Catholic Key Feb./March 2022

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

O F

T H E

C A T H O L I C

D I O C E S E

O F

K A N S A S

C I T Y - S T .

J O S E P H

kc sj cathol i c.org FEB R UA RY/MA RCH 2022

FROM THE BISHOP Becoming Catholic P. 4

PARENTING You belong to Him P. 22

LEGACY Slainte!

Celebrating Saint Patrick in KCSJ P. 32

‘Come, walk with me’ Prayer, passion and performance combine to bring Stations of the Cross alive for KC audiences for more than 35 years

not have. Like Simon, we can step up and pick up someone’s burden for a while.

The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

20

Growing God’s Family | The grace of God and the Rosary

Megan Marley

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 VOL. 2 | ISSUE 2

Lucas was functionally an atheist when

Jimmy Kraus portrayed "Jesus" for several years in Stations: A Musical Dramaturgy. Read more about his experience at CatholicKey.org.

Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. Publisher Ashlie Hand Editor Megan Marley Assistant editor

he graduated from high school. By 19, he was homeless and doing drugs in California. Then the Rosary happened.

28

Evangelization through friendship and service

Marty Denzer

For years, parishioners at Our Lady

Jenny Pomicter Graphic designer

14

To submit story ideas and news, send emails to marley@diocesekcsj.org

COVER STORY ‘Come, walk with me’ Ashlie Hand Stations: A Musical Dra-

www.FAITHcatholic.com Catholic Key (ISSN 2769-2353, USPS 024-190) is a membership publication of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, published bimonthly (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/ Jul, Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan) by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Kansas City, MO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Key, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105. ©2021 Catholic Key, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

ON THE COVER: Tim and Sandie McCray, parishioners of Visitation Parish in Kansas City, lead the Theatre at Vis ministry.

Photo by Ashlie Hand

8

Using Our Resources Wisely | An enduring example of

herent in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge

Bridget Locke St. Bridget Parish in Pleasant Hill

City’s Music Hall as an original pro-

celebrated its 150th anniversary

duction by Paul Novosel, the liturgist

in 2021, offering important les-

and music director for Risen Christ

sons in successful stewardship.

the Cross to life for audiences across the KC area. A devotion to prayer, pas-

10

Healing Our Family | With parish’s help, family heals

Marty Denzer

sion and performance has resulted

The Norton family’s wounds need-

in a lasting legacy for Stations and

ed tending and the late Marilyn

Theatre at Vis.

Hardy, longtime St. Louis Parish

4

Reservation.

EN ESPANOL

Parish. For the last 35 years, Visitation have continued to bring Stations of

worked to alleviate what they could of the poverty and hopelessness in-

good stewardship

maturgy premiered in 1984 at Kansas

parishioners Tim and Sandie McCray

of Guadalupe Parish in St. Joseph

26 31

En Camino Obispo Johnston La Mejor Cuaresma De Mi Vida Padre Olvin Girón

pastoral associate, had just what On the Way | Becoming Catholic Bishop Johnston

Across our diocese and around the world, Lent marks the time when many are preparing to receive the sacra-

they needed to heal.

12

32

To serve and to lift | Be a Simon

Brigette Chirpich

Slainte! The legacy of Saint Patrick in Northwest Missouri

Marty Denzer

ments for the first time. The witness

The load of Jesus’ cross was not

At least six parishes and missions,

of those coming into the fullness of

light, but manageable because Si-

and one Oratory, carry the name and

the Faith can inspire us to see things

mon was strong, able-bodied and

legacy of Saint Patrick across the

through new eyes.

had fresh strength that Jesus did

Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Megan Marley

Ashlie Hand

Bri d ge t Locke

Ma rt y Denzer

B r i g e tte C h i r pi c h

is a writer,

leads the

loves God and

is long-time writer

leads the

photographer,

Office of

people. Learn

in residence for

marketing team at

videographer and

Communications

more about

the Catholic Key.

Catholic Charities

media geek for the

for the Diocese

her life and

Her many years of

KCSJ, encouraging

Diocese of Kansas

of Kansas City-

work at

work can be found

people to serve and

City-St. Joseph.

St. Joseph.

bnlcomms.com.

on catholickey.org.

lift those in need.

3

on t he way

Becoming Catholic

I

F ro m t h e Bi s h o p Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. is the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

am fascinated by the stories of those who seek to enter the Catholic Church. The stories are as unique as the individuals themselves. Some stories share a common thread, others are out of the ordinary, but each, in its own way, is quite remarkable. And while we see reports and hear stories of those

who have stopped living out their Catholic faith, or even abandoned it entirely, it is important to take note of the many each year who are led into the Catholic Church. They may not realize it, but they have much to teach us by their witness.

can remember can sometimes take for granted or overlook As a bishop, I like to be somewhat forward upon meetthe beauty of our faith and how blessed one is by it. Then ing someone becoming Catholic and ask, “What led you into the Catholic Church?” Most often, there was someone there is the effect of scandal. The sins and weaknesses of the else involved who helped. Often it is a spouse or a fiancé.

Church’s members can obscure the Church and discourage The beauty of married love often opens the path to anothus at times. The witness of those coming into the fullness of the faith can inspire us to see things through new eyes. In er relationship, that with God. Sometimes, as is the case a way, new Catholics become the ones who accompany us! with college students, it is a roommate or a group of good Across our diocese and around the world, Lent marks a friends who do the same. In the past year, I have met families who were becoming Catholic because they fell in love time for the final preparation for many who are preparing to through the children’s experience in a receive the sacraments for the first time.

Catholic school. And every so often, it Those who are not baptized, known as catechumens, look forward to receiving is a “friend” who gives witness through “The witness of those the new life of grace with baptism and another form, such as a book, which coming into the fullresonates in the heart of a reader. For then the fullness of Christian initiation example, I recall having met several peoin the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit ness of the Faith can ple over the years who were impacted by with confirmation and the Lord’s Body inspire us to see things and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. CateThomas Merton’s well-known spiritual autobiography The Seven Storey Mounchumens typically are initiated as Christhrough new eyes. In tain. Many others like Merton continue tians and enter the Catholic Church at a way, new Catholics the Easter Vigil. Other Christians who to accompany others even though they have already been baptized, known as may have gone home to God long ago. become the ones who In the same vein, the lives of the saints candidates, also often enter the full comaccompany us!” also continue to inspire. munion of the Catholic Church at the But along with these key friendships, Easter Vigil or during the Easter season, new Catholics often speak about specific although it is often fitting for them to do so at other times during the liturgical year. Candidates reasons which emerge from their journey. Why did you receive the sacraments of confirmation and Holy Eucharist become Catholic? “To be saved and go to heaven.” “To live following a formal profession of faith and reception into the a new life with and in Christ.” “To have my sins forgiven.” full communion of the Church.

“Because it is true.” “To receive Christ in the Eucharist.”

These are some of the profound reasons I have heard — As these new Catholics join us, let us thank God for them and continue to hear — from those who have traveled the and for His goodness to them. Let us continue to pray for remarkable spiritual road into the Catholic Church. them, welcome them, and be inspired by their witness to Catholics who have been Catholic for as long as they Christ, who is Lord!

4

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

5

s a i nt s

Apostles to the Slavs

By Megan Marley

H

ow many people can lay claim to developing an entire alphabet in a non-native tongue?

How about using that alphabet to translate

the liturgy, convert nations and have characters still in use more than 1,000 years later?

As fantastic as it seems, this is a legacy of two saintly brothers of Eastern Catholic Christianity: Cyril and Methodius.

Born into a prestigious Thessalonican family in the early 800s, Saints Cyril and Methodius renounced their wealth and status, joined a monastery in modern-day Istanbul and were ordained priests.

In 860, the pair were selected as missionaries to what is now Ukraine. Cyril and Methodius had much success there and were naturally top picks when the Byzantine emperor decided to honor a request for missionaries to preach in the neighboring country of Moravia (the Czech Republic today). This would be quite a challenge. Other missionaries from Germany had labored among the people for quite a while with little success, and the request for missionaries was partly political, as Slavic rulers were seeking independence from German influence and invasion.

But Cyril and Methodius were courageously dedicated to winning

Getty Images/JessAerons

Monument to Cyril and Methodius in Russia.

6

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

souls. In preparation for their mission, Cyril invented an alphabet for the Slavonic language they learned, and he and Methodius translated the Gospels and Divine Liturgy.

The pair arrived in Moravia in 863 and labored there for four and a half years with success.

However, the German clergy were suspicious they were schismatics with their free use of the vernacular, and the local bishop refused to consecrate Slavic bishops and priests. The missionaries were recalled to Rome.

In Rome, Cyril and Methodius were welcomed by newly elected Pope Adrian II. The pope became convinced of their orthodoxy, commended their missionary efforts and translation of the liturgy and ordained them bishops. Sadly, Cyril passed away in 869 before returning to the Slavs.

Methodius continued the mission alone for 16 years. He was appointed an archbishop over a large archdiocese. Losing territory and influence in Slavic lands, the German clergy repeatedly criticized and retaliated against Methodius, even having him exiled for three years and recalled to Rome another time to answer heresy charges. Throughout all this, Methodius humbly persevered in evangelizing, celebrating the Liturgy and translating the Bible and Church Fathers using his brother’s alphabet until his death in 884.

Despite suppression of Cyril and Methodius’ vernacular liturgy, their disciples continued to evangelize and establish schools using their alphabet. Over time, this alphabet morphed into what is known today as Cyrillic script.

Multiple Eastern European and Middle Eastern languages derive an alphabet from this script, particularly Russian.

The brothers’ joint feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is February 14.

FAI TH AT W O R K

“Taking the time to be kind in our interactions with others at work can make a big difference.”

FAITH at WORK

Photo by Megan Marley

T

he vast majority of the more than 1.5 million people employed in the Kansas City and St. Joseph

metropolitan areas work in secular industries. How is faith expressed by devoted Catholics working in our area banks, law firms, doctors’ offices, restaurants, farms or auto plants? This is “faith at work.”

er missed Mass. I attended elementary school at St. Francis Xavier and high school at Bishop LeBlond, both in St. Joseph. My wife Courtney attended school at Cathedral of St. Joseph and Bishop LeBlond High School. We both benefited from a Catholic education and try to share our strong faith with our children.

Q:

Is your Catholic faith part of your professional identity, either publicly or privately?

My colleagues know that I am Catholic and that I am involved in my parish.

They know that my wife and I value Catholic education and send our children to Cathedral of St. Joseph. They know that I use my electrical experience to help my parish.

A

PHILIP R. EIBERGER Electrician, IBEW Local 545

Q:

What has your faith journey been like?

I was born and raised Roman CathoA lic. My parents have a very strong faith that they passed on to me. Growing up, we prayed the Rosary every night and nev-

Q:

How do you express your faith in the professional setting?

It’s easy to find time during the day to say a quick prayer. Whether it’s before lunch, or anytime I want to ask God for help with the small problems that arise during the normal workday. I like

A

talking to God and the saints like they are right there with me when I’m working, just like you would if you were working right beside an actual person.

Q:

Does your Catholic faith influence your interactions and decisions throughout the workday?

My faith shows me how to be a good person which makes me a good colleague. Being kind, humble, honest and generous are all things that Jesus teaches.

Taking the time to be kind in our interactions with others at work can make a big difference.

We never know the burdens that others carry, and a little kindness goes a long way.

A

Q:

Is there a Bible verse, Scripture story, prayer, spiritual item or quote that you carry with you?

A

I try to thank God every night for the blessings he has given me and to give me another day to do his will.

Q:

Do you have a favorite saint or religious figure who you turn to in facing challenges at work?

Saint Joseph inspires me. His willingness to follow God’s will and his sacrifices in being a stepfather to Jesus show me what is possible. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of workers, which holds special meaning to me in my profession.

A

Philip is a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in St. Joseph.

7

using our re s o u r ce s w i se ly

St. Bridget Parish An enduring example of good stewardship

By Bridget Locke | Photos by Megan Marley

L

ast October — with Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. presiding at Mass, as well as current Pastor Father Curt Vogel and several former pastors serving as concelebrants — parishioners and well-wishers gathered to commemorate the sesquicentennial anniversary of St. Bridget Parish in Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Clearly, a 150-year legacy provides reason enough to celebrate; the number alone demonstrates longevity and tenacity. But a deeper dive into history uncovers more meaningful inspiration. Many acts of faith, hope and charity can unfold over a span of 54,750 days.

Mi ss ion and mo t i vat i o n The St. Bridget Parish story started in 1867, when Cass County, Mo., Catholic families — mostly Irish railroad workers — gathered monthly to celebrate Mass in one another’s homes.

Eventually, they desired a church in which to worship, so the men of their community consulted with Archbishop Peter Kenrick of the Archdiocese of St. Louis (where Cass County

8

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

learn more about St. Bridget Catholic Church

was then located) and requested that he purchase land for a structure. He obliged, and on May 13, 1868, the mission of the church was canonically established.

Construction commenced at South Jeffreys and Locust streets in Pleasant Hill and was completed in 1870. As the families stood witness in 1871, Bishop John J. Hogan of the Diocese of St. Joseph dedicated the church to Saint Bridget of

at stbridgetph. weconnect.com

Ireland (also known as Saint Bridget of Kildare). Saint Bridget, one of Ireland’s three major patron saints, was renowned for her leadership of the Irish people, generosity and devoted life of prayer and service to the Church.

The original church structure burned down in 1880, but this setback only strengthened the families’ motivation. They constructed and furnished a new brick building. In 1885, Bishop Hogan dedicated the new church.

S t e a d fa s t s t e wa r d s h i p Upgrades continued beyond the fire, and happened more frequently as years progressed. Particularly since the 1930s, parishioners have donated time, talent, pews, property, stateof-the-art instruments, substantial financial support and so much more. Remarkably, St. Bridget Parish has no substantial debt today. When the mortgage was paid off in 2017, parishioners declined to take on large-scale projects or hire more staff. Instead, they opted to save for a rainy-day fund and make improvements as needed and could be afforded.

Father Vogel, raised in Pleasant Hill and now serving as pastor of his home parish, recognizes this spirit of good stewardship from the past as well as the present.

“When I was young and Father expressed a need, St. Bridget’s parishioners simply did what was asked of them. As pastor, I have experienced the same. While I know this spirit of giving isn’t unique to us, I recognize how fortunate we are that people continue to step up.”

In his homily commemorating the parish’s anniversary, former pastor Monsignor Offutt similarly emphasized the importance of the parishioners: “That’s the glory of this place.

The gospel preached and the gospel lived ... people who had Jesus Christ so deep under their skin that they brought the Lord into every room they entered. For 150 years, St.

That’s the glory of this place. The gospel preached and the gospel lived ... people who had Jesus Christ so deep under their skin that they brought the Lord into every room they entered. For 150 years, St. Bridget [Parish] has been the seat and the scene of people who learned and taught what it means to be genuinely great and truly important.”

Bridget [Parish] has been the seat and the scene of people who learned and taught what it means to be genuinely great and truly important.”

When asked to offer thoughts about his (or any) parish’s key to longevity and good stewardship, Father Vogel carefully noted that devotion extends beyond financial support.

Everyone all in, he said. Share what you have as expressions of your love for God — and do so proactively.

“When priests make a plea, heed the call. But you don’t have to wait. Step out and ask what’s needed. Offering to help with RCIA, confirmation, any need ... It’s all meaningful.

Many Catholics want thriving parishes — something grand, in the solemn sense, because they want an atmosphere that helps them to encounter God. The Church needs people to give generously so that thriving parishes are possible.”

9

healing ou r fa m i ly

WITH PARISH’S HELP,

FAMILY HEALS

By Marty Denzer Photos by Megan Marley

10

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

F

or months, Darryl Norton and his family woke daily to sadness and uncertainty. St. Louis Parish stepped up to help.

Darryl’s father served as a security guard for St. Louis and St. Monica Parishes for more than 30 years. He also did maintenance work for St. Louis Parish. Darryl often helped his dad when he could and, over the years, grew to know and love the parish.

Growing up, Darryl’s relationship with his father was distant, he recalled, but his maternal grandparents filled the gap: “They more or less raised me, always there for me.”

He joined the Navy in 1990, serving in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the first excursion of his four-year tour. “My dad had been in the military, and I followed a similar path. Later, he experienced PTSD and gave God credit for helping him get past it. My dad ended up being Catholic. Yeah, religion has always been a part of my life.”

In spring of 2020, Darryl thought life was pretty good — he, his wife, Dawne, and their four sons were content. Then, in May, “on the edge of Covid-19,” an “unfair landlord” scammed them out of $3,800 rent paid, claiming their rent had not been received and evicted them. Homeless, the family was forced to stay in a hotel and borrow living expenses from his father.

The older man had suffered several episodes of pneumonia and his health was deteriorating. Darryl helped him as much as he could.

Around that time, his mother, a nursing home resident, was hospitalized, but no one let him know. Darryl was used to talking to her every day. When he heard nothing for two days, he demanded answers. Much to his dismay, he then learned of her hospitalization.

Due to Covid restrictions, Darryl couldn’t visit her, but he could talk to her on the phone daily. In July, the hospital arranged a video call so he could be with his mom during her last moments. “She was still cognizant,” he said. “She knew what was happening. It was distressing that I couldn’t be with her in person when she died.”

His mother’s was the first of 11 family funerals over the next 13 months.

Darryl said that despite the stress, worry and sorrow of those months, he tried to stay calm and not ashamed to ask for help.

In its Mutually Shared Vision, the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph has prioritized “tending wounds and healing our family.” As Bishop Johnston noted in a 2019 blog post about Vision priorities, “It is striking … how much of Jesus’ public ministry was … healing.”

The Norton family’s wounds needed tending and the late Marilyn Hardy, longtime St. Louis Parish pastoral associate, had just what they needed to heal.

With the parish’s backing, she offered them a home in the unoccupied rectory for as long as they needed it. Darryl would help his father full-time, and Dawne could work in the parish office and help Darryl clean the food pantry. They accepted gladly.

“St. Louis has always been there for me, physically and spiritually. ... there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this parish.”

Darryl’s father died not long after he started work at St. Louis Parish. Now the son provides parish security and maintenance, again following his father’s path.

“St. Louis has always been there for me, physically and spiritually. I’m not Catholic, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this parish. Right now, I’m getting ready to paint inside the church. The support my wife has received is priceless. Best of all, Dawne and I have discovered that helping older folks gives us more pleasure than we ever imagined.”

God always has a plan for us, Darryl said, “I am very thankful to be here!”

11

To s e rv e a n d to l i f t

SIMON COULD NOT

BE A

LEAVE. HE COULD NOT LET JESUS FACE

SIMON

THIS WITHOUT KNOWING THERE WAS SOMEONE ON HIS SIDE, SOMEONE FEELING THE PAIN OF HIS DEATH TOO.

By Brigette Chirpich

D

O YOU KNOW SIMON? This isn’t a movie starring a recalcitrant

teen. This isn’t a rock singer crooning for millions of dollars. This isn’t even about the apostles. This is about the guy on the sidelines; any person on the sidelines.

Simon of Cyrene is the man gazing in horror from the side of the pathway when Jesus passed by carrying the cross. Many people lined the pathway. Many people were jeering, gawking, yelling condemnations. Some people were crying, praying, quietly supporting the person they saw as the Son of God, as he carried the unbearable cross to his death. What was Simon thinking? Did he feel the same as the mean-spirited onlookers? Did he feel sympathy for Jesus? Was he a believer?

Does it matter now?

The Roman soldiers plucked Simon from the street to carry the cross for Jesus. They recognized Jesus was weak and might not be able to make the rest of the journey. They had to do it; they couldn’t let Jesus die on the path to Golgotha.

As Simon moved forward, hesitantly, he gently pulled the cross from Jesus’ shoulders and transferred the burden to his own back. The load was not light, but manageable because Simon was strong, able-bodied and had fresh strength Jesus did not have. Simon had not been beaten into submission, as Jesus had. He had not been tortured to gain a confession of sins, as Jesus had. Simon had food in his belly and slept in his home, unlike Jesus. He could bear this load for a while and let Jesus regain some strength.

Simon realized the pain Jesus was feeling. He could smell the fear and pain on Jesus as he carried his cross. He smelled it, he felt it. He also saw the resolve of Jesus to see this crucifixion

12

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

through to the end. He admired the compassion in Jesus’ face. Even in the shadow of his own death, Jesus showed empathy to the people in the crowd. It was as if he was trying to absorb their sins and their pains into his body. Simon had never experienced such heartfelt concern for another person.

Leaving Jesus with the cross in Golgotha is a memory Simon carried for the rest of his life. He had to leave Jesus to the fate written for him. Simon could no longer shoulder that burden. Jesus was thankful for the help but truly determined to finish the task. Simon could not leave. He could not let Jesus face this without knowing there was someone on his side, someone feeling the pain of his death, too.

Simon’s beliefs before he was foisted into the crucifixion story are simply moot. The experience of shouldering Jesus’ burden changed Simon.

How do we know this? Because he stayed. He became part of the crucifixion story because he stayed. History recorded him because he stayed.

This version of the Simon of Cyrene story is an amalgamation of various Bible stories and histories. Feelings and imagination play into the story, and they may not be wholly accurate, but feelings are rarely recorded in history. Even so, it is not disputed that Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus’ burden for a while.

We do not need to solve all the problems of the world, nor can we. We can step up and pick up someone’s burden for a while. We can show empathy, feel their fear, understand their resolve and give them time to gain strength. We can support someone in need. We can stay.

It is not always in our plans to be a Simon. At times, we are thrust into the role by life’s circumstances. Other times, we drive by the opportunities and miss the chance to be a Simon and shoulder a load while a friend in need gathers strength.

Think about it, look for it. There is an abundance of opportunities in our world for you to be a Simon.

Learn how you can shoulder the load for someone in need at catholiccharities-kcsj.org.

13

c ov e r s to ry

‘Come, 14

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

Prayer, passion and performance combine to bring Stations of the Cross alive for KC audiences for more than 35 years

walk with me’ Stations: A Musical Dramaturgy is a musical performance following the Stations of the Cross through the stories of modern-day people.

15

c ov e r s to ry

N a r r at o r : J e s u s s p e a k s .

JESUS: What is a moment? In a lifetime full of moments, have you ever stopped to see all that is in a moment? If we stop at a moment, we stop at a station. These are the last 14 stations of my life on earth. It is my life, but it is your life, too. I will walk with you so that my way of the cross 2,000 years ago and yours now are one. But remember, my cross can become your crown. My walk can become your dance. Don’t be afraid. Come …. Come walk with me.

Cherie Brown (L) as Mary and Dominico Nguyen (R) as a soldier sharing his story with Jesus (foreground).

WHAT’S A “DRAMATURGY?” The art or technique of dramatic composition and theatrical representation.

16

My daughter Amy was dancing in it when I saw it for the first time, and I cried through half of it — particularly the scenes with Mary and Jesus. I fell in love with it.”

When Tim McCray returned to Kansas City after finishing college, he was immediately drawn to the Theatre at Vis ministry and the opportunity to marry two of his passions — musical theater and his growing love for the Catholic faith.

Tim began providing technical support on lighting, sound and set design for Theatre at Vis productions. It also happened to bring Sandie and Tim together — leading to their marriage to each other in 1987.

As Paul’s expertise and notoriety grew, he elected to take his career in other directions, which also would take him out of Kansas City. Tim had proven himself worthy to take over Paul’s role as director, so a new legacy for Stations and Theatre at Vis began.

Stations: A Musical Dramaturgy premiered in 1984 at Kansas City’s Music Hall as an original production by Paul Novosel, the liturgist and music director for Risen Christ Parish, formerly located at Benton Blvd. and Paseo Blvd.

The entire cast was composed of Black actors portraying modern-day characters like doctors, police officers, lawyers and nurses, with a storyline that follows the Stations of the Cross.

The following year, Stations followed Paul to a new position as music director at Visitation Parish in Kansas City. In his second year at Vis, to bring the story to a broader audience, he chose to take the performance on tour and share with church communities in the diocese. Over the next several years, Paul continued to direct Stations and established Theatre at Vis, a theatrical ministry that also included a summer musical put on by children.

Several of Sandie McCray’s children performed or grew up watching performances The 2008 cast of Stations looks on as Andrea Elliott performs as a character based on Veronica, the woman who wiped Jesus' face.

by Theatre at Vis, including Stations.

“I think of Theatre at Vis as a ministry.

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

Tim and Sandie McCray credit their strong belief in the ministry of Theatre at Vis for its longevity.

With Sandie by his side and fully committed to carry on the Theatre at Vis ministry, the couple embarked on a 35-year (and counting!) mission to bring the story of the Stations of the Cross to life each year during Lent.

“Theater at Vis brought us together,” Sandie reflects. “If we didn’t have a shared belief in the ministry, it never would have lasted this long.”

Today, Stations holds auditions each January at Visitation Parish, open to anyone in the community. The cast is made up of adults as well as high school and middle school age actors. An ideal cast size is 21, as Tim explains, with four groups of five actors — plus Jesus.

“This [Stations] is a prayer first and foremost,” Tim explains.

“We always strive for a solid performance, but that’s not the most important thing. It’s a beautiful prayer we share with the congregation.”

Theater at Vis has performed Stations in almost every church in the Kansas City area — Catholic as well as other denominations — and has gone on the road to perform in Lawrence, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Columbia and St. Louis, Mo. The cast must perform on a brand-new stage at each church, which adds a unique complexity, requiring them to review and adjust “blocking” (where the actors stand and how they interact with each other in a performance) for each new venue.

The entire cast and artistic team commit to the ministry and to spreading the message of Jesus’ Passion and death, even more so than the performance. Through the hours of rehearsals and performances, prayer is a central part of the experience for the actors, crew and directors.

“Right before every performance, the entire team circles up just outside the sanctuary and we pray, ending with a couple of verses of VISIT ‘Amazing Grace,’” Tim says. “It helps catholickey.org to ground us in the reason we do this for more from — it’s not just a performance, it’s about our discussion with the message.”

Tim and Sandie Delivering the story of Jesus’ PasMcCray, including sion and death through musical the moving theater brings a new opportunity to experiences of engage the audience in journeying some of the actors with Christ. who performed in Stations.

“It’s like the old saying, ‘Singing is

“It’s like the old saying, ‘singing is praying twice.’

Stations is an opportunity to hear the message at a different level.”

— SANDIE MCCRAY

praying twice.’ Stations is an opportunity to hear the message at a different level,” Sandie explains. “So many people have an idea of the rite of Stations of the Cross, and we love bringing that to life in a different way that is still based in ritual with characters that the audiences can relate to in a more contemporary sense.”

March 2020 brought a new challenge for Stations. With a global pandemic looming, the Theatre at Vis Facebook page delivered the difficult news, a first in its long history: “In consideration of what is best for public health in our community, the 2020 Stations tour is postponed until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will continue to monitor the situation and hope to be able to resume performances in a couple of weeks. Please take care of yourselves and those around you and pray for a resolution to this virus soon.”

Tim and Sandie are hopeful that Stations can make a return to the KC area for Lent 2022. Watch for updates @TheatreatVis on Facebook or on their website: www.theatreatvis.org.

17

ayActive Active ay

St. Anthony’s Senior residents and their pet companions love to stroll the beautiful walking around the secure, campus.

St. Anthony’s Senior LivingLiving residents and their pet companions love to stroll the beautiful walking pathspaths around the secure, gatedgated campus.

Discover thriving lifestyle Anthony’s Senior Living, Discover aa thriving lifestyle atat St.St. Anthony’s Senior Living, a Catholic retirement community ering best-in-class Independent Living, a Catholic retirement community offoff ering best-in-class Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood.

Assisted Living, and Memory Care in in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood.

St. Anthony’s a gated, resort-style community St. Anthony’s is a isgated, resort-style community designed for residents of 62 years and better—perfect designed for residents of 62 years and better—perfect for those to pursue an active, healthy, for those whowho wishwish to pursue an active, healthy, andand spiritual of life.

“Here, wellness is woven spiritual wayway of life.

“Here, wellness is woven intointo everything we do, and you have complete control everything we do, and you have complete control overover of activity.

We’re to help enjoy youryour levellevel of activity.

We’re herehere to help youyou enjoy aging, stay active and remain connected, ” says aging, stay active and remain connected,” says LifeLife Enrichment Director Caitlin Soule.

Enrichment Director Caitlin Soule. provide a wide range of optional self-care services We We provide a wide range of optional self-care services to help mentally physically fit: Choose to help youyou staystay mentally andand physically fit: Choose from massage, fitness classes, salon services, from massage, fitness classes, andand salon services, as as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies. well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

St.omas Thomas More Wellness Center is situated St. Th More Wellness Center is situated comfortably indoors, all under one roof, preventing comfortably indoors, all under one roof, preventing inclement weather from cancelling workout. inclement weather from cancelling youryour workout.

Additionally, a weekly Additionally, youyou willwill looklook youryour bestbest withwith a weekly appointment at All Saints Salon & Spa. appointment at All Saints Salon & Spa.

e community offtranquil ers tranquil courtyards, walking TheTh community offers courtyards, walking paths, gardens with ornate fountains and sitting areas paths, gardens with ornate fountains and sitting areas which provide additional space to connect which provide youyou withwith additional space to connect family, friends To keep mentally withwith family, friends andand pets.pets.

To keep youyou mentally sharp, curl up with a favorite book from the shared sharp, curl up with a favorite book from the shared library, attend a painting in the Enrichment library, attend a painting classclass in the LifeLife Enrichment Studio, or play a game with friends and family Studio, or play a game with friends and family in ain a myriad of common areas. attend daily Mass myriad of common areas.

YouYou cancan attend daily Mass in in St. Anthony’s Chapel Resident Priests meet St. Anthony’s Chapel withwith Resident Priests andand meet friends at daily happy hour in St. Peter’s Pub. Savor friends at daily happy hour in St. Peter’s Pub. Savor every meal delicious dining options in the five-star every meal withwith delicious dining options in the five-star St. Elizabeth’s Bistro.

Partake in a continental breakfast St. Elizabeth’s Bistro. Partake in a continental breakfast Monday through Saturday, chef-prepared meals Monday through Saturday, chef-prepared meals for for lunch dinner, a champagne brunch every lunch andand dinner, andand a champagne brunch every Sunday.

Sunday.

Why alone when be surrounded by friendly, Why livelive alone when youyou cancan be surrounded by friendly, new neighbors and caring staff to support you in your new neighbors and caring staff to support you in your

,

Ask us about our $3,000 move-in bonus** Look and feel your best with a weekly appointment at All Saints Salon & Spa.

own private residence? There are many living options to choose from: Independent Living residents select from five spacious floor plans to suit their unique needs. Apartments include either one or two bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining and living areas. Your monthly fee includes all utilities, cable, internet, 24/7 concierge services, underground parking, numerous special events and a variety of entertainment.

Should you ever need to move from Independent to Assisted Living or Memory Care, the dedicated staff at St. Anthony’s Senior Living will make the transition smooth for you and your family. Regardless of your independence level, all apartments are move-in ready and built to accommodate your personal belongings so you will feel right at home.

Call 816.846.2240 today to schedule your personal tour or visit StAnthonysKC.com to view our lifestyle video. **Limited time offer. Call for details.

Ready to learn more? Browse all resident floor plans, download our brochure, and view our lifestyle video at StAnthonysKC.com.

Come stay, play, and pray with us at St. Anthony’s Senior Living, where we nourish mind, body, and soul.

1000 E. 68th Street Kansas City, MO 64131

Connect with new friends while enjoying fresh air and sunshine on spacious patios.

StAnthonysKC LIC#048744

growing Go d’s fa m i ly

The grace of God and the Rosary

By Megan Marley

G

od’s grace works in mysterious ways, especially when Our Lady gets involved, as Lucas Carey could tell you. More than three years ago, he sat in jail looking at a seven-year

prison sentence for domestic violence and was ready to go back to “a life of sin and depravity” as soon as he got out.

Then the Rosary happened.

‘I HAD A LOT OF QUESTIONS’ Though raised Presbyterian, Lucas was functionally an atheist when he graduated from high school. By 19, he was homeless and doing drugs in California.

“But it was actually out in California that I started believing in God,” Lucas said. “It was a really strange event, but I don’t know that without it I would be believing in God at this point.”

Vibing to Bob Marley’s song “Jah Live” while working in a plant nursery, he suddenly felt caught up in light and was struck by a “thunderous voice that said, ‘I AM your God; you have denied me your whole life and you will know my name.’

“I was stuck there in the middle of what I was doing, tears just running down my face ... I had to take an early lunch break in order to gather myself,” Lucas recounted.

“This was before I knew anything about the Bible. I had a lot of questions ... What if Jesus was a real person and what would that mean? What it all meant, his death on the cross — it’s insanity! But from there, I still kept going down a bad path.”

COMING HOME TO COMMUNION During the 2021 Easter Vigil, more than 210 catechumens and candidates entered the Catholic Church within our diocese. While there isn’t a final tally for 2022 yet, we do know that this year’s converts will be entering a final intense stretch of prayer and discernment following liturgies known as the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion. This year’s Rites of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion will take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 6 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in St. Joseph. Be sure to keep our catechumens and candidates in your prayers!

20

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

‘IT WAS A NECKLACE, AS FAR AS I KNEW’ Interestingly, Our Lady had lassoed Lucas during his time on the streets.

“I was homeless for quite awhile and people were always giving out rosaries — almost throughout the entire time I was homeless I had a rosary somewhere on me. I didn’t know what it was, I didn’t know how to pray, I really just thought it was a necklace, as far as I knew,” Lucas said.

After a couple of years of rough living, Lucas ended up back in Kansas City and in trouble with the law.

“The night before I went to jail, I had gotten this rosary at a thrift store that was actually broken. So I was like, ‘OK I’ll give the rosary a home, I’ll fix it up,’” he recalled. “I wanted to pray the Rosary. I don’t know why.”

“I knew that it consisted of Our Fathers and Hail Marys, but I didn’t know how to say a Hail Mary … I said like this half of a Hail Mary, and I ran through the entire broken Rosary,” Lucas said. “I fixed it wrong, too, now that I look back at it — I had a decade hanging off where your three Hail Marys are supposed to be. Then I went to jail.”

L e ar n mo r e What is the Legion of Mary? Learn more about this lay association devoted to Our Lady and its activity in our diocese on CatholicKey.org: “To Jesus through Mary: Legion of Mary Celebrates 100 years”

‘A GREAT FIRST STEP ’ In that jail, rosaries and other potential strangle hazards are not allowed. But religious pamphlets are.

A fellow inmate had a collection of religious materials and gave Lucas a copy of the Legion of Mary’s daily prayers, which included instructions on how to pray the Rosary.

“I started reading the Bible when I was there, but I never had a formal prayer life,” Lucas said. “It’s really hard to structure your own prayer life, so the Rosary is kind of a great first step.

It was like, here’s the structure, take it, it’s already formed!”

To aid in praying, Lucas took a strip of bed sheet and tied a couple of knots in it to keep count. He still has that reminder today.

“I kind of took to heart that quote from Saint Paul, “with fear and trembling work out your own salvation.” I started journaling and everybody in there thought it was pretty much day and night with me ... Mary flipped a switch on her side: things that I would have normally done all of a sudden seemed extremely wrong.”

As Lucas got more engaged in his faith life, “Father Mike (Roach) helped me out; he came to visit me in jail and then when I got out I was on house arrest, and he came to visit me a couple times.”

Lucas recalls Father Mike “Conversion is thought he was already Catholic, since he had knowledge of a long process the faith from reading books and it’s a deep in jail, and invited him to St. process. I’m still James Parish: “After I got off house arrest, I started coming far from perfect, to daily Mass.” but Mary is so Lucas finally entered the happy to bring Church and received his First Communion on February 9, me along.”

2020, and was Confirmed in March 2021. He’s also an active member of the Legion of Mary and helps assemble homeless care packages that include a welcoming flier for St. James Parish, plus a rosary and instructions on how to pray it.

“Conversion is a long process, and it’s a deep process.

I’m still far from perfect, but Mary is so happy to bring me along,” he concluded.

“Just the other day, I was looking back at where I was and thinking, ‘How is this even possible?’ I was on the streets in California, homeless, shooting up dope; and I was the hardest atheist in the world. I mean how is this possible, it makes no sense! The grace of God, you know, it’s absolutely incredible.”

21

par e nti n g

You belong to Him W

hen my children were born, I brought each of them to my

chest and whispered in their ear: “God loves you. You belong to Him.” It was my little way to recognize in their first moments, I was their mother, but they were not mine. My children belonged to God. God’s plans for their life should come first — no matter what.

It is not an easy idea to live up to as a parent.

My four children are ages 7 to 16. Each of them is different and challenging to raise as God intended. It is a balance between teaching them what is acceptable and right to get along in the world and allowing them to be who they are, even when it doesn’t make sense to me.

It speaks to something about parenting (and faith) that I think is easy to forget — God’s ways are not our ways and God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. (Is 55:8-9) I get inspiration in Holy Scripture from Saint Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. A quick recap of her parenting story: She wanted a baby for the longest time and couldn’t have one. When she finally got pregnant, her husband was struck speechless (literally). The boy was born, but he was — different. He did not wear regular clothes; lived in the desert; and ate locusts. Surely, Elizabeth shed tears of frustration and fear over his choices. Why couldn’t he just be a nice Temple priest like his father?

But this was the child the angel said to call John, meaning God’s grace. This child leapt in her womb when Mary arrived — recognizing the unborn savior.

Different was right.

Giving John over to God’s plans instead of her own must have been hard for Elizabeth — but she did it. We know because John was free to become the renegade prophet who wore camel’s hair and called on people to repent. God used John to baptize Jesus.

22

As parents, our challenge is to guide our children in the truth of Christ and the Church to the best of our ability, but we must not hold them too tightly. When our children come up with ideas that do not make sense to us and want to follow paths we would not choose, we are right to remember they are not ours.

They belong to God. The words I whispered in my children’s ear at their birth were not my promise to them.

They were my promise to God. To trust them to him — no matter what. This trust is not easy. It gets harder with every passing year.

Like Elizabeth, we are charged to give over our thoughts and plans so God’s grace can show us the beauty of his ways.

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

K a re n Ri d d e r is a parishioner at St. James Parish in Liberty and a convert to the Catholic faith. She graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has written for numerous publications in the Kansas City area. Karen and her husband Jeff have three sons and a daughter.

m ar r i ag e

Marriage and the cross:

With God all things are possible

W

hat does a married couple do when they

can’t go on living together as husband and wife? Does the Church have something to say about this?

There are many causes that lead to separation. Abuse in the home is a situation where the victim should get help immediately to protect her or himself and any children in the home. Short of physical or emotional abuse, other bad situations like adultery may also call for a time of separation, for which Church law provides a provision so that spouses can have time to repair trust and heal wounds (see Canon 1151 ff.) without having to divorce. Of course, legal separation is sometimes necessary in difficult situations to protect the rights of the parent responsible for care of the children.

Can anything be done once divorce occurs? Is it ever possible for a couple actively seeking divorce (or already divorced) to find reconciliation for their marriage?

The Christian solution lies in what may seem too simple an answer: Jesus.

When both spouses approach Jesus together, the healing encounter can make what seems impossible, possible for God. Paradoxically this is revealed in the Gospel episode where Jesus makes marriage a sacrament. (see Matthew 19: 3-12). Marriage is a complicated and risky endeavor. The apostles can see it clearly when Jesus teaches that, “What

Getty Images/FatCamera

God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Matthew 19:6) They make a serious objection to this new teaching from Jesus on the indissolubility or permanence of marriage in their reply, “if such is the case of a man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry (Matthew 19:10). When pressed on the permanence of marriage, Jesus doesn’t back down. Instead, he pressed into their objection.

Jesus provides grace in abundance through the Seven sacraments, and Holy Matrimony is no exception. Jesus enters our fallen situation. But he does not bring a superficial or mechanical sal-

Since 1977, Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-Vi) has been working to help couples who want to try to reconcile to do so in a life-giving and Christian way. The name Retrouvaille is French for “rediscovery,” as it was started in French-speaking Canada. Today, this ministry is present throughout the world and in the Kansas City area, recently receiving a Papal Decree from Vatican City for its work. Read more at retrokc.com.

“If they choose to, Christian couples can take up their crosses together, and only this makes a grace-filled, lifelong marriage truly possible; the redemptive power of the Cross.” vation. He comes to redeem everything about our lives and certainly doesn’t leave marriage out of his great work of redemption.

This is the meaning of the cross which has the power to overcome sin and death. Every married couple faces significant challenges from the world and its many hardships. Christian couples are called to realize that their spouse is not perfect, and that forgiveness is required throughout the years.

In fact, this is the heart of discipleship, to deny oneself, take up one’s cross and follow Jesus. If they choose to, Christian couples can take up their crosses together. Only this makes a grace-filled, lifelong marriage truly possible: the redemptive power of the Cross.

Di n o Dur a n do is director of the Office of Domestic Church and Discipleship and Office of Marriage and Family Life.

He and his wife, Cathy, are raising 10 children in the Catholic faith.

23

c ult u r e

Pre-gaming the penitential season with … pancakes?

As the last hurrah before the penitential season of Lent, Catholics in past centuries would use up animal products (eggs and milk included) before the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence. Pancakes are perfect for using up large quantities of these ingredients!

In some parts of the world, this tradition continues in the form of pancake races, where Papal syrup! competitors must flip a pancake in a skillet several times while running to the finish line.

But in my house, puff pancakes are the order of the day.

Puff pancakes are flat, steam-risen cakes similar to a popover. They are a versatile base for either a sweet or savory meal. Plus they are a tasty allegory for one of the sins I have a problem with: pride. Just as these pancakes puff up with steam and fall if you open the oven too soon, I can get puffed up with pride and take on more than I can really handle — only for everything to fall apart prematurely.

With both puff pancakes and pride, it takes patience in seeing results and humble recognition that everything will turn out fine if we let go.

What does the Pope eat his pancakes with?

Puff Pancakes Oven puff pancake • • • •

⅔ cup flour ⅔ cup milk 4 eggs 4 Tbsp. butter

Sweet version topping: • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon • ⅛ cup apple or other fruit, diced finely • ⅛ cup quick oats

Savory version topping: • • • • •

By Megan Marley

hile many know the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday as Mardi Gras, another name is Shrove Tuesday (since one would go to confession to be “shriven” of sins) or Pancake Day.

24

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. thyme 1 tsp. chives ½ tsp. black pepper 3 Tbsp. parmesan shreds

PREHEAT the oven to 450° F with a cast iron skillet inside; combine topping mix of choice. Once the skillet is fully preheated, melt butter in the skillet while it is still in the oven. Beat flour, milk and eggs together and quickly pour the batter into the hot skillet, sprinkle with topping and return to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes — DO NOT open the oven during baking or the puff pancake will deflate.

SERVE sweet version with cream cheese, fruit, maple syrup and powdered sugar, or savory version with scrambled eggs, sauteed mushrooms and bacon.

Nati o nal Headlines R o u nd u p

At the beginning of December 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, concerning Mississippi’s ban on most abortions after 15 weeks. The court will consider whether all bans on elective abortions are unconstitutional or if states can ban pre-viability abortions. More can be found at CatholicNewsAgency.com, and at PrayForDobbs.com.

In November 2021, Netflix aired a new documentary called “Procession.” The film facilitates drama therapy for six survivors of clergy sexual abuse and was filmed primarily in Kansas City. The healing initiative Journey to Bethany has hosted a series of community conversations to provide a safe space and structure for the public to converse about the film and the thoughts and feelings it brings up, along with providing counseling professionals. Learn more at JourneyToBethany.org/ conversations.

What happened to Mary after the Ascension of Jesus into heaven? A documentary made by Kansas City natives Bill Quatman and Shannon Knopke looks into the final chapters of her life with interviews and on-location filming in Ephesus, Turkey. Watch the free video at EphesusFoundationUSA.org/ documentary.

The Catholic Church is adding to the list of canonized saints this spring. Blessed Charles de Foucald, a French soldier turned Trappist monk and Catholic missionary to Muslims in Algeria; Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, a convert from Hinduism martyred for the faith; and five others will be canonized May 15. Learn more on VaticanNews.va or on CatholicNewsAgency.com.

t o re a d mo re n e w s

visit kcsjcatholic.org/news and catholickey.org/news

25

e n e l ca mi n o

Convertirse en Católico

E

D e l O bi s p o El obispo James V. Johnston, Jr. es el séptimo obispo de la Diócesis de Kansas City-St. Joseph

stoy fascinado por las historias de aquellos que buscan entrar en la Iglesia Católica. Las historias son tan únicas como los mismos individuos. Algunas historias comparten rasgos comunes, otras están fuera de lo ordinario, y cada una en su propia manera, es bastante notable. Y mientras vemos los reportes y

escuchamos las historias de aquellos que han dejado de vivir su fe Católica, o aun que la han abandonado completamente, es importante hacer notar las muchas personas que cada año son atraídas por la Iglesia Católica. Puede que no estén conscientes, pero tienen mucho que enseñarnos con su testimonio.

Como obispo, me gustaría de alguna manera incluir en nuestra recordar, pueden algunas veces dar por sentado o pasar por reunión a alguien que se está convirtiendo al Catolicismo y alto la belleza de nuestra fe y cuan bendecidos somos por ella.

Entonces ahí interviene el efecto del escándalo. Los pecados y preguntarle, “¿Qué lo llevó a entrar en la Iglesia Católica?”. Muy las debilidades de miembros de la Iglesia pueden obscurecer la a menudo, hay alguien más involucrado que lo ayudó. A menudo Iglesia y a veces nos descorazonan. El testimonio de aquellos es una esposa o una prometida. La belleza del amor matrimonial que se acercan a la plenitud de la Fe puede inspirarnos a ver a menudo abre el camino para otra relación, la relación con Dios. las cosas a través de nuevos ojos. En cierto modo, ¡los nuevos Algunas veces, como es el caso de los estudiantes universitarios, Católicos se transforman en los que nos acompañan! es un compañero de habitación o un grupo de buenos amigos quienes hacen lo mismo. El año pasado, conocí familias que A través de nuestra diócesis y alrededor del mundo, la Cuaresma marca un tiempo para la preparación final para se convirtieron en Católicas porque se enamoraron a través de la experiencia de los niños en una escuela Católica. Y muy a muchos que se están preparando para recibir los sacramentos por menudo, es un “amigo” que da testimonio a través de cualquier primera vez. Aquellos que no están bautizados se conocen como otra forma, como por ejemplo un libro, catecúmenos, esperan recibir la nueva que hace eco en el corazón del lector. Por vida de la gracia con el bautizo y luego “El testimonio de aquellos ejemplo, recuerdo haber conocido varias con la plenitud de la iniciación Cristiana personas en el transcurso de los años que en la confirmación con la efusión total del que se acercan a la han sido impactadas por la autobiografía Espíritu Santo, y el Cuerpo y la Sangre plenitud de la Fe puede del Señor en la Sagrada Eucaristía. Los espiritual de Thomas Merton, La Montaña de los Siete Círculos. Muchos otros como catecúmenos típicamente se inician como inspirarnos a ver las cosas Merton continúan acompañando a otras Cristianos y entran a la Iglesia Católica a través de nuevos ojos. En personas, aunque se hayan ido a la casa en la Vigilia Pascual. Otros Cristianos de Dios hace mucho tiempo. En la misma que ya se han bautizado, conocidos como cierto modo, ¡los nuevos línea, la vida de los santos continúa candidatos, a menudo también entran Católicos se transforman inspirando a otras personas. a la comunión completa con la Iglesia Sin embargo, junto con esas amistades Católica en la Vigilia Pascual o durante en los que nos acompañan!” claves, los nuevos Católicos a menudo la temporada Pascual, aunque a menudo hablan de razones específicas que emergen les conviene hacerlo en otras ocasiones de su viaje. ¿Por qué se hizo usted Católico? “Para salvarme e ir durante el año litúrgico. Los candidatos reciben los sacramentos al cielo, “Para vivir una nueva vida unida con y en Cristo”, “Para de la confirmación y la Santa Eucaristía después de una profesión que mis pecados sean perdonados”, “Porque es verdad”, “Para formal de fe y la recepción en la plena comunión de la Iglesia. recibir a Cristo en la Eucaristía”. He escuchado algunas razones A medida que estos nuevos Católicos se unen a nosotros, profundas y continúo escuchando a aquellos que han transitado debemos agradecer a Dios por ellos y por Su bondad hacia el importante camino espiritual hacia la Iglesia Católica. ellos. Continuemos rezando por ellos, démosles la bienvenida, e inspirémonos en sus testimonios de Cristo, que es el Señor.

Personas que han sido Católicas por tanto tiempo como pueden

26

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

27

evangelization

Evangelization through

friendship and service C

ould you live on a salary of $2,600 to$4,000, or even $8,700, annually?

The Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota,

created by the 1889 Act which officially opened the Unassigned Lands to white settlers under tenets of the Homestead Act, is the eighth-largest U.S. reservation and one of the poorest. The Black Hills location encompasses more than 5,000 square miles where about 20,000 Oglala Lakota Sioux subsist in generational poverty.

28

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

By Marty Denzer Photos courtesy of Jim Grechus

For years, parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in St. Joseph worked to alleviate what they could of the poverty and hopelessness inherent in the reservation.

Jim Grechus, one of the parishioners, took a class in travel studies through Missouri Western University, learning “about our heritage through the stories of Native Americans.” About 25 years ago, several other parishioners became interested in Pine Ridge Reservation and its people, wanting to reach out to befriend, help and comfort as Our Lady of Guadalupe would.

They formed a Faith in Action ministry team facilitated by parish Pastoral Associate Kathy Powers and Grechus.

The team began collecting food, necessities like bedding and coats and monetary contributions for utility assistance.

Several times a year, they would load large U-Haul trucks

and drive to the reservation, intending to build relationships and show solidarity with the Lakota and distribute the food and other goods.

While there, they got to know and befriend many of the Lakota residents and hear their stories.

They shared food and exchanged thoughts on many topics. They found that the Lakota were very respectful to each other and those who had something would give to friends and family who had nothing.

When the team departed Pine Ridge, they promised to return, a promise they kept for more than 20 years. “Over time, they learned to trust us,” Grechus said.

When, in early 2020, Covid-19 made inroads on people’s lives, the ministry team had a decision to make. Although the desire to stay connected to the reservation remained strong, some members had dropped out and some had other commitments.

Grechus’ wife had died. Perhaps it was time to continue the connection differently.

Grechus was acquainted with several local business leaders and, through them, began networking throughout the St. Joseph community and beyond to secure sources for food, furniture and bedding, warm clothes and school supplies for the families in Pine Ridge. He said a rancher in the region donates two steers twice a year to provide meat for the reservation. Word of mouth was the catalyst for other businesses and individuals to donate nonperishable foods, warm coats, hats and gloves, blankets, furniture and bedding and school and art supplies.

Powers organized a parish Angel Tree. Each angel listed a man or woman, boy or girl, age, size and one or two items they wished for. Powers interested parishioner Carrie Murphy, who in turn got her son, Elliott, a sophomore at Bishop LeBlond High School, on board.

Elliott and some friends organized two fundraisers — a “pay-to-not-shave” and a “pay to wear non-sanctioned LeBlond apparel,” to school. With the proceeds, he recruited friends at LeBlond, two area public high schools and Kansas City’s St. Pius X High School to shop for children and teenagers at the reservation.

The gifts purchased included a “fun” present, warm hats, gloves, sweat suits, sweatshirts and 87 blankets. Carrie said families gave excess gifts to extended family members or friends.

Powers said of the ministry, “The holiest thing we know is God becoming human and coming to dwell among us. Any time we can enter another culture, we need to enter that holy ground with dignity and respect for the people. We need to remember that God was present there long before we arrived. We go to that holy ground not only with charity but also practicing the virtue of solidarity, which means learning the story of other people and finding ways to share our own. With solidarity, there is understanding and hope for the future.”

Grechus, the teens and some adults plan to return to Pine Ridge this summer and continue building trust, friendship and solidarity — evangelizing through service.

Pine Ridge residents and members of the Faith in Action team smile for the camera.

“With solidarity, there is understanding and hope for the future.”

29

co me h o m e to co mm u n i o n

“I

t is not the time of your judgment, but of our judgment: a time to choose

what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what

Fat h e r S t e ve H a n s e n

is necessary from what is not.”

is pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Mary Parish in St. Joseph.

These words from Pope Francis and the rainy portico of St. Peter’s in Rome are still etched in my mind. This March 2020 special Urbi et Orbi speaks to us of the many difficulties with Covid-19 and its variants. They are not a time of God’s judgment on us, but a time for us to open our hearts, minds and actions to what is important

Prayer to help us judge what’s important 30

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

Getty Images/Daniela Jovanovska-Hristovska

to God! We could say that asking what’s important to God is an opportunity for us to be happy. Doing God’s will leads to true happiness. But how? How do we discern? Saint Augustine describes prayer as an “I, Thou” encounter. In prayer, we discover who we are and who God is. Saint Josemaria Escriva says it in another way, “You write: ‘To pray is to talk with God. But about what?’ About what? About him, about yourself: joys, sorrows, successes and failures, noble ambitions, daily worries, weaknesses!

And acts of thanksgiving and petitions; and love and reparation. In a word: to get to know him and to get to know yourself — ‘to get acquainted!’”

In a recent December Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis said: “(T) he Gospel reminds us of something important: life has a task for us. Life is not meaningless; it is not left up to chance. No! It is a gift the Lord grants us, saying to us: discover who you are, and work hard to make the dream that is your life come true! Each of us — let’s not forget this — has a mission to accomplish. So, let’s not be afraid to ask the Lord: what should I do? Let us ask him this question repeatedly.”

r efl ex i Ó n

LA MEJOR CUARESMA DE MI VIDA

A

ño tras año, Dios nos da la oportunidad de celebrar la cuaresma. Un tiempo que da inicio con el miércoles de ceniza y termina con el Triduo Pascual. Durante

estos 40 días la Iglesia nos ofrece varias opciones para que podamos crecer espiritualmente.

Cada año las parroquias del noreste tienen varias actividades para que los feligreses puedan vivir la cuaresma de la mejor manera posible. Este año queremos que sea la mejor cuaresma de su vida. Por supuesto, para que sea

Padr e Olvin Gir ó n

su mejor cuaresma también se necesita de su buena disposición y esto le llevará a ser mejor

persona día con día. En nuestras parroquias tendrá la oportunidad de confesarse, de ir a misa, de hacer obras de caridad y muchas actividades para su crecimiento en santidad. No dejemos pasar más tiempo para acercarnos al Señor y dejémosle que conquiste nuestros corazones.

Cada día es una nueva oportunidad para estar más cerca de Cristo y ponerle como el centro de nuestra vida. Cuando Jesus está con nosotros no habrá nada que nos haga falta porque en Él lo tenemos todo. La mejor cuaresma de nuestra vida está en nuestras manos y no dejemos que pase más tiempo. De esa manera, cuando resucite el Señor el domingo de Resurrección que usted pueda resucitar con Él.

Que la intercesión de la Santísima Virgen Maria y la de todos los santos nos ayude a cada uno a estar más cerca de Dios. Muchas Bendiciones.

LentenFast Fast & Lenten &Abstinence Abstinence What is Lent?

What istheLent?

Lent is 40-day period from Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter.

is marked by prayer, fasting & abstinence, almsgiving and acts of Lent isItthe 40-day period from Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter. penance to draw closer to God, detach from the things of this world It is marked by prayer, fasting & abstinence, almsgiving and acts of and grow in spiritual discipline. penance to draw closer to God, detach from the things of this world and grow in spiritual discipline.

What is fasting and abstinence?

“Discover who you are, and Fasting in the Roman Catholic Church is eating work hard to make the dream What is fasting andas well abstinence? one full meal, as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. that is your life come true!”

Fasting in the Roman Catholic Church is eating When we consider such things as being engaged in parish life, let’s go to God in prayer. Taking in a good spiritual book and the New Testament for just a few minutes before going to bed will no doubt leave us with an underlined phrase or two to pray about. Taking those phrases to prayer in the morning with our coffee or before Mass, asking God to help us, as the pope said, “discover ourselves” will give us the privilege of giving ourselves away in a way that pleases the God we also, as Saint Josemaria said, “get acquainted” with.

Let’s pray regularly and discover what’s really important.

one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that Abstinence is refraining from eating meat, aka, together are not equal to a full meal. the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl.

Abstinence is refraining from eating meat, aka, the fleshis and organs of mammals Who required to and fowl.

When do I fast and abstain?

When do I fast Fast & Abstain on Ash Wednesday and abstain? and Good Friday Abstain on all Fridays of Lent.

Fast & Abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday Abstain on all Fridays of Lent.

fast and abstain?

Fasting is obligatory from age 18 Who is required to through 59; abstinence from age 14 onwards. fast and abstain?

Note: persons exempt from

Fasting is obligatory age 18 fasting include thefrom physically or through 59; abstinence from mentally ill, individuals withage chronic illness, and pregnant or 14 onwards. nursing women.

Note: persons exempt from fasting include the physically or mentally ill, individuals with chronic illness, and pregnant or nursing women.

Follow us! @DioceseKCSJ

Follow us! @DioceseKCSJ

31

l e gacy

SLAINTE!

By Marty Denzer Photos by Megan Marley

The legacy of Saint Patrick in Northwest Missouri Ah, St. Patrick’s Day. Every March 17, thousands of Missourians celebrate their Irish heritage (real or assumed) with an explosion of leprechauns, green clothes, Guinness and corned beef. What they might not realize is the deeper legacy of Saint Patrick and Irish culture in the history of the very streets they parade down and party in.

Ireland’s patron saint was born in 385 A.D. to a wealthy Christian family in Brittany (France). Kidnapped by Irish raiders in 401, he was enslaved for six years before escaping. Ordained a priest, he returned to Ireland, traveling throughout and spreading Christianity.

Fourteen centuries later, memorialized in statuary and tales, he traveled to America.

Many early settlers to Northwest Missouri were Catholic Irish or German immigrants. By the mid-19th century, Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries were largely replaced

by Irish missionary priests. Deacon Mike Lewis of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City’s northland said Irish seminaries trained future priests with a focus on missionary service, often to America (for example, brother Bishops Raymond and Kevin Boland).

Fathers Bernard Donnelly and John J. Hogan were Irish immigrants who attended what is now Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. Donnelly and Hogan were both ordained by Bishop Peter Richard Kenrick, in 1845 and 1852 respectively.

Father Donnelly immediately began ministry to Catholics at Westport Landing and Independence, but soon exchanged parishes with the priest in the Town of Kansas.

There, he recruited 300 Irish laborers from New York and Boston, the first large Irish population in Kansas City, and leveled bluffs, carved out streets and created more land to settle south of the riverfront. In 1857, Father Donnelly built a brick church at 11th and Broadway, consecrating it Immaculate Conception Church.

Following years of horseback ministry, Father Hogan was consecrated the first bishop of the Diocese of St. Joseph in 1868. In 1880, he was named first bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City and administrator of St. Joseph.

In 1883, Bishop Hogan replaced Father Donnelly’s church with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Irish priests’ faith, flavored with folklore and Saint Patrick, spread across the region: 12 parishes and missions named St. Patrick were founded in the dioceses of St. Joseph and Kansas City. Today, in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, four parishes, two missions and an oratory bear his name.

St. Patrick Parish, St. Joseph Founded in 1869 by Bishop Hogan, St. Patrick Parish was the third parish established in the diocese. Its first pastor was Father Eugene Kinney. The church, built by volunteers with materials purchased with proceeds from bazaars and social gatherings, was blessed in 1873 for the celebration of Mass at its first service.

Bishop Hogan solemnly dedicated St. Patrick’s on March 17, 1890.

Father Jonathan Davis, the current pastor, noted the Patee Town immigrants’ strong Irish identity, and that the Irish identity remains as some parishioners are descendants of the original families.

When the construction of Interstate 229 closed Holy Rosary Parish in 1960, many of its Hispanic-American parishioners relocated to St. Patrick. Since then, the parish has served a blend of people and cultures. Father Davis said there is a Solemn High Mass celebrated each March 17 and a Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe is observed each December for her feast. For 2021’s St. Patrick’s Day Mass, the choir sang a piece in Gaelic from the Beatification Mass of Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus.

32

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

Saint Patrick’s legacy reaches from Ireland around the world. Here in this diocese, it is very personal.

“Bealtaine aoibh gha’ire ar Naomh Padraig!” (May Saint Patrick smile upon you!)

St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City Bishop Francis Gilfillan of St. Joseph established St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City’s northland in 1924 after nearly a decade of in-home Masses. The parish relocated in 1956 following the merger of the dioceses of St. Joseph and Kansas City. Bishop John Cody decided to move it across the street from the new St. Pius X High School.

A church/gym combination and school were built. They served the parish until 1995, when a new church was built. Today, a large Celtic cross stands near the entrance and small Celtic crosses adorn the metal baldacchino above the altar.

Father Matthew Brumleve, pastor, invokes Saint Patrick in his closing prayers at Mass.

St. Patrick Parish, Holden When Holden was founded in 1857, residents were anticipating the arrival of the railroad. Many early townspeople were German coal miners and railroad workers. By 1869, when St. Patrick’s Parish was founded, numerous Irish had settled in Holden, attracted by that railroad.

The first pastor was Father Michael Mackin.

In 1948, a brick church was built with pews of solid oak.

Irish craftsmen carved shamrocks at each end.

Father Curt Vogel, pastor, said, “Each year, on the Saturday closest to March 17, the parish hosts St. Patrick’s Feast for Holden and surrounding areas. It’s the primary fundraiser for the city and the parish. There’s Irish music, Irish food, green beer and a big silent auction. It’s a ‘We love this guy!’ moment.”

A statue of Saint Patrick formerly atop an archway leading to the church — “either original or close to,” Father Vogel said — now stands in the vestibule.

St. Patrick Mission in Forest City was almost named St. Benedict! But the Irish parishioners insisted on St. Patrick back in 1876. In its early days, the parish was administered by the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey, who still say Mass there.

33

KNOWN by GOD W

hen is the beginning of human personhood? It’s the central

thought of as a mark or stain that disfigures the soul. However, original sin really is a privation, a lack of sanctifying grace, question around the ethics of controversial issues such as which is the grace of intimate union with God. abortion, human embryo research (cloning, stem cell research and When a man and a woman conceive a child, they each contribute to the creation of a new life entirely different from the formation of mixed-species chimeras) and the use of abortifacients. either of them. But that’s natural life. Every human person also has a supernatural life, a soul. This can’t be created by There’s no question about when life begins. It’s a scientific the parents because supernatural life requires a supernatufact that human life begins at fertilization or conception. But when is that human life actually a human being, a person? ral creator. So, at the moment of conception, God infuses That’s more of a philosophical question, and it’s the true a soul, made of spirit just like him, into the newly created material body. All of us born with original sin receive a soul nature of the abortion debate because a person is afforded deprived of sanctifying grace … but not Mary. She received certain legal rights. It’s unlawful to intentionally kill a human the fullness of sanctifying grace, more than anyone ever had person, but is a zygote a person? Does a fetus have the same M ar c or ever will have. rights as a person?

Ca rd onar el l a The point is, God was intentional about who Mary was Catholic doctrine states the human being begins at concepis director of and would be from her very beginning. She is immaculately tion. Catechism of the Catholic Church 2270 says, “Human life the Office of must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment conceived for a singular purpose, to be the mother of the Catechesis and of conception. From the first moment of his savior Jesus Christ, and God had this in mind Faith Formation existence, a human being must be recognized for her from the start. Not at eight days after implantation, not at 14 days after twinning as having the rights of a person ­— among occurs, not at neural functioning, fetal viawhich is the inviolable right of every innocent To see more examples being to life.” bility or birth. At fertilization. At conception. of how the beliefs we There are many ways to approach this Personhood and life are inextricably bound hold about Mary point question using not only philosophy but also together from the very beginning of life. That’s to the beginning of bioethics, politics, genetics, medical practice because every person is known by God and human personhood, or even popular opinion. I want to look at created with intention as male or female. God visit CatholicKey.org. this from the perspective of faith. There are knows who they will be from the moment certain truths of the Catholic Faith that, if life is created and a soul is infused because he has a plan and purpose for everyone. No randomness. No they are indeed true (some of which Catholics are obliged to mistakes. That holds true for you, as well. accept as true), then certain other things must also be true.

So, if you truly believe the Immaculate Conception is true, The most fundamental of these truths is the Immaculate Conception. This doctrine states that by a singular grace, the it’s hard not to believe human personhood begins at fertilBlessed Virgin Mary, from the moment of her conception, was ization. This means even after a few days that zygote has the rights of a person including the right to life. preserved from original sin. What is original sin? It’s commonly

34

Catholic Key • February/March 2022 • catholickey.org

Getty Images/damircudic

catechism co r n e r

Saint Thomas More Pilgrimage October 14 - 21, 2022

J

Information & Registration

oin Frs. Justin Hoye & Ernie Davis ...for a pilgrimage around London, as the parish

of St. Thomas More marks the 50th anniversary of the reception of a stone (see below) from the Roper Chapel in Canterbury, where the head of their patron rests.

We will visit the sites of St. Thomas More in London, including the place he was born, the church he attended, and the Tower of London where he was imprisoned. Day trips to Oxford, Windsor, and Canterbury are also included.

The pilgrimage includes a trip to the chapel at St. Dunstan’s Church, which gifted the stone held in the base of this statue to St. Thomas More parish in 1971.

Rev. Justin Hoye Pastor, St. Thomas More Parish, Kansas City

stmkc.com/pilgrimage View the brochure for trip details, and click link to register

Pilgrimage by Rev. Ernie Davis Former Pastor, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, Lee’s Summit

L.P. Pilgrimages www.lpjp.org Trip contact: Mrs. LeAnn Brand 1-833-910-1545 LeAnn@lpjp.org 35

Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph The Catholic Center 20 W. Ninth St. Kansas City, MO 64105.

Partnering with Catholic Cemeteries are two of Kansas City's most established and trusted family owned funeral homes...

www.cemeterieskcsj.org

Kansas City (816) 353-1900 Mount Olivet Mt. Saint Mary’s Resurrection

St. Joseph (816) 279-5005 Mount Olivet

Catholic Cemeteries offer affordable options in ground burial, mausoleums, cremation options, memorial markers and monuments.

Inquire about our interest-free pre-need programs.

We invite you to visit our new Legacy Gardens in Mount Olivet and Resurrection Cemeteries of Kansas City. Legacy Gardens offer a unique resting place for veterans and first responders who have served their country and their community.

“Plan today, not tomorrow ~ together, not alone.”

Steve Pierce 6800 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64131 (816) 444-2060 www.muehlebachchapel.com

Family Owned Since 1930

Charlie Passantino 2117 Independence Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64124 (816) 471-2844 www.passantinobros.com

Before, During and After...

We will be there in your time of need.