clinton The Equality Act in 1993. RFRA basialso sneaks in an cally says that if the abortion mandate

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mericans have long been a tolerant people. In recent years, there has been much concern and lament about how divided we have become, and we are right to be concerned about the divisions that are opening up in our public life.

At the same time, considering this country’s extraordinary diversity, we might marvel at the way the vast majority of us accept difference and show hospitality and respect toward our neighbors, even amid our deep disagreements.

The Equality Act takes us in a different direction. While the name sounds appealing — who is not in favor of equality? — the Equality Act is actually deeply intolerant. It forces a highly contested understanding of human nature on all people, and it goes out of its way to target people of faith.

The idea behind the Equality Act seems simple enough. It makes “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” protected categories in the Civil Rights Act. The goal is to protect people who identify as LGBT from discrimination.

The desire to protect people from unjust discrimination is a laudable one. We Catholics believe that every individual is created in the image of God, and so we have an obligation to treat all people with dignity, respect, and compassion. All Catholics should stand against unjust discrimination. But the Equality Act goes far beyond its ostensible goal.

by defining “sex” to include “pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition” — a phrase that courts have interpreted to include abortion. With this trick, the Act can effectively say that refusing to perform an abortion constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex.

Consider a Catholic doctor working at a Catholic hospital. She is not protected from being forced to perform abortions by virtue of working at a Catholic hospital, because the hospital is a public accommodation. Her individual conscience rights are less protected, because she has no recourse to RFRA. It seems that whether the issue is abortion, gender ideology, or marriage redefinition, the activists are not content to simply do what they want. With the Equality Act, they are saying, “no matter what you believe, you are going to support these things.”

The Equality Act goes far beyond the noble desire to protect vulnerable people. It burdens consciences and severely curtails the rights of religious people to be free to practice their faith.

For the good of all All people should be treated with dignity and respect. There are cases of real harms that provide the impetus for bills like the Equality Act. During this season of Lent, we Christians reflect on ways that we have treated others unjustly, bringing our own failings to the sacrament of penance — including any times we have treated individuals experiencing same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria with anything less than love.

At the same time, as Justice Anthony Kennedy has put it, “Tolerance is most meaningful when it’s mutual.”

The Equality Act codifies intolerance, not only for religious people, but for people who have serious, good-faith questions about the transgender political movement. As inheritors of a long tradition on what human flourishing looks like, Christians have a unique contribution to make to today’s conversations about sex and gender. We should have space to make it.

MARCH 26, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

11

Lack of clean water puts billions at risk

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — More investment and action are needed to ensure people have access to clean and safe water for drinking and sanitation, said the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

“The importance of hygienic measures had become even more evident throughout the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without clean water and hygiene procedures, billions of people are placed at risk,” the dicastery said in a written statement released March 21, ahead of World Water Day, celebrated March 22.

“It is necessary to ensure drinking water and sanitation for all,” Pope Francis said March 21 after praying the Angelus.

World Water Day, the pope said, “invites us to reflect on the value of this wonderful and irreplaceable gift of God. For us believers, ‘sister water’ is not a commodity, it is a universal symbol and a source of life and health.”

The same day the pope spoke, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development provided an update on its WASH project for promoting access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities belonging to the Catholic Church.

The project was developed by the dicastery together with Caritas Internationalis, bishops, religious congregations and Global Water 2020, and it was launched in August 2020 together with the dicastery’s publication, “Aqua fons vitae.”

In a letter last year, the dicastery urged bishops to get involved in the WASH project to help Catholic health care facilities in need, so they could “safely treat patients, prevent further spread of COVID-19 and other diseases and protect health care workers and chaplains.”

In particular, the project seeks

Pope denounces Mafia’s exploitation of pandemic

V CNS PHOTO/P. RAVIKUMAR, REUTERS

A woman uses a hand pump to fill up a container with drinking water in Chennai, India, in this June 25, 2019, file photo. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said more investment and action are needed to ensure people have access to clean and safe water for drinking and sanitation. urgent responses to those facilities serving “in isolated or impoverished areas of some dioceses,” it said.

María Lía Zervino, president of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations, said members of the organizations work at the grassroots level caring for vulnerable people, and they are seeing “the dire need for safe drinking water, which was already lacking even before the pandemic in areas of high social risk.”

“Without investment to ensure that the human right to safe drinking water is also available to the most needy, all efforts to educate about health care will be in vain,” Zervino said.

Aloysius John, secretary general of Caritas Internationalis, said that local Caritas organizations are running similar programs in parishes, communities, health centers and schools, and the initiatives also “will help prevent the spread of new diseases and ensure decent care for patients.”

The dicastery’s March statement said several bishops’ conferences,

dioceses, congregations and Caritas agencies responded to the invitation to help WASH. Among those “on the forefront of this commitment” are the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God with its network of 400 social and health care centers located in 52 countries, it added.

The dicastery is now drawing up a detailed assessment of approximately 150 Catholic health care facilities in 22 countries as well as calculating cost estimates “to understand what has to be done and how much it would cost to sustainably improve WASH conditions and meet proper standards through infrastructure, equipment, maintenance and staff training.”

While the final report will be published later this year, “the preliminary results of these assessments reveal an urgent need in some areas,” it said.

The dicastery again urged organizations and others interested in joining the initiative to contact them at water@humandevelopment.va.

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis condemned the way the Mafia is exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic by taking advantage of those in dire economic circumstances.

Marking Italy’s national day of remembrance for victims of the Mafia March 21, the pope accused members of organized crime groups of “enriching themselves through corruption,” and he urged Christians to renew their commitment against the Mafia and related groups.

“St. John Paul II denounced their ‘culture of death’ and [Pope] Benedict XVI condemned them as ‘ways of death.’ These structures of sin, Mafia structures, contrary to Christ’s Gospel, exchange faith with idolatry,” he said.

According to a Feb. 24 report by the Financial Times, the Italian interior ministry’s study on organized crime said that in the first months of the pandemic, the Mafia used the country’s economic crisis to take over many small businesses.

Italy’s Anti-mafia agency, known by the Italian acronym DIA, said mafia organizations gave “companies in difficulty a form of social welfare as an alternative to [public and private sector] institutions, but then adopt the traditional intimidatory conduct aimed at acquiring control of their economic activities,” the Financial Times reported.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has strongly criticized the Mafia’s use of popular religiosity and violence to exploit the poor and the suffering.

During his 2018 visit to Sicily to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Father Pino Puglisi, a priest gunned down by the Mafia in 1993, the pope said the organization’s criminal activities “blaspheme the name of God, who is love.”

“No to the Mafia mentality, to illegality, to the logic of crime, which are corrosive poisons for human dignity,” the pope said. “No to every form of violence. Those who use violence are not human.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Full-time faculty needed - Donnelly College, located in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, is in need of full-time faculty in the following fields: math, humanities, nursing, history and geography. The following qualifications are required: master’s degree in specified field or at least 18 graduate credit hours in a closely related field; teaching experience at the college level; philosophically aligned with the mission and values of the college to engage and support our Catholic identity; and practicing Roman Catholic. Must be willing to develop innovative teaching strategies and be committed to diversity and serving a diverse population. Donnelly College is an independent coeducational Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Donnelly College offers programs leading to bachelor and associate degrees and certificates. Send letters of interest to: Lisa Stoothoff, vice president of academic and student affairs, at: lstoothoff@donnelly.edu.

Membership director - St. Lawrence, the church at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, seeks a membership director who invites new students, parents, alumni and friends to become members and supporters. Bachelor’s degree required. Experience in communication, event coordination and fundraising preferred. The director must be a strong and engaging communicator. For more information, go online to: kucatholic.org/jobs.

Communications director - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is creating the position of communications director. The successful candidate will work directly with Father Bill Bruning and the parishioner chairs of the communications committee, the evangelization committee and will coordinate the volunteers who will be responsible for our livestreaming and online presence. The job will also require marketing skills in the form of branding and marketing communications. Interested persons are invited to review the job description and send their resume to: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org.

Director of faith formation - Corpus Christi in Lawrence is seeking a full-time director of faith formation. The director of faith formation is responsible for coordinating all faith formation and sacramental preparation of all adults and children of Corpus Christi. This includes religious education for children not in our parish school, all sacramental preparation and adult religious education.

For a full job description and application information, go online to: www.cccparish.org/jobs then scroll down and click on “Job openings at Corpus Christi.”

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

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

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

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

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

Deadline for applications is March 31.

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

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

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

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

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

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply.

Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Help wanted - Do you enjoy tinkering and working with your hands? Then this is the job for you! We are a small, family-owned local company looking for someone who is handy with small equipment and enjoys traveling every now and then. We need team members with a positive attitude who are flexible, dependable, self-motivated, mechanically inclined, customer-service oriented and have great time management skills. Mostly on the job training. Electrical knowledge is a plus. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

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

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

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

MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

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

CNA/HHA needed - Aide needed to take care of elderly lady; evenings from 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. in the Topeka area.

Please call (785) 273-4160.

Drivers - The Mission Project, based in Mission, is seeking a safe, careful driver to transport MP members to and from their place of employment in a company vehicle. Hours may vary. Must have an excellent driving record. If interested, please contact Alvan at (913) 269-2642.

Victim assistance coordinator - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking to fill our victim assistance coordinator position. This position is responsible for the coordination of efforts providing compassionate outreach support and resources to survivors and their families in cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by diocesan personnel as defined in the Ethic and Integrity in Ministry Code of Conduct policy. This position is fulltime and benefits-eligible, and reports to the director of the office of child and youth protection. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans: STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403(b) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. Please visit the website at: www.kcsjcatholic.org, scroll down to the search bar and type in “Job Openings” and click on “Search,” then on “Job Openings” for a complete job description and to apply.

Part-time servers - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team as a server. Responsibilities include: serve meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and co-workers as required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; setup and clean the dining rooms after each dining session.

Part-time servers are normally scheduled 3 - 5 shifts per week (evenings 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). $10 - $11 hourly rate, depending on relevant experience. Part-time associates earn paid time off for hours worked. To apply, go online to: santamarta retirement.com, then go to “More,” then scroll down and click on “Careers.” Then scroll down to the bottom of that page and download the application form.

Doll dresses - First Communion dresses for American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace for $35. Call (913) 345-9498 or send an email to: wwelch4@kc.rr.com to order. The dress is on display at Trinity House, 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park.

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

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

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 209-9234.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Cracks repaired and wall painting available.

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

Accepting major credit cards.

Call with questions.

FOR SALE For sale - Two side-by-side, full-size crypts with marble fronts inside the Center Chapel, Tier C, 1 and 3, main floor.

Open and close fees included. Contact Jim at (913) 208-3698. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

MARCH 26, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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

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

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

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

DIVINE MERCY RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton April 9 - 11

The retreat will begin April 9 at 5:30 p.m. We will spend the weekend contemplating the Father’s love through his gift of mercy. Don’t forget to start the Divine Mercy novena on Good Friday. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, Stations of the Cross, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The cost is $170 for individuals and $250 for couples, meals included. To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@ christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.

>> Continued from page 12

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

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

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

Member of St. Mary Church in St. Benedict.

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Beautiful antique statue of the Blessed Mother with pedestal. Deserves a wonderful home. If interested, call (913) 341-2565.

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

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

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

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

CALENDAR/CLASSIFIEDS EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR FOR DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY WITH ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Blessed Sacrament Parish 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas April 11 at 3 p.m.

Each year on the Second Sunday of Easter, the church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday. All are encouraged to join together in prayer and eucharistic adoration seeking God’s mercy for ourselves and for our nation. Please join Archbishop Naumann in a eucharistic Holy Hour either in person or via the livestream link at: www.facebook. com/BlessedSacramentkck.

DISABILITY RESOURCE SERIES FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND SELF-ADVOCATES Via Zoom March 25 at 8:30 p.m.

Sessions include: “Creating Financial Security for Your Loved One with Special Needs” (presented by Kacy Seitz, CFP) and “Special-Needs Trusts/Guardianship” (by Casey Connealy, attorney). Register online at: www.archkck.org/special-needs. The Zoom link will be sent the day before each session. Contact Tom Racunas at: tracunas @archkck.org or Jill Reffett at: jillreffett@ embraceks.org with questions.

LINGER OVER BREAKFAST Via Zoom April 17 at 9 a.m.

Join the Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet online for “Care of Creation: Spirituality and Responsible Investment” with Barbara Jennings, CSJ. Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” calls for a “broad cultural revolution” to confront our environmental crisis. Sister Barbara will explore this encyclical and the role of shareholders that the Sisters of St. Joseph and their founding institutions have

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.

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

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

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

Farm - Ranch - I am interested in purchasing a farm or ranch. If you have considered selling but would like to stay in a home on the property, then we could work that out. My home parish is Holy Trinity in Lenexa. Please call me if interested or with questions. Thank you and God bless. Dennis Montgomery, (913) 208-1379.

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practiced over the years, especially in light of our planet Earth. To register, go online to: csjsl.org, scroll down to “View All Events” and click on “Linger Over Breakfast KC.”

EASTER JOY - AN IGNATIAN MINI RETREAT Via Zoom April 17 - 18

Moving from Lent to Easter is not as easy as one might think. Join the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City for a short retreat to pause and notice Easter joy. You will be given input for prayer at various times as well as a guided meditation and sharing on Saturday evening. To learn more and to register, visit the website at: www.ignatian centerkc.org/events. Scroll down and click on “View Event” for more information, and then click on “Register.”

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

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

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: blankenship@theleaven.org.

beth.

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

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.

Caring companion - I am a certified nursing assistant with 10-plus years experience with stroke, Alzheimer’s dementia patients. I assist with personal care services and offer non-emergency, medical transportation. Call (816) 786-1093.

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

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

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

The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers.

Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Sister Mary Ann Dice, OSB

A

TCHISON — Sister Mary Ann Dice (formerly Sister Ursula), 81, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died March 14 at the monastery.

Sister Mary Ann was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 2, 1939, the youngest of three children of Bertha and Fred Dice.

She attended Holy Trinity School, Lenexa, and St. Joseph High School, Shawnee. After her graduation in 1957, she entered the Benedictine community.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College and a master’s in teaching from Webster University. As a primary teacher in parish elementary schools in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, Sister Mary Ann prepared hundreds of children for their first Communion and confession.

Early in her career, she received an Outstanding Young Teacher award in Salisbury, Missouri, and continued to teach for 45 years.

When she returned to the Mount, she supervised the monastery laundry and did embroidery work.

Vince and Phyllis (Noll) Bertels, members of St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on April 3.

The couple was married on April 3, 1951, at Corpus Christi Church in Mooney Creek by Father Jack O’Connor. Their children are: Eileen Dray, Darlene Rogers and Sharon McCort. They also have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Cards can be sent to them at: 205 E. Cottage St., Nortonville, KS 66060.

Crossword solution

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS HOLY WEEK March 28 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Mk 11: 1-10 Is 50: 4-7 Ps 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Phil 2: 6-11 Mk 14:1 – 15:47 March 29 Monday of Holy Week Is 42: 1-7 Ps 27: 1-3, 13-14 Jn 12: 1-11 March 30 Tuesday of Holy Week Is 49: 1-6 Ps 71: 1-4a, 5-6b, 15, 17 Jn 13: 21-33, 36-38 March 31 Wednesday of Holy Week Is 50: 4-9a Ps 69: 8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 Mt 26: 14-25 April 1 HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Ex 12: 1-8, 11-14 Ps 116: 12-13, 15-16c, 17-18 1 Cor 11: 23-26 Jn 13: 1-15 April 2 FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (Good Friday) Is 52:13 – 53:12 Ps 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 Heb 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9 Jn 18:1 – 19:42 April 3 THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT Gn 1:1 – 2:2 Ex 14:15 – 15:1 Is 55: 1-11 Rom 6: 3-11 Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Mk 16: 1-7

Veronica first century Veronica does not appear in the Roman Martyrology, the church’s official list of feasts.

According to legend, she was the woman who took pity on Jesus as he carried his cross, wiped his face with a cloth and was left with an image of the suffering Christ.

Many such images, known as “veronicas” and “vernicles,” existed in the Middle Ages.

Veronica was sometimes associated with other New Testament women, but there is no evidence that she was real. Her name may come from a combination of Latin (“vera” for “true”) and Greek (“eikon” for “image”) words. Her story was included in the Stations of the Cross in the 19th century.

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MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Here’s a lesson we should learn by heart

hen will they ever learn?

This line from Pete Seeger’s song “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” has been on my mind lately, especially after reading the articles on antisemitism, found on pages 7-9 of this issue. Some of it is difficult reading — not that it’s academically dense; rather, it makes us confront our history and our hearts.

Particularly on Good Friday, when we’ll hear from the Passion according to St. John, it’s vital that we understand clearly who the evangelist means when he says “the Jews.” The articles on antisemitism, written by freelancer Therese Horvat, will not only help with that, but also suggest ways to recognize and combat this scourge in our own day.

It’s easy to overlook our blind spots, as this story illustrates: A man traveling in Northern Ireland asked a woman there, “How do you cope with the violence?” She answered, “It’s awful, but

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.

the danger is that we’re learning to live with it now. We’ve come to expect it. It’s a great sadness to us.” After a few moments, she added, “I will never be happy until every Catholic in Northern Ireland is dead.”

Later, the traveler concluded, “That saddened me beyond measure because this was a dear lady unfortunately abusing her mind. It is an abuse of the mind to want to kill Protestants or Catholics, or anybody or anything.”

(Story found in Anthony Castle’s “A Treasury of Quips, Quotes & Anecdotes for Preachers and Teachers.)

I’ve witnessed firsthand some of that “abuse of mind” regarding Jewish people.

Back in December 1977, I spent Christmas break in Munich. One day, I traveled 10 miles outside the city to Dachau, to the site of the first Nazi concentration camp. The weather that day was overcast and cold as I wandered the grounds, giving the place an air of foreboding, as if it still retained the memories of the horrors that occurred there. Over 200,000 people passed through Dachau at one time or another, and 41,500 died

there, many disposed of in the crematoriums onsite. That camp haunts me to this day.

My second experience of antisemitism on a large scale came several years ago when I toured the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in our nation’s capital. As I entered the museum, I was given a “passport” that contained the picture and story of a victim of the Holocaust. My eyes teared up often as I toured the exhibits: walking through a railroad car that transported people to the camps, seeing a mountain of shoes left behind by victims and reading stories of horrible abuse by camp officials. Knowing real people suffered these atrocities affected me deeply.

Although you may never travel to Dachau or Washington, there’s a prime opportunity to get an experiential look at the Holocaust right here in Kansas City, beginning in June. Union Station will host an exhibit of 700 artifacts and 400 photos, entitled “Auschwitz: Not Long

Ago. Not Far Away.” It will no doubt be an uncomfortable but moving experience.

Sadly, in our country today, not only is antisemitism on the rise, but also abuses against many other minorities.

The situation is not hopeless, however, if we use this story as a guide: It was the first day at a newly integrated school in the South and tensions were high.

When her first-grade daughter arrived home after school, a worried mother asked, “How did everything go, honey?”

“Mommy, you know what?” said the girl. “A little Black girl sat next to me!” The mother asked, “And what happened?” “We were both so scared,” answered the daughter, “that we held hands all day.”

(Found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

May we learn from the wisdom and courage of these little girls to set aside all prejudice and walk hand-in-hand into a future of mutual respect and support.

What does it mean to be loved in the way Christ loves us?

“C

hrist Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave.”

These words by St. Paul are the beginning of the second reading on Palm Sunday.

What does Paul mean by “slave”?

Probably, he is highlighting the gulf that the Son of God crossed by becoming a human being: He relinquished all rights and privileges. He entered into the role of servant to carry out God’s plan of salvation.

Paul did not mean that the Son literally

,

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

became a slave, because Jesus lived as a free man. Yet, the word must have rung some bells in Philippi when

Paul’s letter was read aloud to the assembly of Christians there.

Some of them were slaves, and others were slave owners. I can imagine some of them thinking with astonishment, “God became a slave like me!” and others thinking, with even greater astonishment, “God became like my slave Lucius, who empties the chamber pots in the morning!”

Handling human waste might seem too

extreme an indignity for the incarnate God. But if the Son did not actually become a slave and perform such odious functions, it wasn’t because that would have been too far beneath his dignity.

Really, how different is washing dirty feet, which we know Jesus did, from scrubbing toilets?

One of my favorites among the saints and blesseds of the church is Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich.

I feel close to her because I grew up in New Jersey, just a few miles from where she lived her short life.

(She died at 26).

Her only literary production was also short — a little collection of spiritual

reflections. It’s not Pulitzer Prize-winning prose, but she makes some simple statements of extraordinary power. For example, she writes: “God is humble.”

That is how the Creator of the universe is ­— willing to take the lowest position in order to show his care.

There is nothing too far beneath his dignity if it’s part of coming to be with us in our need.

This week, of course, we remember how Jesus met our deepest need — our need for reconciliation with God — by accepting the utter degradation of crucifixion.

What, we have to ask ourselves, does it mean to be loved this way?

Pope says he, too, kneels on Myanmar streets, begging for end to violence VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As security forces in Myanmar have increased their crackdown on civilians with disappearances, detentions and the killing of peaceful protesters, Pope Francis appealed for an end to violence and the start of dialogue.

“Once again, and with much sorrow, I feel compelled to mention the tragic situation in

Myanmar, where so many people, especially young people, are losing their lives for offering hope to their country,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general audience March 17.

Without mentioning her name, the pope recalled the iconic gestures of Sister Ann Nu Thawng, who made headlines when photographs were published of her

kneeling before police seeking to shield peaceful protesters and of her extending her arms begging police not to shoot or hurt anyone.

“I, too, kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say, ‘Stop the violence,’” Pope Francis said. “I, too, spread wide my arms and say, ‘Make way for dialogue.’” Bloodshed “resolves nothing,” he said, repeating his call for dialogue to begin.

LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 26, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

ADORATION WITH WARD

Bishop Ward High School students joined Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for eucharistic adoration at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, on March 4.

As is his tradition, the archbishop is visiting all the high schools in the archdiocese for eucharistic adoration this spring.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE CORY

Help promote Child Abuse Prevention Month in the archdiocese

W

ASHINGTON, D.C. — Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. April has been designated for this purpose in the United States since 1983.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making communities a safe place for children

COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

and families. By ensuring that parents and mentors have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect.

Unfortunately during the COVID19 crisis, children may face an increased risk of abuse and neglect.

While many schools may still be closed and families are staying home, more abuse cases could go unreported and unnoticed.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic

ACROSS 1 Legume 4 Atlantic, for example 9 Tiny island 14 And so forth 15 __ ahead 16 Ball and mall, for example 17 Sever 18 Mr. Tuck in Robin Hood 19 Uncanny 20 How Judas betrayed Jesus 22 Ancient book form 24 Sea eagle 25 Time period 27 A name of God 29 Mexican food brand 32 General assembly 35 North American Indian 36 Islam’s city 38 Wilting 40 Closed 42 Glides 44 Double-reed instrument 45 Fable writer 47 Santa __ 49 Frost 50 Mention 52 Book before Jeremiah 54 Heat unit 55 Pair

Bishops has developed a resource booklet with many suggestions and opportunities for participation by parishes/schools during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

To access the booklet, Google: “child abuse prevention month booklet” and the link to the booklet will be the top option.

Consider reviewing the content to develop a plan to incorporate promotion of the prevention efforts at your parish and school.

56 Tender loving care 59 Body of water parted by God 63 He built the ark 67 Island 69 Make a payment 71 Expression of surprise 72 Son of Abraham 73 Type of acid 74 She 75 Large billed bird 76 Wee 77 Referee DOWN 1 Tap, like a bird 2 Decorative needle case 3 Book after Gospels 4 Disconnected 5 Dance flowers 6 Little Mermaid’s love 7 Seaweed substance 8 A Roman emperor 9 Land of the lucky 10 Her 11 Greek stringed instrument 12 Middle East ruler 13 Adolescent 21 Primed 23 Tell a tall tale 26 Radioactivity unit

28 Condiment 29 Remaining one 30 Recycle 31 In a tilted position 32 Wife of Abraham, originally 33 Shinbone 34 First son of Cain 35 North American country 37 California (abbr.)

39 Common interjection 41 Grave 43 Maintains 46 Patron saint of 9D 48 Beheld 51 Regret 53 Charged particle 56 Not that 57 Final 58 Goodbye!

60 Dreary 61 Very large truck 62 Shine 64 Tropical island 65 Excuse me!

66 David’s musical instrument 68 Sticky black substance 70 Child’s plaything Solution on page 13

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LOCAL NEWS

MARCH 26, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

AN ANSWER TO A PRAYER

Teen with special needs meets Christ in first Communion “ ONE OF THE BIGGEST

“

By Maggie MacFarland Phillips Special to The Leaven

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BLESSINGS OF THE WHOLE DAY WAS JUST TO SEE THE IMPACT THAT IT HAD ON US — AND STRANGERS. SAMANTHA LANE KIMBER’S SISTER

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LANE FAMILY

Kimber Lane celebrates with her older sisters Samantha (left) and Abbie (right) after her first Communion Mass at Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner on Jan. 18, 2020.

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“

hen special-needs parish advocate Jeana Reid was preparing Kimber Rose Lane for her first Communion, Reid taught her that the Eucharist was two things: Jesus and love.

Kimber took this simple but profound lesson to heart. And by the time she passed away on Jan. 10 of this year, it was clear that her life’s example had touched those around her through its joyful reverence for the body of Christ.

Long before she actually received the Eucharist, Kimber had experienced life through, with and in the body of Christ. Autistic and living with cerebral palsy, Kimber participated in this life in part through the loving acceptance she received from the congregation at her home parish of Divine Mercy in Gardner.

But it was by the powerful love she had known from infancy, when Russ and Annette Lane adopted her, that Kimber first came to know Jesus.

Born in Guatemala, Kimber arrived in the United States in 2005 through a series of unusual circumstances. No adoptive family was lined up and waiting for her — but no matter.

“In my heart, I just knew,” Russ recalls of his first meeting with Kimber. The couple adopted her in December of that same year.

As the years progressed, so did Kimber. Although nonverbal, by the time she was kindergarten-age, she was in a wheelchair and could feed herself. She attended school, loved to swim and was passionate about music — especially musicals and pop from the ’70s and ’80s.

The Lanes had a family ritual, praying nightly for Kimber to walk, talk, sing, dance and — most importantly — to know Jesus in the Eucharist. Kimber had never resisted going to Mass, and it was clear that through the rituals, patterns and music of the Mass, Kimber had come to understand that she was entering into something special when she attended.

Throughout the years, Annette and Russ had faithfully prayed for the intercession of Mary and St. Teresa of Calcutta on Kimber’s behalf. And when Kimber was in her teens, their prayer was answered: Kimber came to know Jesus in the Eucharist through the special-needs ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Part of the archdiocesan justice, life and advocacy team, the outreach is headed by lead consultant Tom Racunas, whom the Lanes knew through the ministry’s caregiver respite program.

The Lanes met with Racunas to discuss options for Kimber through the special-needs ministry’s sacramental preparation program, which follows the USCCB’s “Guidelines for

THERE IS ONE THING SHE DOES BETTER THAN ANYONE — SHE SMILES TO COMMUNICATE HER LOVE TO YOU. RUSS LANE KIMBER’S FATHER IN A 2015 REFLECTION the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities.”

Samantha Lane, Kimber’s older sister and a tireless advocate for her even now, remembers wholeheartedly supporting the idea. “What exactly are we waiting for?” she remembers thinking.

After a warm reception to the proposal from their pastor Father Adam Wilczak, all parties agreed that a natural fit to be Kimber’s first Communion instructor was Reid.

Reid, Kimber’s former preschool teacher, was a crucial part of the Lanes’ family support team, working with the family as they navigated Kimber’s education.

Together with the assistance of her Aunt Amy, and through the tireless support of her parents and Sa-

mantha, Kimber began to prepare for her first Communion.

Reid, who has 14 years’ teaching experience and holds two degrees in special education, used the archdiocese’s adaptive curriculum, developed in collaboration with catechists and special educators. She worked with Kimber for the better part of a year, conveying concepts with the supplied manipulatives, which included board books, images and other materials she and the Lanes might not otherwise be able to access.

In the run-up to the big day, Reid remembers parishioners approaching her to share their excitement for Kimber’s upcoming celebration.

She describes Kimber’s first Communion, which took place on the evening of Jan. 18, 2020, as a compelling witness of love and community. The members of Divine Mercy Parish joyfully assembled to support Kimber as she received Christ’s body, blood, soul and divinity for the first time.

At that moment, while Russ’ and Annette’s prayer for Kimber to walk, talk, dance and sing seemingly went unanswered — at least on this side of heaven — their prayers for her to know Jesus in the Eucharist were realized before their eyes.

“One of the biggest blessings of the whole day was just to see the impact that it had on us and strang-

ers,” recalls Samantha, who stood with her parents alongside Kimber as she received her first Communion. She describes the tears of even non-Catholic family members upon “seeing Kimber’s face come alive,” describing the “palpable” presence of the Holy Spirit, because of “what he was doing in us, through Kimber.”

During the party that followed, Kimber shared her feelings with the family and friends on her “talker” (her Augmentative and Alternative Communication — or AAC device).

Joyful words and phrases such as, “Awesome,” and, “I love it.”

Throughout her life, Kimber taught her family and community important lessons in love. In a 2015 reflection by her father, Russ wrote: “There is one thing she does better than anyone — she smiles to communicate her love to you.”

“My need to get things done and to be productive can cause me to sometimes think that I’m wasting valuable time while trying to entice a smile from Kimber,” he continued.

“No plans designed, no books read, no action items marked off. All I allowed myself to do was be loved by a smile. The peace and joy I feel tells me that I’m the one being transformed by the power of Kimber.”

He wasn’t the only one who experienced this transformational love.

After Kimber passed away, the impact she had had on those who knew her was unmistakable. Although she seemed like a long-shot candidate for adoption as an infant, Kimber’s funeral just 16 years later was attended by over 200 people, despite the twin obstacles of a pandemic and a blizzard.

Reid hopes that the witness of Kimber’s life will continue to transform families and parishes. She worries that special-needs families may stay away from Mass and parish life, concerned that a family member’s behavioral differences might not be welcome.

Reid hopes those who hear Kimber’s story and of the support she received from her family, her parish community and the archdiocese will “feel encouraged to attend.”

Through love and prayer, uplifted by community, special-needs families can bring their loved ones’ abilities and skills as gifts to the altar, participating fully in the life of the church — together.