04 29 22 Vol. 43 No. 36

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 43, NO. 36 | APRIL 29, 2022

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

In her first year as head coach of the women’s lacrosse team at Benedictine College in Atchison, Clare Hanson has led her team to the NAIA tournament. She’s had a meteoric rise from player to grad assistant to head coach.

PASSION PLAY

Benedictine lacrosse coach follows her heart back to her alma mater

By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

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TCHISON — When she passed through the doors at Benedictine College here for the first time as a student, Clare Hanson’s quest to calm her competitive edge was on.

A three-sport star at Royal Valley High School in Hoyt, Hanson needed something more than intramural sports to fill the void she had left behind with the Panthers’ basketball, volleyball and softball programs and in the weight room.

Instead, what she found was a career, a way of life — her passion.

Just seven years after picking up a lacrosse stick for the first time, Hanson replaced Amanda Magee as Benedictine’s head women’s lacrosse coach last November. Magee left the program she started from scratch in 2015 to take on the same role at her alma mater of Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

The Benedictine College women’s lacrosse team will play in the NAIA Women’s Lacrosse Championship tournament which begins on May 4.

“This is my alma mater. This program means so much to me,” Hanson said. “I can’t see myself being anywhere else. My goals are to bring as many national championships as I

can to this program and to continue to graduate great kids who are going to be great members of society.”

Hanson’s selection as Raven head coach drew high praise from peers

from her playing days and as a coach.

For Benedictine athletic director Charlie Gartenmayer, the always competitive Hanson was the perfect pick as Magee’s replacement — not only because she is a talented coach, but because she lived the Benedictine experience both as an athlete and spiritually.

“As my dad said, ‘Don’t criticize another person until you’ve walked a mile in their moccasins,’” Gartenmayer said of Hanson’s elevation from player to grad assistant to head coach.

“Well, Clare has walked that mile in those moccasins,” he continued, “and she does a great job of relating and responding to the needs of the student/athlete that she is leading.”

Kacey Moore, who played with Hanson at Benedictine and then under her following Hanson’s graduation from the Heart of America school in 2018, said she could not think of a better person for the job. >> See “YOUNG” on page 7

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ARCHBISHOP

APRIL 29, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Please join us in our efforts to keep our children safe

his past Wednesday (April 27), I designated as a Day of Prayer in Atonement and for the Healing of All Those Harmed by Sexual Abuse.

This was a day for the entire faith family of the Archdioceses of Kansas City in Kansas to unite in prayer for all those who have been harmed by someone who should have been a trusted mentor and caregiver.

This was a day that we asked Our Lord to bless and make fruitful our efforts to care for those members of our family who have been harmed by sexual abuse.

Having a day devoted to prayer in atonement and for healing for those harmed by sexual abuse is important, but our prayers for victim/survivors of sexual abuse must not be confined to this one day. As a Catholic community, we need to pray throughout the year for healing for victim/ survivors, for strength and compassion for those who accompany them and for healing of families who have been wounded by the abuse of a loved one.

April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am committed to striving to do our very best as an archdiocese to prevent sexual abuse from occurring in our ministries and institutions, as well as to respond

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN with humility and care when our prevention efforts have failed. An essential component of the mission of the church is to promote and protect the dignity of every human being, especially children and those who are vulnerable.

During April, we especially seek to increase awareness about the evil of sexual abuse, to continue to educate ourselves on the best practices for prevention, and to recommit and increase our efforts to work for the healing of those who have been harmed. It goes without saying, however, that our efforts to address this grave evil and injustice must be year-round, not restricted to one day or one month.

Those who have been wounded by sexual abuse have a special claim on our hearts.

When sexual abuse occurs within the church, there is

another dimension to the harm inflicted, because it can alienate the victims/survivors from the church — the very place where they should be able to come for help, comfort and healing.

Prayer is the foundation for every aspect of the church’s ministry. Authentic prayer also opens our hearts in ways that lead to action. We all have a role in protecting youth and the vulnerable from harm and making our parishes, schools and ministries safe havens.

Virtus: Protecting God’s Children® is an essential training tool utilized by our archdiocesan office for protection and care in fostering a safe environment in our parish and school communities.

Since its inception in the archdiocese, over 50,000 caring adults at more than 1,400 sessions have been trained to be vigilant in protecting children, youth and vulnerable adults.

One opportunity to assist our office for protection and care is

to become a volunteer Virtus facilitator. This summer, we will be training and certifying many new facilitators to join the team that helps us strengthen our safety net in the prevention of abuse.

For more information and to apply, email Sandy Vielhauer (compliance administrator) at: svielhauer@ archkck.org.

I am grateful for the many years of service from those who are already serving as Virtus facilitators and Virtus safety curriculum instructors in teaching about child safety and promoting awareness of child sexual abuse.

Your dedication and work as facilitators and educators have helped to ensure the safety of many children and vulnerable adults.

I am also grateful to Jenifer Valenti, the director of our office for protection and care, as well as Kathleen Chastain, who assists and supports Jenifer with the leadership of this essential ministry.

I also wish to thank Jan Saylor (report investigator) as well as Amy Stork (victim assistance coordinator) for the key roles that they play in the investigation of accusations and the care of victims. We have an excellent team of dedicated professionals who are spearheading this vital ministry for the archdiocese.

With God’s grace, we can become more and more the church

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR April 30 Knights of Columbus convention banquet — Capital Plaza Hotel, Topeka May 1 Knights of Columbus state convention Mass and chaplains dinner — Capital Plaza Hotel May 2 Pastoral Council meeting — Savior May 4 Donnelly College board of directors meeting — Donnelly College Confirmation — St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas May 5 Religious Alliance Against Pornography meeting Veterans Memorial dedication and lunch — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka Confirmation — Holy Angels, Basehor May 7 Unveiling and blessing ceremony of St. Peter’s Pieta — Savior Pastoral Center Faith in Bloom — Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites May 8 Confirmation — Our Lady & St. Rose, Kansas City, Kansas May 9 Catholic Charities Golf Classic luncheon — Lake Quivira Country Club Confirmation — Prince of Peace, Olathe

Jesus calls us to be.

I am determined to make our parishes, schools and ministries the safest places in our communities for children, youth and vulnerable adults.

If we fail in protecting God’s children, it

impairs the church’s efforts to proclaim the truth, beauty and hope of the Gospel of Jesus. Failure is not an option. Please pray for the church’s efforts to protect and to care for all those in our community.

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Gene Propp chats with his pen friend Sloan Lindmark, a fifth grader at St. Ann School in Prairie Village.

Jay Lisson, a fifth grader at St. Ann, makes conversation with pen friend Patricia Propp while filling out a questionnaire.

Lucille White shares a laugh with pen friend Kaitlyn Kellerman, a sixth grader at St. Ann.

THE POWER OF THE PEN

Pen Friend program brings together parish’s youngest and oldest

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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RAIRIE VILLAGE — The animated camaraderie at St. Ann Parish here on April 7 made the parish hall gathering feel more like a family reunion.

Some of the youngest and oldest members of the parish and school eagerly filled the space for this year’s Pen Friend party.

The Pen Friend program, in its fourth year at St. Ann, pairs a third through eighth grade student with an older parishioner.

Throughout the school year, the friends write letters to each other, and in the spring, they gather in person to converse and participate in activities.

After two years of hiatus due to COVID-19, the pen friends reunited again in-person.

Gary Adams was excited to see his pen friend, sixth grader Maximus Canale.

“About three times a year, we send letters,” said Adams. “[We write about] what our plans are, what’s going on in the sports world, typical guy talk.”

“It’s been really nice and positive,” said Canale, who added he’s even received a few McDonald’s gift cards from his friend. “We talk about all sorts of things like sports [and] spelling bees.”

Adams has enjoyed getting to know Canale over the past few years.

“My children are both grown and on each coast,” he said, “so it’s a way to stay connected to what’s going on with the youth and see them progress.”

For most of the students, including eighth grader Millie Byerley, receiving a handwritten letter in the mail is a rare occurrence.

“It’s always so exciting to see your letters and your beautiful cards,” she told her pen friend Sandy Spaw. “I love opening them and reading them out loud to people. I’m so happy and feel so good when I get a letter.”

Spaw has been delighted by the Pen Friend program.

“Unless you have grandchildren who go to school here, you feel kind of distant,” she said. “This is a wonderful way to get to know a very special young person.”

Byerley said the pair write about “what’s happening in our lives at the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Ruthie Algrim, a sixth grader at St. Ann School in Prairie Village, fills out a questionnaire with her pen friend Joann Corless. St. Ann Parish launched its Pen Friend program in 2018 to connect some of the parish’s youngest and oldest members. The pen friends gathered on April 7 at the parish hall. time, any trips we’ve been on.”

“Millie does a lot of Irish dancing,” said Spaw, “so she will write to me and tell me where she’s going, what competitions, vacations [she’s going on and] about her family. It’s just wonderful.”

Byerley even shared her Irish dancing talents with Spaw’s friends and family who gathered at her and her husband David’s 50th wedding anniversary party three years ago.

“Seeing everybody come into the party and dancing in the middle was so fun,” said Byerley.

Spaw hopes the pair will stay in touch when Byerley goes off to high school in the fall.

Rooted in respect Anne Edmonds created the Pen Friend program during Catholic Schools Week in January 2018, and the following

year held the first in-person gathering.

“For almost any elder, being around children is a positive,” she said. “Matching up students with parishioners accomplishes even more than that. It brings the school and the church community closer together.”

Edmonds was inspired to launch the program after caring for her aging parents.

“I became acutely aware while visiting my dad in an assisted living home how much joy younger folks bring to their elders,” she said.

At the time, she was an instructional assistant at St. Ann School. She began inviting students to join her in visiting parishioners at assisted living homes and wanted to take it a step further.

The current parishioners involved in the Pen Friend program range in age from 70-99 years old.

Edmonds believes the experience can instill a sense of respect in the

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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

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youth for their elders, but that they’ll also have fun getting to know them.

“We have explained to the students that some of the eldest members of the parish may live alone or in a senior living home,” she said, “and may not receive a visitor or a letter in the mailbox for days on end.

“I think the kids are beginning to understand the value in that simple note they write. They know their letter may be the only bright spot in their Pen Friend’s day.”

Edmonds hopes the program will continue to flourish.

“Our elders have so much to offer,” she said, “and the younger generation has so much to learn from them.

“I think it’s so easy for the younger folks to dismiss their elders instead of embrace them. Hopefully, this program will open their eyes and inspire them to continue involvement with our seniors.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 29, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

St. James undertakes $1 million media center conversion “

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

“ THIS A FIRST FOR ME.

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ENEXA — It’s not every day that you can see an archbishop enthusiastically smashing the wall of a Catholic school.

But that’s what happened here in Lenexa at St. James Academy’s wall-breaking ceremony on March 24.

No, the archbishop hadn’t gone rogue — the destruction had a purpose.

Hefting golden sledgehammers, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and St. James president Andy Tylicki took a few whacks at the Sheetrock behind the counter of the former media center — that’s the library for you older folks.

Afterward, the archbishop and Tylicki passed their tools to four youths representing the students, who also took their swings.

The event, which included a blessing as well, was to ceremoniously start the conversion of the former media center into the Center for Media Arts & Rhetoric, plus space for campus ministry, computer science, career exploration, and other office and multiple use spaces.

“This is a first for me,” said Archbishop Naumann. “I’ve never been at a wall breaking. A groundbreaking, but not wall breaking. As I understand it, you’re going to have a school without a library. It’s the 21st century. [Students] carry their library with them in their computers. And this space will be repurposed . . . to help form our students to be able to communicate the truth and bring the truth of the Gospel for others and create space for the most important part of St. James, which is our campus ministry.”

The renovation of the 5,200-square-

I’VE NEVER BEEN AT A WALL BREAKING. A GROUNDBREAKING, BUT NOT WALL BREAKING. ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the wall of the former media center of St. James Academy, Lenexa, on March 24 only to then take a few enthusiastic whacks at it with a sledgehammer. The demolition symbolized the start of the $1 million conversion of the center into the Center for Media Arts & Rhetoric, plus space for campus ministry, computer science, career exploration and more. foot space will cost just over $1 million and be completed by August. The funds for the project have been raised.

After completion of this first phase, a second campus improvement phase will be done in 2023, which is the renovation of existing space for the new Spark Academic Support Center.

The architect is Gould Evans Architects of Kansas City, Missouri, and the general contractor is Straub Construction Co., Inc., of Shawnee. Dan Himmelberg, archdiocesan director of real estate and construction, assisted the school with planning for the project.

Until now, the school had to make do with cramped, inadequate spaces.

It was logical to renovate the media center.

“It was really underutilized space,” said Sam Rockford, director of innovation at St. James. “We’re trying to be prudent. We had a lot of space we weren’t utilizing without great intention.”

But the issue wasn’t only how space was used, but the new uses themselves.

“We’re in our 15th year at St. James,” Rockford said. “As we look to the future of education, we know technology will play a big role. It’s important for us to figure out how that future fits with the mission of St. James.

“So, the programs we selected for

these spaces blend the mission of St. James with the new educational landscape,” he said. “A lot of schools are going heavily in the direction of STEM programs. What we are trying to do with these new spaces is take what we believe is the best fit for St. James and our educational philosophy and harmonize it with new endeavors in education.”

Tylicki was excited about what the school will do with the renovated spaces.

“We’re really excited about the renovation of this space and bringing campus ministry closer to the chapel,” he said. “They’ve been in the closet for the past 13 years and now they’re going to have their own space. We’re able to move our counselors from an area where there was not good traffic for students to a more centralized area on the administrative suite side.

“We think the Media Arts & Rhetoric program we’re getting ready to create will allow our students to learn how to consume media and how to produce media that will focus on the mission of our school and our faith.”

New victim care advocate seeks to restore victim’s dignity, respect

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Helping those who suffered abuse by a member of the Catholic Church find healing is a complicated obliga-

tion.

But it’s something Amy Stork believes she was meant to do.

Stork was hired as the new victim care advocate for the archdiocesan office for protection and care on Jan. 24.

Stork feels that her background and degree in psychology, coupled with being a parent, has helped to prepare her for this role. She and her family are active parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee.

Jenifer Valenti, director of the office for protection and care, said Stork “has a strong desire to help the church atone for the harms caused to abuse victims/ survivors.

“She is a caring, empathetic listener who is truly interested in a survivor’s journey.”

Stork spends much of her time meeting with survivors of abuse, listening to their individual needs and finding ways to meet those needs. Something that is always offered to those coming forward is counseling.

“It’s so humbling to know somebody’s trusting you [with their experiences],” said Stork. “To earn their trust after the betrayal they have experienced and just be with them, wherever they are at — to be a constant — [is gratifying].

“It’s critical we prove we’re not going to abandon them. We’ll do what we can

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Amy Stork is the new victim care advocate for the archdiocesan office for protection and care. She is a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, and has a degree in psychology. to atone for the harms [caused] and acknowledge our responsibility.”

Stork helps the office implement restorative practices, which Valenti said are a “critical tool we use to empower survivors of abuse.”

“Restorative principles seek to understand harm and recognize that out of harm arises obligation,” she explained.

“In practice, restorative processes are survivor-centered and seek to restore a person’s dignity and respect.”

The restorative part largely involves setting up a dialogue between the survivor and a representative of the archdiocese.

“It’s bringing the parties together and addressing harms,” said Stork. “It’s critical that the victim/survivor leads the process of identifying what they need from us in order for us to atone for the harms.”

Stork said that “the goal is to do what we can to restore their dignity and acknowledge their hurt.”

“Particularly in historical cases, people weren’t believed,” she said. “Oftentimes, they weren’t believed by their pastors or church leadership.

“Sometimes, they weren’t believed by their families. Many times, they were

abandoned by their entire faith communities.”

Stork hopes to be at the center of the archdiocesan team that aims to rectify the damage those situations caused.

Valenti stressed how essential it is to have a victim care advocate in the archdiocese.

“It is important for someone who is alleging harm at the hands of a cleric to have an advocate throughout the process who will work exclusively on protecting their rights and caring for their well-being,” she said.

Stork doesn’t take the significance of her work lightly.

She’s aware of the numbers in our global church community who have left the church because of the sexual abuse scandal.

“This is Christ’s church,” she said.

“He built it, and we all have a shared responsibility to ensure it is in his image.”

Stork is also encouraged by the emphasis Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has placed on this ministry in recent years formalizing the office for protection and care.

Stork recognizes that coming forward is always a difficult and courageous decision. Her priority is to be available for those who are willing and able to make that difficult call.

“There’s no timeline and no judgment,” she said. “I hope that encourages more people to come forward.”

For more information on the archdiocesan office for protection and care, visit the website at: archkck.org/protectionand-care/office.

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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St. Lawrence Campus Center bids AVI Sisters a fond farewell

By Molly Hackett Special to The Leaven

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COURTESY PHOTO

After nearly 20 years, the Apostles of the Interior Life will be leaving the archdiocese to consolidate their community. The order has provided spiritual direction serving students at the University of Kansas. From left are: Sister Elena Morcelli, Sister Raffaella Cavallin and Sister Ruth Kuefler.

“

“

AWRENCE — Thankful is the greatest word echoed by everyone who walks the halls at the St. Lawrence Center here.

Over the course of the last 19 years, the Apostles of the Interior Life have faithfully served the students and greater community of the University of Kansas. The AVI Sisters are based out of Rome but also serve the Texas A&M community.

They have been the spiritual mothers that students needed as they stepped out on their own for the first time.

“I am very thankful for the experience with spiritual direction,” said Cameron Rozean, a KU junior. “I know they’re very aware of where they’re called to be and where they’re supposed to be. So, I have to trust that the Lord spoke to them.”

The decision to consolidate their community at Texas A&M and leave KU was made in order to be a better witness to the beauty of consecrated life, improve their community life and allow greater flexibility in facing unexpected challenges.

“It’s been an experience of freedom because I can’t say enough how much I felt guided by the Lord,” said Sister Elena Morcelli. “I did not want to come to the States in 2003, but then the Lord took me here. So, I feel very guided by him, and what he’s asked of me is to simply stay with him. When I stay with him, he provides everything else.”

The peace and willingness to go where they are called is not only part of their vow of obedience but is also a testament to their faith in God and the conversations that they have in prayer.

Their ability to pray and discern well is what they have been able to teach the people they encounter on a daily basis.

“So many of us are bad at prayer,” said Father Mitchel Zimmerman, director of the St. Lawrence Center. “We don’t know how to pray, and the Sisters walk right into that problem. They teach us that we can have a conversation with God — we can be affected by him — and it can make all the difference in our lives.”

Sister Ruth Kuefler is a graduate of

EVERY JOURNEY IS SO DIFFERENT, AND A LOT OF THESE BLESSINGS ARE PRIVATE AND IN MY HEART. BUT I HONESTLY WOULDN’T BE WHO I AM TODAY HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT I RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION. SISTER RAFFAELLA CAVALLIN, AVI

KU and has spent the last five years pouring into students the way she was poured into at the St. Lawrence Center.

“I’m immensely grateful for every experience that I’ve had at St. Lawrence and that there will always be a part of my heart that is at home here,” Sister Ruth said. “I took my vows here as a Sister and now, to have served here on the staff as a Sister, feels full circle.”

Sister Ruth isn’t the only Sister who has been deeply impacted by her experiences at the St. Lawrence Center.

Sister Raffaella Cavallin says that one of her biggest blessings has been walking with students.

“Every journey is so different, and a lot of these blessings are private and in my heart,” said Sister Raffaella. “But I honestly wouldn’t be who I am today

ACROSS 1 More confident 6 Plague of Egypt 11 Hotel 14 Utilization 15 Creates 16 Possessive pronoun 17 Sharp pains 18 Enormous 19 Furniture wood 20 Short-term memory 22 Tint 23 Word written on the wall (Daniel) 24 Expression of surprise 27 Rowing tool 29 Valley of the __ of death 31 Reason for Easter 35 Privileged 36 DVD button 37 Speed unit 40 Connection 41 White-tailed sea eagle 42 Tropical edible root 43 Dined 44 Author of “The Inferno” 46 National capital 47 Fred Astaire movie 49 Fetus 52 Transgression 53 Oolong COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

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had it not been for all the questions that I received from people in spiritual direction.”

Cat Simmons, a senior at KU, has worked directly with all of the Sisters and knows that this is all part of God’s greater plan.

“God has an amazing plan for the center as well as for the Sisters,” Simmons said. “You just have to trust in that plan.”

As the school year comes to a close, the St. Lawrence Center plans to celebrate the great fruit the service of the Sisters has borne.

“I want them to know that we’ll always pray for them and for the fruitfulness of their apostolate, for the holiness of each one of their vocations, for the good of their community,” said Father Zimmerman. “We love them very, very much. They’ll be greatly missed here at St. Lawrence.”

25 26 28 30 32 33 34 37 38 39 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 56 57 59 61 62 64 65 66

Slave Side note Turn away from sin Garden tool Southwestern Indian Ala __ (menu listing) Radios Weight measurement __ goes before destruction Book after Daniel Sticky black substance Part of a week Withdrawn Washing gravel for gold Be incorrect Metal fastener Rewrites Impressionist painter Easter animal __ matter Verse Native ruler in Africa Soviet secret police South southeast School group And so forth Caustic substance

Solution on page 15

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WORLD

APRIL 29, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Bishops from four continents express concern about Germany’s Synodal Path

By Greg Erlandson Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — In an open letter, 74 bishops from North America, Africa, Italy and Australia have expressed their “growing concern” about the German Synodal Path process and content, warning about its “potential for schism.”

Joining recent letters of concern by the Nordic and Polish bishops, the “fraternal open letter to our brother bishops in Germany” said “the Synodal Path’s actions undermine the credibility of church authority, including that of Pope Francis.”

“By its destructive example, it may lead some bishops, and will lead many otherwise faithful laypeople, to distrust the very idea of ‘synodality,’ thus further impeding the church’s necessary conversation about fulfilling the mission of converting and sanctifying the world,” the letter concluded.

Signatories included Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, South African Cardinal Wilfred Napier, Australian Cardinal George Pell, and U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke.* All told, 49 bishops from the U.S., four from Canada, 19 Africans, one Italian and one Australian signed the letter. The letter was made public April 12 after having been sent to the German bishops April 11.

The German bishops, responding to ongoing revelations of clerical sexual abuse and how bishops mismanaged such cases, see the Synodal Path process as addressing the exercise of power and authority in the church; sexual morality; the priesthood; and the role of women.

The German bishops are keenly aware of the concerns of other conferences about the direction their Synodal Path is taking. Limburg Bishop Georg Bätzing, president of the German bishops’ conference, has admitted that there were highly divergent opinions on issues such as blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples or the ordination of women as deacons or priests. The German Catholic news agency KNA reported he pledged that

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A fraternal open letter to our brother bishops in Germany

I

April 11, 2022

n an age of rapid global communication, events in one nation inevitably impact ecclesial life elsewhere. Thus the “Synodal Path” process, as currently pursued by Catholics in Germany, has implications for the Church worldwide. This includes the local Churches which we pastor and the many faithful Catholics for whom we are responsible.

In that light, events in Germany compel us to express our growing concern about the nature of the entire German “Synodal Path” process and the content of its various documents. Our comments here are deliberately brief. They warrant, and we strongly encourage, more elaboration (as, for example, Archbishop Samuel Aquila’s An Open Letter to the Catholic Bishops of the World) from individual bishops. Nonetheless, the urgency of our joint remarks is rooted in Romans 12, and especially Paul’s caution: Do not be conformed to this world. And their seriousness flows from the confusion that the Synodal Path has already caused and continues to cause, and the potential for schism in the life of the Church that will inevitably result.

The need for reform and renewal is as old as the Church herself. At its root, this impulse is admirable and should never be feared. Many of those involved in the Synodal Path process are doubtless people of outstanding character. Yet Christian history is littered with well-intended efforts that lost their grounding in the Word of God, in a faithful encounter with Jesus Christ, in a true listening to the Holy Spirit, and in the submission of our wills to the will of the Father.

These failed efforts ignored the unity, experience, and accumulated wisdom of the Gospel and the Church. Because they failed to heed the words of Jesus, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15: 5), they were fruitless and damaged both the unity and the evangelical vitality of the Church. Germany’s Synodal Path risks leading to precisely such a dead end.

As your brother bishops, our concerns include but are not limited to the following: 1. Failing to listen to the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, the Synodal Path’s actions undermine the credibility of Church authority, including that of Pope Francis; Christian anthropology and sexual morality; and the reliability of Scripture.

2. While they display a patina of religious ideas and vocabulary, the German Synodal Path documents seem largely inspired not by Scripture and Tradition — which, for the Second Vatican Council, are “a single sacred deposit of the Word of God” — but by sociological analysis and contemporary political, including gender, ideologies. They look at the Church and her mission through the lens of the world rather

the bishops would submit all the synodal reform decisions that can only be implemented at the universal church level to

the worldwide synodal process launched by Pope Francis in preparation for the 2023 Synod of Bishops on synodality.

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Erin Barrett CLU ChFC, Agent 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway erin@insurewitherin.com Bus: 913-648-1100 Hablamos Español St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner State Farm, Bloomington, IL 2001738

than through the lens of the truths revealed in Scripture and the Church’s authoritative Tradition.

3. Synodal Path content also seems to reinterpret, and thus diminish, the meaning of Christian freedom. For the Christian, freedom is the knowledge, the willingness, and the unhampered ability to do what is right. Freedom is not “autonomy.” Authentic freedom, as the Church teaches, is tethered to truth and ordered to goodness and, ultimately, beatitude.

Conscience does not create truth, nor is conscience a matter of personal preference or self-assertion. A properly formed Christian conscience remains subject to the truth about human nature and the norms of righteous living revealed by God and taught by Christ’s Church. Jesus is the truth, who sets us free (Jn 8).

4. The joy of the Gospel — essential to Christian life, as Pope Francis so often stresses — seems utterly absent from Synodal Path discussions and texts, a telling flaw for an effort that seeks personal and ecclesial renewal.

5. The Synodal Path process, at nearly every step, is the work of experts and committees: bureaucracy-heavy, obsessively critical, and inward-looking. It thus itself reflects a widespread form of Church sclerosis and, ironically, becomes anti-evangelical in tone. In its effect, the Synodal Path displays more submission and obedience to the world and ideologies than to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

6. The Synodal Path’s focus on “power” in the Church suggests a spirit fundamentally at odds with the real nature of Christian life. Ultimately the Church is not merely an “institution” but an organic community; not egalitarian but familial, complementary, and hierarchical — a people sealed together by love of Jesus Christ and love for each other in his name. The reform of structures is not at all the same thing as the conversion of hearts. The encounter with Jesus, as seen in the Gospel and in the lives of the saints throughout history, changes hearts and minds, brings healing, turns one away from a life of sin and unhappiness, and demonstrates the power of the Gospel.

7. The last and most distressingly immediate problem with Germany’s Synodal Path is terribly ironic. By its destructive example, it may lead some bishops, and will lead many otherwise faithful laypeople, to distrust the very idea of “synodality,” thus further impeding the Church’s necessary conversation about fulfilling the mission of converting and sanctifying the world.

In a time of confusion, the last thing our community of faith needs is more of the same.

As you discern the Lord’s will for the Church in Germany, be assured of our prayers for you.

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The April 11 open letter to the Germans said that “events in one nation inevitably impact ecclesial life elsewhere.”

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

It raised seven criticisms, including “failing to listen to the Holy Spirit and the Gospel”; relying more on “sociological analysis and contemporary political, including gender, ideologies” than on Scripture and Tradition; and being too focused on “power” and “autonomy.”

“The Synodal Path process, at nearly every step, is the work of experts and committees,” the letter said, calling the process “bureaucracyheavy, obsessively critical and inward-looking.”

“In its effect, the Synodal Path displays more submission and obedience to the world and ideologies than to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,” it said.

The letter signers expressed concern for “the confusion that the Synodal Path has already caused and continues to cause, and the potential for schism in the life of the church that will inevitably result.”

In March, after a critical letter by the Polish bishops became public, Matteo Bruni, Vatican spokesman, told KNA Pope Francis had not changed his position since a June 2019 letter to Catholics in Germany.

In his 2019 letter, Pope Francis emphasized that taking a synodal path is a process that must be guided by the Holy Spirit with patience and not a “search for immediate results that generate quick and immediate consequences.” Transformation “calls for pastoral conversion,” he said.

“Brothers and sisters, let us care for one another and be attentive to the temptation of the father of lies and division, the master of separation who, in pushing us to seek an apparent good or a response to a given situation, in fact ends up fragmenting the body of the holy and faithful people of God,” the pope said.

He also warned against a temptation to use evangelization as something that is adapted “to the spirit of the times.”

Concerns about divisions and responding to pressures of the times are some of the main issues cited by those European bishops who have voiced their concerns publicly. *Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was a signatory to the letter.

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APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

7

Young coach loves being where ‘you’re more than just an athlete’ “ THIS PROGRAM MEANS

“She loves Benedictine,” Moore said.

“My favorite part of Benedictine is that you’re more than just an athlete. You’re developing your spiritual side; you’re developing yourself and you’re learning about yourself in this extremely unique environment in this world we live in today. She has really embodied that herself — has really prioritized it — and has preached on the importance of your spiritual life.”

Hanson has always been active in both her home parish of St. Francis Xavier in Mayetta and in the archdiocese. A regular at Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg during high school, for example, she also served for two additional years on the staff.

As a college athlete, Hanson and her teammates competed at the club level during the program’s inaugural season before taking on an NAIA schedule in 2016. Over the course of Benedictine’s first six varsity seasons, the Ravens are 67-15 and earned three bids to the NAIA Women’s Lacrosse National Invitational and earned a spot in the NAIA’s first

“

>> Continued from page 1

SO MUCH TO ME. I CAN’T SEE MYSELF BEING ANYWHERE ELSE. CLARE HANSON BENEDICTINE COLLEGE WOMEN’S LACROSSE COACH Women’s Lacrosse Championship tournament last spring.

In 2019, Benedictine competed for a national championship and finished the season ranked No. 2 after dropping an 18-12 decision to SCAD Savannah in the invitational’s championship contest.

Yes, Hanson has large cleats to fill.

But, she has guided the Ravens to an 11-2 regular season record and the team will compete in the eight-team NAIA Women’s Lacrosse Championship tournament starting on May 4 at Lawrence Tech University in Southfield, Michigan.

Educator, peace activist, Sister Frances Russell dies

L

EAVENWORTH — Sister Frances Russell, 90, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 72 years, died on March 13 at the motherhouse here.

Born on Sept. 19, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, she was the third of four daughters to Francis and Catherine (Cashin) Russell. She attended Visitation Grade School and Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

After a year of college, she entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 18, 1949, and professed vows as Sister Frances Assisi Russell on Aug. 15, 1951, before reverting to her baptismal name.

She completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth.

Sister Frances taught in elementary schools for 14 years in Kansas and Montana. At her last assignment at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka, she came in contact with orphaned children, many who suffered from abuse and neglect. This deeply affected her and she decided to move from education to social work. She earned a second master’s degree in social work at St. Louis University in 1967.

For the next 30-plus years, she ministered as a social worker in Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming, and also taught social work for four years at Saint Mary College.

In 1980, with the help of a Dominican

Sister, she started Siena House, a Catholic Worker House and homeless shelter in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan announced plans to bring MX missiles into southeast Wyoming as a military defense initiative. Peace activists took issue with the missiles and held protests at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

Soon, Sister Frances became a peace organizer and then a spokesperson. She was a strong advocate for peace, but not without a cost — she received death threats for her opposition.

Sister Frances’ work in Cheyenne also received much positive attention. Colman McCarthy, a Washington Post journalist, wrote a widely-read column, “34 Years as a Participant in Pain,” in which he lauded Sister Frances’ efforts as a social worker who entered into the pain of those in need.

She was nominated and then received the Social Worker of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

For the rest of her career, Sister Frances continued to speak out and show others how to make the world more compassionate and more peaceful. She once said, “I now realize that whole societies are orphaned and that only in a world community built on justice can life for any person flourish.”

“She has all of these intangibles,” former Royal Valley head girls basketball coach Jason Grider said of his point guard. “She has soaked everything in and asked a lot of questions. She never questioned anything. But she always asked a lot of questions and did all of the dirty work. I don’t think I can speak for her on this, but I think lacrosse piqued her interest and she took to it like she did any sport and threw everything at it. She is going to be a really good head coach.”

After receiving her bachelor of arts degree in secondary education and social science in 2018, Hanson did take a sixth grade teaching position at Spring Hill Middle School and that spring started coaching club lacrosse at St. James Academy in Lenexa. Once again, she couldn’t stop thinking about lacrosse and made the difficult decision to part ways with her students and the teaching position.

Then, she was offered the position as graduate assistant in 2019 and 2020 at Benedictine and earned her master’s in business administration in 2021 before taking over the reins of the Raven lacrosse program.

“I just didn’t feel like I had tried to do everything that I wanted to do with lacrosse,” Hanson said. “And then, I started thinking about Coach Magee and that she got paid to do this all day long.”

A first-team all-conference midfielder and two-time captain as a player at Benedictine, Hanson absorbed a lot of information from her peers. Now, through countless hours of research, she networks with other coaches, works hard at her craft physically and incorporates it all into her program.

Hanson also borrowed what she thinks is an important element of Magee’s success.

“Her biggest attribute from year one . . . was: She let people lead,” Hanson said of her predecessor. “She wasn’t overbearing. She believed in people and then let them do their thing.

“That was huge. She didn’t try to micromanage, and I think that gave people ownership from the very beginning. It was our team. It was the players’ team, and it was her team. But that’s what sustained our culture. She believed in people.”

Former health care exec, Sister Lynn Casey, dies

L

EAVENWORTH — Sister Lynn Casey, 85, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 65 years, died on Jan. 31 at the motherhouse here.

She loved hiking and the outdoors.

Besides local trails, she explored the Austrian Alps and Colorado’s Mount Sneffels. Nature put her at ease (she called it an “antidote to stress”), heightened her creativity and awareness of beauty, and renewed her spirit, she said.

Donna Lynn Casey was born on Aug. 19, 1936, in Havre, Montana, the second of 11 children of Francis and Loretta (Daum) Casey.

She graduated from St. Ann Grade School in East Helena and Cathedral High School in Helena.

She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 19, 1956, and professed vows as Sister Lynn Casey on Aug. 22, 1958. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in education administration from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth.

Sister Lynn taught in primary schools for 12 years in Missouri, Oklahoma, Montana and Kansas, before serving as principal for nine years at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka. She collaborated with the nearby Menninger Clinic and was an advocate of children with mental health challenges.

In 1979, she served for three years as administrator at Kennedy Child Study Center at St. John’s Hospital and Health Care Center in Santa Monica, California. Soon after, she completed a second master’s degree in hospital and health services administration in 1984 from Yale University.

For the next 20 years, she held executive roles in hospitals or health care systems in Montana, California, Colorado, Washington and Ohio. She was known as a thoughtful and strategic leader who could make tough decisions.

In 2005, she accepted the role of chancellor at the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings in eastern Montana, where she worked for three years as a close adviser to the bishop on all administrative affairs.

In retirement, Sister Lynn remained busy and engaged with the SCL Health board of directors and served for two years as board chair. She also did watercolor painting, spent time with family and served as a spiritual director mentoring women. In 2020, Sister Lynn received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Catholic Health Association. One of her endorsers, Bishop George L. Thomas, said, “Her life has been marked by altruism, professionalism, dynamism and compassion for the poor in the expansive worlds of education, public health and hospital administration.”

PALM SUNDAY

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Parishioners of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Bucyrus, take a palm as they enter the church for Palm Sunday Mass.

HOLY THURSDAY

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

GOOD FRIDAY

Josiah Farrant assists Deacon Brad Sloan Tim Ruoff at Good Friday services at Mot

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann washes the feet of a parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, on Holy Thursday.

HE IS NOT HERE; HE HAS RISEN

“W

e are an Easter people and ‘Alleluia’ is our song!” said Pope John Paul II quite memorably, quoting an earlier saint — and people across the archdiocese were singing that song last Easter Sunday. But before we turn too quickly to the season that now follows and all that it brings, let’s look back briefly on all the beautiful Holy Week liturgies celebrated in parishes across the archdiocese, each in its own unique way.

EASTER FIRE

Father Mike Hawken, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Leawood, helps light candles for the congregation fr

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The children at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Bucyrus, take part in an Easter egg and candy hunt sponsored by the Knights of Columbus before the 11 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass.

MOM AND PALM

Milani Abato snuggles in tight with her mother Lemlan at Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

ON THE HUNT

HUMBLE SERVANT

One of Jesus’ last acts on earth was to w and Paul Parish in Seneca, re-enacts tha

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

n, Father Tom Aduri (center) and Deacon ther Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

HOLY SATURDAY

Parishioners of Church of the Nativity Parish participate in the opening Service of Light at the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) in Leawood.

EASTER SUNDAY

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Archbishop Naumann blesses the congregation of the Cathedral of St. Peter at Easter Sunday Mass.

VENERATION OF THE CROSS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

WELCOME TO THE CHURCH

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Max Kennedy, a parishioner of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, takes his turn reverencing the cross at the Good Friday service at his parish in Topeka.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

rom the parish’s paschal candle.

Archbishop Naumann baptizes Grant George during the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Peter, as his fiancee Meagan Stice looks on. Assisting the archbishop is Cathedral acolyte Michael Rebout.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY FRAN REITZ

wash the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter at ritual, washing the feet of several of his parishioners at Holy Thursday Mass there.

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG Mary Ann and Robert Dercher, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 22. The couple was married on April 22, 1957, at St. John the Baptist Church, Crawford, Nebraska. They have three daughters and one granddaughter.

Kay and Cecil Wehr, members of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, celebrated their 60th we d d i n g a n n ive r sary on April 28.

A family celebration is planned for June. The couple was married at St. Mary Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Their children are: Teresa Wehr, Laura VanAlstine, Christopher Wehr, Marlena Wehr, Valarie Rooks, Chad Wehr and Craig Wehr. They have 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jay

and

Peggy (Stevenson) Wieland, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 29. The couple was married on April 29, 1972, at Sacred Heart Church, Emporia. Their children are: Jennifer, Josef and Gretchen. They also have one grandchild.

Mary and Melvin Funk, members of St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 6. The couple was married on May 6, 1972, at St. Aloysius Church, Ransom. A celebration will be held at a later date.

Their children are: Tom, Angie, Jason, Brian and Michelle. They also have 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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Mike

10 and

Patty (DeGrande) Wiseman, members of Annunciation Parish, Baldwin City, will celebrate their 50th anniversary at a Mass on May 7.

The couple was married on May 12, 1972, at Holy Trinity Church, Paola. Their children are: Carrie Barth, Wendy Berg and Marcy Owens. They also have eight grandchildren.

Richard

and

Betty

Sudbeck, m e m bers of St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g a n n ive r sary on May 6. The couple was married May 6, 1972, at Sacred Heart Parish, Baileyville. Their children are: Carla Johnson, Dean Sudbeck and Michael Sudbeck. They also have 12 grandchildren.

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

Charlene and Jim Conrad, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 70th w e d ding anniversary on May 3. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church, Columbia, Missouri. Their children are: Don Conrad, David Conrad, Cheryl McGee (deceased), Caryn Gomez, Christie Stevens, Clarise Hovis, Mary Gentry, Douglas Conrad, Dan Conrad and Dwight Conrad. They also have 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. A reception for family and friends will be held May 1.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

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APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ORGANIC TOMATO PLANT SALE Broadmoor Urban Farm Greenhouse 8200 W. 71st St., Overland Park (follow signs) April 29 until sold out

This is a rare heirloom tomato plant sale.

The cost is $4 each or three plants for $11.

These tomato plants are grown in partnership between the Plant Partnership for Farm Education with Cultivate KC and Roots for Refugees. Donations are welcomed.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE MINISTRY: HEALING LOVE SUMMER SATURDAY SERIES Stone Pillar Winery 11000 S. Woodland St., Olathe April 30 from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Join us for conversation, meet new friends and learn tools to heal from this difficult situation and prepare for what’s next. The other dates in this series are: May 21, June 18 and July 16.

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Church of the Holy Cross 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park May 1 at 10 a.m.

The celebration will begin with Mass followed by lunch, a recognition ceremony and tours at the school. The school will also celebrate the retirement of three faculty: Terri Nicholson, Anita Lemmon and Susan Gittinger. There is no charge to attend. Donations are welcome.

SUDS & SCHOLARSHIPS Boulevard Brewing Company 2501 Southwest Blvd.

Kansas City, Missouri May 2 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Join us for our annual benefit for the Holy Name of Jesus School student scholarship fund. We need your help to support the vibrant, faith-filled community at Holy Name in Kansas City, Kansas, where 86% of students rely on scholarships to attend. There will be dinner, beer and musical entertainment by The Hamptones.

Learn more and purchase tickets online at: one.bidpal.net/holyname22/welcome.

‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel Parish (Gabriel Room - lower level) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood May 4 at 7 p.m.

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

GETAWAY WEEKEND Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg May 7 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Prairie Star Ranch is offering a chance to step away and enter into a day of prayer, adventure, outdoor activities and a time to reconnect. Families, friends and communities are invited to join us for these activities and time for prayer. All ages are welcome to this event. Register online now or contact the team at Prairie Star Ranch online at: www. archkck.org/ranch; call (785) 746-569; or send an email to: psrministry@archkck.org.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA MARY’S HOLY HOUR Mater Dei-Holy Name Parish (chapel) 911 S.W. Clay, Topeka May 7 at 10 am.

Mary’s Holy Hour will be celebrated with a rosary followed by the auditors’ meeting in the parish hall. Deacon Chris Seago will officiate. Call chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 272-9411 if you have questions.

BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood May 7 at 8 a.m.

The Bereavement Ministry meeting will be held after the 8 a.m. Mass. The speaker will be grief counselor Bruce Leisy. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

SEMINAR: ‘MAXIMIZE YOUR RESOURCES FOR FAMILY AND CHARITY’ St. Michael the Archangel Parish 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood May 4 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Bill Eckert, CAP®, will discuss how planned giving, trusts and the U.S. tax code offer legal and financial solutions to improve income and protect investments now and in retirement. Take home resources and refreshments. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are helpful. Send an email to Terri Lynn in the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development at: tlynn@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0365.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Holy Spirit Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park May 8 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

Join us on Mother’s Day to pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc. org.

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

The Finish Faithful conference will feature four engaging speakers. Topics include: “The Gift of Everlasting Life,” Advanced Healthcare Directives, Estate Planning with Wills and Trusts, and preplanning your funeral and burial. For speakers, agenda and free registration form, visit the website at: archkck.org/ finishfaithful-registration, or call the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development at (913) 647-0365.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas May 15 from 8 - 11 a.m.

The Knights of Columbus will be serving pancakes, hot and mild maple sausage, eggs, and biscuits and gravy. The cost is a freewill offering. It is race weekend, so stop by on your way to the race!

For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

ST. ISIDORE FEAST DAY MASS AND BLESSING OF SEEDS AND SOIL Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Road, Easton May 15 at 10 a.m.

Join us for a day in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, on his feast day. The day will begin with Mass with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann followed by a rosary procession to the St. Isidore Shrine. Bring seeds and soil in a small, decorated basket to be placed at the altar for blessing. The event will end with lunch and a time of fellowship. A freewill offering will be taken up to support the center. To attend, send an email to: info@ christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255 to let us know how many people will be attending.

11 ‘CHARLES DE FOUCAULD: WITNESS IN THE DESERT’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Road, Easton May 20 - 22

This retreat begins on May 20 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on May 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Come be inspired by the life of one of our newest saints, Charles de Foucauld, who will be canonized on May 15. Find an effective aid to your spiritual growth in the example of holiness lived by his life of work, solitude, meditation and adoration.

We will explore his writings, how he spent his life and his rule for living. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms are: $170 single/$250 couple, or single guest rooms, $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the reservation form online at: christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

CHICKEN DINNER AND BINGO St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas May 21 at 6 p.m.

There will be a two-piece chicken dinner with potatoes and gravy, corn, salad, roll and dessert. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids under 12; and $30 for a family of two adults and more than two children.

Bingo is $10 for 10 cards. For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SUMMER CAMP St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park May - August

There will be a variety of camps for students entering grade K - 8 to explore. The summer camps give students the chance to discover their potential in both sports and other activities. Registration and further information is available online at: www. stasaints.net/summercamps. Questions?

Call the student life office at (913) 319-2416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.

CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City Area July 10 - 16

Do you or anyone you know need assistance with minor home repairs, yard cleanup or house painting? Catholic HEART Workcamp will be in the Kansas City Area July 11 - 14. If you would like to be considered, please call (402) 306-9043 or send an email to: chwc@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Preschool program coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool is seeking a program coordinator. This position is responsible for payment transactions using preschool data software (Procare); corresponding with families; assisting with classroom instruction; accurately implementing preschool programs and policies; and abiding by principles of sound Catholic education. The program coordinator must meet state requirements for working as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom. This is a part-time, hourly position. Please submit resume and cover letter to Jennie Wente at: jennie.wente@stmichaelcp.org.

Part-time handyman - Hermes Landscaping is looking for part-time handyman work with flexible hours as needed for our organization. This position will help with miscellaneous projects throughout the year.

Those projects include, but are not limited to, routine maintenance; electrical; masonry; painting; and work throughout our main building in addition to our multiple facilities. If you are skilled in these areas and have a flexible schedule, we encourage you to apply!

Please visit: hermeslandscaping.com/professionaljob-listings or give us a call at (913) 888-2400 to learn more.

Chemistry teacher - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a chemistry teacher for the upcoming 202223 school year for AP and honors chemistry; would consider part time. For more information, please contact Bishop Miege principal Maureen Engen at: mengen@bishopmiege.com.

DSPs needed - Direct care professionals needed in Overland Park in an intentional living community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Training provided.

Live-in or live-out options. Weekends, evenings and overnight shifts available now. $13 - $15 per hour.

Email: heartland@larcheks.org.

Director of children’s ministry - Prince of Peace is seeking candidates for the position of director of children’s ministry. This position is responsible for the religious formation programs of elementary grades (K - 6) for the school of religion; sacramental preparation for first penance and holy Communion for the parish; and collaborating with the family and marriage ministry.

Must be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the church, with a heart for sharing faith in Christ with the youth and families. To apply, send resume to John Meyers, business manager, at: jmeyers@popolathe.org.

Part-time chiropractic assistant - Busy chiropractic office in N.W. Olathe (K-10 and Ridgeview Rd.) is looking for a part-time assistant to work 6 - 10 hours a week, including two Saturdays a month, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the possibility of covering additional hours as needed. $12 per hour plus bonuses.

Job duties include: answering phones; scheduling and checking in patients; insurance; assisting with patient therapies, etc. If you are professional, friendly, hard-working and would like to help others, our office may be the place for you! Must have great phone and computer skills. Must be a people person and have a flexible schedule. Insurance experience is a plus, but not necessary. We will train on patient therapies. Email resume to Dr. Craig Koshlap at: drk@ ridgeviewchiropractic.com. or fax to (913) 890-7372.

Staff job openings – Hermes Landscaping has been a premier full-service landscaping provider throughout Kansas City for over 50 years! The company is growing and has the following job openings available: controller and seasonal staff accountant. Come work where passion and creativity collide to create breathtaking landscapes and hardscapes. At Hermes, we consider ourselves innovators and leaders in the green industry. Join us and you’ll be joining a company that has helped carve and create much of the scenic landscape in Kansas City. To find job descriptions and details, go to: hermeslandscaping.com/professional-job-listings or give us a call at (913) 888-2400.

Teachers - St. Patrick School, Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a middle school math teacher and a middle school social studies/PE teacher for the 2022-23 school year. Interested applicants who want to join our team of outstanding educators and spiritual leaders are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume including references and a copy of their current teaching license to: tconrad@ stpatrickkck.org. The positions are open until filled.

Physical education teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a full-time physical education teacher for the 2022-23 school year. Interested applicants should apply online at: archkckcs.org and please reach out to principal Luke Jennison at: luke. jennison@kcnativity.org Catholic high school principal - Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and academic instructional leadership for the 2022-23 school year. Maur Hill-Mount Academy is a top-ranked Catholic, Benedictine boarding school with around 200 students in the 9th - 12th grades. Applicants for principal must be an active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the church, and have licensure in educational leadership. Please send resume and cover letter to MH-MA president Phil Baniewicz at: philb@mh-ma.com, or apply online at: www. archkckcs.org. If you have questions, call the Maur HillMount Academy office at (913) 367-5482.

Music director - St. Agnes Church, an active and vibrant parish community of close to 1,300 families in Roeland Park, is seeking a music director to facilitate worship experiences that celebrate and strengthen our parishioners’ faith journey. Five Masses are celebrated each weekend. Duties would include: Easter week, Christmas and other holy days; communal sacramental celebrations of first Communion, confirmation and reconciliation. The director is responsible for a range of ministries, including: volunteer recruitment and support; musical direction of vocal choirs, both adult and children’s; hand bell choirs; accompanist responsibilities; and art and environment direction.

The director will be responsible to collaborate and coordinate with families on music for weddings and funerals. The director must be flexible and demonstrate collaborative skills with staff and music volunteers. Hours are negotiable. Qualifications: must be a practicing Catholic in good standing; bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent program of study required; knowledge of and prior experience as music director a plus; supervisory experience and ability to speak Spanish helpful. To see a full job description go to: www.stagneskc.org, and look for the “Career” tab. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of interview with key members of staff, background check and attendance at a Virtus Protecting God’s Children program at the first available opportunity. Send resume and cover letter including salary requirements to: Director of Parish Ministries, St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park KS 66205. Email: gomez.mike@stagneskc.org. Please apply by May 6.

Teachers - Christ the King School, Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking elementary and middle school teachers for the 2022-23 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 of 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 include: a 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 and 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 mail to: Christ the King School, 3027 N. 54th St., Kansas City KS 66104.

Client advocate - Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics each have a need for a part-time client advocate.

This is a rewarding but challenging position requiring a deep faith and belief in the sanctity of life. You will help mothers choose life for their unborn children and provide services that lend support to mothers, their unborn babies and their families. You will be a front- line worker in the goal of making abortion unthinkable one life at a time. Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic requires someone who is bilingual. Please contact Leah Conner at (913) 207-0186 or at: lconner@wpcnetwork.org. Olathe Pregnancy Clinic desires a bilingual counselor but it is not required. Please contact Diane Drouhard at (913) 6697089 or at: ddrouhard@olathepregnancyclinic.org.

Music in youth ministry - Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, is seeking to fill this full-time role of leadership that integrates music into all aspects of youth ministry. Responsibilities include: leading worship; organizing and rehearsing the band for our Sunday night youth Mass; coordinating and implementing music into other aspects of youth ministry (prayer meetings, core meetings, retreats, special events, etc.); assisting in the planning and implementation of weekly Life Nights and periodic adoration/song/prayer events; and participation in weekly staff meetings and monthly core meetings. Applicants must have experience leading a band and be familiar with contemporary Christian music and the Catholic Mass. Sight-reading skills, experience as a worship leader, and experience and knowledge of Life Teen a plus. College degree in related field preferred.

Competitive compensation based on experience.

Please email questions and/or resumes to: mneal@ htlenexa.org.

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

Volunteer engagement manager - Are you compassionate, motivated, mission-driven and desire to empower others? Do you have experience with volunteer coordination and/or management? Catholic Charities is seeking a volunteer engagement manager to lead our volunteer engagement team in our recruiting and on-boarding initiatives for the 21+ programs at Catholic Charities. To learn more or apply, visit: catholicccharitiesks.org, then click on “Careers.”

Outreach coordinator - Do you have a passion for educating and advocating on social justice issues? Catholic Charities is seeking a compassionate, joy-filled and motivated individual to serve as an outreach coordinator. Primary responsibilities include collaborating with parishes, school and community organizations in the 21 counties of the archdiocese to educate on the social mission of the church and invite others to respond to live out the Gospel call to love and serve our neighbors.

To learn more or apply, visit: catholicccharitiesks.org then click on “Careers.”

Nativity Day School open positions - Our school is growing! We are a private preschool in Leawood that provides a premier school experience. We are open from August-May. We are seeking teachers for the 2022-23 school year. Desired skills and experience: must meet basic requirements of local child care regulatory agency; previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a licensed early childhood program preferred; four-year degree in early childhood or related field required; must meet all KDHE requirements; must be Virtus trained; if not Virtus trained, will be asked to take class and to complete all required bulletins in accordance with the archdiocese. Nativity Day School is an equal opportunity employer. Open positions: lead pre-kindergarten teacher, M - F, full time; lead preschool teacher, M - F, full time; assistant preschool teacher, M - F, part time; and special education teacher, M - F, part time. Interested applicants, please email our day school director Katie King at: Katie.King@kcnativity.org.

Early Education Center (EEC) program director Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, is seeking an EEC program director. The program director is responsible for overall operation and administration of the early education center. The EEC serves 250+ children through our preschool, after-school and summer programs. This position oversees a staff of 35 - 40; ensures that EEC policies and staff fulfill all requirements necessary for state licensing; determines program curriculum; and maintains relationships with parents. Position is full time and qualifies for archdiocesan benefits. A full position description can be found at: htlenexa.org/positionopening. Interested applicants should email cover letter and resume to: smerfen@htslenexa.org.

Part-time companions needed - Perfect job for any kind-hearted, energetic person wanting to be a team player in a small growing family company. Must have reliable transportation. Job entails driving clients to appointments and running errands. Person must be personable, able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a hands-on caregiving company.

Some clients may be standby assist. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given. Drug, background checks and COVID vaccine are mandatory. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795. Clarkson Companion Care.

Seventh/eighth grade science teacher - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking a seventh grade homeroom and science teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This teacher will also teach eighth grade science classes through a rotation. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs. org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv. org.

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

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

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

APRIL 29, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG Maternity home residential mentor - Hiring for all shifts. Do you have the passion to serve mothers and babies? Nativity House KC is a nonprofit maternity home in Kansas City, Kansas. Our mission is to provide help, hope, healing, shelter and services for adult pregnant women experiencing homelessness in a faith-based environment. Essential duties and responsibilities: provide ongoing support services and spiritual mentorship to mothers and their new babies; work with mentees to progress toward an individualized service; lead devotions, prayer and/or book study; lead parenting, budgeting and other classes as a part of curriculum; participate in assigned team meetings and/or consultations, staff development and training; provide all assigned paperwork, completely, accurately and on time.

Requirements: high school diploma; GED or higher; understanding of and sensitivity to homeless women with children; understanding and support of a trauma-informed system of care; valid and clean driver’s license; basic computer skills; be self-directed and flexible to meet the needs of the clients; ability to support the agency’s mission and philosophy and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and workplace harmony.

Experience with infant and child care preferred. If interested, email: lkabuya@nativityhousekc.org.

Elementary school secretary - Sacred Heart Catholic School in Ottawa is seeking an individual with a wide range of skills to run a welcoming and organized school office.

Please contact Lisa Blaes at (785) 242-4297 or send a resume to: lblaes@sacredheartottawa.eduk12.net.

Seventh/eighth grade ELA teacher - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking an eighth grade homeroom and ELA teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This teacher will also teach seventh grade ELA classes through a rotation. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Fifth/sixth grade teacher - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking a sixth grade homeroom and ELA teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This teacher will also teach fifth grade ELA classes and sixth grade reading classes through a rotation. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Technology teacher - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking a part-time technology teacher, approximately 20 hours per week, for computer and keyboarding skills for grades K - 6. This teacher will also potentially work with middle school students in elective courses. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Physical education teacher - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking a physical education teacher for the 2022-23 school year. Interested applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs. org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

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

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

Child care workers - John Paul II Preschool/Child Care is seeking fun-loving, energetic individuals, age 18 or over, to work in our summer program. Responsibilities include: interacting with children during indoor and outdoor play; supervising children on field trips; serving snacks; and helping to maintain the classroom space.

Great job for a college student! Full and part-time positions available, with the opportunity for year-round employment if desired. Competitive wages based on education and experience. Contact Donna at: dhogue@ archkckcs.org for more information or to apply.

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

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

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

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 >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 Director of faith formation - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is seeking candidates for the position of director of faith formation. This full-time, exempt employee is responsible for providing leadership, oversight and direction in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of initial and lifelong faith formation. This includes children’s catechesis; School of Religion program; sacramental preparation (baptism, reconciliation, first Communion and confirmation); RCIC program for young parishioners and Vacation Bible School program. Preferred skills include: a bachelor’s degree in a field commensurate with the qualifications of the position and experience in managing a religious education office; recruitment, training and supervision of all program staff and volunteers; planning programs for both youth and adults; and evaluation of program curriculum. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish would be beneficial but not required. Applicant will be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the church. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and work experience. To apply, please send resume to: Father William Bruning, pastor, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS 66204 or email to: wmbruning@ gmail.com. Resumes accepted through the month of April.

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

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

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

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

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

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

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

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: academic and student affairs specialist; admission counselor; ADN sprcialist; business office controller and nursing intake coordinator. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Assistant director - Assistant director for Catholic radio stations in the friendly, Catholic, safe community of Hays. Job description and how to apply at: dvmercy. com. Will train the right person. Chance for advancement.

Faculty/adjunct faculty positions available - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served, has the following faculty job openings include: Director of Baccalaureate programs and Director of Title V Project. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology, clinical nursing, math, and sociology.

Find job descriptions and details on: www.donnelly. edu/careers.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist.

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

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Gearing up for spring! Here is a list of the construction services I offer: flooring; tile; interior/exterior painting, as well as deck and fence staining; ceiling scraping/ retexturing; bathroom, kitchen and basement remodeling; siding; decks and covered porches. We also do cabinet refinishing! Look me up on Facebook at “Father & Son Home Exteriors & Remodeling.” I work on all jobs, no subcontractors. Thank you to all my clients!

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Tutor - Summer tutoring and music lessons available.

For more information, please call (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

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

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.

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

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Doll dresses - First Communion dresses for American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace for $35. Call (913) 345-9498 or send an email to: wwelch4@kc.rr.com to order. The dress is on display at Trinity House, 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS. Tutor - Improve your child’s reading level and comprehension with Wilson Fundamentals. Reading support, fundamentals and Wilson reading offered for K - 5th.

Michaela Bowler, St. Agnes. Master math essential skills and prepare for next year with IXL math. 3rd - 8th grade, Algebra 1 and 2, and geometry. Cathy Geisel, SMS. Check out all of our programs at: www.tutoringplus.online or call (913) 674-9558.

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

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).

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

For sale - Two plots at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Charity Garden; lot 128, section C, spaces 3 and 4, near road. Valued at $4400, asking $3500. Call (714) 470-1259 or email: choiherrington@gmail.com.

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

WANTED TO BUY

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.

Stone painting - We are offering free estimates to all thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.

Nelson Creations LLC. Home remodeling, kitchens, baths, basements.

All interior, exterior work. Licensed and insured.

(913) 927-5240 or: dknelson2001@gmail.com.

Roofing America, Inc. — Local, Catholic-owned roofing company. FREE INSPECTIONS and estimates on roofs, gutters and siding. We work with your insurance company. Residential and commercial buildings. Mention this ad and call Bill (4th-degree Knight) at (913) 222-4379.

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.

SERVICES 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.

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.

Thinking about downsizing? - Just want to get some stuff gone? I am always buying: old jewelry, old coins, pocket watches, pocket knives, old trains, crocks, oil lamps, old toys, glassware, old clocks, old fans, Coca Cola items and spool cabinets. Most old items considered. Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.

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

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

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

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

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.

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

Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Miami and south Johnson counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www.saintritahc.com; margush@saintritahc. com; (913) 229-4267; owner, member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

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

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.

Wants to buy - Growing family looking for 1800+ square-foot home to buy within the St. Joseph/Good Shepherd (Shawnee) parish boundaries. Contact Brandon (St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner) at (816) 7264036.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers.

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

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

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Leaven attempts to screen advertisers and copy, but is not responsible for claims and representations made in advertisements.

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COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS THIRD WEEK OF EASTER May 1 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41 Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13 Rv 5: 11-14 Jn 21: 1-19 May 2 Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church Acts 6: 8-15 Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30 Jn 6: 22-29 May 3 PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES 1 Cor 15: 1-8 Ps 19: 2-5 Jn 14: 6-14 May 4 Wednesday Acts 8: 1b-8 Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a Jn 6: 35-40 May 5 Thursday Acts 8: 26-40 Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20 Jn 6: 44-51 May 6 Friday Acts 9: 1-20 Ps 117: 1bc, 2 Jn 6: 52-59 May 7 Saturday Acts 9: 31-42 Ps 116: 12-17 Jn 6: 60-69

W

hat will you be celebrating this coming Thursday?

Hint: It’s May 5.

For a large number of people, the immediate answer will be: Cinco de Mayo! That day recalls the victory of Mexico over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Especially since the 1980s, though, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has become a time to celebrate Mexican-American culture.

But this year, because May 5 is the first Thursday in that month, there’s another celebration as well here in the United States: the National Day of Prayer. It’s been around since 1952 when it was established by President Harry S Truman, but most years I’m betting it goes by unnoticed.

Let’s not let that happen in 2022.

There’s always a two-fold aspect to prayer, however, as this little story conveys: A student, inclined

APRIL 29, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Go ahead and celebrate both 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.

to laziness, noticed that one of his classmates recited her Spanish lessons with accuracy and enthusiasm. One day, he asked her, “How do you always recite your lessons so perfectly?”

“Before I study,” she told him, “I always pray that I may remember my lessons and repeat them well.”

“Ah,” said the boy, somewhat surprised at her answer. Later, he thought to himself, “So that’s her secret

method! Well, then, I’ll pray, too!” That night, he did so, reciting as many prayers as he could recall.

He was totally confused the next day when he couldn’t repeat even one phrase of the Spanish lesson.

He hunted down his smart classmate and accused her of being a liar. “I prayed,” he declared, “but I couldn’t repeat a single thing from yesterday’s lesson!”

“Maybe,” she answered, “it’s because you didn’t take pains to learn the lesson.”

“Of course not!” said the boy. “I didn’t study at all. I had no reason to study. You told me to pray that I

might remember the lesson.”

“There’s your problem,” answered the girl. “I told you I prayed before, not instead of, studying!”

(Story found in Brian Cavanaugh’s “Fresh Packet of Sower’s Seeds: Third Planting.”)

It’s good to remind ourselves that prayer involves both words and actions. This attitude is captured well in this statement, sometimes attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you.”

How often do we blame God for the troubles in our world?

For example, we might find ourselves praying for justice and an end to racism, while in our daily lives we regularly demean people “who are not like us” in our attitudes, comments and behavior. Or we may pray fervently for peace, then turn around and engage in road rage or in vicious

postings on social media. We expect God to do it all and excuse ourselves from any practical work to bring about justice or peace.

By all means, pray for our country on May 5 — in thanksgiving for all the blessings that we enjoy and so often take for granted here in the United States. But pray as well for the weaknesses and flaws still vividly present in America . . . and for the grace to work diligently, patiently and compassionately to correct them.

This May 5, you don’t have to choose what you will celebrate. Celebrate both!

In the morning, make time for the National Day of Prayer; in the afternoon, take some positive and practical action to implement what you prayed for; and in the evening, celebrate wholeheartedly Mexican-American culture.

Prayer and action.

God working through us. Now, that’s a team impossible to beat.

Jesus is with us always, but especially in the breaking of the bread

P Athanasius 295 - 373 This doctor of the church, famous for his understanding of and writing about the Incarnation, became bishop of his hometown of Alexandria, Egypt, when he was in his early 30s. As metropolitan patriarch for 45 years, he fought the heresy of Arius, a well-educated Alexandrian priest; ran afoul of three emperors and was exiled multiple times; and defended church unity despite longstanding difficulties with other bishops. He improved spirituality in his diocese; increased vocations; preached and wrote many letters, as well as a life of Antony of Egypt, a classic about ascetic and monastic life. Venerated from the time of his death in both East and West, he is the patron saint of hagiographers.

ersecution is part and parcel of Christian discipleship.

After Jesus foretold that his disciples would share in the persecutions that brought him to a violent death on the cross, they personally discovered this truth of Christian faith.

The apostles also came to learn the cost of discipleship as they faced rejection and martyrdom in response to their preaching of the life-giving words of Jesus.

And as the first Christian communities spread like wildfire across the Roman Empire, they experienced violent oppression from the political

,

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

rulers of the day.

One record of the persecutions suffered by the early followers of Jesus is found in the art on the walls of the ancient Roman catacombs.

Beneath the Eternal City of Rome can be found a vast maze of underground rooms and tunnels extending for hundreds of miles below the city surface.

In those subterranean spaces, the first Christians fled Roman persecution, gathered for worship and buried their martyrs and popes. The biblical images they painted on the catacomb walls connected them to the

persecutions of Old Testament figures, like Daniel in the lion’s den and the three young Hebrew men condemned to a fiery furnace by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes: “‘The church, urged on by the Spirit of Christ, must walk the road Christ himself walked, a way of poverty and obedience, of service and selfsacrifice even to death, a death from which he emerged victorious by his resurrection.’ So it is that ‘the blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians’” (No. 852).

In the Gospel, the disciples face isolation

after Jesus’ death and the disappointment of catching nothing after a night of fishing.

When the risen Jesus appears to them, they learn that apart from Jesus they could do nothing!

As Jesus breaks bread and gives it to his disciples, they realize that, as he promised, Jesus is present with them always, most especially in the breaking of the bread, the gift and mystery of the Eucharist.

As we encounter the challenges of discipleship in our daily witness to faith in Jesus we pray with confident trust, “Speak to me, Lord.”

Honor, protect dignity of elderly, pope says at audience VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The fourth commandment does not only imply honoring one’s father and mother, but also the respect and care for the dignity of older generations, Pope Francis said.

Sadly, the elderly, especially those in need of care, are often seen as a burden and, instead of being treated with “delicacy and affection, tenderness and respect,” are often abused, the

pope said April 20 during his weekly general audience.

“Encouraging in young people, even indirectly, an attitude of condescension — and even contempt — for the elderly, for their weaknesses and their precariousness, produces horrible things. It opens the way to unimaginable excesses,” he said.

The audience was held in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since restrictions enforced at the

start of the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered all public gatherings in 2020. Greeting thousands of pilgrims, the pope rode around in his popemobile, waving and occasionally stopping to kiss babies.

Pope Francis continued his series of talks on old age and reflected on the theme: “Honor thy father and mother, loving a life lived.”

COLUMNISTS

APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Parent/school partnership is what makes our schools successful

I

am always amazed at how informed our young people are on so many topics due to the amount of information they can get through such resources as the internet.

That being said, we are all aware of the negative influences our children can be exposed to on the internet. Ponder for a moment some of the current topics in the news and happenings from around the world that you and I are exposed to on a regular basis.

It is both challenging and frightening to try to imagine how these things are viewed through the eyes of our children.

A friend of mine who is a strong, faith-

FROM THE SUPER

DR. VINCE CASCONE Dr. Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

filled man focuses on raising his children in the Catholic faith. Two years ago, he made the decision to send them to a public school.

Over the last few months, he has shared with me many concerns he has had regarding

the curriculum and other information the school was presenting to the students. He has talked to me about many of the things to which his son is being exposed that are contrary to what he believes. He has struggled to understand why the school would highlight such things as gender ideology, homosexuality

and pornography to children.

Basically, he believes the school is going beyond its appropriate role in addressing these things he feels are his responsibility to discuss with his children. To be sure, I have heard from many parents of public school students who share these same concerns and who have inquired about our Catholic schools.

On March 29, the press office of the Vatican released a document from the Congregation for Catholic Education entitled, “The Identity of the Catholic School for a Culture of Dialogue.”

Regarding parents, this document states: “The first persons responsible for education

are the parents, who have a natural right and obligation to educate their children.”

It goes on to say: “Catholic parents are also bound by the obligation to provide for the Catholic education of their children.” I am proud to hear the often-made comment by parents that our Catholic schools provide a community atmosphere that feels like a family. You feel this when you walk into one of our schools.

The partnership between parents and the school is of the utmost importance to us.

That same document goes on to say: “It is necessary for parents to cooperate closely with teachers, getting involved in decision-making

processes concerning the school community and their children.”

The parent-school relationship is what makes Catholic schools so successful.

The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are safe places for students where they will be taught the time-tested truths of the Catholic Church led by God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

They are schools where we team with parents to make sure the children know they are loved and cared about and where they can build relationships with God who loves them and knows them each by name.

Join our effort to pass ‘Value Them Both.’ Here’s how you can help.

“M

ore people need to hear about this.”

Over the past several months, I have had the privilege to visit many parishes across the archdiocese, sharing about the defining moment we’re facing in Kansas with our “Value Them Both” amendment vote on Aug. 2. This statement is what I most often hear after the presentation.

Once people understand that a 2019 Kansas court ruling makes us vulnerable to becoming a destination state for nearly unlimited abortion, they feel compelled to protect both babies and women by stopping this from happening.

However, too many

LIFE MATTERS

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

people do not yet know what we are facing. Many more need to hear about the “Value Them Both” amendment, which will restore our constitution and protect our existing laws.

With just over three months until the vote, we are mobilizing

the largest grassroots effort Kansas has seen to do just that.

What can you do to help?

Pray. We must ask Our Mother for her intercession. It is not too late to join the “Memorare Army” for the successful passage of the amendment. Visit the website at: archkck.org/ VTBMemorareArmy to join.

Become informed.

The vast majority of Americans believe

there should be limits on abortion. “Value Them Both” will safeguard our existing commonsense laws that protect both unborn children and women.

Visit the website at: archkck.org/Value ThemBoth to learn about the amendment and also about the many pregnancy help organizations that help women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies.

Take action and spread the word.

Too many good people in our families and neighborhoods do not yet know about “Value Them Both.”

Gather a group of friends or people from your parish who are willing to be trained to share the “Value Them Both” message with others. Contact

PeteC@valuethem both.com to schedule a training.

Calling the prolife generation! This generation of students and young adults has embraced the “Gospel of Life” message and responded in amazing ways — in public witness during marches and Walks for Life, in service at pregnancy help centers and in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for those who have been hurt by abortion. Their energy, compassion and faithful example will change the hearts of many.

We already have many students from our Catholic high schools and college campus centers engaged with the “Value Them Both” effort but we need more. If you are a student, young

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adult or a parent of one, please spread the word about this opportunity to make a profound difference for the lives and dignity of Kansas women and babies. We are currently training summer volunteers to share the message with others. Visit the website at: archkck. org/ValueThemBoth to get involved.

The good news of Easter — that Our Lord has triumphed over sin and death — gives us the confidence we need to proclaim the “Gospel of Life” and “Value Them Both” messages with great hope and joy. Christ died on the cross because every life matters to him. He rose again because of his merciful love for us.

Yes, more people do need to know about this.

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LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 29, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

16

‘We aim to give people a time and place that is set apart’

T

his week, Grace Malinee takes Leaven readers inside her ministry as a retreat team missionary at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

Q.

What is your name, title and where do you minister?

I’m Grace Malinee, and I’m a retreat team missionary at Prairie Star Ranch.

Q. Please describe what you do.

A. As a missionary, our mission

is to connect youth and families with Christ. That primarily happens in the retreats we facilitate. We lead three types of retreats: Confirmation, Leadership and Environmental Stewardship.

When we’re not leading retreats, we still live and work on a 300-acre ranch, so there’s always something going on.

That includes doing office work and providing hospitality for groups that are renting our facilities, even if we’re not doing hands-on ministry with them. It can also include feeding horses, maintenance work, writing retreat curriculum, caring for our St. Kateri Chapel, connecting with others on the ranch’s social media, coordinating with our housekeepers or even planting a garden.

COURTESY PHOTO

Grace Malinee, a retreat team missionary at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, tackles one of the many outdoor challenges at the ranch. Malinee has worked at Prairie Star since 2019.

Q. How would you describe how

other missionaries and as she talked to me about ranch life, I immediately knew it was the answer to my prayer.

A.

Did you collect some skills from other jobs along the way that have proved surprisingly applicable?

your role fits into the larger mission of the Catholic Church?

We aim to give people a time and place that is set apart for them to connect with their families, their parish community, their peers and, ultimately, the Lord, so that when they return to their normal lives, their homes and communities, they can be refreshed, revived and recommitted to the Lord.

Q. Is this what you set out to do

in life?

A.

I’ve always had a heart for ministry. Previous to this, I worked in Catholic education and at a women’s shelter.

Both were beautiful experiences, but some of my desires were left unanswered. I wanted to work with youth outside the confines of a classroom.

The more I worked with people who were homeless, I came to understand that the deepest hunger we all have, regardless of our socioeconomic status, is a hunger for God. I had a passion for evangelization that wasn’t explicitly being met in my work there. The desire to evangelize, especially evangelize the youth, led me to Prairie Star.

Q.

place?

A.

What road led you to this

I didn’t know that Prairie Star Ranch even existed prior to applying here. But one day I made a bold prayer: “Jesus, I want to live in a Catholic community, work with youth and be a missionary. Is there even a place that I can do all of that?”

A few weeks later, I met one of our

Q. A.

The summer after I graduated from college, I volunteered at a wonderful ministry called Catholic Youth Expeditions in the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. I spent the summer taking high school students and young adults on wilderness retreat expeditions. It was the most fun summer of my life.

Many of my experiences there have translated into my life at the ranch.

My other experience working in education and [with] people who were homeless helped me practice receiving the person before me, especially when they are hurting, scared or unsure. Those skills of accompaniment have gone a long way in my current retreat work.

Q.

What would the average Catholic be most surprised to learn about your job?

A.

We missionaries live and work here year-round, and it’s not simply a one-time “mission year.” I’ve been here for three years and am happy to continue serving for as long as God wills.

The job has unusual hours and living arrangements (all the missionaries live together on-site), but the thing I love most is that it doesn’t just feel like a job so much as a fun and fulfilling way of life.

Q. Who does your ministry pri-

marily serve?

A.

It’s mostly youth, whether they come to the ranch for Camp Tekakwitha in the summer or they come with their parish or youth group retreat.

[But] we still have people of all ages who come through our gates. Countless parishes and ministries make use of this place of grace, both within and outside of the Catholic Church.

Q.

What do you wish everybody knew about your ministry?

A.

We’re open year-round and excited to serve. Whether you want to retreat with your Knights of Columbus council or Bible study, or want to take your 7th grade class or your youth group on a fun excursion. We’d be happy to host you here. Prairie Star is truly a gift for all, no matter your age.

community. But going on retreat with others and participating in communal prayer and faith-sharing are often profound experiences.

The youth are deciding how and if they want to make faith a part of their lives and seeing others, especially young adults, living an integrated faith life is a necessary witness that furthers conversion.

Q.

What have you learned about yourself ?

A.

Q.

I’ve learned that there’s a lot I don’t know, but to be patient with myself while I learn.

I’ve learned a lot of new things since coming to the ranch, including tractordriving, horse-trailing, high-ropes belaying.

I’m even learning American Sign Language as a part of this job. But I’ve learned how to have an openness to continual newness and learning.

A.

How has it changed the way you view your identity as a Catholic?

Why does the world need more of what you’re offering, especially now?

In our increasingly hectic or chaotic society, it’s essential to give people a place to separate themselves from the normal goings-on in their lives and have the time and space to encounter the Lord. Many have felt isolated from each other or from the larger church in the past couple of years, so providing a place where people can reconnect to the church and sacraments during a retreat is critical.

Q. What have you learned about

people in this job?

A.

I’ve learned that a lot of people can feel alone in their faith, or unsure how to discuss faith or be in Christian

Q. A.

It’s made me take Jesus’ commission so much more seriously. It’s each Catholic’s mission to spread the Gospel, whether we have the job title of “missionary” or not. But it’s made me realize the gravity of my baptismal call and that a witness to the Gospel must be proclaimed in words and deeds.

Malinee is a St. Louis native and moved to Prairie Star in 2019. Previously, she has served as a Totus Tuus missionary in both the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.