05 05 23 Vol. 44 No. 36

Artist creates murals for Holy Name of Jesus Church SACRED ART

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Mattie Karr was commissioned to create triptych murals for Holy Name of Jesus Parish here, she decided to use real parishioners as her subjects.

“I was at church looking for inspiration,” she said. “I saw this woman at Mass, and I thought she was really beautiful.

“I was like, ‘She’s Mary.’ I just felt it in my heart.”

Karr told Father Anthony Ouellette, pastor of Holy Name, that she had

someone in mind to portray the mother of Jesus.

“He was like, ‘I have someone in mind, too. It’s that woman with the really long hair,’” said Karr. “And that’s exactly who I was wanting.”

It seemed providential for Leticia DeCaigny to represent Mary.

“She said it actually means a lot,” said Karr. “[She and her husband] lost their son to cancer [around] 10 years ago, so she said, ‘I know what it’s like to walk with a suffering son.’”

DeCaigny’s son was just 8 years old when he passed away after a five-year battle with cancer.

“Toward the end,” said DeCaigny, “I

FUTURE OF FAITH

A Pew Study report last fall predicted alarming trends in religious affiliation. For the causes — and maybe some solutions . . .

>>> See story on pages 7-10

was connected even more to God and Jesus and Mary.

“When he passed, I said, ‘Look at him! He has a smile on his face.’ I think with that smile, it made me think he’s in a great place.

“He knows where he’s going.”

‘Time capsule’

The murals already hold a special place in the hearts of parishioners who are eagerly anticipating their installation sometime after May.

Father Ouellette said they’ll be a lasting legacy for Holy Name, which will

celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026.

“It’s a time capsule in the sense of capturing some of the image and likeness of the people that come to our parish,” he said.

Like DeCaigny, Ernest and Marketta Hickman were thrilled to be part of the project.

Marketta has been a Holy Name parishioner for nearly 60 years, and she and Ernest were married there 40 years ago.

As volunteers, they had their photographs taken at Karr’s studio, wearing costumes borrowed from the Little Sisters of the Lamb.

>> See “COLORFUL” on page 6

FINAL FRONTIER

>>> See story on page 3

NASA astronaut Kevin P. Chilton talks with Bishop Ward High School students and Legatus members about his time in space — and the Eucharist he took with him.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Mattie Karr shows off part of the triptych murals she created for Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. Karr recently took a leap of faith to become a full-time artist, and many of her projects so far have been rooted in faith. “I get to do what I love,” she said. “And God’s really blessing me. He’s using it as a tool for evangelization.”

It is the love of God, not material progress, that truly satisfies us

Ido not recommend watching the evening news. It will depress you. The war in Ukraine continues with no resolution in sight. China threatens to invade Taiwan, potentially triggering World War III. Inflation continues to make the cost of living soar, while reducing the worth of the dollar.

The level of the national debt is unsustainable, but our leaders appear impotent to address it because it would be political suicide. The vast majority of Americans do not want a rerun of the last presidential election, while both parties appear poised to renominate the same candidates.

More importantly, our moral culture continues to decline. A female Supreme Court Justice, as well as many legislators and executive branch cabinet officials, cannot define the meaning of the word “woman.”

Violent crime plagues many of our cities. A large number of children are growing up without their biological father present in the home. Even though we live more comfortably than any society in world history, our young people suffer from loneliness, anxiety and depression. According to recent studies, Americans are less religious and less patriotic than previous generations.

The preceding is hardly a comprehensive list of all of the negative cultural trends, but you get the picture. St. Peter instructed the early Christian community:

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Pt 3:15).

The late Pope Benedict XVI wrote his second encyclical letter on the virtue of Christian hope. Pope Benedict contrasted Christian hope with some of the false notions that are prevalent in the secular world. One of these false notions is faith in progress. The remarkable successes of science that resulted in amazing technological advancements fostered a false hope that a new paradise could be realized by the ability of human reason to direct the natural world.

Pope Benedict described the transition in modernity from the Christian notion of redemption, won by the death and resurrection of Jesus, to a redemption experienced in scientific and technological progress. “The recovery of what man had through the expulsion from Paradise was expected from faith in Jesus Christ: herein lay redemption. Now, this redemption, the restoration of the lost

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Paradise is no longer expected from faith, but from the newly discovered link between science and praxis (the application of scientific knowledge). It is not that faith is simply denied; rather, it is replaced onto another level — that of purely private and other worldly affairs — and at the same time becomes irrelevant for the world” (“Spes Salvi,” 17).

Part of this belief that scientific progress and economic reforms can provide an earthly paradise comes from failed philosophical ideas. Sadly, in many of our universities, Marxism has been resuscitated. Pope Benedict defined the fundamental error of Marxism in this way: “He (Karl Marx) forgot that man always remains man. He forgot man and man’s freedom. He forgot that freedom always remains also freedom for evil. He thought that once the economy had been put right, everything would automatically be put right. His real error is materialism: Man, in fact is not merely the product of economic conditions and it is not possible to redeem him purely from the outside by creating a

Blessed Carlo Acutis’ relics coming to area

Blessed Carlo Acutis touched the world with his devotion to Christ in the Eucharist, documenting eucharistic miracles around the world and cataloging them on a website he created.

This week, the relics of the teenager who died of leukemia in 2006 will make a stop in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The national Eucharistic Revival tour also contains the relics of St. Manuel Gonzales Garcia, a Spanish bishop who cared for children in need and also had a love of the Real Presence.

The relics will be available for veneration at the following parishes and schools:

May 5

• Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner from 6-9 p.m.

May 6

• Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca from 5-8 p.m.

May 7

• St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• Church of the Ascension in Overland Park from 7-10 p.m.

May 8

• Mother Teresa Parish in Topeka from 5-8 p.m.

favorable economic environment” (21).

Pope Benedict believed that the experience of modernity had revealed clearly that merely scientific and material progress without a corresponding moral and ethical progress is not only insufficient but actually quite dangerous. Our late Holy Father wrote: “To put it another way: The ambiguity of progress becomes evident. Without doubt, it (scientific progress) offers new possibilities for good, but it also opens up appalling possibilities for evil — possibilities that formerly did not exist. We have all witnessed the way in which progress, in the wrong hands, can become and has indeed become a terrifying progress in evil. If technical progress is not matched by corresponding progress in man’s ethical formation, in man’s inner growth, then it is not progress at all, but a threat for man and the world” (22).

Is it real progress to increase the capacity of weapons going from the sling shot to the atomic bomb? Is our computer technology really an advancement, if it addicts children to spend endless hours stimulated by the flood of alluring images, constant information and perpetual entertainment on screens, while impeding the development of authentic friendships? Is it real progress to be so dependent on computer technology that our national enemies can by cyberattack threaten our energy supply or collapse our economic system? Is it progress that we allow a predatory pornography industry to addict defenseless children to sexually provocative and perverse images under the guise of freedom of expression?

Bad ideas have consequences. Karl Marx died a tragic figure. Two of his three children that lived beyond childhood ended their lives by suicide. Friedrich Nietzsche, who advanced the ideology that God is dead and human beings can will themselves to be whatever they desire to be, spent the last decade of his life insane. Yet,

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

May 5

Confirmation — John Paul II, Olathe

May 6

Kansans for Life banquet — Overland Park

Women’s Conference for Healing and Forgiveness Mass — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

May 7

Pastoral visit — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas

Community of the Lamb pilgrimage Mass

May 8

Pastoral Council meeting — chancery

May 9

Papal Foundation rosary

Administrative Team meeting — chancery

Ethics Council meeting — chancery

May 10

Confirmation for Christ the King and Blessed Sacrament parishes — Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas

May 11

Marriage and family life leaders Region IX — Savior

Confirmation (Spanish) — Blessed Sacrament

May 12

Benedictine College Baccalaureate Mass

it is their ideologies that dominate many institutions of higher education.

What then is the basis for Christian hope? It is in a good and benevolent God, who has loved us into existence. It is in God, who despite sin — our rebellion against him — continues to reveal himself to us. It is our faith in a God who humbled himself to immerse himself in our humanity so that we could share in his divine and eternal life. Our hope is anchored in a God who has created us to be in communion with him.

Only the love of God, available to each of us, can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. No matter the external circumstances of our lives, nothing can separate us from the love of God — not physical suffering, emotional distress, adversity, persecution or even death itself.

St. Paul in his Second Letter to the Corinthians gave one of the best descriptions for Christian hope: “But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be

of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (4:7-11).

“Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal” (4:16-18).

What a blessing is our Catholic faith! What a grace it is to have a hope that nothing in the world can diminish, much less destroy!

THE FINAL FRONTIER

Astronaut talks to Ward students about his adventures in space

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan.

— It’s a feeling more than 99% of the earth’s population will never experience.

“Your first flight into space is like the first anything in your life,” said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, “whether it’s the first flight in an airplane or the first time you did something exciting that you always wanted to do.

“It’s absolutely thrilling.”

Chilton, a retired Air Force four-star general, test pilot and NASA astronaut, visited Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, on April 12.

He shared with science classes there the story of his first of three missions into outer space.

God’s plan

Chilton grew up in Los Angeles next to the airport and attended Catholic school for 12 years.

“Growing up next to the airport, I spent a lot of time looking out the window,” he told the students, “particularly in a class I didn’t much care for.

“I’d look out the window and watch the airplanes take off and land. I fancied that might be a fun thing to do one day — to be a pilot.”

Chilton recalled the moment his friend’s older brother told him about the Air Force Academy.

“That day — in the backseat of that station wagon on the way to the beach at the age of 12 — I decided I’m going to work really hard and try to go to that school,” he said.

But his dream to become an airline pilot didn’t pan out.

“I never achieved that goal,” he said. “I call that a providential moment — where something I didn’t control, a prayer I wanted to have answered, was

answered in a way that I never expected.”

Indeed, God had other plans for Chilton.

He ended up serving in the Air Force for 35 years and becoming a fighter pilot and test pilot. He also applied to become a NASA astronaut and was selected in 1987.

“I spent the next 11 years of my life working at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where I had the great opportunity to fly on three space shuttle missions,” he said.

Chilton hoped the story of his redirection in life would stick with the students.

“I like to tell the story about myself growing up because I was in those seats, too, wondering what the heck I’m going to do with my life,” he said.

“You don’t have to have it all figured out at this age,” he added. “It’s just as important to work hard and have goals. And it’s OK to change your goals as you go through life.

“That’s certainly what I did, and it worked for me.”

Prepare for liftoff

Students and staff were all ears as Chilton described what it was like launching into space for the first time in 1992.

“Launch is pretty dramatic inside,” he said. “It’s really noisy. Vibrations are incredibly high. They’re so high you feel like the thing’s going to come apart before liftoff.”

Chilton and his team were tasked with repairing and deploying the International Telecommunications Satellite. It ultimately took them four space walks to complete the mission.

“The reason it was successful, I think at the end of the day, is because we had trained so closely together,” said Chilton. “We not only knew each other at work, [but] we spent a lot of time together off work with each other and our families.”

>> See “ASTRONAUT” on page 5

Astronauts included in the STS-59 crew portrait include (standing in rear, left to right): Kevin P. Chilton, pilot; and Sidney M. Gutierrez, commander; (seated left to right are): Linda M. Godwin, payload commander; and mission specialists Thomas D. Jones, Jay Apt and Michael R. Clifford. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on April 9, 1994.

Continuing an in-space tradition, astronaut Kevin P. Chilton (right), mission commander, shakes hands with cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, Mir-21 commander, in the tunnel connecting the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Russia’s Mir Space Station on March 24, 1996. A short time earlier, two crews successfully pulled off the third hard-docking of their respective spacecraft.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA

Refresh your faith at the style of retreat that works best for you

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

EASTON — You’re not going to get your cellphone confiscated at the door of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer here, but you will get a gentle suggestion from director Vince Eimer that it would be best to set it aside.

“It would be good for them to do without it,” Eimer believes.

For information, reservations

Types of retreats

Guided retreat: meet with the director for help structuring the retreat Sabbatical retreat: longer periods for one month to a year

Group retreat: A retreat leader reserves the space and leads the group.

Monthly preached retreats: retreats according to the monthly schedule (See sidebar.)

Christ’s Peace’s monthly schedule for 2023

• “Consecration to Mary Retreat: Rediscovering Fatima” — May 12, 5:30 p.m. to May 14, 4:30 p.m. Make or renew your Marian consecration on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima with a look at the seven lessons Mary gave at Fatima. The retreat includes Marian conferences, special consecration to Mary ceremony, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession and time for private prayer. Day guests are welcome.

• Address: 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton, KS 66020

• Call: (913) 773-8255

• Email: info@christs peace.com

• Website: archkck. org/cpp/home

Christ’s Peace is a great place to unplug from the world and get in touch with God, and cellphones don’t help.

For 50 years, this place in Leavenworth County has served as the archdiocesan place of prayer and spiritual renewal.

This legacy will be remembered with a 50th anniversary Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 19 at Christ’s Peace. There will be an open house from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will include a blessing of the chapel, lunch, rosary walk and tour.

“We are here to help people by providing an environment where they can spend time with God and deepen their relationship with him, both through gaining knowledge and spending time with him by getting away from the noise of the world,” said Eimer. “Our great hope is when they do come here, they’ll discover — literally — the peace of Christ.”

The small staff of Eimer and Marie Baranko, director of operations, pray for Archbishop Naumann, priests and religious, and, indeed, all the Catholics of northeast Kansas and those beyond.

This archdiocesan house of prayer is located on 120 acres of land two miles east of Easton and 12 miles west of Leavenworth. Nevertheless, it’s only a short driving time from the major

Tailored preached retreats: Vince Eimer leads retreats to meet the needs of individuals and groups on a variety of topics. The capacity is up to 30 persons for a day retreat or nine double-bed and nine single-bed spaces for an overnight retreat. These can be half-day, full-day or weekend.

population centers of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Christ’s Peace has undergone a lot of change since it was founded in 1971 by Father Edward Hays, especially since Eimer took over as director in 2011. Shrines and walking paths have been added, the grounds have been beautified, the chapel was renovated and the accommodations were upgraded.

Many archdiocesan Catholics have visited here for a day, a weekend or even longer as individuals, couples or groups. There are monthly preached retreats offered by Eimer, or silent retreats. Some individuals or groups ask Eimer to plan a retreat for them. Other groups, led by a pastor, already have one planned.

“We have some cabins and courtyard (main building) rooms that can take two people, family members or married couples,” said Eimer. “We have six cabins that can take couples and three courtyard rooms that can take couples, or individuals.

“We also have two hermitages that can take one person, and four guest rooms and an overflow room. Our capacity is 27 if every space is used.”

The cabins and courtyard rooms have their own showers, stoves, refrigerators, air conditioning and heating. The small guest rooms share a bathroom. People can bring their own food if they wish, but Christ’s Peace can provide simple meals.

• St. Isidore Feast Day: Mass and blessing of seeds and soil — May 15, 10 a.m. The day honors St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers. It will begin with Mass, followed by a rosary procession to the St. Isidore Shrine. Bring seeds and soil in a small, decorated basket for blessing. The Mass will be followed by a lunch and fellowship. A freewill offering will be taken up. To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255 with the number of attendees.

• “St. Elizabeth of the Trinity: Encountering the Divine Indwelling” silent retreat — July 28, 5:30 p.m. to July 30, 4:30 p.m. The Carmelite focused her interior life on the mystery of divine indwelling found in St. Paul’s epistles.

• Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 50th anniversary celebration — Aug. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Archbishop Naumann will celebrate Mass at 9:30 a.m., followed by a blessing of the chapel, lunch, a rosary walk and tours.

• “Rescued through the Triumph of the Cross” — Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m. to Sept. 17, 4:30 p.m. Father John Riccardo’s book “Rescued” will guide the retreat.

• “The Way of the Pilgrim” silent retreat — Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m. to Oct. 15, 4:30 p.m. During this retreat, we will put into practice the ancient tradition of walking while praying the Jesus Prayer.

• “Living Freedom in the Church” — Nov. 10, 5:30 p.m. to Nov. 12, 4:30 p.m. Prepare for the Jubilee Year 2025 by studying the documents of Vatican II, focusing on the four dogmatic constitutions.

• Advent silent retreat — Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m. to Dec. 3, 4:30 p.m. Prepare for Advent as we explore the essence and promise of the Advent season and gain a new understanding of the coming of Christ.

The expenses of accommodating guests are taken care of by guest donations. A guideline for suggested donations can be found online at the Christ’s Peace’s website.

People can go on vacations or stay at spas to relax and psychologically recharge, but Christ’s Peace offers much more.

“What you’re doing here is spiritually recharging,” said Eimer. “You’re

trying to reinvigorate your relationship with God and deepen that relationship, which in turn will make you a more loving and effective person with others. It gives you a chance to reflect on your life and where you’re going, to become the kind of person who will live out the Great Commandment. If you don’t take time off for God, it’s difficult for his grace to work in you.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, assisted by Deacon Phillip Nguyen, blesses seeds and soil placed before the altar at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton during the 2022 Mass for the feast of St. Isidore. This year’s Mass will take place on May 15 at 10 a.m.

Astronaut brought the Eucharist into space

>> Continued from page 3

Chilton emphasized the importance of communication, problem-solving and trust.

“That is what I’m convinced was key to our success on this particular mission — the trust we had in each other,” he said.

Bird’s-eye view

After his presentation, Chilton took questions from staff and students, who

were curious to know if he believed in aliens and what the most challenging part of his training was.

He also shared with The Leaven how his time in space shaped his faith.

“It’s hard to describe the beauty of the earth and God’s creation when you’re looking down on it from that high up, and seeing so much that you know is unique and you’ll never see it again,” he said.

What made the experience even more remarkable was that Chilton brought the Eucharist with him on

each mission.

“Just knowing that I had the Lord physically with me the whole time was comforting,” he said.

Jay Dunlap, Bishop Ward president, was delighted that Chilton stopped by to share part of his story.

“I really appreciate the way General Chilton focused on problem-solving,” he said, “because that’s an important skill for kids throughout their lives, but especially at this age.

“This was a great eye-opener for our kids.”

Astronaut speaks to Legatus group

During his visit to Kansas City on April 12, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton also spoke at a Legatus event.

Legatus is a group for Catholic business leaders and their spouses who meet monthly. Members have either previously held or currently hold a business leadership position — like a CEO, CFO or COO — with a million-dollar payroll and 40 or more employees.

The local chapter, which currently has around 40 members, combines the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Gatherings are designed to nurture faith and fellowship, and include Mass, opportunities for confession, the rosary, a dinner and speaker presentation.

Terri Lynn, associate director of estate gift planning for the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development, serves as the chapter administrator.

Hosting Chilton, she said, was “an honor.”

In his talk, titled “Holy Communion in Space,” Chilton shared with Legatus members the story of bringing the Eucharist into space during all three of his missions.

“He really put a lot of his spirituality [into it],” said Lynn.

“He said that going up there and seeing God’s creation from afar, nothing changed,” she continued, “but everything was affirmed as far as what he thought he believed about God.”

Lynn said Legatus is seeking new members. To learn more, go online to: legatus.org, or contact Nelson Newcomer, membership chair, by email at: kansascity@legatus.org.

CFNEK program offers continuing ed, networking opportunity

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Dynamic speakers, networking opportunities and a faith-based backdrop are a few of the elements that make the St. Thomas More Continuing Education Program unique.

The 13th annual program, sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK), will be held on June 2 from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, followed by a continental breakfast and speaker series. It will include lunch and the opportunity to network.

Bill Maloney, executive director of CFNEK, will emcee the event.

“It’s designed to bring some of our Catholic professionals . . . together for not only a learning event where they gather continuing education hours, but also to network and meet other Catholic professionals within our archdiocese,” said Jane Schmitt, director of development for CFNEK.

The program is for accountants, lawyers, financial advisers and insurance professionals in need of continuing education hours to maintain their

various licenses.

Schmitt said the program’s committee “went all in” on bringing people together in-person rather than offering a virtual or hybrid setting.

For Morgan Wade, marketing coordinator for CFNEK, that aspect of the program “makes it more meaningful.”

“I think community is such an important thing in our faith,” she said.

Although the setting is a spiritual one, attendees don’t have to be Catholic.

“We’re always looking to grow this,” said Schmitt. “We want lots of new folks and new faces.”

College students pursuing relevant fields, like accounting, finance and law, are invited to attend this year’s program free of charge so they can learn from the speakers and gain networking experience.

Businesses are also invited to sponsor the event.

Brian Leitner, managing director,

wealth solutions, at Mariner Wealth Advisors, one of the program’s sponsors, will speak on “Enhancing the Client Experience.”

“Oftentimes, as professionals, we don’t give ourselves the space to take a step back and work on our business,” said Leitner.

“For example,” he continued, “when was the last time advisors revisited their client communication strategy, reevaluated where they spend their time or leveraged their data to help improve the services they provide?

“That’s what this presentation is all about.”

Leitner said he attends professional events throughout the year and is eager to give back by sharing what he’s learned.

“The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is a fantastic organization,” he said. “The content and ability to network at this conference makes this event very special.”

Crystalyn Ellis, assistant disciplinary administrator at the Kansas Disciplinary Office, and Krystal Vokins, counsel to the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys, will speak on “The More Things Change, the More Things Stay the Same.”

Some of what they will cover includes an overview of the structure of the attorney discipline system and a review

of the procedural rules, standards and Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct.

“Our office is always happy to work with organizations throughout Kansas to ensure attorneys have easy access to quality ethics programming,” said Ellis.

“We often find that attorneys do not always understand the scope, purpose or process of our office’s work,” she continued, “and providing programming at these events helps reduce the confusion or concern an attorney might have when a complaint is lodged against them, or when they are called to assist in an investigation.”

Schmitt and Wade are excited for this year’s speakers and hope attendees will also gain valuable information about CFNEK.

“[We’re] developing this network of advisers that are then advising their clients to keep the church in mind in their legacy giving and their legacy planning,” said Schmitt.

“It comes full circle as these advisers are meeting with clients,” she continued, “and they’re talking about their faith, their legacy, their philanthropy and their almsgiving.”

For more information and to register for the St. Thomas More Continuing Education Program, go to the website at: cfnek.org/events/thomas-more.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, a retired Air Force four-star general, test pilot and NASA astronaut, visited Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, on April 12.

Bible scholar is coming to Curé; event open to all

By Meghan Ascher Special to The Leaven

LEAWOOD — “Over the course of eight years,” said Greg Doring, Curé of Ars parishioner here and leader of one of their numerous adult men’s groups, “we’ve gone through a ton of different content. Three to four years ago, one of the leaders was singing the praises of Dr. Bill Creasy’s Bible studies on Audible.com. It took him a while to get through, but at this point, Dr. Creasy’s content has become a huge part of this men’s group.

“He’s gone viral within these groups. The dads at Curé are big Creasy fans.

“Before him, Scripture was black and white, but now there is so much color to it, and he makes it fascinating.”

Creasy is a member of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and his home parish is Mission San Diego de Alcala, California’s first mission, founded in 1769 by St. Junipero Serra. He retired after 30 years as a professor at UCLA and boasts a long list of Catholic and ecumenical seats and awards.

Unlike a typical Bible scholar, he has a Ph.D. in literature, with an expertise in the “Great Books” classics and a focus on “The English Bible as Literature,” which was his title for what became one of UCLA’s most popular classes.

His story does not stop there. Between 1992 and 2020, Creasy offered lectures at parishes to help open the Bible up to people “as it emerges from history.”

As he put it, “If we don’t know the historical and cultural context of a particular section of the Bible, we’re not going to understand what is going on in it. St. Jerome called the land itself ‘the fifth Gospel.’”

He offers several courses that plumb varying depths and detail.

“I offer the ‘core,’ or ‘Bible in a nutshell,’

which is about 80 minutes. Then, I offer the ‘One Year Bible,’ ‘4-year Bible’ and ‘7-year Bible,’” he said.

“I have 500 hours of lecture produced over a five-year period, professionally recorded and edited in a studio,” he added. “Since 2020, the Audible lectures are most of my [outreach] now.”

These lectures are what the men of

Curé have been listening to. But soon they wanted more and pitched the idea of hosting a Zoom meeting with him. That idea took off and quickly yielded an in-person visit.

Creasy offered a Friday - Saturday conference at the parish, and the men were thrilled. They gathered the funds to bring him in and now wish to invite anyone from the archdiocese who might want to attend.

“We consider him such a treasure to deepening the faith, that we can’t help but share him with the greater Catholic community,” said Doring.

Friday night, Creasy will offer a stand-alone lecture on “Becoming an Educated Reader of Scripture.” Saturday morning and early afternoon, he will take the method laid out the night before and, as he explained, “implement it with the attendees, focusing on King David for this lecture series.”

The event will be held on May 19-20, and information can be found on the Curé of Ars website at: cureofars.com/ dr-bill-creasy-event. Freewill donations are welcome, but as Doring put it, “We don’t want cost to hinder anyone.”

For anyone interested in listening to Creasy’s lecture series, they can be found online at: audible.com and on his website at: logosbiblestudy.com.

He also offers pilgrimages to holy sites throughout the year, and the vast majority of those attendees are students of his online lecture series.

Colorful murals will make walls come alive, says pastor

>> Continued from page 1

“It was surreal — like we were right there with the Holy Spirit, just feeling it back in that era,” said Marketta. “It felt like I was right there at that time.”

Marketta described the experience as being “part of history,” and she said she was impressed by Karr’s work.

“The belief, the love and the spirituality — she captured the right moment and the serenity and beauty of it,” she said.

DeCaigny also enjoyed working with Karr.

“Mattie’s just a very beautiful soul,” she said. “And being able to have a conversation with her and connect with her — I think even that would get [people] to see how strong her faith is.”

Shared vision

Father Ouellette took a chance on Karr before seeing her work.

“We had only struck up a conversation because she was faithfully coming to daily Mass,” he said. “When I found out that she was an artist, I shared with her what I had envisioned seeing.

“Weeks went by, and I saw her sitting in [eucharistic] adoration sketching what I had described to her.”

Father Ouellette offered her the gig.

He had decided the time was right to beautify the church after months of sitting in eucharistic adoration before daily Mass.

“I had always seen these two very big blank spots on the wall behind the statue of Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph,” he said.

He wanted murals that would complement the church’s stained-glass windows and portray the presentation of

Jesus in the Temple and Pentecost.

“The Acts of the Apostles tells us there were 120 gathered in the Upper Room,” he said. “Sometimes, [artists] depict only apostles. Sometimes, they depict Mary among the apostles.

“But I haven’t seen very many depictions of a larger sampling of people — men, women and children — all gathered around Mary as model of the church.”

Once the murals are installed, the church’s beige walls will come to life with the biblical scenes set amid vibrant blue and red backdrops.

For Father Ouellette, the project has been a treat.

“The recognition [is] that as we continue to do the practical things of caring for these older, beautiful churches that are in need of a lot of tender loving care,

that we also don’t miss the opportunity that they be beautified as well,” he said.

‘Leap of faith’

Karr’s journey as an artist has been fueled by passion.

She grew up in Olathe, where she attended Prince of Peace Parish, and she graduated from the University of Kansas in 2019 with a degree in illustration and film.

“I wanted to move to Hollywood and do movies,” said Karr, “but I didn’t have any money. I stayed here and got into business development and sales.”

She worked for Swell Spark while doing art on the side, and her boss offered her a studio space at the company’s office as a bonus.

“I was there in the mornings before work,” she said, “and I was physically upset that I had to go back downstairs and do sales all day.”

She wanted more.

“I used to have all these really big dreams,” said Karr, “and [here I was] just doing sales. There was a pretty big prayer experience where I felt like God was like, ‘What are you waiting for? It’s now or never.’”

In 2020, Karr committed to the Holy Name project, and eventually she decided to quit her job to become a fulltime artist.

She described the transition as a “big leap of faith.”

Her parents were supportive, and her dad’s advice poignant.

“‘Cast your net over the side of the boat,’ that’s what he told me,” said Karr. “‘Let down your net for a catch and see what Jesus puts in it.’”

‘Living the dream’

Although she didn’t set out to focus on sacred art, many of the projects Karr has taken on have been faith-based.

She’s available for commissions for businesses, churches and individuals. She also offers live wedding paintings. Her life as a full-time artist is just getting started.

“I’m kind of living the dream, honestly,” said Karr. “I can’t even believe it some days.

“I get to do what I love. And God’s really blessing me. He’s using it as a tool for evangelization.

“Beauty speaks to everybody.”

To learn more about Karr, visit her website at: mattiekarr.com or follow her on Instagram @mattiekarrstudio.

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Creasy, Ph.D., whose Bible lectures on Audible.com have become a big hit, will offer a conference May 19-20 at Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Mattie Karr shares the inspiration behind part of the triptych murals she created for Holy Name Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. This piece depicts the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

‘UNAPOLOGETICALLY CATHOLIC’

Pastoral approach, focused evangelization are best responses to decline in Christian numbers

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

Last fall, a Pew Research Center report projected that if current trends continue, the percentage of Christians in the United States will decline quite a bit — or perhaps drastically — by 2070. The decline is not because of more people embracing other faiths.

Rather, Americans — and in particular 15- to 29-year-olds — are detaching themselves from any faith affiliation at all.

Pew admits that this is a bit of a snapshot of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Things may not unfold exactly as projected, or events outside the scope of the Pew study could trigger a revival of Christianity.

The Leaven reached out to six individuals — priests, religious and laity, serving different constituencies — for reactions to this report. Here is what we found.

Changing religious landscape: ‘nones’ to outpace Christians

In “Modeling the Future of Religion in America,” Pew notes that since the 1990s, large numbers of Americans have left Christianity to join growing ranks of U.S. adults who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular. Trends indicate that the unaffiliated/ disaffiliated, also known as religious “nones,” are outpacing the number of

persons who identify as Christians. If current trends accelerate, Christianity could become a minority religion in the United States by 2070.

“Switching” religious identity from Christian to “not affiliated with any religion” is a relatively new phenomenon. In the early 1990s, 90% of U.S. adults said they were Christian. Pew estimated that in 2020, 64% of Americans, including children, were Christian; 30%, unaffiliated or “nones”; and 6%, other religions. Of note from the Pew report:

• There has been a steady shrinking share of young adults raised Christian in childhood who have retained their religious identity over the past 30 years.

• Among persons born in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, there has been more substantial movement away from

Christianity after age 30. Switching identity from Christian to disaffiliated has been extending to more age groups.

• As progressively fewer adults retain their childhood Christian identity, fewer parents are raising children in Christian households.

• A declining percentage of people raised without a religion have converted or taken on a religion later in life.

• The pace of disaffiliation increased continuously between 2010 and 2020.

• Americans give a wide range of reasons for leaving religion behind.

Pew modeled four main hypothetical scenarios based on these trends depicting how the religious landscape might change over the next 50 years. Whether switching from Christian to disaffiliated identity continues at recent rates, speeds up or stops entirely, projections from the trend analysis show that Christians of all ages will shrink from 64% to between 54% and 35% of all Americans by 2070. The “nones” will rise from 30% to between 34% and 52% of the U.S. population (page 24, Pew report).

While not within the scope of the study, Pew researchers write that a religious revival is possible. Religious, social, economic and other types of upheaval (e.g., wars, natural disasters, etc.) have shifted trends in the past.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Peter Jaramillo, pastor of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish and All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, encourages a return to the basics to keep people invested in the church. This includes offering the sacraments, affirming the community of the faithful, celebrating with great joy and renewing sacrificial love at all levels

SISTER

Reactions to Pew report

None of the individuals interviewed by The Leaven about the Pew report was surprised by the projections. Father Matthew Nagle, director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Hartford, had this to say.

“We’ve been talking about the rise of the ‘nones’ for a decade,” he said. “I think the [projections of the] trends are realistic and that they will continue.”

Michael Sanem, minister of evangelization at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, recalls an earlier study that examines why 18- to 25-year-olds are leaving the Catholic Church. This report describes disaffiliation as a thoughtful, conscious, intentional choice made by young people in a secularized society where faith and religious practices are seen as one option among many (“Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics,” Saint Mary’s Press of Minnesota, Inc., in collaboration with the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), September 2017).

“Disaffiliation is the reality we need to face, and it’s not a comfortable one,” said Sanem. “What’s important is that churches ask what they are going to do with the data. Maintaining the status quo doesn’t appear to be perpetuating generations of Christians.”

While he agrees that disaffiliation trends are occurring, Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, has experienced a different dynamic among the Spanish-speaking people he serves. Father Peter is pastor of St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish and All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. In his Hispanic ministry apostolate, he has seen a renewal of spirituality through small group faith communities.

Pastor

Sacred Heart, Sabetha; St. Augustine, Fidelity; and St. James, Wetmore

“For many of these people, the church is everything,” he explained. “Immigrants coming to the United States are looking for common ground. They are more at risk with housing and life transitions. They grab onto their faith, try to practice it and try to get their lives squared away.”

Why Christians are disaffiliating

Sister Susan Wood, SCL, theologian and professor of systematic theology at Regis College, Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto, cites growing secularization as a leading cause of disaffiliation from organized Christian religions. The breakdown of marriage and family life is another major contributing factor.

MSGR. STUART SWETLAND

Theologian, president of Donnelly College and pastor of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kansas

Whereas families traditionally handed down their religion to the next generation, breaking this tradition through divorce or interreligious marriages often changes the outcome. The temporary discontinuation of in-person liturgies at the height of the COVID pandemic also has churches asking what it will take to bring people back.

Father Jaime Zarse — pastor of parishes including Sacred Heart, Sabetha; St. Augustine, Fidelity; and St. James, Wetmore; and coordinator of the archdiocesan Totus Tuus program — names two related reasons behind the growing disaffiliation with Christianity.

Father Zarse perceives the breakdown of marriage and family as pivotal to producing a generation of young adults who are lonely, depressed and fearful. Additionally, faith does not seem as relevant to people today. Across ministries he’s served, Father Zarse has noticed that “despite coming to Mass,

there’s a disconnect between what happens in the parish and the rest of a person’s life.

“Faith can’t compete with professional or kids sports, for example.”

Msgr. Stuart Swetland — theologian, president of Donnelly College and pastor of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kansas — identifies a combination of missteps by organized religion that have made it more difficult for young people to understand the faith. This includes church scandals and a less than satisfactory job of forming younger generations of believers.

“Young adults don’t know their own faith or that of others,” he said. “You can’t love what you don’t know.”

Add to this, younger people’s dissatisfaction with church involvement in politics and political issues, and the general decline in society of people joining anything — organizations, religious denominations and clubs.

Father Nagle, an alum of a large state university, thought he had a good understanding of life and religion on a secular campus. He’s learned, however, that the challenges are more intense than he anticipated. Students striving to practice their faith and live counterculturally feel isolated.

Sanem wonders whether the cultural upheaval experienced by younger generations in their formative years could accelerate trends associated with disaffiliating from Christian denominations. He cites another study reporting that 46% of adults under 35 feel stressed to the point of not being able to function.

“How do our parish communities become ‘field hospitals’ for people going through crises?” he asked.

To the above reasons, the Pew report adds:

• As societal conditions have improved and scientific advances allowed people to live longer, there’s less need

“WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE RISE OF THE ‘NONES’ FOR A DECADE. I THINK THE [PROJECTIONS OF THE] TRENDS ARE REALISTIC AND THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE.”

FATHER MATTHEW NAGLE Director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Hartford

“HELP [SEEKERS] IN THEIR DISCERNMENT; WORK CREATIVELY TO ENHANCE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD; WITNESS TO THEM. THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES THE REST.”

SUSAN WOOD, SCL

Theologian and professor of systematic theology at Regis College, Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto

“THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS CONVINCED ME THAT WE NEED TO GO ON THE OFFENSIVE.”

FATHER JAIME ZARSE

of

“YOUNG ADULTS DON’T KNOW THEIR OWN FAITH OR THAT OF OTHERS. YOU CAN’T LOVE WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW.”

“IF WE’RE A LITTLE CHURCH, IT’S OK, AS LONG AS WE’RE A LITTLE CHURCH THAT’S LISTENING.”

MICHAEL SANEM

Minister of evangelization at Church of the Nativity, Leawood

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, theologian, president of Donnelly College and pastor of Our Lady & St. Rose attending church, he recommends personal friendships, genuine caring and good conversation as foundational

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Michael Sanem, minister of evangelization at Church of the Nativity, Leawood, wonders whether the cultural upheaval experienced by younger generations in their formative years could be accelerating the trends the Pew study revealed.

for religion to help people cope with insecurities.

• There is declining trust in religious institutions.

• Families are having fewer children.

The church and the modern world

This growing disaffiliation from Christianity prompts the question

whether the church — and specifically, the Catholic Church — is out of step with the modern world.

It appears that some social trends — for example, cohabitation before marriage, a higher divorce rate, greater numbers of persons choosing not to marry at all (despite their parental status) and the gradual move away from organized religion — might be irreversible. Many of these trends run counter to teachings of the Catholic Church.

While those interviewed agreed the church should not water down the truths of the faith to increase appeal, several advocated for pastoral, charitable and creative approaches to presenting the faith.

When Father Nagle meets with a couple during marriage preparation who may have drifted from the practice of the faith, he uses this as an opportunity to evangelize. He gets to know the couple.

“I try to convince them of the importance of practicing the faith,” he said. “Part of that may entail a hard conversation about cohabitation — that it’s spiritually harmful and that sociological evidence shows that couples who cohabitate before marriage are more likely to divorce than those who don’t cohabitate.”

“We always want to be more attentive, as understanding and sensitive as we can,” believes Father Peter. He encourages a return to the basics: offering the sacraments, affirming the community of the faithful, celebrating with great joy and renewing sacrificial love at all levels.

“We are most happy when we make sacrifices out of love,” he said.

Sister Susan believes the church needs to accept the person even if it does not accept his or her stance on a trend or an issue. She points to Pope Francis, who invites believers to accompany people who are in a middle space between cultural expectations

and ecclesiastical expectations.

“Work with people on ways to be the best persons they can be in situations of moral tension,” she said. “Help them in their discernment; work creatively to enhance their relationship with God; witness to them. The Holy Spirit does the rest.”

In the final analysis, Father Nagle believes that Jesus’ teachings were out of step with the world and countercultural to his time. He lived and witnessed the truths he taught and invited his followers — then and now — to be missionary disciples.

Relationships foundational to faith

Sanem considers the Pew and similar reports as wake-up calls that can open doors to Spirit-led evangelization opportunities.

Among these, Msgr. Swetland suggests that ministries help persons attending church go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. For those not attending, he recommends personal friendships, genuine caring and good conversation as foundational to introducing people to the Lord.

“Any ministry that is going to work has to be relational,” he said, and proposed that the clergy empower and form the laity for this important role.

>> Continued on the next page

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, meets with a group of students at Donnelly. For reaching those not foundational to introducing people to the Lord.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Matthew Nagle, director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Hartford, says that in his experience at Didde, students striving to practice their faith and live counterculturally feel isolated.

>> Continued from previous page

Father Zarse values investing in marriage and family life as critical to faith formation. He agrees that the church needs to help people feel like they belong.

“They have to feel they belong before they believe,” he said.

The parishes Father Zarse pastors in rural Kansas have adopted programs and initiatives directed toward these goals. These include “Communio,” focused on marriage and relationship ministry, and “Amazing Parish,” designed to improve the organizational health of parishes and transform them into vibrant mission communities.

At Sacred Heart, Sabetha, renovation of the parish hall created a comfortable setting for small group sessions.

“The Holy Spirit has convinced me that we need to go on the offensive — creating beautiful spaces; offering marriage enrichment opportunities; connecting through small groups; and engaging every demographic group in the parish,” said Father Zarse. “The parish is experiencing a ‘springtime’ in its history with increased involvement in relationship-building, hospitality, religious education and vocation discernment.”

Sanem advocates that a pastoral concern should characterize all encounters, whether walking parishioners through the death of a loved one or a divorce. Msgr. Swetland urges, “In a joyful and peaceful way, radiate the peace of Christ. We have to live the truth joyfully to the fullest.”

What if Christianity becomes a minority religion?

If Christianity becomes a minority religion in 20 or 50 years, what difference does this make?

“If we’re a little church, it’s OK,” said Sanem, “as long as we’re a little church that’s listening, accompanying and evangelizing. If we are obsessed with numbers, we need to ask if we are living the tradition of Christianity.”

He has a growing sense, he said, that this is a graced time and that being a minority frees Christians to be more countercultural.

“Being a minority is not always a bad thing,” agreed Father Peter. He points to Jesus, who said that the road to salvation is narrow and that it requires willingness to be humble to find the path.

“Numbers are important,” he added, “but more important is the quality and the character of our faith; it needs to remain steadfast.”

Father Nagle also sees an opportunity afforded by Christianity becoming a minority religion.

“We can shift out of the maintenance mode and emphasize the apostolic mode and evangelizing,” he said.

Finding hope

Father Nagle finds that the young people he serves are hungry for truth, meaning, purpose and community; they also respond to something

that challenges them. While adhering to divine revelation and doctrines of faith, he urges the church to be creative in teaching and preaching and flexible in ways of preparing and bringing people into the church.

He cites an engaging book club discussion hosted at the campus center around Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” If he had announced plans to teach a course on heaven, hell, purgatory, virtue and vice, the campus minister doubts it would have been as well-received as delving into perspectives of the medieval poet.

“The younger generation is a generation of goodwill,” maintains Msgr. Swetland. “I’m constantly amazed at their good-heartedness, kindness and compassion — all something to build upon.” But young people need an intentional and focused ministry — one that will go deeper and present the riches of the faith to them.

Father Zarse finds hope in heroic leaders, including popes, bishops, priests, and parish leaders and teams who have agreed to be unapologetically Catholic and to do this with great joy.

Pope Francis is a good example of a leader who exudes a culture of dialogue, witness and commitment, said Sister Susan.

“We are being called to return to the work of the early church,” she explained. “Our focus should be on our relationship with Jesus Christ and how this informs our lives. In terms of church, we need to ask what is the nature of the community that surrounds and supports this proclamation of the mission of Jesus. We need to think about church structures and doctrines through a pastoral lens.”

“I have a growing sense,” concluded Sanem, “that we are in a graced time: a new moment for a new evangelization.”

PHOTO BY ANDREA NICOLE CARANDANG, REGIS COLLEGE

Sister Susan Wood, SCL, theologian and professor of systematic theology at Regis College, Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto, cites growing secularization as a leading cause of disaffiliation from organized Christian religions.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Jaime Zarse’s rural parishes have adopted programs such as “Communio,” focused on marriage and relationship ministry, and “Amazing Parish,” designed to improve the organizational health of parishes and transform them into vibrant mission communities.

TRAILS RUN/WALK

Conception Abbey

37174 State Hwy VV, Conception, Missouri

May 6 at 9 a.m.

This is the 26th annual Abbey Trails event, which includes a 5K run, 2-mile walk, a health fair and lunch. For more information and to register, go online to: conceptionabbey.org/abbeytrails.

WALK FOR PEACE ON WORLD LABYRINTH DAY

Precious Blood Renewal Center

2120 Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri

May 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

News of violence fills the headlines. How can we wage peace in our families and faith communities, our schools and places of work, our neighborhoods and ultimately our world? To register, go online to: pbrenewalcenter.org, scroll down to “Events” and then scroll down to “Walking for Peace on World Labyrinth Day” to register.

‘GOSPEL OF NONVIOLENCE:

LIVING THE WAY OF JESUS’

Keeler Women’s Center

759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B Kansas City, Kansas

First and third Wednesdays

From 1 - 3 p.m.

In a world where bullets enter homes and violence disrupts neighborhoods, where the news seems to report more and more killings and war, come and experience the message of nonviolence that has been preached by Jesus and wise people through the ages. Register by calling or texting (913) 689-9375.

CONSECRATION TO MARY RETREAT: REDISCOVERING FATIMA

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

May 12 - 14

The retreat will begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 12 and end at 4:30 p.m. on May 13. Spend a weekend dedicated to Mary and make/ renew your Marian Consecration on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. We will look anew at the seven lessons Mary gave at Fatima. There will be Marian conferences, a special consecration to Mary ceremony, 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 individual retreat form online at: Christs Peace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

Holy Spirit Parish

11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park

May 14 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will 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.

ST. ISIDORE FEAST DAY: MASS AND BLESSING OF SEEDS AND SOIL

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

May 15 at 10 a.m.

Join us for a day to honor St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, on his feast day. The day will begin with Mass 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 day will end with lunch and fellowship. A freewill offering will be taken up. To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace. com or call (913) 773-8255.

WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP

Sacred Heart Parish (meeting room 2)

5501 Monticello, Shawnee

May 17 at 7:30 p.m.

A licensed estate planning attorney will go over how to provide for your family and protect your assets from taxes with the right estate plan. RSVP online to: tlynn@ archkck.org in the office of stewardship and development or call (913) 647-0365.

HOT DOG POTLUCK

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (Culhane Room)

3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka

May 18 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the hot dog dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 213-0374.

‘DON’T JUST READ THE BIBLE, UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE’

Curé of Ars Parish

9401 Mission Rd., Leawood

May 19 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

May 20 from 9 - 10:30 a.m.

May 20 from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for presentations by Dr. Bill Creasy. The presentation on May 19 will be: “Becoming an Educated Reader of Scripture.” A wine and cheese social will follow. The presentation on May 20 will be: “A Portrait of King David,” presented in two sessions. There will be a lunch break but lunch is not provided. Attend any or all of the sessions. RSVP online at: cureofars.com/dr-bill-creasy-event.

13th ANNUAL ST. THOMAS MORE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

June 2 from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sessions will be “Revisiting Basic Estate Planning,” given by Mike Griffin from McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, PC; “Enhancing the Client Experience,” given by Brian Leitner, Mariner Wealth Advisors; “Recent Developments in Legal Ethics with Focus on Getting Paid and

Trust Accounting” and “The More Things

Change, the More Things Stay the Same,” given by Krystal L. Vokins and Crystalyn M. Ellis from the Kansas Disciplinary Office. Continuing education hours are pending. There is an $80 registration fee. Register online at: cfnek.org/events/thomas-more.

ANNUAL GERMANFEST

Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parishes

312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka

June 3 from 4 - 11 p.m.

June 4 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

There will be authentic German food, locally brewed beer, handcrafted items for sale, inflatables, live polka music, games and more. The event kicks off June 3 with a bilingual German/English Mass celebrated on the grounds. For more information, go online to: www.sacredheartstjosephcatholic.org/ germanfest.

RETROUVAILLE: WEEKEND FOR COUPLES

See website for location

June 9 - 11

Kansas City

Retrouvaille offers a welcoming and loving space to couples who have been living with the misery of a failing marriage and hope that it is not too late for a better marriage. Retrouvaille helps couples show each other mercy through the opportunities it provides to listen, forgive, be reconciled and to move into their futures, believing their marriages can be healed and restored. For more information, call: (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: helpourmarriage.org.

BACH CONCERT

Holy Angels Parish

15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor

May 21 at 3 p.m.

Dr. Douglas O’Neill, director of formation in sacred music and liturgy at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, will perform works including “Piéce d’orgue.”

EMPLOYMENT

Director of evangelization and parish life - St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is seeking a dynamic, teamfocused leader to fill the role of director of evangelization and parish life. This person will oversee current formation programs including Journey (formerly Christ Renews His Parish), Bible studies and formation events, such as parish service days, parish missions and evenings of reflection. The director of evangelization and parish life will form leaders for small groups, lead teams of volunteers and serve as staff contact for these formation programs and events. The director of evangelization and parish life is a part-time ministerial position (up to 25 hours per week) with some evening and weekend work required. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@stannpv.org.

Bookkeeper - The Catholic Education Foundation is currently seeking a bookkeeper to work in their office. This position would be responsible for providing bookkeeping support and assisting with some administrative duties. The ideal candidate would have three to five years working in bookkeeping or accounting. Experience working in a nonprofit setting is also a plus. Please visit: archkck.org/jobs to learn more about this job opportunity and to apply.

Summer associate - We are hiring for a New Roots summer associate — VISTA. New Roots for Refugees is a four-year training program that began in 2008 as a collaboration between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Cultivate KC. The program helps refugees with agricultural experience to start their own small farm businesses by growing and selling produce through farmers markets, wholesale and the New Roots Farm Share. As an AmeriCorps VISTA with New Roots for Refugees, you’ll support farmers helping to increase access to fresh, healthy food in the Kansas City area. The AmeriCorps VISTA will help them sell their produce, connect with customers and learn about sustainable farming practices. You will also have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and make a real difference in the lives of refugees. Apply today at: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/ and scroll down to “Job Openings,” then to “View All” for job description and to apply.

Experienced CNA - Seeking experienced CNA for in-home care. Elderly female, ambulatory, dementia. Part-time, three - four days per week. Flexible hours. Client lives in Johnson County. References required as well as copy of CNA certificate and driver’s license. Call Barbie at (913) 645-3779. Leave information and I will return call.

Bookkeeper/accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is currently looking for a bookkeeper/accountant to work in its accounting office. This position would be responsible for all aspects of the accounts receivable functions for the chancery offices. The incumbent would also issue invoices to parishes and archdiocesan institutions. A minimum of two years’ relevant work experience in accounts receivable or other accounting functions is preferred. To learn more about this position or to apply, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs.

Youth minister - Prince of Peace, Olathe, is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. They will work with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry program in accord with the church’s vision for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s mission and vision. This is a full-time, leadership and administrative position that would be responsible for the implementation of weekly youth programs for both junior and senior high. Seeking a Catholic experienced in youth ministry who will encourage and train adult core and youth team leaders. For more information, go to: www.popolathe.org. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to April Bailey, director of faith formation, at: abailey@popolathe.org.

Caregiver needed - Caregiver needed to take care of elderly woman who is wheelchair-bound (three days per week). In Overland Park area. Please call (913) 961-3213.

Lead preschool teacher - Nativity Day School is seeking a full-time lead preschool teacher to join our team for the 2023-24 school year. Lead teachers should have at least three years of experience in a licensed early childhood program; have a degree in early childhood education or related field; be a practicing Catholic; and understand the mission of Catholic schools. This position is benefits-eligible. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity.org or katie.king@ kcnativity.org.

Custodial supervisor - Bishop Miege is seeking a custodial supervisor to work M - F, 2:30-11 p.m., with occasional weekends. The custodial supervisor will manage, coordinate and work in concert with the custodial crew to maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment. Duties include, but are not limited to: oversight of janitorial staff; general housekeeping and sanitation duties; event setup; light maintenance; inventory and ordering of janitorial supplies; and scheduling. Candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or email: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

Part-time kitchen assistants - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking part-time kitchen assistants for the 2023-24 school year. Duties include: prepping food; setting up/breaking down the service line and garden bar; cleaning; washing dishes; interacting with children and adults in a friendly manner, all while following health department, school and supervisor guidelines. This position will be two to three days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., approximately five - eight hours per week. Must pass a background check, become Virtus-trained and understand the mission of Catholic schools. To apply, contact Julie Bloomingdale, cafeteria director, at: julie. bloomingdale@kcnativity.org.

Catholic elementary school principal - St. John Church and School in Lawrence, KS is seeking a principal with demonstrated skills in leadership in elementary school administration, spiritual development, and advancement. Ability to work in a multicultural environment is required. St. John is preschool thru 8th grade with an enrollment of approx. 300 students. Applicants should understand and live the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org/apply.

Catholic elementary school secretary - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a full-time from office secretary for the 2023-24 school year. This position provides daily support to families, faculty and students performing various tasks. Applicant must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be detail-oriented, have the ability to manage multiple projects and should have experience using Microsoft programs. Benefits included. Please send references, resume and cover letter to Suzie Lutz at: susielutz@stannpv.org.

Microscope service technician - Are you a self-motivated individual looking for something new and different? Locally owned family business is currently seeking candidates for part-time or full-time positions. Candidates will need good communication skills, time management and customer service skills. Hours are flexible depending on customer needs. Some travel is required. Please send resume to: techneeded23@ gmail.com.

Companion care - Looking for a kind-hearted, energetic person to be a team player in our small growing company. Must have reliable transportation. Job entails driving clients to appointments and running errands for clients. Person must be personable, able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a hands-on caregiving company. Driving around the metro area may be required. Trip charge of mileage also given. Drug and background checks are mandatory. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795, Clarkson Companion Care.

After-school care teachers - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking after-school care teachers for our day school and K - 5th grades. The applicant should be at least 18 and have a previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a licensed early childhood program. Must be Virtus-trained and CPR/first-aid certified. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity.org.

Para - Nativity Day School is seeking a para for our preschool program to work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher and assist in other classrooms as needed. Applicant should be at least 18 and have previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a licensed early childhood program. Must be Virtus-trained and be CPR/first-aid certified. Hours are Monday - Friday, about 25 - 28 hours per week. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity.org or katie.king@kcnativity.org.

Religious education coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a religious education coordinator to support the director of religious education with organizing and implementing catechesis in grades K - 6. Candidates must have a solid understanding of the Catholic faith and an aptitude for sharing that knowledge with children and adult volunteers. Must have a willingness to learn creative catechetical planning. This position reports to a religious Sister and is full-time with some weekend and evening hours. See additional details at: stmichaelcp. org/employment. To apply, email: denise.greene@ stmichaelcp.org or call (913) 402-3984.

Part-time aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool in Leawood is seeking a part-time aide for the 202324 school year. This position is multiple days per week from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Teacher aides assist the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations, and maintaining principles of Catholic education. See full job description at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to the preschool director at: jennie.wente@ stmichaelcp.org.

Fourth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fourth grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@ kcnativity.org.

Catholic elementary school nurse - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a full-time nurse for the 202324 school year starting in early August. This position will provide care to approximately 230 students. This is an hourly position and is eligible for benefits. Hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Includes vacation time and sick leave. Send resume, references and letter of interest to Susie Lutz at: susielutz@stannpv.org.

First grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a first grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

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 positions. Weekends, evening and overnight shifts available now. $13 - $15 per hour.

Email: Heartland@larcheks.org.

Director of marriage and family life - St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, Kansas, is seeking a director of marriage and family life. Rooted in the Christian anthropology of St. John Paul II, the director of marriage and family life is tasked with forming and supporting parish families in their pursuit of authentic discipleship by ministering to them at major sacramental moments, as well as helping to guide their high school-aged youth into young adulthood. Primary responsibilities include: develop and execute mentoring and accompaniment initiatives for engaged couples, newlyweds and parents seeking baptism for their children. Primary responsibilities also include: oversee and run the ongoing formation of high school youth; develop ministry to single, young adults; plan and facilitate communal events for families; collaborate with parish staff on events and outings for the parish youth; participate in parish life at St. John Paul II. For full job description and instructions to apply, visit our website at: www. jp2kc.org/employment-opportunities.

Co-director of youth ministry - Church of the Ascension, a parish of 3,300 families in Overland Park, is looking for a creative, energetic and dedicated individual who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. The successful applicant will work with another youth minister and with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry strategy in accord with the church’s schema for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s vision for youth engagement. Applicants should be Catholics, well-formed in the faith and faithful to the magisterial teaching of the church. A degree in youth ministry, catechesis, theology or related fields is preferred. Pastoral experience in youth ministry will be considered. Youth ministers are salaried, exempt employees, and working some evening and weekend hours will be required. Hiring will be contingent upon a clean background check and completing the necessary child and youth protection screenings and formation. Qualified applicants should contact Dr. William O’Leary, pastoral associate for youth faith formation, at: woleary@kcascension.org.

Applications will be accepted through May 8.

Catholic financial planners – The Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency has openings in NE Kansas and western Missouri, covering areas in and around Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; northern Missouri; Topeka; and Atchison. We have much to offer determined, disciplined and high-expectation professionals who would like to share needed life insurance, disability income, long-term care and annuity products with other Catholic individuals and families. This is a full-time position with excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is an exciting career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you or someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon at (785) 408-8800, or at: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Chemistry teacher - St. Teresa’s Academy is a Catholic, accredited, college preparatory high school in Kansas City, MO. St. Teresa’s Academy educates young women to think critically, encourages them through Catholic values to love the dear neighbor without distinction and empowers them to make a profound impact on the world. We are seeking a full-time chemistry teacher to prepare and deliver instruction and supervise laboratory work. This may include college dual credit courses and/ or advanced placement courses pending certification. We offer a terrific benefits package including: 403(b) retirement savings plan with school match up to 5% each pay period; generous 50% discount on tuition for daughters of full-time staff members as well as: medical, dental, and vision; FSA/HSA plans: life and voluntary life, short-term and long-term disability; critical illness. And, of course, the wonderful paid time off enjoyed by school employees! Please view all of the details about our openings and apply on our website: stteresasacademy. org/about-sta/employment/. St. Teresa’s Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

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.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings include: English instructor, nursing school and professor of philosophy.

Adjunct faculty job openings: biology, clinical nursing supervisor, information systems coordinator and math (KCKS) and math. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers

Building attendant - The Savior Pastoral Center is currently seeking a building attendant. This position is an on-site, live-in staff member who provides hospitality, security, maintenance and custodial services at Savior Pastoral Center. This position will work in the evening and on weekends. To learn more about this position or to apply, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Care and outreach coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a care and outreach coordinator. Responsibilities include compassionate coordination of care ministries and outreach efforts such as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion to the sick and homebound; funeral planning; grief support; divorce support; difficult circumstances, etc. Must be a practicing Catholic with a servant’s heart and have excellent interpersonal and communications skills. This is a full-time, ministerial position with some weekend and evening hours. For a full job description, visit: stmichaelcp.org/employment. To apply, email: denise. greene@stmichaelcp.org or call (913) 402-3984.

Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish and School in Shawnee is looking to hire a fulltime director of administrative services. This position involves executive level responsibilities that include but are not limited to financial management, human resources and staff supervision. Qualified applicants will also be responsible for development and donor relations. The successful candidate will have familiarity and competence with current technology. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Spanish language skills are an asset. A demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential, along with a desire to work in a positive, faith-oriented environment. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocesan benefits. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: frkent@gsshawnee.org. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable.

Catholic elementary school principal - Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership, and experience in the classical liberal arts for the 2023-24 school year. Familiarity with Spanish is a plus. Christ the King School has approximately 216 students in K - 8th grades and 20 preschoolers taught by 19 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in education leadership. Please apply at: www.archkck. org. Call (913) 336-1550 with questions.

Groundskeeper - Savior Pastoral Center is currently seeking a groundskeeper. This position is responsible for the upkeep of the outdoor grounds and landscaping. Some responsibilities would include mowing, weeding and trimming the grass and trees. This position may also perform other custodial tasks inside the center as needed. This is a seasonal, full-time position. To learn more about this position or to apply, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Middle school ELA teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school ELA teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs. org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 7308840.

Third grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a third grade teacher for the 202324 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Occupational therapist - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking an occupational therapist for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Victim care advocate - The victim care advocate works in collaboration with the archdiocesan report investigator and the office for protection and care to accompany victims/survivors. The incumbent is responsible for providing support to and identifying resources for victims and their families, including managing treatment services and other care and resources for immediate and long-term needs. This is a safety sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion, trust and confidence. To learn more about this position or to apply, please visit: https://archkck. org/jobs.

Math teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school math teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@ kcnativity.org.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

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

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) 5214955 for more information. EEO.

Fifth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fifth grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation

- Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to fulfill the fulltime role of coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation. This person will be responsible for creating and implementing, administering and evaluating a high school and middle school ministry including sacramental preparation for confirmation. This role will collaborate with the pastor, parish and school staff and parents, as well as the archdiocesan youth ministry office. This ministry will require work during evenings and on weekends. The candidate must be an active Roman Catholic with a deep faith in Christ, rooted in the work of God and the Catholic tradition, and a model of a moral life for our youth. Salary based on experience. For a full job description, visit: cccparish.org and click on “Our Parish,” then scroll down to and click on “Employment Opportunities.” Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Father Jerry Volz at: frjerry@cccparish.org.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: director of development and vice president of business affairs/CFO (Chief Financial Officer). Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

FOR SALE

For sale - Two side-by-side plots at Mount Moriah South Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Lot 92, block 26, two spaces.. Valued at $9600, asking $4000 or best offer. Call JoAnn at (913) 262-9582.

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).

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Stone painting - We are offering FREE ESTIMATES to any and all that are interested in painting this summer! We do interior, exterior house painting along with decks, fences, and much more. At Stone Painting we ensure professional quality and cheap services tailored to your needs. Call now at (913) 963-6465.

HOME REMODELING & MAINTENANCE

Kitchens, baths, interior & exterior work

Licensed & insured - Shawnee & Lenexa area. 913-927-5240 or: dknelson2001@gmail.com

Design/remodel - At KCBR Design Remodel, we have been working hard over the years to build our award-winning and in-house team to become the top-rated bathroom and basement remodeler in Kansas City! We offer our clients a turnkey approach to remodeling. Our in-house designers guide clients through the design process of selecting materials and finishes and create a space that reflects their personality and lifestyle. Once the design is complete, our designers work closely with our in-house construction team to ensure that every part of the vision is executed brilliantly. We are dedicated to creating an exceptional experience by committing to transparent communication throughout every step of the remodeling process. We have built a trustworthy reputation throughout the industry with clients and vendors alike and we thrive on continuous improvement and innovation. We take pride in knowing how much joy our clients feel when they get to share their newly remodeled spaces with family and friends. We hope to share our passion with you on your next project! Call (913) 701-2500 or email: www.remodelkc.com.

*Cleanup and hauling

*Dirt grading/installation

*Landscape design* Free estimates

Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

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.

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%

www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

(913) 461-4052

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

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

Handyman - Thanks everyone for a great last year. This year, I am targeting kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. As well as decks, covered decks, porches, sunrooms and room additions! We also do a ton of tile, ceiling re-texturing and flooring. Full exterior painting, staining and wood rot. We are also offering design consultations which are free with signed contract. If you are not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours, thank you for supporting my small business. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

SERVICES

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Dietitian - Improve health, blood pressure, weight and overall better health. Can work with clients by email or in-person appointment. Call (816) 590-5029 or email: ajkeeg@gmail.com.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors

A Total Door - KC family owned since ‘83. www.ATotalDoor.com or (913) 236-6440

A Total Door (913) 236-6440. (913)205-0926 cell

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, families, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth.

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.

Interior painting

Interior painting specialist. 20 years’ experience. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Quality painting - Interior, exterior painting and wood rot repair. Quality workmanship. Insured. Call (913) 206-4524; email: robaprince@aol.com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

Quality remodeling - Renovates kitchens and bathrooms; tile work; countertops; drywall; custom cabinetry. Quality work. Call or text (913) 206-4524 or (913) 938-7597; email: robaprince@aol.com or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

WANTED TO BUY

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

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!

I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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

$$$PAYING CASH MONEY$$

For military items, pocket and wristwatches, American coins, old buttons, lanterns, spurs, silver flatware, crocks, pocketknives, oil lamps, lanterns, Southwest items/jewelry. Most old items considered. Call Patricia today at (913) 515-2950.

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorge - Sept 5 - 24, 2023. Cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. There will also be a pilgrimage to Poland and Medjugorge June 16 - 26. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

CAREGIVING

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

Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Miami and south Johnson counties. Kansas state licensed, non-medical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www.saintritahc.com; rmargush@ saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

Personal caregiver - I am kind, dependable and trustworthy. Will provide companionship and care to a loved one in their home or assisted living. Contact MaryAnn at (913) 952-1736.

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.

Caregiver - 18 years’ experience, specialty in dementia care, ostomy care, feeding tubes, catheter care, personal hygiene, activities of daily living (ADLs), medication setup and medication reminders, personal assistance, hospice care and everything in between. Extremely patient; knowledgeable; dependable; reliable and intuitive. Please contact Andrea at (913) 548-1930.

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 Edmond son. (913) 980-4905.

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

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.

DAILY READINGS

FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

MAY 7

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 6: 1-7

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

1 Pt 2: 4-9

Jn 14: 1-12

May 8

Monday

Acts 14: 5-18

Ps 115: 1-4, 15-16

Jn 14: 21-26

May 9

Tuesday

Acts 14: 19-28

Ps 145: 10-13ab, 21

Jn 14: 27-31a

May 10

John of Avila, priest, doctor of the church; Damien de Veuster, priest

Acts 15: 1-6

Ps 122: 1-5

Jn 15: 1-8

May 11

Acts 15: 7-21

Ps 96: 1-3, 10

Jn 15: 9-11

May 12

Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr

Acts 15: 22-31

Ps 57: 8-10, 12

Jn 15: 12-17

May 13

Acts 16: 1-10

Ps 100: 1-3, 5

Jn 15: 18-21

Honestly, it took some time after returning from the Holy Land to get used to the quiet in Tonganoxie.

That last five days of my recent pilgrimage were spent at the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, right next to one of the walls of the Old City. Around four each morning, I was startled away by cannon fire followed by what appeared to be wailing.

I quickly found out I was in no danger. Since it was the month of Ramadan, the cannon alerted the Muslim population in Jerusalem that it was time to begin their daily fast. The “wailing” was merely a call to prayer amplified by several speakers in a nearby minaret.

The other noise that sounded seemingly nonstop was the blaring of car horns. I chuckled the whole time because it reminded me of a story about

Pilgrimage memories still resound

MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

a man’s car that stalled in heavy traffic as the light turned green. All his efforts to start the engine failed, and a chorus of honking behind him only made matters worse.

Eventually, the guy got out of his car and walked back to the driver behind him and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to get my car started. If you’ll go up there and give it a try,

I’ll stay here and blow your horn for you!”

(Found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

I can’t tell you how many times I was tempted to offer my horn-honking services to the irritated drivers. It looked like fun!

Seriously, though, I continue to ponder my pilgrimage experience. There were 35 of us in our group from several different states: Kansas, Connecticut, Ohio, Iowa, Arkansas and Florida. Most of us were strangers when we first gathered in the Tel Aviv airport but, over the course of our time together, we be-

came not only friends but family. Since coming back to the States, a slew of emails and plenty of photos have been shared already.

In addition to seeing so many of the physical sites mentioned in the Bible, we were privileged to experience the “living stones” of the Holy Land as well: the Christians who live there.

One stop was at the Hogar “Niño Dios” (Home “Divine Child”), a facility in Bethlehem administered by the Religious Family of the Incarnate Word, that houses some 36 adults and children with physical and mental disabilities. Since special services are almost nonexistent in the area, these people often have nowhere to go. I had tears in my eyes the entire time. The dedicated staff there, through their compassion and joyfulness, works hard to develop each resident’s potential.

Our group was also blessed — in groups of

five or six — to share a meal at the homes of some Bethlehem Christian families and hear their stories. The delicious meal was only out-done by the warm welcome we received.

The injustices these people endure every day could not smother the deep faith and hopefulness they exude. Because making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land might not be possible for most people, I’d recommend an excellent substitute: a book, written by Stephen J. Binz (our pilgrimage leader and a longtime friend of mine), titled “Holy Land Pilgrimage.”

It features scads of beautiful photos, informative descriptions, meditations, Scripture suggestions and prayers. It’s published by the Liturgical Press and sells for $24.95. Writing about the Holy Land has made me nostalgic. I think I’ll head to my driveway now and honk my horn!

How can we laypeople exercise our baptismal priesthood?

In those early days of the global pandemic in spring 2020, our parish food pantry saw an unexpected and dramatic increase in the number of families in need of food assistance.

The pandemic lockdown had resulted in loss of employment for many people who worked for local businesses that were forced to close.

JOHN OF AVILA 1500-1569

Born near Toledo, Spain, John was sent by his wealthy parents to study law in Salamanca. But, renouncing such a career, he instead lived as a hermit for three years and was ordained in 1525, after his parents had died. Though he hoped to be a missionary in Mexico, his archbishop sent him to Andalusia, where he preached successfully for nine years. He was imprisoned briefly by the Inquisition for rigoristic preaching, then continued evangelizing for the rest of his life. Many of his letters survive. A holy priest and mystic, he was a friend of St. Ignatius Loyola and an adviser of St. Teresa of Avila and several other Spanish saints. He is a patron saint of Spain.

Our parish food pantry coordinator, Doug, is “a saint next door.” He dedicates hours to ensuring that the pantry is wellstocked, clean and organized.

Each Sunday our pastor, Father Roberto Cortes-Campos, would remind the community to see the face of Jesus Christ in these

brothers and sisters in need, and parishioners responded generously with weekly donations of food, clothing and volunteer hours. Yet as the pandemic lingered on, the needs of the poor far exceeded the abilities of even the

generous giving of the parishioners.

As we journey through the Easter season, we follow the growth of the early Christian community, built on the faith and preaching of the apostles. We read of how the needs of the poor and the widows outpaced the ability of the apostles to care for them. They had to prioritize prayer and the preaching of the word of God. Saint Luke tells us that the Twelve Apostles said to the assembled community, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task.” Thus, the

first deacons were selected, and the apostles prayed and laid hands on them. Their service enabled the word of God to spread like wildfire as the community of disciples of Jesus increased greatly.

The apostle Peter, in Sunday’s second reading, reminds the first Christians (and us), to draw near to Jesus, “a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God.”

Peter urges the first disciples to be “like living stones,” building up the community with acts of faith and good works. He says, “Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

How do we exercise our baptismal priesthood as “living stones,” who build up the community of believers, the spiritual house of the church today? Jesus shows the path as he responds to Thomas’ question, “Master . . . how can we know the way?” He responds with these powerful words, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In the power of the resurrection, we, too, can offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ as we draw close to the word of God, live our faith and serve the poor among us. Then we can pray with confident Easter faith, “Speak to me, Lord.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The life and ministry of the Catholic Church is enriched by listening to everyone, especially those who are often excluded by society, and by including their experiences and perspectives, Pope Francis said.

“For the church is like a rich tapestry, made up of many individual threads

that come from various peoples, languages and cultures, yet woven into a unity by the Holy Spirit,” he told a delegation from Catholic Extension.

The pope greeted the delegation during an audience at the Vatican April 26. He thanked Catholic Extension, which had a delegation in Rome April 23-28, for its work “providing assistance to missionary dioceses, particularly in the United

States, and in caring for the needs of the poor and most vulnerable,” especially in Puerto Rico “following the various hurricanes and earthquakes which brought such devastation to the island in recent years.”

“By giving a voice to those who are frequently voiceless,” he told the delegation,”you bear witness to the God-given dignity of every person.”

JEM SULLIVAN

Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

Giving voice to voiceless highlights their God-given dignity, pope says

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

Legislature overrides governor’s veto on Kansas ‘born-alive’ bill

TOPEKA (OSV News) — Lawmakers in the Kansas Legislature voted April 26 to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a “bornalive infants protection act.”

The Kansas House voted to override the veto in a vote of 87-37, while the Kansas Senate voted 31-9 to override the governor’s veto. The bill aims to protect infants born alive, regardless of whether the intent was to abort them, and marks the first abortion-related legislation enacted in the state since Kansas voters rejected an effort to strip abortion protections from their state constitution last year.

It is scheduled to go into effect in July. The bill, HB 2313, would require physicians to provide infants born alive as the result of a failed abortion procedure the medical care appropriate to their gestational age, and to report data to the state about any such incidents. The Kansas bill also would apply to instances where doctors induce labor to deliver an unborn child that is not expected to survive outside the womb.

Women will be voting members of Synod of Bishops

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At least three dozen women will be voting members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October, Pope Francis has decided.

In a decision formalized April 17, “the Holy Father approved the extension of participation in the synodal assembly to ‘non-bishops’ — priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, laymen and women,” the synod office said in a statement April 26.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of the synod, told reporters that about 21% of the synod’s 370 members would not be bishops and at least half of that group would be women. Adding women and young people to the membership will make sure “the church is well represented” in the prayer and discussions scheduled for Oct. 4-29 at the Vatican, the cardinal said.

Vatican revives centuries’ old school for artisans

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Alice Fantoni specialized in fine arts in high school, the question people posed over and over was, “But what will you do with that?” What she did, she told Catholic News Service, was keep pursuing her passion of working with marble and stone, and she enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy; and still people keep asking, “So, you want to be an artisan . . . but where will that get you?”

Turns out, it got Fantoni, 21, privileged access to the private workshops, corridors and nooks of St. Peter’s Basilica, where she is one of 20 students

at a unique new school dedicated to encouraging young people to practice traditional crafts and skills that risk dying out. She has found important support, she said, thanks to people like Pope Francis and others who wanted to establish the School of Fine Arts and Traditional Trades of the Fabbrica di San Pietro.

The school offers three specialized six-month-long programs: woodworking; masonry and decorative and ornamental plastering; and stonework and carving. Starting in the fall, the school will add programs for mosaics and metalworking.

Pope talks about Ukraine, returning artifacts

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM HUNGARY (CNS) — The Holy See has a project underway related to peace between Russia and Ukraine, but Pope Francis told reporters he could not talk about it yet.

“There is a mission underway that is not public yet; when it is public, I will tell you about it,” Pope Francis told reporters traveling with him from Budapest, Hungary, back to Rome April 30.

He also said discussions already were underway with Indigenous communities in Canada for the repatriation of cultural artifacts held in the Vatican Museums. Pope Francis had been asked whether, after giving three fragments of the Parthenon

marbles to the Orthodox Church of Greece in March, he was planning to do the same with artifacts that have been traced to the Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities of Canada.

“This is the Seventh Commandment: If you have stolen something, you must give it back,” he said. “The restitution of Indigenous articles is underway with Canada — at least we had agreed to do it,” the pope said.

On his way back to Rome from Budapest, Pope Francis spent about 20 minutes answering questions. Other topics included his health, his travel plans and his discussions in Budapest with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and with Russia Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion of Budapest and Hungary.

Sharon (Darraugh) and Nick Hilger, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28. The couple was married on April 28, 1973, at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee. Their children are: Dan Hilger, Overland Park; Laurel Sharpe, Winchester, Virginia; and Janelle Hilger, Kansas City, Missouri. They also have three grandchildren.

Eugene and Clara (Flint) VanderStaay, members of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on May 7, with a 10:30 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. The couple was married on May 11, 1953, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Leavenworth. A reception hosted by their children and families for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 7 at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, 320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth. Your presence is requested. Their children are: Theresa Smith, Mark VanderStaay, Rebecca Manderscheid and Kathleen Poppe. They also have 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Chris and Janet (Wessling) Wilborn, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28. The couple was married at St. John Regis Church in Kansas City, Missouri, by Father Jim Healy. Their children are: Jimmy Wilborn (deceased), Katie Starling, Matthew Wilborn, Nicholas Wilborn, Mark Wilborn and Anne Brown. They also have seven grandchildren. A large family vacation to Arkansas is planned to celebrate.

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF FABBRICA DI SAN PIETRO

Students at the newly established School of Fine Arts and Traditional Trades of the Fabbrica di San Pietro use a hammer and chisel on a wall at the Vatican March 29. The six-month program is dedicated to encouraging young people to practice traditional crafts and skills that risk dying out.

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sometimes, the early signs of a vocation to the priesthood are subtle. And sometimes they’re as obvious as a brick through a window.

That was the case for Deacon Timothy James Skoch. His nickname on his high school softball jersey was “Priesthood.”

Even so, it wasn’t a sure thing. He applied for the seminary during his sophomore year at university, but changed his mind and told the vocation director Father Scott Wallisch, “No.”

“Quite frankly, the seminary would have been wise in telling me ‘no,’ too, at that point in my life,” said Deacon Skoch. “I just needed more time to grow as a man. In my senior year, Father Wallisch accepted me.”

Deacon Skoch, 28, was ordained a deacon on May 21, 2022, at Christ the King Parish in Topeka. He and two other men will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at 10:30 a.m. on May 27 at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe.

He was born and raised in Hastings, Nebraska, one of seven children of Dr. Michael Skoch, a family practice physician, and Ginny Skoch, a homemaker. The family belonged to St. Michael Parish.

Sunday Mass was a big part of the Skoch family life. How could it not be since his father was a parish organist and his mother was a cantor and choir member? Seeing his father leave the loft to receive holy Communion made a big impact on him at an early age, although he didn’t realize it at the time.

Hastings is in the Diocese of Lincoln, so one might wonder how he ended up in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The partial answer is roots.

His paternal grandfather was a farmer near Baileyville, in the northwestern part of the archdiocese. His mother is from Sabetha, which is 65 miles north of Topeka. His father graduated from the University of Kansas, as did Deacon Skoch and two of his brothers.

Of course, there’s more to the story.

Deacon Skoch had a totally Catholic education until he graduated from St. Cecilia High School in 2012. He next went to the University of Kansas, where he graduated in 2016 with a bachelor of arts degree in sports management with a minor in business.

“I wanted to participate as an equipment manager for the basketball team at KU,” said Deacon Skoch. “I tried out to be a manager at basketball camp. The month I wasn’t [at basketball camp], I worked at Camp Tekakwitha (the archdiocesan summer camp). I just really loved the community there. It was my first experience of youth ministry.”

Camp Tekakwitha and a Fellowship

of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) conference encouraged him to consider discerning the priesthood more deeply, as did participation in Prayer and Action. He was also involved with the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, where he served Mass.

And little things along the way seemed to be subtly nudging him toward the seminary.

Then, during the fall of his senior year, his parents made an unexpected weekend visit. They took him out for dinner — and questioning.

“They sat me down and looked across the table and said, ‘School’s ending. What’s your next step?’” said Deacon Skoch.

By the spring, he was certain that his next step was to figure out if God wanted him to become a priest. When he told his parents that he had put in his application, they weren’t surprised. As far back as his second semester at KU, his father told him, “Son, one step

at a time.” They never pushed him, but rather encouraged him to consider it carefully.

But there was one more thing: What about married life? Five of his siblings are married. He has 14 nephews and nieces, and more on the way. Could he forgo marriage and embrace a celibate life? He prayed for grace and received it.

He entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver in August 2016.

Why does he want to be a priest?

“I believe God has called me, that Christ has invited me to be his priest,” said Deacon Skoch. “I think I was made with a celibate’s heart in my mother’s womb. I know that’s bold to say, but the prophet Jeremiah wrote, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.’

“I think I had a celibate’s heart, and it was up to me to discover that heart that wasn’t for anyone but to follow Christ intimately. The priesthood was mine to choose or to choose not to. It’s not naive discernment.”

TIMOTHY J. SKOCH

Age: 29 (on ordination day)

City/town/location born: Hastings, Nebraska

Parents: Michael and Virginia

Skoch

Siblings: Lauren, Benjamin, JohnMarc, Margaret, Thomas and Lucy

Hometown: Olathe

Education:

• Grade school - St. Michael Elementary School K-5th

• Middle/high school – St. Cecilia

Catholic Middle/High School 6th12th, graduate 2012

• College - University of Kansas

2012-2016, bachelor of arts in sports management, minor in business

• Seminary: St. John Vianney

Theological Seminary, Denver

What did you do before seminary? Equipment manager for the men’s basketball team at KU, 2013-2016

My encounter with the famous/infamous: KU head basketball coach

Bill Self gave the last 2 of 15 gold medals to the two managers who traveled to Korea for the University Olympic Games in 2015. This gesture meant a lot to my manager brother, Chip Kueffer, and myself.

I have a photo of Coach Jim Harbaugh (then of the 49ers, now of the Michigan Wolverines) and me.

One of the most inspirational Christians I’ve met: The moment was brief, but meeting Sister Miriam James, SOLT, at a FOCUS conference tops my list.

Favorite food: American Chinese food, especially a cup of egg drop/ wonton/hot sour soup all in one.

Favorite childhood toy: Green and tan army soldiers or the Nintendo 64

When I was growing up I wanted to be: A physical therapist

Dream vacation: I already took it. Last summer, I went to the 150th British Open at St. Andrews with my dad, three brothers, two brothers-inlaw and a priest.

Favorite leisure activities: Playing basketball, going for a walk, or doing yardwork

My hidden talent/skill: I worked for a landscaping company in high school and enjoy beautifying a small outdoor house space. My advice to someone seeking their vocation or how to get the most out of the seminary experience: Make strong and virtuous friends; then, if you take the step into the seminary, make yourself available and transparent to formation. What I’m most looking forward to in my priestly ministry is: Being a member of a presbyterate, that is, being a brother priest. Then participating in Christ as good shepherd.

I want to be a priest because: Through friendship with God, I’ve come to understand that I was made to be Jesus’ priest. By growing in understanding, I was able to make a firm “yes” to his invitation after four years of seminary.

‘I believe that . . . Christ has invited me to be his priest’

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Deacon Timothy Skoch offers holy Communion at the annual Chrism Mass. He will be ordained a priest for the archdiocese on May 27 at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe.