THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 36 | APRIL 24, 2020
AGAINST THE ODDS
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN BAKER
Frances Smith lights a candle each morning before she says her prayers. She and her husband Gilbert tested positive for coronavirus. Both were hospitalized, and both survived. Frances came home from the hospital on March 29; Gilbert was released from rehab on April 21.
Elderly couple overcomes coronavirus; credits prayers on their behalf By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Their odds could not have been worse. Frances and Gilbert Smith, parishioners of Our Lady & St. Rose Church in Kansas City, Kansas, are both in their 80s. Both have pacemakers and take medication daily. Gilbert has type 2 diabetes and has had a quadruple
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
bypass and back surgeries. So when both tested positive for coronavirus, their daughter Marilyn Baker was terrified. “The anxiety was just so real,” she said. Surviving coronavirus would take a miracle. And yet, both Frances and Gilbert overcame the virus, and now live to tell their story of faith, hope and God’s everlasting love. “He has always seen me through,”
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Father Steven Beseau deals with coronavirus as rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum. Page 3
TALES OF THE LOCUST
said Frances, “and I will be still and trust in him.”
The ripple effect of coronavirus Marilyn works at the home of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Msgr. Stuart Swetland, taking care of many of their residential needs. She lives with Frances and Gilbert, her mom and stepdad.
Pastor recalls his grandfather’s account of when the 1864 locust plague hit Kansas — and how holy water saved the day. Page 4
MISSION CONTINUES
So when Gilbert began complaining of a stomachache, which was eventually accompanied by a cough and low-grade fever, Marilyn became distraught. “About the time that he finally decided to go to the hospital, I had a feeling he had coronavirus,” said Marilyn. Before Gilbert was admitted to the hospital on March 20, Marilyn had
The Learning Club may not be able to continue its tutoring program, but that doesn’t mean they’re not helping their kids. Page 5
>> See “PHYSICAL” on page 10
REMOTE LEARNING
Students and parents discuss the challenges and benefits of continuing the school year online. Pages 8-9
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ARCHBISHOP
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24 priests volunteer, train for duty as COVID chaplains
ecently, I addressed a Zoom meeting of more than 150 delegates to last October’s convocation. The purpose of the virtual gathering was to reflect upon how we are called to live missionary discipleship within the new normal of social distancing. The virtual meeting provided the opportunity for more indepth conversation and reflections in smaller groups. In my group, I was inspired by the ways individuals were discovering and inventing ways in which to live their call to missionary discipleship. The convocation promoted a model of discipleship that is summarized by prayer, care and share. It begins by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you to pray for particular individuals by name. After having prayed for these family members, parishioners, co-workers, friends, acquaintances, etc., for a period of time, the next step is to attempt to get to know them better by engaging in conversations of consequence and asking them for specific prayer intentions. Finally, having strengthened the relationships, the final step is recognizing and taking advantage of natural opportunities to share the positive difference faith makes in life. One person in my small group shared how the convocation delegates from his parish had divided up the
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN names of registered parishioners and devoted each bead of their daily rosary to pray by name for a particular parishioner. A mother of small children shared how she was experimenting with ways to better engage her children in praying the family rosary. Among her strategies was to allow each child after he or she led the praying of the Hail Mary to consume an M&M. I thought this was a brilliant method to introduce children to the sweetness of praying the rosary. This woman’s effort to strengthen the prayer life of her family reminded me of a cartoon I received recently featuring the devil and God engaging in a conversation over the effects of the pandemic. The devil boasts: “With COVID-19 I closed your churches!” God counters: “On the contrary, I just opened one in every home!” At one point, our small group discussion
turned to the desire that each was experiencing to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist. These men and women already had a sincere devotion for the Eucharist. However, the fast imposed by the pandemic from reception of holy Communion made them more aware of their craving to encounter the Lord through the sacrament. To a person, they foresaw the shedding of tears of joy when they finally can receive the Eucharist again. They were convinced in the future they will not take for granted the privilege of receiving Our Lord in holy Communion. It is my earnest desire, as soon as prudently possible, to provide opportunities for the people of the archdiocese to participate in Mass again and to receive the Eucharist. At the same time, it is imperative that we achieve this goal without jeopardizing the health of parishioners, and continue to do our part to promote the common good by protecting the health of our communities. This past week, I met virtually with five
Catholic doctors, three of whom are infectious disease specialists, to discuss when and how it will be prudent and safe to reopen our churches and allow for the reception of holy Communion. Based on the best medical advice available, the initial steps to reinstitute the public celebration of Mass will require limitations on the number of people, social distancing and the wearing of masks. I am pleased to report that 24 of our priests have volunteered to serve as COVID-19 chaplains. This is an exceptionally high number, since we excluded priests considered highrisk because of age or underlying health conditions. Most of these priests have already gone through training on the proper use of protective gear. For hospitals that do not already have a priest chaplain, I hope to designate one priest to serve as a COVID-19 chaplain for each medical center. I also want to designate priests to be COVID-19 chaplains for particular regions in the archdiocese. These priests will be trained in hearing confessions and administering the anointing of the sick safely to COVID-19 patients. The archdiocese is attempting to acquire a sufficient supply of protective gear for our COVID-19 chaplains. If any of our Leaven readers can help provide medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE), please contact us at: archkck@archkck.org.
We want to do everything possible to protect these generous priests. The preparation and equipping of these COVID-19 chaplains is part of the church’s effort to make it possible for those approaching death to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, the anointing of the sick and viaticum. When this is not possible despite our best efforts, we trust that a merciful and loving God provides the necessary grace. A decree issued by the church on March 19 addresses this specific point: “The church prays for those who find themselves unable to receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and viaticum [holy Communion], entrusting each and every one to divine mercy by virtue of the communion of saints and granting the faithful a Plenary Indulgence at the point of death, provided that they are duly disposed and have recited a few prayers during their lifetime.” For those unable to receive absolution of sins through the sacrament of reconciliation (penance) during this time of pandemic, the church assures that perfect contrition, motivated from an authentic love of God, accompanied by a sincere request for forgiveness and a firm resolution to have recourse as soon as possible to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1452). Finally, we can all be very proud of the work of Catholic Charities in
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Daily Monday to Saturday — livestream Mass at 8:30 a.m. Sundays Livestream Mass at 10 a.m. April 28 Administrative Team meeting
serving those who are experiencing economic hardship at this time. Catholic Charities is providing food and other forms of emergency assistance to the many unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are able, I encourage you to be generous in your support of Catholic Charities. We know that Jesus is faithful to his promise to be with his disciples until the end of time. We also view everything through the prism of the paschal mystery (the dying and rising of Jesus). We are confident that God will bring forth love from suffering, hope from adversity and life from death. We are one day closer to the end of this pandemic. Be not afraid! Jesus is with us! Christ is risen! Alleluia!
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APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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CHALLENGING TIMES
Father Steven Beseau deals with pandemic as seminary rector By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Father Steven Beseau of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was installed as the new president and rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, last October, he thought his greatest challenge would be getting to know people. Little did he know. This past December and January, Father Beseau began to hear about a new illness that had broken out in China and had spread to Europe. “With friends who are from Italy and who live in Italy,” said Father Beseau, “I was much more up-to-date with what was going on there. I knew it would come to the United States at some point, but I was still not overly concerned that it would disrupt what we were doing.” Things changed rapidly in March. By then, decisions were being made on the city, state and national levels to deal with a rapidly spreading worldwide pandemic. Father Beseau and his leadership team had to make decisions, too. The seminarians had been on a retreat from March 6-11, and afterwards, were allowed to go home. Then, on March 14, they received an email to return to the Josephinum. “It was on March 10 that I made the decision to bring all the guys back on campus in lockdown,” said Father Beseau. “We would self-quarantine as a campus. Any professors uncomfortable teaching on campus could do it remotely. “We would move the classes to larger rooms . . . so there would be plenty of social distancing. In the [dining hall], there would be three guys to a table. We thought that would work.” Father Beseau was at one last meeting in Florida when it became apparent that even this wasn’t going to work. “At about 2 a.m. . . . on March 14, I woke up and realized, ‘Nope, we have to send the guys home,’” said Father Beseau. “We thought that this virus was so contagious everyone is going to get it,” he added. “We didn’t have the capabilities here to take care of 20, 30 or 40 guys getting violently ill. And some families were nervous about having their sons so far from home.” The “exile” was announced right after night prayer on the same day the seminarians had returned. “Father Beseau held a rector’s conference with all of us in the main chapel,” said Douglas C. Hess, a thirdyear seminarian from the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama. “He just laid everything out. The communication was, on our end, excellent, and much appreciated. He laid everything out on
Father Steven Beseau, a priest of the archdiocese and rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, has had to make the tough decisions on how his seminary deals with the coronavirus pandemic. While most seminarians have been sent home, Father Beseau has remained — and finds himself busier than you would think. a timeline . . . and was relaying it to us, and what it meant for us.” Seven seminarians — men from Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda — and five priests remained at the seminary. So, too, did Father Beseau. Arrangements were made for the seminarians to continue their studies remotely. The seminary’s technology department swung into action and helped professors adapt their lessons from classroom to remote instruction. The seminarians themselves were asked to establish a place at home for prayer and study, and to maintain a prayer schedule. Classes via the internet resumed on March 23. The seminarians and priests at the seminary had, for the first time in decades, a full schedule of Holy Week liturgies. Normally, everyone would have been home during Holy Week and Easter. “Father Beseau has continued to email the entire community with updates . . . with encouragements and prayers for us, keeping us connected as a community,” said Hess. “It’s been awesome to see him maintain that leadership over the entire community, pastoral as well as administrative, doing a good job with
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)
communication, which is exactly what you want with a rector,” he added. “You want a pastoral father who is also making sure everything is flowing as smoothly as it can in this situation. He makes sure we’re connecting with our formators and spiritual directors.” There is no instruction manual on how to run a seminary during a pandemic. Even so, the Josephinum has managed. It has a history of going through tough times and difficult transitions. “It’s been a very challenging time,” said Father Beseau. “We have overcome that initial experience of being in a new reality. It was not so much difficult as odd.” Oddly, the seminary is nearly empty,
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but he isn’t coasting. “A rector’s [typical] day is just filled with appointments and meetings and preparation for talks,” said Father Beseau. “I just cleared my calendar — I went through my calendar and deleted almost everything for a month. “At that point I thought, ‘Wow, this is going to be great.’ “I even went to the library and checked out 10 or 15 books. I could finally read — and what a great time!” But it was not to be. Even during a pandemic, apparently, a rector’s work is never done. “My calendar,” he said, “had never been emptier. “But I’ve never felt as busy!”
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APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
Tales of holy water and locust plague inspire pastor
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Sherry Ronnebaum sprinkles holy water on her husband Dave’s hands. The parishioners of St. Michael in Axtell picked up a couple of bottles of the holy water left at the church for parishioners by their pastor, Father Jim Shaughnessy.
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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XTELL — Today’s coronavirus pandemic might, indeed, be unprecedented. But Kansas Catholics are no strangers to hard times, just the same. When he was growing up, Father Jim Shaughnessy recalls, his family used to take his grandfather with them to church each Sunday. Every Easter, Grandfather Jim Shaughnessy (for whom the priest was named) would tell the same story of how the Irish farm families of St. Bridget were saved from ruin and starvation by the miraculous use of holy water. Grandfather Jim was 5 years old in 1874. The Shaughnessy family lived on a farm near St. Bridget, located six-anda-half miles north of Axtell, in northeast Marshall County. (The parish was closed in 1967 and is owned by the St. Bridget Historical Society.) Those were hard times for farmers throughout the Great Plains. In 1873, there was a “panic,” or economic depression. The winter of 1873-1874 was particularly hard, and there was a drought during the early summer of 1874. But the real disaster came in July 1874. Extended dry, hot weather drove an ancient enemy out of the soil. Trillions of eggs laid by the now-extinct Rocky Mountain grasshopper, or locust, hatched, and they began to form enormous swarms, which would ravage the land. Eventually, the swarms would spread their devastation from central Texas up into the Canadian prairie provinces, and from Montana to Iowa. In the aftermath, one-third of the population of Kansas moved away, and families starved to death on their ruined farms. The people knew the locusts were coming, thanks to telegraph reports, but they didn’t know when they would arrive. “Everyone was terrified by [the swarms] because they would eat up all their crops,” said Father Shaughnessy, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Axtell and Holy Family Parish in Summerfield. But the farmers were prepared, thanks to something the pastor of St. Bridget Parish did in May. “The priest and people of St. Bridget Parish heard [the swarms were coming],” said Father Shaughnessy. “They had the water that had been blessed at Easter. Grandpa talked about
CNS PHOTO/BAZ RATNER, REUTERS
Desert locusts are seen on a farm in Kyuso, Kenya, on Feb. 18. In July 1874, a plague of locusts made its way through Kansas, eating everything in its path — except the things sprinkled with holy water. going to the fields, pastures and gardens, and [to the] animals, sprinkling them with holy water three days before Ascension Thursday.” In July, the locusts arrived. They ate wooden fence posts and handles off tools. They ate clothes off of clotheslines. They ate harnesses off horses and paint off wagons. They stripped the trees of leaves. But everything blessed with the Easter holy water was spared. “During Holy Saturday when I was getting ready, I thought about what my grandpa talked about,” said Father Shaughnessy. “The holy water was used for protection then, so we could use it to protect our lives now.” Father Shaughnessy ordered about 200 plastic holy water bottles on Tuesday of Holy Week; they arrived on Good Friday. He filled the bottles after Holy Saturday. Next, he put the bottles in two tubs, into which he poured some chlorinated water, and left them in the vestibule of the unlocked church. He asked the Knights of Columbus to post a Facebook notice inviting parishioners to pick up a bottle or two. Father Shaughnessy also took some bottles to Holy Family Parish. Susan and Stan Broxterman of St. Michael Parish picked up two bottles.
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“THE HOLY WATER WAS USED FOR PROTECTION THEN, SO WE COULD USE IT TO PROTECT OUR LIVES NOW.” “Growing up, my mom and grandmother were very faithful using holy water,” said Susan. “If the weather was going to be bad, you sprinkled holy water to make sure your farm and house would be safe from the storm. I’ve always followed suit. I was out of holy water and needed some more, so it worked out to pick some up.” When she and Stan got home, she said, they dipped their fingers in the holy water, made the sign of the cross to the east, west, north and south, and said a prayer of petition for protection. Sherry and Dave Ronnebaum also picked up a couple of bottles. Her mother always used holy water while she was growing up, said Sherry, but she and Dave fell out of the habit. Now, in this time of pandemic, they’ve begun the practice of praying a daily rosary together and blessing
Father Jim Shaughnessy, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Axtell and Holy Family Parish in Summerfield, provided holy water for his parishioners to help protect them. themselves with holy water. They pray for divine protection against the sickness for themselves, their family and community. “I guess that’s what makes it special for us,” said Sherry. “It’s in the forefront of our minds. I feel that this is a practice that we’ll keep doing forever. “We should have been doing this for a long, long time. It’s too bad it takes something like this to wake you up a little bit.”
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Learning Club’s mission continues despite coronavirus By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The “shelter in place” order may have closed the door on The Learning Club’s after-school tutoring program here this spring. But God opened a window. And executive director Brad Grabs was quick to climb through. “God gives us creative means to serve other people,” he said. “We have to be open to what the Spirit is inviting us to do, to see opportunities in a new and different way. “We have to get a little creative.” The Learning Club serves disadvantaged children in high-poverty areas by offering one-on-one tutoring and life skills development. Volunteer tutors form very close bonds with the children they help. Because schools were on spring break when the “shelter in place” order was announced, The Learning Club program was suspended at a time when tutors and their students were already apart. “That was really sad,” said Grabs. “We didn’t have an opportunity to have a goodbye at all.” The heartache of not saying goodbye was compounded by the knowledge that these children and their families were among the most vulnerable in this pandemic. The average household income of families served by The Learning Club is $12,000 or less, well below the poverty level. “Some of them are unemployed because of the situation,” said Grabs. “If they are still working, they’re working in a high-risk job because they’re in some kind of service industry setting.” These families have the added stress of sheltering in close quarters. “A lot of our kids are stuck inside very small homes with large families,” said Laura Swan, director of operations for The Learning Club. “Our families with seven or eight kids are having a hard time.” And implementing the technology required to stay connected to school is a challenge. “Some are not able to get to the school to pick up laptops,” said Swan. “And once they do get them, they don’t have Wi-Fi, or the ability to set it up.” But The Learning Club has found creative means to support these families and provide a connection between the children and their tutors. From six of the sites where the program’s
The Learning Club needs support as it works to provide food, supplies, books and supplemental academic materials to 85 families each week. To donate, go online to: www.learningclubkck.org/donate.
Write a letter If you can’t donate funds or goods, you’re welcome to send a short note of encouragement to a student so it can be included in the learning packet. Letters can be sent to: Brad Grabs, Executive Director The Learning Club 2225 Troup Ave. Kansas City, KS 66104
Become a tutor When the Learning Club meets again, it will need people who are willing to tutor students. Volunteers share their knowledge, love for learning, and special interests, while giving youth the encouragement and support they need to succeed in school and in life Consider getting involved by visiting the website at: www.learning clubkck.org/volunteer or contact Brad Grabs at (913) 244-5838 or by email at: bgrabs@learningclubkck.org. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAD GRABS
Brad Grabs poses for a selfie — with the Carillo family in the background — after dropping off bags containing food, books, activity pages and notes from volunteer tutors. Dominick Carrillo, age 7, is a Learning Club student. tutoring sessions are held, staff members are now making home visits to deliver “care packages.” Each week, in addition to food and toiletry items, The Learning Club is delivering activities for children, including books acquired through a partnership with the Hands-to-Heart bookmobile. “Each family gets about five books a week,” said Swan. “It’s a good selection. We also have packets we’ve created on grade level. “So, each student gets a packet with reading, math and a fun, more physical, activity.” Staff members drive to family homes and drop off the care packages on the porch. Then, families are called to come out and pick up the items. “They come out on the porch and we chat for a few minutes across the yard,”
said Grabs. “I always check to make sure they have their schoolwork from their teachers — they’re able to access it and everything. “I ask how their family is doing.” For the children, a most important part of the package is a personal connection with their tutors. “We do allow tutors to write letters to their students,” said Swan. “We process them, make sure they abide by our child protection policy and pass them along to the students. And that’s not all. “A lot of the students are writing back to their tutors,” she said. The Learning Club will soon make that connection stronger by piloting Zoom tutoring sessions monitored by staff. “We’ve got an outline of how that’s
going to look,” said Grabs. “The tutor is going to have a book to read and also flash cards. “Part of it is to maintain that relationship and to help kids feel supported in their schoolwork.” That support is important to these children. Swan has found that families are very grateful for the food they’re receiving, but children are even more grateful for the educational materials. “They’re hungry to learn,” she said. “I had a high-schooler ask me to bring her a special math workbook. I never thought I would have a high school student ask me for more work to do. “So, that’s been really good to see.” Grab prays every day that The Learning Club will be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “I think that’s happened,” he said. “We’ve been able to respond in a unique way. “I feel like the Spirit has enabled us to work despite the circumstances.”
No first Communion — no problem for Valley Falls boy
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ALLEY FALLS — Divine Mercy Sunday was supposed to be the date of Thomas Joseph Welsh’s first Communion, but the coronavirus pandemic ruined all of that. Still, Thomas, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Valley Falls, found a way to be a part of Mass anyway, even if his first Communion will have to wait. Father Lazar Carasala, pastor of St. Joseph in Nortonville, Corpus Christi in Mooney Creek and Immaculate Conception livestreams Masses from all three parishes on a rotating basis. Thomas’ mother Dianna cantors for some of those Masses. On April 19 — Divine Mercy Sunday
— Thomas volunteered to help as a technician for the Mass and got to ring the bells during the Eucharist. Father Carasala was impressed by Thomas’ dedication and efforts at the Mass. “He wanted to come since it would have been his first Communion had this pandemic not happened,” Father Carasala said. “And he wanted to wear his suit to look nice for what would have been his special day.” But that wasn’t all. “He wanted to be there for his other first Communion classmates who couldn’t be at church that day,” added Father Carasala. “After Mass, he lit a candle and said a prayer for his first Communion classmates.”
Thomas is no stranger to volunteering for his parish. When his father Tom serves as an usher, Thomas assists him in greeting parishioners, handing out missals and taking up the collection. When his mother cantors, Thomas announces the song number. After Mass, Father Carasala chatted with Thomas about his future first Communion and how pleased he was to have him volunteer to help with Mass. In the future, Father Carasala expects Thomas to play a big role in the church. “I am sure he will follow his mom and dad and learn a lot more and be very active in church as he grows,” he said.
Father Lazar Carasala stands with Thomas Joseph Welsh following Mass on April 19. The date was supposed to be the day of Thomas’ first Communion. Instead, Thomas volunteered to help with the parish’s livestream and wore his first Communion suit.
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Pandemic upending lives of Raven seniors By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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TCHISON — Graduating from college and jumping into the workforce is challenging enough for many young adults. Add a pandemic into the mix, and the situation becomes unprecedented. “You never know what could happen on a day’s notice that could change your plans,” said Benedictine College senior Kyle Lauterwasser. “When people think about what they’re going to do when they get out of college, no one thinks they’re going to have to put their lives on hold and wait for something like this to pass,” he said.
‘An added stressor’ Not only are many college seniors missing out on graduation traditions, but they’re also searching for jobs in a time when many companies are under a hiring freeze. “There are still companies out there hiring,” said Megan Dougherty, director of career services at Benedictine College. “But there are some industries as a whole that students have been looking at that, unfortunately, aren’t going to be options for the time being.” The pandemic has caused a bump in the road for students hoping to enter a variety of fields. Lauterwasser, a finance and marketing major, has plans to pursue a master’s degree at Benedictine in the fall. He had been actively seeking a summer internship before the coronavirus outbreak. “The process has been on hold for a lot of the internships and opportunities I was looking at,” he said. “It’s definitely an added stressor.” Grace Hernandez, a Benedictine senior studying education, was student teaching English at Atchison High School and looking at full-time teaching jobs for the fall semester before the pandemic. “I don’t have a job lined up,” she said. “I was in a good place with a couple of schools — we were both interested in each other — before everything hit. “Everything feels kind of on hold right now.” Before schools were closed for the remainder of the academic year, Hernandez was teaching a full day of classes, using her cooperating teacher’s lesson plans. “After spring break, I was going to start implementing my own lesson plans,” said Hernandez. She never had the opportunity and is now helping her cooperating teacher by running a Google Classroom page. “I’m a little worried that I’m learning how to do something that won’t really be relevant to my actual teaching career,” said Hernandez. “But I could also be learning really important skills that are going to help me [in the future.]”
‘Everyone’s looking for answers’ “Not even two months ago did I think my seniors were going to be in this situation,” said Dougherty, who has worked hard to be a resource for students who are struggling with the stress of the situation.
Grace Hernandez, a senior and student teacher from Benedictine, holds a beanie she received her freshman year, a memento from her time in college.
Megan Dougherty, director of career services at Benedictine College in Atchison, is available to help students via phone, video chat and email during this time of social distancing. “The challenge has been getting the word out to students to let them know that we are still here as a resource and how we can help them,” she added. Benedictine had launched a career services platform last year, which, among several functions, allows students to schedule video appointments with Dougherty, and has become even more pertinent during this time. The school recently launched a webinar series hosted by its alumni and career services office. The first webinar took place April 16, and alumni who work in human resources filled students in on what’s happening in their companies and gave job-seekers advice.
Kyle Lauterwasser, a senior studying marketing and finance at Benedictine College, participates in the remainder of his undergraduate classes online.
The school also offers students a folder of resources to help with job searching amid the coronavirus pandemic. Students can freshen up on interviewing skills, check out companies that are hiring and learn more about how to navigate the job application process during this time. Although Dougherty hasn’t heard of any students who have had full-time job offers rescinded, she knows of several situations where students were in the middle of an interview process that has suddenly come to a halt. “We go through how they can follow up in a way that shows interest but also understanding,” said Dougherty.
“Another thing I’ve really been trying to communicate is patience during this time,” she continued. “Everyone’s looking for answers, including the companies that are needing to hire.” There’s no handbook to navigate the challenges this pandemic has brought onto millions of people, but young adults like Lauterwasser are turning to their faith to get them through. “It’s a matter of trust,” he said, “not only in your abilities, but also [knowing] God is going to take care of the plans that he has for you.”
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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GRIEVING FROM AFAR
Prayer, celebrations of life and technology help families cope in uncertain times By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven
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aying goodbye to a loved one who has passed is difficult enough. Doing it under the restrictions of COVID-19 is even more painful. Yet, as many families and spiritual leaders acknowledge, this experience isn’t unique to today’s pandemic. Father Gerardo Arano-Ponce of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Topeka remembers having to grieve from afar when his grandmother passed away on Christmas in 2003. She was living in Mexico. He was in the United States, reminiscing about his first Christmas as a priest when he received the news. “Embalming is not a tradition in Mexico,” Father Arano-Ponce said. “I knew immediately that I would miss the funeral since the wake would be immediately that night and the burial the next day. “I know I was blessed with the opportunity to have flown home [days later] to Mexico to be with my family and have had some closure. “But many of the people I minister to in my parish do not have the same opportunity.” Our Lady of Guadalupe is comprised of an array of people from different Latin American countries and the United States. The two largest groups represent Mexican Americans and new immigrants from Mexico. According to Father Arano-Ponce, the immigrant community is no stranger to grieving from afar for a variety of reasons, including next-day burials. Additionally, he said, many families lack the resources or travel documents to return safely to their homes in the United States. One Guadalupe parishioner, unable to attend her brother’s funeral in Mexico, told her pastor that she felt close to her grieving parents there despite the distance for one simple reason. “Prayer,” she said, “has no borders.”
Forced to stay away In the weeks since municipalities have issued “stay at home” orders, Deacon Jim Lavin has already officiated at several funerals in the Kansas City area with less than a handful of mourners present. Deacon Lavin is a chaplain for Catholic Community Hospice. He said families are restricted from spending time with their loved ones while they are in hospice until the very end — and now even at their funerals. “Some families live only blocks away from their loved ones. But you might as well be 1,000 miles away because you can’t say goodbye the way you want to. You can’t provide comfort. Families are in anguish,” he said. Sadly, Carrie Lally has witnessed many of the same changes in funeral Masses. Lally is a funeral director at Skradski Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kansas. She said the changes have been devastating for families. “This has been heart-wrenching from the funeral directors’ side,” she said. “Not crying or showing emotion
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON JIM LAVIN
Deacon Jim Lavin celebrates a funeral service during the coronavirus pandemic with just a handful of mourners present. is one of our strong points, but I have actually had to turn away and face the sun at graveside services. “Seeing loved ones stand six feet apart and only eight of them [able to attend — 10, counting the funeral director and cemetery staff] — is brutal.”
What history teaches us This may seem like a situation brought on by the pandemic. However, Sister Susan Holmes, OSB, said this isn’t the first time in history families have been separated when a loved one dies. Sister Susan is a grief counselor at the Sophia Spirituality Center, a ministry of the Mount St. Scholastica Benedictine Sisters in Atchison. “The pandemic has caused more people to experience grieving from a distance,” she said. “But I think of all the [military] service members whose deaths are reported to family members in the states long before the body is returned to be
buried,” continued Sister Susan. “Also, the bodies of many POWs are returned even years later to their families.” Sister Susan and others offer tips for coping during these extraordinary times. For example, families can hold a celebration of life for a loved one even a month after the burial, said Sister Susan. The Benedictine community lost two nuns to COVID-19. Although both were cremated, the Sisters will hold services with family members when restrictions have been lifted. “It is not ideal, but the services can still help bring healing,” said Sister Susan.
Modern grieving Deacon Lavin encourages families to use what they can during this time, which includes technology. Using FaceTime, Zoom and conference calls, he often prays with families and offers spiritual guidance. Additionally, he suggests speaking
to the cemetery to see what rules they must follow and holding a memorial Mass at a later date. Most importantly, he reminds families to pray for patience. “I can hear the pain in their voices,” he said. “Grief is real and people want to talk, so I encourage that.” Because public visitations are not allowed at this time, Lally recommends supporting families in other ways, including reaching out by phone or text, and sending cards and gift cards to local restaurants (directly to the family or via the funeral home). Families can also use the funeral home’s website and social media to post photos and memories. “There is no correct way to honor a loved one right now,” Lally said. “You see in the news how people are having drive-by visitations and other neat ways to honor their loved ones. “I know the families we are serving will have their own original ideas when it is time to have their loved ones’ celebrations. . . . Moving ahead, we will be surprised daily by the way loved ones will be honored — and that’s OK.”
Prayer remains steadfast
LEAVEN FILE PHOTO
Father Gerardo Arano-Ponce, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Topeka, says the immigrant community is no stranger to grieving from afar because often they lack the time and resources to travel to a funeral.
Father Arano-Ponce said many Latino families pray the Memorare during difficult times. Additionally, he encourages families grieving from afar to offer a Mass intention for their loved ones. Most importantly, he said, pray. “My advice to people grieving from afar is stay connected with God through prayer and stay connected with your loved ones,” he said. “Family cohesion and strong emotional support will sustain you. “Also, we have no doubt that Mother Mary will intercede for us as she did at Cana when they ran out of wine. If we run out of hope, Mother Mary will give us plenty to go on our journey of faith in this life.”
LEARNING FROM AFAR Remote learning offers challenges but also benefits BY JOE BOLLIG joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a somewhat unfair “either/or” question asked of John Anthony Seibert, a third-grade student at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa. Would you rather go back to school or do remote learning from home? But he was not at a loss for an answer. “It’s complicated,” he said. On March 17, Gov. Laura Kelly ordered all kindergarten through grade 12 schools to close and to cease in-person instruction for the rest of the school year. Colleges and universities closed, too. The learning, however, didn’t stop. Schools and families scrambled to try something most of them had never done before: distance, or remote, learning. They discovered that it can be done and has both advantages and disadvantages. The jury is still out about the experience because, well, it’s complicated. Pressed for an answer, John Anthony chose both. He’d like to go back to school and be with his friends, but he’d also like to continue some remote learning.
The Seibert family: It’s a balancing act Andy and Katherine Seibert have three children: John Anthony in third grade; Hazel in first grade; and Vincent in kindergarten. They’re members of Annunciation Parish in Baldwin and send their children to Sacred Heart School in Ottawa.
“The school was very on top of keeping parents informed, so the transition was fairly easy,” said Katherine. The teachers of Hazel and Vincent use an online remote learning program called Seesaw. They have a lesson plan each day for the children, who go online to do their assignments. John Anthony has a daily Zoom
Second-grader Marshall Brown made a seamless switch to online learning at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa. His family has enjoyed the benefits of that change — namely, more family time together. video conference with his class and teacher. The third-grade students also use Gmail and the apps Remind and ReadWorks — things already used in school, but more intensively now. There are some challenges. “It’s a bit of a challenge because we only have one [computer] at home the kids can use,” said Andy. “We have to share the time and plan it out so each can have time on the computer.” “But if all three were on different devices, that would also be hard, because they all need our attention,” said Katherine. “We can focus on one child at a time.” One concern is bandwidth. They live in the country, where internet service isn’t as robust. And in addition to having three kids learning online, the two parents have to work online, too. “Being organized with the three children and balancing that with the work we have to do for our jobs [is a challenge],” said Andy. “We haven’t gotten into a routine yet, but after three days, we’re getting there.”
The Brown family: Unexpected benefits
Yareli Castor grew up on technology but prefers classroom to distance learning. Since Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, switched to online classes, Castor has tried to make the best of it.
Michael and Kristin Brown, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Ottawa, have three children. But only secondgrader Marshall is old enough to attend the parish school. “Nothing like this [school closing] has ever happened around here before,” said Kristin. “I wasn’t that concerned about how we would
handle it, because I knew the school would help us with as much guidance as they could, and Marshall has a really great teacher this year.” Kristin appreciates the flexibility. Marshall gets to learn at his own pace and school doesn’t take up the whole day, which expands family time. Because he’s a gifted student, Marshall was given a computer by the Ottawa public school district. “It wasn’t really difficult at all to get started,” said Kristin. “It was pretty easy. We had a lot of instruction. They told us exactly what to do. Marshall didn’t struggle at all.”
The Wilson family: New uses for familiar tech James and Nancy Wilson sent four children through Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Their daughter Natalie, class of 2020, is the last. Neither the Wilsons nor anyone else foresaw the exodus because of a pandemic. Things have worked well, however, because the school did things that put it in a good position. For some years now, each student has been issued their own Chromebook that they can keep upon graduation. Teachers and students have long used Google Classroom, although they are using more features and video conferencing now as well. “It wasn’t too difficult to get started,” said Natalie. “We’ve used the different applications we are running before. . . . The students should know how to use them, for the most part. The hardest part is not seeing our
Andy Seibert helps his children Hazel and Vincent with their school work. The children are students at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa. The Seiberts praise the school for helping make the transition to remote learning easy, but have run into difficulties with computer access and bandwidth due to the increased use of the internet during the pandemic.
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“THERE ARE BENEFITS TO ONLINE LEARNING. . . . [BUT] I DON’T THINK STRICTLY GOING TO SCHOOL ONLINE WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO ANYBODY. THEN, PEOPLE WOULD MISS OUT ON SOCIAL INTERACTION.”
classmates and teachers in person. It has gotten easier, though, she said. The challenge was really “just getting into a routine.” Some courses translate well into online learning and some don’t. If she were returning to Ward next year, she’d consider taking a mix of online and in-person classes. “If there were a way to blend them together, that would be ideal,” said Natalie. “I’m pretty traditional and I like being able to see people in person. I like . . . face-to-face interactions. “But there are benefits to online learning. . . . [But] I don’t think strictly going to school online would be beneficial to anybody. Then, people would miss out on social interaction, and it would be difficult going into a working world and try to learn how to navigate social activities from then on.”
Yareli Castor: Grew up with tech Yareli Castor is old school when it comes to education. Castor, who will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, likes meeting people in class and taking notes with pen on paper. But when closure of the school forced her to do remote learning, she was ready. Castor grew up with tech. All students and teachers at Donnelly use Canvas, an online learning management system in use before the pandemic struck. It can be used for remote learning. “I know Donnelly offers online classes,” said Castor. “I’ve never taken them because, personally, it’s just not how I learn. But when Donnelly said we’d have to go online, I realized there were other tools in Canvas that I’d never seen or used before.” Her professors have been good about making opportunities for discussion, but it’s still difficult to ask questions and have class discussions. After she graduates, Castor will continue her education and, thanks to this experience, she is more willing to learn online. “Before, I was afraid of taking online classes,” she said. “You have to really have your time management together. . . . It’s too easy to put work aside. “This helped me get my feet [wet]. I would do online classes in the future if I needed to, but I prefer to be in a classroom. “I like people, and I like to interact.”
Katherine Seibert works with her son John Anthony on an assignment. John Anthony has daily Zoom meetings with his third-grade class at Sacred Heart in Ottawa.
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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Physical recovery not the only challenge for coronavirus patient
>> Continued from page 1
already started making preparations at the archbishop’s home. “I sanitized everything in his residence,” she said. “I made sure I bought 14 days of the foods that they would need, just in case. “I remember coming into work after my stepdad had gotten hospitalized and telling [the] archbishop, ‘I don’t know what’s going on. They’re going to test him for the virus. I pray that it’s not that. But if it is, we all have to quarantine.’” Gilbert was tested and received the positive result two days after he was hospitalized. Frances went to a local testing site and received the positive result on March 24. She had already been hospitalized the day before, after feeling weak and developing a low-grade fever. Marilyn was deeply concerned not only for her family, but also for the archbishop, whom she could have infected without knowing it. “I realized the impact of working there, and that he would have to quarantine,” she said. “Not only that, but because of his age, he’s in the high-risk category for coronavirus.” Both Archbishop Naumann and Msgr. Swetland remained healthy, however, and, after being quarantined for more than 14 days, Marilyn was finally able to return to work. Her return date just so happened to fall on Holy Thursday, which, according to the archbishop, who had prayed for Marilyn and her family every evening, was “just in time.” PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN BAKER
‘Love for another is the key to overcome’ After six days in the hospital, Frances overcame coronavirus and returned home on March 29. Gilbert was transferred to rehab on April 6 and was released on April 21 after also testing negative. The results were remarkable. But, when Frances returned home first, it was difficult to be happy as she worried for her husband. “I noticed she was getting depressed,” said Marilyn. “I think it was being away from Gilbert and not having that person to care for.” Normally, Frances wakes up each morning and makes Gilbert breakfast in bed, lights a candle and says her prayers. “I noticed that she wasn’t lighting her candle,” said Marilyn, “and that
Marilyn Baker sits with her mother Frances Smith, who made a full recovery from coronavirus after being hospitalized for six days. kind of scared me because I know she always does that. “And so that’s when I started to realize I need to help her get back to her prayer life.” Marilyn began lighting Frances’ candle for her. She tuned in to Archbishop Naumann’s daily Masses on Facebook Live while making breakfast for her mom. “My mom would come in and sit and watch the Mass,” said Marilyn. “That really helped her.” Frances and Marilyn also began praying the Divine Mercy chaplet every afternoon, and the rosary every evening with Mike Scherschligt and the Holy Family School of Faith. “I really think those three things made all the difference,” said Marilyn. Between the Catholic resources and
care from her children and grandchildren, Frances’ spirits lifted and the realization that she and her husband survived such a deadly illness set in. “It was as though God had sent a band of angels to me,” she said. “I praised God daily for blessing me to pull through. “Focusing on the good things God has given me over the years and praying daily for those who are suffering with this virus has helped me to realize God still has work for me [on earth].” For Marilyn, support from friends and family has helped ease the anxiety coronavirus has caused her and her loved ones. Two calls — one from fellow parishioner and 101-year old Willie Etta Jennings and the other from Troy Hinkel, vice president and co-founder
of Holy Family School of Faith — were particularly impactful. Both people were unaware of the couple’s health conditions but simply wanted to check in on Marilyn during this time. “That gave me a sense of hope,” she said. Frances believes prayers from the Catholic community were a key part in her and Gilbert’s survival, and she continues to pray daily for those who are ill and those who have no one to pray for them. “It’s so important for us to show our love for one another during this pandemic,” she said. “So many people were praying for me as I also prayed for those suffering with this virus,” she added. “Love for another is the key to overcome.”
Even church mice hoping day comes soon for faithful to return By Ed Langlois Catholic News Service
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ORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) — The Catholic Sentinel, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Portland, shares a recent letter it received to offer Catholic readers a little lighthearted break amid the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic. An open letter to Catholics from church mice: Amid the pandemic, you have prayed for doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, priests and religious. You even, amazingly, invoke grace upon politicians before remembering us, who are right under your noses. We church mice always made a good
living from the Cheerios the Nelson kids dropped in the fourth pew during 10 a.m. Mass. And we realize the holy water was holy, but it also was delicious and refreshing. Now we are doing without, and you hardly seem to care. Missing Holy Week was a big hit for us. In addition to the ecstasy of nibbling on succulent dropped palms, we consider Palm Sunday our most entertaining of the year. Those feisty Nelson boys call it “Sword Fight Sunday” and regularly thrill us with palmy parries and thrusts. We church mice refer to it as “Eye Poke Sunday”
and would roll with laughter in our dens as we’d recount inadvertent facial assaults between pews. We guess those palms are hard to manage safely. Next year, best leave them on the ground for us. We’ll take care of them. Other than dodging drops of hot wax from all your little candles, we are impressed at your Easter Vigils. For the record, we prefer the dark part, since we must scamper into our holes when the lights come up. It’s mouse code. We may not have souls, but we can sense that something happens for you at Mass, something we don’t
notice in your houses, taverns and garages. For one thing, you almost never eat cheese puffs at church. For another, you seem connected to something bigger than you, a state we admire. We may be only mice, but we hear when you say that your Christ is king of the universe, not just of humans. I guess Jesus is there for us all, even those who don’t look like us — though tails and whiskers would be an improvement on you. We mice pray in our own way and we pray fervently that you return to Mass soon, especially the Nelson kids. Langlois is managing editor of the Catholic Sentinel, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Portland.
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
FAMILY LIFE
Parents should learn to bless their children daily By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven’
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ow the pandemic has changed our lives! Our seasonal family celebrations such as Easter dinner can have a very different look. Our family would have gathered at one of our children’s homes where we would pray and then share favorTOOLS FOR ite foods that each FAMILIES family member Growing as would bring as their Disciples of contribution to the Jesus celebration. However, this Easter Sunday, each family shared prayer and a meal in their own home. We are empty nesters. Instead of preparing special dishes, we decided to just have an ordinary dinner like those we have shared since the “shelter in place” began. We have been blessed to have children shop for our groceries and bring them to our door, since we are part of the “higher risk” group. However, one daughter went one step beyond shopping and prepared a family favorite dish and dessert and delivered it to our door. Of course, we kept a safe distance between us and we wore our masks. Before saying goodbye and we love
you, the words of Cardinal Robert Sarah that I had read earlier in the day came to mind. He encouraged families living under lockdown to rediscover family prayer. He said, “It is time for fathers to learn how to bless their children.” So, raising my right arm I called down God’s blessing on our daughter. I gave thanks to God for the gift he has given us in our daughter. I spoke to the Father of her thoughtfulness and selflessness. I begged for her protection and asked Our Lord to bless her in a special way that day. The smile on our daughter’s face at that moment was priceless. Blessing our children is a gift that can be offered by mothers or fathers or jointly given when both parents are together. Here is what it might look like: • Open the prayer with the sign of the cross. • Thank the Father for the gift given in (speak your child’s name). •Thank God for the
special qualities you see in your son or daughter that day. • Ask the Father for his protection from all physical or spiritual dangers that might face your child that day. •Conclude this prayer by tracing the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead. • As we have done, you can offer this blessing at the close of a family Zoom gathering. Don’t be worried about saying the “right” words. Just try it. The more you do this, the easier it will become. Obviously, the physical contact of the last step is now only available if we live with our children. If they are not part of your home, closing with the sign of cross at the conclusion of the blessing will suffice. This gift of prayer should be a daily gift given to our children — whether to start off their day, or to conclude the day with bedtime prayers.
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Anita (Sudbeck) and Linus Haverk a m p , m e m bers of St. James Parish, Wetmore, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 18. The couple was married on April 18, 1960, at St. Mary Church in St. Benedict. Their children are: Connie, Kevin, Lori and Donna. They also have six grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARYsubmissions submissions ANNIVERSARY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.
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APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
NATION
Catholic uniform company making face masks By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — When Tom Shipley, chairman of Dennis Uniform in Portland, Oregon, wondered how to respond to the growing COVID19 pandemic, the bolts of plaid fabric and sewing machines at the Portland uniform factory that has been in his family for three generations provided an obvious answer. Amid a growing demand for face masks and the outcry of those in the health care workforce using bandannas or no masks at all, he decided his company could produce masks and donate them to those in the medical profession, using fabric on hand with an interface barrier sewn in. He can’t remember the exact day he proposed the idea this spring, because for him, like everyone else, the days have blurred into each other. What was clear, though, is that everyone in the company — union and nonunion employees, executive team and board members — agreed this was the right thing to do. So, the 100-year-old company, which makes uniforms for 2,500 private schools across the country, including hundreds of Catholic schools, put its school uniform production on hold for a few weeks to just make face masks. “People see the plaid and think that’s cute or funny, but it was all we had. It was out of necessity,” Shipley told Catholic News Service April 17. To date, they have donated at least 15,000 masks, all with recognizable plaids that are the pattern of many Catholic school jumpers or skirts. Donations have been primarily in
CNS PHOTO/COURTESY DENNIS UNIFORM
Guidelines ensure ‘equal protection’ for COVID patients
W
ASHINGTON (CNS) — National Right to Life April 16 praised the Federal Emergency Management Agency for issuing guidelines to ensure equal protection for all patients with COVID-19 to prevent rationing of health care. “We thank President [Donald] Trump and FEMA Administrator Phil Gaynor for efforts to protect the most vulnerable in our society,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. Titled “Ensuring Civil Rights During the COVID-19 Response,” the FEMA guidelines for its “state, local, tribal and territorial partners” were issued in its Civil Rights Bulletin. They state: “Make medical treatment decisions, including denials of care under crisis standards of care and allocation of ventilators, after an individualized consideration of each person, free from stereotypes and biases, including generalizations and judgments about the individual’s quality of life or relative value to society, based on the individual’s disability, age, race, income level or any protected basis. “This individualized consideration should be based on current objective medical evidence and the expressed views of the patients themselves as op-
Bishops urge vaccine be free of abortion connection
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Medical workers from Kaiser Permanente in Oregon wear donated coronavirus masks made by Dennis Uniform. The Portland company makes school uniforms for 2,500 private and Catholic schools throughout the U.S. “There are thousands of children the Portland area for starters, but rewe serve and a lot of them are conquests for more masks have begun. For now, he said, the masks are fused and wondering, ‘What can I not for sale. “We felt strongly that do to make a difference, how can I this was not a time for anyone to help?’ “This is their fabric, their unibe opportunist or profit from someone else’s grief or tragedy,” he said, form, turned into something that adding that in the future, he was not could save someone’s life,” he said. Right now, he added, it is a balsure if the masks would end up as ance for the company to respond to part of the school uniform. One aspect of this work that has future uniform needs when schools been particularly gratifying is how reopen and to also be “present in it connects their usual clientele of this moment and try to do things schoolchildren to an effort to help that are right.” in this pandemic.
CNS PHOTO/LUCAS JACKSON, REUTERS
New York City firefighters and emergency medical technicians assist a woman who was having difficulty breathing April 15. Pro-life groups applauded the Trump administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency April 16 for issuing a directive aimed at preventing rationing of medical care for COVID-19 patients. posed to unfounded assumptions,” the guidelines said. Across the country, a critical shortage of personal protective equipment for medical personnel who are treating patients who have the highly contagious
virus, as well as a lack of equipment such as ventilators, has prompted some U.S. hospitals to consider instituting a blanket DNR, or “do not resuscitate” order, for COVID-19 patients despite their wishes or those of their family.
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ASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairmen of four U.S. bishops’ committees, joined by the leaders of several health care, bioethics and pro-life organizations, “urgently and respectfully” implored the commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure any vaccines developed for the coronavirus “are free from any connection to abortion.” “To be clear, we strongly support efforts to develop an effective, safe, and widely available vaccine as quickly as possible,” the leaders said in an April 17 letter to Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the FDA commissioner. “However, we also strongly urge our federal government to ensure that fundamental moral principles are followed in the development of such vaccines, most importantly, the principle that human life is sacred and should never be exploited,” they said. Copies of the letter were sent to President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Health and Humans Services Secretary Alex M. Azar. The text of the letter was released late April 17 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The chairmen who signed it and their respective USCCB committees were: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, Committee on ProLife Activities; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, Domestic Justice and Human Development; Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, Committee on Doctrine; and Bishop John F. Doerfler of Marquette, Michigan, the Subcommittee on Health Care Issues, which is a subcommittee of the doctrine committee. “We are aware that, among the dozens of vaccines currently in development, some are being produced using old cell lines that were created from the cells of aborted babies,” they said. They noted that, for example, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has a substantial contract from HHS and “is working on a vaccine that is being produced using one of these ethically problematic cell lines.” Other vaccines such as those being developed by Sanofi Pasteur, Inovio and the John Paul II Medical Research Institute “utilize cell lines not connected to unethical procedures and methods.” “It is critically important that Americans have access to a vaccine that is produced ethically: No American should be forced to choose between being vaccinated against this potentially deadly virus and violating his or her conscience,” the group said. “Fortunately, there is no need to use ethically problematic cell lines to produce a COVID vaccine, or any vaccine, as other cell lines or processes that do not involve cells from abortions are available and are regularly being used to produce other vaccines,” they said. The group told Hahn: “We urgently and respectfully implore you to not only ensure that Americans will have access to a COVID vaccine that is free of ethical concerns, but to encourage and incentivize pharmaceutical companies to use only ethical cell lines or processes for producing vaccines.”
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
WORLD
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Italian bishops in talks with government on post-lockdown liturgies By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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OME (CNS) — As the Italian government makes plans for a gradual return to normality after the COVID-19 pandemic, representatives of the country’s bishops’ conference are meeting with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to discuss a resumption of public Masses and, especially, of funerals. “Too many people are suffering because the death of a loved one today is like a kidnapping” with the body simply being taken away for burial or cremation, said Father Ivan Maffeis, undersecretary of the bishops’ conference. “Certainly, there are good reasons for this, but we must take on this pain from a human as well as a Christian point of view,” he told Avvenire, the Italian Catholic newspaper, April 17. Referring to the high toll the coronavirus has taken among people over the age of 75, the priest said, “we cannot let an entire generation — and their families — be deprived of the sacraments and affection, disappearing from life and suddenly becoming invisible.” The Italian Ministry of Health, in a study based on the 18,641 deaths registered in the country as of April 13, said the median age of the deceased was 79. Less than 2% of people whose deaths were attributed to COVID-19 were under the age of 50. “There must be a possibility for celebrating funerals, maybe just with close family members, but we cannot not be close to those who suffer,” Father Maffeis said. The Italian government has extended the country’s lockdown through May 3. Under the lockdown, churches are open for private prayer by individuals
CNS PHOTO/ALESSANDRO GAROFALO, REUTERS
Funeral service workers bury a victim of COVID-19 during a ceremony in the southern town of Cisternino, Italy, March 30. The Italian bishops’ conference is in discussion with Italy’s Ministry of Internal Affairs about a resumption of public Masses, and especially of funerals. who pass that church on their way to or from a valid excuse for being out of their homes, such as going to the grocery store or the pharmacy. The faithful are not allowed to attend Mass, but the small number of people necessary for a livestreamed liturgy are allowed to join the priest: one deacon, one altar server, one lector, an organist, a cantor and two camera operators, if necessary. Church funerals have been banned,
although a priest and the deceased person’s immediate family may go to the cemetery or funeral home for prayers and a blessing. Weddings are permitted, but the only people allowed to attend are the celebrant, the bride and groom and two witnesses. Moving toward the resumption of a full church life would contribute to “social cohesion in the country,” even knowing that a return to normal is still
World Meeting of Families, WYD postponed By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has agreed with a recommendation by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life to postpone by one year the next gatherings of the World Meeting of Families and World Youth Day. “Because of the current health situation and its consequences on the movement and gatherings of young people and families,” the World Meeting of Families in Rome will be pushed back until June 2022 and World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, will be pushed back until August 2023, the Vatican announced. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the dicastery, told Catholic News Service April 20 that now is the time his office would be signing contracts with hotels and airlines if the World Meeting of Families were still to be held in 2021, “but no one knows what will happen,” so it seemed prudent to push the meeting back a year. The dicastery also would not hold two large gatherings during the same summer, so that was one reason World Youth Day was pushed
CNS PHOTO/ALESSANDRO BIANCHI, REUTERS
A Portuguese flag is seen near Pope Francis as he greets the crowd before celebrating Mass for World Youth Day pilgrims at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 27, 2019. World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, will be pushed back until August 2023, the Vatican announced. back, he said. The other reason, Cardinal Farrell said, is that although people are talking about “returning to normal” and government leaders are making plans for phasing out lockdowns and reopening businesses, “we do not believe travel will be that extensive” anytime soon.
The dicastery has canceled all international meetings until January 2021, although it is planning for a few young people from Panama, where World Youth Day was celebrated in 2019, to hand the World Youth Day cross to a few young people from Lisbon on Nov. 22, the feast of Christ the King.
a far-off goal, Father Maffeis said. The next steps were still under study as of April 17, Father Maffeis told Avvenire, but it is clear that members of the faithful would be able to gather for Mass only on the condition that social distancing could be respected, and the churches are thoroughly cleaned. It is possible that initially people will be asked to wear masks and gloves.
Fears grow for health of refugees at a Rome settlement
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OME (CNS) — Dozens of refugees sheltering in an abandoned office building have tested positive for the coronavirus, triggering concerns for the welfare of the hundreds more still living there in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Between 500 and 800 people, including children, are thought to be living in the nine-story building, which has served since 2006 as a makeshift shelter for people with official refugee status. The building, dubbed Selam Palace, became the first “red zone” in Rome in early April, which led authorities to set up checkpoints staffed by the military, as well as patrols and fencing to prevent people from entering or leaving the area. “Cittadini del Mondo,” the volunteer association that has been assisting the refugees since 2006, warned local government and health officials in early March of a potential outbreak since residences with large numbers of inhabitants and crowded conditions place them at a higher risk of contagion. Because the building was constructed for university offices and not as a residence, the association reported in 2018 that there was only one toilet for every 19 people and one shower for every 33 people.
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
COMMENTARY THIRD WEEK OF EASTER April 26 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 2: 14, 22-33 Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-11 1 Pt 1: 17-21 Lk 24: 13-35 April 27 Monday Acts 6: 8-15 Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30 Jn 6: 22-29 April 28 Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest Acts 7:51 – 8:1a Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab Jn 6: 30-35 April 29 Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church Acts 8: 1b-8 Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a Jn 6: 35-40 April 30 Pius V, pope Acts 8: 26-40 Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20 Jn 6: 44-51 May 1 Joseph the Worker Acts 9: 1-20 Ps 117: 1bc, 2 Jn 6: 52-59 May 2 Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church Acts 9: 31-42 Ps 116: 12-17 Jn 6: 60-69
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t’s known as the “Queen of the Adriatic,” “City of Bridges” and “City of Canals.” It’s also one of my favorite spots in the world, but not for any of the names above. The place is, of course, Venice, and it’s special because it’s dedicated to my patron saint (and Venice’s): Mark. No tourists worth their salt would miss visiting the Piazza San Marco, which is dominated by a huge campanile and the magnificent Basilica of St. Mark, where the evangelist’s bones are said to be buried. Outside of Venice, though, it seems like poor Mark — much like Rodney Dangerfield — “don’t get no respect.” Even though Mark’s was the first Gospel written, somewhere in the years 65-75, it appears after Matthew’s Gospel in the New Testament. Matthew used Mark as a source, stealing — I mean, “appropriating” — about 600 of Mark’s 661 verses, by most scholars’ count. And we don’t even know who St. Mark really was. Some have suggested that it’s the kid
Have I got a story for you 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.
mentioned only in Mark when Jesus is arrested: “Now a young man followed [Jesus] wearing nothing but a linen cloth about his body. They seized him, but he left the cloth behind and ran off naked” (14: 51-52). Can you imagine being remembered for that? In any event, no matter who Mark was, there’s one thing that we can definitely say about him: He was the first to recognize that Jesus’ message, according to author Robert Ellsberg, “was best communi-
cated in the form of a story.” I love the image of St. Mark as a storyteller. In its original form, this Gospel has a kind of breathless quality. Many sentences begin with the Greek word “kai,” which means “and.” It’s like listening to a child tell an exciting story: “We did this . . . and then this . . . oh, yeah, and . . . and . . .” Well, all this talk of stories reminds me of one: A boy decided to study judo, even though he’d lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. He began lessons with an old Japanese master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one
move. “Sensei,” said the boy, “shouldn’t I be learning more moves?” “This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know,” replied the master. Not quite understanding, the boy trustingly kept training. Several months later, he entered his first tournament. Surprising himself, he easily won the first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult but, eventually, his opponent became impatient and charged. The boy deftly used his one move to win the match. He was now in the finals. This time, the opponent was bigger, stronger and more experienced. For a while, the boy seemed overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee was about to stop the match, but the sensei insisted, “Let him continue.” Soon after, the opponent made a critical mistake: He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him, winning the match and the tournament. On the way home, the
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boy asked, “Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?” “You won for two reasons,” he answered. “First, you’ve almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grip your left arm.” So, the boy’s biggest weakness had become his greatest strength. (Adapted from “Top 100 Motivational Stories,” by Meir Liraz.) As this coronavirus pandemic drags on, it can be seen as our biggest weakness. But can it become our biggest strength? In honor of St. Mark, whose feast day is April 25, perhaps we can write down our personal stories in these days. We might discover valuable insights: into our hidden strengths, the way we handle adversity, things that make us laugh, the dynamics of our family and the things that truly make life worth living. By the way, did you notice there’s no parish in the archdiocese dedicated to St. Mark? Well, I guess that’s a story for another time.
Like the apostles’, our witness is a matter of life and death
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he most significant event in Jesus’ life and ministry is never described in the New Testament. Instead, it is only pointed to indirectly. The last hours of Jesus’ life — his passion and death — are examined in great detail. They all lead up to his resurrection, but that event itself remains hidden. All four Gospels show us the empty tomb that the women visit on Easter Sunday morning. We hear the angel announcing to them that Jesus is risen. But the event itself of Jesus’ resurrection takes place during the night, shrouded in mystery. No one sees it. In Sunday’s first reading — Acts 2:14, 22-23
IN THE BEGINNING
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
— speaking on behalf of the Eleven, Peter stands up to testify to Jesus as the Messiah: “Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to
you by God with mighty deeds, wonders and signs, which God worked through him in your midst.” Peter is pointing to those miracles as a way in which God has witnessed to Jesus. More importantly, though, Peter points to Jesus’ resurrection as the way in which God validates Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection is the most powerful witness that
POPE FRANCIS Fidelity and unity can be difficult to maintain in times of trial, Pope Francis said, but he prayed God would give Christians the grace to remain united and faithful. “May the difficulties of this time make us discover communion among us, the unity that is always superior to every division,” the pope prayed April 14 at the start of his morning Mass at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, in which St.
God can provide. Significantly, Peter affirms that he and the other apostles are witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection: “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” They did not see it happen, but they saw the evidence that it left. By raising Jesus from the dead, God was affirming all that Jesus had accomplished in his ministry. God was showing approval of the message that Jesus has been preaching. And most importantly, God was accepting the sacrifice he made on the cross. In their witness, Peter and the Eleven are echoing the witness that God has borne to Jesus. He is challenging his audience to accept that witness. He is inviting
them to also share in bearing witness. He wants them to be part of this great cloud of witnesses. It is significant that the Greek word for “witness” gives us the English word “martyr.” Many of the early Christians would eventually give witness to their faith through the shedding of their blood. The challenge that Peter was making was no light matter. Similarly, Peter’s words also challenge us to bear witness to Jesus Christ and to take that task seriously. It may not result in the shedding of our blood, but it still is a matter of life and death, a matter of eternal life and resurrection from the dead.
Peter preaches to the people on Pentecost and calls on them to “repent and be baptized.” Conversion, the pope explained, implies a return to faithfulness, which is a “human attitude that is not so common in people’s lives, in our lives.” “There are always illusions that attract attention and many times we want to follow these illusions,” he said. Nevertheless, Christians must hold on to faithfulness “in good times and bad times.” The pope recalled a reading from the Second Book of Chronicles, which said that after King Rehoboam established himself as king and the kingdom of Israel was secured, he and the people “abandoned the law of the Lord.”
— CNS
APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org. Director of facilities - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has a June 1, full-time opening for a director of facilities. Qualified applicants will have successful management experience with an emphasis in facilities management. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining the parish structure, fixtures, grounds, the rectory and grounds, maintaining vendor/contractor relationships and supervising a staff of one. This is a hands-on position. It is essential that the successful candidate has a strong background in facilities management, including hands-on experience with plumbing, electrical, carpentry and other facilities-related maintenance issues. Strong communications skills are essential, along with a desire to work in a positive faith-oriented environment. Competency with Microsoft Office programs, internet use and email required. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocesan benefits. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: slemons@gsshawnee.org or to: frkent@gsshawnee.org by May 1. Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has a June 1 full-time opening for the director of administrative services. Qualified applicants will have successful management experience with an emphasis in human resources, accounting and financial management. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential. This position is responsible for managing the parish front office; managing all human resources responsibilities including the processing of payroll; managing all accounting functions; coordinating the parish/school finances with the parish accountant; and supervising a staff of one. Strong communications skills are essential, along with a desire to work in a positive faith-oriented environment. Competency with Microsoft Office programs, internet use and email required. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocese benefits. Please submit cover letter and resume to: slemons@gsshawnee.org or to: frkent@ gsshawnee.org. by May 1. Director of advancement - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a full-time director of advancement. This position works under the direction of the high school president and the president of the foundation, implementing capital campaign strategies, major gifts, annual giving, and community-wide fundraising and is also responsible for communications, alumni relations and management of the development office staff. The candidate is expected to uphold the mission of Bishop Miege High School and promote the school in the most positive way possible. The desired candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years’ professional experience in education fundraising, marketing, business, public relations, communications or related field. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are required, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and a faithful steward in their parish. Send letter of interest, resume and references to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.
Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and ??, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 3564849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.
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REAL ESTATE For sale - New story-and-a-half energy-efficient country home off of blacktop on five acres. Twenty minutes from
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APRIL 24, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LOCAL NEWS
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A HELPING HAND
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park collected and then distributed more than 600 nonperishable food and hygiene items to 87 needy families on April 16.
Holy Cross Parish helps its own with food giveaway By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven
O
VERLAND PARK — She hadn’t even been going out to buy her own groceries. But that did not stop an unnamed parishioner of Holy Cross Church from summoning her courage and shopping for the parish food drive. “She felt the need to help these families,” said parish assistant and receptionist Claudia Bustos of the Overland Park Parish. And when the donor dropped off the groceries, Bustos invited her to come take a look. “I said, ‘Let me take you downstairs, so you can see what you’re doing,’” said Bustos. The donor followed her downstairs, then froze. Then, she burst into tears. Bustos could sympathize. “That was my feeling when I came downstairs and saw the tables full of food,” she said. When, on April 15, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly extended her “stay at home” orders to May 3, Holy Cross organizers knew they had to find a way to help their parishioners in need. The idea for the food drive originated with Holy Cross parishioner Pat Sheldon. “I was sitting one day at home,,” Sheldon said, “and it dawned on me that the Holy Cross Catholic School children that have the breakfast program and the lunch program don’t have that program anymore. “Then, I thought, ‘Well, let’s take it a step further.’ So, I contacted Claudia and asked Claudia if we had parishioners in the parish that could really use our help. And, of course, she said, ‘Yes.’”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
A patron of Holy Cross Parish’s food giveaway leaves with bags of nonperishable items for her family. The parish responded generously to the request for donations to help stock the pantry. From there, Bustos, Sheldon and parishioner and volunteer Gayle Pucci got to work. “The day that our post went up [notifying parishioners of the drive], we started seeing donations,” said Bustos. “It was an overwhelming feeling to see our parishioners’ response to our cry for help for our needy families.” More than 600 nonperishable food and hygiene items were handed out to 87 Holy Cross families in need April 16 in the church’s Lickteig Hall, thanks to the contributions of their fellow parishioners. The families that were helped averaged four to five people per household. Even the logistics had been planned well in advance. Families lined up and two people at a time — one per family — came down to Lickteig Hall to pick out items. Each item gave instructions in English and Spanish, letting people know
how many of each one they could take. “We’re hoping that eliminated the touching of stuff. We’re trying to really watch contact and exposure and that type of thing,” Bustos said. “We’re really trying to think the scenario through, so we can protect ourselves and our families.” Food items included things like macaroni and cheese, pasta, spaghetti sauce, oatmeal and pancake mix. “The idea was [to provide] things that could go together to make a meal, versus just random items where you have to go pick up other stuff,” Bustos said. “Things that are easy and cost-effective for everyone.” Hygiene products included toilet paper, hand soap, body soap, toothpaste and laundry detergent. Along with Holy Cross parishioners, Holy Cross School families benefited
from the food drive, as well. “A lot of our families work in the restaurant industry and are unemployed at this time,” said Melissa Wagner, Holy Cross principal. “We’ve had a lot of change this year, including our online learning program. “And just seeing our community come together and seeing them help through these uncertain times has been amazing and just solidifies how strong Holy Cross really is. It’s a very unique community. “I had somebody tell me last night that Holy Cross is the hidden jewel of Overland Park,” she added, “and it’s times like these that that statement holds true.” Sheldon and Wagner said they had high hopes for the drive. “We were hoping that this [‘stay at home’ order] was going to be coming to an end. And now that we know it’s extended, my hope is that people that are really struggling have an avenue that they can go to and at least receive some food and not have to worry as much about that part of it for a while,” Sheldon said. Wagner said having the food drive is a humbling experience for families. “To be able to come to your parish — it is like a family,” she said, “so it is like we are all coming together to help our family. “And I think this is probably more comfortable for them to come to their home parish rather than another venue that is handing out food donations,” she continued. “I’m just really excited for families to be able to come to Holy Cross and know that we’re all in this together. “We’re using the term ‘strong together,’ so I feel like this is a great example of that.” All the items that were left at the end of the food drive were donated to Catholic Charities.