06 02 23 Vol. 44 No. 39

Trio of men become archdiocese’s newest priests

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

OLATHE — One of Mike and Ginny Skoch’s favorite pictures of their son Tim is from when he was around 2 years old. He was wearing a plastic rosary around his neck.

“He just beamed,” she said. “He was always very happy.”

That photo was on display during the celebrations surrounding the ordination of her son — along with Colm Larkin and George Rhodes — to the priesthood.

The ordination Mass was celebrated at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe on May 27 by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

One of the greatest joys of his ministry, said the archbishop in his homily, is to ordain men to the priesthood.

“There’s nothing more important that I do as a bishop than ordain priests,” he said. “God can use one holy, selfless and dedicated priest to touch the hearts of hundreds or thousands — tens of thousands — of men and women.”

And what a day for an ordination — on the vigil of Pentecost.

“Today, through this ordination, the Holy Spirit is being poured anew into your hearts to empower you to not be prophets of doom, but to be bearers of joy, glad tidings for the lowly, healing for the broken-hearted, liberty for the captives, comfort for those who are mourning,” the archbishop said.

Likewise, he continued, the ordinands were to always remember to extend God’s mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation.

“Be generous in making yourselves available to the people of God for opportunities to receive the sacrament of reconciliation,” he said. “Jesus is empowering you to speak on his behalf the words of divine mercy.”

After the homily, the Rite of Ordination continued with the three men lying prostrate on the floor as the congregation chanted the Litany of Saints.

The litany was followed by the archbishop laying his hands on each man in turn, ordaining them to the priesthood. It was followed by all of the other priests in attendance doing so as well.

Calling the entire experience “phenomenal,” Mike Skoch said, “The liturgy itself is beautiful, but I sat there,

fighting back tears. The most beautiful thing is seeing my son so happy.”

As a priest, the couple thinks their son will benefit from the servant leadership he exhibited at a young age.

“If there wasn’t a server, he was always like, ‘Can I go serve?’” Ginny recalled. “I feel like he had a real servant’s heart from very early. . . . He always had a desire to do not only what was right, but what God wanted him to do.

“He sees a need, and he does whatever he can to fulfill it.”

The Skoches never pushed any of their children into a religious vocation, although Ginny admits she did offer some prayers that one of her sons would become a priest.

“Because the harvest is great and the laborers are few, I said, ‘Lord, you know I have four sons. Maybe one of them could become your priest,” Ginny said, her voice trembling.

Mike agreed.

“It had to be God’s call,” he said. “We certainly hoped and prayed.”

“It’s been really neat to watch the Holy Spirit work in his heart and in his life,” Ginny said, adding that another moment that will definitely stick out in her mind from the ordination Mass is the fraternal greeting.

One by one, all of the priests in attendance embrace the newly ordained as their brother.

“That touched my heart a lot,” said Ginny. “He’s talked a lot about becoming part of that brotherhood.”

Mike agreed, saying, “He eagerly anticipates being [and serving] among his brothers.”

Serving alongside his brother priests is also important for the newly ordained Father Colm Larkin, something with which Clare (Larkin) Ostmeyer said her brother will have no

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Deacon Tim Skoch processes into Prince of Peace Church on May 27 for his ordination to the priesthood.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

The priests of the archdiocese perform the ritual of the laying on of hands on, from left, ordinands Tim Skoch, George Rhodes and Colm Larkin. The three were ordained priests on May 27 by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at Prince of Peace Church, Olathe.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE Deacon George Rhodes has his hands wrapped in cloth after having them anointed with chrism.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Deacon Colm Larkin is all smiles as he sits before the altar prior to being ordained a priest for the archdiocese.

BE GENEROUS IN MAKING YOURSELVES AVAILABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION. JESUS IS EMPOWERING YOU TO SPEAK ON HIS BEHALF THE WORDS OF DIVINE MERCY.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

Maur Hill-Mount Academy principal headed to national theater competition

By Lisa Baniewicz Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — Although Dr. Cameron Carlson here is the Maur Hill-Mount Academy principal by day, he’s an award-winning actor by night.

Carlson and MH-MA parent Charlie Peitsch competed in the theater production of “The Wall” at the Region V Festival in Salina in April.

Not only did they both receive “Outstanding Actor” awards for their performances, but “The Wall” was selected from among six productions to represent Region V at the American Association of Community Theatre Festival (AACT Fest) in Louisville, Kentucky, in June. Theaters from South Dakota, two from Minnesota, two from Iowa, and Theatre Atchison participated in the adjudicated performances.

Carlson is not new to theater.

“I grew up in theater,” Carlson said.

He’s a fourth-generation actor. His great-grandparents were part of a traveling theater group, his grandmother was in the vaudeville circuit, and his parents opened the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Carlson attended the University of Oklahoma on a theater scholarship, successfully competing at the national level while there.

The idea for competing in the theater production of “The Wall” came about while planning a different production for Theatre Atchison.

“While in Mass . . . I felt God was calling me to bring more people to Christ,” Carlson said. “I felt the best way to do this was to do a play called ‘Godspell’ (based on the last days of Christ from the Gospel of Matthew).”

Carlson pitched a “Godspell” production to Theatre Atchison director Travis Grossman.

During production plans for “Godspell,” Carlson was asked if he was interested in participating in the theater competition with “The Wall.” It’s a story about the two thieves in the Gospel of Luke who are crucified with Christ

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

June 2

CFNEK Continuing Education Program

Mass and greeting — Savior Pastoral Center

June 3

Serra Club of Topeka charter Mass and luncheon — St. Matthew Church, Topeka

June 4

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Mass — St. John Paul II Church, Olathe

June 5

Priests retreat — Benedictine College, Atchison

June 8

Heart of the Redeemer annual meeting — chancery

June 9

50th anniversary Mass — Good Shepherd, Shawnee

June 10

living out the last few hours of their life in a prison cell next to Jesus.

Since Carlson wanted to focus on faith-based theater, the answer was obvious. He was chosen to play the prisoner Gestas and Peitsch was chosen to play Dismas.

“For the preliminary competition held locally at Theatre Atchison, we only had a week of rehearsals,” Carlson said. The only other time the two had worked together was in the spring MH-MA school musical “The Music Man Jr.” They were part of a barbershop quartet with MH-MA parent Adam Buhman-Wiggs.

Peitsch’s reasons for accepting the role of Dismas were similar to Carlson’s.

“I think God wanted me to do it,” he said. “It came about during Lent when I was asking God for more opportunities to grow close to him. I was going through a spiritual struggle, and I saw this as a way to work through it.”

Carlson is still trying to process competing at the national level.

“The most important thing is not my success, but that people are moved by the show as they are confronted with the Gospel and the truth,” he said.

According to Grossman, the play has

certainly struck a chord.

“We were surprised with the number of people that approached us and said they were brought to tears by the performance,” he said.

Grossman credits the actors’ intensity as well as the play’s director, Layne Roate. Although Roate came with years of experience to Theatre Atchison recently, this is the first time he directed for a theater competition. He received best director award for his hard work.

At the national competition June 12-17, they will compete against 12 other productions, and this is the first time Theatre Atchison has made it this far. It’s certainly created enthusiasm for theater in this small town.

“I know it’s a great honor and exciting for Theatre Atchison,” Peitsch said. “I’m hoping this creates more opportunities for faith-themed productions at Theatre Atchison.”

Grossman is optimistic about nationals.

“We’ve been told that a show like this will represent really well at the national level,” he said. “It’s why three judges chose it at regionals. I think they’ll do remarkably well!”

Mass and groundbreaking for the Fiat Center — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park

June 11

Mass and eucharistic procession — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

Father Bob Hasenkamp 60th anniversary Mass and dinner — Mother Teresa Church, Topeka

June 13

USCCB pro-life committee meeting — Orlando, Florida

June 14-16

Bishops’ spring general meeting — Orlando, Florida

June 14

Bishops’ advisory group - Eucharistic Revival

Catholic Benefits Association board meeting

June 18

10th anniversary Mass for Chin Catholic community — St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KAREN BONAR

Charlie Peitsch cowers from Cameron Carlson during a performance of “The Wall.” Carlson is Maur Hill-Mount Academy’s principal, and Peitsch is a MH-MA parent. The play centers on the good thief in Luke’s Gospel and has advanced to national competition in Kentucky, June 12-17.

SEMINARIAN MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE PRIESTHOOD

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

SHAWNEE — “Solo Dios basta.”

Translated, the phrase means: “God alone suffices.”

The words were among those shared by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during his homily as part of the ordination Mass of the archdiocese’s newest transitional deacon, the Rev. Mr. Aaron Waldeck.

Held on May 20 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee, the deacon’s home parish, and with his parents Tobie and Carolyn Waldeck in attendance, the Mass featured all the elements unique to the rite of ordination.

First, during the moment of election, the archbishop formally announces the Lord has chosen the man to serve in diaconal ministry.

After the archbishop’s homily and a series of promises made by the candidate, the future deacon lies prostrate on the floor with his arms outstretched while the entire assembly prays the Litany of the Saints, asking the entire church, including those in heaven as well as those on earth, to intercede on his behalf.

Next, the candidate kneels for the moment of ordination as the archbishop offers a prayer of consecration and asks the Holy Spirit to pour down an abundance of gifts upon the man being ordained.

Near the rite’s end, the newly ordained deacon is invested with a stole and an outer liturgical vestment known as a dalmatic. Finally, right before the newly ordained deacon joins his brother deacons and priests on the altar, he kneels one last time before the archbishop and receives the Book of the Gospels, hearing the words: “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

According to the archbishop, the diaconate ordination “is the key moment for those aspiring to become priests” and is the day men “make some very bold promises,” including living a life of priestly celibacy as well as proclaiming the faith in word and deed according to the Gospel and the church’s tradition.

It is also the day men place their hands in the hands of the archbishop,

promising obedience to him and his successors.

Speaking directly to the deacon prior to the ordination itself, the archbishop said, “You can make such promises because you trust that Jesus has sent upon you the Holy Spirit to empower you to do what is humanly

impossible but, with God, becomes very possible.”

“The diaconate is the foundational ministry,” the archbishop explained, “for those who the church calls to the priesthood. The priesthood, when properly understood, is all about service. It’s a call to be a servant leader after the example of Jesus who illustrates this by his washing of the feet of his disciples.”

The priesthood is not about titles, honors, recognition or power, he said.

“It’s about being a servant to the people of God,” he said. “It’s a call to lay down one’s life in love for the bride of Jesus, which is the church.”

Priests never stop being deacons or servants but are always acting in service for the spiritual and temporal good of the people of God, he added, and ultimately find complete joy in imitating the servant leadership of Jesus.

In conclusion, the archbishop spoke to Deacon Waldeck, repeating the

phrase, “Solo Dios basta,” reminding him that it’s the beginning of St. Teresa of Ávila’s well-known prayer, which reads: “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things will pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”

The prayer touched Deacon Waldeck deeply; he had visited Spain and lived in Ávila in a monastery once inhabited by St. Teresa herself.

“It’s about my own life as a minster of the church,” Deacon Waldeck said, referring to the prayer. “God has to be enough for me, but at the same time, if I can live that for myself, I can bring that to others.

“You can’t give what you don’t have. It has to come from my own spiritual life, my own holiness. If God can do that in me and I can be satisfied with the Lord, then that means I can preach it to others.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Aaron Waldeck kneels before Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as he offers a prayer of consecration during a Mass ordaining Waldeck to the transitional diaconate on May 20 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Rev. Mr. Aaron Waldeck hugs his mother Carolyn after being ordained to the transitional diaconate. Deacon Waldeck is scheduled to be ordained a priest for the archdiocese next year.

[THE PRIESTHOOD IS] ABOUT BEING A SERVANT TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD. IT’S A CALL TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE IN LOVE FOR THE BRIDE OF JESUS, WHICH IS THE CHURCH.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

Recalling a ‘visionary’ priest who ‘made people feel like family’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

LAWRENCE — Even a long string of adjectives wouldn’t do justice to the life and legacy of Msgr. Vincent E. Krische, whose outsized impact as a campus minister at the University of Kansas and pastor touched thousands of lives.

He was truly one of a kind.

“I knew no one could fill his shoes, and I wouldn’t even try,” said Father Mitchel Zimmerman, chaplain/director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas since 2016. “I’m grateful for everything I learned from him.”

“He was a visionary,” said his brother Larry Krische. “He was outgoing. He loved people. And he loved making their faith come alive. There were so many lives he touched.”

Msgr. Krische, 84, died in his Lawrence home after a long bout with cancer on May 13. A Mass of Christian Burial was on May 19 at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence. Burial was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Born on May 24, 1938, in Topeka, he was one of seven children of Frank Anthony and Pauline Marie (Melchior) Krische. The family belonged to St. Joseph Parish.

He attended St. Joseph Grade School and Hayden High School in Topeka, graduating in 1956, and entered St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1960 and a master’s in religion in 1964.

He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler on May 23, 1964, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. His first assignment was at St. Pius X Parish in Mission.

Over the years, he served at 10 parishes and several ministries, most notably 28 years at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas. Although retired in 2009, he continued to serve at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence until unable to do so because of his health. He was a priest for more than 58 years.

Father Bill Porter was a freshman in the fall of 1972 at Washburn University in Topeka when he knocked on the door of a ranch-style house that had been converted into a Catholic student center.

Coming from small-town Iola in the Diocese of Wichita, he was used to priests wearing birrettas and cassocks, usually with an Irish accent. Two young men answered the door, wearing T-shirts, blue jeans and penny loafers.

Msgr. Krische’s assignments

1964 — Temporary associate pastor at St. Pius X Parish in Mission, St. Matthew Parish in Topeka and St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park

1967 — Associate pastor, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park

1969 — Associate pastor, Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka

1970 — Pastoral administrator, St. John Vianney Mission in Eskridge, and chaplain at Catholic Student Center at Washburn University, Topeka

1977 — Co-pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, and part of team serving Catholic campus centers at the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, then director/chaplain of St. Lawrence Center, Lawrence

2004 — Sabbatical

2005 — Pastor, St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village; named monsignor, chaplain of His Holiness

2009 — Retired, assisted at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence

2016 — Parochial administrator, Holy Family Parish in Eudora

2016 — Pastor emeritus at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence

The conversation with one of them went something like this:

“Is there a priest here?” said Porter.

“Yes, I’m a priest,” said Father Krische.

Is there another priest here?”

“No, I’m the only one.”

“What goes on here?”

“Oh, oh, really neat things,” and Father Krische, as he enthusiastically ticked off a list.

Porter became a campus minister. After college, he lived with Father Krische to prepare for the seminary. Father Porter was Father Krische’s associate from 1982 to 1989 and helped him build the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center into one of the top Catholic college ministries in the nation. The U.S. bishops even asked him to assist them with their pastoral letter on campus ministries.

“Msgr. Krische was the kind of guy who painted with a big brush,” said Father Porter. “He was visionary and

charismatic in his approach. He could sell ice to an Eskimo. He was passionate about helping students grow in their Catholic faith . . . to know their faith and live it in their professional lives and be a strong influence in society.”

Father Mitchel Zimmerman was a freshman from Hoxie when he arrived at the University of Kansas in 1992. He became involved in the choir and student leadership at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. He also worked in advancement from 1996 to 1999 before the seminary.

“He was a great inspiration,” said Father Zimmerman. “He was the most zealous and enthusiastic priest I’ve ever met. His love for the faith was infectious.”

After leaving campus ministry, Msgr. Krische returned to parish ministry. Even in retirement, he helped Father Mick Mulvany at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence.

“Msgr. Krische was an incredibly

Native son to celebrate 50th anniversary as a priest

LAWRENCE — Father Robert Flannery, a priest of the Diocese of Belleville in Illinois and a native son of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is celebrating his 50th anniversary of priesthood on June 8 at his home parish of St. John the Evangelist here. There will be a Mass of thanksgiving at 5:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the lower level of the church. All are welcome to attend.

Father Flannery is pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church in Carbondale, Illinois; chaplain at the Newman Catholic

Student Center at Southern Illinois University, and diocesan ecumenical and interreligious officer. During his priestly ministry, he has served in a variety of parishes and a number of other diocesan offices, including as a high school guidance counselor and religion teacher, vocation director, priest convocation co-chair, millennium chair, youth retreat coordinator, director of continuing education for the clergy, ministry to priests director, chair of the presbyteral council, priest personnel board, diocesan consultor and diocesan dean.

pastoral person,” said Father Mulvany. “He loved people. His smile would light up a room, and if he didn’t know who you were, he would make a connection with someone in your family or your town. He made people feel like family.

“After church, he would spend hours laughing with people, talking, offering a shoulder for worries and telling jokes. Everyone wanted a moment with him, and I never saw him tell someone that he didn’t have time. He loved the church and described it as a place for everybody.”

Catholics and non-Catholics alike respected and liked him; Father Mulvany nicknamed him “the Archbishop of Lawrence.”

“Msgr. Krische made me a better priest,” said Father Mulvany. “His example of love, laughter and not taking yourself too seriously I will always carry with me.”

Msgr. Krische was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Father Frank Krische and sister Joan Boos. He is survived by a sister Lois Philips and brothers Jim, Larry and Bob, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Father Shaughnessy retires

Father John A. Riley, vicar general - chancellor, announces the following appointment made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective July 1.

Father James Shaughnessy, from pastor of St. Michael in Axtell and Holy Family, Summerfield, to retirement from parish administration.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Msgr. Vincent E. Krische served for 28 years at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He also served at 10 parishes over the years. His last assignment was as pastor emeritus at Corpus Christi Church in Lawrence.

Father Robert Flannery

KC Scholars keep rock stars close with local college scholarships

By Jan Dumay Special to The Leaven

ROELAND PARK — Josephine

Herrold will be the first in her immediate family to go to college, thanks largely to a $50,000 scholarship she was awarded recently.

Josephine, 17, who goes by Josie, just finished her junior year at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. She said the scholarship means being able to pursue her career goal of becoming either a medical doctor or a pharmacist.

“I’m actually really excited about it because I come from a low-income family,” she said. “It’s really nice to have that big cushion of money, and to be able to stay in the area with it.”

She explained that a stipulation of the scholarship was agreeing to attend a designated college in the metro area. She plans to attend either the University of Kansas or the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

She heard the good news from her Miege counselor.

“I was so happy,” she said. “I didn’t know how to react.”

The scholarship was awarded by KC Scholars, which on April 28 gave out 575 scholarships so that low- and modest-income students across the six-county, bistate region could attend college. Launched in 2016, the program has awarded more than 6,000 scholars, with more than 2,000 scholarship recipients currently in college. It has seen more than 150 scholars through to graduation.

It is all made possible through the continued financial support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

“It is so gratifying to show our scholars that, because of their hard work, they can attend college and secure careers that will forever change their lives and that of their loved ones,” said

KC Scholars president and CEO Earl Martin Phalen in a press release.

Josie was the only student from Bishop Miege to receive a traditional scholarship of $10,000 a year for five years. Eight juniors from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, also received a traditional scholarship and a freshman from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park received a college match scholarship of up to $1,400 to use toward college.

It was no surprise to Mary Beth Summers, a biology teacher at Miege, that Josie earned the scholarship. Summers

was one of two Miege teachers who wrote a letter of recommendation for Josie, whose scholarship application also included writing two essays and answering questions not only about her classwork but life outside academics.

“Oh my gosh, I was so excited for her,” Summers said. “She’s one of the most deserving people I have ever met. She’s such a hard worker and she doesn’t expect any free handouts. Even though she’s so busy herself, she’s willing to help other people. She’s just the sweetest kid. She asks really good questions and has a drive for science.”

Bill Creach, the school’s director of campus ministry, agreed.

“She’s the total package,” he said. “She’s bright, she’s personable, she’s humble and she’s involved.”

Josie did indeed participate in a variety of activities. These included running cross country and track, playing CYO basketball, being editor-in-chief of Miege’s yearbook, participating in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), going on mission trips, and being a lector and server at Mass in her parish of Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park. Josie is a 2020 graduate of John Paul II Grade School in Overland Park.

Her class schedule also kept her busy: Advance Placement (AP) biology, language and composition, and U.S. history; college algebra; Honors Spanish III and editorial leadership; theology II and computer science essentials.

She earned a 3.95 unweighted grade point average on a 4-point scale and a 4.45 weighted grade point average on a 5.0 scale. Weighted scales take into account honors and AP classes, which are weighted heavier.

Josie, whose favorite subject is biology, said Miege has prepared her well for furthering her education after she graduates next year.

“We have a good ratio between teachers and students,” she said. “I also believe that the teachers are really good about teaching information and being there if you need extra help. I feel I’ve never had issues in a class because a teacher can’t teach a subject.”

KC Scholars’ newest program, Great Jobs KC, provides tuition assistance to approved job training programs in high-paying and high-demand industries such as construction, health care, information technology and manufacturing. Adults 18 and older can learn the skills needed in one year or less to earn $45,000-$85,000.

To learn more about KC Scholars and Great Jobs KC, visit the website at: www.kcscholars.org.

Topeka couple leaves gift that will change lives for generations

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

TOPEKA — It was an email that Claire Brown, a member of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish here, said she was almost afraid to open.

The email came from Shelly Buhler, president of Hayden High School.

At home just two days before graduation, Brown said she didn’t expect much more communication from the school, so she didn’t open it immediately.

Once she did, though, she read that she was one of the first seven recipients of a scholarship from the recently established Walter J. and Geraldine N. Michaelis Scholarship Fund.

The fund was the dying wish of Walter Michaelis and Gerri, his wife of 65 years. With no children of their own, the couple had lived a quiet life in Topeka. Walter had owned a Western Auto store, worked at Clemmons Engineering and for the city of Topeka, and served as an administrative assistant for Capper Publications.

Meanwhile, Gerri had worked for more than 40 years as a railway clerk for the Santa Fe Railway Company (now known as BNSF Railway). Although Walter had been able to earn a business degree from the University of Kansas on

the GI Bill, Gerri never went to college, a fact the couple never forgot.

More than 15 years ago, the couple started talking with Hayden’s administration about setting up an endowment “to help the most needy Topeka area high school graduates obtain a higher education.” The end goal would be to equip them “to responsibly raise families, provide for them, support their church, support Catholic education and Catholic schools, and realize home ownership.”

There was just one catch. The fund could not be announced until after their deaths and the finalization of their estate.

The two died just two weeks apart, Walter in late December 2020; Gerri in early January 2021. They had hoped to leave behind a gift of $1 million.

By the time the scholarship fund was formally announced this past February, the endowment had grown to nearly $9 million.

To be considered, students must, among other criteria, be graduating from one of the city’s high schools; be a registered and active member of their parish; and demonstrate both academic ability and financial need.

For Brown, it’s that last part — financial need — that means the most.

While six other graduates from five different parishes received scholarships with a four-year total expected award amount of $175,400, the amount she received, she said, is absolutely “life-changing” and reduces her anticipated cost to less than half.

“I was not prepared for how much college is going to cost,” she said.

She’d experienced sticker shock, in fact, when she saw the high cost of tuition, books, fees, and room and board, not to mention transportation to and from the University of Kansas where she plans to major in journalism.

To this day, she said her parents have sacrificed a lot to keep her enrolled in a Catholic school. Her dad even took on

a second job. Still, with limited funds, the dream of college seemed almost unattainable. So, she’ll forever be grateful to Walter and Gerri.

“I’d want to tell them that they are amazing for donating that much money so that other kids have the opportunity to go to school and get a higher education. It’s amazing that they did that for the Topeka students and that they gave others a chance to go and learn more and get a degree. Because nowadays you have to have a degree to have a really good paying job. It’s just incredible.”

Andrew Storrer, a member of Mater Dei Parish and a recent graduate of Topeka High School, agreed, and said the amount he received should cover 60% of his expenses.

Storrer, who plans to major in nursing at Washburn University, said his parents told him years ago they couldn’t help him with college expenses. So, he’s extremely grateful to the Michaelis family.

“First off, I’d like to thank them and recognize their generosity,” he said. “Putting all that money in a scholarship fund was really generous and thoughtful of them. It’s helping a lot of kids like myself. I’d also like to tell them that it inspires me that when I’m older to give back to the community.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAN DUMAY

Josephine Herrold poses with her biology teacher Mary Beth Summers. Herrold received a $50,000 scholarship from KC Scholars. She plans to attend either the University of Kansas or the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Claire Brown, a member of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, and Andrew Storrer, a member of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, were two of the first recipients of the recently established Walter J. and Geraldine N. Michaelis Scholarship Fund.

In Communion: Their first and only Eucharist together

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

BASEHOR — It was his idea. It was never hers.

Still, Gary Reed will be forever grateful for the gift of his Catholic faith — a gift he said he received through his late wife Debbie Reed, who passed away less than two weeks after he was brought into the church by Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels Church here.

“It was my idea to join the church. It was never hers. I’m sure I was influenced by her, though,” Reed said of his late wife’s example.

“I saw what good it did her,” he added. “And that’s why I decided to [join the church].”

The couple’s story starts, though, decades ago.

The two met in seventh grade.

Off and on throughout junior high and high school, the pair dated. Immediately after high school graduation in 1972, Gary was drafted into the Army.

The two married, but their marriage didn’t last long.

“I didn’t know what I wanted,” Debbie explained in an interview with The Leaven last fall. “We got divorced because of me, not because of him.”

And even though the couple shared a daughter, for the next almost 50 years, the two only talked about four or five times.

Fast forward to June 2021, not quite 50 years later, when the couple met up again at their granddaughter’s high school graduation party.

The rest was history.

From almost that point on, they were inseparable. They ultimately remarried civilly, then had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church on June 4, 2022, a month after what would have been their 50th anniversary.

In the time they spent apart, Debbie had gone to work for the church, employed first as a housekeeper by the RCIA instructor at Holy Angels, then for a few archdiocesan priests and staff members, including Father Richard McDonald. She eventually rose to be an

assistant in the parish office.

But more importantly, she had joined the Catholic Church in 2015 — and she treasured her faith more than anything.

So, when Gary reappeared in her life, it was only natural that the love she felt for Jesus radiated from her. The work — and her faith — Debbie explained, had changed her life.

“I don’t know that I do anything special,” she said, “except spend time with the Lord.

“I love my church family. To me, Holy Angels is my family. They have showed me how to love.”

And that same church family embraced Gary, too — so much so, that he also works at the parish, helping with cleaning and maintenance needs. The couple attended Mass and RCIA classes together, participated in eucharistic adoration and prayed the rosary.

On April 16, the day the church celebrates as Divine Mercy Sunday, Gary was baptized and brought into the Catholic faith. It was the one and only Mass at which the couple was able to receive the Eucharist together. It was a moment that Debbie — who had been diagnosed with cancer years ago — refused to miss.

Gary was not surprised. Debbie had been seriously ill for some time. But even as she was getting out of the hospital for yet another time, she made him a promise.

“I’ll go even if I have to go in an ambulance,” she said. “I’m not going to miss it.’”

Despite feeling ill that day, she served as one of the lectors, something she routinely did at Sunday Mass. This year, the reading came from the First Letter of St. Peter and ends with the line: “Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Just 11 days later, Debbie died.

“I think she waited to pass away,” Gary said. “She wanted to see [me welcomed into the church].”

Now, on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, when the entire church celebrates the feast of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, Gary will join the Holy Angels congregation in receiving the Eucharist.

But he will never forget the one and only time — on the very day he joined the Catholic Church — when he was privileged to do so with his wife at her last Mass here on earth.

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY MARC ANDERSON

On April 16, Gary Reed was baptized by Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor, and brought into the Catholic faith. His wife Debbie, below, served as lector that day despite her ongoing battle with cancer. It was the one and only Mass at which the couple was able to receive the Eucharist together. Debbie died 11 days later.

‘The church needs good, happy priests’

>> Continued from page 1

problem doing. After all, she has seen the pastoral approach firsthand.

“He has suffered a lot in his life through medical stuff and then the transitions we had when we moved from Nebraska to Iowa,” she said. “He has known suffering, and I think he’s worked through that suffering with Our Lord, and it hasn’t made him bitter.”

For example, Ostmeyer said, last May, a health condition she has that had been lying dormant since college flared up again.

“It was very intense,” she said, requiring her to postpone her wedding by six months. At the time, her brother was a transitional deacon.

“He was so pastoral with me. He was

really able to enter into that suffering with me,” she said. “I think it’s because he has suffered, but he hasn’t allowed it to make him bitter. . . . He has been able to just take everything that life has given him and polish all of it so that it shines.”

The siblings’ parents, Dennis and Jean Larkin, agreed.

“People just seem to like him and go toward him,” Dennis said.

“He loves talking to a janitor as much as a bank president,” he added. “He’s very approachable, and I think that will serve him well.”

The couple also said they’ve seen how happy their son has been as he’s discovered God’s will for his life, and they can already see how radiating the joy of Christ can have a profound

impact on people.

“Colm is just really happy,” said Jean, “and one of the things I noticed through the years that Colm has been in [the] seminary is that that happiness has spread throughout [our] family — from his corner to his aunts, uncles, cousins. People are genuinely happy for him and for the church.”

“Those three young men are just happy,” Dennis observed, “and the church needs good, happy priests.”

Seeing Father George Rhodes turn around and face the congregation after being vested was a moment that Jason and Kathy Rhodes say they will never forget.

“I always prayed for a son to become a priest,” Kathy said.

Jason said that their son baptized

their first grandchild the very next day on Pentecost, a moment the couple will also cherish forever.

Still, he found himself unable to say much after the ordination Mass itself.

Fighting back his own tears, he said simply, “God is good. I’ll cry. So, I can’t talk.”

What of the new priests themselves?

Father Larkin said he’s definitely looking forward to hearing confessions and feels “a sense of wholeness and totality” now.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and joy,” confessed Father Rhodes. “It’s hard to take it all in.”

But perhaps it was Father Skoch who best expressed their collective feelings.

“I’m just happy,” he said. “I’m just happy being Christ’s priest.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN

PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Photos clockwise from left: n Msgr. Michael Mullen, co-director emeritus of seminarians for the archdiocese, performs the laying on of hands on Father Colm Larkin. n Father Tim Skoch offers one of his first blessings as a priest to his family shortly after being ordained. n The three ordinands lay prostrate before the altar while Archbishop Naumann, the priests of the archdiocese and parishioners chant the Litany of Saints, calling out to the communion of saints for its strength and support. n Father Frank Burger vests Father George Rhodes.

DONNELLY CHANGES LIVES BEHIND BARS

Program helps six incarcerated men obtain associate degrees

LANSING — Whenever Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, holds a graduation ceremony there are always a lot of hugs, smiles and tears from friends, family and graduates.

The ceremony on May 18 was no different — even though the venue was a little unusual.

Six men — Isaac Beltran, Danny Clark, Ben Hinchsliff, Charles Jones, Travis Orton and Aaron Smallwood — incarcerated in the Central Visitation Center of Lansing Correctional Facility stepped forward that day to receive their associate degree in business from Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland, president of Donnelly College.

They were dressed in white academic gowns, some with red sashes, and gold and red cords draped around their necks to signify their academic achievements. Three of them were members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society; four were first-generation college students in their families.

Two more men might graduate later this summer if they can complete their classes.

A small crowd of visitors — mostly family and friends — witnessed the ceremony. Also attending were John Hewitt, Donnelly’s Lansing Correctional Program director; Msgr. Swetland; Ryan Reece, deputy warden; Mary Pflanz, assistant vice president of student affairs; Lisa Stoothoff, vice president of academic and student affairs/dean; and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“This achievement illustrates your readiness through study, faith and service to continue the transformational process made possible by the grace of God and commitment to higher education and personal formation,” Msgr. Swetland wrote in the graduation program. “You have already achieved so much. We are proud of you and celebrate with you this outstanding accomplishment.”

More than 30 men have graduated from the Donnelly College in Prison program since it began in 2001, said Hewitt. Of the 55 men that entered the Donnelly program this year, 36 are currently enrolled. Of those who dropped out, some were released from prison, some were transferred to other facilities and others were removed from the program due to addiction or discipline problems.

Some College in Prison participants can continue their education or complete their degree begun in prison

SAVE THE DATE

SHINE is Donnelly College’s annual fundraiser and gala. This year’s event will be held at The Abbott, 1901 Cherry St. in Kansas City, Missouri, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 5. For more information, go online to: www.donnelly.edu/ give/shine-donation.

at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, and the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.

A few students pay for their classes out of pocket, but most get assistance.

“There’s a program called Second Chance PELL that started in 2015,” said Hewitt. “If they’re full time, they’re eligible for Kansas Comprehensive Grants, and then the rest is covered through grants and scholarships from Donnelly.”

The College in Prison program couldn’t be a better illustration of the school’s mission: “We are a Catholic institution that seeks to continue the mission of Jesus Christ in our time by making the love of God tangible in our world. Specifically, the mission of Donnelly is to provide education especially to those who might otherwise not be served.”

Armed with a Donnelly degree, some of the graduates go on to start their own businesses. Some use their degree to launch their careers. Some continue their education. In general, program participants better their lives.

“I do see the hopelessness there [in prison], and the sadness,” said Hewitt. “The gentlemen I work with have made a decision that they want to change. Oftentimes, what happens is they come in with addiction problems. More than half haven’t finished high school. While going through addiction programs, they are sometimes required to work on a degree, and they earn points for their parole.

“They’ll finish their GED and discover something about themselves — they were able to finish a high school degree and want to go on. Not everyone is allowed to take classes. The warden decides.”

The men Hewitt works with who go on to finish their degrees have discipline, enjoy learning and want to make a difference. They are very determined and eager to learn.

“I love seeing the men thrive and make decisions that they can see that will make a difference in their whole lives in terms of employment and happiness,” he said. “It gives them a goal.”

PROUD GRADUATE

STUDY IN CONTRAST

kind

future

Charles Jones adjusts his cap during his graduation ceremony inside the Central Visitation Center of Lansing Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas.

While the tattooed fingers and arms speak volumes about the life that led to this moment, the Donnelly appears symbolizes a different

of

only made possible by the KCK college’s Lansing prison associate

‘I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’ Mt 25: 36

STORY BY JOE BOLLIG / PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

GRADUATION TALK

TURN FOR THE BETTER

Lansing Correctional Facility. Jones was one of six inmates to receive his associate degree in business from

ALL SMILES

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann addresses the new graduates of Donnelly College. More than 30 men have graduated from the Donnelly College in Prison program since it began in 2001.

Aaron Smallwood prepares to flip his tassel from the right to the left to signify that he is now a graduate of Donnelly College.

A hug from Travis Orton brings a smile to his mother’s face as together they celebrate Travis graduated from the Donnelly College program at Lansing with an associate degree in business.

Donnelly College commencement program in which this offender’s name associate degree program.

ANNUAL PARISH GARAGE SALE

Queen of the Holy Rosary

22705 Metcalf, Bucyrus

June 3 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

June 4 from 8 a.m. - noon

This is a 700-family garage sale. On June 4, all items that fit in a trash bag will cost $5 per bag (except furniture and certain marked tables).

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

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.

SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI

EUCHARISTIC RETREAT: ‘HIDDEN

TRUTHS OF THE GREATEST TREASURE’

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

June 9 - June 11

The retreat will begin on June 9 at 5:30 p.m. and end on June 11 at 4:30 p.m. The Eucharist has been called the “source and summit of the Christian life.” As we prepare to celebrate the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, we will delve in and discover the rich truths found in the greatest treasure of the church. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple; or single guest rooms: $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

LADIES COMMUNITY LUNCHEON

Divine Mercy Parish

555 W. Main St., Gardner

June 10 at 11:30 a.m.

All women from Gardner, Edgerton and Spring Hill are invited to a Ladies Community Luncheon. There is no cost for the luncheon; however, any donations received will go to “Sleep in Heavenly Peace.” The guest speaker will be from Johnson County Parks and Recreation speaking on the topic of summer programs for youth, adults and seniors. RSVP by calling (913) 856-7781 or send an email to: outreach@divinemercyks.org.

PARISH PICNIC

Immaculate Conception Parish (Miege Hall)

711 N. Fifth St., Leavenworth

June 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and ice cream. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 12 and under. There will be a raffle for a quilt and a raffle for cash prizes.

REFUGEE COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP PRESENTATION

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall)

5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka

June 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Navigating a new country can be challenging. We know that refugees who are supported by the community integrate faster and become self-sufficient much quicker than those trying to do it on their own. Come learn about the journey of a refugee family and the opportunity to be a part of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Community Sponsorship Program. Light refreshments will be provided; all are welcome!

ANNUAL CHICKEN DINNER

Sacred Heart Parish

22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico

June 11 from noon-3:30 p.m.

(Mass at 10:30 a.m.)

There will be a buffet-style dinner from noon - 3:30 p.m. The cost is: $15 for adults; $7 for ages 5 - 12; kids ages 4 and under eat free.

ST. MALACHY PARISH PICNIC

St. Malachy Parish

1012 Main St., Beattie

June 11 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.

A beef brisket or pork supper will be served from 5 - 7:30 p.m. The cost for adults is $12; children ages 4 - 10: $6. There will also be bingo, games, quilts, a country store and a raffle. There will be an auction at 8 p.m.

SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART

PRAYER VIGIL

St. Joseph Parish

11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee

June 15 at 7 p.m.

A prayer vigil will include the rosary, vespers, Act of Reparation, Litany of the Sacred

Heart and chaplet of the Sacred Heart. All are welcome.

POTLUCK DINNER

Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room)

3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka

June 15 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host a salad potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call Gen at (785) 230-2473.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE SUPPORT MINISTRY

Stone Pillar Winery

11000 S. Woodland St., Olathe

June 10 and July 22 from 6 - 8 p.m.

We have been there, understand the hurt, and welcome you to healing, friendship and hope. Please join us for our upcoming meetings at Stone Pillar Winery. Bring a lawn chair and meet near the entrance barn.

BEREAVEMENT MEETING

Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room)

9405 Mission Rd., Leawood

June 17 at 8:30 a.m.

The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

St. Pius X Church

5500 Woodson Rd., Mission

June 18 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.

24TH ANNUAL MISSION-FROM-GOD GOLF TOURNAMENT

Heritage Park Golf Course

16447 Constance St., Olathe

June 23, 8 a.m. shotgun start

The Knights of Columbus Council 7909 will be your host. All beverages, including lunch, are included in greens fees of $125 ($500 per team). Details at: www.mfgkofc. org or call/text Bob Davis at (913) 523-3322.

FULLNESS OF LIFE COUPLES RETREAT

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

June 23 - 25

The retreat will begin on June 23 at 6 p.m. and end on June 25 at noon. This is a retreat for couples experiencing in -

fertility. The suggested donation is $300, but couples will not be turned away for financial reasons. The focus of the retreat will be on strengthening your marriage by giving you space and prompts to reflect on and talk about things away from the stress and noise of everyday life. There will be time to bond with other couples. Visit the website at: www.fullnessoflifecoaching. com/event-details-registration for details and to register.

PROJECT RACHEL/PROJECT JOSEPH SATURDAY

RETREAT

Lenexa (exact location given after registration)

June 24 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Is Mother’s Day or Father’s Day a difficult time for you, bringing up memories you’ve been trying to forget? Have you been thinking about this for a long time but struggle with reaching out to talk to someone? We’re offering a one-day retreat that can help you on the road to healing in a judgment-free, confidential environment. Continental breakfast, lunch and materials will be provided. To register, go online to: projectrachelkc@archkck.org or call/text (913) 621-2199.

MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

Tuesdays from June 20 - Aug. 8

This eight-week guided prayer experience is based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius showed how daily meditative/contemplative prayer enables us to know Jesus more personally, see God in our midst more clearly and, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, you too, might come to say, “Was not my heart burning within me?” The cost is $35 and includes a book. For more information and to register, go online to: www.ignatian centerkc.org/events/mcip2023. Questions? Contact Marguerite Enlow at (913) 660-2811.

‘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.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired publication date. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

EMPLOYMENT

Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as an assistant in our day service program. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful daytime activities. Enjoy daytime hours, Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-our-team.

Program coordinator – The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City is seeking a part-time program coordinator. Interested candidates will be very detail-oriented, technologically savvy, organized, and enjoy supporting and working with volunteers to put on programs. Duties include: supporting the executive director, office administration, marketing and social posts, event planning/coordination, providing program support. For more information, go to: www.ignatiancenterkc. org/blog.

Preschool lead teacher - St. Paul School in Olathe is seeking a lead preschool teacher for the 2023-24 school year. This is a full-time position and benefitseligible. Lead teachers should have experience in a licensed early childhood program and have a degree in early childhood education or related field. Must pass a background check, become Virtus trained and understand the mission of Catholic schools. To learn more about this position or apply, please send an email to Brigid Dempsey at: Bdempsey@stpaul. eduk12.net.

Accounting manager - Good Shepherd Parish and School in Shawnee is looking to hire a full-time accounting manager. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: overall financial management; general ledger record-keeping; reconciliation of accounts; annual budgeting; and monthly reporting to the pastor, director of administrative services and finance council. The successful candidate will have: familiarity and competence with accounting systems and current technology; a minimum of an associate’s degree in accounting; and five-plus years of relative experience. 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.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd coordinator - St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, is seeking a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd coordinator. The program serves children 3 - 12 years old and school grades K - 2. Responsibilities include: collaborating with catechists, assistants, teachers and administration; creating schedules; maintaining atrium materials; and leading a limited number of atrium sessions. Collaborative communication skills and prayerful discernment important. Flexible hours — about 25/week. L1 and L2 CGS certification required. To apply or for more information, contact Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@ stannpv.org or Janet Lovick at: janetlovick@gmail.com.

President, St. Joseph Catholic Academy - The St. Joseph Catholic Academy is searching for a president who will be responsible for the daily operation and long-term viability of St. Joseph Catholic Academy in St. Joseph, Missouri. The St. Joseph Catholic Academy is a system of five campuses that collaborate to ensure resources are used prudently to foster academic excellence, spiritual and moral formation, and the physical and emotional development of all students. For more information and to apply, go online to: kcsjcatholic.org/start/job-openings/.

Parish youth director - Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca is seeking a parish youth director. The youth director will perform a wide variety of activities to direct and coordinate a strong faith-filled youth ministry aimed at helping youth grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. This position is full time and is eligible for full benefits. For more information, visit our parish website at: saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com under the “Recent Posts” column. If you have any questions or would like to submit a resume, please contact the parish office at (785) 336-2128.

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 with options for full-time hours, including some weekend and evening hours. See additional details at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. To apply, send resume and cover letter to: denise. greene@stmichaelcp.org or call (913) 402-3984

Kindergarten teacher - Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa, Kansas is seeking a kindergarten teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org and email a resume to principal Scott Merfen at smerfen@htslenexa.org.

Executive assistant-database specialist - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is currently seeking an executive assistant-database specialist to work in their office. This position would provide administrative and clerical support to the executive director and leadership team. This position would also be responsible for managing the donor database system. The ideal candidate would have at least three years’ working in an administrative role and experience in Raiser’s Edge or other donor database systems. Please visit: archkck.org/jobs to learn more about this opportunity or to apply.

Pre-K teacher - Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the life of a young child? Christ the King Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas, is hiring a fulltime pre-K 3-years-old teacher. Our preschool aims to integrate the Montessori method with the timeless truths of our Catholic faith in order to lead children toward the good, the true and the beautiful. God is at the center of everything we do. The children attend Mass and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd weekly to develop their relationship with Jesus. An associates degree in early child education or working toward one is preferred. Please contact Father Nick Blaha at: pastor@ ctkkck.org or call the parish office at (913) 287-8823, ext. 4.

Director of religious education K - 8 - Church of the Nativity, Leawood, is seeking a full-time director of religious education. This position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, evangelization and youth ministers, staff members, volunteers and parishioners to provide Catholic formation for public and home school children (K - 8) and sacramental preparation for all parish families. The ideal applicant will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church who holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in theology, philosophy, catechesis or similar academic discipline or five years’ experience. Some experience in teaching/leading young children, teens and/or RCIA; leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting is helpful. Applicant should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology. Evening and weekend work as well as regularly scheduled daytime office hours required. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package with a start date of June 1. Position open until filled. Please send a letter of application and resume to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org.

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.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy admissions director

- Position summary: This person reports directly to the president and is responsible for the recruitment of all students. The admissions director manages all aspects of admissions, including, but not limited to, international recruitment, working with international agents, scholarship applications, notifying families of acceptance, the school website and marketing to different constituents for the purpose of recruiting students, especially those boarding at the school. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: direct and manage admission programs for recruitment and enrollment; collaborate with the principal and residence life director to understand, report and improve student retention; develop strategic goals and actions to achieve target enrollment; build an ongoing list of international agents to recruit to MH-MA; organize and promote alumni gatherings in different locations to inspire them to market MHMA to potential families; plan and organize admission events and receptions for prospective students and families; manage the CRM database for admissions; manage the upkeep of the website, particularly for recruiting students; create social media posts for the purpose of recruiting students, especially boarders; develop and maintain strong relationships with constituents, including partner schools and professional consultants; coordinate scholarships and financial aid for all students; create, implement and report on annual goals, objectives and a plan of action for attracting and retaining students; manage the daily operations of the admission office, including budget, database, files, correspondence and mailings; collaborate closely with the residence director for new students; visa/passport coordination; and retention. Applications review will begin immediately. Please direct inquiries for this position to President Baniewicz, philb@mh-ma.com. Completed applications include cover letter, resume/CV, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

Non-medical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring non-medical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or rmargush@ saintritahc.com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

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 by sending an email to principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Youth minister - Church of the Nativity, Leawood, is seeking a full-time, dynamic, high energy, consistently visible and creative Youth Minister to join the Campus Youth Director and Christian Formation team. This position will be responsible for working directly with the Youth Director to aid in the coordination of pastoral youth ministry for the entire campus including high school youth, junior high youth from both the parish school and religious education program, and parish young adults. Ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic who can work well in a team dynamic closely collaborating with the Campus Youth Director and the Director of Religious Education, displaying strong communication skills through a variety of points of contact, exhibiting interpersonal skills to foster mutual support from families of youth, and a passionate love for sharing Jesus Christ with all youth, knowing any contact with them is a touch point of evangelization. Qualified applicants should have at least two years’ experience in youth ministry or qualifying degree, have or be willing to receive Virtus training, and pass a background check. Please send resume to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org

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.

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.

Catholic elementary school principal - St. John Church and School in Lawrence, 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 through 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.

Microscope service/repair: Are you passionate about supporting small business? A locally owned, family business is currently seeking candidates to provide preventive maintenance and repair service on microscopes. No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided by seasoned technicians. Good communication, time management and customer service skills needed. Hours are flexible depending on customer needs. Some travel is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com.

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/firstaid certified. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity. org.

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

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.

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 faculty and nursing school faculty. Adjunct faculty job openings: biology; clinical nursing school supervisor; history and math. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

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) 730-8840.

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 by emailing principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: admissions counselor, director of development, nursing intake coordinator; director of development; part-time information systems coordinator and vice-president of business affairs/CFO chief financial officer. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, 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 are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation.com 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 email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

FOR SALE

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).

For sale - 2008 Ford Edge. 146,000 miles. Very nice all-leather interior. Very nice exterior. Blue Book valued at $6700, asking $2000. Holy Trinity parishioner. Call (913) 800-1784.

For sale - Gently used exercise equipment: LifeFitness C1 upright bike; X8 LifeFitness total-body elliptical cross-trainer and SPT-6X six-pack trainer. Two floor protection mats and owner’s manuals included. Contact Diane at: dpteal@sbcglobal.net for pricing, pictures and details.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING

*CLEANUP AND HAULING

*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION

*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES

HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

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.

HOME REMODELING & MAINTENANCE

Kitchens, baths, interior & exterior work

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

Popcorn ceiling texture removal

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

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! 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.

>> Continued on page 13

Interior painting

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

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

SERVICES

Tutoring - for K - Adult. Sessions are fun and meaningful. For more information please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

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

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

CAREGIVING

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

Homecare - CMA, 15 years’ experience, background check, references available form past employers. Call (913) 999-4340.

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.

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.

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - 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. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

June 4

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Ex 34: 4b-6, 8-9 (Ps) Dn 3: 52-55 2 Cor 13: 11-13

Jn 3: 16-18

June 5

Boniface, bishop, martyr Tb 1: 3; 2: 1b-8 Ps 112: 1-6 Mk 12: 1-12

June 6 Norbert, bishop Tb 2: 9-14

Ps 112: 1-2, 7-9 Mk 12: 13-17

June 7 Wednesday Tb 3: 1-11a, 16-17a

Ps 25: 2-5b, 6, 7bc, 8-9 Mk 12: 18-27

Get a taste of some real soul food

Ihad to check my math twice, but this past May was indeed the 60th anniversary of my first Communion at St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Three years ago, a classmate of mine posted a picture on Facebook of that first Communion — all the boys in suits and girls in white dresses — standing in front of the altar. I still remember almost all the names of the 45 kids pictured there — 19 girls and 26 boys — along with our pastor Msgr. Charles Stimac. That photo stirred up many memories and garnered some 46 comments online.

Many years later, my mom and I were heading out to lunch after a first Communion Mass at my parish in Tonganoxie.

“Hey, Mom,” I said, “I sat down and figured out that since my first Communion, I’ve received Communion over 19,710 times!”

Mom said nothing.

“I’d think,” I continued, “that after receiving Communion so

MARK MY WORDS

for 30 years now. In that time, my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I can’t recall the entire menu for a single one. I do know this, however: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

for Mass: Jesus is seen in the person of the priest; in the Scripture readings, especially the Gospel; in holy Communion; and in the people gathered in church, the congregation, the body of Christ.

TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Corpus Christi)

many times, I’d be a lot holier than I actually am!”

With a wisdom that only a mom could have, she replied, “Well, just think of what you’d be like if you hadn’t received Communion so many times!”

Well, that shut me up!

That long-ago conversation reminded me of the following story: A churchgoer sent a letter to the editor of his local newspaper

and complained that it made “no sense” to go to church every Sunday. He wrote: “I’ve gone to church for 30 years now, and in that time, I’ve heard something like 3000 sermons. For the life of me, I can’t remember a single one. So, I think I’m wasting my time, and the preachers and priests are wasting theirs as well.”

Not surprisingly, this started a huge controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column.

Much to the delight of the editor (and her circulation manager), the debate went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

“I’ve been married

“Likewise, if I’d not gone to church for nourishment, I’d be spiritually dead today!”

Every year as I celebrate a first Communion Mass, I marvel at the eagerness and excitement displayed by the kids. They challenge me to examine if I’m still excited to receive Communion or if I’ve come to take it for granted. Do I appreciate that Jesus literally comes to dwell within me?

It’s so easy for us Catholics to only see Mass as an obligation and fail to grasp the miracle that surrounds us there. Theology teaches us that Jesus is truly among us in four places when we gather

Sadly, many people flock to see “miracles” like a crying statue or the face of Jesus on a tortilla but miss the greatest miracle that is right before their eyes at every Eucharist.

If you’re reading The Leaven, then you’re very likely not someone who takes a “summer vacation” from Mass. However, I suspect that all of us would benefit from paying more attention while there. You might start by recognizing Jesus not only in holy Communion, but in your fellow parishioners — which might be a real miracle for some!

By the way, I’ve now received Communion some 23,000 times . . . and, thanks to my mom, I shudder to think what I’d be like without it!

The Trinity

Mt 5: 17-19

June 15

Thursday

2 Cor 3:15 – 4:1, 3-6

Ps 85: 9ab, 10, 11-14

Mt 5: 20-26

June 16

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Dt 7: 6-11

Ps 103: 1-4, 8, 10

1 Jn 4: 7-16

Mt 11: 25-30

June 17

The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2 Cor 5: 14-21

Ps 103: 1-4, 8-9, 11-12

Lk 2: 41-51

Our computers and phones are meant to connect us to the community. However, through the daily traffic of communication in emails, texts and social media posts, the digital culture in which we are immersed can also isolate us. Time spent in front of a screen is time away from family, friends, neighbors and all those places where human communities flourish around us. Humans are social creatures who come into this world in a community. First, the community of our immediate family, and then the ever expanding communities of home, school and work

as we grow into adulthood.

This Sunday, the church invites us to reflect on the divine community that exists in the very heart and life of God, who we

worship and praise as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Trinity Sunday” is not a distant theological abstraction but a graced opportunity to reflect on the mystery of God as a family of divine persons who invite us into their community of love, grace and peace.

The solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit directs our gaze to a simple truth about who God is and who we are in relationship to God and one another. We believe in God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — in whose life and love we share through baptism. At our baptism, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

we became members of the family of God.

The goal of the Christian life is to grow each day in loving communion with the triune God.

To believe that God is a trinity of divine persons is to receive God’s merciful invitation to daily friendship with the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel, we hear that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

Jesus is the visible face of the Father, whose eternal love lives in us in gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity is as relevant as the next

breath you take, for our life originates in the creating and all-powerful hand of God the Father, is redeemed by Jesus, his Son, and sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit.

On this Trinity Sunday, we recall and draw strength from the grace of our baptism, “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism calls us to nothing less than a share in the life of the blessed Trinity.

Do we accept that divine invitation to community? As we pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we grow in confidence to say, “Speak to me, Lord.”

Pope encourages pilgrims to show others the beauty of faith

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The beauty of the Christian faith lies not in its theological explanations but in the lives of people who dedicate themselves to prayer, charity and sharing the Gospel, Pope Francis said.

“Communicating faith is first and foremost a matter of beauty.

But beauty is not explained, it is shown,” Pope Francis told pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia, Italy,

who made a pilgrimage to the Vatican as part of their celebrations of the 825th anniversary of the consecration of their iconic cathedral.

“Your cathedral, with its magnificent chapels, holds stories of life and faith, holds holiness and beauty,” the pope told the pilgrims May 20. “It is a testimony of history, of life, of beauty, of holiness.”

Pope Francis urged the pilgrims not to simply expect people to discover that beauty and holiness on their

own, but to work to bring it to light so that others can see it like “a restorer does when he uncovers the colors of an ancient fresco.”

The most precious treasures of the Catholic Church, he said, are not buildings like the Spoleto cathedral but “prayer, charity done in secret, the power of forgiveness” and “the sacrifices of pastors, the lives of so many ‘saints next door,’ the witness of parents, families, the elderly.”

JEM SULLIVAN

Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

Our baptism calls us to life in that divine community:

John and Bonnie Bonella, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on June 14. The couple was married on June 14, 1958, at St. Mary Church in Ottumwa, Iowa. Their children are: Mary Graham, Denver; John D Bonella, Overland Park; and Michael Bonella, Manhattan. They also have three grandchildren. The family will celebrate together later this month.

Carolyn (Cress) and Dick Pate, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a Mass on June 11 followed by a family gathering on June 17 when they will renew their vows, officiated by Father Mark Binder, a family friend. The couple was married on June 15, 1963, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Lebanon, Missouri. Their children are: David Pate, Laura Campbell, Jim Pate and Greg Pate. They also have 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Sue and Pat Fagan, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in early June with family. The couple was married on June 9, 1973, at St. Joseph Church in Baytown, Texas. Their children are: Kathleen Fagan Walker, Prairie Village; Jeannie Fagan, Blue Springs, Missouri; and Jack Fagan, Kansas City, Missouri. They also have seven grandchildren.

Tom and Becki Racunas, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 16. The couple was married on June 16, 1973, in the chapel on the campus of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. Their children are: Lisa Racunas, Allison Skilling and Kate Bellan. They also have four grandchildren.

Theresa (Butel) and James Pritchard , members of Holy Trinity Parish, Paola, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 26 with a dinner with their children and grandchildren in Madison, Wisconsin. They will celebrate with extended family on July 15 in Paola. The couple was married on June 15, 1973, at Holy Trinity. Their children are: Chris Pritchard, Adam Pritchard and Alisha Pritchard. They also have two grandsons.

Linda (Pickett) and Jim Karlin, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Alaska in July. They will also celebrate with family members in August in Seattle. The couple was married on June 9, 1973, in the Chapel at Marymount College in Salina. Their children are: Brian and Lisa. They also have one grandchild.

Judy (Haug) and Roger Adams, members of St. Patrick Parish, Corning, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 11 with family and friends. The couple was married on June 9, 1973, at St. Patrick Church. Their children are: Brenda Quigley, Ryan Adams, Janelle Stockwell and Jason Adams (deceased). They also have 10 grandchildren.

Randall and Kathleen (Donovan) Nealey, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 8 at St. Joseph Church. The couple was married on June 8, 1973, by Father William Dolan. Their children are: Angela Atwell and William Nealey. They also have five grandchildren.

Myron and Chris Schwery, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 24 with family and friends. The couple was married June 16, 1973, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Panama, Iowa. Their children are: Phil and Adam. They also have five grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS

POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

Ward names interim principal

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Greg Duggins has been named Bishop Ward High School interim principal for the 2023-24 academic year.

Duggins, a 1983 alumnus and 20-year employee of Bishop Ward, brings a wealth of administrative experience to the job. He will step aside from his current duties as alumni director; however, he will maintain his role as varsity football coach.

Sister Mary Kathryn Taylor, OSB, dies

ATCHISON — Sister Mary Kathryn Taylor, 96, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died May 12 at the monastery.

She was born on May 7, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from Lillis High School in Kansas City, Missouri, she entered the Mount community in 1944. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Scholastica College, a master’s degree in English from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and a reading specialist certification from UMKC.

She taught in Colorado, Kansas and Missouri, spending more than 20 years as an English teacher at St. Joseph High School, Shawnee, and a reading specialist at Sumner and Harmon high schools in Kansas City, Kansas.

Highlights of this time for her were traveling to China with other Kansas teachers as part of an exchange program with teachers from Hunan and accompanying students to Europe as a chaperone. After caring for her aging parents for a number of years, she was a receptionist for a care home and then volunteered for the Little Sisters of the Poor before returning to the monastery.

TWINNING PROVES WINNING

Sisters’ love bridges

Ascension and Our Lady of Unity

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK – “The beauty of this is they have been doing it for 17 years,” said Terri McGuire, referring to students from Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, twinning with students at Ascension School here.

McGuire is the president of the business team for Our Lady of Unity, but her interest in this day of twinning goes much deeper than that.

McGuire has three sisters who, along with her, are deeply involved in these two schools.

“There were nine of us kids growing up, four girls and five boys,” said McGuire about her big Catholic family raised in St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park.

It was no surprise that the four girls of the Hosty family developed a special bond.

When two of McGuire’s sisters, Janet Schlake and Cathy Hair, took teaching jobs on opposite sides of town, the bond grew to include both schools.

Schlake was the kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Unity, located in an underserved area; Hair taught fourth grade at Ascension, located in a more privileged neighborhood.

“I didn’t even have books for my students,” said Schlake. “I reached out to my sister and [Ascension School] just started helping out.

“I had 5-year-olds who came with no coats in the winter; Ascension did a big coat drive.”

As the sisters shared their diverse teaching experiences, they decided it would be beneficial for their students to meet each other.

“The first year we did it, it was just my homeroom and her homeroom,” said Hair. “But then it went so well that we decided to include more classes.

“Every year, it gets better.”

Our Lady of Unity has only one class per grade. Ascension has three fourthgrade classes. So the tradition is for each fourth grade class to be paired with a kindergarten, first or second grade class.

The children love getting to know one another.

“It’s obvious my kids have less,” said Schlake, who retired several years ago but still has a special relationship with Our Lady of Unity students. “But they see each other and they see what they have in common — the Catholic faith.

“Christ teaches us to love one another, and that was my simple message to kindergartners.

IT’S

OBVIOUS MY KIDS HAVE LESS. BUT THEY SEE EACH OTHER AND THEY SEE WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON – THE CATHOLIC FAITH.

“I think between the two different communities, they see that.”

Each year during the Advent season, Ascension fourth graders prepare for the initial twinning.

“I give them two weeks to do an hour of service,” said Hair. “They have to sign a contract and their parent signs it, too.

Each Ascension student donates $5 earned from the service to help purchase books for students at Our Lady of Unity.

Just before Christmas, Ascension

students travel to Our Lady of Unity and meet their new buddies. They spend time doing a craft, playing, joining in a prayer service and sharing snacks.

They gift the students with new books.

“When my kids give the book to a child,” said Hair, “they have earned that book.”

In the spring, Ascension sponsors a bus to pick up Our Lady of Unity students and bring them to Ascension.

Recalling that first visit Schlake said, “My kids thought Ascension playground was Worlds of Fun.

“We didn’t have a playground; we just had a big field.”

So Ascension did a fundraiser and helped build a playground at Our Lady of Unity School.

Though such acts of charity are a wonderful outcome of this twinning, they aren’t the focus.

“Yes, we got a lot financially,” said Schlake, “but it was the relationship that mattered.”

Her sister agreed.

“It’s about not just giving something but developing a friendship with some

other kids in the archdiocese,” said Hair. “OLU is part of our community.”

To that end, during this spring’s prayer service, Ascension students surprised their buddies by reciting the Hail Mary in Spanish.

Recently, Maureen Hosty — the fourth sister in the Hosty family — moved back to Kansas from Portland, Oregon, with her son Miguel.

As providence would have it, Miguel was hired as a paraprofessional at Our Lady of Unity.

Hosty joined her sisters for the twinning event.

“We’re thrilled to have all four sisters together again,” said McGuire.

And all four sisters are sure their parents are smiling down on them.

“It all started with Mom and Dad,” said Schlake. “The nine of us were always involved in the Catholic community.

“I feel like the students see Kathy and I as sisters. And they see the two sister schools, and they realize we’re all part of one big world.

“It brings it all together, that whole Catholic community.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

During lunch, Church of the Ascension associate pastor Father Viet Nguyen talks with students (left to right) Corinne Simmons, Georgia Roth, Catalina McMackin and Addilyn Maurice.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Ascension fourth-grader Gracie Butler helps her Our Lady of Unity buddy Yarerzy Mora climb a jungle gym on the playground.

JANET SCHLAKE

RETIRED OUR LADY OF UNITY KINDERGARTEN TEACHER