03 29 24 Vol. 45 No. 32

Alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead, and life is made victorious through his resurrection.

May you experience the victory of new life in the Lord Jesus this Easter season and always.

+ Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

Keleher

+ James P.

Archbishop Emeritus of Kansas City in Kansas LEAVEN PHOTO

BY JAY SOLDER FROM HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, LENEXA

By his passion and death, Jesus reveals his deep love for us

The Passion narrative is the heart of the Gospel. Many biblical scholars maintain that the rest of the Gospels are just introductions to the Passion. Each year at Palm Sunday Mass, we read Matthew’s, Mark’s or Luke’s account of the Passion. On Good Friday, during the liturgical celebration of the Lord’s passion, we read St. John’s description of the events leading to the execution of Jesus on Calvary.

On Palm Sunday this year, we read St. Mark’s version of the Passion. Mark began his narrative in Bethany with Jesus having dinner at the home of Simon the leper. During the dinner, a woman broke an expensive alabaster jar and proceeded to anoint the head of Jesus with a luxurious perfumed oil. The woman was criticized by some for this extravagant gesture. She was chastised for not selling the oil in order to give the money to the poor. Jesus, however, defended her. Our Lord acknowledged the great respect she had shown to him and cryptically suggested that she had anticipated his death and properly prepared his body for burial.

A few verses later, St. Mark described Jesus sending two of his disciples into Jerusalem to prepare an upper room for the annual celebration of the Passover meal. It is there that Jesus will eat his last supper with the apostles that was also the first Eucharist.

In the sixth chapter of St. John’s Gospel, Jesus told his followers that he is the bread of life that has come down from heaven. Our Lord identified

ARCHBISHOP

JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

this heavenly bread as his flesh and the wine as his blood. Many left Our Lord’s company because they were confused and offended by this talk of eating his flesh and drinking his blood.

Jesus asked the apostles if they were going to abandon him as well. Peter replied: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God” (Jn 6: 68-69). Peter and the other apostles could not have understood the meaning of what Jesus was saying, but still they trusted him, no matter how incredible his words might have seemed.

Once again, at the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of the bread he had blessed as his body and the wine he consecrated as his blood. On Good Friday, the apostles witnessed Our Lord’s flesh brutally torn and his blood shed.

It was only during the post-Easter eucharistic encounters with the risen Jesus that the meaning of the bread of life discourse became clear. The consecrated bread and wine becomes his Real Presence. Through the Eucharist, the paschal

mystery — the dying and rising of Jesus — is made present to his disciples.

After the Last Supper, Jesus led his apostles to Gethsemane. Our Lord invited Peter, James and John to accompany him and to pray for him. Jesus prostrated himself and asked his Father to remove this cup — his impending passion and crucifixion. However, in the end, Our Lord surrendered himself to the Father’s will.

Meanwhile, Peter, James and John slept, unable to keep their eyes open to watch and pray for one hour. They were not spiritually equipped for what was about to happen. Except for John, the apostles abandoned Jesus once he was apprehended. Despite his assertion only a few verses before that he would die rather than betray Jesus, Peter denied even knowing Our Lord, when he was recognized as one of his disciples in the high priest’s courtyard.

Jesus was mocked, humiliated, beaten, scourged and eventually sentenced to a cruel and excruciatingly painful death because he refused to deny his identity as the beloved Son of God. The crowds who had hailed him as the Anointed of the Lord, the Messiah, now demanded his crucifixion.

Jesus endured excruciating physical pain during his passion and crucifixion. Our Lord also suffered profound emotional pain that resulted from his betrayal, his abandonment, his public humiliation, his being reviled and mocked by passersby, and even verbally abused by those crucified alongside of him.

St. Mark included in his passion a rather strange detail during the apprehension of Jesus: “Now a young man followed him wearing nothing but a linen cloth about his body. They seized him, but he left the cloth behind and ran off naked” (Mk 14: 51-52).

Some biblical scholars have suggested that this unidentified disciple, who fled the passion naked, is Mark, himself. However, more scholars believe that this mysterious disciple represents all of us. The white garment is reminiscent of our baptismal garment.

The entire Lenten season is a time of preparation to renew our baptismal promises on Easter. Hopefully, during the Lenten season, we have taken advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation. If not, it is not too late. Next Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday.

Confession provides us with the opportunity to surrender our sins — our betrayals, our abandonments of Jesus — to his merciful love. This sacrament of God’s mercy allows us to recover our baptismal beauty and dignity. Confession is a chance to cover the spiritual nakedness caused by our sin by retrieving our baptismal garment that was lost and soiled because of our fear of the cost to follow Jesus in this sin-fractured world.

We should read and pray over the Passion narratives, not only during Holy Week, but also throughout the year. They reveal to us the depth of God’s love for us and the wideness of his mercy. We should watch and pray with Jesus so that we do not give into spiritual drowsiness and abandon Our Lord when temptation presents itself.

In the passion and

March 29

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

Good Friday service — cathedral

March 30

Easter Vigil Mass — cathedral

March 31

Easter Sunday Mass — cathedral

April 2

Wyandotte Deanery priests meeting — St. Pius X, Mission

April 3

Bishop Ward eucharistic adoration — cathedral St. Lawrence Center board meeting, Mass and confirmation — St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence

April 4

Religious Alliance Against Pornography — Zoom

Sarah Smith (Universal Chastity Education) — chancery

Confirmation — St. Joseph Church, Shawnee

April 6

International Day of the Unborn Child (rosary, Angelus and Divine Mercy chaplet) — Planned Parenthood, Kansas City, Kansas

Abbot’s Table — Overland Park Convention Center

April 7

Blessing of new family center — St. Joseph, Olpe

Divine Mercy Sunday OCIA Mass and reception — Benedictine College, Atchison

April 8

Confirmation — St. Matthew, Topeka

April 9

Eucharistic adoration — St. Ann, Prairie Village

Priests Personnel board meeting — chancery

Administrative Team meeting — chancery

Confirmation — St. Paul, Olathe

April 10

Province of St. John the Baptist Mass — Holy Cross, Overland Park

Confirmation — St. Paul, Olathe

April 11

Kansas for Life banquet — Overland Park Convention Center

Communio update with Tory Baucum

April 12

Marriage event with J.P. DeGance — Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shawnee

April 14

Our Lady’s Inn gala — St. Louis

death of Jesus, God has revealed the depth of his love and mercy. What a gift is our Catholic faith! What a blessing to know this God, who does not love us because we are perfect, but who seeks us even in our weakness and poverty. What a miracle of grace!

Jesus invites us to come to the Eucharist to touch the love and mercy unleashed on Calvary. During the

dangers and struggles of our journey through this world, Our Lord offers us the opportunity to nourish ourselves with the bread of life. The alabaster jar filled with precious, perfumed oil, with which Our Lord desires for us to anoint him, is the gift of our time to encounter, reverence and adore him in the Eucharist.

ONE FOR THE AGES

Holy Spirit students connect with senior citizens

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK — They’ve met widows and wartime veterans.

“One lady hasn’t been out of the house because her husband just passed away,” said Riley Kramer, a seventh grader at Holy Spirit School in Overland Park.

Members of the school’s seventh grade class are learning a lot as they connect with the parish’s senior members through a Sharing Generations lunch launched for the first time this school year. “Christ wants us to build relationships,” said Kramer, “and connecting with people that are older than us can give us [positive] experiences in our own lives.”

The group meets every other month at the parish, with the latest lunch held on March 21.

Doug Leikam, director of adult evangelization and formation and the seventh and eighth grade theology teacher at Holy Spirit, said the goal for his students is simple.

“We’re doing this because we want them to fall in love with helping others,” he said.

Meaningful conversations

When they arrive at Holy Spirit, the senior guests are greeted by the seventh graders.

They’re helped inside and seated at a table, where they enjoy a hot meal, an activity and conversations with their young companions.

“I tell them about things that we did when we were a child,” said parishioner Eloise Lenahan. “And they tell us what their plans are for the future, where they’re going to high school.”

At lunches held during the seasons of Advent and Lent, the sacrament of reconciliation was available to the guests so they didn’t have to wait in line.

When they head home, they’re given a goody bag and a to-go meal. The students also follow up by sending each guest a letter in the mail.

For Lenahan, the group has been a blessing.

“I think our parish is very involved in meeting all the needs of all the different age groups,” she said. “And I think it’s an important part of the church.”

Parishioner Kitty Colwell agreed.

“It was a very unique idea for them to come up with this and to get all of us together,” she said. “Every one of [the students] are just delightful and they’re so full of energy.

“And they’re just so positive. For kids this age to sit down with people our age and carry on a conversation is a wonderful thing.”

Lifelong skills

The idea for the Sharing Generations group came from parish accountant Kathleen Kaufman, whose young adult daughter encouraged her to look for additional ways to serve the parish.

Kaufman was inspired by her own parents, who moved to the area four years ago and have sought out social opportunities around town.

She brought up the concept of connecting seniors with students to Leikam.

“And then, all of a sudden talking about it at a staff meeting, it exploded as far as the opportunities that could happen with this,” said Kaufman.

“This is an event that you just have to sit back and watch the Holy Spirit work,” she added. “It’s just crazy how many fruits have come from it and how it struck a chord and met a need.”

Sharing Generations has taught the

seventh graders practical skills like setting a table and waiting on guests.

It’s also helped them master the art of making conversation.

“I’ve seen, the last seven years I’ve been a youth minister, some of those soft skills of interacting with others are a little bit delayed [from] where they have been,” said Leikam.

Through the lunch, he said, students learn “how to have great conversations, how to be with people that aren’t of their own generation and to . . . create a space for them to feel welcomed and invited.”

Parish family

Seventh grader Bennett Hubbell has enjoyed getting to know the seniors.

“I think it’s a good experience for all of us,” he said, “because we get to interact with them and see what [life] was like in their day and ask them questions.

Riley

Seventh

“Some of them don’t have grandkids to talk to or their wife or husband just died, and they need someone to talk to.”

The students said some of the guests seem downhearted when they first arrive at the lunch.

“But then, right when they sit down, they see you and that you want to be there,” said Alana Cabantac. “You showing a smile just shows so much.

“And you showing that you’re there and that you want to talk to them shows a lot.”

Sadie Milnes is happy to keep the guests company.

“Some of these people don’t always have something to do,” she said, “or these are the only activities they have in an entire week.”

She’s inspired by the effort the seniors are making to stay connected.

“They still want to show up and they want to be involved with the younger generation,” she said. “That’s really cool.”

Cabantac and her peers are looking forward to seeing their friends again in May.

“I’m so grateful that we get to experience this,” she said. “Seeing someone that’s older than us and actually bonding with them . . . it’s such a good feeling.”

Kramer, a seventh grader at Holy Spirit School in Overland Park, serves lunch to Patricia Priputin during the Sharing Generations lunch on March 21, while Dee Koeppen looks on.

grader Natalia Banturaki chats with Gary McCoy during the Sharing Generations lunch, which gives the two generations an opportunity to connect.

Power play: Boys volleyball growing in popularity

By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When the Kansas City High School Boys Volleyball League was formed six years ago, the goal was to create awareness for the game and to eventually clear the way for boys on both sides of the state line to play varsity volleyball as a sanctioned sport.

Following five club seasons in Kansas City and decades of club contests in St. Louis, Missouri took the ultimate step earlier this week when boys volleyball teams from 75 schools tipped off the spring season under the guidance of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).

During its inaugural season, the Show Me State joins nearly two dozen states that either sponsor boys volleyball already, or soon will, while competing in one classification.

Thanks to the leadership of Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas parishioners Erin Rodriguez, Nancy Dorsey, Mark Scheinkoenig and Susan Thrasher, boys volleyball in the Sunflower State may soon follow the example of its neighbor to the east.

Sitting on the board of directors of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), Dorsey, who coaches both boys and girls volleyball at St. James Academy in Lenexa, is the high school representative for really the entire nation.

“I’m really blessed to be a part of [AVCA] and to be in those rooms where we talk about things like the birth of boys volleyball and what’s going on in the promotion of the girls game as it continues to grow in popularity,” said Dorsey, a Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shawnee, parishioner. “That has been a huge part of it for me, too. I see what other states are doing.

“I just love the game of volleyball and want to promote it and get it to grow however I can. Boys volleyball is the number one growing sport for boys in this country. Volleyball, in general, is on fire.”

League games are scheduled as triangulars, once or twice a week, beginning at the end of March and running through the beginning of May. Tri-matches are the best two out of three sets while duals in the boys league are slated as the best three out of five.

Once the season reaches its midpoint, the league will hold a tournament for those who wish to participate. Then, as regular season play concludes, teams are invited to compete in postseason play as well.

Following league play, teams will be seeded into pools on the day of the postseason tournament. The first- and second-place teams in each pool go to the gold bracket while the third- and fourth-place clubs play their way into the silver bracket.

Schools from Kansas City, Kansas, Johnson County, Topeka, Louisburg, Manhattan and Wichita have signed up for a spring of swatting, stuffing and rifling volleyballs at opponents on the other side of the net. Of the 29 schools that have signed up, 24 varsity teams, 11 junior varsity squads and five middle school teams have been created.

Dorsey said that as a teacher and a coach at St. James Academy, it is encouraged of them to show who they are

as people and what they believe in.

“It just deepens those relationships,” Dorsey said. “I was told once that kids don’t care what you know until they know that you care. I really believe that.

“I think when everything we do is rooted in being a good Catholic, being a Christian and being a good person and genuinely wanting what’s best for us as individuals, it helps develop a level of trust that can lead to greater things far beyond winning or losing. It’s been pretty amazing to see these young men and women become the best version of themselves.”

League designed for boys volleyball

LENEXA — Holy Trinity parishioner Susan Thrasher and other area volleyball enthusiasts have created a league designed to give boys who want to compete in the nation’s fastest growing boys sport an earlier start.

The recently formed Kansas City Parochial League joined forces with the Catholic Youth Organization to bring competitive volleyball to boys in grades 4-8 throughout the Kansas City area. The season will run from April 5 through May 3.

Games are scheduled to be played at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. on Fridays during the monthlong league. Should Thursday evenings be needed, contests will start at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. All matches will be played at participating schools depending on gym availability.

A postseason tournament is scheduled to begin May 6 and run through May 10. Should eighth grade graduations of the participating teams interfere with these dates, tournament matches may have to be played the following week.

The hope is that more boys in Kansas will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Bishop Miege’s own Tyler Bittel and Xander Quenzer who will move on and play at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, and the University of Health and Sciences in St. Louis, respectively, next season.

A Benedictine College, Atchison, volleyball alum, Thrasher said that athletes don’t have to be particularly quick or coordinated to play volleyball and that boys pick up the game quickly.

“I really hope that we’re starting to end the notion that this is only a girls sport,” Thrasher said. “I hope this will bring more attention to the sport for boys. It’s another opportunity for boys to play on a team. I hope it picks up and Kansas recognizes that it’s a supported sport at the high

level as well.”

“Since the boys don’t usually have the skill set to dig those fast balls, the girls volleys will go a lot longer, usually. The boys game is power hit, wow! Power hit, wow! Power hit, wow!”

Rodriguez, whose resume includes 27 years of coaching CYO, high school and club volleyball on the girls side, is going into her sixth season of coaching the Bishop Miege, Roeland Park, boys with her husband John. Rodriguez, a parishioner at Sacred Heart, recently compared girls volleyball to the boys game.

“It’s crazy how big of a difference there is,” Rodriguez said. “The games are growing closer and closer. The boys game is a lot of power. Power serves. Power hits. And the girls game is a lot of strategy and defense.

Scheinkoenig, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, grew up in Wisconsin, where boys volleyball has been sanctioned for decades. However, the St. Thomas Aquinas, Overland Park, boys volleyball coach wasn’t able to dig his sport of choice until after graduating from St. Pius XI High School in Madison, Wisconsin. He then got a taste of the college sports experience by playing club volleyball at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater after discovering the game on the beaches of the Great Lakes. Scheinkoenig said he fell in love with the explosiveness of mens volleyball.

“If you watch the NBA, it’s high-flying action. It’s throwing down dunks. It’s guys making super-athletic plays. Mens volleyball is very similar,” Scheinkoenig said. “Guys are trying to hit the ball hard and going for broke.

“When you get above the net, you’re trying to hit the ball as hard as you can and you’re trying to bounce it off of the court. You’re trying to bounce it off of the sand and ooh and ahh the crowd a little.”

school

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

From left, Michael Bevitt, freshman from Holy Trinity in Lenexa, Lincoln McIntire, senior from Holy Trinity in Paola, and Zach Jaworski, senior from Curé of Ars in Leawood, work on their skills as part of the St. James Academy boys volleyball team.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Derek Hellebusch, a sophomore from Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, skies high for a spike off the set from Nathan Simms, a freshman from Prince of Peace, Olathe. Both play for Lenexa’s St. James Academy team.

Atchison academy installs new president

By Jack Figge Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — Every Tuesday, David Trotter, the new president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, and his leadership team spend 30 minutes in eucharistic adoration.

This time is critical, Trotter said, in the school’s mission of creating a high school culture focused on forming the next generation of missionary disciples.

Last August, the Maur Hill-Mount Academy board announced that Trotter would be the school’s new president. This February, he was installed during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

As president, Trotter said, his goal is to form students as missionary disciples for Christ.

“We are trying to help each of our students get to heaven and become saints. That is the goal. That is our sole purpose,” said Trotter. “We are a Catholic high school. The mission of the church is to evangelize, which means that is our mission as well. We’re here to propose the truth of the Catholic faith and teach it to our students. That’s essential to who we are and our mission.”

Prior to serving as president, Trotter worked for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students as the senior director of philanthropy. When he first saw that Maur HillMount Academy was searching for a new president, he showed little interest. But after learning a little more about the school and being encouraged by friends and family, he decided to apply.

“I have two kids here. But even as a parent, I didn’t understand what was really happening at the high school,” he said. “And the more that I went through the process and began to talk with more people, the more I fell in love with what is currently happening here — and probably even more so the potential of what

WE ARE A UNIQUE PLACE WITH A SPECIAL MISSION, MEANING THAT WE CAN BE CONSIDERED AS A STRONG EDUCATIONAL OPTION FOR FAMILIES OUTSIDE OF THE ATCHISON AREA.

DAVID TROTTER PRESIDENT OF MAUR HILL-MOUNT ACADEMY

Maur Hill can be.”

Already, Trotter has noted areas he wants to see the school grow.

The academy is one of the few Catholic boarding schools in the country and currently has 23 boarding students. Trotter said that there is a lot of room for growth as the school can accommodate over 80 boarding students.

“Given our current cultural climate, parents of middle schoolers and high schoolers are looking for Catholic educational options for

Catholic App Series

Pray As You Go

The images, music and audio prayers offered in the Pray As You Go app bestow a sense of calm and peace on its users. The app encourages users to reflect on its daily meditation using a timer. It also provides retreats, a prayer journal and other prayers based on categories like mental health and night prayer.

— By Moira Cullings

Bilingual women’s retreat set for April 14

ATCHISON — An opportunity for women age 18 years and older to experience the hospitality and spirituality of the Benedictine Sisters will be offered in the middle part of April.

The Catholic Women’s Day, a bilingual Benedictine experience for Spanish and English speakers, will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 14 at the Sophia Spirituality Center, located at 751 S. 8th St. in Atchison.

their children. They’re not satisfied with the local public school and sometimes even the local Catholic school,” said Trotter. “I think that we are a unique place with a special mission, meaning that we can be considered as a strong educational option for families outside of the Atchison area to send their children to.”

While he wants to focus on the school’s external growth, Trotter sees a greater call.

He wants to help create a dynamic Catholic culture within the school so that students are equipped with the foundation to be lifelong disciples. This begins, he believes, by modeling for students what it means to live an authentic Catholic life.

“We are tasked with equipping students with the tools to help them persist in the faith beyond college,” said Trotter. “I believe the most important thing that we can do is to model that ourselves. My personal time in front of the Blessed Sacrament is the most important thing I can do every day. Being able to model that and the graces that come through spending time in [eucharistic] adoration is what changes the needle for our students.”

This Benedictine experience will include Mass with the Sisters, a catered brunch and contemplative experiences. It will transcend any English-Spanish language barriers and give attendees the opportunity to unite as one in the Catholic faith and in gratitude for one another.

The retreat will be facilitated by Mary Kay Whitacre, associate director of Souljourners, and Karla Melgar, consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization.

No child care will be available. Because the lunch will be catered, an accurate count is required, so register no later than April 7. The organizers welcome donations to cover the costs to attend.

Confirmation will be sent via email after registration. Be sure to add sophia@mountosb.org to your email contacts to ensure you receive retreat information.

To register, go online to: sophia spiritualitycenter.org, click on the “Retreats” link, then “Scheduled Retreat Offerings.” Scroll to “Catholic Women’s Day,” click on “Read More,” then click the bottom link to “Register.”

If you encounter difficulties registering online, send an email to: sophia guest@mountosb.org, or call the general number at (913) 360-6173.

PHOTO BY MARY KATE ROCHE Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, seated at center, with Abbot James Albers, OSB, installed David Trotter (left) as the new president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy in February.

Mary Kay Whitacre

Bishops call for prayer in abortion pill case

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

In 2023, approximately 63% of all abortions in the nation were chemical abortions.

That’s what the Guttmacher Institute, a leading abortion rights organization, recently reported on its website in a post titled “Medication abortion use increases as U.S. Supreme Court arguments loom.”

The percentage represents a three-year increase of 10 percentage points from 2020.

Knowing that reality, said Debra Niesen, consultant for the archdiocese’s respect life office, is critical to understanding the prayer campaign launched March 25 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

The campaign continues through June of this year and calls upon Catholics to pray for “the end of abortion and the protection of women and preborn children,” encouraging Catholics to seek the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life (see sidebar).

The campaign, Niesen explained, is in response to two cases currently before the Supreme Court of the United States: “Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine” and “Danco Laboratories v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.” Oral arguments began March 26.

While the cases are not about ending chemical abortion, Niesen said they focus on the widespread accessibility of the abortion pill through the mail and neighbor-

A box of medication known generically as mifepristone and by its brand name Mifeprex, is seen in an undated handout photo. The pills are used to induce early abortion, but in more recent years have also been prescribed as part of a protocol for early miscarriage care. Ahead of an upcoming Supreme Court hearing on access to mifepristone pills, the U.S. bishops have announced a March-June prayer initiative to end abortion.

hood pharmacies, plus the elimination of safeguards originally in place in 2000 when the abortion pill was first introduced in the country.

Noting March 25 is the feast of the annunciation, the day when the archangel Gabriel first announced the news of Jesus’ birth to Mary, Niesen said the date also honors the 29th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s landmark encyclical “Evangelium

Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home. As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child.

We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you. May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life.

Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life — especially where it is vulnerable or threatened. Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things.

Amen.

Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”).

“It’s a very appropriate date to begin this prayer and then having it continue all the way through June,” she said, the time by which the Supreme Court will have released its decision.

Chemical abortions, Niesen said, are problematic for many reasons. In addition to the life of a preborn child being ended, a woman’s health and safety is at risk. Additionally, she explained, women are more likely to become abused and exploited by abusers and human traffickers.

“For an industry that tries to tout itself as being health care,” she said, “this just proves once again that [the abortion industry] does not care about the health, safety and protection of women because this just puts women at such great risk.”

Niesen also spoke to the trauma, psychological and spiritual, that women undergo when they take an abortion pill at home.

She particularly loves the timing of the prayer campaign and “very much likes that we are calling for the intercession of St. Joseph. St. Joseph is such an incredible example to us on how we care and protect pregnant women and unborn children. He is the perfect example for us.”

For a full history of the abortion pill in the United States, see “The story of the controversial approval of the abortion pill” in the Jan. 14-20 issue of Our Sunday Visitor.

Rosary at Planned Parenthood in KCK

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In recognition of the International Day of the Unborn Child on April 6, join Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and other members of the pro-life community for prayer and witness in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic here, located at 6013 Leavenworth Rd., from 9 - 10 a.m.

A rosary, the Angelus and the Divine Mercy chaplet will be prayed.

For more information, contact Ron Kelsey by email at: ronkelsey10@gmail. com.

Workcamp offers assistance

Catholic HEART Workcamp will be in the Kansas City area the week of July 8 - 11. If you need or know of anyone needing assistance with minor home repairs, painting or yardwork, call and leave a message at (402) 306-9043 or send an email to: chwc.kc@gmail.com.

Holy Angels to hold concert of Hungarian organist on April 10

BASEHOR — Holy Angels Parish here, located at 15408 Leavenworth Rd., will host an organ concert featuring Dr. Sándor Balatoni, a faculty and deputy director of the Music Institute at the University of Pécs School of Arts in Hungary on April 10 at 7 p.m.

Balatoni will perform the music of Hungarian and other composers on the newly reconstructed Gober Organ at Holy Angels Parish.

Balatoni has won numerous awards as an organist, choir conductor and composer. His compositions have been performed in many European countries, China and the United States. He has played organ recitals throughout Europe and the United States, including the closing concert of the East Texas Pipe Organ Festival in 2022.

Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be taken. More information about Balatoni can be found online at: sandorbalatoni.com.

In

THE PLIGHT OF THE HOMELESS Homelessness

is on the rise

— and there is no simple answer as to why

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

On average, it costs American taxpayers $36,000 per year per person experiencing homelessness.

Yes, you read that right.

And according to the 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, there were 653,104 people who were homeless.

That means American taxpayers spend more than $23 billion annually, most of which goes toward publicly funded crisis services such as

emergency room visits, hospitalizations and jails.

And the problem is growing.

In 2023, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased 12% when compared to 2022.

But what if the country could spend less and end chronic homelessness?

According to the Apartment List National Rent Report for January

Eviction

of this year, the nationwide median was $1,379. That means if taxpayers picked up the cost of rent for all 653,104 who were homeless in January 2023 at the rate of $1,379, the bill would be around $11 billion.

Of course, the Catholic Church’s teaching is that cost should never be the reason for helping the marginalized. All Catholics should practice the corporal works of mercy, which include giving shelter to the homeless (cf. Mt 25: 35-40).

Across the archdiocese, hundreds serve those experiencing homelessness, bound by a commitment to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ.

And while not everyone is Catholic, many of the organizations they represent are ones the archdiocese partners with regularly.

DRIVERS OF HOMELESSNESS

One organization the archdiocese and the Kansas Catholic Conference partners with, an organization that closely monitors the issue, is the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition, a nonprofit agency based in Lawrence. The organization coordinates “with communities throughout the state to provide advocacy, training, education and support in an effort to end homelessness in Kansas.”

Christy McMurphy, its executive director, and Eric Arganbright, director of community engagement, said homelessness is growing for

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2023, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased 12% when compared to 2022. According to the 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, 653,104 went homeless for some or all of the year.

is one of the contributing factors to chronic homelessness. Once people are evicted, they have the eviction on their record and have a harder time securing housing.

numerous reasons — not only in cities across the state, but also in rural communities, something which city officials sometimes want to deny.

“A lot of times even when there’s a visible homeless population in rural communities, when you talk to city officials they say, ‘No, we have no homelessness,’” Arganbright said. “[But] people are starting to say this is an issue.

“Poverty is becoming a larger and larger issue. Rents in these small towns continue to go up, and wages do not. Wages sometimes disappear.”

McMurphy agreed, adding that a lack of basic services like health care — physical or mental — contributes to the problem, too.

The two noted there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding homelessness.

For example, Arganbright said people want to believe those who are homeless all have mental illness, but that’s not necessarily true.

“A lot of times people will lose whatever income they have, they lose their home and then, the mental illness sets in,” he said. “It’s because they’re homeless.

“And that’s something not talked about enough.”

Another major misconception has to do with substance abuse.

“If you don’t have shelter, that’s going to destroy your mental health. What do you do? You self-medicate. They either develop or enhance their substance abuse,” Arganbright said.

‘IT’S A RIVER’

“Homelessness is not like a lake or a pond,” said Arganbright. “It’s a river. People are constantly coming in. Right now, more people are coming in than are exiting, and without that assistance, it’s going to keep happening.

“If we keep moving in the direction we are, it’s not going to get better. It’s going to get worse.”

Arganbright argues that banning homeless camps does not work.

“All of the research across the United States has shown that when you criminalize homelessness, it makes the problem so much larger. All it does is make it that much harder for them to become housed,” he said.

And that’s something with which Barry Feaker, executive director of the Topeka Rescue Mission from 1986 to 2022, wholeheartedly agrees. He wishes everyone else did, too.

He and La Manda Broyles, the mission’s current executive director, often struggle against the misconceptions citizens and policymakers hold about those who are homeless.

“Yes, there are people who have broken the law. A lot more of them who have broken the law aren’t homeless. The same thing is true of mental illness,” said Feaker.

“Mental illness, people say, is the cause of homelessness. If that was the case, then all of the mentally ill would be homeless,” he continued. “These are things that can come along with homelessness. Homelessness is an issue of not having a place to live. So, if you don’t have a place to live, you cannot stabilize your life. You’re in survival mode.”

By 2030, Feaker said that Shawnee County is projected to spend $36 million annually on serving the homeless if a drastic change doesn’t take place, a fact with which the city of Topeka is grappling as it seeks to develop solutions through its task force.

NO EASY ANSWERS

Trey George, a member of the task force and chief executive officer for the Topeka Housing Authority, said inflation, low wages, rising rents and a lack of affordable housing have only made the problem larger.

One of the most common questions

George receives from those living in camps or tents in public spaces, is, “Where can I go?”

There’s no real easy answer, he said. Those who are homeless are told where they cannot go. So, they move into whatever space seems to be available. Yet, when people move into a neighborhood or business district, residents and business owners often start complaining.

As the number of people living in tents and camps increases, the complaints become louder.

About 10 years ago, about 40 people lived in Topeka in tents, recalls Deacon Brad Sloan, a permanent deacon at Topeka’s Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish. That number has more than tripled throughout the past decade.

He ought to know. He’s served on the Topeka Rescue Mission’s outreach team since its inception around 12 years ago.

“The other thing I think about in the United States is that there are many people who live paycheck to paycheck. All it takes is one small disaster, and they find themselves homeless. They end up in the hospital, they’re not able to work and the next thing they know,

they’re served an eviction notice,” Deacon Sloan said.

Sometimes, people try to help by offering them jobs, but that won’t necessarily solve the problem by itself.

“Because if you’re living in a tent somewhere, your priorities are structured differently than somebody like me who has a house, a job and things like that,” Deacon Sloan said.

Putting yourself in the individual’s

As poverty increases, so does homelessness. Without a home, people cannot stabilize their lives and go, instead, into survival mode. The stress of

Children homeless on any given night often don’t sheltering.

Studies show that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. All it takes is one disaster, one medical emergency, and they can find themselves homeless.

shoes can help you understand the situation in a different way.

“Sure, that’d be great if you gave me a job,” said Deacon Sloan, “but how am I going to get there every day? How am I going to make sure I get there on time? I don’t always have clean clothes. In fact, I rarely have clean clothes. In fact, I’m rarely clean.”

Those experiencing homelessness, the deacon noted, have a very different

MHomelessness defined

erriam-Webster Dictionary defines being homeless as “having no home or permanent place of residence,” and the federal government defines four categories of homelessness. The technical definitions can be found online at: www.hudexchange.info, a website maintained by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In order to make the categories easier for people to understand, the National Alliance to End Homelessness (www.endhomelessness.org), simplified the definitions as follows:

• “People who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelters, in transitional housing or are exiting an institution where they temporarily resided.

• People who are losing their primary nighttime residence within 14 days and lack resources or support networks to remain in housing.

• Families with children or unaccompanied youth who have not had a lease or ownership interest in a housing unit in the last 60 or more days, have had two or more moves in the last 60 days, and who are likely to continue to be unstably housed because of disability or multiple barriers to employment.

• People who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.”

Dig deeper

Besides understanding what exactly is defined as homelessness, experts say it’s important to understand several other terms, especially when ministering to those experiencing homelessness and when considering community policies and solutions. Listed below are but a few:

Chronic homelessness means someone has been homeless for at least one year or “repeatedly while struggling with a disabling condition such as a serious mental illness, substance use disorder or physical disability.”

An individual can have a disability if the condition “is expected to be of long, continuing or indefinite duration, substantially impedes the individual’s ability to live independently and could be improved by the provision of more suitable housing conditions.” This includes individuals suffering with physical, mental or emotional impairments brought on by alcohol or drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury, developmental disability (see below) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

A developmental disability can be attributed to a severe and chronic mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments. Usually appearing before someone reaches 22 years of age, the impairment will likely continue for a lifetime and often results in substantial limitations in an individual’s ability to function in three or more areas of major life activity (i.e., economic self-sufficiency, learning and self-care among others).

A Point-In-Time count provides an unduplicated count of people within a community who are experiencing homelessness, including both sheltered and unsheltered populations. The annual count occurs on a single night during the last 10 days of January.

Individuals and families can experience homelessness while also being sheltered, meaning they have a place to stay for the night whether at an emergency shelter, in transitional housing or in temporary housing. Likewise, individuals and families can be homeless and be unsheltered, meaning they sleep on the streets, in cars, in abandoned buildings and/or in other places not suitable for habitation.

An emergency shelter provides a temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness or specific subsets of that population. Such a shelter does not require clients to sign leases or occupancy agreements. Shelters usually fall under three main categories:

• No-barrier shelters are those without any requirements. Guests are free to stay there, and the focus of such shelters is keeping people alive, especially during times of dangerous weather conditions (i.e., extreme cold).

• Low-barrier shelters refer to those with minimal requirements. Again, the goal is survival for individuals. A simple requirement might mean a guest has to check a weapon at the door before being allowed to stay for the night.

• High-barrier shelters exist to help individuals heal and restore their lives. Such shelters often require guests to be sober or clean, participate in chores and meet with case managers in an effort to work on the issues that landed them at the shelter in the first place. Some shelters also require guests to participate regularly in religious activities, such as chapel services or Bible studies. The emphasis of such shelters is transformation, rehabilitation and restoration, as well as the safety and security of its guests.

Transitional housing is designed to provide stability and support in order to help individuals and families move to and maintain permanent housing.

The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a group of nonprofit homeless service providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing agencies, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and homeless and formerly homeless individuals within a particular geographic area within a state or county.

priority structure.

“It’s not as simple as people would like it to be,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to get to know them, meet them where they’re at. Listen to their stories. Everybody has a story, and everybody wants to tell that story.”

Ignoring the plight of those without homes to call their own, Marcy Weekley said, is not something she can do. Weekley, a member of Topeka’s Most

Pure Heart of Mary Parish, is also a member of Topeka JUMP (Justice, Unity & Ministry Project), a coalition of nearly 30 faith communities with a mission of providing “a powerful vehicle for marginalized groups in Shawnee County to fight for justice.”

This past year, the organization decided to advocate for those experiencing homelessness. Weekley eagerly joined the committee.

Although now retired, she worked for 35 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. The office building sits in downtown Topeka. Every day, Weekley saw people who were homeless and was concerned.

“So, when the topic of homelessness came up with JUMP, I thought back to those days when I would walk out of

of homelessness can lead to a host of other issues, including mental illness.

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work and get to walk to my nice car, drive to my nice home, and I didn’t have to worry about where I was going to sleep that night,” she said.

Just seeing the need growing in Topeka has moved her.

“We’re all exposed to it quite often,” Weekley said. In a phone call with a social worker from one of the city’s school districts, she and other Topeka JUMP leaders learned there are approximately 300 school-age children who are homeless on any given night, most of whom don’t speak up simply out of fear their families might get separated in the case of eviction.

And eviction, said Denise Ogilvie, chief mission integration officer for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, often leads to chronic homelessness.

“Preventing eviction is 10 times cheaper than having someone get evicted and then trying to house them,” she said. “Because once they’re evicted, now they have it on their record. Now, you’ve got to start from scratch.

“So they’re living on the street, and the longer a person lives on the street, the more mental health issues that crop up and the more other issues that crop up — such as physical safety.”

What else drives homelessness?

John Krahbiel, a resident of Lawrence who regularly volunteers with different housing organizations, believes there are three main causes of the homelessness epidemic.

“The number one cause of homelessness in the United States today is poverty. Number two is cost of housing or rent, and number three is education or lack thereof,” he said. And they are not unrelated.

“That’s the first thing I want people to know because in many regards, it helps destigmatize the situation in my opinion. . . . What most of them didn’t decide for themselves is to grow up in poverty.”

“When you consider that statistically, if a child doesn’t get kindergarten, somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 to 30 percent of them don’t finish high school,” he explained. “If you don’t finish high school, you’re going to live in poverty. And the worse the housing cost and crisis gets, the sooner in life that poverty

Homeless numbers

While accurate numbers regarding the number of people experiencing homelessness can be challenging to collect, one method of gathering statistics is the annual Point-in-Time count, conducted on a single night in January during the last 10 days of the month. While experts admit the method is not ideal, experts also agree the Pointin-Time count provides some estimates of those experiencing homelessness in the United States.

Below are some estimates taken from the Point-in-Time count as reflected in the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) produced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Across the nation

• An estimated 653,100 people in the United States experienced homelessness.

• The number is the highest reported for a single night since reporting began in 2007.

• The number of people experiencing homelessness increased nationally by 12% when compared to 2022.

• Homelessness among people in families with children increased 16%. For individuals, the number of people increased 11%.

• More than one in five people was age 55 or older with 46% of those individuals living in places not meant for human habitation.

• The number of veterans experiencing homelessness increased by 2,445 when compared to 2022.

Here in Kansas

leads to homelessness.”

IN SEARCH OF SOLUTIONS

Solving homelessness, said Misty Bosch-Hastings, director of the homeless solutions division for Lawrence, isn’t going to be easy.

One major reason for the lack of affordable housing is that many people now view homes as a source of building their wealth, she said. They buy homes, renovate them and sell them for a profit, making it harder for people to find lower-cost housing at a reasonable rent.

In Lawrence, the University of Kansas captures a lot of the rentals, she said, leading to a vacancy rate of 1% within the city. Usually, communities have vacancy rates around 5 to 6%, making it easier to find affordable housing.

“That leaves me in a tough spot,” said Bosch-Hastings. “It’s my job to try to combat homelessness and to end chronic homelessness. To do that, when the housing doesn’t exist right now, is going to be really difficult.”

Still, she’s trying, as she knows those in need are counting on her to get creative, especially as the city saw a 51% increase in homelessness

last year alone.

Of those who are unsheltered in Lawrence, 51% of them are women. And that’s definitely not typical, she said.

Of those she serves, “These people are just like you and me,” said Bosch-Hastings. “The only thing that separates them from us is that they didn’t have that safe person or safe place to fall when life was really hard for them. . . . It’s easy to be on the outside looking in, but the truth be known, they just didn’t have the same supports that you and I had.”

Volunteer and activist Steve Ozark, a resident of Lawrence who has spent more than 30 years as an advocate for the homeless, agrees.

One night in 2023, while gathering data at the city’s emergency winter shelter, he talked with 51 people, just to hear their stories. He learned approximately 40% were in their 60s, a sobering fact for him, considering he is 63.

Ozark said it was quite obvious the vast majority of the individuals hadn’t been experiencing homelessness long.

“As they told their stories,” he said, “the bottom line is they didn’t have family or friends to take them in. . . . These were senior citizens who lost their spouse, lost their pension and didn’t have somewhere to go.”

• Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased in 41 states, including Kansas. The state counted an estimated 2,636 people experiencing homelessness in 2023, an increase of 10% when compared to 2022 and nearly 25% when compared to 2007.

• Approximately 27% were people in families with children and 73% were individuals. Additionally, 130 were unaccompanied homeless youths and 199 were veterans.

• Of the 2,636 people, approximately 71% were sheltered and approximately 29% were unsheltered.

• Of those experiencing homelessness on a single night in January, 479 individuals were experiencing chronic homelessness.

• Nine in every 10,000 people in Kansas experienced sheltered homelessness.

For Part 2 of The Leaven’s coverage of homelessness in the archdiocese — “Real People, Real Solutions”— watch for the April 12 issue of the paper.

People living in homeless camps and tents often have nowhere else to go. As they move into public spaces, people start complaining.

Banning homeless camps does not work, said Eric Arganbright, director of community engagement for the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition. “All of the research . . . has shown that when you criminalize homelessness, it makes the problem so much larger. All it does is make it that much harder for them to become housed,” he said.

EMPLOYMENT

IT specialist - Church of the Nativity Parish and School in Leawood are seeking to fill the position of IT specialist. This full-time position will oversee the development, implementation, maintenance and use of technology to support the church and school. They will be responsible for day-to-day operations of information and telecommunication systems, providing support and maintenance of existing technology and development of new technical solutions. They report to the director of IT. Go online to: www.kcnativity.org/employmentopportunities for the full job description. Resumes should be sent to: jobapplication@kcnatvity.org.

Handbell choir director - Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa is seeking a part-time, hourly, handbell choir director. Average 16 hours per month or 4 hours per week. The director will conduct the parish handbell choir at weekly rehearsals on Mondays from 7 - 9 p.m. and an average of one Mass per month, mid-August to midJune. Conduction proficiency, knowledge of liturgical worship and the Christian year required. Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. Job description available at: www.htlenexa.org/holy trinity-music. Application, including three references, may be emailed to Dr. Chole Stodt, director of music, at: cstodt@htlenexa.org. Position open until filled.

Theology teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a full-time theology teacher for the 2024-25 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for evangelization and experience teaching at the secondary level. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org/apply and click on “Teachers” and also send a resume and cover letter to principal Dr. Shane Rapp at: srapp@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Senior accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a senior accountant. Responsibilities include accounting support for the archdiocese, deposit and loan fund, and lay and priest retirement plan investments which include recording all transactions and reconciling investment account statements to the general ledger. A minimum of 5 years’ accounting experience required, such as maintaining accurate financial records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing and operational use. Finding the right person with the right combination of skills, experience and desire to serve the church can be challenging, and you can help in one of many ways: Share the link on your social media sites; forward this email to family and friends who might know someone with an interest, or could themselves have an interest; ask your parish to put a small notice in their bulletin for 2 - 3 weeks. To apply, go online to: archkck.org, scroll down to “Employment opportunities” located under “People” and scroll down to “Current job openings” then click on “Current job openings in our Archdiocese” then scroll down to “Senior Accountant.”

Full-time youth minister - Church of the Nativity, Leawood, is seeking a full-time youth minister to join the Christian formation team. This position will oversee ministry to middle school and high school parishioners, as well as young adults. Qualified applicants should have at least two years’ experience in youth ministry or qualifying degree and have or be willing to receive Virtus training and a background check. Send a resume and cover letter to: jobapplication@ kcnativity.org.

Part-time administrative assistant - Seeking a parttime administrative assistant for a life insurance and securities office in Shawnee. Computer experience needed, such as email and Excel. For more information or to apply, call (913) 592-6061.

Youth and young adult minister - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a full-time youth and young adult minister. The candidate would be responsible for nurturing and guiding teens and young adults, have an evangelism strategy that provides vision, skills and community. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills. Interested applicants should email resume and cover letter to Veronica Quinn at: vquinn@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 244-3909 for more information.

Bookkeeper/accountant - Queen of the Holy Rosary- Wea is seeking a full-time bookkeeper/accountant. Three years’ experience with QuickBooks and advanced experience with Excel as well as hands-on experience with payroll and benefit software systems desired. Please contact: mpetz@qhrwea.org for complete job description and application. Compensation commensurate with experience.

Consultant, youth ministry - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a consultant for evangelization and Catholic formation of youth in the creation and/or implementation of programs, processes and training. Please visit employment information for more information or to apply. Go online to: archkck.org, click on “Employment,” go to “Current job openings,” then “Openings in Our Archdiocese” and click on “Consultant, Youth Ministry.”

Coordinator for foster and pro-life ministry - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a coordinator for foster and pro-life ministries. This position will be responsible for offering guidance to parishes to establish and grow parish-based foster care and adoption support ministries. For more information and to apply, go online to: archkck.org, scroll down to “Employment Opportunities” in the archdiocese, then scroll down and click on “Coordinator, Foster and Pro-Life Ministry.”

Preschool aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking an aide for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants are responsible for assisting the lead teacher with daily activities, implementing rules and regulations of licensure, and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. This position is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Please submit resume and cover letter to preschool director at: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org.

Middle school science teacher - Nativity School in Leawood is seeking a middle school science teacher for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Middle school math teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school math teacher for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and click on “Apply” then click on “Teachers.” Also, email principal Luke Jennison at: luke. jennison@kcnativity.org.

Communication coordinator – St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a full-time communications coordinator. The communications coordinator will coordinate and support the St. Joseph Campus with communication projects. This position will work closely with the school principal, EEC director and parish office to develop and implement communications strategies, media relations, social and digital media, article writing, video production, advertising/ marketing initiatives and other communication support as needed. A successful candidate should be Catholic, with strong relationship skills and the ability to work in a collaborative setting. The overall goal for this position is to promote St. Joseph Catholic Campus as the go-to source for relevant, reliable, evidenced-based information. Interested applicants should email resumes and cover letter to Father Scott Wallisch: frscott@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 6315983 for more information.

Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation. com for more information. EEO.

Catholic school elementary principal for Resurrection School - Are you a passionate and visionary leader looking to make a difference in the lives of young learners? Do you thrive in diverse, culturally rich environments? Resurrection Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a joyfully Catholic school leader with demonstrated skill in the academic and spiritual formation of students. With a board of trustees, the principal will lead a team to advance the school’s academic licensure in educational leadership. Ideal candidates will be fluent in English and Spanish, but Spanish-speaking not required. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply and scroll down and click on “Principals.” For more information, contact Dr. Vince Cascone, superintendent, at: vcascone@ archkckcs.org.

Nonmedical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring nonmedical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or: rmargush@saintritahc. com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as a Direct Support Professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-out-team or by emailing: james@larcheks.org.

Maintenance technician - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is looking for a full-time, 40 hours per week, maintenance technician with a strong work ethic. We prefer a candidate with knowledge in landscape maintenance. This individual will also have general maintenance skills, including basic electrical and plumbing. This position also includes setting up for events. A maintenance technician is a thorough professional with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and responsibly. The candidate needs to be able to lift 50 pounds and work off a ladder or lift. All employees are required to be Virtus-trained and background-checked. This position may include some weekend and evenings as needed. Competitive pay, including benefits, vacation/sick time and 401(k) with match. Interested candidates should send a resume to the facilities director at: matt.rocca@cureofars.com.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: administrative coordinator for the nursing department, academic adviser, director of development, part-time front desk receptionist and admissions counselor. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Help needed - Parishioner of St. Michael Parish is in need of support in her home. 95-year-old female, lives very close to St. Michael Church. Part-time weekend help. $15/hr. Mostly visiting and assisting if needing help with walker. Please call Jenny at (816) 616-7398.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings - no current openings. Adjunct faculty job openings - adjunct instructor for Nursing. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Catholic elementary school principal - Corpus Christi School in Lawrence is seeking a Catholic school leader to join its thriving Lawrence community. The principal will lead a team of faculty and staff in the mission of forming scholarly disciples. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs. org/apply. For more information, contact Father Jerry Volz at: frjerry@cccparish.org.

Youth minister - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a youth minister who will lead teens closer to Christ in partnership with another youth minister. He or she must be dedicated to forming missionary disciples and creating, fostering and guiding a community to reach teens from seventh grade through high school. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills and a desire to facilitate an encounter with Jesus Christ. This is a year-round, full-time position eligible for full benefits. Further details available at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to: denise.green@stmichaelcp.org.

Early childhood educators - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving, Christian environment. Our classrooms are full and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Anne at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Community and family ministry leader - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a part-time community and family ministry (CFM) leader. This leader would be responsible for nurturing and guiding a ministry and evangelism strategy that provides vision, skills and community for single, engaged and married people. The leader will lead a ministry task force responsible for executing this initiative to invite and move church and community through outreach and ongoing engagements into Growth Journeys where relationship skills content is delivered/transformed. The leader will also serve as St. Joseph’s chief liaison with our Communio church strategist. Interested applicants should email resumes to Veronica Quinn at: vquinn@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 244-3909.

Director of development and stewardship - The director of development and stewardship of St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence works closely with the pastor and school principal to ensure the long-term stability of the parish — which includes the church and school — by building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including parishioners, parents alumni, volunteers and community members. The director of development and stewardship will implement and oversee all development and stewardship activities necessary to grow and expand the base of financial support for the parish from a broad range of sources. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com; or mail to Father John Cousins, 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. To view the complete job description, visit our website at: sjevangelist.com/jobs.

Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

SERVICES

MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 9274347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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

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

Ros painting - Transforming your home one paint coat at a time. Over 20 years of residential and commercial interior and exterior painting. Reliable, professional and affordable. Insured. Call or text Ramiro today for a free estimate. (913) 579-5016. Double

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.

Catholic counseling - Sam Meier, MA, LCPC - (913) 9522-267 and David Walter, MA, LCPC - (402) 9130463 - book an appointment online at: StillWatersKC. com in person or telehealth.

Tutor - Piano, guitar, voice ,and music Theory lessons available. Instructor has 18 years experience. For more information, please contact Kathleen at: (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 488-5195.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheet-rock knockdown ceiling, decks, fences and wood rot. We now offer financing! My family and I always appreciate the support. Please call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or: josh.fser@gmail.com

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

Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

FOR SALE

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

First Communion Dresses - For American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace for $35. Please call (913)3459488 or email: wwelch4@kc.rr.com. To see the dress, it is on display at Trinity House, 6731 W. 119th St., Overland park, in their first Communion area.

For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in section 3 Old, lot 126, plots 6 and 10. Flat markers only. Contact Ann at (913) 620-5687.

For sale - Two cemetery plots at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Plots located in the Assumption Garden north of the Veterans’ Memorial and under a tree. Valued at $5190; asking $4500. Call (913) 649-8072.

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

DONNELLY COLLEGE BLOOD DRIVE

Donnelly College (Event Center)

608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas

April 1 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

One donation can save up to three lives! Be a hero and schedule a donation now. For an appointment, visit the website at: redcrossblood.org/give and type in “Donnelly” or call 1 (800) 733-2767.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE UNBORN CHILD

Planned Parenthood

6013 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kansas

April 6 at 9 a.m.

Planned Parenthood Exposed is hosting its second annual Day of the Unborn Child. The event celebrates the annunciation of the Lord, which is when the incarnation of Jesus occurred. The joyful mysteries of the rosary, the Angelus and the Divine Mercy chaplet will be recited. Please join us.

CREATING YOUR LEGACY

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne School

530 E. 4th Ave., Garnett

April 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Is it time for you to create or revise your will or trust? Join us at Holy Angels Parish in Garnett to hear from estate attorney Casey Connealy about best practices for estate planning and how to create your legacy. For more information, go to the website at: www.cfnek.org/events/willsand-trusts-workshop.

OPENING AMERICA’S HEARTLAND TO MARRIAGE SYMPOSIUM

Sacred Heart Parish

5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee

April 12 from 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann invites you to participate in an exciting marriage event that will be happening in our archdiocese. The symposium brings together leading experts and practitioners in the field of marriage ministry to share their knowledge on practical methods to strengthen marriages. The symposium will be held starting with an 8:15 a.m. Mass. Go online to: www.eventcreate.com/e/ openingamericasheartlandtomarriage for more information and to register.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

April 12 - 14

The retreat begins on April 12 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on April 14 at 4:30 p.m. Jesus invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival, which culminates in Indianapolis this July, is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Join us as we delve deeply into the powerful reality that is the eucharistic Jesus, the Lamb of God, sacrificed so that we may have life, who brings us himself in the heavenly bread of the banquet that takes place in heaven and on earth at the same time. Come worship our eucharistic Lord with expectant faith during this enriching retreat. There are conferences, spiritual direction, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple or single guest rooms $100. Meals are included.) To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

ENCOUNTER SCHOOL OF HEALING

St. James Academy

24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa

April 12 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

April 13 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Jesus never proclaimed the Gospel without demonstrating it in power and love. Jesus’ healing ministry is at the heart of his Gospel of power and he expects

his disciples to minister his healing on the earth. The Encounter School of Healing will teach and equip you to partner with the power of the Holy Spirit to experience healing miracles in the world around you.

Healing is Jesus’ idea and it is essential to the effective evangelization of our city and nation. Come experience the greater works Jesus has in store for you. Information and registration can be found online at: encounterschool.org/kansas-city.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS

Divine Mercy Parish

555 W. Main St., Gardner

April 14 from 8:30 - 10 a.m.

The breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is: $6 for those over the age of 11; $3 for kids ages 3 - 11; and kids under the age of 3 eat for free. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH

Perkins Restaurant (back room)

1720 S.W. Wanamaker Road, Topeka

April 16 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other “Widowed Women of Faith” for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed, just come. Invite other widowed women of faith. We meet every month on the third Tuesday. Email any questions to: WidowedWomenof Faith@gmail.com or call (913) 558-0190.

AUTISM AWARENESS

Corpus Christi Parish

6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence

April 16 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Come learn what is autism, how it is diagnosed and treated, what challenges people with autism and their families face, what support networks exist and how individuals can support loved ones/community members. Guest speakers are Sean Swindler from the KU Center of Autism Research & Training and Jim Hamilton, parent advocate and Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, parishioner. This free and open to the public presentation is for an adult audience.

HEARTACHE TO HEALING

Church of the Ascension (St. John’s Room)

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

April 16 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

This is a social support group for those widowed early in life. Bring your favorite game, or just come and enjoy ours. Please bring a snack and/or drink to share while we visit and play board/card games. Your emailed RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to Laura at: khaeus1@hotmail.com; Heather at: hmbimpens@gmail.com; or Damon at: damon452@yahoo.com. Come meet new friends and pray and play with us. We look forward to meeting you.

LINGER OVER BREAKFAST

St. Teresa’s Academy

5500 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri

April 20 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Want to enjoy beautiful butterflies, vegetables and flowers in your backyard, along with enhancing sustainability? The program will be presented by Amy Hereford, CSJ. There will be tips on gardening, composting and seed-saving, to home energy audits and beekeeping. We can enhance our lives, one plant at a time. Friends from area gardening collectives will also be on hand to help with your next steps in growing green.

CAMP TEKAKWITHA

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Prairie Star Ranch

1124 California Rd., Williamsburg

April 26 - 28

This is a weekend for you! You will find speakers that inspire you, sacraments that draw you to the heart of Christ and fellowship with other women. This retreat

offers large group and breakout sessions, individual reflection, Mass, eucharistic adoration, reconciliation, free time, friendship, laughter and joy. Here you will find the space to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. Come enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and the gift of sharing life with other women seeking the heart of Jesus. Information and registration can be found online at: archkck.org/camp-tekakwitha.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE SUPPORT

St. Pius X Parish

5500 Woodson St., Mission

April 27 at 6 p.m.

Do you feel as if you will never heal? Wondering if you’re ready for a relationship? Join us once a month for fellowship and formation. For more information, send an email to: Katie@thecall2love.com.

SUDS & SCHOLARSHIPS 2024 Boulevard Brewing Company

2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri

April 29 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Suds & Scholarships benefits the students of Holy Name of Jesus School, the smallest Catholic school in Wyandotte County, where 95% of students rely on scholarships to attend. Your support will provide life-changing scholarships for students in need. Learn more and purchase tickets online at: https://one. bidpal.net/holyname24/welcome.

ANNUAL GOLF

TOURNAMENT

Tomahawk Hills Golf Course

17501 Midland Dr., Shawnee

May 10 at 8 a.m.

All are welcome to the Church of the Holy Cross Knights of Columbus annual golf tournament. The cost is $125 per player; $500 for a foursome. Price includes coffee, donuts, beverages, the award reception and a luncheon. Questions? Contact Rick Guinn by email at: rgksmolaw. com or call (913) 424-9084.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SUMMER CAMPS

St. Thomas Aquinas High School

11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park

May - August

Our summer camps give students entering grades K - 8 the chance to discover their potential in both sports and other activities: STEM camp, art, baking, cheer and more! Camps fill up fast, so register today online at: www.stasaints.net/athletics/summer-camps. For questions call the student life office at (913) 319-2416 or send an email to: btriggs@ stasaints.net.

BISHOP MIEGE 50TH REUNION

Class of ’74

Looking for the class of 1974 Bishop Miege alumni. If you know someone who graduated from Miege in 1974, give them this information. Plans are underway for the reunion. We are looking for contact information (bios, photos and reunion registration fees) for some of our classmates. For up-to-date information, go online to: www.facebook.com/BMHS1974Reunion. Organizers’ emails are as follows: Janet Hostly Schlake at: jschlake55@gmail.com (reunion organizer); Maureen Reintjes at: deskside2@ yahoo.com (send contact information to Maureen); and Steve Faltermeier at: steve.falter meier@gmail.com (golf tournament).

>> Continued from page 12

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.

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

Will buy firearms and related accessoriesOne a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 213-9843.

REAL ESTATE

We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.

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 has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage - Join us for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje March 12 - 20, 2024; May 14 - 22, 2024; and June 16 - 28, 2024 (Poland and Medjugorje). Are you being called to go? Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. Call Grace Legaspi for details at (913) 449-1806.

CAREGIVING

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of HomeSenior Care, www.Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We will 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 care - CMA, 15 years experience, background check available, references available from past employers. Call (913) 999-4340.

Companion and respite care - Retired RN seeking part-time day work caring for your loved ones. Willing to do companion and/or respite care. Light duty nursing, no lifting. Prefer Overland Park, Leawood area. Call Mary at (913) 7105412.

Caring Christian companion - I’m a retired licensed practical nurse (LPN) with 20-plus years of nursing experience caring for youth to elderly facing medical challenges. I will work for you, in home, assisted living or nursing home. Qualified to transport to and from physicians or therapy and personal trips. References from past employers are available. I am someone who is caring, honest and dependable. Call Barbara at (913) 645-3779.

CNA - Can provide home care for those needing assistance. Available seven days/nights per week. Serving Shawnee, Lenexa and Overland Park. 20 years’ experience. Call (913) 526-0797.

DAILY READINGS

OCTAVE OF EASTER

March 31

EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Acts 10: 34a, 37-43

Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Col 3: 1-4

Jn 20: 1-9

April 1

MONDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 2: 14, 22-33

Ps 16: 1-2a, 5, 7-11

Mt 28: 8-15

April 2

TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 2: 36-41

Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22

Jn 20: 11-18

April 3

WEDNESDAY WITHIN

THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 3: 1-10

Ps 105: 1-4, 6-9

Lk 24: 13-35

April 4

THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 3: 11-26

Ps 8: 2a, 5-9

Lk 24: 35-48

April 5

FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 4: 1-12

Ps 118: 1-2, 4, 22-27a

Jn 21: 1-14

April 6

SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 4: 13-21

Ps 118: 1, 14-15, 16ab-21

Mk 16: 9-15

SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

April 7

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (OR SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY)

Acts 4: 32-35

Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1 Jn 5: 1-6

Jn 20: 19-31

April 8

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

Is 7: 10-14; 8: 10

Ps 40: 7-11

Heb 10: 4-10

Lk 1: 26-38

April 9

Tuesday

Acts 4: 32-37

Ps 93: 1-2, 5

Jn 3: 7b-15

April 10

Acts 5: 17-26

Ps 34: 2-9

Jn 3: 16-21

April 11

Stanislaus, bishop, martyr

Acts 5: 27-33

Ps 34: 2, 9, 17-20

Jn 3: 31-36

April 12

Friday

Acts 5: 34-42

Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14

Jn 6: 1-15

April 13

St. Martin I, pope, martyr

Acts 6: 1-7

Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19

Jn 6: 16-21

Let the Easter season get the last laugh

In my file cabinet is a folder labeled “H.”

The “H” stands for “humor” and it’s where I pop funny stuff that I come across for future use in this column, in talks . . . or for those tough days when I need a good laugh to lift my spirits.

And yes, I do even use some of those stories in my homilies. It’s particularly appropriate at this time of year as we enter the Easter season. We can thank the monks in 15th-century Bavaria for the idea of the “risus paschalis” or “Easter laughter.”

Apparently, homilies on Easter and throughout the season had to contain a story that made the congregation laugh. It was symbolic of the joy people felt at the resurrection of Jesus and a way to mock Satan who thought he’d “won” when Jesus died on the cross.

That idea is captured beautifully in this story about a 3-year-old girl named Nicole who was as eager for Easter to come as she’d been for

FATHER

MARK GOLDASICH

Christmas.

The little girl had picked out a new dress and white bonnet. While shopping for new shoes to go with her outfit, she said, “I can’t wait for Easter, Daddy!” Her father asked, “Do you know what Easter means, honey?”

With arms raised and a smile on her, she shouted, “Surprise!”

Indeed, her father thought, that was the best word to describe

Easter. Surprise, death! Surprise, sin! Surprise, mourning disciples! Surprise, modern humanity! He’s alive! (Story adapted from “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

In a recent post on subsplash.com, Pastor Jeff Harvey highlights some benefits of using humor when preaching:

• It makes the preacher more approachable and relatable.

• It surprises the congregation, making it more open and receptive to the message.

• It captures people’s attention, allowing them to better remember the message.

For example, Harvey

tells the story of 5-yearold Billy who was asked to recite this verse from Luke’s Gospel (24:4) for the church’s Easter program: “He is not here; he is risen!”

Despite practicing it many times, when he stood in front of the congregation, he froze and couldn’t remember what to say.

The religious ed director leaned over and whispered the verse in the little boy’s ear. Billy’s whole face lit up then and he grabbed the microphone and proclaimed confidently: “He’s not here; he’s in prison!”

Another of Harvey’s stories concerns a man who vacationed in the Holy Land with his wife and mother-in-law.

Tragically, the motherin-law died unexpectedly.

The following day, the son-in-law met with a local funeral director who offered two options: “You can ship the body back to the States for $5,000, or you can bury her here in the Holy Land for $150.”

Immediately, the

man said they’d ship the body home. The funeral director was intrigued and asked, “Why would you pay $5,000 to ship your mother-in-law home when you could bury her here for $150?”

The man replied, “Over 2,000 years ago, a man died and was buried here. Three days later, he rose from the dead and I just can’t take that chance!”

May we all be blessed to be “holy fools” this Easter season. May this “Clown’s Prayer” of Smiles Unlimited ministry guide us:

“Lord, as I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. . . . Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy and forget at least for a moment all the unpleasant things in their lives. And Lord, in my final moment, may I hear you whisper: ‘When you made my people smile, you made me smile.’”

How well are you telling the greatest story ever told?

“D

id you hear. . . ?”

In our modern information-saturated age, those three little words say a lot. They sum up so much of how we live.

Face it: We are bombarded incessantly by news. Our phones buzz, cable news squawks, social media chirps and pings. There’s a lot going on out there. What are we missing?

Almost nothing. It can be impossible to shield ourselves from the onslaught of stuff.

DEACON GREG KANDRA

Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.

All of which should make us hear the good news of Easter — really, the greatest news in human history — in a different way. What we realize, as we hear the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection,

is that we are hearing a phenomenal story being told, news being spread, truth being shared, person to person.

This weekend, we hear how it began.

Intriguingly, the Gospel we hear at the Easter Vigil from Mark notes that the first news of the Resurrection came from an anonymous angel — serving, in a way, as a beautiful bookend to the Annunciation. What does the angel say? His directive is simple and clear: “Go and tell his disciples.”

Don’t stay where you are.

Don’t keep this to yourself.

Go. Keep this going. Tell the story.

Now, over 2,000 years later, we need to continue what others began. We need to go and tell the story — a story of miracles and suffering, of sacrifice and love, of redemption and hope.

Easter morning, as we stagger out of church with “Alleluias” ringing in our ears, maybe the great question we need to ask ourselves is: How well are we doing that?

If we are to tell the story, what are we doing to tell it?

The long, dry weeks of Lent served as a reminder to us of what the Christian story is about; fundamentally, it is about loving, and that loving is expressed by

giving, to both God and to our neighbor.

That, I believe, is how we tell the story — how we pass it on to others and encourage them to pass it on as well.

One of the breathtaking messages of Easter, conveyed in the Scripture we hear, is this: The greatest story ever told is one we are charged with telling and retelling every day.

The angel said it. It’s up to us to celebrate that and rejoice in what it all means — and continue what they began. The Gospel needs witness to keep it going.

We can’t keep it to ourselves.

So, go. Tell the story.

Pope calls for pastors to walk alongside migrants in the Americas

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Catholic Church needs people and pastors capable of walking alongside refugees to respond to the reality of forced migration across the Americas, Pope Francis said.

Only by forming people “who dare to go beyond the limits of what is established” and are “capable of returning to the essential [and] breaking free from indifference” can the church lead migrants

toward hope, he wrote in a message March 20 to bishops from Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama. The bishops were meeting for a three-day conference in Panama City, organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, titled “Easter with our Migrant Brothers and Sisters.”

Every migrant or refugee who leaves their home challenges Christians to wake from indifference and embrace a spirit of hospitality, the

pope wrote, urging the bishops to work for a church in which migrants “do not feel judged but welcomed, where they can quench their hunger and thirst and revive hope.”

Pope Francis underscored the dangers many migrants face in crossing the Darién Gap, a heavily forested region that straddles the Colombia-Panama border and which the pope called “a jungle that is a triumph of nature but that today is becoming a real ‘Way of the Cross.’”

Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

Three new outreaches planned with special needs in mind

St. Paul teaches us that though we are many parts, we make up one body of Christ.

Therefore, without the participation of each of us, the body of Christ in our communities would not be complete. That is why it’s important to include everyone in our church, regardless of their abilities — not just inclusion in liturgical celebrations, but also social and catechetical events as well. There are lots of upcoming opportunities for individuals in all three of these areas.

LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM

JOSHUA RUOFF

As a social opportunity, April 6, Church of the Ascension in Overland Park is hosting a dinner and dance for individuals with special needs 18 and older.

Parents or caregivers are welcome.

CThis is a wonderful event during prom season for individuals to celebrate the gift of life with song and dance. Please visit Ascension’s website or contact the specialneeds office at the archdiocese for more information.

As a liturgical opportunity, June 29,

we are providing the first-known sensoryfriendly eucharistic adoration hour. This event will be a pilot to provide the necessary materials and knowledge for other dioceses across the world to provide the same opportunity to other individuals with special needs.

This eucharistic adoration hour will look and feel different to some people. We will refrain from the use of incense and music and will have dim lighting.

We feel so blessed to be able to provide this not only for our community but for the world, as we celebrate this year of the Eucharistic Revival. This

will be held at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park. Please follow our social media and join our Flocknote for more information in the future.

For catechetical formation, signup is available for our special-needs Totus Tuus July 15-19 at St. Joseph in Shawnee. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals in first grade and up to learn more about their faith and how much God loves them.

Volunteers are also needed for this event and it is a great place for young people to obtain service hours.

Visit the archdiocesan special-needs website for more information.

As we come closer

to Easter and the end of our Lenten journey, let us remember that each of us needs help carrying our cross to our final destination. These opportunities for individuals with special needs are amazing; however, we should not need special events only for those with special needs.

We all have special needs and should all be included and welcomed in all church activities. Christ died for ALL of us and wants ALL of us to join him in his kingdom. Let’s keep doing our best to help everyone we meet get to that final destination.

CEF’s goal is to help schools not just survive, but thrive

hrist the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, recently announced that it will be closing after this school year.

It was heartbreaking news for many people, including the CEF staff and board members. The school had been struggling financially for a number of years and has faced declining enrollment in recent years.

Christ the King Parish has also struggled financially and could no longer sustain the school. CEF was not involved with the decision to close the school.

The school has 70 fewer students this

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH

Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

year than just two years ago and was already aware of many students who would not be returning next

year. Christ the King School is near and dear to CEF’s heart. It is a two-time recipient of CEF’s Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence award and one of the largest recipients of CEF scholarship funding each year.

This year, CEF is funding 155 of 180 Christ the King students (86%). All of these students qualify for the federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Most are ethnic minorities and many are “English language learners.” After graduation, this closure will displace approximately 150 students.

Fortunately, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has four other Catholic grade schools in Wyandotte County. CEF funds all of these schools and will ensure that every student from Christ the King can transfer their CEF scholarships

to whichever school they choose. CEF will also provide additional funding to help students that do not have scholarships if needed.

A recent report from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) states that an average of 100 Catholic schools close every year in this nation.

Schools in underserved communities tend to close more often than other schools, leaving a vacuum in communities for many families. This is why CEF works so hard to raise funds and provide scholarships for families in need. We know that CEF funding

is helping to keep several schools open.

Our goal is to help schools move from “just surviving to thriving.” Some are on their way, thanks to a very generous Catholic community that supports CEF’s scholarship programs.

CEF is dedicated to raise enough funds so that no more archdiocesan schools close and every child that desires a Catholic education gets that opportunity, regardless of financial ability. For those interested in supporting scholarships for these students or other students, visit CEF’s website at: cefks.org.

Groupthink of some legislators, allies leads to cultural chaos

There are some signs of hope within the frequently surreal debates unfolding at the Kansas Statehouse.

The safety of confused and conflicted children, authentic care for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies and other hot-button issues are colliding at this intersection of culture and public policy.

Human collateral damage, seen and unseen, is everywhere.

CHURCH AND STATE

CHUCK WEBER

avowed supporter of “trans rights,” who once worked at a pediatric transgender center. Reed thought she could help provide care for children in need. She was wrong.

they were hearing.

that option existed.

unquestionably declared “gender-affirming care” by the press. It’s all happening at an alarming rate.

Puberty blockers, the surgical removal of young boys’ genitals and the amputation of young girls’ breasts is

A compliant secular news media, largely abdicating their solemn responsibility as unbiased reporters of fact, contribute to the problem. Reporters and editors have seamlessly adopted the favored language of the LGBTQ+ lobby used to help justify dangerous procedures and treatments.

A whistleblower from Missouri recently destroyed the news media/LGBTQ+ narrative with testimony about deceptive sexchange practices being performed on children.

Jamie Reed is an

“Instead, I witnessed the center cause permanent harm to many of the patients,” said Reed in testimony before the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee. “During my time at the center, I personally witnessed center health care providers lie to the public and to parents of patients about the treatment, or lack of treatment, and the effects of treatment provided to children.”

Many legislators were reduced to stunned silence, unable to comprehend what

On another front, attacks against Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) are escalating. Remarkably, PRC volunteers assisting women with unplanned pregnancies are accused of harming mothers. Their offense? Not offering abortion as a final solution to the “problem” of a preborn child.

This is the diabolical groupthink of certain Kansas legislators and their allies in the predatory abortion industry. Life-saving alternative choices to abortion are mocked because they do not include “full-scope reproductive health care.”

In other words, the emotionally vulnerable must be led to abortion, as if they didn’t know

Tragically, Kansas abortion rates have more than tripled over the past five years with no signs of slowing. Legislators heard about a peer-reviewed national study revealing that nearly 70% of abortions were coerced, unwanted or inconsistent with the woman’s preferences.

Amid the cultural chaos, many Kansas legislators are pressing forward with policies to protect and support children, families and mothers in unplanned pregnancies. As the public policy voice of the Kansas Catholic bishops, we also advocate for these policies that need and deserve your prayerful support. Please join us as we persevere.

Joshua Ruoff is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

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

Kids’ Kids’

CHRONICLE CHRONICLE

The resurrected Jesus appears to the apostles in Jerusalem

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic Courier

The apostles were staying in Jerusalem after Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross.

On the third day after Jesus’ death, several of his followers visited the apostles to report having seen the resurrected Jesus.

As the apostles were discussing the reports, Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst.

“Peace be with you,” he said.

The apostles were startled and terrified as if they had seen a ghost.

“Why are you troubled?” Jesus asked. “And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”

As Jesus spoke, he showed the apostles his hands and feet, which bore the marks of being crucified.

When the apostles realized they were seeing the resurrected Jesus, they were amazed and filled with joy.

As they were processing what they saw, Jesus asked them for something to eat. They gave him a piece of baked fish, which he ate in front of them.

“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled,” he told his friends.

Jesus then opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem,” Jesus said. “You are witnesses of these things.”

Jesus told his friends to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the promise he would send them from his Father in heaven. He said the promise would clothe them with power from on high.

Then Jesus led the apostles out of Jerusalem as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them.

As Jesus blessed his friends, he was taken up to heaven.

The apostles did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Afterward, they were continually in the Temple praising God.

Q&A

1. Where were the apostles staying after Jesus’ death?

2. What food did the apostles give Jesus?

Bible accent

In Luke 24, we also can read about Jesus appearing to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

Beginning in verse 13, we learn that as the two men were walking, they were talking about Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and death.

Just then, Jesus began walking with them, although they did not recognize him. Jesus asked what they were talking about, and they told him.

The men then told Jesus that the women in their group had shared some amazing news. They were at the tomb that morning and found it empty, and angels told them that Jesus was alive.

“Stay with us,” the men urged, “for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

So, Jesus stayed with the men and ate a meal. As Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it with them, the men’s eyes were opened. They recognized Jesus, but he vanished from their sight.

The men returned to Jerusalem, found the apostles and told them what happened.

WORD SEARCH

St. Zita

St. Zita was born in Italy to very devout Christian parents. When she was 12, she went to live in the village of Lucca to be a servant for a family that owned a wool and silk weaving business.

She was known to get up during the night to wash herself off to prepare herself for praying and to attend Mass at a nearby church. She always gave her food to the poor, and a lot of times she slept on the ground.

She was very well-liked by the family she served, and she eventually became their housekeeper and also their adviser. The family allowed her all the time she wanted to visit the sick, poor and imprisoned. She especially was devoted to those prisoners who were going to be put to death. She served the same family for 48 years, and she died peacefully in 1278 at age 60. We remember her on April 27.

ILLUSTRATION BY LINDA RIVERS