04 23 21 Vol. 42 No. 35

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 35 | APRIL 23, 2021

PHOTO BY MARIE RIOUX

Dr. Christopher Shingledecker, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Benedictine College in Atchison, was part of a group of scientists who recently discovered new molecules in interstellar space.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Benedictine professor helps discover new molecules in space “ I NEVER EXPECTED TO BE

A

TCHISON — Catholics have made their mark on scientific discoveries for centuries.

Now, Dr. Christopher Shingledecker can count himself among them.

An assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Benedictine College in Atchison, Shingledecker was part of a group of scientists who recently discovered new molecules in interstellar space.

“I never expected to be involved in such a big discovery,” he said. “It’s really been a remarkable experience.”

An ‘unusual’ discovery Shingledecker earned his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. at the University of Virginia.

“

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

INVOLVED IN SUCH A BIG DISCOVERY. IT’S REALLY BEEN A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE. DR. CHRISTOPHER SHINGLEDECKER ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY AT BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

After receiving the latter in 2018, he was awarded an Alexander von Humboldt postdoctoral research fellowship and relocated with his wife to Munich for two years.

There, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, which, he clarified, relates to the physics of outer space — not

to aliens.

After his work wrapped up, he knew what he wanted to do next.

“I always wanted to [teach] at a Catholic liberal arts college — it was my goal all throughout school,” he said.

It was easy to narrow down his choices. The only one in the United States with an astronomy major is Benedictine.

Shingledecker started as an assistant professor at the college last fall.

For the past two years, he was also fulfilling another dream — working on the Green Bank Telescope Observations of TMC-1: Hunting Aromatic Molecules (GOTHAM) team.

The group is led by Dr. Brett McGuire, assistant professor of chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who Shingledecker has worked with over the years.

“This GOTHAM project really grew out of some interesting discoveries that we were making in

a particular region of space — the molecular cloud called TMC-1,” said Shingledecker.

The team’s research culminated in the discovery of a vast reservoir of new aromatic material in TMC-1, which the scientists found using the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia — the largest steerable radio telescope in the world, said Shingledecker.

They detected two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are the first molecules of this type ever specifically identified in space.

Very small specific molecules containing two, three and four atoms have been detected in space for a long time, but PAHs are much more complex, and they’re what scientists have suspected were behind IR emissions for years. But IR can’t identify a specific PAH molecule, and radio can, and it’s now provided unequivocal proof that PAHs exist in space. >> See “‘STARTLING’” on page 4

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ARCHBISHOP

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Disciples’ transformation testifies to the truth of the Resurrection

L

ast week, I concluded my column regarding vaccines with the reminder that ultimately medicine, science and technology cannot protect us from the reality of death. At best, they can extend our lives, but death still comes for us all. The risen Jesus defeated death and only by sharing in his eternal life can we overcome death’s sting.

We live in a riskaverse culture. We believe our bodies are designed to be temples of God. Thus, we have an obligation to take prudent care of this temple.

At the same time, Jesus does not promise his disciples we will never experience adversity and difficulty.

Jesus warned his disciples that if we wish to follow him, then we must be prepared to take up the cross. A disciple must follow Jesus all the way to Calvary.

Jesus invites us to participate in a great adventure. Adventures are not free of risk but, by their nature, involve risks. Jesus promises that he will be with us, especially at times of adversity and difficulty.

If we take the risk of following him, then we will experience abundant life (a life filled with meaning and purpose) in this world and eternal life with him and the saints on the other

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN side of death.

If we take the risk of discipleship, how do we know that the Resurrection is true?

Atheists refer to religion as the opium of the people, promising a fantasized life after death to keep people content and docile with the injustices and inequities in this world.

Some intellectuals in the past 200 years have attempted to create doubts about the veracity of the Resurrection. How do we know the resurrection of Jesus and his promises of eternal life are true?

Contradicting the claims of the gurus of the so-called Jesus Seminar and some of the pseudo documentaries on cable television, the evidence for the historical truth of the resurrection of Jesus is quite strong and persuasive. “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus,” by Gary R. Habermas, Ph.D.,

and Michael R. Licona, Ph.D., provides very compelling arguments for historical data that supports the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus.

Habermas and Licona identify five key facts: 1) Jesus’ death by crucifixion; 2) the disciples’ belief that Jesus appeared; 3) the conversion of the Christian persecutor Paul; 4) the conversion of the skeptic James; and 5) the empty tomb.

The first four facts are supported by nearly every scholar, even skeptical ones. The empty tomb enjoys a significant majority of scholarly support, but does not have the same universal acceptance as the first four.

Habermas and Licona detail how both the New Testament literature, the oral tradition, the written non-biblical early Christian tradition and contemporary non-Christian historians agree: 1) Jesus died by crucifixion; 2) his disciples believed the risen Lord appeared to them; 3) Paul, a

persecutor of the early church, became a zealous Christian apologist because of his own personal encounter on the road to Damascus with Jesus; and 4) James, a skeptical cousin of Jesus, is converted in part by the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.

This past Sunday’s Gospel recounted one of the risen Lord’s appearances to his disciples. The passage begins with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus relating their encounter with the risen Jesus and their recognition of Our Lord in the breaking of the bread — the Eucharist. In the midst of describing their experience, the risen Jesus appears to the assembled disciples.

The immediate reaction of the disciples was terror because they assumed that they were seeing a ghost.

Jesus, as he does in most of his post-resurrection appearances, displays the wounds of the crucifixion and

invites the disciples to touch him, reminding them that ghosts do not have flesh and bones.

Jesus then asks them if they have anything to eat. Ghosts do not get hungry, much less eat.

The disciples give him a piece of baked fish that Our Lord eats.

Jesus explains how his crucifixion and resurrection were all foretold in the teaching of Moses, the prophets and the psalmists. Our Lord commissions the disciples to become witnesses of his death and resurrection to the world.

One of the strongest arguments in favor of the resurrection was the transformation of his disciples. The same group, who were so afraid and cowardly during Jesus’ passion and death, fleeing in fear — and, in Peter’s case, denying he even knows Jesus — in the post-Easter and postPentecost accounts boldly proclaim the risen Lord.

In last Sunday’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter was preaching fearlessly in Jerusalem.

Peter was not attempting to soft-pedal the events of Our Lord’s passion, nor was he attempting to ingratiate himself with the Jewish crowds or the Jewish authorities.

Peter declared: “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence when he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.

The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.”

This is a changed Peter from the one who said in the courtyard of Caiaphas: “I do not know the man.”

If the resurrection is true, then the only thing we have to fear is not being a faithful disciple of Jesus. Earthly powers, pandemics, economic challenges and physical illnesses cannot intimidate us. The disciple of the risen Jesus is never without reason for both hope and joy. Jesus has defeated death and won the victory of life.

Of whom or of what should we be afraid?

Jesus is risen, alleluia!

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 23, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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A PRIEST’S PRIEST

Lending an ear is Father Francis Hund’s full-time ministry

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Francis Hund’s work as minister to priests can be described very simply: Listen to and encourage his brother priests.

You could say he was born for the job.

“As one of my sisters said when I first told her about the ministry,” he said, “it’s a beautiful combination of our parents’ gifts — my dad’s gifts of patience and listening, and my mother’s gifts of hospitality and encouragement.”

That’s what Father Hund has been doing since 2018, driving all over the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to personally visit each priest.

But his ministry has changed radically in the past 14 months because of two things. The effect of the pandemic is, of course, the first.

“The priests, much like folks throughout the world, faced isolation and a bit of loneliness at times, and had concerns about how we [priests] could continue to reach out to our communities,” said Father Hund.

But the second is a higher-than-normal number of priests’ deaths, although only one of them — a priest from India who served briefly in the archdiocese — died of COVID. Seven archdiocesan priests, two foreign priests on loan and a missionary died over the past 14 months. Father Hund knew them all and personally ministered to seven in their last days.

“I don’t remember a year when so many brother priests celebrated their heavenly homecomings,” he said.

Father Hund described last year as “challenging,” to say the least.

Typically, in his ministry, Father Hund would visit each priest personally and take them out for lunch. But by the end of March and through April 2020, that all came to a screeching halt.

“We were advised to stay in during [March and April] especially,” said Father Hund. “I sent handwritten Lenten notes to all the priests. I could do that without going out.”

He also made phone calls and, with the help of Olathe’s Prince of Peace Parish staff, learned to use a video conferencing application.

“Bless their souls for being patient,” said Father Hund with a laugh.

Later on, Father Hund resumed personal visits with priests if they were comfortable doing so.

“A couple of times, I started on my way down the highway for a visit, and 50 miles down the road, my brother priest would call and say, ‘Uh, I just found out that someone I talked with yesterday tested positive,’” said Father Hund. “I’d say, ‘I totally understand,’ and I turned right around to go home.”

Once, he brought lunch to a priest and they ate together — Father Hund in the living room, and the other priest in the kitchen. Sometimes, Father Hund would simply drop off something à la DoorDash.

But by far, the most “challenging” and yet rewarding part of his ministry

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE

As minister to priests, Father Francis Hund makes an effort to visit and offer encouragement and support to his fellow priests. Above, he visits with Father Thomas Kearns, a retired priest residing at Villa St. Francis in Olathe. At right, and with both of them fully vaccinated, he and Father Al Rockers, senior associate pastor at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, catch up and enjoy some time together at Bristol Seafood Grill in Leawood. these past months has been accompanying other priests who were dying. All of them had a special connection to him.

After he was ordained, Father Hund served as associate pastor with Msgr.

Charles McGlinn. He was in the same prayer group with Father Robert Pflumm for nearly 40 years. He met Msgr. Robert Bergman when they were both students in Rome.

Moreover, he came from the same neck of the woods as Father Carl Dekat and he and Father Tom Dolezal served in neighboring Johnson County parishes. Father Lawrence Albertson was his immediate predecessor as director of the archdiocesan liturgy office. And Father John Reynolds was a friend he often met up with at archdiocesan events.

“Each one of them touched my life in a very personal way,” said Father Hund.

It was his privilege to pray and meet with them as they were on their way to their heavenly home, he said. Although he didn’t know it at the time, he shared what would be some significant “last times” with some priests.

Father Hund was there, for example, for what turned out to be Msgr. McGlinn’s last homily. He was Msgr. McGlinn’s chauffeur that day. Because of COVID restrictions, there wasn’t a funeral dinner, but that

didn’t stop him.

“I said, ‘Charlie, I’d like to treat you to lunch, but I’m not strong enough to get you in and out of the vehicle,’” said Father Hund. “And he said, ‘Oh, Francis, we can go through a drive-thru.’ And I said, ‘That’s great!’”

So, they found a drive-thru that served two “forbidden” items Father McGlinn craved: French fries and ice cream.

“We sat and had a really great visit — one of the last visits I had with him before his heavenly homecoming,” said Father Francis. “We received the sacrament of reconciliation from each other.

That was a privilege for me to share that moment.”

There was grief with each death, but also faith.

“There was some sadness, but also consolation,” said Father Hund. “That’s President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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who we are as believers. If we share in the death of Christ, we share in his resurrection. This is our faith and our hope — God’s great promise to be with us through it all. That covenant promise has been very important to me this year: I will be your God, and you shall be my people.”

Christians are a people of hope. Father Hund is looking forward to a retreat of archdiocesan priests this coming June.

At that time, they will celebrate the anniversaries of several priests and the ordinations of three new priests and two transitional deacons.

“Let’s hope for more light, more community and more gathering,” said Father Hund. “Let’s hope for less fear, less isolation, more community and more celebrations.”

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LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

MASS AT MAUR HILL MOUNT ACADEMY PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

Father Jay Kythe, OSB, chaplain at Maur HillMount Academy in Atchison, celebrates Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in the school’s chapel on April 12.

Phil Baniewicz, president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, addresses students following Mass.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann delivers his homily to the students at Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison during Mass April 12 at the school. Every year, the archbishop visits each archdiocesan high school to celebrate Mass and lead the students in eucharistic adoration.

‘Startling’ discovery promises much more >> Continued from page 1 “It’s really unusual where we saw them — this cloud TMC-1,” Shingledecker explained, “because it’s rather cold compared to some of the places where we might look.

“It’s a little bit like seeing a palm tree in Antarctica. You may not be surprised that there are palm trees, but you may be surprised that there’s one in Antarctica.”

The discovery elicits more questions, like what implications it has for the role large carbon molecules play in forming stars and planets.

It also raises the question of how the molecules themselves were formed.

As GOTHAM’s chief theorist, Shingledecker seeks to understand exactly that.

Overall, the discovery is simply “startling,” he said, and will likely prompt greater research into the origins of life.

‘The avalanche is about to start’ When Dr. Louis Allamandola heard about GOTHAM’s discovery, he was elated.

A leading expert on PAHs, he was one of the first to suggest their existence some 30 years ago.

Proving these molecules exist is an important breakthrough for further research, which was previously hindered by doubts about their presence, said Allamandola. “[With] the discovery of this, the dam has finally broken,” he said. “The avalanche is about to start.”

Allamandola hails from New York and currently lives in California, where he developed an astrochemistry laboratory at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

A product of Catholic schools from elementary to undergrad, he, like Shingledecker, never expected to have such a significant impact on the world of science.

“It’s all God’s plan somehow,” he said.

Years ago, Allamandola built a laboratory at Leiden University in the Netherlands that simulated conditions in deep space with extremely low temperatures.

In these laboratory simulations of interstellar space, he made ices, irradiated them with ultraviolet light and studied what kinds of molecules were created as a result.

What’s special about GOTHAM’s discovery, said Allamandola, is that the complex molecules they found exist inside dense interstellar clouds where dust particles shield them from UV radiation and prevent them from being blown apart.

It’s a satisfying clarification for his life’s work, and one of many major strides that have been taken in astrochemical research since he started his career.

“In those days, space was thought to be totally barren,” he said. “Temperatures were way too low. Ultraviolet was so harsh. In the interstellar space, chemistry was thought to be a nonstarter.”

Now with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope set to launch soon, Allamandola predicts “we’re going to see these PAHs all over the universe.”

A universe ‘beyond belief ’ Several of the world’s experts in space research have something special in common — an unwavering faith in God. The Society of Catholic Scientists, of which Allamandola and Shingledecker are members, is a growing organization that connects scientists of faith.

Its mission “exists to foster community among Catholic scientists, to bear witness to the compatibility — and indeed, mutual benefit — of science and Catholic faith and to provide a platform for Catholic students to interact

with more senior Catholic scientists,” said director Dr. Karin Oberg, a professor in the Department of Astronomy at Harvard.

She said her work has never caused any doubts about God’s existence.

“Rather, my Catholic faith is a source of meaning when pondering the scientific projects that I pursue, knowing that it is his creation I am exploring,” she said.

It’s also “a source of confidence in the fundamental intelligibility of the cosmos, and a source of strength in my daily work trying to help [educate] the next generation of scientists,” Oberg added.

Shingledecker’s work has also strengthened his faith, and the chance to share that with the Benedictine community is special.

“I love the students here,” he said.

“They’re fantastic. And it’s really lovely to be able to show them that faith and reason go together.”

Shingledecker, who draws inspiration from Albert the Great, the patron saint of scientists, enlightens his students on the church’s support of astronomical research throughout history.

“The church has preserved knowledge [and] promoted learning, schools and science. And for it to be seen as suddenly antagonistic to [scientists] is a betrayal of the legacy of the church in fostering learning and discovery,” he said.

Allamandola agreed.

“Even though you hear over and over and over again that science discredits religion, the truth is the opposite,” he said. “[Many] of the great scientists historically believed in God.” Studying the universe and “how it all hangs together” has only increased Allamandola’s faith.

“When you see the beauty out there, you realize how we’re just super amateurs,” he said. “It’s thrilling and exciting to see God’s mastery and the intricacy.

“How it all goes together is beyond belief.”

Archdiocese honors Mother’s Day with resources for women

W

ith Mother’s Day coming up on May 9, the archdiocesan office of evangelization has compiled a variety of resources to support women in the archdiocese as they strive for holiness.

These resources are “aimed at inspiring and encouraging women,” said Emily Lopez, lead consultant for the office of evangelization.

Lopez hopes women will use them to dive deeper into their faith and feel supported as they do.

“The groups listed offer an extended community of support for all women — as daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts and grandmothers — to grow in appreciation and expression of their call to nurture those that God has put in their lives,” said Lopez.

“We have specifically chosen to encourage these diverse groups as they offer authentic Catholic witness and encourage women to grow closer to Christ in their everyday living,” she added.

Lopez hopes moms will be inspired to embrace their Catholic call to love and nurture their families — even though “society is increasingly growing more hostile to faithful living and to the vocation of selfless Catholic parenting,” she said.

“We want to encourage mothers and fathers in their work of modeling holiness and building strong homes that serve as foundational domestic churches,” she added.

To find the list of resources online, visit the adult evangelization website at: archkck.org/adults/home.

They will also be shared on Instagram via @kckcatholic and on Facebook @EvangelizedKS or through the Enflame Our Hearts Facebook page.

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 23, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

5

Oz comes to the University of Saint Mary

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Ashley Creek, director of the Keleher Learning Commons at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, points out a copy of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum April 15. Pieces of USM’s Oz Collection were installed in the USM Special Collections display area April 12 on the second floor of the KLC. Other collections on display include the Abraham Lincoln Collection, the Civil War Collection, the Spiritual Collection and the Madonna Collection.

By Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

“T

here’s no like home.”

place

That is the central theme, and perhaps the most popular line, from the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” based on the books by L. Frank Baum. Almost instantly, it became a classic and is still a favorite of many children and adults alike.

Steve Capps is no exception.

“When I was growing up in the 1960s, the movie version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was broadcast once a year around Thanksgiving. Watching it was a high point of each year,” Capps said. “My parents gave me Dover edition paperback color reprints of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and ‘The Marvelous Land of Oz.’ Those books portrayed for me a magical world and formed the beginning of [my] collection.”

Since receiving those gifts from his parents, Capps has acquired nearly 70 print volumes of “The Wizard of Oz” series, including the entire L. Frank Baum first edition series, the

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entire Ruth Plumly Thompson series and other Oz stories. He has also collected Baum’s children’s literature items and analytical content related to the series.

“Once I began prep school and moved on to college, I ceased reading about Oz for the most part. My childhood infatuation never bloomed into a lifelong fascination,” Capps said.

“I did retain a dream of acquiring a complete set of Oz books, and when I returned to the United States after some time in Europe with the Army, I had an opportunity to fulfill that childhood dream.”

Now, the Steve and PJ Capps Oziana Collection calls the University of Saint Mary Le Beau Special Collections home after the couple donated it to the university in 2017.

There were reasons Capps said he was looking to donate the collection.

“I was not doing anything with the collection,” Capps said. “As part of retirement and its accompanying downsizing, I was moving to the South Carolina Lowcountry. The weather there is humid with occasional hurricanes, and it did not seem a safe place to take the collection.”

“Few, if any of the items, were

printed on acid-free paper. That means they would deteriorate over time,” he continued. “I did explore selling items from the collection.

However, I did not and do not have the expertise in rare books needed to market them myself, and I found I could not get a meaningful price from a dealer.”

Donating the collection to USM seemed to offset Capps’ initial concerns.

“My wife Peggy Jo (PJ) Capps, a USM graduate who worked in the DePaul Library (now the Keleher Learning Commons) while earning her masters of library science degree at Emporia State University, suggested it,” Capps said. “She was aware that USM was assembling a collection of Oziana. The personal connection and the Oziana program made USM the logical choice.

“It was PJ who kept reminding me of the need to place the collection with an institution with the facilities that would protect the older books from deteriorating. . . . Without her sound advice, I am not sure what would have become of the collection,” Capps added. “Donating it to USM allows the collection to con-

Learn more For more information about USM collections, go online to: www.stmary. edu/depaul-library/special-collections.

Private tours of special collections will be available this summer.

To make an appointment, call Ashley Creek, KLC director, at (913) 7584329.

tinue to exist and to be cared for and used by people who love Oz. That is the most satisfying thought.”

Key books in the collection include “Little Wizard Stories of Oz,”

by Baum; “The World of Oz: A Fantastic Expedition Over the Rainbow,”

by Allen Eyles; “Over the Rainbow: The Wizard of Oz as a Secular Myth of America,” by Paul Nathanson; “Who’s Who in Oz,” by Jack Snow; and more.

“There are so many cool ones,” said Danielle Dion, vice president of the KLC and student affairs at USM. “We were really excited when we were approached by Steve Capps to receive this collection here at Saint Mary. It’s really special.”

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LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Mother’s Day can honor both earthly and spiritual mothers

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

during their wait. All of this maternal effort stood in contrast to what their husbands were doing. They were sipping coffee or smoking while chatting with their acquaintances a few feet away, ignoring the chaos and the noise their children made.

The pope continued: “The man remains outside the process of pregnancy and the baby’s birth; in many ways, he has to

learn his own ‘fatherhood’ from the mother” (MD, 18).

This passage spoke to me about the behaviors of the fathers at the airport, but it also spoke to me about my experience of fatherhood. When our daughters were born, I did not know what to do to care for them.

I learned from Teri how to hold them, feed them, soothe them and keep them comfortable.

Next month, in the United States and around the world, we celebrate our mothers and all that they have done and are doing for us. We remember how they taught us, cared for us when we were sick and protected us when we were facing danger.

Mothers do heroic things for their children because their vocation of motherhood is closely linked with the work of God and his creation. In the Book of Genesis, we hear Eve say about the birth of her son: “I have brought a man into being with the

“

Y

ears ago, I was sitting at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris waiting for the departure of my flight. Near me at the gate, were several families with young children headed for their vacations in Spain.

At that time, during my international business travels, I would spend a lot of my time while in airports, on airplanes or in hotels doing research for the book I was writing: “Happy Together.”

On that day, I was reading pages from St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women” (“Mulieris Dignitatem”). The passage I was reading stated: “It is commonly thought that women are more capable than men of paying attention to another person and that motherhood develops this predisposition even more.”

The words of the pope struck a chord as I observed the young mothers trying to keep their children calm

“ MOTHERS DO

HEROIC THINGS FOR THEIR CHILDREN BECAUSE THEIR VOCATION OF MOTHERHOOD IS CLOSELY LINKED WITH THE WORK OF GOD AND HIS CREATION. help of the Lord” (4:1).

Pope John Paul II comments that Eve’s words express a woman’s joy and awareness that she is sharing in the great mystery of eternal generation.

The late pope also writes that although both spouses share in the creative power of God, it is the mother who pays the greater price.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to our mothers and grandmothers. For some of us, grandmothers also

ACROSS 1 Alphabet 4 __ be with you 9 Hymn of praise 14 Sticky black substance 15 Book of maps 16 NT church leader 17 Unrefined metal 18 Remorse 19 What a mob does 20 Center cores 22 Religious song 24 Resound 25 Fencing sword 27 Tasting like game 31 Popular stadium 32 Decorate 33 Hive dweller 34 Annoyed 36 Drug doers 38 Rough 40 Sacred building 42 Irregular 43 Body form 44 Compass point 45 Walking (KJV) 47 Open 51 Golden __ (Israelite idol) 53 Antelope 54 Gown COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

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had a strong influence in our formation. I remember my grandmother accepting to be quarantined for over a month with me at the hospital, when I was 5 and suffering from a contagious disease. She was there day and night to console me when the nurse would come to give me injections.

She was also the one who, years later, would wake me up at 5:30 in the morning asking me to go to Mass with her and encouraging me to learn to be an altar server.

Next month, as we honor our earthly mothers, we need to also acknowledge Mary, our spiritual mother.

Pope Francis has written a short note to the faithful that reads: “The month of May is approaching, a time when the people of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“It is traditional in this month to pray the rosary at home

55 Genuine 57 Successor of Moses 59 Authoritative list of scripture 62 Monkey’s cousin 65 Every 66 Wild dog 67 Circumvent 68 Zilch 69 Braid 70 Sits on a horse 71 No DOWN 1 Does penitence 2 Scribe of Jeremiah 3 Nativity scene 4 Messenger 5 Decorative needle case 6 Boxer Muhammad 7 Calorie 8 OT book 9 Curl hair, permanently 10 Used to kill Goliath 11 Hoopla 12 Allow 13 Mr.’s wife 21 Five __ and three fishes 23 Japanese money 25 Adam and Eve’s garden 26 Pea holder

Question for reflection: Can you remember some of the sacrifices your mother made for you? Share these with your children.

within the family. For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the rosary at home in the month of May.” Pope Francis even wrote a prayer to be said with the rosary during this time of pandemic. Here is the closing stanza of the prayer: “Mary, consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

“To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.”

28 Son of Adam and Eve 29 Meager 30 Affirmation 32 Cutting tool 35 First woman 36 Ref 37 Uses a pointed weapon 38 __ Minor (Little Dipper) 39 Christmas song 40 KJV pronoun 41 Devour 42 PC key 43 Turf 45 Precedes an alias 46 Launderer (KJV) 48 Bach’s first name 49 Loss of ability to make decisions 50 Truly 52 Plague of Egypt 56 Son of Seth 57 Short NT book 58 Mined metals 59 Central daylight time 60 Sky 61 North northeast 63 Samuel’s mentor 64 Wet dirt Solution on page 15

APRIL 23, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Translation, commentary seek to make St. Benedict’s Rule inviting to modern readers that compromised that image did not seem to work.”

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

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TCHISON — Increased popular interest in the spirituality of St. Benedict is what originally sparked the decision of Sister Judith Sutera, of Mount St. Scholastica here, to undertake a modern translation of the Rule written by the saint and to write an accompanying commentary.

The fruits of her labor, published this month by Liturgical Press, is called “St. Benedict’s Rule: An Inclusive Translation and Daily Commentary” and has received positive advance reviews from religious and laity who value the saint’s wisdom and spirituality.

Sister Judith explains that St. Benedict compiled the Rule for a group of men striving to live in a monastic community in sixth-century Italy. She describes him as a “synthesizer” who drew upon other sources, made meaningful modifications and invited subsequent adaptations that worked for a particular group or community.

St. Benedict’s Rule, she added, is the oldest, continuous tradition of monastic rule in the Western world.

The Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica wanted to provide a translation with language that provided genderneutral language that would resonate with mixed audiences in retreats or other settings. Her commentary offers historical context and applications of the Rule to contemporary life.

“We think of ‘rules’ as ‘do’s and don’ts,’” explained Sister Judith. “But St. Benedict’s Rule is wisdom literature and not a legal document. This Rule served as the means by which St. Benedict’s followers could measure their efforts to achieve right living.”

“St. Benedict was trying to form communal life that models the peaceable kingdom,” the author added. “His theology of the ordinary focuses on praying regularly, listening to the word of God, living a good life, serving one another, always doing the next right thing and welcoming everyone as Christ. This is what makes the Rule so simple and useful for everyone.”

Process of translation The original Latin version of the Rule and authoritative English translations

Commentary aids in understanding

“St. Benedict’s Rule: An Inclusive Translation and Daily Commentary” and has received positive advance reviews. It was written by Benedictine Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. were foundational to Sister Judith’s work.

She strived to preserve the meaning and theology inherent in St. Benedict’s original text.

She replaced gender-specific pronouns (e.g., he, she, him, her) with more inclusive words, such as “they.”

She substituted other words for those that implied or conveyed gender.

For example, the word “abbot” recurs in the document St. Benedict wrote for the community of male monks. The word’s Aramaic origin “abba” means “father.” In place of “abbot” in her translation of the Rule, Sister Judith inserted the word “superior.” For the masculine word “monk,” she used either “monastic” or “member of the community.”

“I basically changed language that needed tweaking to be more genderneutral,” she said.

But there were exceptions. Possibly because of heresies at the time, St. Benedict did not call Jesus by name in the Rule, but referred to him as “Lord” to affirm his divine nature. While some may take exception to this language because of its association with domination, Sister Judith retained the word as St. Benedict’s name for Jesus. In her introductory notes, she writes that this leaves “intact Benedict’s sense of the subjection of all people to the ‘Lord of all’ and for which any word

The translation and commentary follow the customary dating system whereby monasteries read the Rule straight through three times during the year. Sister Judith composed two paragraphs of commentary for each day’s translation: The first gives historical background; the second discusses relevance to contemporary life. Three practical questions follow, one for each date the passage is read throughout the year.

For example, after the first entry in the prologue that discusses prayer and good works, one of the questions is: “Can I thank God each time I do the right thing today and ask for strength any time I realize I am resisting God’s will?”

In a later entry addressing hospitality, a question prompts reflection on welcoming those a person finds difficult to welcome.

Two versions of the book are now available in paperback through Liturgical Press (litpress.org). One is the stand-alone translation; the other pairs the translation and commentary.

Sister Judith is pleased that the book has received good press from highly respected reviewers. One observes: “Judith Sutera’s translation of the Rule reads like most modern English texts; its inclusivity feels natural. I imagine if Benedict had written his Rule today, it would have sounded a lot like this.”

Sister Judith realizes there will be those who prefer the language of the original text. Her intended audiences include people reading the Rule for the first time, young adults accustomed to more inclusive language, Benedictine oblates, members of religious communities and other denominations, liturgists and persons interested in probing deeper into Benedict’s spirituality.

She says her greatest joy will come from attracting readers who find her book helpful on their spiritual journeys.

“If the translation and commentary can get more laity and young people involved in St. Benedict’s spirituality,” she concluded, “I think he will be all for it.”

Carmen (Garcia) and Arthur Conejo, members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Kansas C i t y, Kansas, will celebrate their 5 0 t h wedding anniversary on May 1.

The couple was married on May 1, 1971, by Father Andrew Hnat at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Joseph Conejo and Ramon Conejo.

They have four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They will celebrate their anniversary in Carmel, California.

Catholic Cemeteries cancels Memorial Day Masses

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas is canceling this year’s May 31 Memorial Day Masses at locations in Johnson, Leavenworth, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties. This includes Masses that would have been celebrated at: • Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Olathe • St. John Cemetery, Lenexa • Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas • Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas • Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa • Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lansing • St. Joseph Cemetery, Shawnee • Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka “We typically draw large crowds to these annual observances,” said Sharon Vallejo, president of Catholic Cemeteries. “Given the current status of COVID-19 and its variants, and progress with vaccinations, we are exercising precaution by canceling the Masses again this year.”

Individuals and families will still be able to memorialize their deceased loved ones by decorating outdoor monuments and mausoleum areas in accord with Catholic Cemeteries’ regulations.

For more information, call (913) 3714040; send an email to: information@ cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks.org.

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Club teaches teens the art of healthy — not hateful — discourse

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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VERLAND PARK — Political division has become a mainstay of U.S. society in recent years.

The rise of social media has only heightened the divisiveness among families, friends and communities across the country.

But students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park are tired of it.

“Everybody’s so divided on social media,” said senior Andrew Abadir.

“But when you actually get to talk to your peers . . . about the issues that everybody is so heated and divided about on social media,” he continued, “you find that you have a lot of common ground.

“You can actually work things out.”

Abadir is the president of the school’s “One Nation Under God” civics and history club, which he and social studies department head Stephanie Cloues launched at the start of the 2020-21 school year.

The nonpartisan club has brought together students of all backgrounds and political beliefs to celebrate their country, find common ground and share their passion for civics.

A civically engaged generation Abadir and Cloues first spoke about starting a civics club last spring.

COVID-19 put their plans on hold, but over the summer, they exchanged emails and were able to get the club started in the fall.

For Cloues, asking Abadir to be president was a no-brainer.

She knew him from her time at Ascension School in Overland Park, where she taught for seven years.

“I knew that he was passionate about American history and civic engagement,” she said. “I wanted to start a club, and I knew he’d be the perfect person to [help].”

Abadir was eager to have a civics presence at his school, and he wasn’t alone.

One hundred and sixteen students joined in its first year.

Cloues isn’t surprised by the interest.

“One of my students said how it’s almost popular to be civically engaged these days as opposed to 10 years ago,” she said.

“Students have heard about how young people don’t care and don’t vote,” she added. “Because so many issues have been so divisive in the last couple of years, I think it’s motivating students to understand what the truth is and defend it with evidence.”

Finding shared values When Cloues advertised “One Nation Under God” in her American History class, junior Thomas Kluck was in-

trigued.

“I love celebrating my country, my God and my opinions,” he said. “I figured, why not do that in a club setting?”

Kluck believes the club’s newness and the leadership of Abadir and Cloues make it an appealing opportunity.

“Plus,” he said, “I think people want to get their opinions out there after a political frenzy during quarantine and the election.

“Every election year, politics become mainstream again, especially with the seniors who are voting for the first time.”

Through his short time in the club, Kluck has already “learned how to see things from another perspective,” he said, which is something he believes is lacking in the online world.

“I think social media shows you what you want to see,” he explained, “[and] how you would like the world to be.

“It’s also easier to put off other opinions behind a screen. But when you have those conversations face to face, you are forced to realize that differing views are still valid [and] that they’re more than just online adversaries.

“You also realize that we all share more values than we think. We all want what is best for ourselves and each other — we just have different solutions as to how to get there.”

Aquinas junior Thomas Kluck (left) and senior Seth Filipsen (right) have a spirited debate on increasing brought together students of all backgrounds and political beliefs to celebrate their country, find commo

Causes to celebrate After transitioning from teaching in grade school to high school, Cloues found something lacking.

“I always felt there was something in high schools missing about that sense of patriotism and celebration,” she said.

“I think this club provides students that opportunity to celebrate not just their patriotism,” she continued, “but also their duty for civic engagement.”

One of the most popular celebrations the club held was for Veterans Day, held on Nov. 11 each year.

Members reached out to alumni who served or are currently serving in the military.

“We had gotten 150 responses from our Aquinas community of family and friends that had served going all the way back to the Revolutionary War, and current alums that are serving,” said Cloues.

Fifty students spent a study hall period putting together images with information about the alums who responded. The images were displayed for everyone in the school to see during the week of Veterans Day. Cloues said the experience taught the students about sacrifice.

“The idea of sacrificing for your country — for ideals and ideas greater than yourself — oftentimes that’s not something that young people today have truly had an opportunity to experience,” she said.

“I think it’s important for them to see that sense of sacrifice of those that have gone before us [to serve],” she added.

“One Nation Under God” has also held letter-writing campaigns for elected officials and encourages students to practice their civic duties.

Stephanie Cloues talks with civics club members, from left, Seth Filipsen, Thomas Kluck, Michael Kluck a “We passed out stickers that say ‘Be a voter’ to every student on election day to encourage them to be active participants in our democracy when they are of voting age,” said Cloues.

“And we emphasize that we are a nonpartisan Catholic club,” she added.

The club has also had its lighthearted moments.

On Presidents Day, members placed a

cutout of Mount Rushmore in the school for students to stick their heads in and take pictures. They also had posters of newly elected officials.

“It was a humorous take,” said Cloues, “but also [we want to show that] here are the faces of our elected officials — be aware of them and realize that anyone can become president of the United States.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

the minimum wage during a “One Nation Under God” club meeting on April 7. The nonpartisan club has on ground and share their passion for civics and history.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Aquinas teacher Stephanie Cloues, who launched the school’s “One Nation Under God” civics and history club at the start of the 2020-21 school year, addresses club members during a meeting.

Young leaders

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Andres Weida (center), lays out the ground rules before seniors Andrew Abadir (left), president of the civics club, and Seth Filipsen (right) begin their debate.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

and Nicholas Hare during a meeting at the school.

Learning and listening Of all the well-attended events the club has held, the most popular by far were its debates — held in December and April.

During the first, students discussed the dropping of the atomic bomb during World War II and the Electoral College.

Cloues estimates around 70 students attended that day.

“From that first debate we had, I think students understand how important it is to know what you believe and to have that truth to defend it and help others understand your viewpoint,” said Cloues.

The second debate, held on April 7, gave students the chance to discuss increasing the minimum wage.

Abadir said the opportunity to debate political topics in a respectful way among his peers has been exciting and eye-opening.

It’s also taught him how to be a strong leader.

“I’ve learned if you want to lead a large group of people like a whole school, you can’t let your views get in the way of leading other people and making something that lots of people want to be a

part of, rather than just people you agree with,” he said.

He believes a club like “One Nation Under God” thrives in a Catholic high school because of the foundation of faith that is present.

“We all have a base of what we think is right and wrong based on what we’ve learned through our four years at Aquinas and beyond that in Catholic education,” said Abadir.

He and his peers always find an issue to agree on, he said, especially the prolife movement.

Cloues is encouraged by the unity her students have found and hopes they’ll continue to think for themselves while also respecting each other’s viewpoints.

“For students to be active, to be involved, [they have] to realize that you’ve got to do your research and you have to be able to see both sides of the issues,” she said.

Looking back at this year, Cloues is impressed by the passion students like Abadir and Kluck have for history and civics.

“I always say you have to be wise beyond your years to appreciate history at a young age,” she said.

“So that’s also what Andrew Abadir and Thomas Kluck and I are trying to channel — that curiosity, love of country and what unites us as Catholics and Americans,” she added.

For Kluck, the club has been a refreshing outlet.

“The current political polarization has led to more misinformation and bias than ever,” he said.

“Plus, our generation is really the first to reach the age of reason with a phone in our hands,” he continued. “So, our social interactions and outside education have been dictated by the internet and social media.”

Kluck said that might seem normal to people his age because that’s all they’ve ever known, but it’s not.

“We need to have conversations and arguments in person instead of on our phones,” he said. “That’s how we have healthy disagreements and not hateful ones.

“Our generation needs to make that the norm, and I think environments where we know it’s safe to do so help make that happen.”

Abadir is grateful for the role he’s played in the club’s success during his final year at Aquinas.

He hopes it will continue to flourish.

“This club is something that I hope lasts a long time after I’m gone,” he said.

“Future classes can have the same spirit of civility that we have going.”

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WORLD/NATION

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Sponsor a gargoyle: New fundraiser launched for Notre Dame

By Deirdre C. Mays Catholic News Service

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novel fundraising approach to restore one of the most iconic monuments in the world, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, enables donors to have a piece of history.

On April 15, Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris unveiled an interactive website — restorenotredame.org — that allows people to donate by adopting or sponsoring pieces of precious art and artifacts that were damaged in a 2019 fire. Donors can engage with the objects of their choosing and select which they’d like to help restore, whether it is a painting or statue. Funds can also go toward the cathedral’s restoration as a whole if the person prefers.

The organization was established in 2017 to help cover the cost of repairing damages caused by time, pollution and the use of inferior stone used in construction of the 12th-century Gothic landmark. The cathedral had not had any major repairs since the mid-1800s, so the group launched an international campaign to raise the $135 million needed for those essential renovations — augmented by a $45 million budget from the French government.

On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out in the attic and completely consumed the timber roof and spire. The burning debris and melted lead from the roof fell on top of a stone vault below. Most sections of the cathedral remained intact due to the rib vaulting, and most of the precious art and religious relics were saved, including what is believed to be Jesus’ crown of thorns and a piece of the cross from his crucifixion, the Tunic of St. Louis and the 14th-century Virgin of the Pillar statue.

After the fire, the mission of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris had

A gargoyle sits atop Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, overlooking the city. Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris have unveiled an interactive website — restorenotredame.org — that allows people to donate by adopting or sponsoring pieces of precious art and artifacts that were damaged in a 2019 fire. an even greater scope — rebuilding from ashes. Since the fire, more than $1 billion from more than 150 countries has been pledged to rebuild the cathedral, said Michel Picaud, president of Friends of Notre-Dame.

Picaud said the item people feel most sentimental about is probably the Virgin of the Pillar, which “attracts the attention of believers because it is the Virgin Mary in all her beauty and significance.”

The May paintings are one of the top features of the restoration effort.

They are a series of paintings commis-

sioned in the 17th- and early 18th-century by the goldsmith’s guild of Paris to offer to the cathedral in the month of May. They are approximately three by four meters high and depict scenes from the Gospels. Smaller models of the paintings also were created. The fundraising process has helped reveal the location of some of those that were not in the cathedral collection.

The massive project is currently in the safety phase, which should last until the summer of 2022, Picaud said.

It includes protecting the vaults from rain with a tarp; lead decontamination;

Catholic sculptor’s work to be part of COVID-19 memorial

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OUNGSTOWN, Ohio (CNS) — In an announcement that marked the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy Health — Youngstown and the Mercy Health Foundation — Mahoning Valley said a permanent memorial is planned to honor victims of the pandemic and those who cared for them.

The memorial will stand at the front of Mercy Health — St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and is expected to be completed in September, according to Mercy Health officials.

Mercy Health — Youngstown is part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health integrated health system of Catholic hospitals.

A central element of the memorial will be a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, titled “When I Was Sick,” featuring a patient representing Jesus and lying prone, said Jonathan Fauvie, public relations and communication manager for Mercy Health.

Schmalz, a Catholic, is best known for his 2013 sculpture, “Homeless Jesus,” depicting Jesus as a person in need and alluding to the corporal works of mercy. Replicas of this work have been displayed around the world, including at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

More recently, he created “Angels Unawares,” a bronze sculpture depicting the movement of migrants.

“One year later and I don’t believe

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY ST. ELIZABETH YOUNGSTOWN HOSPITAL

Timothy Schmalz’s sculpture “When I Was Sick” is displayed on a Rome street Feb. 9, 2017. The artist will create a replica of the statue that will be part of a COVID-19 memorial planned for Mercy Health — St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in Ohio. The memorial is expected to be completed sometime in September. anyone could have predicted we would still be fighting the invisible enemy we know as COVID-19,” said Dr. John Luellen, market president at Mercy Health — Youngstown.

“Today we remember those we lost, remind ourselves of the blessing to have survivors and the dedication of our health care workers, in all levels and health systems,” Luellen said at a recent news conference.

“Additionally, [the memorial] will recognize the health care heroes among us who sacrificed greatly to

care for the sick and dying in our community,” Luellen concluded.

The memorial at the Youngstown hospital “will permanently observe the global pandemic and represent a tribute to the loved ones we lost and continue to lose,” Fauvie said.

This sculpture and the Mercy Health memorial, Fauvie explained, will be funded by donations to the Mercy Health Foundation. Already, $50,000 of the projected $150,000 has been donated by the medical staff of Mercy Health.

fortifying the north, south and west gables, particularly to protect the three large rose windows; fortifying the most damaged pillars of the nave; reinforcing the flying buttresses; wrapping and protecting the gargoyles and other sculptural elements of the north and south towers; and removing burned and melted scaffolding that had previously surrounded the spire.

Restoration and rebuilding probably will continue for the next 10 years, Picaud said, and will cost more than $1 billion to complete it.

FDA criticized for lifting in-person requirement to receive abortion drug WASHINGTON (CNS) — The decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s acting commissioner to suspend enforcement of the agency’s in-person prescribing requirement for the abortion drug endangers women’s health and possibly their lives, pro-life leaders said.

On April 12, Dr. Janet Woodcock said the FDA will “exercise enforcement discretion” regarding its own requirement for mifepristone as long as President Joe Biden’s declaration of a public health emergency for COVID-19 remains in place.

The brand name for mifepristone is Mifeprex. Also called RU-486, it is used to end pregnancies during the first 10 weeks.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said April 16 it was difficult to see the FDA’s decision “as anything other than callous capitulation to the requests of abortion activists without regard for the health and safety of the women involved. With this decision, not only are women being sold the lie that abortion will solve their problems, but also that chemical abortion is a safe and easy way to go about it,” he said in a statement.

APRIL 23, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN LETTER

11

Rome or home? Expats look for best way to survive the pandemic

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — After a year without U.S. pilgrims, tourists and university students, some American expats in Rome have packed up and moved home. But others who teach at study abroad programs or work with pilgrims have expanded their services to a whole new clientele: people who have never visited the Eternal City and may never have the chance.

Foreign travel to Italy dropped almost 70% in 2020, and while many people hope vaccination campaigns will allow some form of recovery by late summer or early fall, no one is predicting a speedy recovery.

Standing in front of St. Peter’s Square April 15, seeing police outnumber tourists and seagulls outnumber both, the challenge was clear for U.S. citizens whose work depends on the Vatican but is not paid by the Vatican.

Elizabeth Lev, an art historian, professor and tour guide, may be one of the busiest people in lockdown, but she also has forged deep ties with Italian tour guides who have been without an income for more than a year and have turned to cleaning houses or delivering takeout food.

But, in an industry focused less on pilgrimage and more on tourism with “the faith button turned down low,” Lev said she has discovered the deep faith of many of her colleagues and how, “when chips were down, suddenly it comes up to be a ballast for them.”

She and other expert guides founded Masters’ Gallery Rome, which offers virtual tours and online lectures about art, architecture and church history — and often all three in one. They have had to learn the technology and try to figure out pricing, though the Masters’ Gallery offers a weekly lecture for free.

“We simply ask for a donation, and we have found that people are very generous,” she said.

Still, she said, with the pandemic many people are realizing the importance of “real” experiences, face-to-face meetings and actual visits to places. “I think it’s something we understand in the Catholic Church in a very special way. After this year of virtual Masses, I think every Catholic who walked back into a church again and received the Eucharist really did understand that matter matters.”

Expatriates from the United States are not the only ones who have thought about leaving or have actually done so, Lev said. “There’s something of a dramatic shake-up” due to the economic situation, the restrictions and generally how “the beauty of the life here has been obscured for them.”

That has not happened for Ashley Noronha and her husband, John. They are founders of the Truth & Beauty Project, which offers visitors to Rome and the Vatican experiences designed to help them “understand the roots of their faith and Christian identity, using art and beauty to teach what it means to live an authentic Christian life.”

They came to Rome shortly after their marriage in 2008 to do graduate studies, but, she said, “leaving or staying in Rome is always on the table.” It is something they pray about, but they also “cobble together” different jobs to support themselves.

“Living in Rome really helps you realize the beauty of living in providence and relying only on God’s grace,” she said.

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Mountain Butorac, an Atlanta native who founded The Catholic Traveler in 2004, is pictured outside the Vatican in Rome April 15. The Rome-based tour guide said he has adapted during the pandemic to offer virtual tours and talks that help him reach a larger audience.

In addition to offering tours, the Noronhas blog and teach courses at Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and Ashley is the Vatican correspondent for Relevant Radio.

Those jobs have continued, in person or online, through the various stages of Italy’s lockdowns.

Mountain Butorac, who started The Catholic Traveler in 2004, moved to Rome with his wife and children seven years ago. Organizing and leading pilgrimages is his job and his vocation, he said.

Before the pandemic was declared in March 2020, he said, he was on track to have his busiest, most successful year ever. Then everything stopped.

“But I adapted. I was able to start sharing the faith more and more on social media, with videos and podcasts, and it’s actually been a great year as far as the business goes,” he said. There always will be people who are unable to travel, so the virtual tours and talks have helped him reach a much larger audience.

And followers have been generous in supporting him through Patreon, a website that hosts subscription services for a huge variety of content creators.

“There were a few moments when we thought, ‘Oh, maybe we should go back to the States,’ but we thought this is where we needed to be at this moment, so we stayed,” he said.

But, Butorac said, “I’ve had quite a few guide friends move back to the States; there’s no work; there’s no way to pay the rent, so they’ve moved back with their parents.”

When asked if there is a place in Rome that was particularly meaningful for him during the pandemic, Butorac said, “the Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs,” which tradition holds are the stairs Jesus ascended when Pontius Pilate brought him before the crowd and handed him over to be crucified. The tradition says St. Helen, mother of the Emperor Constantine, brought the stairs to Rome from Jerusalem in 326 A.D.

The stairs “give us a preview of the pandemic, because it is a little painful,” Butorac said. “You climb up these

stairs on your knees and you learn life isn’t always easy, even if it is just 28 steps you are climbing up.”

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12 EMPLOYMENT Part-time lead preschool teacher - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a part-time lead preschool teacher for our transitional kindergarten classroom. This teacher is responsible for the management of the classroom, carrying out the rules and regulations of our licensure through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and for maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. If you are interested, please contact Jennie Wente, preschool director, at (913) 4023971 or send resume and cover letter to: jennie.wente@ stmichaelcp.org.

Professional services coordinator - L’Arche Heartland is seeking a professional services coordinator. This is a highly responsible position that reports directly to the community leader. Duties include: sharing life with community members; training of new assistants on state regulatory processes and Heartland policies and procedures; oversight of all medical support/attend appointments as needed; liaison with Heartland Home-care; audit all medication deliveries; creates/verifies/edits all MARs; liaison with nurse consultant, scheduling medication trainings and MAR audits; prepares all needed documentation for the BASIS; attends all BASIS meetings; helps write behavioral support plans (BSPs); attends all BSP meetings; completes risk assessments and obtains human rights committee approval and signatures; conducts three-month and annual reviews for assistants; maintains personnel files for assistants and follows disciplinary process according to policies and procedures; conducts oversight and verification of household accounts and core member accounts at least monthly; maintains all 17 core member contact notes, monthly reviews and maintain archive files at the office; attend weekly and monthly meetings; attends community gatherings of formation and celebration; conducts oversight of house vehicle maintenance. This position requires a bachelor’s degree and supervisory experience. This is a salaried position which includes a favorable benefits package. L’Arche experience preferred. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Social mission and outreach coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish is seeking a proactive, organized and approachable professional to serve as the social mission and outreach coordinator. This role is responsible for coordinating activities of various parish ministries, committees, volunteers and projects while assuring a high degree of outreach to the local community.

The position is approximately 25 hours per week with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities. Go online to: stmichaelcp.org/employment-opportunities for a full job description. Submit cover letter and resume to: Denise.Greene@stmichaelcp.org.

High School principal - Cristo Rey Kansas City High School, Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a school principal effective on/around July 1, 2021. CRKC provides a Catholic, college and career prep education enhanced by an innovative corporate work study program to culturally diverse, ambitious students with economic need. Founded in 2006 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, CRKC serves approximately 300 students in grades 9 - 12, drawing students of diverse backgrounds from 64 unique feeder schools across the Greater KC metropolitan area. This position is a 12-month position and is benefits eligible. The complete job description and application process are available at: www.cristoreykc. org/cms/One, click on “About,” then scroll down and click on “Job Opportunities.”

Full-time receptionist - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is seeking a full-time receptionist at the parish office to greet and welcome guests, perform general office duties, schedule Mass intentions and manage sacramental recording, documentation and certificates. The ideal candidate would have excellent communication skills, be extremely organized, proficient in Google programs, Word, Excel and have the ability to learn new software programs. Applicants with knowledge of the operations of a Catholic Church preferred. This position offers benefits. Interested candidates, please email resume to the parish manager at: bobkolich@cureofars.com.

Administrative assistant for evangelization, formation and outreach - This position provides front office administrative support to two department directors as well as other staff, including, but not limited to, RE, youth sacrament preparation, adult education, youth ministry, VBS and CGS. This is a year-round, part-time position that normally works Monday through Friday with occasional, infrequent evening and weekend duties. For additional details, a comprehensive job description or to apply, please visit the website at: stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities or contact Denise Greene at: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org or (913) 402-3984.

Food service - St. Joseph School in Shawnee has a job opening in food service for the 2021-22 school year. The hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. when lunch is offered. Perfect job for a mom. Call Kathy Hirt at (913) 631-7730.

Teacher aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a part-time teacher aide for our 4’s classroom.

This person is responsible for assisting the lead teacher in carrying out daily activities, carrying out the rules and regulations of our licensure and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. If you are interested, please contact Jennie Wente, preschool director, at (913) 4023971 or send resume and cover letter to: jennie.wente@ stmichaelcp.org.

Office manager - St. Lawrence, the Catholic Church at the University of Kansas, seeks a part-time office manager for 20 hours a week. The manager must be personable, faithful and must be excellent at working with volunteers, church business and routine office tasks. Full information can be found at: kucatholic.org/jobs.

Full-time elementary teacher - Sacred Heart School in Ottawa is seeking a full-time elementary teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license and be certified to teach K - 5. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Lisa Blaes at: lblaes@sacred heartottawa.eduk12.net.

School cafeteria director - Nativity Parish is seeking a director of food service for the 2021-22 school year.

The director must be knowledgeable in all aspects of running a school lunch program: planning menus within the guidelines of KSDE, ordering food and other supplies, processing accounts payable, filing reports with the KSDE/Wellness programs, and supervising employees and volunteers. Competitive salary and benefits. Interested applicants should send a letter of application and resume to the attention of David Kearney at: david. kearney@kcnativity.org or Nativity Parish School, 3700 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209.

Direct support professional - Goodlife Innovations in Lawrence and in Johnson County is urgently hiring direct support professionals to help provide care, teach skills and hang out with adults with disabilities. Full- and parttime shifts available. Average pay of $12 - $15.17 per hour. Apply today at: https://mygoodlife.org/careers/.

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.

Elementary school principal - St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish in Maryville, Missouri, is seeking a school principal effective on/around July 1, 2021. This parish school serves approximately 125 students (K - 8) and 40 preschool students and seeks an individual who is committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. This position is full time and benefits eligible. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403(b) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick days. Please visit job openings at: www.kcsjcatholic.org; scroll down and click on “Get Started” then on “Job Openings” and finally click on “Click here to view and apply for current openings (Paylocity)” for a complete job description and to apply.

Elementary school principal - Holy Family School in Topeka is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2021-22 school year. Ability to understand and speak Spanish is a plus. Holy Family has approximately 161 students in K - 8th grades and 10 preschoolers taught by 14 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. Visit: holyfamilytopeka.net to learn more about the school. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org.

Deadline for application is April 16.

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

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

Small equipment technician - Do you enjoy tinkering and working with your hands? Then this is the job for you!

We are a small, family-owned local company looking for someone who is handy with small equipment and enjoys traveling every now and then. We need team members with a positive attitude who are flexible, dependable, self-motivated, mechanically inclined, customer-service oriented and have great time management skills. Mostly on the job training. Electrical knowledge is a plus. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

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

Director of accounting - Donnelly College is a nonprofit, private, Catholic college. Business affairs is responsible for all financial services and reporting for the college.

This requires forward thinking and a “do what it takes” attitude to ensure departmental resources are maximized throughout the year. The director of accounting supervises the business office activities (accounts payable, cash receipts, accounts receivable and student accounts) and acts as a liaison with other department personnel to maintain accounting and operating guidelines. In addition, the director of accounting is responsible for the majority of the monthly accounting reconciliations and journal entries. This position is an integral piece in the financial accounting and reporting function. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and be comfortable handling sensitive information. Must be able to pass a background check and complete Virtus training. Please email cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly with “Director of Accounting” in the subject line.

Positions available - St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, has two positions available: full-time staff accountant; and a full-time teaching position for the 2021-22 school year for a Latin instructor, a Spanish instructor and an accountant. Job descriptions and an application form may be found on our website at: https:// stteresasacademy.org/jobs. For more information, email Patty Thompson, director of human resources, at: pthompson@stteresasacademy.org.

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

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

Math specialist - Nativity Parish School is seeking a full-time math specialist for the 2021-22 school year as part of our STREAM initiative. The math specialist will be responsible for collaborating with classroom teachers to analyze data and design lessons, lead professional development and create an innovative math experience that actively engages and motivates all students to be successful mathematicians. Experience in classroom teaching, data analysis and leading professional development is preferred. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to principal David Kearney at: david.kearney@kcnativity.org.

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

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

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.

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to e successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/ or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate.

Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and wellbeing of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parent; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis.

There are opportunities for career advancement. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 8940131, option 3.

Teacher opening - Bishop Miege High School has a teacher opening for family and consumer science for the 2021-22 school year. Send letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Office assistant - Looking for a job where you can make a difference and you’re not just a nameless face? Come join our family-owned small company that’s been established locally in the medical instruments field for almost 40 years. We are looking for a full-time candidate who is detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, dependable, customer-service oriented, friendly and has excellent communication skills. Job tasks include invoicing, vendor relations, product ordering and receiving/shipping. Computer skills are a must and QuickBooks a plus! Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Custodian - Bishop Miege is seeking a full-time evening shift custodian. Hours are M - F, 3:30 p.m. - midnight, with occasional days and weekends. The custodian will maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general housekeeping and sanitation duties, event setup and light maintenance. The candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 pounds regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community.

Send resume to Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205 or email: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

Bookkeeping position - Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is searching for a candidate to serve the parish and school in accounting. This part-time position will require 20-25 hours per week, with compensation reflecting the candidate’s level of competence and education. The ideal candidate will be competent in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office, have the ability to oversee the administration of employee benefits and have the bearing of a servant leader in dealing with parish employees, parishioners and school families. Interested applicants should contact the pastor of Christ the King, Father Blaha, at: revnb@pm.me for application information, or view the job description at: ctkkcks.org.

Instructor, faculty faith formation - Holy Family School of Faith is looking for a tenacious, innovative and courageous missionary heart to help run our school faculty formation sessions. Expectations include leading faculty formation sessions, regular team meetings, curriculum design and planning, collaboration with our team and a commitment to live the movement of friendship, good conversation and the rosary. The ideal candidate will be in good standing with the church, have teaching experience and be well formed in the faith. If you are interested, contact Chris Hillyer at: Chris@ SchoolOfFaith.com.

Elementary and middle school teachers - Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking elementary and middle school teachers for the 2021-22 school year.

Partnering with parents in their role as primary educators, Christ the King School extends the mission of the church in forming true disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a Catholic classic liberal arts education centered on Christ, we provide an integrated approach, fostering a love for truth, beauty and goodness. We seek to instill a natural desire for wisdom and virtue in all students. We seek candidates who will provide engaging and active instruction and also exhibit a love of lifelong learning. The ideal teacher at Christ the King has not only developed a level of mastery in the discipline/grade level that they teach, but also understands how that discipline belongs within the context of a strong liberal arts education. The candidate should understand how a Catholic worldview permeates the curriculum and the instruction, understand the role of poetic imagination in education and be a disciple of Christ committed to providing a Gospel witness. Qualifications: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred and reflected in compensation; mastery of subject matters to be taught as demonstrated by references and education; two years of teaching experience preferred, with exceptions granted for outstanding candidates who demonstrate a record of effective leadership in a relevant field of work. The applicant must also possess a love of teaching, a passion for mentoring and a desire to continue in their own learning.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and CV to Cathy Fithian, principal, at: cfithian@ctkkck.org or by mail to Christ the King School, Cathy Fithian, Principal, 3027 N. 54th St., Kansas City, KS 66104. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

APRIL 23, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

DISABILITY RESOURCE SERIES FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND SELF-ADVOCATES Via Zoom April 29 and May 6 at 8:30 p.m.

Sessions include: “Family Medical Eligibility” (by Russell Nittler); and “Elderly/Persons with Disability Eligibility” (by Russell Nittler). Register online at: www.archkck. org/special-needs. The Zoom link will be sent the day before each session. Contact Tom Racunas at: tracunas@archkck.org or Jill Reffett at: jillreffett@embraceks.org with questions.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Via Zoom or Church of the Ascension (St. Luke’s Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park April 27 at 7 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a ministry offering hope through sacred Scripture and community to parents and grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. Our mission is to offer support and hope through Scripture in a time of transformation. For more information, including the Zoom invitation link, contact Deacon Ken Billinger at (913) 634-4210 or send an email to: kbillinger@archkck.org.

This group is open to parents or grandparents who have lost children.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas April 30 - May 2

>> Continued from page 12

SERVICES Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more.

I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

CALENDAR/CLASSIFIEDS Beginning Experience is offering a healing weekend for men and women of all ages who have suffered the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation. Reservations are required. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail. com; or contact Laura at (308) 530-1873.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood May 1 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Ten Commandments of Grief.”

For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

SUDS & SCHOLARSHIPS Boulevard Brewing Company 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri May 3 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Join us for this annual benefit for Holy Name School’s student scholarship fund.

Help support the vibrant and faith-filled community at Holy Name, where 86% of students rely on scholarship to attend.

There will be musical entertainment by The Hamptones and food from Jack Stack Barbecue. You are also to welcome to come in-person. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase. Limited capacity with safety precautions in place.

Learn more online at: one.bidpal.net/holy name21/welcome.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

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.

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

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

WAR HORSES FOR VETERANS D-DAY RIDE 5600 W. 183rd St., Stillwell June 6 at 8 a.m.

This motorcycle ride is being hosted by the Father Donnelly Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. WHFV is a nonprofit organization that provides equestrian therapy for veterans and first responders. The 103-mile ride will begin at WHFV with stops at American Legion and VFW posts. It will end at Rawhide Harley Davidson, Olathe.

Absolutely no alcohol during the ride. The cost is: $25 per rider; $10 per passenger.

For registration and details go online to: horsesforveterans.com.

SPECIAL-NEEDS FAMILY CAMP Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg June 18 - 20

Enjoy a weekend of fun and family at Camp Tekakwitha. Register online at: www. archkck.org/special-needs.

ST. JOSEPH RETREAT: ‘WITH A FATHER’S HEART’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton June 25 - 27

The retreat will begin on June 25 at 6 p.m. with supper. In this year dedicated to St. Joseph, enter into the movement and develop a deeper relationship with our spiritual father as we learn about consecration to St. Joseph. For more information, send

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

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 - Two side-by-side, full size crypts, marble fronts at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, inside the Center Chapel, Tier C, 1 and 3, main floor. Open and close fees included. Contact Jim at (913) 208-3698.

For sale - One plot in Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa: Ascension, lot 176, section A, spaces one and two.

Asking $900 for both. Negotiable. Call Walt at (731) 6424110 or (731) 227-3260 (cell).

REAL ESTATE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Get Instant Cash Offer on Your Johnson County Home!

Skip the Showings Move on Your Schedule Low Fee Structure Get Started Today! www.FullPriceHomeSale.com

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Clean -up and hauling *Dirt grading/installation *Landscape design *Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391

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

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

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

We 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

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.

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

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

13 an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City area July 12 - 15

If you know of anyone needing minor home repairs, painting or yard cleanup, contact the managers by email at: chwc.kc@ gmail.com or call (402) 306-9043. You will need to leave a message if you call. Safety guidelines are in place to meet the current CDC guidelines regarding COVID.

TOTUS TUUS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe July 19 - 23

Come join others and learn about Totus Tuus. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ special-needs.

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

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

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.

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

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Cracks repaired and wall painting available.

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

Accepting major credit cards.

Call with questions

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

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Caring companion - I am a certified nursing assistant with 10-plus years experience with stroke, Alzheimer’s dementia patients. I assist with personal care services and offer non-emergency, medical transportation. Call (816) 859-2252.

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

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

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER April 25 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 4: 8-12 Ps 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29 1 Jn 3: 1-2 Jn 10: 11-18 April 26 Monday Acts 11: 1-18 Pss 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Jn 10: 1-10 April 27 Tuesday Acts 11: 19-26 Ps 87: 1b-7 Jn 10: 22-30 April 28 Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest Acts 12:24 – 13:5a Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8 Jn 12: 44-50 April 29 Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church Acts 13: 13-25 Ps 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 Jn 13: 16-20 April 30 Pius V, pope Acts 1: 26-33 Ps 2: 6-11b Jn 14: 1-6 May 1 Joseph the Worker Acts 13: 44-52 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 14: 7-14

T

he votes of the judges were unanimous. On a scale of 1 to 10, they rated my performance: 0. Yes, that’s right, a zero!

Afterwards, one judge commented, “It’s too bad that we couldn’t award negative numbers, because he sure deserved them.”

Aw, give me a break. After all, it was my very first time. I should have gotten at least a point for trying.

Here’s the deal: Last Friday, I found myself at KCIC in Shawnee.

That’s the Kansas City Ice Center. A longtime friend has taken up (and been loving) ice skating and she thought I’d enjoy a new adventure. I said, “Hey, why not?” Saying it was easy, but when the day actually came, I was terrified.

My friend reassured me that Friday morning was the perfect time to go since it was reserved for adult skaters, age 18 and above — and there were rarely more than about

Here’s wishing you an ice day 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.

a dozen people there.

When getting my rental skates, I asked the person if she had any that came with training wheels. She looked up and said, “Just make sure you lace these up tight.” I was so inept that my friend even had to help me with that.

Standing up, I was proud at how easily I balanced on the one blade. In fact, I didn’t fall even once heading to the rink. Granted, I was walking on carpeting, but still . . .

Everything changed once I actually got on the ice. I’d watched a couple of YouTube videos the day before that provided tips for first-time skaters.

Those were obviously designed for competent first-time skaters, of which I was not.

I’m guessing I made it about 35 seconds before my first fall.

That was to be one of many. How many?

After about 10, I lost count.

Now, if points were being awarded by judges for creative ways to fall, I would have scored a perfect 10. Meanwhile, I watched my friend as she glided effortlessly forward and backward across the ice. She

1347-1380 Catherine was the 24th of 25 children of a Sienese dyer; her mystical experiences and raptures began at age 6. She refused to marry, and about 1367 joined the Third Order of St. Dominic. She attracted a like-minded group in Siena for prayer and good works, and devoted her last five years to church unity and ending the scandal of rival papacies.

Though she experienced the pain of the stigmata, it became visible only after her death at 33.

And, in an odd division of relics, her body is in a Roman church, while her head is in a Sienese church. Named a doctor of the church in 1970, Catherine is a patron saint of Europe and Italy, and the patron of fire prevention, nurses and nursing.

came over often to give me helpful hints (and hold me up!).

Although my mind understood, my body refused to cooperate.

Eventually, I told her to skate far away from me, so she wouldn’t be embarrassed by my incompetence. She could just pretend I was some random, uncoordinated stranger who wandered in off the street. (Being my friend, she wouldn’t agree to do that.)

In time, we took a break to enjoy some coffee and a Coke.

Again, I navigated the carpeting without incident. A woman who had been skating was leaving. She turned at the door and said, “You are really brave!”

I replied, “Brave? Or foolish?” She said again, “Brave!”

Happily, I broke no bones on this adventure. And I suspect that my frequent falls so smoothed out the ice that KCIC could give their Zamboni a rest for the day.

So, what’s the point of all this? Throughout the season of Easter, we hear about the new

life that the Lord has ushered in. But we often forget that that newness comes at a cost; there’s a learning curve to it.

Using my ice skating as an example, doing something new asks us to face our fears and be willing to lose control. It calls us to be patient and open to learning. It asks us to not take ourselves so seriously and be willing to be embarrassed.

And, in the face of failure, we’re encouraged to keep on getting up.

Just as my friend stayed to encourage me and shepherd me on the ice, so does our Shepherd accompany us in living the new life of Easter, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Let’s not be afraid to let the Lord stretch us out of our comfort zones in these days as he did the early Christians.

So, will I attempt to ice skate again? You bet . . . just as soon as Amazon delivers my suit of armor.

We were born to seek the face of others — and ultimately, God

S Catherine of Siena

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

tanding at the stove in her small kitchen, my daughter cooks with one hand, holds Judith in the other.

The months-old child gazes at me over her mother’s shoulder. If I make a feint toward her cheek, she instantly ducks, but then pops up and resumes her wide-eyed, unhurried examination of me.

I wasn’t there the day Judith was born.

But I know, because she’s human, that in the first minutes after she emerged into the light, she started looking for a face, her mother’s face, and within a day or two, she could distinguish

,

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

that face from others.

Our first need when we arrive in the world is to lock eyes with the

person on whom we are dependent. From our first moments, we are face seekers.

And isn’t that what we always are — seekers of the face of a parent, a friend, a lover, the face of someone to help in time of need, someone to understand us, someone to help us stay grounded, to stay on track, someone to play golf with?

And aren’t those faces and, in fact, the

faces of all the people we meet along the way in life, the greatest wonder we encounter?

(If we can’t say yes, is it perhaps because we have forgotten something that Judith already knows?)

And isn’t our whole life moving toward a face?

In this Sunday’s second reading, John tells us that in the Resurrection — which we can hardly conceive of — we do not know what we will be like, but we can know, at least, that we will be like Jesus, because “we shall see him as he is.”

When we are born out of this world into the world to come, all our face seeking will

come to a conclusion.

We will see the one who loved us into existence and guided us through this present life.

John makes a repeated, insistent declaration that he was one of those who had seen Jesus of Nazareth.

“What we have seen with our eyes,” he said, “the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us — what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you” (1 Jn 1:1-3).

In the end, we too will see him. We will be face-to-face with him, no farther apart than Judith and me in my daughter’s kitchen.

Faith is bolstered by prayer — not money, power, media — pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Without prayer, everything crumbles and any initiatives for church reform will just be proposals by some group and not the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said.

“Everything in the church originates in prayer and everything grows thanks to prayer,” the pope said April 14 during his weekly

general audience. If there is no prayer, the church becomes “like an empty shell” that has lost its bearings and “no longer possesses its source of warmth and love,” he said, and it ends up being made up of groups of “entrepreneurs of faith” that are well organized and busy with charitable activities but lack faith.

Continuing his series of talks

on prayer, the pope reflected on the role of the church as a school of faith and prayer.

“The breath of faith is prayer,” the pope said. “We grow in faith inasmuch as we learn to pray,” and over time, especially after crises or difficult periods in life, “we become aware that without faith, we could not have made it through and that our strength was prayer.”

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 23, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Don’t suffer any longer in silence. Project Rachel is here for you

I

n the spring of 2019, I had an unexpectedly heartbreaking and simultaneously beautiful conversation with a woman whom I had never met before.

I’ll call her “Clare.”

We had arranged for a quick ticket dropoff for the screening of the new “Unplanned” movie.

After exchanging thank-yous and as I was turning to leave, Clare paused, lowered her eyes and quietly said, “Though I know it will be difficult, I think the Holy Spirit is moving me to see this movie. I’ve never told anyone this before, but long ago, I had an abortion. I think it is time for me to face what I’ve buried for so long.”

LIFE MATTERS

DEBRA NIESEN Debra Niesen is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

Clare told me she was young and scared when she discovered she was pregnant. She explained when she went to Planned Parenthood, she was not given any information about her options or

the risks involved in an abortion. She was simply moved through the process and left to deal with it on her own.

My heart broke for her. I told her that God did not want her to suffer and that he wanted her to find peace in him. I invited her to our upcoming Project Rachel retreat

that offers healing and hope for those who have been wounded by abortion.

Clare, who gave me permission to share her story, is like millions of other women — sold a lie when she was most vulnerable.

The abortion industry made her believe her only and easiest option was to end the life of her child.

Clare suffered tremendously, in silence, for years. She thought her sin was too big for God to forgive.

It took Clare a long time to gather the courage to connect with our ministry.

I was overjoyed to receive the following message from her, after she attended a Project Rachel retreat:

“I wanted you to know that the reason I finally healed was due to the compassion I was shown that day I picked up the tickets for ‘Unplanned.’ I have carried this deep wound for forty years, like forty years in the desert, and am finally free of the shame.

“The key for me this weekend was to realize that my 20-yearold self did not have all the information that my 60-year-old self has. I could finally forgive my 20-yearold self. The Project Rachel retreat leaders worked with me and me alone. They were amazing and compassionate women!

God bless them! I had confession and such a special Mass with the

priest at Sanctuary of Hope. It was the most amazing weekend and I cannot thank everyone enough for my continued healing.

“Thank God the Catholic Church has this ministry. I will lead people to Christ in honor of my child in heaven and will help people to realize the evil of abortion and Planned Parenthood to my dying days. Thank you.”

If you or someone you know has suffered an abortion, you need to know that Jesus loves you and wants you to know his peace.

Please visit the website at: www. projectrachelkc.com or call/text (913) 6212199.

Generous donors rode to the rescue when CEF needed them most

C

atholics don’t usually get the credit they deserve for their generosity to nonprofits that rely on their charitable contributions.

It’s been my experience that Catholics are very humble when it comes to their charitable giving and don’t seek rewards in return for their donations.

The lack of credit is also partly due to the fact that many people take for granted how charities are able to support people in need.

For most charities in the United States, 80% or more of their revenues come from contributions made by individuals. The

CEF CENTERED

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

remaining 20% comes from a combination of donations from sources like charitable foundations, corporations or income they may earn from investments

(if they have any).

This is just a rough illustration of how important individuals and families are in supporting charities across the country.

In my humble opinion, no group of people has been more generous than Catholics. This has been especially true in our

community during the last 12 months.

The pandemic has had a dire effect on many individuals, families and businesses. It also has had a big impact on charities like the Catholic Education Foundation.

For the second consecutive year, CEF will have to cancel its spring fundraising event due to the pandemic.

This will result in a loss of approximately $100,000 between the two canceled events. This would have funded around 85 scholarships.

But all is not lost.

CEF is blessed to have many generous donors from the Catholic community and was

able, with the grace of God, to weather a lot of the pandemic’s effects.

A recent nonprofit report found that overall fundraising was down 40% across the country last year.

Most nonprofit organizations have reported declines in at least one of their fundraising campaigns.

CEF was no different. Our annual Scholarship Drive has been down significantly during this school year.

So are donations from foundations.

Many foundations shifted their funding to support organizations that provide front-line assistance to those directly affected

“We are proud to be a locally owned family funeral home serving our community.”

by COVID. This was definitely needed, but it did come at a cost to other nonprofits.

There is some good news though.

In times of crisis, some donors increase their giving to the charities they support, knowing that they will be facing difficult times.

This happened to CEF at a time when it was most needed. The increased giving from some donors in the Catholic community enabled CEF to meet its goal of providing 1,500 scholarships this school year.

Indeed, the faith, hope and charity of our Catholic community are abundant.

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16

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 23, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCKING UP YOUR PRIVACY

T

Take these simple steps to keep your information safe

he pandemic has impacted more than the physical health of Americans.

With cybercrime on the rise, many have taken a hit to their financial health, including damage resulting from identity theft.

The Leaven spoke to Rita Herken, administrative services director for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, about preventative steps to reduce the threat of identity theft.

Q.

What is identity theft and is it on the rise due to the pandemic?

A.

Identity theft is when an unauthorized person uses your personal information without your knowledge or consent in a dishonest or illegal way. Identity theft has been on the rise for years. Fraudulent unemployment claims soared during the pandemic.

Q.

What personal information is the most vulnerable to identity theft?

A.

Your name, date of birth and social security number.

Q.

How do most thieves access your personal information?

A.

This happens in many ways, including stealing your mail, your trash (to obtain bank statements, credit card statements, old credit cards, preapproved credit card offers, etc.). It can also occur if you share any of this information via email, use your credit card or bank information on an unsecured website or a public Wi-Fi connection or if your wallet is stolen with your checkbook, bank cards or credit cards.

Q.

What are basic rules for protecting your identity?

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TODD HABIGER

Rita Herken, director of administrative services for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and a member of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish in Easton, talks about protecting your identity and your data. the charge. I would not give them my bank account information. They were surprised by my hesitation, but relented, called an officer at my bank who called me to confirm that this company was working on the bank’s behalf to prevent fraudulent charges.

Q.

Are church weekly offerings safe from identity theft?

A.

Yes. Parishes follow the archdiocese’s internal auditor’s guidance to ensure proper handling, processing and deposits. Autopayments are safe when using secure websites (https).

Q.

How do you distinguish between legitimate agencies and scammers?

A.

Q.

Sometimes, this is difficult. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution. If the request is over the phone or email, do not share any personal or financial information. If you did not request that they contact you, you are not obligated to respond. During tax season, always remember that the IRS will not contact you by phone or email.

They communicate through mail.

A.

Q. What is a strong password?

A. A strong password is at least

A.

Shred preapproved credit card offers, shred or cut up old credit cards, do not use unsecured websites for payments or donations. Secure websites start with “https.” The “s” indicates it is secure.

How should you respond to phone calls seeking personal information?

Do not share your personal or financial information over the phone, even if it sounds legitimate. Tell the caller to send you the information in the mail. I received a call from a company claiming to be associated with my bank to ensure I purchased a computer at a local store and stated the store name, date and price. They wanted me to verify my bank account information to ensure they were speaking with the authorized account holder and that the charge was legitimate. I had purchased a computer that day, but responded that they would need to verify who they were or an individual from my bank could call me to verify

eight characters long, using a combination of numbers, letters (uppercase and lowercase) and special symbols. An example is: !20Pray4Every1*. Never use the word “password,” your birthday or anniversary, your name or 1234567890 as a password.

Q. How often should you change

your password?

A. Store it in a secure location that

only you can access. Do not tape it to the bottom of your keyboard or leave it near the computer.

Q. What is phishing?

A. Phishing is an online scam where

criminals pose as a legitimate organization or individual via email or text to steal personal or financial information. A common example of phishing is an email that appears to be from your pastor asking you to immediately send him or someone else money or specific gift cards.

If you look closely at the email address, it is not your pastor’s email, or the words in the email do not sound like it is from your pastor. It may not be signed as your pastor normally signs his name.

For example, you might know that Father Robert Smith typically signs as “Father Bob,” but the email is from Father Robert.

If you are in doubt, call the parish office to verify the request.

Q.

What settings should your phone be on to avoid sharing personal information?

A.

Install operating system updates as they appear. These address known security issues or vulnerabilities. Use antivirus software. Delete apps that you no longer use. Avoid entering any passwords or financial information when using public Wi-Fi. Lock your phone and close out of all apps when not using them.

Q.

What type of home internet should you have to secure your personal and financial transactions?

A.

A.

With home Wi-Fi, ensure it is password-protected to prevent unauthorized access and unwanted monitoring.

Q. Where should you store your

Are there any services or products you recommend to protect your

I recommend changing it every three months. password if you can’t remember it?

Q.

private and personal information?

A.

Use common sense. If it doesn’t seem right, don’t share anything.

Review your bank and credit card statements monthly and contact the institution immediately if there are any unusual charges or activity. Use antivirus and malware software on your home computer. Consider purchasing a product to protect and monitor your private and personal information; Norton LifeLock is well respected and highly rated. Request a free copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion once a year.

(Some recommend that you space out your free order and do one company every four months.) This allows you to review your credit report for suspicious activity or other signs of identity theft.

Q.

What steps should you take to repair the damage if you are the victim of identity theft?

A.

Call your bank or credit card company if you need assistance. Notify the Federal Trade Commission, your credit card provider, bank or other financial institutions, the IRS and the Social Security Administration.

Q.

How long could it take you to repair the damage from identity theft?

A.

It could take hours or years to resolve the damage depending on the depth of the theft.

Rita Herken has worked for the archdiocese for nearly 24 years, most recently as its director of administrative services. She and her husband are members of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish in Easton, own and operate a family dairy farm with their son and daughter-in-law and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in August.