06 19 20 Vol. 41 No. 41

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 41 | JUNE 19, 2020

PEN PALS PUT SMILES ON THE FACES OF THOSE STAYING AT HOME St. Joseph schoolchildren keep

senior parishioners feeling connected

Mason Rieke, a soon-to-be second-grader at St. Joseph School in Shawnee, writes a letter to his pen pal. Mason is one of several students at the school reaching out to older parishioners by mail during the coronavirus pandemic.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Betty Calcara happily retrieves a letter from her pen pal Roman Derington. Calcara has felt isolated from the world since the “stay at home” order went into effect in Kansas. Participating in the parish’s pen pal initiative has given her hope during a difficult time.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

S

HAWNEE — Living through a pandemic hasn’t been easy for Betty Calcara, who has lived alone since her husband Mike passed away in 2014.

After the “stay at

home” order went into effect in Kansas, Calcara said her days have sometimes been “long and a little depressing.”

“When the virus quarantine hit us, my days being confined to home became more tiresome and lonely,” she said, “and errand running was limited to drive-thru activities with brief, masked, face-to-face conversations.”

But one day, Calcara received an

unexpected letter in the mail, and it brought a real joy to her life.

The letter was from a boy named Roman Derington, who attends St. Joseph School in Shawnee.

Calcara initially “thought he was writing because he was told by a parishioner friend that I was alone and would like to hear from someone to cheer me up.”

“I remember smiling and thinking about how sweet it was for him to express his thoughts of me being confined to home,” she added.

But Roman’s letter wasn’t random.

He is among several St. Joseph students who are participating in a new pen pal initiative, created to connect >> See “PARTICIPANTS” on page 12

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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May our deprivations only serve to deepen our faith

oday, in the church’s liturgical calendar, we celebrate the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a feast that represents the central truth of God’s revelation in Jesus — namely his complete, unconditional and faithful love for each of us.

Today also has been designated for several years as a World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. In observing this special day of prayer, I will be celebrating at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee the Chrism Mass that was postponed from its usual time in Holy Week.

At the Chrism Mass, priests will be invited to renew the promises that they made to the church on the day of their ordination.

All of this is transpiring amid our continued efforts to protect our parishioners, as well as the larger community, from the COVID-19 virus.

Hopefully, the signs of the slowing of the spread of the virus will continue, allowing us to be able to relax further our current safety protocols.

The implementation of the resumption of public Masses differs from county to county and from parish to parish, because of the unique circumstances of each community.

I have been gratified

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN by how smoothly most parishes have been able to resume public Masses.

I am grateful to all of our priests, deacons, parish staff members and lay leaders for all that they have done to address the challenging logistics involved with the resumption of public celebrations of Mass.

I am also grateful for the understanding and cooperation of parishioners.

I am also thankful for those who have taken the time to share their suggestions and criticisms of our policies and protocols. They express a great love for the Eucharist, as well as passion for the importance of the constitutional right for the free expression of religion.

Some have questioned the depth of my faith because of my decision

to suspend for a couple of months the public celebration of Masses, as well as the necessity for the safety protocols.

Others have been critical that public celebrations of Mass resumed too soon. I can almost guess the news sources upon which the letter writers rely.

At this time, there are very divergent, even contradictory, opinions about the prudent response to COVID-19.

In my Corpus Christi homily this past Sunday, I referenced a passage from the late Father Walter Ciszek’s book, “He Leadeth Me.” Father Ciszek was an American Jesuit priest who spent 23 years in Siberian gulags because he was accused by the Communist regime of being a Vatican spy.

Father Ciszek shared the inspirational faith of some of his fellow prisoners, who were willing to make incredible sacrifices and to risk harsh punishments for the

opportunity to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist.

At that time, communicants were required to fast from midnight until receiving Communion.

Father Ciszek wrote: “I have seen . . . prisoners deprive their bodies of needed sleep in order to get up before the rising bell for a secret Mass. . . . We would be severely punished if we were discovered saying Mass, and there were always informers.

“All this made it difficult to have many prisoners in attendance, so we would consecrate extra bread and distribute Communion to the other prisoners when we could. Sometimes that meant we would only see them when we returned to the barracks at night before dinner.

“Yet these men would actually fast all day long and do exhausting physical labor without a bite to eat since dinner the evening before, just to be able to receive the Holy Eucharist. That was how much the sacrament meant to them.”

I also referred to the priest-martyrs in 16thcentury England who, if discovered celebrating a secret Mass, would be imprisoned, tortured and executed.

In the English College in Rome, a formation house for men preparing for priestly ordination, there is a wall that lists scores of alumni who

were martyred during the period of persecution.

After their ordination in Rome, these young priests were smuggled into England to offer secret Masses. These heroic priests knew that they would probably only survive a couple of years at most. When discovered, public execution awaited them for the crimes of being a Catholic priest and celebrating Mass.

Nevertheless, they were willing to risk nearly certain martyrdom so Catholics in England would have the opportunity to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist.

On Holy Thursday in 2003, as part of the celebration of his 25th anniversary as the Successor of St. Peter, Pope St. John Paul II promulgated an encyclical on the Eucharist. St. John Paul said that he wrote the letter as a means “of thanking the Lord for the gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood.” He said that he wanted to rekindle in the hearts of all Catholics what he termed “eucharistic amazement.”

Our late Holy Father wrote: “Those who feed on Christ in the Eucharist need not wait until the hereafter to receive eternal life: They already possess it on earth, as the first fruits of a future fullness. . . . For in the Eucharist, we also receive a pledge of our bodily resurrection at the

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end of the world. . . . With the Eucharist we digest, as it were, the ‘secret’ of the resurrection. For this reason, St. Ignatius of Antioch rightly defined the eucharistic bread as ‘a medicine of immortality, an antidote to death’” (“Ecclesia de Eucharistia,” 18).

I ask for your prayers for me and your pastors that we can be wise, prudent and courageous in our ongoing efforts to make the Eucharist and all the sacraments available as possible for God’s people, while at the same time protecting the health of parishioners and the public health of our communities.

I can assure you that no one will be happier than your pastors when our churches can be full again, Mass can be celebrated without masks, congregational singing can be encouraged, social distancing will be forgotten and socializing after Mass cannot only be allowed, but encouraged.

It is my earnest prayer that Catholics will emerge from this pandemic with a deeper love for Our Lord in the Eucharist. May this time when we were deprived of the opportunity to receive the Blessed Sacrament — the antidote to death and the medicine for immortality — serve to have deepened our eucharistic amazement.

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Pregnancy resource centers provide hope amid pandemic

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan — Fear.

It seemed to be everywhere this spring.

While fear is common for clients seen at area pregnancy resource centers, staff said COVID-19 brought it to epic proportions.

“The reasons for most of them wanting an abortion are the same reasons they always say,” said Ruth Tisdale, executive director of Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center in Overland Park.

“But I think what coronavirus did is put an extra measure of fear on all of us,” she continued. “These women thought, ‘Oh my gosh. I’ve got to take care of this right away.’”

Leah Conner, executive director of the Wyandotte County Pregnancy Clinic, agreed.

“I think we all felt some of that [fear],” she said, “but then for them to be facing an unplanned pregnancy and those things they were experiencing just made everything more intense.”

During the first two weeks of March, Advice & Aid saw nine clients. During the second half of March, however, the center saw 31 clients. In April, the number increased to 42.

Conner said her staff noticed an increase in calls as well.

Because Advice & Aid is located directly across from an abortion clinic, sometimes clients mistakenly walk through the center’s doors.

“We have multiple women who were scheduled for abortions that ended up at our clinic during that time frame,” Tisdale said.

Staff members always gently remind clients that Advice & Aid doesn’t perform abortions. But sometimes, Tisdale said, clients are too stressed out to process the information.

For example, one recent client kept asking about the abortion while staff administered an ultrasound. Later, through a routine follow-up call, they learned she’d changed her mind.

“She said she was so thankful that she had been here because it gave her time to think and process the whole thing,” said Tisdale. “She had decided she didn’t want to pursue an abortion anymore.”

Getting clients to slow down their decision-making process, Conner said, is crucial to helping them choose life.

Although her staff worked remotely for much of the spring, they helped women in all kinds of different situations.

“Our phones were busier,” she said, “but we were still able to walk with people.”

Staff made referrals to Advice & Aid and/or other medical providers for ultrasounds. They also made referrals to adoption agencies.

“We were still able to make those connections. People were still experiencing the same forms of crisis that they always do,” Conner said.

Additionally, staff at both clinics now have to make arrangements upon request for clients to pick up diapers, formula or baby wipes.

Both directors said they now feel the added responsibility of ensuring everyone (staff and clients alike) remains safe.

That means extra safety protocols.

Above, in order to keep clients safe, staff members at Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center in Overland Park don masks made by volunteers and friends of the ministry. In the foreground and continuing clockwise are Melody Herren, Ruth Tisdale, Dana Reick, Kelly Carter, Cynthia Jacobsen and Tiffany Moxley.

Right, Tiffany Moxley, one of Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center’s program managers, serves as a client advocate. As manager of the two-year Bridges Parenting support group, Moxley helps participants find emotional, spiritual, social and intellectual help.

For example, Advice & Aid decreased its on-site staff from 24 to 10. They then divided the remaining into two teams, taking turns on-site. Temperature checks became routine, too.

“At first, we weren’t letting anybody in unless it was the client. But then, we got some advice from one of our national affiliates and . . . went to letting the significant other come in during the sonogram,” Tisdale said.

After every client visit or ultrasound, staff members disinfect the rooms thoroughly, noting the time and date on clipboards outside the rooms.

Kelly Carter, director of the center’s Awakenings program, said the precautions meant extra work, but she’s grateful the center could stay open.

“Sometimes,” she said, “we were seeing seven or eight clients in a day.

“We were seeing ladies that were really early on [in their pregnancies], and I think that, even though they walked in our doors and they may have had an appointment next door, we were able to slow them down a little bit.”

Like Carter, Melody Herren found herself counseling clients, too. It’s not necessarily what she signed on for when she joined the staff last December as special events and outreach coordinator. In fact, she had barely finished client advocacy training when the pandemic hit.

“A lot of the women were on the fence about their pregnancy, but their partners or boyfriends really wanted them to have an abortion,” Herren said.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

In one instance, she asked a young woman as to her wishes.

“She said, ‘I don’t know, but my boyfriend really wants me to have an abortion.’

“I asked her what she wanted, and she started crying.”

After seeing her baby’s heartbeat during an ultrasound, Herren said the client became even more emotional. She agreed to take abortion information, but not for the reason she expected.

“She said, ‘I want to hear about it just because I want to tell my boyfriend why I’m not getting one.’”

Earlier this year, Holly, a client served

by Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic, realized she, too, couldn’t go through with an abortion.

Even though she had taken a home pregnancy test, she hoped the result was wrong for one specific reason. She had been raped.

Then she met Kathy Shea, a counselor at the clinic.

After talking with Shea and much

Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

How you can help Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center, along with the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic, represent two of the many pregnancy resource centers found throughout the archdiocese. For a full list, visit the archdiocesan respect life office’s website at: www.archkck.org/ prolife-unplanned-pregnancy. To help Holly and women like her, consider volunteering or making a donation to the center in your area.

prayer, Holly realized she wanted to keep her child and is choosing to focus on the good that can come from her pregnancy.

“It’s OK. I’ve gotten past the hard part,” she said. “I don’t think abortion should be the answer. Even if it was rape . . . it’s not the baby’s fault.

“And honestly, it could be for a reason.

I truly believe I need her more than she needs me.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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4

New priest, deacon assignments announced

ather John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective July 1, unless otherwise noted:

Priests

Father Joseph DeGuzman, FSSP, from priestly ministry outside the archdiocese to chaplain of the Latin Mass Community of St. Philippine Duchesne, Mission Woods.

Deacon Chris Allen

Deacon David Auten

Deacon Ken Billinger

Deacon Porfidio “Ray” Delgado

Father John Fongemie, FSSP

Deacon Keith Geary

Deacon William Graveman

Deacon Tom Greer

Deacon Mario Gutierrez Juarez

Deacon Vince Hallouer

Father Justin Hamilton

Father Joel Haug, AVI

Deacon Patrick Hood

Deacon Jason Imlay

Deacon Kris Kuckelman

Deacon John Langer

Deacon Steve Lemons

Deacon Jody Madden

Father Agustin Martinez

Father Raymond May

Father Anthony Mersmann

Deacon Mark Mies

Deacon Jim Mullin

Deacon Bob Ortiz

Deacon Justin Reuter

Deacon Bill Scholl

Deacon Mike Schreck

Deacon Daniel Vehige

Deacon John Williams

Deacon Michael Wilson

Father John Fongemie, FSSP, from chaplain of the Latin Mass Community of St. Philippine Duchesne, Mission Woods, to priestly ministry outside the archdiocese.

Father Justin Hamilton, from parochial vicar for St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, and chaplain of Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, to pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, and St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, effective July 15.

Father Joel Haug, AVI, from parochial vicar for Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, to parochial vicar for St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, and chaplain of Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Agustin Martinez, granted a leave of absence to engage in a holistic program of renewal, effective June 15.

Father Raymond May, from pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, and St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, to parochial administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Topeka, effective July 15.

Father Anthony Mersmann, from completing seminary formation and priestly ordination, to parochial vicar for Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, and chaplain of Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park.

Newly ordained permanent deacons Deacon Chris Allen, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, and to service in the archdiocesan office of pro-life.

Deacon David Auten, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at St. Matthew Parish, Topeka.

Deacon Ken Billinger, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park, and to prison ministry.

Deacon William Graveman, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Holy Family Parish, Eudora.

Deacon Tom Greer, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, and to service at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Deacon Mario Gutierrez Juarez, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, and to service in the archdiocesan office of Hispanic ministry.

Deacon Vince Hallouer, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, and to prison ministry.

Deacon Patrick Hood, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

Deacon Jason Imlay, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, and to service at F.I.R.E. ministries, a Catholic outreach for men in the archdiocese.

Deacon Kris Kuckelman, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park, and to prison ministry.

Deacon John Langer, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Christ the King Parish, Topeka, and to service in the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization.

Deacon Jody Madden, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, continuing in his position at St. Bernard as faith formation director, and to service in the archdiocesan rural youth outreach ministry.

Deacon Mark Mies, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, and to prison ministry.

Deacon Jim Mullin, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Church of the Nativity Parish, Leawood.

Deacon Bob Ortiz, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, and to ministry at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka.

Deacon Justin Reuter, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, and to service in the archdiocesan “My House” initiative.

Deacon Bill Scholl, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, and continuing in his position as consultant for the archdiocesan office of social justice.

Deacon Daniel Vehige, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, and to prison ministry.

Deacon John Williams, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, and continuing in his position at St. Michael as director of Christian formation and evangelization.

Deacon Michael Wilson, from ordination, to diaconal ministry at Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, and to prison ministry.

Permanent deacons Deacon Porfidio “Ray” Delgado, from diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Topeka, to retired status.

Deacon Keith Geary, from active ministry at Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, to leave of absence for discernment of further diaconal ministry, effective immediately.

Deacon Steve Lemons, from diaconal ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, to diaconal ministry at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, and continuing his service in the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate.

Deacon Mike Schreck, from diaconal ministry at Church of the Nativity, Leawood, to diaconal ministry at Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, and continuing his service in the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate.

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Conference, Knights urge Catholics to register to vote

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — Many crucial issues will be in play during the upcoming election. Will Catholics be engaged as faithful citizens, or will they be MIA — missing In

Katie Rucker, a sepsis coordinator at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, stands next to a bulletin board at the hospital filled with uplifting notes created by members of the community. They were collected by Katie’s son Leo, who attends Holy Spirit School in Overland Park.

NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — Notes of encouragement adorn three large bulletin boards at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Merriam, offering hope to the medical staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

They originated with an unassuming source — a soon-to-be third grader.

Leo Rucker attends Holy Spirit School in Overland Park. His mom Katie is a sepsis coordinator at AdventHealth, and her office is currently located in the COVID-19 intensive care unit.

Although Leo might not grasp the larger picture of how his mom’s work fits into the pandemic, Katie said he gets “the little things, like making somebody’s day.

“He’s such a quiet kid,” she said, “but he’s so thoughtful.”

It was no surprise, then, that when Katie and Leo noticed sidewalk chalk with uplifting messages throughout their neighborhood, Leo wanted to get involved in spreading positivity, too.

So, the family started writing sidewalk chalk messages of their own. They soon moved on to putting a box on their front porch and a sign in their front yard encouraging neighbors and passersby to drop off notes for health care workers.

Their neighbors and fellow Holy Spirit parishioners were quick to get involved, making it possible to fill not only one but three of AdventHealth’s bulletin boards with heartfelt words and pictures.

Leo was eager to bring joy to the lives of health care workers and help them “feel better about working in the hospital, because they might be scared or nervous to work with patients that have the virus,” he said.

“I wanted to cheer them up and

action?

The Kansas Knights of Columbus and the Kansas Catholic Conference are teaming up to conduct a summer nonpartisan voter registration drive. Catholics need to keep in mind that, in order to vote in the Aug. 4 primary, they need to be registered

by July 14.

“The Catholic voice is very often missing from the discussion of ideas and public policy today,” said Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “We do what we can at the Statehouse, but it is the Catholic in the pew who has a much more effective role to play. “[Catholics telling] elected representatives how they feel about various issues is crucial. Additionally, Catholics can and should play an active part in determining who serves in those capacities. The first step is registering to vote.”

Information about the registration drive will be given at parishes through pulpit announcements and social media.

Pastors are being encouraged to provide a sign-up table, and hard copy voter registration forms will be available. Those who want to do online voter registration can go to: KansasCatholic.org.

“The upcoming election cycle will be crucial for issues touching on the sanctity of life, religious liberty and the dignity of the human person,” said Vincent Schiffiano, an incoming junior at Benedictine College in Atchison, member of the Knights of Columbus and summer intern at the conference.

“I am excited to play a part in helping Catholics engage in the process, beginning with this nonpartisan voter registration drive,” he added.

50th wedding anniversary celebration rescheduled Leo Rucker holds a sign that stood in his family’s front yard as an invitation for neighbors and passersby to drop off notes and pictures for the medical staff at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. touch on the shoulder or a smile give them hope,” he added.

Leo looked forward each day to from somebody else that you can’t seeing the notes people dropped see through a mask.”

The notes offer “a sense of conoff, and the experience taught him the significance of serving others nection to the community we serve,” she said. during a challenging time.

Working in a hospital during “It is important to bring kindness to our community because not the pandemic has been difficult, everyone receives kindness, and but Katie also describes it as a we get to show people that simple “life-changing” experience that has opened her eyes to the love people things can spread love,” he said.

Leo’s compassion is a testament have for one another.

“It shows you the best parts of to his faith and upbringing. He received his first Communion ear- humanity when you see the nurses lier this month and takes to heart bring a patient closer to the window his family’s focus on gratitude and because their family members are in the parking lot holding up a sign,” giving back.

And although an act of service she said.

“We’d have garage sale signs that like the bulletin board project was simple, Katie believes it has made say, ‘Heroes work here,’ ‘Thank you’ a difference in the lives of her co- and ‘God bless you.’ It just shows the great parts of humanity coming toworkers.

“I think it makes them feel more gether,” she added.

Katie is proud of her son and connected to the community,” she said. “For a long period of time, we hopes his efforts send a message to couldn’t even have visitors. It was others wanting to help their communities. very isolating.

“Anybody can make a difference,” “It’s the hug you want to give somebody, but you can’t. It’s the she said.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The archdiocesan 50th wedding anniversary celebration has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

If you would like to receive an invitation from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and have not yet submitted your information, call your parish office or contact Mary Anne Kierl at (913) 647-0345 or by email at: flifesec@archkck.org.

Catholic Cemeteries extends discount deadline KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Due to an overwhelming positive response, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has extended the deadline for special discounts on pre-need burial packages to July 15.

The discounts range from $250 to $5,000 off current pricing. Discounts encompass traditional ground, lawn crypt or mausoleum burials; cremation packages including ground, columbarium or any niche; and private estates. Catholic Cemeteries operates and manages nine cemeteries in Johnson and Wyandotte counties, Topeka and Lansing.

Persons interested in pre-arrangement information and pricing can contact Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040 or by email at: information@cathcemks.org.

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

6

Volunteer stays as others leave due to pandemic

By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ed Herman has seen the tears well up in people’s eyes and heard their heartfelt thank you as he hands groceries to those in need.

That’s why, when the majority of Catholic Charities’ volunteers have left because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Herman has chosen to stay on as a volunteer at Hope Distribution Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

“You feel like you’re doing something tangible and you can see the results immediately,” said Herman, a parishioner at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

“When you write a check,” he continued, “you know it’s going to go to purchase food and be distributed somewhere, someplace, to someone.

“Here, you’re engaged and interacting with people that have a need, and you can see the magnitude of those donations and how much of an impact that has on the recipients.”

The situation at Catholic Charities is dire. The organization’s volunteers are down more than 80% from where they were a year ago (see sidebar).

Even though Herman, at age 75, is at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general population, he feels the risk is worth it. It helps that he developed some good habits from his years traveling though undeveloped countries during his time as a banker.

“I got used to being around difficult conditions,” he said. “I know the things that cause you to be the most vulnerable. I maintain social distance.

When I traveled, I would carry around a bag of wipes with me and every time I touched something, I would wash my hands.”

When COVID-19 struck and a lot of the volunteers left, Herman decided to stick it out.

“I saw a job that needed to be done, and a lot of people were backing off,” he said. “I felt like if I exercised good common sense, I would be OK.” Herman has been volunteering at Hope Distribution Center and other food pantries for more than five years.

When the “shelter at home” order went into effect, he immediately saw the increase in need.

“There has definitely been a spike in the demand as far as the people showing up for services,” he said. “It’s impacted a lot of people in a lot of different ways.

There’s been an increase in unemployment and underemployment.”

To him, that’s all the more reason to keep volunteering.

Herman said he’s seen homeless

M

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Ed Herman, a volunteer at Hope Distribution Center in Kansas City, Kansas, helps stock shelves at the center. Despite being at risk because of his age, Herman has continued as a volunteer while many others have left during the COVID-19 pandemic.

C

Catholic Charities is in urgent need of volunteers

atholic Charities relies on volunteers to aid in its mission of helping those in need. Lately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of volunteers has decreased drastically.

In April 2019, Catholic Charities had 2,200 volunteers contribute a total 26,000 hours. A year later, those numbers were down to 390, volunteering a total of 4,000 hours.

The situation has gotten to the point that it’s affected the services.

“Volunteers are a significant part of our workforce,” said Denise Ogilvie, vice president of community engagement for Catholic Charities. “We have around 140 full-time employees and over 1,600 ongoing volunteers every month. We are unable to operate at full capacity without volunteers. We have reduced hours in our food pantries and family support centers.

people walking in for food, pulling up on bicycles and even arriving by car — a car they are obviously living in.

“You can tell this is something that they actually need,” he said. “A lot of them will comment that this is a lifesaver and they were out of resources

Sister Delores ‘Dee’ Long, OSU

APLE MOUNT, Kentucky — Sister Delores “Dee” Long, 81, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph here, died June 7 in her 45th year of religious life. She was a native of Kansas City, Missouri.

Sister Dee was an Ursuline Sister of Paola until the merger of that community with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. A former semi-pro tennis player, she enjoyed nature and traveling, and had an interest in Native American culture.

She was physical education coordinator

at the Lakemary Center, Paola (1979-82), and taught at Holy Angels, Garnett (198286). She taught at Holy Name, Kansas City, Kansas (1986-88), and served as its principal (198895). She was also the principal at Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas (1995-2004), and taught at Our Lady of the Angels, Kansas City, Missouri (2004-12).

She served in the emergency care center at Catholic Charities in Kansas City, Kansas, for a year before retiring to the Ursuline motherhouse in 2013, where she assisted with the archives.

At TurnStyles, we have limited ability to accept donations and are not accepting furniture.”

Ogilvie said there are volunteer opportunities for people of all age groups and a wide range of jobs that need to be done.

“We have openings for people to answer the phone, pack groceries, drive trucks, sort food, [be] cashiers at TurnStyles or sorting donations,” she said.

For those who might fear for their health, she said that extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of its workforce.

“All staff and volunteers are asked to wear masks and gloves while serving,” she said. “All surfaces are being sanitized throughout the day, we are deep sanitizing every location and putting six-foot distancing practices into place. We do have some opportunities that have little contact with others.”

and had no place to go. It’s apparent that the need is great.”

While he has in the past, and still continues to write checks to charitable causes, Herman urges people to get out and volunteer and see how that money is being used.

How to volunteer Contact: Cari Olberding, volunteer engagement coordinator, by calling, (913) 433-2104; sending an email to: colberding@catholiccharitiesks.org or going online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/ volunteer.

Ogilvie said that once the “shelter at home” order ended, Catholic Charities needed to expand its services in various areas. Without the volunteers to help, staff members have been asked to take on additional duties to help fill the holes.

There simply aren’t enough people to fill the holes left by the lack of volunteers.

“We will not be able to run any program at full capacity until we have additional volunteers,” she said.

“Do you see Jesus in them, and do they see Jesus in you?” he asked.

Experiencing firsthand the Holy Spirit working through you, said Herman, “changes your viewpoint on what the purpose of life is and what you’re doing to help facilitate that.”

Announcements Father Shawn Tunink, associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, has been granted time away from active ministry by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to engage in a program of personal renewal, study and spiritual enrichment. Father Tunink announced his time away to St. Patrick parishioners on April 29.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has granted a leave of absence to Father Augustin Martinez from priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Father Martinez, who has reported struggling both with issues of anxiety and depression and — in a statement to parishioners at St. Paul Parish in Olathe — “behaviors not in keeping with the Christian life and contrary to my promise of celibacy,” is voluntarily entering into a holistic program of renewal.

The matter prompting his leave of absence does not involve minors or parishioners.

The Archdiocese takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel seriously. It encourages anyone with knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any church employee, volunteer, clergy or religious to contact law enforcement first, and then make a report to its confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 or online at: archkck.org/reportabuse.

Friends and family break into applause as the adoption of Isabella and Annalise becomes official. From left are: Ezekiel, Emma, Elijah, Tim, Isabella, Annalise and Stacey Chik.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Lenexa couple’s ‘yes’ to foster care leads to so much more

L

ENEXA — They’re not your average couple.

From the day they met, Tim and Stacey Chik, parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish here, knew they wanted to adopt children. And they knew they wanted a big family.

But provide foster care? It took growing into.

“There was something about it that seemed like a more bold ‘yes,’” said Stacey. “We really felt like we needed to say ‘yes,’ that we needed to give whatever child was brought to us a home and a family, safety and love, for whatever season they were brought to us. It just felt like what being pro-life was all about for us.”

And little did they know that thanks to that “yes” to foster care, their family was about to triple in size in a matter of a few years. >> Continued on the next page

The Honorable Kathleen Sloan gets a hug from Annalise Chik following the adoption of Annalise and her sister Isabella into the Chik family.

STORY BY

OLIVIA MARTIN PHOTOS BY

JAY SOLDNER

Background Adoption had always been close to the Chiks’ hearts. For Stacey, she has seen how that desire has been influenced by her family history.

“My own father was adopted,” she said. “He was adopted into a family that ended up being a really bad situation. It was quite damaging to him, so it wasn’t until years later that I have kind of seen how in some ways that has formed my own desire to live the Gospel calling [to care for orphans].”

After Tim and Stacey got married, they were blessed with two biological children born 11 months apart: Emma and Timmy. However, the Chiks experienced secondary infertility after their births.

And six miscarriages.

“In that season, it’s easy to become cold or closed or shut down,” said Stacey. But instead, they “took solace in our faith and continued to feel like this wasn’t the end of our story,” she said.

The Chiks grieved their lost children and did the work of healing in the years following — and because of this work, they found themselves more open and able to care for children not biologically their own.

That’s when they began to look seriously into adoption.

Around 2013, the Chiks enrolled in a 13-week adoption class through KVC (Kaw Valley Center) in Olathe, officially beginning their adoption journey.

“About halfway through the classes, one of the things that got laid on my heart was . . . I didn’t feel like we were supposed to do this just for adopting,” said Stacey. “I thought we were supposed to do this for foster care.

“That scared me, because we already had two biological children and I wasn’t sure we wanted to put them through having to say goodbye [to potential foster siblings].”

So, Stacey kept the pull toward fostering quietly in her heart, thinking it wasn’t meant to be.

Then, a month later, as she and Tim were talking after an adoption class, he told her something unexpected.

He said he felt they should do foster care, not just adoption.

“I remember my jaw just dropped open!” said Stacey.

For Tim, fostering has immensely impacted his approach as a father — tangibly and spiritually.

“I never really thought about the fact that Jesus was a foster kid, but he was,” said Tim. “I really identified with [Saint] Joseph, that he wasn’t biologically related to Jesus but he was absolutely his dad.”

Adoption to fostering to adoption It took until 2015 for the Chiks to complete the classes, background checks and home checks necessary to actually become foster parents.

And in November 2015, they were matched with their first foster children: a little boy and his sister who were 2 and 4 years old at the time.

“I asked the case worker how long they would be with us,” said Stacey.

“We were expecting a revolving door of children. It’s been the opposite of that for our family.

“We’ve only had a total of four foster children.”

And in February 2016, three months after their first foster child

From left, Paul and Lisa Masek and Larry and Jackie Decker, all members of Holy Spirit Parish in St. Louis, promise to fulfill the role of godparents to Isabe

Deacon Dana Nearmyer blesses family and friends of the Chiks right before the baptism of Isabella and Annalise Chik.

Deacon Dana Nearmyer baptizes Annalise Chik adoption.

placement, the Chiks welcomed another sibling pair into their home — two little girls. “[They] had been in foster care for quite some time,” said Stacey, “and the older of the two had been in foster care most of her life.

“She had already been in five foster homes.”

But it hasn’t been simple.

“Those first six weeks were chaotic; they were hard, and they were messy,” said Stacey. “No matter how bad it was for them, there is something intrinsic in every single human heart that wants to just be with and love and forgive a biological family. For [the kids], they were in a state of incredible trauma because they’d been taken away from their parents.

“Separating families is traumatic

“We adopted Gracelyn and Ezekiel in November of 2018 . . . on National Adoption Day,” said Stacey. “It was really a beautiful day.”

And they adopted the two girls, Annalise and Isabella, in late February of this year. Right before the shut-

“

“FAMILIES REALLY HAVE TO EVALUATE IF FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION [ARE FOR THEM]. PART OF WHAT WE AS A CHURCH CAN DO . . . IS HELP PREPARE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT TO EXPECT BY BEING A FOSTER PARENT OR ADOPTING AND HELP TO MAKE SURE IT’S GOOD FOR THE CHILD AND THE WHOLE FAMILY.” and should only be done in the gravest situations.”

The kids eventually adapted and now fit seamlessly into the Chik family.

And all four of those children have now become Chiks.

“Foster care is very difficult,” said Tim. “In some respects, I’m a little more saddened by the world because you see some of those things and hear some of those stories and instead of them being far away, they’re much closer.”

Stacey agreed.

“We need to be mindful that the families who are stepping into this are stepping into the arena in a really significant way,” she said.

They have even seen families fall apart due to the challenges of fostering.

“Families really have to evaluate if foster care and adoption [are for them],” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “Part of what we as a church can do . . . is help prepare people to understand what to expect by being a foster parent or adopting and help to make sure it’s good for the child and the whole family.”

But success is possible — and the Chiks are proof.

“If you’re able to be grounded in community, in your faith and prayer and have your spouse on the same page,” said Stacey, “then you can weather the storm.

“It is very intense.”

All things for good

ella and Annalise Chik.

at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa following her down due to COVID-19.

“We are just thankful for the timing,” said Stacey. “If the adoption had been scheduled just a few weeks later, we wouldn’t have been able to pack the courtroom and celebrate our girls the way we wanted to.”

Friends and family caravanned from the courtroom in Johnson County to Holy Trinity to witness their spiritual adoption as well. They were baptized by Deacon Dana Nearmyer. It was a remarkable day.

“In 2018, we gave birth to our youngest son, Elijah. So, yep, seven children now! Truly we can’t believe the way our family has grown. We are so grateful for the lives God has entrusted to us,” said Stacey.

Though they are obviously worthy actions, fostering and adoption are not to be taken lightly.

And through everything, even their miscarriages, the Chiks have seen how God really does bring all things together for good.

“If we had not lost those babies, I’m sure the ‘yes’ still would have come to foster and adopt,” said Stacey. “But the timing would have been such so that it wouldn’t have been these four kids.

“And I truly believe that these specific four souls were the ones that were supposed to be in our family.”

Furthermore, the miscarriages taught them on intellectual, spiritual and emotional levels that all children are on loan from God, said Stacey.

“It was a huge paradigm shift for us mentally, and we are able [now] to give and love and parent with depth and with abandon because we know there was no reason to hold anything back because there is no guarantee for anybody,” she said.

One of the greatest joys the Chiks have in relation to their foster children is seeing how much they love the faith.

“They had no background in any religious formation [when they came to us],” said Stacey.

But that has changed greatly.

“Church is their favorite thing,” she said.

For Kelley Basta, a parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish in St. Louis, witnessing the growth and life emerge from the Chiks fostering and adoption has been inspiring.

“My husband and I are Zeke’s godparents,” said Basta, “and to have the privilege . . . to be able to pray for him [is great]. “[Stacey and Tim] are a constant reminder to me about how important it is to celebrate the little things.”

Ultimately, fostering and adopting have made the Chik family whole.

“People say how lucky the children we adopted are to have our family,” said Stacey, “but the fact of the matter is that we are the lucky ones.

“They have brought graces and healing, joy and growth for all of us.

We are all blessed to be a family.”

Church is called part of the solution to a foster care system that’s overwhelmed

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The foster care system is no stranger to difficult times.

But COVID-19 is presenting unprecedented challenges to the system.

Not only has the pandemic temporarily reduced respite care assistance for existing foster families, but now that the system is back in the public eye, a potential uptick in reports of abuse and neglect of children during the lockdown period might ensue.

That’s why foster care agencies, professionals and even churches are calling on their communities to help, said Megan Maciel, director of recruitment and communication for KVC Kansas. KVC provides case management services for nearly 2,000 children who are currently in out-ofhome placement due to abuse and/or neglect.

“We haven’t seen an increase in [reports of] abuse and neglect during the pandemic,” said Maciel, “but we know that caring for a child is stressful, especially when you factor in economic instability.”

We also know, she said, that many of the reports of abuse and neglect come from the schools.

“So, it may be something we see on the rise when schools reopen,” she added.

Supporting the need There are currently 7,347 children in foster care in Kansas — 2,000 more than a short five years ago.

KVC is the largest child placing agency in Kansas with over 880 foster homes. The agency helps Kansas children who are in foster care and their families through prevention services (family preservation), case management, family reunification, adoption, outpatient behavioral health and more.

KVC is among the agencies the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is partnering with in an attempt to raise awareness of foster care. According to Debra Niesen, lead consultant for the archdiocesan pro-life ministry, the church’s attention to foster care is long overdue. In fact, the archdiocese created the Foster Care Task Force a year ago for this purpose.

“The system is overwhelmed and the church must be part of the solution,” Niesen said. “We need to meet the needs of vulnerable children in Kansas. These are our children, right here in our neighborhoods, representing every type of background and socioeconomic level.”

Niesen credits Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann with driving renewed attention toward foster care. It’s an important part of the pro-life ministry, caring for human dignity at the beginning and end of life, as well as in between, she said.

The foster care page of the archdiocesan website — www.archkck.org/ foster — provides a comprehensive look at foster care, explaining the need and how individuals and parishes can help.

Unfortunately, more than half of foster families quit within the first year, Niesen said. Additionally, in Johnson and Wyandotte counties combined, five to 10 children are moved to one-night placements each night while awaiting a long-term foster care placement.

The call to care The goal of the task force is to increase the number of Catholic foster families now to prepare for the increased need in the fall and to support them better, Niesen said.

Families considering fostering should first pray to hear if God is calling them to foster. Next, they can visit the archdiocesan website and KVCKS.org to learn more about the experience, expectations and obligations.

If you can’t be a full-time foster family, there are other ways to help, including serving as a respite foster caregiver.

Susie Boster, a member of the archdiocesan Foster Care Task Force and Leawood’s Church of the Nativity, is a certified respite foster care provider. Before the pandemic, her family home served as respite for children in the foster care system for a few hours, overnight or a few weeks.

“Foster care is a hidden crisis.

People don’t know the extent of the problem,” Boster said. “I believe that the more we inform fellow Catholics, the more the Holy Spirit can work on their hearts.”

Unfortunately, Boster had to temporarily stop providing overnight respite care when the pandemic forced her bedrooms to fill up when her husband had to begin working from home and her three college children returned home earlier than planned.

She hopes to resume daytime respite care this summer.

Boster said she relied on her Catholic faith and the Holy Spirit when making her decision.

“It was all very natural for me to have younger kids in the house again and to make them feel comfortable and safe,” Boster said. “We always take them to Mass and teach them the mealtime prayer.”

Maciel reminds individuals that they can help with a simple gift card, monetary or food donations. Many local organizations and churches of all faiths have made generous donations.

According to Niesen, the archdiocese will use the Fostering Joy model, which encourages entire church communities to support foster care families by forming a foster care ministry in their parish, praying, providing respite care, running errands and providing material support (clothing, food, etc.).

“Respite certification is important because you can’t just hire a babysitter for a few hours when you need care for your foster children. That person has to be trained and certified,” Niesen said. “Studies show that when the Fostering Joy model is used, the retention rate for full-time foster families is over 90%.”

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

10

As pandemic drives job loss, find a way to help where you can

I

n these days, whenever I read statistics about job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic — 20.5 million jobs lost in April alone — my heart aches for the families affected.

I think of the people those numbers represent: the tears shed; the anxiety of fathers and mothers who wonder how to tell their children. I imagine the private conversations between parents on how to meet the family obligations: rent and bills of all sorts.

I think about couples discussing how to stretch the family budget, the disagreements that under the stress of the moment escalate into arguments and can unfortunately, at times, explode into violence.

I think of the single parents who have to weather this crisis alone. My heart aches for all these families.

Anyone who has experienced a job loss knows some of the pains.

For me, the news of job losses brings back

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

memories of a time when, during an economic downturn years ago, I was left without a job. Even though the loss of my job was not something I had caused, I felt that I had let my family down.

I felt responsible for the fact that now we would not be able to carry out certain planned family activities, trips, vacations. I

feared that we would have to uproot our family and move to a different city.

I remember the day I was told of my separation. After the shock wore off and reality set in, it came to mind that Teri was on her way to the orthodontist with our youngest to start treatment for braces.

This was something we could not afford without my income and insurance.

I had to deliver the bad news while Teri was in the orthodontist’s office and my daughter was being prepped for her braces. I was angry, depressed, anxious, and — most of all — sorry for the pain I was causing my family. I cried a lot.

Today’s job losses and the devastation rained down upon communities are a grave injury to our society.

When a family suffers, we all suffer, because those affected are our friends and neighbors.

If they are in pain, how can we not be affected?

How can we not feel compassion for the parents who are running out of money and despair because they do not know what to do next? How can we not ache for those parents who deprive themselves of what they need in order to give it to their children? How can we not feel touched by the courage of the children who hide their fears so as to not worry their parents?

I have not seen much advice from the experts on coping with today’s job losses as a family and as a community.

Personally, when I feel uncertain about what to do, I turn to the wisdom of our Catholic tradition for guidance and support.

On March 27, an extraordinary event happened in Rome that caught the world’s attention. Pope Francis, standing alone in St. Peter’s Square during an evening rainstorm, prayed for the world. He compared the pandemic to a storm that we can overcome only by

coming together in faith.

He repeated several times the words of Jesus to the apostles caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”

Pope Francis said: “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented. But at the same time, all of us are called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.”

The pope is reminding us that in this crisis we cannot think only about ourselves; we must help one another. We are all in the same boat.

So, what can we do?

• First of all, we join together with the church to ask for God’s consolation and healing for the sick, the jobless, the business owners who struggle to survive and anyone experiencing financial distress.

• We obey the safety guidelines provided by our local authorities.

• If someone in your family is without work and needs help, do not despair. There

Question for reflection: What can you do to support those in your community who are in distress because of illness or job loss? are resources in your community. Your parish office may be able to direct you where to turn.

• If you know someone outside your family who is in need, reach out and offer help and support, even if it is just by making a phone call.

• Contribute what you can to the charitable organizations in your community that provide assistance to those in need.

“Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so that he can conquer them.”

(Pope Francis, March 27)

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

11

Religious freedom symposium goes virtual this year

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Symposium details

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan — The issue of religious freedom is no abstract academic debate. Around the world, Christians and other people of faith are suffering and dying every day.

“Globally, we’re living in a time when the world is experiencing unprecedented religious persecution,” said Bill Scholl, archdiocesan consultant for social justice. “There are more Christians dying for the faith now than during the [persecutions] of ancient Rome.”

But what of the United States, with its long history of religious freedom and constitutional protections?

“In the United States, there’s not by any means open oppression of religious freedom,” said Scholl, “but we’re seeing a trend of a diminishment of what, historically, has been a robust understanding of religious freedom.

“State authorities have tried to confine the idea of religious freedom to one of just worship — your religious freedom is what happens just inside your church. And that has never been our understanding. Americans have always been free to practice their religion in ways that conform to the common good in the public square.”

Concerns about the diminishment of religious freedom grew during the past few months when states, counties and municipalities issued restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The state does have a compelling interest in public health, but there were cases of unequal treatment and governmental overreach, said Scholl.

One such example was in Howard County, Maryland, which issued an executive order that would have prohibited receiving the Eucharist. Fortunately, that order was rescinded.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will host a virtual symposium for Religious Freedom Week from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on June 22.

“

“IN THE UNITED STATES, THERE’S NOT BY ANY MEANS OPEN OPPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, BUT WE’RE SEEING A TREND OF A DIMINISHMENT OF WHAT, HISTORICALLY, HAS BEEN A ROBUST UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.” This year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated June 22-29 as Religious Freedom Week. For resources, go online to: usccb.org. At

the top of the homepage, click on the heading “Religious Freedom Week 2020: June 22-29.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will preach about religious liberty for his homily during his 10 a.m. Mass on June 21 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. The homily will be recorded and available for viewing on the archdiocesan website at: arch kck.org.

Also, the archdiocesan social justice office will sponsor an online symposium on religious freedom — “Religious Freedom in the Time of COVID” — from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on June 22. It will feature three speakers and a discussion moderated by Scholl.

The event is free, but by invitation only to participants who register. To register, go online to: archkck.org/social justice. Participants who register will be sent a link the day of the event. For information, see sidebar.

Event: Religious freedom in the time of COVID: a Catholic symposium for Religious Freedom Week Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m., June 22 With COVID-19 and the social distancing steps required to protect public health, people of religious conviction have been challenged by states imposing safety guidelines that prohibit public gatherings for worship while allowing comparable secular businesses to operate.

Even as Catholics were asked to contribute to the common good by staying home, they have also seen businesses like liquor stores and golf courses deemed “essential.”

In this online symposium, participants will explore the politics and principles of religious freedom in the time of COVID, and how citizens of faith are called by God in charity to both prudently protect the health of others, while also guarding against allowing this public health crisis to set lasting precedents that erode First Amendment protections for religious minorities.

Speakers: • Chuck Weber — executive director for the Kansas Catholic Conference Topic: “Religious freedom and COVID conversation at the Kansas Capitol” • Elizabeth R. Kirk, JD — author, legal scholar and director of the St. Lawrence Center’s Institute for Faith and Culture Topic: “Contemporary threats to religious freedom, and the recent COVID rulings” • Louis Brown, JD — executive director for Christ Medicus Foundation Topic: “The false choice between religious freedom and public health” • Discussion moderated by Deacon Bill Scholl, social justice consultant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas To register, go online to: archkck. org/socialjustice.

Kauffman grant funds new STEM curriculum at St. Pat’s

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Students and teachers at St. Patrick School here will find new technology in their building when they return this fall, thanks to a Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation grant the school recently received.

“The grant for $75,000 will allow students to gain more career opportunities and experience with practical and relevant opportunities,” said Tim R. Conrad, principal of St. Patrick, “in order to help them navigate choices in secondary and post-secondary settings.

“It will also enhance higher-level thinking skills.”

Conrad said the process for applying for the grant was a lengthy one and began in late January.

“I was familiar with the Kauffman grants through my experience as an administrator in another district,” Conrad said. “We received word that we had received a grant on May 15. I was proud that the plan I submitted was going to have the financial support needed and not utilize parish monies to do so. I was excited for our students.”

The grant will allow the school to implement a brand-new STEM curriculum

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Tim R. Conrad, principal of St. Patrick School in Kansas City, Kansas, stands in front of the school.

St. Patrick received a $75,000 grant to fund new technology for the school.

— one focusing on science, technology, engineering and math — in grades 6 through 8.

“We will also create a STEM lab with the purchase of new computers,” Conrad said. [“We will be able] to add a robotics curriculum and resources; design and development curriculum

and resources; and a medical curriculum and resources. The grant also allows us to purchase new Chromebooks.”

While there was no official ceremony, the award received quite a bit of social media acknowledgment.

Some of the reasons noted by the

Kauffman Foundation for awarding this grant to St. Patrick included an innovative plan, a reasonable funding request that was amply justified, its career impact and its STEM applications.

This is not the only award received

by St. Patrick recently: A successful STEM grant submitted earlier this year resulted in the school receiving a $3,800 grant from the KC STEM Alliance.

With a diverse student body — comprised of 65% Caucasian, 20% Asian and 13% Hispanic students — and with about 50% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunches, the grants are most welcome.

Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Church, noted that the Kauffman grant will “establish our school as a STEM resource for our families; school enrollment will be enhanced for the future as well.”

Father Mertes said the CEF and ACTS Emergency Fund have also been “very generous to the school. We appreciate the archdiocesan support.”

The Kauffman Foundation was established in 1966 with a focus on entrepreneurship and education. Its grant-making and research activities are designed to enhance these areas and support civic development in the Kansas City area.

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

12

Permanent Deacon Dan Peterson dies on May 21

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

O

Ellie Pick mails a letter she wrote for her pen pal. She and her classmates have been eager to help her parish community connect with those who have had to go it alone during the months of lockdown — and might still hesitate to leave home except for essentials.

Participants hope project outlives pandemic >> Continued from page 1 young students at the parish school with older parishioners who might be feeling lonely during this time.

“We were trying to think of a way for these great kids to give back to their community,” said Nicole Pick, who came up with the pen pal idea after hearing about the parish’s phone calling ministry spearheaded by St. Joseph youth minister Jared Rottinghaus.

Her daughter Ellie will be in second grade this fall, and her class has always been eager to help the community through various service projects, said Pick.

“The kids have such sweet hearts,” she said. “They really want to make people happy. They’ve all been very willing to jump in and help and write their letters.”

The program was designed for the soon-to-be second-graders, but siblings from other grades are also participating. They’re given a pen pal who they can draw pictures for and write letters to, with the goal of brightening their day and building a connection without the help of technology.

Roman’s younger brother Novah also participates in the program, and their mom Amanda said the program has helped him understand the impact the pandemic is having on people’s lives.

“He’s not totally understanding what it means when we can’t go out and we can’t connect with people the way that we normally would,” said Derington.

“Having a project like this where he can send these letters and cards and keep some people active and in the loop helps show him why being able to stay connected with people is so important,” she continued.

Novah is sharing with his pen pals a passion he has for drawing and art, and Derington hopes it brings a smile to their faces.

“I would imagine that most of these

Novah Derington draws a picture for his pen pal. The experience has given him a chance to share his art while learning about the pandemic’s impact on his community. folks are older adults who may or may not have grandkids and may or may not have their families near to them,” she said.

“Having some kiddos come into your life with their playfulness and their optimism could be a really cool connection for both sides to be able to experience,” she added.

Although the initiative was designed with the “stay at home” order in mind, many of the participants hope to continue writing back and forth, and even meet in person, after the state opens back up.

“I have written a note [back] to Roman,” said Calcara, “and I hope we will continue to coordinate with each other often.

“It will be an opportunity for me to be encouraging to him when he writes about his school and church activities, and also while he is going through the ‘ups and downs’ of life that he might

be facing.”

Having a pen pal has not only brightened up Calcara’s life, but it’s also given her hope to see the kindness of young people.

“I am very touched and gratified to know that our young people are receiving special guidance on showing love and concern for others — particularly for the older generation,” she said.

Pick hopes the initiative can continue to brighten lives in the St. Joseph community for months to come.

“I’m so proud of the St. Joe kids,” she said. “They have hearts of gold and they’re so sweet and so excited to be able to jump in and help out and find ways to bring joy to people. That just makes me feel really good.

“It gives me a lot of hope even when things are a little bit hard.”

LATHE — Deacon Daniel Loren Peterson, 82, died on May 21 in hospice care at Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center here.

Deacon Peterson was born in Concordia on Dec. 28, 1937, one of six children of Lloyd W. and Anna Marie (O’Leary) Peterson.

He graduated from Rockhurst High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in 1959 from Rockhurst University, both in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduation, he taught and coached football at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth.

He earned a master’s degree in special education in 1963 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a doctorate in education in 1967 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation, he became principal of Woodhaven School for the Handicapped in Columbia.

Deacon Peterson married Judith Anne Palmquist on Dec. 4, 1964, in Fayette, Missouri. Together, they would foster 11 handicapped children and adopt a son and a daughter.

The Petersons moved to Ohio, where he became an associate professor at Ohio University in Athens. He later became chairman of the department of special education.

In 1972, the Petersons moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where he began the learning disabilities program at Northern Arizona University. He remained on the faculty until retirement in 2007.

He began diaconal studies at the Kino Institute of the Diocese of Phoenix in February 1992 and graduated in 1995. He was ordained a permanent deacon on Nov. 4, 1995, for the Diocese of Phoenix. He was director of the deacon program for the Diocese of Phoenix from 1997 to 2007 and on the board of the National Association of Diaconate Directors, serving as president and chairman.

Deacon Peterson inspired his brother Michael to enter the diaconate program for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Deacon Michael Peterson was ordained on June 12, 2004, and is assigned to Our Lady of Presentation Parish in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Deacon Peterson and wife Judy moved to Olathe in February 2010 to be closer to family. He was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on Oct. 18, 2012, and assigned to Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner. He was also asked to assist the new archdiocesan diaconate program. Illness forced his retirement from ministry two years ago.

Deacon Peterson was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Jerome Peterson, Kenneth Peterson and Mary Ann Foster; and his wife on March 29, 2019.

He is survived by siblings Marge Peterson and Deacon Michael Peterson; children Juli Grossman and Lloyd Peterson; grandchildren Jaden, Dax and Blaze Grossman; and Allison, Anna and Nicholas Peterson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A rosary will be held at a time to be determined later on Aug. 10 at Divine Mercy Parish, 555 Main St., Gardner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Aug. 11, with inurnment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Funeral arrangements were by Bruce Funeral Home in Gardner.

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Caregivers needed - Caregivers needed for 42-year-old MS patient, M - F, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Requires use of lift to bathroom, meal prep and assistance eating and drinking. Medicaid payment of $10.98 per hour. Call (913) 2912465. Leave message.

Principal - St. Thomas More Parish seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. The position will begin on July 1, 2020. More information and application can be found at the following link: careers.hireology. com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph, and then scroll down to: St. Thomas More School.

Music teacher - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a music teacher for the 2020–21 school year. This applicant should be eager to work with pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students and lead programs such as the Fall Production, Christmas programs and Spring Fling. This candidate will also work closely with our parish liturgy and music director for all-school Masses and prayer services. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.arch kckcs.org and email a resume to principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Director of youth ministry - Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe, is seeking a dynamic, Catholic youth minister for its community. To see the full job description and to apply, go to: www.popolathe.org/jobs.

Office assistant - Looking for a fulfilling job where you’re a part of a successful, growing, small company? Seeking a dependable, detail-oriented, adaptable, self-motivated and customer-focused individual with excellent communication skills for an office assistant position with an established local company. Individual will perform a wide variety of tasks, including invoicing, customer service, receiving/shipping, vendor relations, product ordering and collections. Computer skills are a must; QuickBooks knowledge is a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Music director - Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner is seeking a music director with specialized credentials in music and a thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgy.

The music director should have experience in providing musical leadership during liturgies, preferably keyboard or piano. Effective functioning of this ministry requires, in particular, that the music director is a person of prayer, is sensitive spiritually and has an active worship life. This position is part time (10 - 12 hours per week). Please submit resume to: sarah@divinemercyks.org.

Teacher - Xavier Catholic School in Leavenworth is seeking full-time elementary and part-time physical education teachers for the 2020-21 school year. Interested candidates, please send an email to: principal.xavier@ leavenworthcatholicschool.org for more information.

Experience Sips for Scholarships - On Sunday, July 26, from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Boulevard Brewery, 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri. 100% of proceeds go to need-based scholarships for students to attend Resurrection Catholic School (KCK). Sponsorships are on sale NOW. Tickets go on sale in June. For more information, to purchase a sponsorship or make a donation, go online to: rcskck.org or call (913) 371-8101.

Executive director - The Diocese of Salina is accepting resumes for the position of Catholic Charities executive director. The executive director oversees and manages all activities related to the ministries of Catholic Charities. As the leader, strategic planning and execution of the vision/mission are a top priority. This role includes oversight for the daily operation; 15 - 20 programs; grants; marketing; fundraising; visibility in 31 counties; and the utilization of a support team of 25 in three locations within the diocese. The position reports to the chancellor for the diocese and works closely with the Catholic Charities board of directors. The position requirements are: BS in business administration or social services-related fields of study preferred; a minimum or five-plus years of nonprofit leadership experience, with budget, fundraising, asset and supervisory management; strongly prefer experience with delivering services to those most in need. Preference will be given to those applicants with a work history related to the social mission/teachings of the Catholic faith. Excellent verbal and written communication skills needed for this collaboration with other nonprofits, parish/clergy and visibility in the 31 counties served by the diocese. To request a full job description or to ask questions about this opportunity, please email Kim Hoelting, HR director, at: kim.hoelting @salinadiocese.org. EOE.

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Director of faith formation - St. John Parish in Lawrence is seeking a full-time director of faith formation.

This person would develop, articulate and administer a vision and direction for parish faith formation programs.

He/she would oversee all faith formation programs and evaluate their effectiveness; develop/implement ideas and programs that would be available for parishioners from womb to tomb. Ideal candidate will be a bilingual (English/Spanish) practicing Catholic who holds a degree in catechesis or theology and/or has equivalent work experience relating to faith formation. This person would also have strong knowledge of Catholicism; inter-cultural competence in ministry; strong interpersonal skills; proven organizational and leadership skills; and computer/technology competencies. Two to four years of parish ministry experience preferred. For a full job description and requirements, go online to: www. sjevangelist.com. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package with a start date of July 20.

Position open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John at: frjohn@saintjohns.net (subject line: DFF), or mail to: St. John Parish, Attn: Father John, 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044.

Board Members - Santa Marta – Johnson County’s premier life-care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January, 2021. The board meets during the business day six times a year, and each board member also serves on a committee that meets six to twelve times a year. We are seeking applicants with an expertise in marketing, business management, law, finance and IT. Individuals that have the time and interest in providing input and seek to assist in fulfilling the mission of Santa Marta are encouraged to apply. Those who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume or details of relevant experience and home parish to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com by July 31, 2020. Any questions regarding the application process can also be emailed to this address, and a current Board member will reply. Be sure to include your phone number and mailing address. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed at: www.santamartaretirement. com.

STREAM/PBL coordinator - Resurrection School is seeking a full-time STREAM/PBL coordinator for the 2020-21 school year. Responsibilities include: collaborating with teachers and students to plan PBL activities; staff training; development of community resources; designing a PBL/STREAM maker space; and communication for the program through parent communication and a social media presence. The coordinator will lead the school’s efforts in becoming STEM-accredited. Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license and have experience working in education. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org or (913) 371-8101.

Teacher - St. Gregory the Great School in Marysville is seeking a full-time fourth-grade teacher for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org. Questions may be directed to Karen Farrell at (785) 562-2831 or send an email to: kfarrell@ stgregorychurch.org.

Administrative assistant - St. Patrick Church has an opening for a full-time, benefit-eligible, administrative assistant for the church offices at 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas. This job involves general office duties requiring experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and basic database skills. Professional customer service, organizational skills and the ability to multitask are important. Monday - Friday daytime hours, some days until 6 p.m., half-days on Fridays. Bilingual expertise is a plus, but not required. Submit a resume and cover letter with required hourly pay to Patty Dickinson at: pdickinson@ stpatrickkck.org by June 23.

Equipment operators and laborers needed - Local asphalt pavement maintenance contractor with 60 years of experience is looking for dependable, professional workers. We have a need for equipment operators and laborers. A Class A CDL with a current medical card is a plus. Please call (913) 441-2555. EOE. Director of campus ministry - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph seeks to hire a director of campus ministry. This is a full-time position that will manage the Newman Centers and campus ministry efforts on four college campuses. Please go to: https://kcsjcatholic. org/and scroll down to the bottom of the page to “Quick Links” and click on “Employment” for a full job description and to apply.

Service technician - Would you like to be part of the success of a small, growing, local company? Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our established family company. Service is completed at customers’ locations and electrical knowledge is a plus. Position involves regional travel with 50% overnight stays; some lightweight lifting and walking; dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented, are required. We need go-getters willing and ready to work! Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

School event facilitator - Holy Name of Jesus School event facilitator is needed. With the assistance of the principal and the Holy Name business team, the facilitator will work with the Holy Name staff and volunteers to envision, plan and execute a Signature Event in January 2021. The event facilitator will assist in developing and cultivating event donors and community relations to allow Holy Name School to fulfill its mission. Send resume to Randy Smith, Principal, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66103; (913) 722-0132; rsmith@archkckcs.org.

Private duty caregivers - Caregivers needed for bedbound client for 8 a.m. - noon shifts, some weekends, in the Argentine area off 18th Street Expressway. Tasks include meal prep, bathing, light housekeeping and other tasks as needed.

Chief financial officer - The Diocese of Salina is accepting resumes for the position of chief financial officer. The CFO directs and oversees all financial activities for a very busy organization. The scope of work has oversight of 86 Catholic parishes; Catholic Charities; the Salina chancery finance office; and 15 schools covering 31 counties in Kansas. This role is responsible for monthly financial reporting; providing expert analysis of reports and data; audits; internal controls; asset management; and advising the bishop in financial matters. The position requirements are: bachelor’s in business administration or finance (MBA and/or CPA desired); a minimum of 10 years of accounting experience in financial analysis and budgeting; ability to strike a balance between managing the day-to-day finance function and strategic planning and implementation. Health care contract experience preferred; excellent verbal and written communication skills; experience/knowledge of Catholic organization, nonprofits, parish and clergy strongly preferred. To request a full job description or to ask questions about this opportunity, please email Kim Hoelting, HR director, at: kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org. EOE. Reading coordinator - Resurrection School is seeking a K-8 part-time reading coordinator for the 2020-21 school year. Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license, have experience providing reading intervention and a commitment to providing both students and teachers with reading support. Reading specialist, special education, and/or ESOL endorsements are preferred.

This could be combined with an interventionist position to become full time. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www. archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org or (913) 371-8101.

HOME IMPROVEMENT STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!!

Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured!

Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

NELSON CREATIONS Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions.

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net Popcorn texture removal specialist.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Sheetrock and plaster repair Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

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

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DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

SERVICES Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Tutor services - Dyslexia specialist offering tutoring services in east Olathe to students of all ages who struggle with spelling and reading. I use the multisensory Barton Reading and Spelling System, which has proven to be extremely successful, especially with students who have dyslexia. For a free consultation and screening, call (913) 522-8020 or email: dyslexiatutor101@gmail.com.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits.

Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit montemacedisability.org.

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

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.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.

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

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

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) 829-4336. >> Classifieds continue on page 15

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWELFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME June 21 TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 20: 10-13 Ps 69: 8-10, 17, 33-35 Rom 5: 12-15 Mt 10: 26-33 June 22 Paulinus of Nola, bishop; John Fisher, bishop, and Thomas More, martyrs 2 Kgs 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18 Ps 60: 3-5, 12-13 Mt 7: 1-5 June 23 Tuesday 2 Kgs 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 Ps 48: 2-4, 10-11 Mt 7: 6, 12-14 June 24 THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Is 49: 1-6 Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-15 Acts 13: 22-26 Lk 1: 57-66, 80 June 25 Thursday 2 Kgs 24: 8-17 Ps 79: 1b-5, 8-9 Mt 7: 21-29 June 26 Friday 2 Kgs 25: 1-12 Ps 137: 1-6 Mt 8: 1-4 June 27 Cyril of Alexandria, bishop, doctor of the church Lam 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19 Ps 74: 1b-7, 20-21 Mt 8: 5-17 THIRTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME June 28 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2 Kgs 4: 8-11, 14-16a Ps 89: 2-3, 16-19 Rom 6: 3-4, 8-11 Mt 10: 37-42 June 29 PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Acts 12: 1-11 Ps 34: 2-9 2 Tm 4: 6-8, 17-18 Mt 16: 13-19 June 30 The first martyrs of the holy Roman church Am 3: 1-8, 4: 11-12 Ps 5: 4b-8 Mt 8: 23-27 July 1 Junipero Serra, priest Am 5: 14-15, 21-24 Ps 50: 7-13, 16b-17 Mt 8: 28-34 July 2 Am 7: 10-17 Ps 19: 8-11 Mt 9: 1-8 July 3 THOMAS, APOSTLE Eph 2: 19-22 Ps 117: 1b-2 Jn 20: 24-29 July 4 Am 9: 11-15 Ps 85: 9ab, 10-14 Mt 9: 14-17

T

Grateful for your words on ‘the Word’

ime flies, and all good things must come to an end.

I’m sad to report that my neighbor is moving away.

Why should you care?

Well, it’s not someone in Tonganoxie, but my neighbor on this page: Father Mike Stubbs.

You may have noticed his picture on the front page of the May 22 issue of The Leaven.

There, you learned that he was retiring from his job as pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park. But he’s also retiring from writing his Scripture column below as well!

Selfishly, I want him to keep writing. I’m not sure when he started writing for us, but it’s been a very long time I’ve enjoyed his insights about the Sunday readings over the years.

Father Stubbs always had a practical image to begin his column and I learned so much as he unpacked the deeper meaning of God’s word.

In addition, I learned some cool Hebrew and Greek words along the way. He taught me that no matter how many

S

14

MARK MY WORDS

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

times you hear or read the Scriptures, you can never exhaust all that they have to teach.

However, if we’re going to be honest, I’ve got to admit that Father Stubbs was an embarrassment to me. He put me to shame by having his articles in every week way before his deadline.

He embarrassed me by taking time to write ahead to cover for the times that he’d be on vacation. Heck, he even turned in his columns

after having a medical procedure some months ago. Without knowing or intending it, he made me feel like a real sluggard!

Somehow, just saying thanks for the hard work that Father Stubbs put in seems so inadequate.

But not taking the time to thank him would be unforgiveable. It reminds me of this story, told by Fulton Oursler, an American editor and writer: Oursler had an elderly nurse, who was born a slave and who attended the birth of his mother and his own. She taught him the greatest lesson in giving thanks and finding contentment.

“I remember her as she sat at the kitchen table in our house,” he said, “the brown

hands folded across her starched apron, the glistening eyes and the husky, old, whispering voice saying, ‘Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles.’”

“Anna,” I asked, “what’s a vittle?”

“It’s what I’ve got to eat and drink, that’s a vittle,” she replied.

“But you’d get your vittles whether you thanked the Lord or not,” I said.

With a warm smile, she replied, “Sure, but it makes everything taste better to be thankful.”

(Adapted from a story “The Salt of Life,” found in James S. Hewett’s “Illustrations Unlimited.”)

So, Father Stubbs, we’re grateful for all your “vittles for thought” that enhanced our understanding of the Scriptures and taught us to appreciate them even more. Thanks for inspiring us to delve deeper into the richness of God’s word.

Although we don’t have a vaccine for COVID-19, this attitude of gratitude can help all of us during this pandemic. The June issue of Reader’s Digest had a wonderful article by

Gina Hamadey, called “My Thank You Year.”

In it, she relates how writing thank you notes “was an act of noticing and honoring my own life.” She moved from writing 31 thank you notes, each just two or three sentences long, to people who assisted her on a fundraiser to eventually writing another 334 notes, one for each day of the year — all handwritten and either mailed or delivered in person.

And the more she wrote, the more she began to notice all the kindnesses around her.

Perhaps writing one a day for a year is way too overwhelming, but how about one a week or even just one a month?

I’ll bet it would make your whole life truly “taste better.”

So, “Stubby,” I’ll sure miss seeing you here on this page but wish you God’s continued blessings in a well-deserved retirement.

And, by the way, since this is being “delivered” in the mail to you, I’m counting this as my first official thank you note.

Only 364 more to go!

Prophet’s words reassure us of God’s constancy

hoot the messenger!

Those who bring bad news are frequently attacked. It is a kneejerk reaction to a difficult situation. Since it is so hard to deal with the problem, the messenger serves as an easy substitute.

That is often the case now. It was true thousands of years ago in the time of the prophet Jeremiah. He had predicted that the city of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah would fall to the Babylonians, the rising power of the Near East.

They had already conquered the neighboring countries. Judah would be next.

In return for his honesty, Jeremiah is whipped and confined in the stocks for public

IN THE BEGINNING

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

mockery. Nonetheless, Jeremiah entrusts himself to God. In Sunday’s first reading, Jer 20:10-13, we overhear him describing

his hardships, but then turning to God in prayer.

Jeremiah has not only encountered opposition from the government authorities and religious leaders. He has even suffered abandonment by those he had considered his friends: “All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. ‘Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can

POPE FRANCIS People experiencing crises in their communities need to be accompanied so the experiences can be lived as an important opportunity to build something new, Pope Francis told teenagers, parents and teachers meeting online to celebrate World Environment Day. Crises are part of life — much like a flower pot that breaks because the plant’s roots need more room to keep growing, he said in Spanish in a video message June 5.

“But that is life — it grows, it breaks,” and it would be

prevail, and take our vengeance on him.’”

Despite these hardships, Jeremiah remains confident that God will come to his rescue: “But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion.”

It seems counterintuitive. How is it possible to view the defeat of one’s own country as victory by God? But that is exactly the position that Jeremiah takes.

In his confidence in God’s victory, Jeremiah offers a prayer of praise to God: “Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!”

Jeremiah’s predictions

came true in the year 587 B.C., when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah stayed in Jerusalem, amid the ruins.

Later, though, a band of his fellow countrymen who were resisting Babylonian rule took him with them into exile in Egypt.

According to tradition, they murdered him there. However, his prophecies lived on after his death, when they were committed to writing.

Jeremiah’s words continue to inspire us to place our trust in God. They reassure us that God will come to our rescue, that the hardships which beset us will similarly be vanquished through God’s power, just as they were for Jeremiah.

a terrible thing not to have this kind of crisis. When everything seems “flawless, tidy, starched,” he said, it would mean humanity is “very, very sick” or asleep.

The original meaning of crisis, he added, was not just “rupture,” “opening” and “danger,” but also “opportunity.” So if a crisis calls people to a new opening or opportunity, the danger lies in not being taught to connect with or how to relate to this new opening, he said. “That is why crises are dangerous if we are not accompanied well, because we can become disoriented” and lose the way, he said. This applies to all types of situations, from personal crises to social or marital crises, he added.

— CNS

JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Corky and Molle (DeMarais) Stueve, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will c e l e b ra t e their 65th wedding anniversary June 25. The couple was married on June 25, 1955, at St. Mary Church, Marble, Minnesota. Their children are: Michael, Michelle (deceased), Thérèse, Jeanne Marie, David, Patrick, Bernadette, Anne Marie and Daniel (deceased). They have 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Rita (Hochard) and Gary Smutny, members of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1960, at St. Patrick Church, Coal Creek. Their children are: Annette Roach, Topeka; Tammy Conley, Topeka; Michelle Martin, Leawood; Brenda Kebert, Topeka; Jennifer Bauer, Greece; and John Smutny, Wichita. They also have 23 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. They will celebrate at a later date with family and friends.

Don and Melba (Mitchell) Mills, members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 24, which is also Don’s 81st birthday.

The couple was married on June 24, 1970, at Our Lady of the Mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Melba has six children from her first marriage: Maurice Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Mary Deon, Monte Mitchell, Murry Mitchell and Marc Mitchell. There are also 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A family celebration is planned for a later date.

Jan and Tom O’Rourke, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20.

The couple was married on June 20, 1970, at St. Ann Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, by Father Joseph Goebel. They plan to celebrate now with a family dinner; a larger celebration will be held at a later date. Their children are: Laura and Julie. They also have twin granddaughters.

Ron and Joan (Koch) Kloppenberg, members of Sacred H e a r t of Jesus Parish, Emporia, will c e l e b ra te their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20. The couple was married on June 20, 1970, at St. Augustine Church, Washington, by Father Loren Werth. Their children are: Tim Kloppenberg, Krista Kloppenberg, Karen Garcia and Kayla Hoover.

They also have seven grandchildren.

and Carol (Thorson) Hartegan, m e m bers of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13. The couple was married on June 13, 1970, at St. Columbkille Church, Hay Springs, Nebraska. Their children are Greg, Mark and Scott. They also have three grandchildren.

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Gary

Franjo and Ljubica Kozar, members of St John the Baptist Parish, Kansas C i t y , Kansas, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 4. The couple was married on June 4, 1960, at the Sveti Ilija Church in Lipnik, Croatia. Their children are: Dragica and Frankie.

They also have four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They will celebrate with family and friends later this summer.

Dianne (Saye) and William Herbst Jr., members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 19.

The couple was married on June 19, 1970, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Damon and Jennifer. They also have three grandchildren.

Mary C. (Engel) and William “Bill” Beatty, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1955, at St. Joseph, by Father Leo T. Lutz. Their children are: Bill Beatty, Dennis Beatty, Jan Self and Mike Beatty. The also have five grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

David and Marianne (Kissinger) Duckers, members of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 12.

The couple was married on June 12, 1970, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas. They have two sons: Kirk Duckers and Ryan Duckers. They also have one granddaughter.

ANNIVERSARY submissions

POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names, their parish, the date they were married, church and city where they were married, what they are doing to celebrate, date of the celebration, names of children (no spouses), number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

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JUNE 19, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Father Carl Dekat dies

CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann processes around the block following the Corpus Christi Mass on June 14 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Benediction followed the procession. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people attending the Mass and procession was down from previous years in order to stay within the guidelines set forth by the archdiocese.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, processes with the Blessed Sacrament from St. Benedict Church to Benedictine College’s Legacy Field and John Casey Soccer Center on Corpus Christi Sunday. The parish, in conjunction with St. Benedict’s Abbey, had eucharistic adoration in the church from the end of the 11 a.m. Mass until 8 p.m., as well as adoration and exposition on the soccer field until 8:45 p.m.

Father Carl M. Dekat, 92, from Flush, died on June 14 at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan. He was residing at a care facility in Westmoreland where he suffered a fall on June 8. Father Dekat was ordained on Feb. 28, 1953, and retired on July 14, 2006, from pastor of St. Joseph Church in Flush.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on June 25 at St. Joseph Church in Flush. There will be a visitation at the church from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 24, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Flush. A full obituary will be published in the next issue of The Leaven.

Tax reminder KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Have you filed your tax return yet? There’s still time, but the deadline is looming.

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the extension of the federal income tax filing deadline for 2019 individual returns from April 15 to July 15. Kansas and Missouri also extended their deadlines to accommodate taxpayers.

People who need more time can file for an extension, which will give them until Oct. 15. Even so, late filers must still pay taxes owed by July 15.

Livestream rosary for healing and protection

PHOTO BY MELISSA SCHRAMP

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas invites everyone to support those who have been wounded by sexual abuse in the church by praying, in solidarity, for their healing and for the protection of all who are vulnerable.

A healing rosary for those intentions will be livestreamed each month at 7:45 a.m. on the third Wednesday. Go online to: livestream. com/archkck/healingrosary to view.

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