Fourteen men ordained to the permanent diaconate
By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
LEAWOOD — After Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann ordained 14 men to the permanent diaconate at St. Michael the Archangel Church here on June 22, there are now a total of 80 permanent deacons in the archdiocese.
And this new group is perhaps the most diverse ever.
In his homily, the archbishop noted that the group being ordained included machinists, engineers, a farmer, a veterinarian and a retired U.S. Army major, among others.
If there’s one attribute all 14 deacons share, though, it’s a willingness to serve God’s people, laying down their lives in service to others — a trait the archbishop stressed as important, especially within their marriages.
“You’ve been called to the diaconate as married men, and your diaconate ministry must never detract from your marriage, but rather must deepen your commitment to be a husband who cherishes your wife and who strives to lay down your life in love for your bride.
“Your love, as it is for every sacramental marriage,” he continued, “is called to be an icon of the Lord’s love for his bride,
the church.”
The archbishop later instructed the men to “proclaim the Gospel with joy and enthusiasm,” something which doesn’t seem to be a problem for Deacon Curtis Keddy, associate director of formation for the archdiocesan office of the perma-
nent diaconate.
From his earliest years, he recalls wanting to imitate his parents who served as full-time Protestant missionaries.
“I wanted to have their kind of faith. I wanted to give my whole life to minis-
try,” he said.
In 2004, while researching the foundations of Christian worship and reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he realized he had to become Catholic — a fact that “absolutely devastated” him.
He longed to be a pastor, a husband and father, just like his dad.
In 2005, he met Deacon Denis Zaun, a permanent deacon, and learned that he, too, could serve the Lord in full-time ordained ministry while also being a married man. And that intrigued him. He didn’t know such a role existed within the church.
Over time, he started discerning a call to the permanent diaconate.
At age 43, with five children under the age of 12, the deacon said he realizes that he is now “an envoy, a herald, a messenger” who lives “in between two realities.”
Deacons, he explained, lay down their lives as “a living bridge between the altar and the priest and the Mass and the people and what’s happening in the world. . . . A deacon goes out into the world and brings people to Christ and the sacraments. . . . That movement is, of itself, a sacramental sign of Christ who left the throne and emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, and went all
>> See “DIVERSE” on page 16
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The 14 men that were ordained permanent deacons on June 22 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood lay prostrate before the altar.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE Deacon Leon Suprenant, left, is vested by his son-in-law Deacon Nicholas Moragues. “We’re more than son-in-law and father-in-law. We’ve become quite close over the years — as friends and confidants,” Deacon Moragues said.
WWI museum features chaplains’ display
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While soldiers faced the horrors of combat during World War I, chaplains offered spiritual nourishment amid the violence.
“Their role was to provide spiritual guidance, consolation and inspiration to troops facing the horrors of modern warfare,” said Patricia Cecil, specialist curator for faith, religion and WWI.
“Chaplains offered religious services, provided medical care and counseling, and accompanied soldiers into combat zones,” she continued. “They brought courage, comfort and compassion to millions on and off the battlefield.”
Now, the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, is telling their stories.
Its “Sacred Service” exhibition opened on May 23 and is scheduled to run until September 2025. Admission is included in a general admission ticket.
It’s part of the museum’s “mission to share little-known human experiences of the war,” said Cecil.
“Most people are unaware of what chaplains did during the war, how religion impacted the conflict and the enduring effects of both in the present,” she said.
“Sacred Service” incorporates artifacts, film, first-person accounts and photographs. Visitors will view chaplains’ personal materials, like devotional items, diaries, uniforms and vestments.
“These compelling elements transport viewers to experience what chaplains endured as they trained, ministered in field hospitals and served on battlefields,” said Cecil.
One item on display is a New Testament given by a chaplain to a soldier during the war.
“We know from records that days later, the chaplain was killed on the battlefield,” said Cecil. “This gift, however, lives on, and the inscription on the interior communicates the connection between the two men.”
The exhibition also includes interactive 3D digital models that will allow visitors to scan a QR code and view objects at angles that would not be visible otherwise.
Visitors can learn about chaplains of diverse faiths, including Catholic priests, who would have celebrated Mass and provided the sacraments to soldiers in the war.
“Sacred Service” showcases portable Communion sets, which Cecil said look like suitcases with compartments for a chalice, pall, paten and other necessary items.
s “Comrades in Service” was a shortlived veterans’ organization conceived by AEF chaplain leader Bishop Charles Brent, “to bind Americans together as comrades to work for a better America upon their return home.” “Comrades in Service” lasted less than a year, when in 1919, a rival group holding caucus in the Cirque de Paris proved more popular with troops waiting to return home.
“Photographs in the exhibition illustrate how worship services took place wherever troops gathered: in trenches, bombed-out churches, caves, field hospitals, ships, forests or mountainsides,” she said.
Chaplains got creative, improvising altars out of what was on hand, like overturned crates and sandbags, said Cecil.
The spiritual fruits were well worth it.
“The sacrament of holy Communion offered spiritual strength and hope to many Catholic and Christian service members serving far from home,” said Cecil, “and became deeply resonant for many who were
t A 9th Field Hospital chaplain’s stole, circa 1914-17. Chaplains often supplemented their frontline service by providing spiritual and emotional support to wounded service members recovering in field hospitals.
June 29
Mass, Eucharistic Pilgrimage — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas
June 30
Mass and altar dedication — St. Francis Xavier, Burlington
July 1
Restorative prayer service — Sacred Heart, Baileyville
July 9
Opening celebration of the National Pastoral Musician Conference — Sheraton Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri
Opening Mass for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education Conference — St. Benedict Church, Atchison
t American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) New Testament given to Sgt. George Hendrix on Oct. 8, 1918, by Chaplain Daniel Smart at Verdun. Chaplain Smart died of wounds received in action on Oct. 15, 1918, and is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.
so close to the possibility of death.” Through the exhibition, visitors will see that during a time of immense fear and uncertainty, chaplains were a source of comfort.
“Their presence offered humanity during inhumane conditions and boosted morale,” said Cecil. “Chaplains comforted the wounded and dying, conducted burial rites and counseled men struggling with faith or the ethics of combat.”
General admission tickets for the National World War I Museum and Memorial can be purchased at the museum, or in advance by visiting the website at: theworldwar.org and selecting “Tickets.”
Fidelity Month promotes families, communities
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —
Among all the flags in the news of late, it’s only the Fidelity Month flag that promotes a national movement begun in 2023 by Robert P. George to affirm the importance of fidelity to God, spouses and families, and to country and communities.
Flying the Fidelity Month Flag (available to buy online at: fidelitymonth.com) is one way to support the movement.
“Fidelity Month is a movement and an invitation to all Americans of all faiths to rededicate ourselves to the core values that used to be sources of strength and unity in our pluralistic society,” said George, a McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University in New Jersey.
There have been some national events this year for Fidelity Month,
notably a day of fasting and prayer on June 24. If you missed the day, you can still fast and pray the prayer on your own. The all-faiths prayer can be found on the website.
And there’s still time to join the webinar “Fidelity’s Future: A Fidelity Month Conversation with Young Leaders,” on June 29. To register for the webinar, and for more information, go to the website at: fidelitymonth.com.
July 14
Baptism of third or more child — cathedral
Installation of Father Jomon Palatty, MSFS — Annunciation Church, Baldwin
July 15
“Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery
July 17
National Eucharistic Congress — Indianapolis
July 22
Master’s Cup Invitational — Ironhorse Golf Club, Leawood
July 24
Camp Tekakwitha Mass — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg
July 25
Communio update with Tory Baucum
Serra Club dinner with priests, deacons, seminarians
July 28
Echo of Kateri Award and Extreme Camp Mass — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg
July 30
Retired priests lunch
July 31
Archbishop James P. Keleher’s birthday
s A portrait of Chaplain H.L. Reader, 110th Reg. Engineers, 35th Division.
handicap-accessible center
Fiat Center a ‘beautiful expression’ of faith, says archbishop
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — When Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish here began construction on its Fiat Center last July, one thing stood in the way.
An 85-year-old silver maple tree was blocking part of the area where the new building would be constructed.
“It was 65 to 75 feet tall,” said Ralph Pruente, parish representative construction coordinator for the project. “It was about five feet in diameter at the trunk.”
Parishioners were sad to see the tree taken down, but what they found in the process was a pleasant surprise.
“That five-foot diameter trunk in most silver maples at that age is hollow in the middle, rotten out,” said Pruente. “Ours was completely solid all the way through.”
The parish was able to use the wood to create bases for two statues displayed in the Fiat Center. Two disks from the trunk will be hung in the center’s main hallway, and its conference room tabletop will be made from the wood.
It’s one of many moments that Pruente, a parishioner of 53 years, said were providential this past year as the Queen community worked to revamp its parish grounds.
On a mission ‘to form hearts’
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the Fiat Center following a Mass at the church on June 9.
“It’s a beautiful expression of your faith and your bonding, your fellowship, with each other,” he told parishioners, “as you make this new center where many will come to deepen their faith and come to know Jesus in a greater and more powerful way.”
The center is now home to the pastor’s and receptionist’s offices, as well as three meeting spaces equipped with modern audiovisual equipment.
The handicap-accessible building is 5,300 square feet, and its brick and stone matches the characteristics of the church.
The project was managed by a construction oversight committee, which included pastor Father Bill Bruning, Pruente, Austin Massoth and CJ Pfeiffer.
Massoth was the architect for the building, and the general contractor was Straub Construction. Construction began last July and was completed in May.
In addition to the center, Archbishop Naumann blessed the courtyard behind it, which was transformed into a rosary garden with a Divine Mercy grotto, firepit and small waterfall — a
project led by landscape architect Tom Kolarik.
Inside the church, a new tabernacle was relocated to a more prominent position on the altar underneath the crucifix.
The total cost of the entire project was $3.2 million, raised through a capital campaign and donations from friends of the parish.
Father Bruning was delighted with how everything turned out.
“It’s ultimately about the mission to form hearts, to form people,” he said.
A dream come true
The recommendations for the Fiat Center came about in 2017 when Father Bruning and the parish council formed a parish-wide strategic planning committee with more than 50 parishioners.
“Since I had been involved from day one on the planning and discussions of potential projects, it was an easy transition for me and my firm, BBN Architects, to work on the project,” said Massoth.
It was a special experience for the architect, who has been a Queen parishioner for 19 years.
“I hope that it will be very meaningful for the parish to be able to have fully accessible, flexible spaces with up-todate technology to fulfill the needs and goals of the many ministries of the parish,” he said.
“Our parish strives to focus on hospitality, prayer, formation and service,” he continued, “and the Fiat Center will allow us to provide formation opportunities for many generations to come.”
Pruente was also grateful to take on a leadership role, as he’s worked in commercial construction throughout his professional life, and this was his last project.
“It’s nice that a dream or something we’ve been thinking about for years happens,” said Pruente. “It’s a very uplifting feeling.”
In his homily, Archbishop Naumann told parishioners that additions like the Fiat Center are an encouraging sign for a parish.
“Buildings aren’t the most important thing, but they are important to us,” he said. “And one of the signs of a vital parish is this care for the facilities and the buildings.
“I congratulate you on the accomplishments of this and the generosity of the parish community and the care and attention to the church but also all the facilities here.”
At the end of Mass, Father Bruning thanked everyone who was involved in the project and all of his parishioners for their support.
“You are an amazing, generous group,” he said. “Thank you so much for taking on this powerful task for the future.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the new Fiat Center at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park following a Mass at the church on June 9. The
is now home to the pastor’s and receptionist’s offices, as well as three meeting spaces equipped with modern audiovisual equipment.
Pilgrims reflect on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
By Jack Figge Special to The Leaven
To kick off the summer, Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, embarked on perhaps the most epic road trip of his life, traversing through northern Minnesota with the Blessed Sacrament.
From May 19–26, Father Jeremy, the outgoing pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, served as the chaplain for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s Marian route.
Want to see photos and videos from the National Eucharistic
as it passes through the archdiocese?
Then visit us on Facebook @the leavenkc. The pilgrimage will be in the archdiocese from June 25 to 29.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is a 65-day endeavor during which four groups of perpetual pilgrims, along with a rotating team of priests, bring the Blessed Sacrament to parishes across the country as they journey toward Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress.
Father Jeremy’s Marian route began at the headwaters of the Mississippi through the rural countryside of Minnesota and through Minneapolis.
“I was really inspired by how many people in the very rural areas would come to the events,” Father Jeremy said. “These very rural churches would still be full, even though we would just be stopping by for overnight [eucharistic] adoration.”
The moving moments, though, were not when large crowds gathered to process through the towns or during the grand liturgies, but in the simple moments walking through nature with the Lord.
“There was that one time after we had the blessing at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, we entered into a simple procession as we walked to a church that was five miles away,” Father Jeremy said. “As we walked through the park, we would occasionally run across people who would be out on bikes or running, and if they were Catholics, they would kneel and pray. I was always so moved by their displays of faith.”
Even though these moments seemed simple, the organization behind the national pilgrimage has been complex, as leaders billed it as the first-ever national pilgrimage. During his time on the road, Father Jeremy saw firsthand why this national pilgrimage is such an important event for the church.
“It is important that this is a national thing because it’s a way that we as a church are coming forward and praying for individuals — not only the church but also the nation,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to draw people from across the nation to come together. I met one family of eight who is following the entire procession to Indianapolis, and I met other people who drove six hours to participate in it.”
Another archdiocesan Catholic is journeying with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage — Natalie Garza, a freshman theology teacher at St. James Academy in Lenexa. She is serving as a team leader for the perpetual pilgrims
I WAS REALLY INSPIRED BY HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE VERY RURAL AREAS WOULD COME TO THE EVENTS. THESE VERY RURAL CHURCHES WOULD STILL BE FULL, EVEN THOUGH WE WOULD JUST BE STOPPING BY FOR OVERNIGHT [EUCHARISTIC] ADORATION.
FATHER JEREMY HEPPLER, OSB PASTOR OF ST. BENEDICT PARISH, ATCHISON
on the Seton route.
As a perpetual pilgrim, Garza will journey along the Seton route’s northeast path for the entire 65 days. She shared that already, the pilgrimage has enhanced her spiritual life, taking her to new depths in her faith.
“I have gained a deeper understanding of friendship with God and that he is with us all the time — whenever plans go really well or whenever plans don’t go well. When things change, he doesn’t change,” Garza said. “I think I’m starting to understand what the Scriptures meant whenever they were talking about walking with Jesus, because I have been literally walking with Jesus for 65 days.”
Even with the graces, the journey has been difficult. Every night, she sleeps in a different bed and constantly has to adapt to changing plans and new surroundings. But through it all, Garza remains inspired by the love her fellow teammates have for the Lord.
“The biggest resource and gift that’s helped me whenever I’m tired is that I am in charge of the logistics and I’m thinking about different things,” she said. “I will look up at Jesus in the Eucharist as we’re driving in the van, and I’ll find myself also looking at my teammates and catching their gaze upon him, and it brings me back to remembering, ‘Oh, this is what we’re here for.’”
For Father Jeremy, the procession
I’M STARTING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE SCRIPTURES MEANT WHENEVER THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT WALKING WITH JESUS, BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN LITERALLY WALKING WITH JESUS FOR 65 DAYS.
NATALIE GARZA
FRESHMAN THEOLOGY TEACHER AT ST. JAMES ACADEMY, LENEXA
was more than an opportunity to encounter Christ in the Eucharist; it was a chance to experience the global church and see Jesus in those that were walking beside him.
“We need to realize what a great blessing this pilgrimage is,” he said. “By welcoming the procession into town or going to the procession yourself, it’s going to help your spiritual life by helping you to see Christ but also to see Christ in one another, especially those who may be there and have never encountered Christ before.”
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will journey through the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas from June 25 in Atchison through June 28 in Kansas City, with a concluding Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter.
Father Jeremy is excited to welcome the procession to his parish of St. Benedict. He shared that he hopes many people will show up to experience what he participated in in northern Minnesota.
“Just having the opportunity to be there with the Lord, not just walking or in times of adoration in the church, but even in those moments of driving from one place to another in the van with Jesus, was deeply moving,” he said. “I hope everybody has the opportunity to participate in these processions.”
COURTESY PHOTO
Natalie Garza, a freshman theology teacher at St. James Academy in Lenexa, holds the umbrellina as Father Roger Landry prepares to exit the van with the Blessed Sacrament.
OSV NEWS PHOTO/COURTNEY MEYER
Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, celebrates Mass at St. Theodore Church in Laporte, Minnesota, during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage May 20. At right is Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, a Marian Route chaplain and monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison.
Pilgrimage
New director sees stewardship as more than a collection basket — it’s a way of life
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Lisa McKelvey has been active in church life since she was a teenager.
“I know the things that I benefited from in high school,” she said, “and even more so in college at the Newman Center when I was at the University of Oklahoma.
“I’m not sure I’d be Catholic, let alone working for the church, if I didn’t have access to all of those resources, those programs, that I had growing up.”
McKelvey is the new director of the office of stewardship and development for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. She started on May 8.
“For me, working for the church, it’s that way of giving back,” she said. “It’s a way of making sure that those things that I had access to are available for the next generation and generations to come.”
McKelvey grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and ultimately earned a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona.
She comes to Kansas City with eight years of experience in stewardship and development. She worked for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma in a variety of roles before becoming director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Corpus Christi in Texas.
Carla Mills, chief financial officer for the archdiocese, said McKelvey’s professional background made her the perfect fit for the role.
“During her interviews, she clearly evidenced her understanding of the operations, challenges and opportunities involved in this field,” said Mills.
“Lisa has a history of personal
FOR ME, WORKING FOR THE CHURCH, IT’S THAT WAY OF GIVING BACK. IT’S A WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT THOSE THINGS THAT I HAD ACCESS TO ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION AND GENERATIONS TO COME.
LISA MCKELVEY
ARCHDIOCESAN DIRECTOR
OF STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
involvement in the church and has a strong faith life,” she continued. “We felt this made her an excellent fit within our chancery and the greater archdiocese.”
When she heard about the director position in northeast Kansas, McKelvey felt pulled to apply.
“Kansas City had been on my radar,” she said. “There are a lot of great things happening here with the church.”
McKelvey, a parishioner at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, is eager to get involved in the young adult group City on a Hill.
She’s also excited to explore northeast Kansas.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and visiting the parishes,” she said. “There are some absolutely gorgeous churches in this archdiocese.”
In her role, she’ll get to know the clergy, parish staff and lay Catholics of the archdiocese.
“We’re part of a really big Catholic family — whether that’s our parish or the diocese,” she said. “And so, I’m
Sandy and Tom Rockey, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 11. The couple was married on July 11, 1964, at St. Peter Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Their children are: J. Shane Rockey and Christine Rockey McCracken. They also have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Carolee “Kip” and John Jewell, members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lapeer, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a coffee and doughnuts reception after Mass on June 30. The couple was married on June 27, 1959, at Sacred Heart Parish, Topeka, by Father Al Wietharn. Their children are: Jamie Jewell (deceased), Jan Foster (deceased) and Jerry Jewell. They also have four grandchildren.
really looking forward to meeting the people.”
When it comes to stewardship and development, said McKelvey, the office is more than what meets the eye.
“Most people are going to know the office because of Archbishop’s Call to Share — the annual appeal that funds over 40 ministries for the diocese,” she said.
“While, yes, that’s a very public element of the office,” she continued, “the office really is here to support any aspect of stewardship, and stewardship isn’t just talking about money.”
The office focuses also on the pillars of stewardship, including hospitality, prayer and formation.
“Those things are so key to that stewardship way of life,” she said. “It’s not just about are you putting your whatever percent in the basket at Mass every week.
“Are you engaged, are you involved, are you praying for the church?”
One of the challenges McKelvey expects to address is online giving.
“We’re turning so much more to a digital lifestyle,” she said. “I know a lot of parishes already have online giving, but not everybody is comfortable with online giving yet.”
McKelvey will work with the parishes to make sure it’s a simple and easy option for people.
She is grateful for the opportunity to enhance stewardship in the archdiocese.
“We’re able to make sure those ministries and programs that really do benefit so many people [flourish],” she said.
“And not just Catholics,” she added, “but our entire community and the people who walk through the doors of the church searching for something.
“We’re able to help them.”
Barbara (Intfen) and Charlie Chamblin, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren. The couple was married on July 13, 1974, at St. Joseph Church, Atchison. They have three daughters — Blair, Kirby and Avery — and three grandchildren.
Kathleen (Kern) and Raymond Colgan, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a blessing at the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Trinity on June 23 followed by a gathering with family and friends. The couple was married on June 20, 1959. Their children are: David, Karen Gomric, Diane Striler, Stephen, Thomas, Kevin and Mary Heit. They also have 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS
POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.
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.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
Lisa McKelvey is the new director of the office of stewardship and development for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. She started on May 8.
Parishes come together to take Jesus to the streets
By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
CORNING — It’s one of the best evangelization tools.
That’s what Father Viet Nguyen, pastor of St. Bede Parish in Kelly, St. Patrick Parish in Corning and St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Onaga, said of a recent Corpus Christi procession held June 2 in Corning.
“We are called to evangelize,” he said. “People don’t realize that one of the most important parts of Mass is at the end of Mass when it says, ‘Go forth. The Mass has ended.’ And so, we receive the Eucharist. We receive Jesus into our lives — not for ourselves, but now we’re called to go out.
“We adore the Lord whenever he’s in the tabernacle, but here’s a chance for us to actually go out with him, to process with him. One, it expresses our faith in the Eucharist when we do it, but two, it’s to go out with him and see what the Lord can do in our community.”
Father Nguyen led nearly 200 people from the three parishes in a eucharistic procession around the city park in Corning. Held at 7 p.m., the procession was followed with an ice cream social, offering an opportunity for refreshments and fellowship.
“This is my first year being out here, and I thought, ‘What better way to bring my three parishes together?’ I think that was very important for me,” he said.
Sometimes, Father Nguyen said, Corpus Christi processions are planned six months to a year in advance. For these three parishes, planning started right after Easter.
Father Nguyen gathered his Enflame group leaders from the three parishes, including Laurie Niehues from St. Bede, Lindsey Koch from St. Patrick and Marcia Walsh from St. Vincent de Paul. Those three, in turn, helped get their parishioners involved and excited.
Father Nguyen admits to being slightly overwhelmed with the numerous details leading up to the solemnity
of Corpus Christi, he said. That is, until he realized something important.
“As it got closer to the day of Corpus Christi, I realized in the end — and this is kind of a reflection on my priesthood — this is not about me. This is not about
“[The procession] was gorgeous,” said Niehues. “It really was.”
Koch agreed.
“It was a way to see Jesus more profoundly in our everyday life,” she added. “So many times, we leave church and we leave him there. By taking him out and processing him around, I think maybe it opens your eyes to the fact that even if he’s not in the monstrance in front of you, he is everywhere. And I think that was really beautiful.”
The beauty of the procession was also not lost on Walsh either, especially given the Eucharistic Revival campaign and the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress to be held July 17-21 in Indianapolis.
“We were really excited that our [procession] kind of correlated to the start of the western [pilgrimage] route from California and used that as an opportunity to further educate our parishioners and make them aware that it was a nationwide effort,” she said.
Father Nguyen said he believes it’s important for younger generations, especially those who just made their first Communion, to understand the Eucharist’s importance. That’s why he invited first communicants and their families to lead the procession.
The children were given baskets of petals taken from 400 roses to scatter in front of the Blessed Sacrament along the route. For the Boswell family from St. Vincent de Paul, the moment meant watching their daughter’s enthusiasm in “grabbing handfuls and handfuls of rose petals” when she was first handed the basket.
Cierra Boswell had to gently remind her daughter Valerie that the route had four stops altogether and she needed to save some for the rest of the procession.
“I like throwing the petals because I felt really special,” said Valerie.
getting it perfect. This is about Christ. So, I was able to let go — in some ways, surrender all that worry to him.”
The results, parishioners and planners alike agreed, was sacred, beautiful and unifying.
Of the procession itself, Cierra, said, “I think it was really neat how everyone was participating. . . . People were singing from the front all the way to the back.
“For me, it was really, really special. I’m glad I finally got to participate in one.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIANNA LOVE
Father Viet Nguyen, pastor of St. Bede Parish in Kelly, St. Patrick Parish in Corning and St. Vincent de Paul in Onaga, leads a Corpus Christi procession June 2 in Corning.
An evolving ministry: Board members learn from survivors
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For the first time, the archdiocesan office for protection and care (OPC) is making public the names of the members of its independent review board (IRB).
It’s an effort to instill transparency and trust in the process of investigating and reviewing allegations of sexual abuse by clergy or other representatives of the Catholic Church.
“Our team believes that it’s really important to work to instill trust in this area where trust may have been broken or lost,” said Jenifer Valenti, director of the OPC.
“And one way to do that is to help people understand what the process is and the people that are looking at the information and advising the archbishop,” she added.
In 2002, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) established the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which requires each diocese to have an independent review board.
“What the board does is provide advice and consultation on all aspects of sexual abuse in the church, particularly involving clergy,” said Valenti.
When the OPC receives an allegation of abuse, the office ensures that law enforcement is notified, as is required by law, and begins its own investigation.
The case is then presented to the IRB, which reviews and discusses it. The members ultimately present to the archbishop the outcome of the investigation and recommend further action.
Expert advice
The IRB is made up of Catholic men and women from a variety of backgrounds and expertise.
“These are all people who care deeply about this topic in the church and care deeply about the church,” said Valenti.
They typically meet once a month to review cases presented by the OPC’s investigator/auditor, Declan Lowney, who has been with the office since April.
In cases where the subject of an allegation is deceased, IRB chair Bob Plant said the group looks for ways to help
the survivors.
“We get them the help and say, ‘We believe this. This is what happened.’ And we want them to get the help that they need,” he said.
Plant, a parishioner of St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, has been a board member for four years.
He served in the military before working for the FBI, where he dealt primarily with domestic terrorism, drug and gang cases. Now retired, Plant is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has appreciated the opportunity to help the archdiocese.
Kelly Ryan, deputy chair, has been on the board for one year. He is also grateful to use his expertise for the good of the church.
After graduating from law school at Washburn University in Topeka, Ryan worked as a prosecutor for three years before going into private practice for some 20 years.
In 2008, he was appointed as a district court judge in Johnson County, where he’s worked in family law court and criminal court.
“With a Catholic twist to it, [being on the IRB is] similar to a lot of the things that I see and encounter in my work,” said Ryan.
“And much like Bob,” he added, “I’ve always been involved in the church whether it’s lectoring, [serving as a] eucharistic minister, on the finance council, pastoral council, all of those things over the years.”
Ryan said the harm that is done to survivors has a “ripple effect” on the wider church and community.
“As a lifelong Catholic, I am very familiar with the problems that have existed in the church,” he said, “and the corrective ways of trying to address that now and going into the future.
“This is a way to be involved in that and help the archdiocese, help the people that are involved in all this by using the expertise that I have from a legal side.”
Plant agreed.
“Knowing that the victims are getting the care that they need from the church — that’s the most important thing when we go through this,” he said.
A step forward
Valenti wants Catholics to know that the archdiocese’s efforts to prevent abuse and walk with those who have been harmed are constantly evolving.
IRB members are current on best practices and trauma informed. They also learn from the survivors they work with.
“And, so, we have changed a lot of the processes, just in keeping in step with the world’s understanding of sexual abuse and how that is constantly evolving,” said Valenti.
The OPC uses restorative principles to treat survivors with care, dignity and respect.
“Regardless of the type of services you desire, we can help to make them special. We are here to serve you and your family.”
“It is a very courageous and difficult thing to disclose abuse,” said Valenti, and even more complicated when victims have been harmed by a representative of the church.
“And oftentimes, they have felt rejection or that they weren’t believed.”
Valenti said the progress that’s been made wouldn’t be possible without the support of the archbishop and church leadership.
She hopes naming the IRB members and their area of expertise will be another positive step forward.
“By being transparent about people that are involved in this process,” she said, “we hope to instill trust in it.”
For more information on the IRB, visit the website at: archkck.org/protection-and-care/ reportabuse/irb.
Gregg Amos
Bob Plant IRB Chair Retired FBI agent
Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB Former educator with at-risk youth
Father Scott Wallisch Archdiocesan director of seminarians
Kelly Ryan IRB Deputy Chair Johnson County District Court judge
Nancy Hoey Counselor specializing in trauma
Kathy O’Hara Former archdiocesan superintendent of Catholic schools
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Benedictine Sister Suzanne Fitzmaurice, left, of the independent review board, meets with Declan Lowney, investigator/auditor, and Jenifer Valenti, director of the archdiocesan office for protection and care.
LEGENDS IN THE MAKING
Kansas priests pull off impressive win in annual Pitching for Priests softball game
Story by TODD HABIGER
Photos by JAY SOLDNER
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — At the heart of Legends Field here, Father Thomas Maddock turned in a legendary performance for the Kansas priests in the annual Pitching for Priests softball game against their brethren from Missouri.
Father Maddock, the associate pastor at Christ the King Parish in Topeka, was a perfect 4-for-4 on the night. But it was his bases loaded at bat in the third inning that was the stuff of legends.
With Kansas holding on to a 10-6 lead, Father Maddock launched a line drive over the Missouri left fielder and raced around the bases for an inside-the-park grand slam.
“I was just trying to hit a line drive to the right side, but when I saw that pitch, I thought this is going to the left side and just tried to blast it as hard as I could,” he said.
And once he started running, he wasn’t going to stop until he reached home plate.
“I was going,” he said. “I had a feeling that I had enough in me that I would make it.”
Behind an offense that scored at least four runs each inning and a tight defense, the Kansas priests cruised to a 29-15 victory in the six-inning game.
Before the game, the parking lot was filled with the smells of grills and the sounds of laughter as many families showed up hours beforehand to tailgate on the beautiful summer evening.
Father Dan Morris, archdiocesan vocations director, who also served as the manager for Team Kansas, said he loved the overall atmosphere.
“It’s very life-giving to get together with the body of Christ in this way and just have a fun evening outside the context of worship and liturgy,” he said. “This is another way to give glory to God.”
At the priests’ convocation in Atchison earlier in June, Father Morris got the team together for a few practices to find out where guys were comfortable playing and to work on defense and fundamentals. That preparation showed up in the game.
“We put together a good team this year,” he said. “We have younger guys coming up, which is a sign of a fruitful vocation pipeline.”
While the younger priests definitely showed game, it was veteran softballer Father Adam Wilczak that brought the
READY. SET. GO.
The annual Pitching for Priests softball game drew just under 4,000 people — including hundreds of children. All the kids were invited on the field before the game to participate in a fun run.
Notable performances
• Father Thomas Maddock was 4-for-4 with a double, home run and two singles and drove in five runs to lead the team.
• Father Dan Morris was 3-for-3 with a single, double and a triple. He also added a sacrifice fly and drove in two runs.
• Father Scott Wallisch was 2-for-3 with four RBIs.
• Father Timothy Skoch hit a bases-loaded triple and just missed an inside-the-park grand slam as he was called out on a close play at home.
• All but three of the archdiocese’s 17 players earned at least one hit in the game. Those who didn’t get a hit have their names withheld to protect the innocent.
crowd to their feet in the fifth inning. First, his hustle and diving attempt to catch a ball in foul territory earned cheers from the Kansas fans.
A few plays later, those cheers were even louder as Father Wilczak gathered in a loose ball and dove at home plate for the final out of the inning that prevented a big rally for the Missouri priests.
“He better have dove for that ball because he got to the game about five till seven and all of us were wondering if he was going to stand us up,” said Father Morris with a smile. “But he showed up and he showed up in a big way.”
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was a larger-than-life presence on the field for Team Kansas. When he wasn’t cheering on his team, he was signing autographs for young fans.
And he showed he still has some lightening in his bat when he went 2-for-2 on the night — and showed some speed on the basepaths.
“It’s good to have young legs,” he said laughing, noting that he used seminarians as his runners.
The archbishop was impressed by the play of Team Kansas.
“Our defense was just a little bit too much for them and our consistent hitting and flashing speed won the game,” he said.
The announced attendance for the game was 3,790 and the archbishop was pleased to see so many families in the crowd.
“It’s a great night,” he said. “I think the families had a lot of fun and it’s a great promotion of vocations. It’s a great tradition here in Kansas City.”
CELEBRITY STATUS
POWER BALL
With the bases loaded, Father Thomas Maddock, associate pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, gets ahold of a pitch and launches it to deep left field. The end result was an inside-the-park grand slam.
Father Adam Wilczak, pastor young fan who showed off Father Adam was 3-for-4 on
ALL BALL
Father Scott Wallisch, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, puts the barrel to the ball and strokes a two runs. Father Wallisch was 3-for-4 on the night with four RBIs.
SAY HEY!
FLEET FEET
ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
pastor of Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, greets a off her support with a Father Adam “Fat Head.” on the night and played some excellent defense.
While his defense might not be quite on par with the late “Say Hey Kid,” Willie Mays, Father Timothy Skoch, associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, nevertheless flashes some nice defense in the outfield.
Father Marcos Lopez, CS, associate pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, shows off some nice baserunning skills as he rounds second and heads for third.
JOE’S KC
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann patiently waits for his pitch from Father Dan Morris. The archbishop was a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate thanks to some young legs.
Father Dan Morris, archdiocesan vocations director and manager for Team Kansas, positions his outfielders as Kansas City-St. Joseph’s heavy hitters come to bat.
double to drive in SHOELESS AARON WALDECK
Newly ordained Father Aaron Waldeck, soon-to-be associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, literally ran out of his shoe on this play. Despite this “black sock scandal,” Father Waldeck was able to score on this play.
Gala message: Save your pastoral center
By Jay Soldner Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Although Savior Pastoral Center here has been the site of hundreds of formal gatherings and gala events in its nearly 60-year history, it hosted its first benefit event for itself on June 1, called “Savior Gala, Gilded in Green.”
Savior director Greg Mies organized this gala — which he hopes to make an annual event — to raise money for Savior’s operating costs and upgrades to accessibility. Toby Cook served as emcee for the event, and speakers included Greg Trum, Karen and Craig Gaffney, Mark Blaise, Josh Ruoff and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.
The night began with a welcoming Mass celebrated by Archbishop Naumann, after which gala attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and social time before the gala dinner and program.
Trum, who was ordained a permanent deacon on June 22, was the first speaker of the evening. He described how special a place Savior is for Catholic formation.
“Our past five years of formation [for the diaconate], he said, “would not have been nearly as fruitful had it not been for Savior [Pastoral Center].
“For us, here at Savior, we had full access to the chapel — from morning, evening, night prayer, eucharistic adoration, [all of] which are all so integral to the formation of the deacon. Our daily Mass was so convenient, as was Friday afternoon confessions.”
Moreover, Trum was inspired by the witness of faith formation that he saw others receive at Savior as well.
“In April, we saw a marriage prep weekend happening,” he continued. “There have been FOCUS missionaries . . . [and] Cub Scouts camping out on the yard.
“But the one that had the most impact on me was when a friend of mine told me of he and his wife spending a weekend here at Savior working on marriages in distress. He fully credits . . . the weekend here at Savior with turning
their marriage around.
“Their family is now thriving.”
The Gaffneys spoke next, and after sharing some of their personal story, Craig turned to some plans for the future of the complex.
“There will be a very intentional marketing strategy going forward to communicate the facilities we have here at Savior,” he said, “to the likes of local convention and visitors bureaus and beyond — and, in particular, with parishes and schools across the footprint of our archdiocese.”
Blaise, too, spoke from the heart about his fondness for the pastoral center and his appreciation of the staff.
“We go on five retreats a year here. We spend three nights and four days. And the staff that works here is some of
the most welcoming — and just make it a really family experience.”
Ruoff, lead consultant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas specialneeds ministry, addressed the gala, he said, “from a professional perspective — and a personal perspective.”
“Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center is a really reliable building and it’s allowed us to do a lot of amazing things and provide a lot of opportunities for people,” he said. “But the one major flaw in this building is it’s not accessible to everyone. You may not have noticed tonight but when you were at Mass, there is no way for a person with a disability or limitations to get from where the chapel is, up here to the dining hall. It’s all utilized by stairs.
“You have to go outside and go
through the service elevator, which is used for transporting trash — and that’s just not — that’s just not what Savior stands for and that should not be the message that Savior sends to people.”
“If Savior is not accessible to everyone,” he summarized, “it seems that not everyone is welcome here — and that’s just simply not the case.”
Archbishop Naumann concluded the evening by encouraging support for the facility, and especially for money to go to the improvements in accessibility.
“I just want to underline what Josh [Ruoff] said,” said the archbishop. “I think it’s so important that this — kind of our signature building in the archdiocese — is accessible to everyone.
“My conviction is that the best days of Savior are really in front of it.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Mark Blaise was one of the many speakers at the “Savior Gala, Gilded in Green” event on June 1. Blaise spoke about his fondness for the pastoral center and his appreciation of the staff — noting how often the facility is used during the year.
How are bishops selected?
By Michael R. Heinlein OSV News
Editor’s note: Bishops in the Catholic Church are expected to offer their resignation to Pope Francis when they turn 75. Although resignations can be acted upon any time after receipt, there are currently close to 20 dioceses in the United States in which either the bishops are serving past retirement age or the see is vacant. This is due to a serious slowing of appointments of bishops in the United States in the last year or so, partly because of unexpected deaths or resignations due to poor health. For some background on the elaborate process of the selection of bishops, read on.
As the choice of a bishop potentially can guide and shape the journey of a given diocese or archdiocese for sometimes decades at a time, the nomination and appointment of bishops in the Catholic Church is one that has a significant impact on the lives and ministerial focus of Catholics in almost every segment of the church.
The process of how these new shepherds are appointed to their new sees remains largely unknown, or at least largely opaque, to many.
Let’s take a closer look at the complex undertaking of choosing a new bishop, one which originates with the needs of a local diocese and extends all the way to the desk of the pope.
Before looking at the process today, it’s important to realize that the process of how a bishop is chosen has changed and developed much over the church’s 2,000-year history. Bishops are the successors of the apostles. As the number of apostles dwindled — often through their martyrdom — their closest collaborators were chosen and appointed to fulfill their role in the community.
In the patristic era, it was common for the clergy of a diocese to elect their bishop. There is one instance when that still occurs today — namely, when the College of Cardinals (technically considered as senior clergy of the See of Rome) elects a new bishop of Rome — a new pope.
[In modern times], the practice of selecting bishops in the Latin-rite (Roman Catholic) Church generally follows a process that results in a decision made by the pope himself.
But the process typically begins locally. Each diocese is part of a larger grouping — these larger territories are called metropolitan provinces, each with an archbishop.
Any bishop in a province is invited to submit names of priests whom they believe would do well to serve as a bishop. Normally, bishops in a province meet at least yearly, and the province’s archbishop circulates the names he has collected along with a resume of each priest. Together the bishops of the province discuss the nominated priests and take a vote to decide which names should be recommended. This list then is submitted to the country’s apostolic nuncio, the pope’s personal representative in a country and a pivotal player in the process of selecting bishops there. The current apostolic
nuncio in the United States is Frenchborn Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
1. Needing a new bishop
A diocesan bishop is selected when a vacancy of that office is created in a given diocese. Bishops are required to submit their request for retirement at age 75, although it is not effective until the pope accepts it. Bishops may also resign before the mandatory age, albeit for a grave reason such as debilitating illness or some other situation that prevents them from fulfilling their ministry. A vacancy can also be created when a bishop is transferred from one diocese to another.
As bishops are nearing retirement or suffering from ill health, they may sometimes request or be given a coadjutor bishop. A coadjutor serves alongside the diocesan bishop, also known as the ordinary, and effectively serves as his co-administrator and fills the role of diocesan vicar general. Coadjutors will automatically succeed the diocesan bishop at the time of his 75th birthday, his death, early resignation or his reassignment.
2. The research phase
When deliberating on candidates for diocesan bishops, the nuncio will find out as much as possible about the diocese in question. A report is compiled by the current bishop or diocesan administrator after consultation with various officials within the diocese. During this process, the nuncio could make contact with persons in diocesan offices, certain clergy as well as previous bishops of the diocese in question or other bishops in the province.
Once the nuncio shortens his list of candidates, he seeks the input of as many as several dozen people who know the candidates in consideration by asking them to respond to a questionnaire completed in strictest
confidentiality. After the nuncio has reviewed all of this information, he composes a report of three candidates — called a “terna” — in which he notes his preferences. All this material is forwarded to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.
In those cases where an archbishop is to be selected, a terna is usually composed for currently serving bishops. The process operates in a slightly different way. Typically, bishops from the suffragan sees — those dioceses under an archdiocese in a given province — are first considered, although sometimes something of a nationwide search applies. Other archbishops in the United States might be consulted, too. This all depends on the position of the diocese or archdiocese within a country and its unique needs. This is true also in more prominent dioceses with a large population, etc.
3. The Dicastery
When the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — currently American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, a member of the Order of St. Augustine — approves the dossier submitted by the nuncio, the process moves ahead to select a bishop for a given post. The prefect chooses a member of his staff to create a summary of the information submitted by the nuncio, which in turn is submitted to the entire dicastery — staffed by bishops and cardinals from around the world. The dicastery members discuss bishop appointments twice monthly on average. Two Americans currently serving on the Dicastery for Bishops are Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark and Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago.
4. The terna
Members of the dicastery discuss the candidates and take a vote. They can either support the nuncio’s
recommendation, choose another priest to move to the top of the terna or ask that another terna be composed.
5. The pope picks
The process finally draws to a close when the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops meets privately with the pope. During the meeting, he presents the terna, given in a particular order with the dicastery’s choice at the top. At this final stage, the pope can do one of four things: He may agree with the dicastery’s proposal, he may choose another candidate on the list, he may ask for a new terna to be submitted, or, more unlikely, he could choose his own candidate.
6. The nominee
Within a few days, the pope’s decision is rendered to the dicastery. Once the nuncio is informed, the nominee is contacted by the nuncio and given the option to accept the appointment. Nominees may refuse episcopal office, but it is rare and must be for good reason.
When an affirmative answer is given, the nuncio arranges with the Holy See to set a date to make an announcement of the appointment. There is usually a two- to four-week period before the public announcement. During this time, the bishop-elect is not allowed to discuss his appointment.
The entire process of nominating and appointing a bishop usually takes six months to a year from the date a diocese becomes vacated due to sudden resignation, death or transfer of the diocesan bishop, or when an auxiliary is requested.
In the case of a bishop reaching retirement age, the selection process often will happen before the retirement of the outgoing bishop is accepted. Bishops-elect are to be ordained within three months of their nomination, according to church law.
OSV NEWS PHOTO/COURTESY DIOCESE OF FAIRBANKS
Bishop Steven J. Maekawa celebrates the Mass of his episcopal ordination and installation Oct. 12, 2023, as the new bishop of Fairbanks, Alaska.
EMPLOYMENT
Chancery director of operations - The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as chancery director of operations. This individual will be responsible for supporting the mission and vision of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. Responsibilities include working closely with Curia leadership, pastors, clergy and leaders of other diocesan organizations on a broad range of administrative matters. These matters include: property and liability oversight, real estate and facilities management, chancery building operations and information technology (IT), as well as supervision of chancery operations support staff. Qualifications for this opening include the following:
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active steward in one’s parish with a commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Must have the ability and willingness to promote and exemplify the Curia core values of unity in mission, discipleshipcentered stewardship and apostolic courage.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, risk management, construction management or other related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of operations management experience with knowledge and training in general business management and personnel management. Experience in a not-for-profit environment helpful.
• Experience in risk management, insurance and contract review required.
• Demonstrated experience in administration and operations with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Requires outstanding leadership skills with the competence to manage staff.
• Strong history of interpersonal skills, with peers, co-workers, vendors and clients.
• Excellent written, verbal and public speaking skills, and proficiency with information technology. Interested applicants may submit resumes, references and salary requirements to: hallacyt@catholic dioceseofwichita.org. We will be accepting resumes until the position is filled.
Licensed civil engineer – CES Group, Inc., is seeking a licensed civil engineer to join our growing team. Ideal candidate will possess a professional engineer license for Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska or be willing to acquire license in these states. Applicant will administer projects related to transportation, public works, municipal sanitary sewer and water. Relocation is not required with opportunity to work remotely. CES Group, Inc., offers health insurance, paid time off and Simple IRA retirement plan. To apply, send cover letter and resume to: aholthaus@cesengineering.com.
HR administrative assistant – The chancery office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to fill an administrative assistant position in the Human Resources office. The job plays a central role supporting the HR team, is full time based on 40 hours per week and benefits-eligible, with a flexible schedule. This position is on-site at the chancery office. Please visit: archkck.org/jobs and click on “Openings in our Archdiocese” and then click on “HR Administrative Assistant” to learn more about the position and to apply. Organizing and policy coordinator - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) seek an organizing and policy coordinator. This individual will promote justice education and action for the Sisters, associates and staff regarding current issues of justice, peace and integrity of creation in Kansas. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor’s degree with 3 - 5 years of experience in political campaigns, community organizing or advocacy, and a solid commitment to justice and knowledge of Catholic social teaching.
Director for the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are currently seeking a director for the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center. The director of the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center is responsible for leading the center, drawing on our mission and char-ism to serve the critical spiritual needs of God’s people today by providing an environment of prayer, peace, hope and transformation. As St. Vincent, St. Louise, and Mother Xavier taught us, the Marillac Center is a place of encounter for the poor and marginalized and all those who serve them. The ideal candidate will possess a master’s degree in theology, spirituality or related field; knowledge of, or willingness to, embrace the mission and values of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and the Vincentian charism; and previous experience working in a space focused on hospitality, rest or spirituality. To view the full job announcement, please visit our website at: www.scls.org. If you possess the desired qualifications and would like to work for a truly wonderful and outstanding religious community, please email a cover letter with salary requirements and your resume to: recruiting@scls.org.
Custodian - Are you a reliable and detail-oriented individual with a passion for keeping spaces clean and welcoming? Do you take pride in keeping spaces spotless and well-maintained? Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee is seeking a dedicated part-time custodian to ensure our sacred spaces are spotless and inviting for all who come to worship, learn and gather. This is a part-time, 20-hours-per-week position. Apply at: www. shoj.org/employment-opportunities.
Office help - KC Lift & Elevator is looking for an individual to perform clerical duties, five to six hours per week. Individual must possess attention to detail to accurately input service tickets into our sales force CRM. Additional possible opportunities to help with designing and executing mailings. Friendly, casual environment with flexible hours. No remote work option; attendance required two times per week. $13 - $15 per hour. Please send resume or inquiry to Maria at: mkoch@kclift.com.
Director of accounting - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a Director of Accounting, which will be responsible for professional accounting activities including analyzing and verifying fiscal records and reports ensuring compliance with regulations, preparing financial statements, providing consultative services to ministries and parishes regarding accounting practices and procedures. A minimum of ten (10) years’ fund accounting experience including areas of accounts receivable and payable, payroll/benefits and accounting supervision is required. Finding the right person with the right combination of skills, experience, and desire to serve the Church can be challenging, and you can help in one or more ways: Share the link on your social media sites; forward this email to family and friends who might know someone with an interest, or could themselves have an interest; ask your parish to put a small notice in their bulletin for 2-3 weeks. A sample ad is attached. To apply go online to: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/ Jobs/Details/2442508.
Bookkeeping specialist - Are you a meticulous number cruncher with a knack for keeping finances in perfect harmony? Do you love bringing order to the world of debits and credits? If so, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee has the ideal part-time role for you! This is part-time, 25 hours per week. Apply at: www.shoj.org/ employment-opportunities.
Parish life assistant and parish life assistant - Are you passionate about supporting a mission-driven Catholic parish and making a real impact? We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a parish life assistant and child care coordinator. This is more than just a job — it’s a calling to serve others in our Sacred Heart of Jesus Church community in Shawnee. This is a full-time position. Apply at: www.shoj.org/employment-opportunities.
Accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire an Accountant III. This position would be responsible for performing various key accounting duties, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, account reconciliations and analysis, sales tax filings and assist with maintenance of fixed asset records. A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant accounting work experience, including experience maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports, budgeting systems, preparing financial or auditor statements, schedules and reports is required. To apply, go online to: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/ Details/2486629.
Make a meaningful impact today -Join L’Arche Heartland as a Direct Support Professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-out-team or by emailing: james@larcheks.org.
Youth minister – Divine Mercy Parish is seeking a 9th - 12th grade youth minister. Come work in this young and energetic parish. This is a part-time position (less than 20 hours per week). To inquire, contact: parish@ divinemercyks.org or call (913) 856-7781.
Outreach coordinator – Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking an outreach coordinator. Do you have a passion for educating and advocating on social justice issues? Catholic Charities is seeking a compassionate, joy-filled and motivated individual to serve as an outreach coordinator. Primary responsibilities include collaborating with parishes, school and community organizations in the 21 counties of the archdiocese to educate on the social mission of the church and invite others to respond to live out the Gospel call to love and serve our neighbors. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.
Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 2625190 or visit www.assistedtransportation.com for more information. EEO.
Case management specialist - Do you have experience in a social service-related field? Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a case manager with HUD programming and/or HMIS experience. Opening is in the Olathe Family Support Center. Interested applicants should email: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.
Director of religious education and first sacraments coordinator - Do you want to be a team player on an A-Team whose primary mission is to bring souls on a collision course with the Sacred Heart of Jesus? The director of religious education and first sacraments coordinator is responsible for overseeing the spiritual and educational development for kindergarten through fifth grade children of the parish. This role involves designing, implementing and evaluating age-appropriate curriculum and programming that integrates religious instruction with sacramental preparation, ensuring that children receive a comprehensive and meaningful foundation in their faith formation. To view job description and to apply, please visit our website at: https:// shoj.org/employment-opportunities. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Computer systems analyst/senior computer systems analyst - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth seek a computer systems analyst/senior computer systems analyst to provide hardware, software and network support to our community of Sisters and employees. The ideal candidate will manage asset inventory, assist with network management and resolve computerrelated issues in a large campus environment. Key responsibilities include evaluating and recommending technology solutions, maintaining computer hardware inventory, managing software patch deployment and providing technical support to end users. The role calls for a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, along with 1-4 years of experience in information technology. Strong communication, organization and problem-solving skills are essential. Proficiency in troubleshooting hardware, software and network issues and expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows operating systems and Active Directory are preferred. If you embody our values of caring, compassion and concern and are adept at multitasking, prioritizing work and staying current with industry trends, we would love to hear from you. For more details, please visit our website at: www.scls.org. To apply, please email your resume to: recruiting@scls.org. EOE.
Director of youth ministry - St. Peter Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a full-time director of youth ministry, with salary and benefits. There is currently no existing youth ministry at St. Peter. This is an exciting opportunity to be able to create a parish youth ministry (for 6-12 graders) from the ground up. There will be an early emphasis on 6th through 8th graders in St. Peter School. Almost every child in the parish also attends the school. For this reason, the youth minister has the opportunity to create a culture and design something in the school that engages and forms kids to be disciples of Jesus while also building from this a vibrant youth ministry that extends beyond school boundaries. We are looking for an innovative thinker and a pioneer spirit to bring fresh ideas to this endeavor. Applicants should send cover letter, resume and list of references to Chad Pirotte at: cpirotte@stpeterskc.org.
Technician Needed ASAP - Do you like to tinker? Are you detail-oriented? Then this is the job for you! A locally owned family business is currently seeking candidates to provide preventive maintenance (cleaning) and repair service on microscopes. No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided. Good communication, time management and customer service skills necessary. Expenses paid, out in the field majority of time and each day is different! Some travel is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com.
Personal assistant - C.H. Yarber Construction is seeking a personal assistant. This person helps clients who need someone to handle several responsibilities. If you are interested, please complete the virtual assistant application. Responsibilities include: handle administrative tasks; manage schedules; book appointments; and source and manage external vendors. For job information and updates on virtual assistant roles, email us at: mxrimagingsolution@gmail.com, text (307) 632-2700 or go online to: chyarber.com and click on “Careers” and fill out the requested information.
Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served, has the following staff job openings available: admissions counselor, director of development and front desk administrative assistant. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Community and family ministry leader - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a part-time community and family ministry (CFM) leader. This leader would be responsible for nurturing and guiding a ministry and evangelism strategy that provides vision, skills and community for single, engaged and married people. The leader will lead a ministry task force responsible for executing this initiative to invite and move church and community through outreach and ongoing engagements into Growth Journeys where relationship skills content is delivered/transformed. The leader will also serve as St. Joseph’s chief liaison with our Communio church strategist. Interested applicants should email resumes to Veronica Quinn at: vquinn@stjoeshawnee. org or call (913) 244-3909.
Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
Part-time director of music - Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner (Johnson County) is seeking a part-time director of music. This position includes playing organ/piano for up to three weekend liturgies, scheduling music for all liturgies, scheduling cantors, and playing for funerals and weddings as needed. The ideal candidate will have experience playing both organ and piano; cantor skills desired but optional. Email Maria Lopeman for more information at: parish@divinemercyks.org or call (913) 856-7781.
Coaches -Bishop Miege High School is seeking the following coaches for the 2024-25 school year: Head softball, head wrestling and girls wrestling. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege. com or (913) 222-5802.
Music/band teacher - Manhattan Catholic Schools is looking for a K - 4 music teacher and a 5 - 8 band teacher or to split into two part-time positions for the 202425 school year. Applicants can apply online through the MCS website at: www.manhattancatholicschools. org or contact principal Mike Hubka at: mhubka@ manhattancatholicschools.org or call (785) 565-5050.
Early childhood educators - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving, Christian environment. Our classrooms are full and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both fulltime and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Anne at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.
Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served Faculty job openings - English instructor. Adjunct faculty job openings - adjunct instructor for nursing and clinical nursing adjunct. Adjunct faculty Lansing Correctional Campus - business adjunct, English adjunct and math adjunct. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Communication coordinator – St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a full-time communications coordinator. The communications coordinator will coordinate and support the St. Joseph Campus with communication projects. This position will work closely with the school principal, EEC director and parish office to develop and implement communications strategies, media relations, social and digital media, article writing, video production, advertising/marketing initiatives and other communication support as needed. A successful candidate should be Catholic, with strong relationship skills and the ability to work in a collaborative setting. The overall goal for this position is to promote St. Joseph Catholic Campus as the go-to source for relevant, reliable, evidenced-based information. Interested applicants should email resumes and cover letter to Father Scott Wallisch: frscott@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 631-5983 for more information.
Director of music – Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. Potentially full- or part-time. Good Shepherd is a parish with a long-standing music tradition. The music ministry includes an SATB choir, cantors and musicians. Both musicians and parishioners cherish their diverse repertoire, ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary songs. A state-of-the-art pipe organ will be installed during the summer of 2024, opening exciting possibilities for liturgical music at Good Shepherd. The director of music oversees leading the choir in rehearsals and services; rehearsing with cantors and musicians as needed; keeping the music library organized and updated; and overseeing all the musical aspects of the parish. The ability to play the piano and organ is desirable. Administrative duties include: keeping the equipment functioning and tuned; attending staff, music committee and worship committee meetings; scheduling cantors and accompanists for the weekly Masses; and preparing the yearly budget for the music ministry. Salary commensurate with experience. Start date negotiable. Submit your application via email to: pthacker@gsshawnee.org. Include resume, application letter, three references and (optional) recording of conducting or accompanying at the piano.
After-school care lead teacher - Nativity Parish School is looking for an after-school care lead teacher for our day school and grades K - 5. Applicants should be at least 18, and have previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a licensed early childhood program. Must be Virtus trained and CPR/first-aid certified. Hours are Monday - Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. with one Tuesday a month 1:45 - 6 p.m. Please contact Katie.King@kcnativity.org.
SERVICES
KC creative photography - Quinceañera, weddings, family and videography. We offer great results and can build a package for your budget. Contact: www. kc-creativephotography.com. Spanish - (816) 2251330, ask for Yeny; English - (816) 509-6024, ask for Sebastian. Text or call.
Tutor - Summer tutoring and music lessons available (piano, guitar, music theory and voice). For more information please call/text Kathleen (913) 206-2151
Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
Double A’s Lawn Service Lawn mowing, Mulching, Gutters, Leaf Removal Brush Removal & Hedge Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195
Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured, second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362.
Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.
>> Classifieds continue on page 15
SENSORY-FRIENDLY
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st, Overland Park
June 29 at 6 p.m.
There will be a sensory-friendly eucharistic adoration designed to create a welcoming space for persons with disabilities and their families within Catholic faith communities. This liturgy aims to provide a peaceful and accessible environment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, to grow in their faith through eucharistic adoration. The church is wheelchair-accessible and includes accessible and flexible seating options to accommodate various mobility needs and allow families to sit together. There will be large-print worship aids or visual schedules provided to aid participation. A designated calming area will be available for persons who need to take a break. Assistive listening devices or sign language interpreters will be provided as requested. Sensory items such as fidgets, weighted lap pads, rosaries, etc., will be made available. After eucharistic adoration, there will be an opportunity for fellowship and refreshments to foster community. The sacrament of reconciliation will also be available.
PRAYER SERVICE OF ATONEMENT
Sacred Heart Parish 357 Third St., Baileyville
July 1 at 6:30 p.m.
You are invited to gather as a community at Sacred Heart Church for a prayer service of atonement for sexual abuse by clergy. The service will include Scripture readings, a sprinkling rite of the confessionals, remarks by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, and introductions and responsibilities of the archdiocesan office of protection and care staff. A reception for fellowship and conversation will follow. Email questions to: opc@archkck.org.
BE HEALED RETREAT
Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton July 5 - 7
The retreat will begin on July 5 at 5:30 p.m. and end on July 7 at 4:30 p.m. “Somewhere deep inside each one of us is a burning desire to finally become the person God created us to be.” Do you suffer from spiritual or emotional wounds that are keeping you from reaching that goal? We will be using Catholic therapist Bod Schuchts’ book “Be Healed” as a means of spiritual, emotional and physical healing. There will be conferences, spiritual direction, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $180 single/$270 couple or single guest rooms $110 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD
St. Theresa Parish (hall) 209 3rd St., Perry
July 5 - 8, noon - 5 p.m.
St. Theresa Parish will be hosting the Vatican-approved international Eucharistic Miracle of the World exhibit in the parish hall. This is free to view. The Eucharistic Miracle of the World exhibit is a traveling display on loan from the Catholic Radio Network. It features 157 beautiful panels that highlight some of the world’s most powerful eucharistic miracles. For more information, visit the website at: catholicradio.com/miracles.
BIKING
FOR BABIES
Sacred Heart Parish
1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha
July 8 at 5:30 p.m.
We are biking for babies to renew the culture of life, one pedal stroke at a time. Young adults cycle 600 miles in six days
across the nation, giving it all to renew the culture of life and support pregnant women through pregnancy centers and maternity homes. There will be a meet and greet meal at 5:30 p.m., a presentation at 6 p.m. and Mass at 6:45 p.m. Contact Lesa Duryea to see how you can give, help or attend. For more information, go online to: www.bikingforbabies.com.
CHURCH PICNIC
Sacred Heart Parish
357 Third St., Baileyville
July 13 at 5 p.m.
Mass will be at 4 p.m. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. followed by games and concessions at 5:30 p.m. There will also be an auction at 8:45 p.m. The cost is $12 for adults, and $6 for kids under 10. To-go meals are available. The facility is handicap accessible.
CHURCH PICNIC
St. Augustine-Fidelity Parish (hall)
1031 S. 12th St., Fidelity
July 14 at 4:30 p.m.
There will be smoked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw, roll and dessert. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 4 - 10; and kids 3 and under eat for free. There will also be card games, bingo, dish throw, kids corner, football throw, a bounce house, a chance stand, a cakewalk and a lunch stand with hamburgers and hot dogs. Entertainment will be provided by the Huffles Family Band from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
YOUTH MINISTRY RUMMAGE SALE
Holy Trinity Parish (school gym)
13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa
July 16 - 20
The dates are: early bird sale on July 25 from 5 - 9 p.m., with a $5 entrance fee; July 26 from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., no entrance fee; July 27 from 8 a.m. - noon, half-price day. Drop off dates are July 16 - 19, July 22 - 23
from 1 - 8 p.m. and July 20 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. For questions, contact Joann Weger at (913) 980-4988 or by email at: rummage@ htlenexa.org.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS
Divine Mercy Parish
555 W. Main St., Gardner
July 14 from 8:30 - 10 a.m.
The breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 13 and free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.
BEREAVEMENT
MEETING
Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood
July 20 after the 8 a.m. Mass
The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting Saturday morning. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
BISHOP WARD HIGH SCHOOL alumni soccer game
Bishop Ward High School (Dorney Field)
715 N. 16th St., Kansas City, Kansas
July 21 at 2:15 p.m.
The soccer game is open to men and women alumni. The cost is $25 per player until July 7 and $35 per player after July 7. T-shirts are included with registration. Postgame gathering is at Breit’s Stein & Deli, 712 N. 5th St., Kansas City, Kansas. All proceeds go to soccer team expenses for the 2024-25 school year. For information or to register, go online to: www.wardhigh. org/page/boys-soccer. This year’s game will be played to honor and remember Louie Rebeck, class of 2012. Contact head coach Tony Subasic with questions by email at: asubasic@wardhigh.org.
DAILY READINGS
THIRTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
June 30
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Wis 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24
Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13
2 Cor 8: 7, 9, 13-15
Mk 5: 21-43
July 1
Junípero Serra, priest
Am 2: 6-10, 13-16
Ps 50: 16b-23
Mt 8: 18-22
July 2
Tuesday
Am 3: 1-8; 4: 11-12
Ps 5: 4b-8
Mt 8: 23-27
July 3
THOMAS, APOSTLE
Eph 2: 19-22
Ps 117: 1-2
Jn 20: 24-29
July 4
Thursday
Am 7: 10-17
Ps 19: 8-11
Mt 9: 1-8
July 5
Anthony Zaccaria, priest; Elizabeth of Portugal
Am 8: 4-6, 9-12
Ps 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131
Mt 9: 9-13
July 6
Maria Goretti, virgin, martyr
Am 9: 11-15
Ps 85: 9ab, 10-14
Mt 9: 14-17
FOURTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
July 7
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Ez 2: 2-5
Ps 123: 1-4
2 Cor 12: 7-10
Mk 6: 1-6a
July 8
Monday
Hos 2: 16, 17b-18, 21-22
Ps 145: 2-9
Mt 9: 18-26
July 9
Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs
Hos 8: 4-7, 11-13
Ps 115: 3-10
Mt 9: 32-38
July 10
Wednesday
Hos 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12
Ps 105: 2-7
Mt 10: 1-7
July 11
Benedict, abbot
Hos 11: 1-4, 8c-9
Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16
Mt 10: 7-15
July 12
Friday
Hos 14: 2-10
Ps 51: 3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17
Mt 10: 16-23
July 13
Henry
Is 6: 1-8
Ps 93: 1-2, 5
Mt 10: 24-33
Iwas stunned to learn that The Leaven is read at the Vatican. Apparently, my Easter column, “Let the Easter season get the last laugh,” prompted Pope Francis to contact the Dicastery for Culture and Education to set up an audience for comedians with him! (Now, if you believe that most of what I’ve written in this column so far is true . . . well, you make me laugh.)
All kidding aside, the pope really did host 105 comedians from 15 countries around the world at an audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace on June 14. Among those in attendance were U.S. Catholics Stephen Colbert and Jim Gaffigan. Other familiar faces were Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Conan O’Brien, Whoopi Goldberg and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. According to the dicastery, the purpose of the visit was to “establish a link between the Catholic Church and comic artists.”
The pope kicked
You might get a laugh out of this
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.
things off by commenting that because smiling is good for one’s health, it might be better for him if he just made a funny face for the crowd, rather than read his lengthy speech. It looked like there was plenty of “good health” in that room as the comedians were positively beaming when shaking the pope’s hand.
In his comments, the pope told the comedians: “In the midst of so
Dmuch gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles. You are among the few who have the ability to speak to all types of people, from different generations and cultural backgrounds. In your own way, you unite people, because laughter is contagious. . . . [It] spreads peace in our hearts and among others, helping us to overcome difficulties and cope with everyday stress.”
The pope also made a point to stress a humor “that does not offend, humiliate or put people down according to their flaws. . . . [It] is
inclusive, purposeful, eliciting openness, sympathy, empathy.”
Pope Francis said that he’s prayed daily for over 40 years these words of St. Thomas More: “Grant me, O Lord, a good sense of humor.” He noted that this grace of humor “helps me approach things with the right spirit.” He also made sure that each member of the audience received a copy of the longer version of Thomas More’s prayer which was read near the conclusion of the gathering.
The pope’s farewell words were: “I wish you the best. May God accompany you in this very beautiful calling to make people laugh, to be comedians. It is easier to be a tragedian than a comedian, it is easier. Thank you for making people laugh and also thank you for laughing from the heart.”
One of the great “comedians” of the Vatican was Pope St. John XXIII. A few of his gems were: • When asked by a
journalist how many people work in the Vatican, he replied, “About half of them.”
• Another time, someone asked Pope John about the Italian habit of closing offices in the afternoon. “Your Holiness,” the man said, “we understand that the Vatican is closed in the afternoon and people don’t work then.”
“Ah, no,” said the pope. “The offices are closed in the afternoon. People don’t work in the morning!”
• Pope John once said, “From all eternity, God knew I was going to be pope. He had eighty years to work on me. Why did he make me so ugly?”
This summer, find plenty of reasons to laugh — long and from the heart!
By the way, did you hear the one about the priest, the minister and the rabbi who walked into a bar?
Seeing them, the bartender said, “What is this? A joke?”
Bada bing, bada boom!
Jesus’ healings are an expression of his divine love
eep below the outskirts of Rome is a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers, known as the Roman catacombs.
There, the early Christians made burial spaces outside the city walls where they could pray for their loved ones and celebrate the Eucharist. On the catacomb walls, they expressed their faith in vivid paintings of scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Among the biblical scenes painted on the walls of the ancient Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter is the healing story recounted in today’s Gospel.
Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.
Such images tell us that Jesus’ healings had a profound impact on the first Christian community, born at Pentecost.
Throughout his
earthly life, Jesus showed a “preferential love for the sick,” as he encountered people with various illnesses who sought healing from God.
Two healing miracles are recounted in Sunday’s Gospel as one story unfolds within another. Mark tells us that a large crowd followed Jesus seeking his wisdom and healing power. Then a synagogue official, named Jairus, pleaded with Jesus to lay his hands on his daughter who was dying from illness.
As Jesus accompanied Jairus to his home, another healing unfolded on the way.
A woman, suffering for many years
from hemorrhages, heard about Jesus and approached him in the crowd to touch his cloak.
At the touch of Jesus’ cloak, the woman is healed. And we might wonder why Jesus asks, “Who touched my clothes?” in the midst of a pressing crowd.
Jesus’ healing is not a manifestation of raw spiritual power but an expression of divine love and friendship.
Jesus desires that the woman recognize the gift of faith that she received along with the gift of physical healing. One without the other leads to superstition and irrational beliefs.
Jesus continued on to Jairus’ house only to
learn that his daughter had died. Jesus encourages the distraught father with these comforting words, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” When he arrived at the house, he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”
Mark tells us only that the family and crowds were astounded as the 12-year-old girl arose immediately and walked around.
Both the synagogue official and the woman with hemorrhages had deep faith. They were confident that Jesus’ presence and words could heal and restore in a way that only God can.
Innovate to care for the environment, the excluded, pope tells
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Today’s businesses must focus their innovation in caring for the environment, Pope Francis told a group of leaders of major companies and banks.
“It is no longer enough merely to comply with the laws of states, which are proceeding too slowly: We need to innovate by anticipating the future, with courageous and forward-looking
choices that can be imitated,” he said.
“We are living in a time of serious environmental crisis that depends on many individuals and factors, among which are the economic and business choices of the past and present,” he told the group during an audience at the Vatican June 15.
The group included 25 CEOs who are part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. He gave them three tasks: to help care for the environment, the
CEOs
poor and young people. He warned against a kind of “meritocracy” that is used to legitimize excluding the poor, “who are judged as undeserving, even to the point of viewing poverty itself as their fault.”
“And let us not settle for merely a little philanthropy, that would be insufficient. The challenge is to include the poor in businesses, to make them resources for the benefit of all,” he said.
JEM SULLIVAN
>> Continued from page 12
Garage door repair expert
New Garage Doors
Garage Floor Coatings
A Total Door Inc., Since ’83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com; (913) 236-6440.
MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 927-4347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
EL SOL Y LA TIERRA
*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING *CLEANUP AND HAULING
*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION
*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES
HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!! CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391
Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371, or email: dandeeconst@aol.com.
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
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.
CAREGIVING
Home care - CMA, 15 years experience, background check available, references available from past employers. Call (913) 999-4340.
Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.
Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
Caring Christian companion - I’m a retired licensed practical nurse with 20-plus years of experience caring for those facing medical challenges. I will work for you in home, assisted living or nursing home. Qualified to transport to and from physician’s or therapy and personal trips. References from past employers are available. I am someone who is caring, honest and dependable. Call Barbara at (913) 645-3779.
PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimages to Medjugorje - August 9 - 17, 2024; September 12-20, 2024 (for those recovering from drug/alcohol addiction), December 27,2024 - January 4, 2025, March 12 - 20, 2025 (Marijana’s yearly apparition). Are you being called? Hosted by visionary Mirfana Soldo. Call Grace Legaspi for details at (913) 449-1806.
WANTED TO BUY
Wanted to buy
Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!
I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE
8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090
Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.
Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.
Wanted to buy - Antique & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad, sterling, OLD holiday/toys and more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 2139843.
REAL ESTATE
We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.
We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.
FOR SALE
Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).
For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in section 3 Old, lot 126, plots 6 and 10. Flat markers only. Contact Ann at (913) 620-5687.
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Diverse cohort brings an array of gifts to the diaconate
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the way down to find us so that he could bring us back.”
Bringing others, especially college students, to the sacraments is something Deacon Michael Murray said he’s looking forward to as part of his new ministry.
A physics professor at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Deacon Murray has been assigned to the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center there. He hopes he can help students appreciate, like he does, the Catholic Church’s intellectual tradition.
“Jesus said we must love God with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind. That’s one of our tasks — to love God with our mind, to use reason that way. So, I think that’s part of my task,” he said, adding he also believes he can help students develop a strong ethical foundation.
“We don’t stop being a Christian when we come into the lab. . . . We’re always Christian,” he said.
Having an “always Christian” mindset is something Deacon Ramiro Rocha said he looks forward to imparting to others.
As someone who has not graduated from college, Deacon Rocha said he struggled with some of the formation. A blue-collar worker, he has a GED, or the equivalent of a high school diploma. And until the diaconate formation, he had never written a formal paper of any kind.
Moreover, English is his second language. He was born in the Michoacán in western Mexico, moving permanently to the United States when he was 17.
“Allowing God to transform me into what he wants me to be,” Deacon Rocha
said, “that’s the rewarding part. I’ve been called to this, and through God’s grace, I’ve been able to get this far.”
As an Hispanic immigrant, the new deacon said he’s looking forward to serving the church in the archdiocese’s ever-growing Hispanic community.
“Being able to help any Hispanic immigrants, to help them not to lose their faith but to continue to grow in it — but also to be a bridge between the Anglo community and the Hispanic community is what I’m looking forward to the most,” he said.
“We’re all God’s children, regardless of where we’re from,” he added.
Taking care of God’s children from varying backgrounds has long been a part of Deacon Tom Doyle’s life. A car-
diologist, he’s treated patients from all walks of life, spending most of his time with critically ill patients.
Married for nearly 40 years, he and his wife Jeanne have eight children, including Father Luke Doyle, the archdiocese’s assistant vocations director.
With the background of his profession and having once considered the priesthood for himself, a call to ordained ministry resurfaced as he witnessed his son’s journey to the priesthood and as he took some of his son’s advice to heart.
“It was beautiful . . . to just sit back and receive the grace of ordination, just let the Holy Spirit come. . . . Just being open and receiving those graces created so much peace. . . . To share that intimate moment with him was awesome. It
doesn’t get any better than that.”
Father Doyle agreed.
“The first movement of my heart would be gratitude, gratitude to God the Father for the gift of my life and the gift of my earthly father, the one who gave me life,” he said, “gratitude to the church for the opportunity to share in ordained ministry; gratitude to Jesus for calling us both to a life of service to the church.
“When we lay down our lives for a shared good, for the same good, there’s a real unity and intimacy that comes from that. So, I get to know my dad in a new way as we serve the church together.”
Likewise, so can Deacon Leon Suprenant and his son-in-law, Deacon Nicholas Moragues.
As co-director of the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate, Deacon Suprenant has trained deacons for decades.
He and Deacon Moragues entered at the same time, but Deacon Suprenant stepped away for a time, while Deacon Moragues proceeded on to ordination in 2017.
After a five-day silent retreat in 2023, Deacon Suprenant handed the archbishop a letter, asking to be ordained. The rest is history.
Deacon Moragues said he cherished the moment when he vested his fatherin-law.
“We’re more than son-in-law and father-in-law,” he said. “We’ve become quite close over the years — as friends and confidants.”
Deacon Suprenant agreed.
“I looked at him — my son [in-law] and brother — and that summed it up,” he said.
“My son and my brother.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Deacon Michael Murray, a physics professor at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, sings along with his wife Maureen at his ordination ceremony.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Deacon Tom Doyle processes in at the beginning of his ordination ceremony. Deacon Doyle is the father of Father Luke Doyle, assistant vocations director for the archdiocese.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Deacon Ramiro Rocha, right, is embraced by his friend Armando Navejar outside of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood following his ordination to the permanent diaconate.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Deacon Curtis Keddy, associate director of formation for the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate, kneels before Archbishop Naumann promising obedience to him and his successors.