04 01 22 Vol. 43 No. 33

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 33 | APRIL 1, 2022

CONSECRATING UKRAINE AND RUSSIA TO MARY

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis consecrates the world and, in particular, Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica on March 25.

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rchbishop Joseph F. Naumann and many parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas joined Pope Francis and dioceses around the world in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

“Mother of God and our mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine,” the pope said March 25, pronouncing the act of consecration after leading a Lenten penance service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

In the company of the student body and staff of St. James Academy in Lenexa, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joins Pope Francis and priests and bishops around the world as he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary March 25. The consecration entrusts the people of both countries to the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

Abbot James Albers, OSB, recites the act of consecration on March 25 with the faithful at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison following Mass at the abbey.

Thérèse, Howard and Jacob LaRue, children of Isaiah and Sarah LaRue, place a rose before a statue of Mary before the consecration ceremony at Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park.

Father Meinrad Miller, OSB, associate pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, leads St. Benedict School students in praying the act of consecration at St. Benedict Church during an all-school Mass.

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ARCHBISHOP

APRIL 1, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

We are all called to be an authentic witness to the gift of our faith

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n March 25-26, Benedictine College hosted its 11th annual Symposium on Transforming the Culture.

The theme of this year’s symposium was: “See how they love one another: Community and the New Evangelization.” The concluding keynote speaker was Sherry Weddell, who is the co-founder and executive director of the Catherine of Siena Institute and the author of “Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus.”

In her presentation, Ms. Weddell contrasted the sobering decline of Christianity in Western Europe and the United States with the church’s explosive growth in Africa and Asia. She confessed that she was not surprised by the results of the Pew study that revealed an alarming percentage of U.S. Catholics, who attend Sunday Mass, do not believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Ms. Weddell shared that the Pew study results corresponded to her own personal experience from her conversations with the thousands of engaged Catholics from across the United States who have confided with her a lack of a personal relationship with God. Ms. Weddell, who grew up as evangelical Protestant, has been criticized by some for allegedly attempting to entice Catholics to adopt a Protestant spirituality. These critics fear that Ms. Weddell is promoting a Christianity that is dependent on feelings or emotion detached from the church’s magisterium and the authenticity of the sacramental life.

Ms. Weddell was formed from childhood into young adulthood in a Protestant anti-Catholic milieu.

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN However, the path of her conversion to Catholicism actually began with her sensing the Real Presence in the Eucharist as a young adult, while visiting a Catholic church.

Actually, Ms. Weddell’s view of the importance for Catholics to encounter Jesus and cultivate personal relationships with Our Lord corresponds closely to the teaching of several of our recent popes.

St. John Paul II cautioned the church, as we entered into the third millennium of Christianity, not to be fixated on the development of new programs.

Instead, the Holy Father invited Catholics to focus upon deepening their encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.

Pope Emeritus Benedict frequently reminded Catholics that the foundation of our Catholic faith is not to be found in our doctrine or dogma.

Obviously, Pope Benedict was not saying that dogma and doctrine are not important. After all, he had been the prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and was the architect of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict also rejected the notion that Catholicism was primarily about living an ethical life. Living a

virtuous and moral life is the fruit of our faith, not its foundation.

Pope Benedict maintained that the foundation of our Catholic faith is an encounter with an event — the dying and rising of Jesus. Thus, our Catholic teaching will make no sense and living a virtuous life will prove impossible without an encounter with Jesus Christ, without a friendship with Jesus, without being in communion with Our Lord.

Some fear that too much emphasis on the importance of an encounter with Jesus will make Catholics slaves to emotions or feelings, weaken our appreciation for the necessity for the church’s magisterium and diminish respect for the spiritual power available through the sacraments.

Of course, we must be wary of a faith that is based purely on sentimentalism. At the same time, faith that is devoid of encountering the living God will be lifeless and listless.

The magisterial teaching authority of the church remains essential in discerning the authenticity and meaning of our encounters with Jesus.

The sacraments are meant to provide opportunities for significant encounters with Our Lord. Authentic and active participation in the sacramental life will nurture our friendship with Jesus. This is true of all of the sacraments, but especially of holy

Communion — the very term implies intimacy with the divine.

Catholics should read prayerfully the Bible with an expectation of God desiring to share his wisdom and truth with us.

We should beg the Lord to reveal himself to us through our experience of the sacramental life, making his presence known to us.

Of course, our expectations and experiences of his grace must be received with humility and illuminated by church teaching and the wisdom acquired through the previous 2,000 years of living the Gospel of Jesus.

In her presentation, Sherry Weddell recounted what she called a generation of French saints during the years of 1592-1660 who transformed the church in France, Europe and Canada.

This group of fervent Catholics included a bishop (St. Francis de Sales), priests (St. Vincent de Paul and Father Jean-Jacque Olier), religious (St. Louise de Marillac and St. Jane Frances de Chantal) and laity (Madame Barbara Acarie, Venerable Jerome le Royer and Madame Jeanne Mance).

This small group of devoted Catholics evangelized thousands to return to or join the Catholic Church; began religious orders (the Vincentian Fathers, the Daughters of Charity, the Sulpicians and the Visitation Sisters); improved the formation of priests; developed a network of charities for the poor and health care for the sick; and founded what became the city of Montreal as a center for evangelization and apostolic activity.

It is astonishing what the Holy Spirit was able to accomplish through a relatively small group of engaged Catholics who through a fervent prayer life

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR April 2 Mass and Rosary for Life — Immaculate Conception, St. Marys April 3 Scouting Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas April 4 Villa St. Francis board meeting Confirmation — Mater Dei, Topeka April 5 Heart of the Redeemer annual meeting — chancery Catechetical Institute pastor information webinar Administrative Team meeting — chancery Confirmation — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka April 6 St. Lawrence Center board meeting Confirmation — St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence April 7 Religious Alliance Against Pornography meeting Confirmation — St. Matthew, Topeka April 8 Bishops’ advisory group on eucharistic revival April 9 Rosary — Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic, Kansas City, Kansas April 10 Palm Sunday Mass — Cathedral

had encountered Jesus and were guided by the Holy Spirit.

Sherry Weddell believes, despite all of the challenges the church faces in our nation, that the United States is best suited to be a catalyst for the renewal of the church in western culture. I believe that Our Lord wants to use northeast Kansas as one of the centers for this revival of Catholicism. We are blessed with amazing priests, religious and laity that have encountered the living Jesus and are living his Gospel with zeal and joy.

Every one of our parishes has the potential to be an evangelizing community. When our Catholic faith is lived with fidelity, energy and joy, it is

naturally attractive. A relatively small group of parishioners, who have encountered Jesus through personal prayer and the sacraments, can ignite pastoral activity within the community.

Jesus desires friendship and communion with each of us. We possess that for which every human heart yearns. Each of us is called to be an authentic witness of the gift of our Catholic faith.

Together, we can help transform our increasingly secularized culture with the truth and beauty of our Catholic faith.

We have the capacity to set the world on fire with the hope and joy of the Gospel of Jesus.

Holy Week with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas April 10 — Palm Sunday, Mass — 10 a.m.

April 14 — Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper — 7 p.m.

April 15 — Good Friday Service — 3 p.m.

April 16 — Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil — 8 p.m.

April 17 — Easter Sunday, Mass — 10 a.m.

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Graduating class donates earnings — to sister school!

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a first for Curé of Ars School in Leawood.

“Our group of eighth graders wanted to do something special that our previous graduating classes had never done before,” said principal Andrew Legler.

For years, the eighth grade class at Curé has raised money for a class gift.

Instead of giving theirs back to Curé, a longstanding tradition at the school, this year’s class went another direction.

“They knew they wanted to give back to the community somehow and became interested in helping Holy Name,” said Legler.

Curé of Ars and Holy Name in Kansas City, Kansas, have been sister parishes for more than a decade.

The students spent months fundraising through a car wash, running concessions and a dunk tank stand at the school carnival, and organizing restaurant nights for Curé families.

In the end, they raised enough money for a small gift for Curé, and a $5,000 donation for their friends at Holy Name of Jesus School.

“When I first received the email from [Legler about the gift], I was somewhat taken aback,” said Holy Name principal Randy Smith.

The unexpected gesture touched him deeply.

The school chose to use the donation to purchase a new set of chairs for the cafeteria, which is not only the lunchroom, but also where the students participate in art, music and sometimes physical education.

The space is also utilized by the parish for events, like funeral dinners.

A welcome visit On March 7, the majority of Curé’s eighth graders spent their afternoon visiting Holy Name to present their donation.

Smith greeted the students at Holy Name Church, where he offered them a brief history of the parish before giving them a tour of the school.

The Holy Name students then joined them for a presentation, where Curé students Maura Maher and Ashley Myers showed off a giant check.

“I did tell our students that we were going to get a donation today,” Smith told those gathered. “I said if we got anywhere from a dollar to a thousand dollars, we’d be excited about that.

“But $5000 has totally blown me away.”

He wasn’t alone.

The Holy Name students couldn’t control their gasps and squeals when they saw the amount.

Gaby Aquino and Adan Lopez, members of the Holy Name leadership team, accepted the check.

“On behalf of the students of Holy Name, we thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness,” said Aquino.

“As an eighth grader myself, I understand the importance of helping others and our school. We’ll remember this gift for years to come.”

Holy Name of Jesus School principal Randy Smith talks with his students about the Curé of Ars eighth grade class, seated behind him, that chose to offer the majority of their class gift to Holy Name, the sister parish to Curé.

From left, Maura Maher, Gaby Aquino, Adan Lopez and Ashley Myers display the giant $5,000 check.

The money was raised by the eighth grade class of Curé, which held a car wash, ran concessions and a dunk tank stand at the school carnival, and organized local restaurant nights for Curé families. Holy Name will use the money to purchase new chairs for its multipurpose cafeteria.

Lopez, a seventh grader, echoed the sentiment.

His dad and uncles attended Holy Name, and so have his own brothers and cousins.

“Your gift will not only allow us to enjoy the new chairs now,” said Lopez, “but my relatives, my classmates, our parish members and our future students will be thankful for this gift, too.”

For Maher and Myers, seeing the gratitude of the friends they helped confirmed their decision to give their class gift to Holy Name.

“We raised more than we thought we would, so everybody really wanted to donate money here,” said Maher.

Myers, like several of her peers, had visited the school once before for a service project.

“Over the summer, I came and cleaned up the gardens,” she said. “But it was really cool to be able to come here and see everyone, see the school and be able to give [the check] to them in person.”

Kristi Ernsting, a Curé parishioner and member of the Holy Name business team, was excited to be present for the check presentation.

“I think it’s a wonderful example of giving and thinking of others before yourselves,” she said, “and [for the students] to see the need in the Kansas

City area when Curé families are really blessed.

“I’m just really impressed by their initiative and the way that they’ve set an example for giving. I hope that others in the community will do so, too.”

The experience was also moving for Angela Charles, whose twin boys are in Curé’s eighth grade class.

“As a parent sending your child to Catholic school, this is what you hope they walk away with — this sense of community and selfless giving,” she said.

“And it’s such a wonderful way to end their time at Curé with this kind gesture,” she added. “I am so proud of this group of kids.”

Charles was happy her boys were able to visit Holy Name in person and experience what life is like at a different school.

“I think it’s invaluable for them to see something outside of their bubble,” she said, “and see the rich history this parish has and what they’ve meant to the community.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $23/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Help Holy Name at this year’s Suds & Scholarships event May 2 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Boulevard Brewing Company 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108 Suds & Scholarships, the annual fundraiser benefiting Holy Name School, will feature a seated dinner and entertainment by The Hamptones. The event is critical for Holy Name students, 86% of whom rely on the support of scholarships.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the website at: one.bidpal. net/holyname22/welcome.

“They have the power to impact and help the kids in their community.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 1, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Statement on Bishop John Brungardt

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Colton O’Connor, left, and Bawi Kham, first graders at St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, help each other with a word search activity during the school’s first-ever “Nothing but Faith” day. The day was dedicated entirely to the faith, with each grade delving into a variety of Catholic topics — from the Divine Mercy chaplet to the Stations of the Cross. First graders focused on the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

St. Pat’s invests in its community of faith

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On March 9, students at St. Patrick School here put away their textbooks, clearing their desks for something more important.

They spent the entire day immersed in the Catholic faith.

“I want our kids to have a better understanding of their faith,” said Tim Conrad, principal of St. Patrick.

“I want us as a school to teach the relevance of our faith — the true meaning.”

Conrad created the day, dubbed “Nothing But Faith,” after conversations he had with alumni and parents.

“They talked about everything they got out of coming to school here at St. Pat’s,” he said. “But some things they didn’t learn while they were here.”

Although the school strives to teach Catholicism, Conrad said that digging into more complex topics isn’t always possible.

“There’s so many relevant pieces of information that we don’t cover,” he explained. “This is an opportunity to go deeper into our faith education.

“And as a Catholic school, devoting the time to do that is what we need to be doing.”

St. Patrick plans to host a “Nothing But Faith” day once a quarter to increase the comprehension of complicated faith matters.

Conrad came up with a general plan for how the day would look and asked teachers to create their own activities and projects for their students.

Each grade covered something different — from Jesus’ suffering on the cross to the Divine Mercy chaplet to the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Jennifer Watkins’ first grade class learned about the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

She hoped to continue discussing the topic throughout Lent and the rest of the school year.

“I think it’s important to foster that community of faith in our kids so that as they grow, it becomes part of their life,” said Watkins.

“If we start it early and we start developing those key feelings of faith and prayer, it becomes a habit,” she continued. “And once it becomes a habit, they’ll continue it through their teenage years.”

Watkins said “Nothing But Faith” is an example of why she

loves St. Patrick.

“I work at a Catholic school on purpose because I want to work with faith,” she said. “I want to be able to talk about God and love.

“I love teaching the first grade because they embrace it fully and with such open abandonment. It’s wonderful.”

Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Parish, was delighted with the idea.

“I think having a ‘Nothing But Faith’ day is a terrific way to celebrate the mission of Catholic schools,” he said.

“Mr. Conrad’s decision also frees up the teachers to be creative and try out new projects and activities that are specific to our Catholic identity,” he said.

Father Mertes was impressed when he walked around the school, checking out each classroom’s projects.

He hoped the day would have a ripple effect for the St. Patrick community.

“My hope is that as the children share what they are doing in school,” he said, “moms and dads and brothers and sisters will have their faith enriched as well.”

rchbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced March 23 that Bishop John Brungardt will be resuming his duties as the bishop of the Diocese of Dodge City. Bishop Brungardt does so after a 14-month period during which he stepped aside after an allegation of sexual abuse was made against him. Bishop Brungardt voluntarily withdrew from public ministry to facilitate the investigation of the allegation.

During that period, the allegation was fully investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), following which civil authorities declined prosecution.

Following the KBI investigation, church authorities conducted their own separate investigation of the allegation.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican has now determined that the allegation against Bishop Brungardt is not supported by the evidence and the case against him has been dismissed.

Bishop Brungardt has vigorously denied the allegation throughout, and he fully cooperated with both the civil and church investigations. Throughout this entire 14-month period, Bishop Brungardt has been entitled to the presumption of innocence under both civil and church law.

During Bishop Brungardt’s voluntary absence, Bishop Gerald Vincke of Salina served as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Dodge City. Bishop Brungardt has expressed his gratitude to Bishop Vincke for his many months of service to the faithful of the diocese.

Now that Bishop Brungardt will be taking up his duties again, he has also expressed his appreciation for the thoroughness of both investigations and his eagerness to resume public ministry, “serving Almighty God and the good people of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City.” At the same time, Bishop Brungardt urges everyone “to pray for and listen to all victims of sexual abuse.”

Lois and John Pfeifer, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 8. The couple was married April 8, 1972, at St. Francis Church in Humphrey, Nebraska. Their children are: Brent Pfeifer, Jennifer Chisham, Audrey Christy, Nichole Calderon and Adam Pfeifer. They also have 16 grandchildren.

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

From left, St. James Academy, Lenexa, student teacher Samantha Moore (left) and students Alex Brady, Audrey Montanez, Adrianna Brady and Morgan Nguyen share their musical talents.

Julie Flanagan, a Catholic Fine Arts Council member, leads those gathered in an art activity, which included heating a piece of copper over a small candle then engraving it.

Catherine Peitsch and Numaan Irshad, students at Maur HillMount Academy in Atchison, hold pieces of copper over small candles during an art activity.

Aquinas senior feels ‘at home’ in Catholic art competition

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Abigail Rhodus, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, pauses for a photo with, from left, Bill Maloney, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas; Vince Cascone, superintendent of Catholic schools; and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Here, she receives a Juror’s Choice award at the annual Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art Exhibit. Rhodus earned a total of four awards for her art this year.

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “This is one of my favorite events of the year,” proclaimed Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the annual Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art Exhibit here.

The beauty on display at this year’s event, held on March 4 at Savior Pastoral Center, was a source of hope for the archbishop.

He gathered with the artists — high school students from around the archdiocese — to enjoy their artwork, which adorned the walls of one of Savior’s vast hallways.

Family members, principals and teachers were also in attendance.

This year’s event, sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK), included music by the St. James Academy, Lenexa, band and a light breakfast.

Eight awards were doled out — half to Abigail Rhodus, a senior from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park.

Two of Rhodus’ pieces earned her three Juror’s Choice awards and one Popular Choice award.

“It means the world to me,” she said.

During the last invitational held two years ago, Rhodus was new to art and decided at the last minute to enter a piece titled “The Annunciation.” The painting earned her the Popular Choice award.

This year, her painting of a young child looking up to the stars, titled “Reaching for Joy,” took home the same honor.

“It’s a funny coincidence,” she said.

“I put the two together, and it’s really weird because Mary’s face is looking down at the child reaching up just by the way they’re oriented.

“It’s really cool to put them together and see how my art has completed itself throughout the years.”

Rhodus said she’s thankful for a competition where she can express her faith freely.

“Being here, I really feel at home,” she said, “because I can use the Catholic inspiration that I really enjoy.”

BEING HERE, I REALLY FEEL AT HOME, BECAUSE I CAN USE THE CATHOLIC INSPIRATION THAT I REALLY ENJOY. ABIGAIL RHODUS ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR Allison Carney, associate superintendent of schools, was the emcee of the invitational. She expressed her thanks to CFNEK for sponsoring the event and to the young artists for their participation.

Father Anthony Saiki, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City,

Kansas, said the introductory prayer.

He asked God to bless the artists, “who have provided such beautiful pieces — works to manifest truth, beauty and goodness.”

“We ask you to bless them as they, in their works, through their mediums, pursue you and aspire to hope and goodness and show all the world the universal, the transcendent and the eternal,” he prayed.

Julie Flanagan, a Catholic Fine Arts Council member, also prayed for the students while they worked on an art activity, which included heating a piece of copper over a small candle then engraving it.

She encouraged them to take advantage of experiences like the invitational.

“Like you students, I was an artist in high school and grade school,” she said, “but I didn’t have the opportunity to

where I could use my voice, my talent [and] my tools to shout for joy the word of God.” “You’ve got this beautiful opportunity,” she continued. “Thank you for sharing your incredible colors and your talents.”

Archbishop Naumann emphasized the importance of art’s role in church history and thanked the students for carrying on that tradition.

“Hopefully, it’s an encouragement to you to continue to use these gifts that God has entrusted to you to give him glory and praise him,” he said. “Art does that by its very nature.”

Although not everyone is an artist, he added, beauty is for everyone.

“There are artists,” he said, “and then there are those of us who get to enjoy art. We may not have the gifts, but to appreciate beauty is to honor God.”

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REFLECTION

APRIL 1, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Inmate’s final grab for grace gives hope to our own

By Doug Fencl Special to The Leaven

T

he inmate walked into the office limping and hunched with an unhealthy pallor and a puffiness common to those living on a diet of fatty prison food augmented by sugary snacks purchased at the prison commissary.

He was a man in his late 60s, obviously in poor health, on borrowed time, in and out of prison his entire life, nearly 50 years in total. He had trouble looking me in the eye and spent most of the interview looking at his shoes or his wringing hands on his lap.

It was a pitiful sight — the manifestation of years of wrong choices, alcohol abuse, self-centeredness, and one crime after another — the personification of failure. He was scheduled for release within the next two years, and had no education, skills or contacts on the outside. He hadn’t had a visitor in years, and his only relative was a daughter who he hadn’t spoken to in 20 years. His entire life had been a series of broken commitments and reckless behavior. He now faced the end, alone.

The reason for our conversation was that he had enrolled in a difficult 18-month program, in which I assisted, that prepares inmates for re-entry into society after release from prison.

He told me that he had decided to drop out, a decision that wasn’t a surprise to me — a consistent behavioral pattern of his entire life.

I asked for the reason for the change of mind, and he said that when he signed up, he didn’t realize that several speeches were required in the program, and he was terrified of speaking before a group. I noticed he was even visibly shaken by just the thought of it!

It was during this brief conversation that he began to tearfully tell me about his life, making no excuses and taking full responsibility for all the destructive behavior which had negatively affected himself, friends, family and victims throughout the years. He wanted to take the re-entry program to prove to himself that he could complete at least one positive thing in his life. But his terror of speaking in front of groups

robbed him, in his view, of this one last possibility for his redemption.

It was the heartfelt confession of a broken man in the throes of regret and remorse. His last words before leaving were, “I don’t want to go out like this.”

He then stood, apologized for taking so much of my time and shuffled out.

Once gone, I never gave him a second thought.

By chance, a couple weeks later, I walked past a small prison classroom.

I recognized the instructor, a volunteer who taught speech classes, and there was this same inmate, one of his five students. My instantaneous reaction took me totally by surprise. I can explain it only by saying I was flooded with an inexplicable joy that I have only ever rarely experienced.

I couldn’t move as I watched him taking notes, attentive, his eyes fixed on the instructor, completely oblivious to his stupefied observer. I saw him after class. He smiled, looked me in the eye and said, “I have never done anything like this before, but I am determined

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

to get into the re-entry program, so the first thing I have to do is this speech class. I’m going to do this.”

That was the last time I ever saw him, for in just a couple weeks, I learned he was found dead in his cell from an apparent heart attack. He was just beginning the program he was so determined to finish. I asked if anyone had claimed his body and was informed that they were still trying to locate his daughter. But if they couldn’t find her, he would be buried in the graveyard for those who were unclaimed — a sad ending to a sad story. But was it?

In retrospect, I see it as a story about the hope engendered by Lent.

For if Lent is a time of “repentance,” which requires “true brokenness” and “acknowledgment of sin” with “commitment” to change, then this man engaged that process just a few short weeks before he died. He might not have finished, but he began it, which I am sure a loving God will honor.

I like to think that the overwhelming joy I felt when I watched him in

ACROSS 1 Picnic pest 4 Sodden 7 Words per minute 10 Marketplace 12 Ups 14 Air (prefix) 15 Smell 16 Heavenly being 17 Rampage 18 Mocking 20 Greek muse of music 22 Bundles of hay 24 Dashed 25 Saw 28 10 grams (abbr.)

30 Jewish teacher 34 Geological formation 36 A name of God 38 Sleigh 39 Terminal abbr.

40 Sorbet 42 Telegraphic signal 44 Past 45 Deceiver 47 Expression of surprise 49 Sister of Leah 51 Topical 53 Popular president’s initials 55 Ship’s sail holders 56 Adieu

the speech class was the same joy shared by God who rejoices for every repentant sinner. He could have given up — most would have — for I’m sure he knew his health would prevent him from finishing what he had started.

Yet, he bravely engaged the process of repentance and followed through on his commitment.

He was a man, at first, to whom I never gave a second thought. . . . Yet now, several years later, he is a man I think about frequently with great admiration. I think, especially, on what he said to me during our first meeting: “I don’t want to go out like this.”

And by God’s forgiving grace, he didn’t.

Doug Fencl worked in the field of law enforcement for more than 30 years, after which he worked for almost 10 years as a mentor/counselor in prison ministry at the U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth.

Fencl is a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

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Plastic wrap Fourth book of Bible Card game Decorative needle case Fine art Beers Back talk Athletic field He survived the Great Flood That girl Electroencephalograph (abbr.)

77 Layer DOWN 1 OT prophet 2 Naught 3 Ride a horse 4 Cringed 5 Hard boiled food 6 KJV pronoun 7 River dam 8 Support 9 Speck of wood, etc. (KJV) 11 Groups of related families 12 Plague of Egypt 13 Mumble 14 Stadiums 19 Radiuses 21 Sticky black substance 23 Slide on snow

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Solution on page 16

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

7

Pro-lifers launch letter-writing push against possible new clinic

By Joe Bollig Leaven staff

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Alarm bells went off in Ron Kelsey’s head when he learned about the renovation of a medical office building here at 6013 Leavenworth Road.

It matches the approach used by Planned Parenthood to establish facilities in communities where there is opposition.

Kelsey, president of the prolife organization Planned Parenthood Exposed, has been monitoring Planned Parenthood’s efforts to establish facilities in Fairview Heights, Illinois, east of St. Louis; Visalia, California; and Edmond, Oklahoma.

In each case, the future use and owner of the facility was hidden from the public and city governments by using another entity.

In Edmond, Oklahoma, the public face used to establish the clinic was HealthTec Initiatives LLC. It was only later that Planned Parenthood revealed itself as the true owner. Planned Parenthood Great Plains operates in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

HealthTec Initiatives LLC bought and is renovating the building on Leavenworth Road.

Kelsey fears that this, too, is a stealth effort to establish a

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will lead a rosary outside a building suspected of being purchased for use by Planned Parenthood Great Plains at 6013 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kansas, on April 9.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains facility, he wrote in a March 16 letter to officials of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

Kevin Braun, former Kansas state senator from District 5 and a member of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, shares Kelsey’s concerns.

“The deed document I re-

searched revealed that the Planned Parenthood property located in Edmond, Oklahoma, received renovations while under the ownership of a company named HealthTec Initiatives LLC, who then transferred the property, at no cost, to Planned Parenthood just before opening,” said Braun.

“Regardless of the intent of HealthTec Initiatives LLC in

Kansas City, Kansas, we can all agree that concealing the intended use of a property and transferring ownership just prior to opening is a clear violation of public trust,” he continued.

HealthTec Initiatives LLC was incorporated in Kansas on Dec. 17, 2019, weeks after Planned Parenthood Great Plains’ effort to establish a fa-

Faith in Bloom looks to beautify Villa’s outdoors

By Chris DiMaso Special to The Leaven

O

LATHE — This year marks Villa St. Francis’ 77th year serving the Kansas City community’s most vulnerable. It’s also the post-COVID return of celebrating that mission while raising funds to support it at the annual Faith in Bloom benefit dinner.

Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Villa St. Francis offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, skilled memory care and hospice suites.

The Villa was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1945 and, since its founding, has followed the same mission: embracing Christ’s love for all people by providing care to those in need with compassion, excellence and dignity, with a special concern for the poor.

“The pandemic has impacted Villa St. Francis in significant ways. We weren’t able to maintain our property to the standard our residents have become accustomed. The goal of Faith in Bloom in 2022 is to fund the outside beautification of our property,” said Rodney Whittington, CEO of Villa St. Francis since 2014.

“During the pandemic, these outdoor spaces became increasingly more important,” he continued. “We used them for families to visit their loved ones. These spaces were crucial in taking care of our residents.

“Because we run a gap between the high level of care we provide and the amount Medicaid will reimburse, we rely on the donations of our supporters. Faith in Bloom is a great way for people to get involved.”

Faith in Bloom was in the midst of being planned when, in March 2020, the pandemic put everything on hold. For the

COURTESY PHOTO

Villa St. Francis will host its Faith in Bloom benefit on May 7 at the Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites, located at 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd. safety of everyone, the event hasn’t been held the last two years. The last time it was held, Faith in Bloom was a luncheon.

But in 2022, the event will be a dinner.

“We are excited to bring this event back in an evening setting,” said Jackie Hollis, chief operating officer of Villa St. Francis. “It will be a magical night to celebrate. Truly, something you don’t want to miss.

“Without support from our community, the mission just wouldn’t be possible.”

But Whittington has been inspired by the community support.

“In my eight years at the Villa,” he said, “the growth and improvements that we’ve seen — thanks to the hard work of our staff and the generosity of the archdiocesan and metro community — have been incredible.”

Villa St. Francis has renovated the chapel, main lobby, and memory care area. Recently, it also completely remodeled a hallway to become a dedicated hospice wing. These rooms are designed for specific patient and family care.

“We wanted a way to bring our community of supporters together to thank

them and celebrate all this growth, and to show them the outcomes of these seeds they’ve been planting and sowing over the years,” said Whittington.

From this idea, the annual Villa St. Francis Faith in Bloom benefit was born.

This year’s dinner will help fund the outdoor beautification of resident areas.

Villa St. Francis has several patios where residents can venture outside and enjoy the nice weather. These areas have many needs, including fixing gazebos, painting and landscaping.

At the dinner, the inaugural Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Sanctity of Life Award will be presented to the Sisters, Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick.

The gala is scheduled for May 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites, located at 10401 S. Ridgeview Road.

Individual tickets are $200 and can be purchased online at: FaithinBloom Dinner.com.

For table reservations and sponsorship information, contact Chris DiMaso at (913) 829-5201.

cility in Kansas City, Kansas, was prevented. Protests and appeals led the property owners to cancel Planned Parenthood’s lease of a building.

“Was that a coincidence? I think not,” said Kelsey.

The Leaven reached out to HealthTec for comment but had received no response by the time the paper went to press.

The concern is so great that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will lead a rosary at 10 a.m. on April 9 at or near the site.

Kelsey is organizing a Stop Planned Parenthood in KCK rally at the Unified Government city hall. (For information, see website below.)

The fact that 6013 Leavenworth Road is located near residential areas and Washington High School should concern property owners and parents, he said.

Kelsey believes that officials of the Unified Government were unaware of who is really behind the facility and how it will be used.

The time is now for people who care for unborn children and their mothers to contact the Unified Government and voice their opposition, said Kelsey.

Those interested in more information on the Stop Planned Parenthood in KCK campaign, visit the website: plannedparenthoodexposed. org.

Catholic Cemeteries’ gives guidelines for Easter decorations KANSAS CITY, Kan. — One week prior to Easter, families and friends can place approved holiday decorations on monuments and mausoleum crypts in cemeteries managed by Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas.

The Easter decorations will be removed on April 18. Approved decorations include: • For upright monuments and flat memorials: Seasonal artificial and live flowers placed in cemeteryapproved vases are permitted.

• For mausoleum areas: Only artificial flowers can be used inside the interior chapel mausoleum areas. Artificial or live flowers are permitted in the exterior patio and garden mausoleum areas.

Catholic Cemeteries rules and regulations prohibit the placement of items including glass or ceramic vases and jars, decorative rocks, statues, wire fences and similar objects that are unsafe and interfere with ground maintenance. Nonapproved decorations will be removed. For more information, visit the website at: www.cathcemks.org or call (913) 371-4040.

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

SCHOOLING THE POPE Sabetha parishioner talks with Pope Francis about migration, climate change

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

S

ABETHA — Henry Glynn, a member of Sacred Heart Parish here, and a junior at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, is passionate about his Catholic faith.

“I love the Catholic Church, and I’m Catholic before I am anything else,” he said. “It is the first adjective I use to describe myself.”

So when Glynn got an email from Creighton professors with a subject line reading “Meeting with Pope Francis?” he was all in.

The invitation was to participate in Building Bridges North-South, a synodal event on migration between Pope Francis and university students from North, Central and South America, hosted by Loyola University in Chicago.

A passion for creation Glynn’s college experience had already broadened his understanding of Catholic social teaching, particularly after a theology class introduced him to the pope’s encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.”

“I’ve always been an outdoorsy kid,” he said. “I’m from a small town, a farming community and I’m an Eagle Scout.

“So, when we read ‘Laudato Si’’ I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I love my Catholic faith and I also love the outdoors.’

I had no idea there was this teaching that says it goes together, and it’s a faith issue.”

With that in mind, Glynn became active in a climate divestment movement led by students on the Creighton campus.

The movement culminated in the university divesting from all fossil

“

“ YOU CAN LAY OUT A PRETTY CLEAR PATH FROM THE HORRORS OF MIGRATION BACK TO HOW WE’RE DESTROYING THE EARTH, WHICH PLACES ADDED BURDENS ON POOR PEOPLE AND COMPROMISES ALL OF OUR COMMON GOOD. HENRY GLYNN

Building Bridges If you want to learn more about the Catholic response to climate change, watch “Building Bridges North-South” on YouTube; read “Laudato Si’” on the Vatican website; or visit the website at: catholicclimate covenant.org.

For more information about the plan for establishing training and education centers for nonviolent direct action, Henry Glynn can be contacted by email at: Henry Glynn@creighton.edu.

fuels and gave Glynn his first taste of nonviolent direct action in response to climate change.

“I saw the power that it could have and how important an issue it is,” he said.

Last summer, Glynn’s faith deepened when he spent two months in Tanzania living with a subsistence farming family that ran a small village school.

“I spent 50 days with very little phone service and lots of silence,” he said. “It reinforced the fact that I am not in control of my life. I’m living according to the call of the Holy Spirit.

“That experience jolted me back to the reality that listening is so much more important than talking.”

It also made him aware of how greatly the poorest among us are impacted by climate change.

“I recognized how much we humans rely on the earth when living in an environment like that,” he said.

“This nature around us is God, there’s no doubt.

“That’s what Scripture says, that’s what the Church Fathers say; and care for creation is paramount to our life.

“It’s a pro-life issue.”

Henry Glynn (top right), a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha, takes part in a Zoom meeting w and climate change.

Taking action This semester, Glynn accepted an internship at the nation’s leading Catholic climate nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. “I really loved my Catholic social teaching class,” he said. “And I thought if I could use both my political science and my theology degree that would be cool.

“So, I ended up at Catholic Climate Covenant.”

Emily Burke, a graduate of Creighton whom Glynn knew through his involvement in the climate divestment movement, is the social media manager at the organization.

A doctoral student at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Burke was also recommended by Creighton professors

PHOTO COURTESY OF HENRY GLYNN

Henry Glynn spent two months last summer in Tanzania living with a subsistence farming family that ran a small village school. He is pictured above with some of the schoolchildren. “I spent June and July living with a Tanzanian family and working at their preschool and on their organic farm,” said Glynn. “I traveled there for 50 days through a global volunteer program called WorkAway.” to participate in Building Bridges NorthSouth.

“I’ve gotten to know [Henry] a lot better as we shared the experience of encountering Pope Francis together,”

said Burke. “We’ve had a lot of late nights and long conversations about the importance of young Catholics, Catholic climate action and the strategy of nonviolent direct action.”

“

“ I SPENT 50 DAYS WITH VERY LITTLE PHONE SERVICE AND LOTS OF SILENCE. IT REINFORCED THE FACT THAT I AM NOT IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE. I’M LIVING ACCORDING TO THE CALL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. HENRY GLYNN ON SPENDING A SUMMER IN TANZANIA for climate change action.

“You can lay out a pretty clear path from the horrors of migration back to how we’re destroying the earth, which places added burdens on poor people and compromises all of our common good,” said Glynn.

Though many good ideas were discussed within their group, there was overwhelming support for presenting the pope with climate change.

The group elected Glynn and Burke to serve as its representatives in the Feb. 24 virtual forum with Pope Francis.

Encounter with Pope Francis

COURTESY PHOTO

with Pope Francis called Building Bridges North-South. The meeting, with university students from North, Central and South America, discussed migration

PHOTO COURTESY OF HENRY GLYNN

Henry Glynn takes part in a congressional meeting between faith leaders and members of the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. The meeting took place March 17. Glynn was able to attend this meeting as a representative for Catholic Climate Covenant, which took part in the meeting as a member organization of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment. Covenant founder Dan Misleh invited Glynn to attend the meeting with him.

Glynn and Burke were in a group of about 20 young adults representing the central U.S. and Canada.

They participated in three synodal meetings over the course of three

weeks to discern what their group wanted to bring to the pope.

“We were told early on,” said Glynn, “[that] the pope knows the problems that are going on with migration.

“He kind of wants to hear college students’ ideas for solutions.”

Glynn and Burke immediately went to the root of the problem for their solution, and they found it in advocacy

“We worked really hard together on both of our remarks,” said Burke.

“Henry was tasked with setting up the problem of climate change inaction in the Catholic Church and connecting the dots between climate change and migration/refugee issues.

“I was tasked with presenting our proposed solution to this problem — namely, the establishment of training and education centers for nonviolent direct action.”

Glynn’s parents, David and Kerstin Glynn, and his sister Ellen have been inspired by his passion for Catholic action to combat the effects of climate change.

His mother, a doctor in a busy office, was able to take a moment to watch her son dialogue with the pope.

“I was able to put my headphones in and play it on my phone,” she said.

“I was not nervous for him; I was excited for him.

“My favorite moment was as Henry began to speak. Pope Francis put his pen down and very attentively looked and listened.”

Henry noticed that moment, too.

“When I started talking,” he said, “I saw him out of the corner of my eye.”

Burke wasn’t surprised at the pope’s attentiveness. “[Henry’s] delivery was confident,” she said. “He communicated very clearly the urgency of the issue and his personal connection to it.

“I think he did a fantastic job, and by his reaction, Pope Francis seemed to agree.”

There is much work ahead, but Glynn has hope for the future.

“I see among my generation this issue [of climate change] is no longer a question of whether you believe it’s happening,” he said. “It’s what are we going to do about it? And I’ve really found hope in my prayer.

“The church says we have this teaching, it’s a faith issue. We’re going to care for the earth.”

“We can organize,” Glynn concluded.

“And we can make this happen on a bigtime level, out of love for each other.”

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

10

Sister to receive peace award from Iowa interfaith group

By Barb Arland-Fye Catholic News Service

D

AVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) — Sister Norma Pimentel, whose work with asylum-seekers has been recognized by Pope Francis, Time magazine and others, will receive the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award April 21 in Davenport.

Bishop Thomas R. Zinkula of Davenport will present the award to Sister Pimentel in Christ the King Chapel at St. Ambrose University.

Sister Pimentel, 68, a member of the Missionaries of Jesus, has ministered to migrant people crossing into the United States for years.

The Quad City Pacem in Terris Coalition, an interfaith group, nominated Sister Pimentel as the award’s 50th recipient for her dedication in serving migrant people and asylum-seekers as executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas.

Bishop Zinkula endorsed the nomination, which the Diocese of Davenport administers.

The award honors St. John XXIII and commemorates his 1963 encyclical, “Pacem in Terris” (“Peace on Earth”), which called on humanity to secure peace among all nations. Previous recipients include the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, St. Teresa of Kolkata, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Zen Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama.

CNS PHOTO/DAVID AGREN

Sister Norma Pimentel, director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, speaks with a young resident of a tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico, Feb. 29, 2020. A member of the Missionaries of Jesus, Sister Pimentel will receive the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award April 21 in the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa.

“Last May, Pope Francis sent a video message to Sister Norma thanking her and the team at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley for taking in and helping immigrants in need,” Bishop Zinkula said in a statement.

“What impresses me the most about Sister Norma is that she responds to pressing human needs with such

How a saint became part of the tax code, forever changing U.S. philanthropy

B

later became known as the “PhiladelENSALEM, Pa. (CNS) — This tax season, Americans phia nun provision.” Under the provision, anyone who had given 90% have an unexpected figure to of their income to the charity for the thank for one of their mostprevious 10 years was exempt used deductions. from income taxes. It was a She wasn’t an accountant, distinction that described only a lawyer or even a politician, one U.S. citizen at the time — but an actual saint. St. KathaMother Katharine, said Seth rine Drexel is well known for Smith, a professor of an assisbeing a trailblazing figure in tant clinical professor of histothe early 20th century, chamry at The Catholic University pioning the needs of Native of America in Washington.

Americans and Black AmerPhil Brach, vice president icans, but few know she may of college relations at Belmont have the most lasting impact Abbey College in North Caron philanthropy of any AmerSt. Katharine Drexel olina, said the “Philadelphia ican in U.S. history.

Her unexpected role in the U.S. tax nun provision” goes to the heart of code began at the outbreak of World what set Mother Katharine apart from War I in 1913, which spurred the cre- her better-known philanthropic conation of the federal income tax. But by temporaries such as John D. Rockefel1917, the tax became a graduated one, ler and Andrew Carnegie.

The “Philadelphia nun provision” sending Mother Katharine’s tax bills skyrocketing and potentially endan- was eventually written out of the tax code in 1969, but Mother Katharine’s gering the charitable work of her reliinfluence on U.S. philanthropy can’t be gious order, the Sisters of the Blessed understated, Branch said.

Sacrament.

“The official language may be out of The Sisters’ motherhouse is in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. By 1924, Mother the code, but in general, it is the genesis of the charitable deduction that still Katharine and her influential family exists,” he said. successfully lobbied Congress for what

U.S. set to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Biden administration said March 24 that the United States plans to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians as refugees.

This was announced while President Joe Biden joined European leaders for a high-stakes NATO meeting in Brussels, where he pledged during a news conference that the U.S. will pro-

vide $1 billion in humanitarian aid for Ukrainians.

“While we expect many Ukrainians will choose to remain in Europe close to family and their homes in Ukraine, today, the United States is announcing plans to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression,” the White House said in a statement posted online.

visible joy and humility,” he added.

“She is truly a model of Christian love.”

Sister Pimentel said, “It is an honor for someone who is, like me, a child of God, a servant of God to be recognized for the work I’m doing, which is actually for the people I’m reaching out to and helping.

“It gives me a sense of affirmation

that we’re in this together. The true focus is the actual humanity of the people who are suffering at the border.”

She oversees the charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville, providing oversight of ministries and services in the Rio Grande Valley. The services include emergency assistance, homelessness prevention, clinical counseling, food programs and the Humanitarian Respite Center.

In recognition of her work on the U.S.-Mexico border, she received the Martin Luther King Jr. “Keep the Dream Alive” Award from Catholic Charities USA in 2015.

Time magazine included Sister Pimentel in its 2020 Time100 list of most influential people in the world.

Sister Pimentel credited all who work alongside her and support the ministries of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley for the success the agency has had.

“We are a people of God, people driven by the presence of God in ourselves and in others. When we see human suffering, we cannot turn our backs, we must respond,” she said.

Sister Pimentel said she keeps her focus on those fleeing difficult situations in Central America and seeking a better life in the United States, not on naysayers who see no room for welcoming the suffering.

“I tell myself to focus on the people I need to focus on,” she said. “My energy needs to be focused on doing good for the people who need me to focus on them.”

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

11

Canadian Indigenous give pope moccasins, ask him to walk with them

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Members of the Métis National Council gave Pope Francis a set of beaded moccasins and asked him to walk with them on the path of truth, justice and healing of Canada’s Indigenous communities and their relationship with the Catholic Church, said Cassidy Caron, president of the council.

Led by two fiddlers, the delegates walked from under the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square to a prearranged spot where dozens of reporters waited to hear about their meeting March 28 with Pope Francis.

The delegates from the Métis National Council and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami had separate meetings with the pope March 28. The delegation from the Assembly of First Nations was scheduled to meet him March 31.

The delegations’ trip to Rome, accompanied by six Canadian bishops, was designed to give them an opportunity to explain to Pope Francis how the communities live and struggle today and how the Catholic Church and its institutions contributed to those struggles, especially by running residential schools where the Indigenous languages and cultural expressions were banned and where many students experienced abuse.

Before their meetings, leaders of all the groups said they want an apology

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Angie Crerar, 85, a Métis residential school survivor, and other Canadian Indigenous delegates from the Métis National Council arrive to talk with journalists after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican March 28. The pope is holding three meetings to listen to the experiences of representatives of Canada’s Indigenous communities, experiences that include being sent as children to residential schools operated by Catholic dioceses and religious orders. from the pope for the Catholic Church’s role in running the schools. About 60% of the 139 schools across Canada were run by Catholic religious orders or dioceses. According to the government, which funded the schools, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend the schools between the 1870s and 1997.

The groups want Pope Francis to

go to Canada and publicly apologize there for the church’s treatment of Indigenous peoples and its collaboration with colonizers. The Vatican has said Pope Francis is willing to make the trip, although it has not said when.

The three groups together, along with family members and supporters, were to meet again with the pope April 1 to hear his response to what they had

shared.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis also want “unfettered access” to the records of the church-run schools, said Caron, president of the Métis organization.

She led her community’s meeting with the pope wearing a jacket with traditional beading that had been given to her for the occasion.

She said three of the delegates, survivors of residential schools, shared their stories with the pope. They “did an incredible job of standing up and telling their truth. They were so brave and so courageous.”

“We invited Pope Francis and Catholics all around the world to join us, the Métis nation, on our pathway of truth, justice and healing, and we hope that in committing to us, committing to real action, that the church can finally begin its own pathway toward meaningful and lasting reconciliation,” Caron told reporters.

“The only words he spoke back to us in English . . . were ‘truth, justice and healing’ and I take that as a personal commitment,” she said. “So, he has personally committed to those three actions.”

Too many members of the community have already died “without ever having their truths heard and their pain acknowledged,” she said. The time to acknowledge what happened and to apologize is “long overdue, it is never too late to do the right thing.”

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Business development specialist - Servpro is an industry leader in cleaning and restoration, and we currently have an opening for a business development specialist in the Lawrence/Topeka area. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, organized and a personable individual to market the services that our company offers, actively search for new accounts and manage existing accounts.

This position will also become active in the community and local networking associations. Marketing/sales experience is preferred and/or experience in the insurance claims/property management fields. This position is full time with bonuses. Send resumes to: SP9721@servprolawrence-ottawa.com.

Director of marketing and communications - The monastic community of St. Benedict’s Abbey is seeking a full-time director of marketing and communications to lead and oversee communications initiatives that effectively describe and promote the abbey and its mission.

To learn more and apply, go online to: Kansasmonks.org/ jobs or call (913) 360-7908.

Maternity home residential mentor - Hiring for all shifts. Do you have the passion to serve mothers and babies? Nativity House KC is a nonprofit maternity home in Kansas City, Kansas. Our mission is to provide help, hope, healing, shelter and services for adult pregnant women experiencing homelessness in a faith-based environment. Essential duties and responsibilities: provide ongoing support services and spiritual mentorship to mothers and their new babies; work with mentees to progress toward an individualized service; lead devotions, prayer and/or book study; lead parenting, budgeting and other classes as a part of curriculum; participate in assigned team meetings and/or consultations, staff development and training; provide all assigned paperwork, completely, accurately and on time. Requirements: high school diploma; GED or higher; understanding of and sensitivity to homeless women with children; understanding and support of a trauma-informed system of care; valid and clean driver’s license; basic computer skills; be self-directed and flexible to meet the needs of the clients; ability to support the agency’s mission and philosophy and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and workplace harmony. Experience with infant and child care preferred. If interested, email: lkabuya@nativityhousekc.org.

Child care workers - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care is seeking fun-loving, energetic individuals, age 18 or over, to work in our summer program. Responsibilities include: interacting with children during indoor and outdoor play; supervising children on field trips; serving snacks; and helping to maintain the classroom space. Great job for a college student! Full and part-time positions available, with the opportunity for year-round employment if desired. Competitive wages based on education and experience. Contact Donna at: dhogue@archkckcs.org for more information or to apply.

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Middle school science teacher - St. Benedict Catholic School in Atchison is seeking a grades 6 - 8 science teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This individual must possess a Kansas teaching certification (or be in the process of gaining necessary licensure); endorsement in a specific science is a plus. Interested candidates are asked to email Helen Schwinn, principal, at: hschwinn@stbenedict.eduk12.net or call (913) 3673503 during regular school hours.

Director of communications and digital engagement - The Church of the Nativity in Leawood is seeking to recruit a full-time, dynamic, creative and consistently visible director of communications and digital engagement. The director will collaborate with the pastor, parish staff and parishioners in creating and implementing a comprehensive vision for communications and digital presence for the parish, including social media; website; weekly bulletin and emails; livestream ministry; content creation; and print materials. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and database software preferred. Send resume and letter of interest to Mark Hyde, business manager, at: mark@kcnativity.org.

Middle school English/language arts teacher - St. Benedict Catholic School in Atchison is seeking a grades 6 - 8 ELA teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This individual must possess a Kansas teaching certification (or be in the process of gaining necessary licensure); endorsement in English/language arts is a plus. Interested candidates are asked to email Helen Schwinn, principal, at: hschwinn@stbenedict.eduk12.net or call (913) 3673503 during regular school hours.

Coordinator of Hispanic Ministries - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee is looking to hire a coordinator of Hispanic Ministries. The person should be someone who can connect and inspire the Hispanic community as well as the broader parish. The position will involve, but not be limited to planning and organizing events; the development and implementation of programs; being the initial contact for those seeking sacraments and other services of the parish. Administrative responsibilities are also part of the coordinator’s position. This person should be bilingual (Spanish/English) and able to work with a diverse Hispanic and non-Hispanic community. Hours are flexible and negotiable. Send email and resume to: frkent@gsshawnee.org.

Youth ministers for junior and senior high parishioners - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, is seeking a part-time youth minister for junior and senior high youth parishioners. This person will work alongside the office of religious education and our parish school staff to engage our youth in meaningful, dynamic programming. The youth minister will coordinate, help develop and supervise teams of volunteers to carry out programs, activities and events designed to engage the youth and their parents of this parish.

This individual will perform a wide variety of activities to direct and coordinate a strong faith-filled youth ministry program aimed at helping youth grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, acting as liaison and presence to our youth community by providing support, resources and a prayerful presence to this ministry. We are looking for that unique individual who has the spirit and heart for ministry as well as the ability to organize and run a comprehensive, fun, engaging ministry. BA in theology, pastoral ministry or related field; knowledge of Catholic teachings, catechesis and documents on youth ministry are required. Applicants must be Virtus-trained. Please send your resume to Father William Bruning, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204 or email to: wmbruning@gmail.com.

Full and part-time lead preschool teachers – St. Ann Young Child Center is currently seeking lead preschool teachers for the 2022-23 school year. The lead teacher is responsible for creating lesson plans and implementing teacher-led activities. All potential candidates should have a love for children and for maintaining the principles of Catholic education. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. If you are interested, please contact Cara Schwarz, preschool director, at (913) 362-4660 and/or send resume and cover letter to: cschwarz@stannpv.org.

Part-time aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool, Leawood, is seeking a part-time aide for the transitional kindergarten and LEAP (Learn, Explore and Play) class for the 2022-23 school year. This position is Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Teachers aides assist the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations, and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. Please send cover letter and resume to Jennie Wente at: jennie. wente@stmichaelcp.org.

School counselor - Holy Spirit Catholic School is currently seeking a school counselor. Applicants must hold a current Kansas counseling license. Previous experience working in an elementary school is preferred. To apply go to: archkck.org/catholicschools/employment/ and click on school counselor application. You may also send a letter of interest along with a copy of your resume to: Michele Watson at: mwatson@hscatholic. org.

Full and part-time assistant preschool teachers – St. Ann Young Child Center is currently seeking assistant preschool teachers for the 2022-23 school year.

Interested candidates should have a love for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. If you are interested, please contact Cara Schwarz, preschool director, at (913) 362-4660 and/or send resume and cover letter to: cschwarz@stannpv.org.

Accountant - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking an organized, passionate accountant. This position is responsible for managing housing grant reconciliations and reimbursement submissions, and the document analysis and recording of cash receipts.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred. Apply online at: www.catholiccharitiesks.org/careers.

Director of faith formation - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is seeking candidates for the position of director of faith formation. This full-time, exempt employee is responsible for providing leadership, oversight and direction in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of initial and lifelong faith formation. This includes children’s catechesis; sacramental preparation; youth and young adult ministry; and ongoing adult formation. Preferred skills include: a bachelor’s degree in a field commensurate with the qualifications of the position and experience in managing a religious education office; recruitment, training and supervision of all program staff and volunteers; planning programs for both youth and adult; and evaluation of program curriculum. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish would be beneficial but not required. Applicant will be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the church. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and work experience. To apply, please send resume to: Father William Bruning, pastor, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204 or email to: wmbruning@gmail.com. Resumes accepted through the month of April.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: admissions counselor, ADN specialist, nursing intake coordinator and comptroller. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Faculty/adjunct faculty positions available - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served, has the following faculty job openings include: Director of Baccalaureate, English instructor, iand information systems. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology, clinical nursing, and sociology. Find job descriptions and details on: www.donnelly.edu/ careers.

Live-in or live-out caregivers (assistants) - Looking for purposeful volunteer or paid work? Live-in or liveout caregivers (assistants) needed for all shifts with adults with intellectual disabilities. L’Arche Heartland has five residential group homes that house a max of five individuals, located in old Overland Park. Duties include but are not exclusive to: be responsible for the overall growth and direction of the home; foster appropriate relationships between all members of the home; foster positive and supportive relationships with families and professionals; attend community nights and other community events. Qualifications: a person who has lived or worked in a community with persons with disabilities preferred. A person with good organizational skills; good communication skills; and the ability to deal with conflict objectively. Have a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or equivalent.

Pass all required background checks; pass required pre-employment readiness evaluation. All training provided after hire: CPR/first aid; medication administration; rights and responsibilities — abuse, neglect and exploitation; emergency preparedness and documentation. Hourly pay for live-out assistants dependent on experience: range from $13.50-$15/hour. Perks for full-time employees: eight paid holidays; flexible hours available; health, dental, vision insurance benefits (premiums paid by L’Arche Heartland), 401(k) and PTO. Email letter of inquiry, contact information and experience to: heartland@larcheks.org.

Assistant director - Assistant director for Catholic radio stations in the friendly, Catholic, safe community of Hays.

Job description and how to apply at: dvmercy.com. Will train the right person. Chance for advancement.

Part-time lunch coordinator - St. Ann Young Child Center is seeking a lunch coordinator for the 2022-23 school year. Hours and wages are negotiable. If you are interested, please contact Cara Schwarz, preschool director, at (913) 362-4660 and/or send resume and cover letter to: cschwarz@stannpv.org.

Catholic elementary school principal – Sacred Heart Catholic School, Ottawa, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership for the 2022-23 school year. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics in good standing, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Elementary school principal - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership for the 2022-23 school year. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Elementary school principal – Sacred Heart School, Emporia, is seeking a highly-motivated individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and academic leadership of both students and staff. In addition, familiarity with enrollment management, technology and the tithing/ stewardship model would be considered especially desirable. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www. archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org. Deadline for applications is March 25. For specific questions regarding the school or parish, please contact Father Carter Zielinski at: czielinski@archkck.org.

Coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation Corpus Christi Church in Lawrence is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to fill the full-time role of coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation. This person will be responsible for creating and implementing, administering and evaluating a high school and middle school ministry including sacramental preparation for confirmation. Ministry nights will include mostly evenings and weekends. He or she will collaborate with the pastor, parish, school staff and parents, as well as the archdiocesan youth ministry. Salary based on experience. You must be an active Roman Catholic, with a deep faith in Christ, rooted in the word of God and the Catholic tradition, and a model of a moral life for our youth. For a full job description go to: cccparish.org/ our-parish/ and scroll down and click on “Employment Opportunities.” Please send cover letter and resume to Father Jerry Volz at: frjerry@cccparish.org by April 8.

Financial representatives - Knights of Columbus has full-time openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri for full-time financial representatives. Ideal for determined, disciplined, professional, high-expectation individual desiring to serve others. We work exclusively with the families of brother Knights and Catholic gentlemen who are eligible to join the Knights. We have established territories where agents devote their working day to the needs of the members in their assigned councils. Excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits are provided, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is a career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or possibly for someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon, general agent, at (785) 4088800 or email: john.mahon@kofc.org.

APRIL 1, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. 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.

Catholic elementary school principal – St. Benedict’s School in Atchison is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and instructional leadership, as well as advancement in Catholic schools, for the 202223 school year. St. Benedict’s has approximately 162 students in K - 8th grades and 35 preschoolers taught by 15 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www. archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Part-time assistant teacher for preschool classrooms - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a year-round, part-time assistant teacher in our preschool classrooms who has a love for children and a background in early childhood (education and/ or experience preferred). Job duties include: care and supervision of children at all times; face-to-face parent communication; closing and cleaning procedures; and implementing activities. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. You may find the application on our website at: popolathe.org/earlyeducation-center.

Full-time lead teacher - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a year-round, full-time, lead teacher in our two-and-a-half-year-olds classroom who has a love for children and a background in early childhood (education and/or experience required). Job duties include: care and supervision of children at all times; face-to-face parent communication; closing and cleaning procedures; and creating and implementing lesson plans and activities. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. This position will be available for training in May and teaching at the end of May. You may find the application on our website at: popolathe.org/early-education-center.

Part-time teacher in our after-school care program - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a year-round, part-time teacher in our after-school care program who has a love for children and a background in early childhood (education and/or experience preferred). Job duties include: care and supervision of children at all times; face-to-face parent communication; closing and cleaning procedures; and implementing activities. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience You may find the application on our website: popolathe.org/early-education-center.

Nonmedical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring nonmedical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267.

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 Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO

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

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Christ the King Parish 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri April 2 at 9 a.m.

Are your teenage boys crying over the end of basketball season? Well, be sad no more. Sign them up for the first St. Athanasius 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Cost is $20 per player with prizes for winners. For more information, send an email to: athanasiusacademy@gmail. com. For registration forms, go online to: ctkkcmo.org/hybrid-education and scroll down and click on “3x3 Basketball Registration.”

‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel Parish (Gabriel Room) 14251 Nall Ave. April 6 at 7 p.m. (every 1st & 3rd Wed.)

We who have experienced divorce understand, as perhaps few others can. We too were sad, lonely, scared and angry, but we have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, go online to: www.stmichaelcp.org/divorce-support.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Bishop Ward High School 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas April 9 at 3:45 p.m.

Bishop Ward invites you to the Spirit of Bishop Ward Scholarship Dinner. The school is celebrating Msgr. Michael Mullen’s 60th year in the priesthood, and inducting Dick Panther, class of ’60, and the ’71 state football championship team into the Bishop Ward Hall of Fame. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit the website at: www.bwhs.us/spirit.

LENTEN SILENT RETREAT: ‘REDEMPTION AND EUCHARIST’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton April 8 - 10

templation of the Letter to the Hebrews.

The Old Testament roots of the Eucharist and the Jewish sacrificial system will be examined in the light of Jesus’ fulfillment, and how we as the body of Christ continue his redemptive work. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. The suggested donation is $170/single or $250/couples for the cabins and courtyard rooms or $100 for the single guest rooms (meals included). To attend, sign up online at: christspeace.com; send an email to: info@christspeace.com; or call (913) 773-8255.

‘JUXTA CRUCEM CUM MARIA: STANDING NEXT TO MARY AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS’ Holy Angels Parish (main church) 15408 Leavenworth Rd, Basehor April 11 - 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The Holy Week retreat will be directed by Father Robert Conroy, a priest of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers in Tijuana, Mexico. This retreat offers an opportunity to surrender ourselves to the maternal protection of Mary so that we remain faithful to her crucified son Jesus. For more information and a full liturgy schedule, including Father Conroy’s Holy Week homilies, call the parish office at (913) 724-1665 or visit the website at: www.HolyAngelsBasehor.org. The cost is a freewill donation benefiting the work of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers.

CATHOLIC ESTATE AND GIFT PLANNING WORKSHOP Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood April 20 from 11 a.m. - noon

Jon Stanfield, an estate planning attorney, will explain how to create your estate plans, blending gifts to family and charity to create a lasting legacy using wills, trusts and the U.S. tax code. Walk-ins are welcome; RSVPs preferred to (913) 6470465 or send an email to: plannedgiving @archkck.org.

The retreat will begin on April 8 at 5:30 p.m. and end April 10 at 4:30 p.m. Join us over Palm Sunday weekend for our Lenten silent retreat as we look toward the resurrection of the Lord through study and con-

‘POPE FRANCIS’ VISION FOR THE CHURCH IN AN AGE OF PANDEMICS’ Rockhurst University (Arrupe Hall Auditorium)

>> Continued from page 12

Caregiving - Retired nurse with 30 years experience.

Reasonable rates. Kansas City metro area. Will do light housework and cooking. Reasonable rates. References available. For more information call Pam at (913) 6021289.

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.

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

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 Home - Senior Care, www.

Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

WANTED TO BUY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

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

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

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

Wanted to buy - Cemetery plot in section 2 of Mount Calvary Cemetery. Call Frank at (404) 542-7860 or (678) 464-3023, or email: FCooper316@gmail.com.

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.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

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

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Thank you to all my clients last year! - We had to take my ad out for a few months to catch up. This year, we are looking for more deck jobs, exterior wood rot and house painting jobs. We are also looking for larger interior jobs to include full kitchen remodels, cabinet refinishing, as well as bathroom remodels and basement finishing. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

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

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5151 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri April 22 from 7 - 9 p.m.

The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City invites you for an evening with Professor J. Matthew Ashley of the University of Notre Name. Ashley’s presentation is part of our 2022 Ignatian Weekend.

In this evening presentation, Ashley will share how Ignatian spirituality provides a lens for understanding how Pope Francis exercises his Petrine ministry today. For more information and to register for this free lecture, see Ignatian Weekend 2022 at: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/events.

BISHOP MIEGE AUCTION Bishop Miege High School 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park April 23 at 6 p.m.

Bishop Miege will hold its 49th annual auction “Back to Miege,” along with dinner, cocktails and a dance. Come and enjoy this evening of fun.

LINGER OVER BREAKFAST St. Teresa’s Academy, Windmoor Center 5600 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri April 23 from 9 - 11 a.m.

The talk this year is: “From trauma to transformation: COVID-19 healing in all of our lives” with Sister Patrice Coolick, PA, MA, CSJ, and Sister Rosario Bobadilla, MA, LMFT, LPC, CSJ. The effects of COVID have pervaded our society. In addition to our physical and mental health, these effects have transformed our workplace, education, and social, volunteer and daily lives.

Join us as we acknowledge the trauma of what we continue to go through, sharing how to heal and transform our experiences into a brighter future. Register online at: Linger Over Breakfast. The cost is $15.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas April 29 - May 1

The Beginning Experience Weekend is for persons who are separated, divorced or widowed. This program helps men and women work through the grief process associated with the end of a marriage and move into the future with new hope. For more information, go online to: beginningexperiencekc.org or call Maria at (913) 314-9844.

‘REVIVE’ - CAMP TEKAKWITHA’S ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg April 29 - May 1

The retreat begins on April 29 at 6 p.m. and ends on May 1 at 1 p.m. There will be space to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect.

There will be speakers that inspire you, sacraments that draw you into the heart of Christ and time for fellowship with other women. There will also be free time, friendship, laughter and joy. To register, go online to: archkck.org/camp and scroll down and click on “Women.”

FINISH FAITHFUL Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park May 14 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Finish Faithful conference will feature four dynamic speakers on preplanning for end-of-life, both spiritual and practical. Register online at: archkck.org/ finishfaithful-registration or call Terri Lynn in the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development at (913) 647-0365.

RETREAT FOR MARRIED COUPLES Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park April 23 & 24

CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City area July 10 - 16

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

The Living in Love retreat is back in person and better than ever! Now called the Weekend Immersion offered by EverMore in Love, this weekend will help married couples experience the wonder of being more in love. More information and a special coupon code for our archdiocese can be found online at: www.archkck.org/ livinginlove.

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

REAL ESTATE WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE - There are so many new companies in town advertising to buy houses. But we’re the only ones that have been here and we’re local Holy Trinity parishioners. I will give you a fair price on any conditions you are up against. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905.

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

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

Do you or anyone you know need assistance with minor home repairs, yard cleanup or house painting? Catholic HEART Workcamp will be in the Kansas City area July 11 - 14. If you would like to be considered, please call (402) 306-9043 or send an email to: chwc.kc@gmail.com. You will need to leave a message if you call. All inquiries must be received by May 31.

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).

For sale - Single patio crypt with paid interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Patio B, tier E, crypt 6. $4395 value discounted to $3000, obo. Call Sy at (913) 642-2191.

For sale - One plot at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka, Rossiter section, lot 93 near road. Asking $2000. Call (785) 478-3556.

Estate sale - April 2, 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 53 S. Valley St., Kansas City, Kansas. Furniture, medical equipment, antiques, collector dolls and poodle figurines. Lots of miscellaneous items. For more information, contact Cathy at (913) 206-1524.

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS FIFTH WEEK OF LENT April 3 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Is 43: 16-21 Ps 126: 1-6 Phil 3: 8-14 Jn 8: 1-11 April 4 Isidore, bishop and doctor of the church Dn 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 Ps 23: 1-6 Jn 8: 12-20 April 5 Vincent Ferrer, priest Nm 21: 4-9 Ps 102: 2-3, 16-21 Jn 8: 21-30 April 6 Wednesday Dn 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95 (Ps) Dn 3: 52-56 Jn 8: 31-42 April 7 John Baptist de la Salle, priest Gn 17: 3-9 Ps 105: 4-9 Jn 8: 51-59 April 8 Friday Jer 20: 10-13 Ps 18: 2-7 Jn 10: 31-42 April 9 Saturday Ez 37: 21-28 (Ps) Jer 31: 10-13 Jn 11: 45-56

Vincent Ferrer c. 1350 - 1419 Born in Valencia to an English father and Spanish mother, Vincent joined the Dominican friars in 1367 and became a noted preacher, making converts even among Jews and Muslims. After years of backing the Avignon papal claimants, Vincent withdrew his support, helping to end the papal schism that had divided the Western church. He did intensive mission work in France, Spain and Italy, drawing huge revival-type crowds and gaining fame as a miracle worker. He died during a preaching tour of Brittany.

W

Truly, the “eyes” have it

hoa, how did I never notice

that?

This thought briefly crossed my mind this past Friday evening as I led Stations of the Cross at the parish.

I was standing at the Tenth Station, Jesus Dies on the Cross.

Even though I’ve looked at that Station scores of times over the years, I’d never paid attention to the figure of the Blessed Mother depicted there.

She appears to have fainted or been overcome with grief and has collapsed into the arms of John the Apostle. I was deeply touched by this image.

It led me to think about how many times I look but do not see.

Probably most Leaven readers are familiar with the term “lectio divina,” which refers to “holy reading” or “meditative reading,” especially of the Scriptures.

Folks may not be as

APRIL 1, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

MARK MY WORDS

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

familiar with another prayer method known as “visio divina,” or “holy looking” at a picture, photo or work of art. As with “lectio divina,” we’re invited with “visio” to slow down, notice and ponder.

To illustrate “visio divina,” there’s a photo in this column of the Lenten cross carried during Stations of the Cross at my home parish of St. John the

Baptist in Kansas City, Kansas, when I was a kid. The cross normally hangs on the north wall of the church and displays items associated with the Passion.

Using “visio divina,” let’s look first at the top of the cross. There, you’ll notice a lantern used at the Garden of Gethsemane. As you proceed down the vertical arm of the cross, you see vessels of wine and myrrh or gall (Mk 15:23; Mt 27: 34), and the rooster that crowed after Peter denied Jesus three times (Lk 22:60).

At the bottom of the cross are the dice cast by the soldiers for

Christ’s garment (Jn 19:24). Incidentally, the numbers on the dice total “15,” which might be a subtle reference to a “Fifteenth Station,” the Resurrection.

On the right side of the horizontal beam, you see the nails used to crucify Jesus; on the left side are the hammer and tongs (for removing the nails). In the center of the cross is the crown of thorns (Mk 15:17).

Diagonally positioned on the cross are the scourges and sticks used to beat Jesus; the spear that pierced his side as he hung on the

cross (Jn 19:34); the reed put in his hand while being mocked (Mt 27:29); and the sponge soaked in wine and mounted on a reed that a bystander tried to give to Jesus as he was dying (Mt 27:48).

Finally, mounted on the back of the cross is a ladder used to remove the body of Jesus from the cross.

The Scripture references above show how “visio” and “lectio” can go hand in hand.

To celebrate these last weeks of Lent, consider this prayer of your eyes. Take time to examine the sacred art found in your parish.

Prayerfully look at one of the Stations, a particular statue or a stained-glass window.

You may even want to check out some sacred art at a local museum, in a book or online.

“Visio divina” may be the ideal way for busy people to pray because it proves clearly why a picture is worth a thousand words.

Jesus desires not our condemnation, but our repentance

O

nly a month ago, the world watched in disbelief and anger while the country and the people of Ukraine were upturned by brutal forces invading their land.

We heard stories then of the heroic struggles of ordinary, patriotic citizens who left family and home to defend their country in its hour of need.

One hero who stood out among the millions of Ukrainians who answered the call of history was the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Elected to the highest office of his land three years ago in April 2019, the heroic courage of

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JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

the Ukrainian president shone as a beacon of hope for his people and inspiration for the world. In Sunday’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks a word of encouragement to

a people beaten down by oppression and war.

He tells them not to be overwhelmed by the events of the past but to recognize that God is doing something new in their midst.

“Now it springs forth,” says Isaiah, “do you not perceive it?”

St. Paul echoes hopefulness as he gives witness to the struggles of his own life and mission as an apostle of Jesus

Christ. For the sake of the Gospel, he experienced personal and physical hardships, rejection and eventually martyrdom.

In all these difficulties, St. Paul persevered in faith as he continued to pursue his goal, “the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”

In the Gospel, Jesus gives hope to a woman caught in adultery and condemned by the scribes and the Pharisees to death by stoning.

These religious leaders were hoping to trap Jesus who turned the tables on them by challenging their self-righteousness saying, “Let the one among you who

is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Jesus desired the woman’s repentance and conversion of life, not her condemnation.

As we continue our Lenten journey, the word of God invites us to examine our priorities. Do I put God first in my life? What obstacles keep me from answering the call of Jesus to make God, not the self, the center of my life?

As we unite ourselves in solidarity and prayer with all who struggle as innocent victims of war, let us resolve to make the best of these remaining days of Lent as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

War is ‘defeat for humanity,’ pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Russian bombardments continue to decimate Ukraine, Pope Francis prayed that God would free the world from war and the need to self-destruct.

“May the Lord send us his Spirit so that we may understand that war is a defeat for humanity, that those who make war have a need for defeat and may he free us from this need of self-destruction,” the

pope said March 23 during his weekly general audience.

Before concluding the audience, the pope led pilgrims in praying a Hail Mary to remember the innocent victims of the war in Ukraine, especially those “who are displaced, who have fled, the people who have died, the wounded and so many soldiers who have fallen, those on both sides.”

According to a report published

by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights March 20, at least 902 civilians, including 75 children, have been killed since Russia’s attack on the country began nearly a month ago.

The report said the U.N. believes “the actual figures are considerably higher,” but intense bombardments have made it impossible to verify other reports.

COLUMNISTS

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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Maybe it’s time to encounter something greater

ccording to David Baldwin from Catholic Truth Society, a pilgrimage, “at its simplest, is a physical journey, your journey.

But it is a journey undertaken with spiritual intent, usually heading for a destination of religious significance.”

He goes on to quote the Marquis de Tamaron: “A pilgrimage implies a voyage of self-discovery and a search for something greater and beyond oneself.”

Have you ever taken the time to discover who you truly are? The truth is, we

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

cannot honestly know ourselves without knowing the God who created us, who loves

us and who desires nothing more than to have a relationship with us.

So often, we let the noise of everyday life drown out the questions we carry inside that ask who we are and what our purpose

might be. Instead, we listen to the opinions of our friends, our social media feeds, even our own fears.

Maybe it’s time to encounter something greater than all that noise. Maybe it’s time for a pilgrimage.

From June 1- 5, the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth will take high school students and their chaperones on the Father Emil Kapaun Pilgrimage from Wichita to Pilsen.

Will the 60-mile trek be hard? No doubt! But the opportunity to disconnect

from the noise and participate in daily Mass, guided reflection, group prayer and reconciliation will open the door to growing in relationship with Jesus Christ and discovering his plan for participants to advance in holiness.

Need another great reason to complete this pilgrimage? It will help prepare for the big pilgrimage to World Youth Day next summer 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

WYD is six days experiencing the universal church, the highlight of which is Mass celebrated with approximately two

million of your closest Catholic friends and Pope Francis.

Time to explore Catholic cultural and historical sites is also built into the trip.

Details will be coming out later this month.

Check our website at: www.archkck.org/ youth-ministry.

“How many times does not Holy Mother Church tell us that our life on this earth is a journey? This earth is not our lasting home.

God created us for a higher, a much more perfect home, our home in heaven with the joy of God.” — Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun

Join the archbishop in celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary

O

ne of my least favorite ways to kill time is to hang out in the gate area waiting for a flight.

One day, as I was waiting for a return flight from Baltimore to Kansas City, “killing time” turned into a celebration.

From out of nowhere, an elderly couple appeared, escorted in their wheelchairs by their grandchildren.

This couple rode sideby-side holding hands, all the while laughing and teasing one another.

He called her his Miss America. Their grandchildren told me that they were in their 90s and been married over 60 years.

On the flight, I felt

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

lucky to be seated in the row in front of this couple as their laughter and teasing continued.

When I met my wife at the baggage claim, as

that wonderful couple passed by, I hugged my wife and told her I wanted our future to be as joy-filled and loving.

More recently, my wife and I had the privilege to give an award to a couple for being the longest married couple in Kansas that year.

They had been

married 81 years. They were so filled with joy.

Like everyone, I could not resist asking their secret to achieving a joy-filled marriage of 81 years.

With a twinkle in her eyes and a smile she replied, “It was easy. I let him have my way.” All those present broke out in laughter.

Examples of married love and commitment like these are vital to giving hope to those who are considering marriage. A study conducted in a “typical” American town discovered that many couples who aspire to marriage hesitate because so many couples they know do not seem very happy or have experienced divorce.

Studies show that

married couples who experience the most joy and satisfaction in their relationship dedicate 8-12 hours per year to focusing on what gives joy to one another. This includes a weekly date night or attending an enrichment offered by their parish at least once a year.

What are your plans to keep your marriage an exciting example of love to inspire your children, family members, neighbors and co-workers?

Each year, the archdiocese offers a Mass celebrated by our archbishop, with a reception following, for all couples married 50 years.

Imagine witnessing over 100 couples standing in the presence

of their children and grandchildren as they hold hands and face one another reaffirming the promises they made to one another on their wedding day!

Examples of committed, lifelong married love give a powerful witness to the joy that marriage offers.

Our next 50th anniversary Mass and reception will be held on June 12 at Church of the Nativity, Leawood, at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow. Contact your parish for an invitation to this celebration for yourselves or your parents.

For more information, call the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life at (913) 647-0329.

APRIL 1, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

SCRIPTURE

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Are you ‘clean of heart’? How to come clean with God

By Maureen Pratt Catholic News Service

M

atthew Chapter 5, Verse 8 — “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God” — is, perhaps, one of the most wonderful, yet personal and daunting of the beatitudes.

Jesus’ promise is awesome: The clean of heart (sometimes translated as the “pure” of heart) “will see God.” Yet, within this promise is a challenge, made thornier because of the myriad distractions and stresses in our lives and world today: To see God, we need to be “clean of heart.”

What does this mean, and how can we, today, be “clean of heart”?

In Jesus’ time, the term “clean” was often tied with Jewish purity laws, which instructed Jews to avoid actions, foods or practices that were “unclean.”

In referring to those “clean of heart,” Jesus shifts the focus from observance of purity laws, outward actions, to an inner characteristic that has far-reaching implications for individuals and the community.

In a 2007 sermon on this beatitude, preacher to the papal household Father Raniero Cantalamessa offers that a clean heart (“purity of heart”) is not necessarily a specific virtue, but a “quality that should go along with all the virtues, so that they are truly virtues and not rather ‘glittering vices.’”

A clean (pure) heart brings a humble, honest, unhypocritical intention to all good actions.

A clean heart is humbly focused on pleasing God, whether praying “in secret” behind closed doors (Mt 6:6) or in church on Sunday.

With such simple intention, St. Augustine of Hippo writes of this beatitude that God “is seen with the heart! As it is written elsewhere, ‘And in singleness of heart seek him.’” Just as God’s light cannot be seen “except with pure eyes; so neither is God seen unless that is pure by which he can be seen.”

Today’s society poses many challenges to nurturing and maintaining a clean or pure heart. The competitive nature of many activities, even some

CNS PHOTO/CHAZ MUTH

Father Timothy J. Mockaitis, pastor of Queen of Peace Church in Salem, Oregon, and penitent Ethan K. Alano of Salem demonstrate how a confession is conducted May 3, 2019. The sacrament of reconciliation provides us with opportunities to continue to examine our intentions and conscience, to “come clean” with God so we may move ahead refreshed and abundantly blessed. charity events, can skew participants’ intentions to be more about being seen to “do good” than pleasing God. The many roles we take on at work, in our families and faith communities can blur our sense of true purpose as, first, beloved children of God. The pace of our lives and the dissonance when worldly concerns clash with spiritual longings can make it difficult to center ourselves and remain mindful of what is truly important. We might find that, although we are doing the “right” things, in the quiet of our hearts, peace eludes us.

Despite the difficulties we face in nurturing a clean heart in an extremely challenging world, as people of faith, we have good reason to be encouraged.

The church’s tradition of prayer is a deep reservoir of guidance and strength, offering rich and diverse opportunities to sit with God. Eucharistic adoration, silent retreats, the Liturgy of the Hours — these can bring us to the quiet and focus we need to deepen spiritually and establish an ongoing practice of taking private time with God. Working with a spiritual director can help us better understand where God is leading us and sort out our intentions throughout our journey.

Sometimes, we need a wise spiritual guide to ask just the right questions to lead us to a deeper level of faith.

The sacrament of reconciliation provides us with opportunities to continue to examine our intentions and

conscience, to “come clean” with God so we may move ahead refreshed and abundantly blessed.

Reading sacred Scripture and inspirational writings from the saints feeds the soul and mind, and helps broaden our understanding of God’s abiding, amazing love.

Nurturing relationships with others of faith is also a good way to reinforce prayer, reading and other practices, and “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thes 5:11).

Jesus’ promise in this beatitude is awesome and challenging, but it is not impossible. Like so many others before us, inspired by faith and focused on service, with humble singleness of heart, we can take heart, a clean heart, and one day, see God.

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