Catholic Key Summer 2021

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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

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K A N S A S

C I T Y - S T .

J O S E P H

kc s jca thol i c.org SU MMER 2021

T he vocation of

Fatherhood An Adoption Story

Look to St. Joseph for lessons in quiet strength, protection and faith in God’s plan FROM THE BISHOP

It’s time to Come Home to Communion Pg. 4

ORDINATION

‘You are a priest forever’

Pg. 20

SUMMER CAMP

‘Play hard, pray harder’ at Camps Savio and Bosco Pg. 26

The Equality Act & Gender Ideology A C AT H O L I C P E RS P E CT I V E MCC from the Capitol

MCC Messenger

Scan to listen

Scan to read

Guest Mary Hasson, attorney, policy expert, and consultant for the USCCB, joins the podcast to discuss gender confusion.

Information on the Equality Act and the issues it presents for Catholics and other religious organizations in America.

MISSOURI C AT H O L I C CONFERENCE

he public policy agency of the Catholic Church in Missouri.

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www.mocatholic.org

Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

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

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SUMMER 2021 VOL. 1 | ISSUE 3

Ashlie Hand Editor Megan Marley Assistant editor

Community | Megan Marley

age, regardless of our particular

Mark Ledom, Jr., the business office

vocation.

manager at St. Anthony’s Senior Living in Brookside, supports almost

Growing God’s Family: Faith is key in Catholic education | Megan Marley

every aspect of the community, from

Karen Kroh, Ed.D. is the new super-

quests. His team ensures this dis-

intendent of Catholic schools for

tinctively Catholic community feels

the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Jo-

like home.

seph, and she knows firsthand that

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Jenny Pomicter Graphic designer To submit story ideas and news, send emails to marley@diocesekcsj.org

payroll and satisfying residents’ re-

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a Catholic education has a reach can transform the hearts of those

Using Our Resources Wisely: Play hard, pray harder | Bridget Locke

Ashlie Hand

surrounding the students, as well.

Camps Savio and Bosco have

beyond the students it teaches. It

changed the lives of hundreds of

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children and their families over the

a powerful way. Kent prays to Saint

‘You are a priest forever’ Bob Sandford

Joseph often, and specifically points

The Catholic Key continues its tra-

As the camps look ahead to expan-

to the way he embraced Jesus as his

dition of introducing our newly or-

sion plans, they continue to be an

own child and raised him with the

dained priests to the faithful. We

important part of the faith journeys

same devotion he might have had

celebrate their entry into priestly

of so many in the diocese.

to a natural child. Saint Joseph’s

ministry and pray for them as their

role as adoptive father to his daughter, Liz, bonds him to Saint Joseph in

Catholic Key (USPS XXXXX) is a membership publication of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, published quarterly by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Pending in 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. ©2020 Catholic Key, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

feeding the fish daily to managing

Cover story: The vocation of fatherhood

Dr. Kent Noel’s unique and special

www.FAITHcatholic.com

“Whatever it Takes” at Brookside’s Catholic

Every one of our lives is a pilgrim-

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Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. Publisher

ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY MEGAN MARLEY

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Pilgrim parents Michael Sanem

last decade, including Penni and Matt Warner and their four children.

trust in God’s plan when he agreed

vocations, awakened and formed in

to be Jesus’ adoptive father offers

community, are lived out among us.

an example for all fathers to follow.

4

On the Way Bishop Johnston

22

32

Healing Our Family: Come Home to

Communion | Ashlie Hand

God’s plans are perfect Bridget Locke

On June 1, 2021, Bishop James Johnston lifted the dispensation from the

In 2009, Yulys Espinosa’s unshak-

Sunday Mass obligation, calling the

Indeed, our faith assures us that

able faith — and her ability to see

faithful back to a full participation

Christ is fully and completely pres-

God at work in every aspect of her

in the Mass and parish life — calling

ent to us in the holy Eucharist, “body

life — were crucial as she and her

all to “Come Home to Communion.”

and blood, soul and divinity.” (cf. Jn

family settled into their new life

6:52-58) But there is another real

in Kansas City. Today, she and her

presence that is necessary at every

children are grateful beneficiaries

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celebration of Mass — ours! It’s time

of Holy Cross School and the Bright

The faith sees good and evil as

to Come Home.

Futures Fund.

light and darkness.

Playing with a full deck Teresa Koch

B r i d g et L o c ke

M e gan Marley

R obert San d f o rd

Ashlie Hand

Mi c h a e l S a n e m

Te r e s a Ko c h

loves God and people.

Learn more about her life and work at bnlcomms.com.

is a writer, photographer, videographer and media geek for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

works for St. Catherine of Siena Parish and St. Thomas More Parish. bobsandford.net

leads the Office of Communications for the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph.

works as a pastoral associate at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Morning Glory Ministries. incarnationiseverywhere.com

has a B.A. in theology and philosophy from Rockhurst University and is a parishioner at St. Ann Catholic Church in Plattsburg.

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On the way

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Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

Photo by Jaclyn Lippelmann Photography/Catholicstock

COMI N G

A

ll of us are familiar with those famous lines that Dorothy speaks in the classic film The

Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home …

There’s no place like home.” Indeed, “home” is

If you missed my letter or are not currently on our diocesan mailing list, here’s the heart of the message:

a word that describes the essence of what we all long for: a place where we are known, loved, fed, protected and surrounded by family.

This past year, many have been away from home.

Each of our families has been disrupted in some way by the global crisis sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. My own mother, in her 80s, spent most of last year alone in her home.

While we could talk to her on the phone or at a distance in her driveway, it was not the same as being with her. Similar stories played out in countless families around the world.

The impact was felt in our Church family, too. Many have been away from the home that is parish, including regular participation at Sunday Mass. Our churches never closed, but charity demanded that we require safety regulations on church attendance to protect the most vulnerable, all the while keeping worship and the sacraments available.

These past months have seen remarkable improvement in health conditions, thanks, in part, to the availability of effective vaccines, as well as the prudent steps we enacted to minimize infection. Which brings me to the point of this column: It’s time to Come Home.

In May, I sent a letter to each of the households in our diocese announcing the conclusion of the general dispensation from the holy obligation to participate in Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation. A particular dispensation will remain for those with health concerns and those who care for them.

This began on June 1, so that many could come home to their parishes on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. An appropriate weekend to be fully present with Jesus.

Fr om the Bishop Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. is the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

As I noted in my pastoral letter of nearly a year ago, Keeping the Lord’s Day, “The Sunday obligation imposed upon us by God our Father and the Church our Mother is not given as a burden, but as a blessing, something to help keep us from drifting away from the One who is our salvation and our life. One of the tendencies of our fallen human nature is to become half-hearted about important things. That is why we attach vows, promises and obligations to the most important things in life, to make sure we do not neglect them.”

We Catholics rightfully speak about, and rejoice in, the real presence of Christ in the holy Eucharist.

Indeed, our faith assures us that Christ is fully and completely present to us in the holy Eucharist, “body and blood, soul and divinity.” (cf. Jn 6:52-58) But there is another real presence that is necessary at every celebration of Mass — ours! Our full, conscious and active participation in the sacred Liturgy begins with our physical presence at Mass. The Sunday celebration of Mass is also the source of our communion and community life together in all our parishes.

You may have begun to see it on billboards around the diocese, read it on social media, heard about it at your parish or are seeing it for the first time in this issue of the Catholic Key magazine; a consistent call to Come Home to Communion.

This is for not only those who were active in parish life before the pandemic, but also for those who had become inactive in parish life before the pandemic. We are God’s children by faith and baptism, and the Church is our home on this side of our eternal home in heaven.

So, with happiness, I welcome all to come home to your parish family. If you are already faithfully participating fully in the Mass, invite a friend or family member to join you this Sunday, to sit near you or your family, and maybe enjoy a meal together after Mass. Renew the community and communion that has its source in the Sunday Eucharist and all that flows from our life in Christ. Spread the word to others — it’s time to come home!

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A blessing FOR THE

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HOME

Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

I

t happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens break

open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son: with you I am well pleased.”

(Mark 1:9-11)

HOLY WATER FONT For this project, you will need:

• Small, unfinished wood tray or mosaic frame

(found in the wood craft section of any arts That beautiful passage taken from the Gospels appears on a framed art print we received as a wedding gift from my grandmother and uncle. It is a depiction of Jesus being baptized in the River Jordan

by St. John the Baptist. The artist emphasizes water stylistically to remind us that it is not only life-giving Cu lt ur e physically, but also spiritually, as it was made holy Michelle

by Jesus at his baptism. I am sure I will think of this DiFranco is a image come June 24 when, almost six months after designer and the feast of the Baptism of our Lord, we mark the the busy mom of feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. three children.

After living as a hermit in the desert for some time, John began his ministry of preaching when he was 30. He attracted large crowds along the banks of the River Jordan and baptized them with water as a call to repentance. He then proceeded to baptize Jesus, as we’ve learned from the scriptures.

Certainly water’s symbolic and physical importance appear elsewhere in our faith (Moses striking the rock, the lancing of Christ’s side, etc.). But whenever I think of holy water and baptism, somehow St. John always comes to mind first. And, for that reason, I have decided to make something with my kids to teach them some about this great saint.

I have seen other Catholic homes place holy water fonts outside of doors in their houses. They can be purchased at a Catholic supply store, but you will pay a hefty price for a really nice one. So why not make one? The instructions are at right and getting the holy water is pretty simple. Take a flask or small container to your church and retrieve some from the urn marked “Holy Water” (or a baptismal font) near the entrance. If we can be diligent enough to keep the font filled with holy water, it gives us the chance to bless ourselves and receive as many graces as we can inside our own house. It also can remind us of our own baptism and how we can rededicate our life to God.

and crafts chain) • Unfinished wood cross • Small, lightweight glass votive or tea light

holder (for vessel) • Acrylic craft paint • Scrapbook paper for decorating • Any printed religious imagery • Scissors or craft knife • Glue stick • Polyurethane or clear acrylic spray • Metal/jewelry/hobby cement or epoxy • Picture hanging hardware Paint the edges of the wood tray and let dry. Paint and decorate the wood cross and set aside. Trim and apply the scrapbook paper background on the inside of the tray (using glue stick). Using the cement/epoxy, affix the cross toward the top of the inside of the tray (leaving enough room for the votive/tea light holder at the base). Spray the entire decorated wood tray with polyurethane to add some sheen and protection. Let dry for 20-30 minutes. Apply the cement/epoxy to the back and bottom edge of votive/tea light holder and adhere to the bottom of the finished tray (as shown). Allow the project to completely dry (before hanging on a wall). Affix picture-hanging hardware of choice on back of the tray (toward the top) and hang near a doorway. You may wish to adhere a few glue dots or a tacky mounting strip on the back, so the font doesn’t move on the wall.

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Q

How can I invite my family and friends back to church?

I n th e k n o w w i th Fath e r J o e

DEAR FATHER JOE: I’d like to invite my “lost sheep” family members back to the Church.

How do I do that?

A

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What a great question — it can be such a difficult thing to invite someone into practicing the faith without coming across as self-righteous or as somehow a bit “off.” A big part of the process of bringing someone back is to start with the recognition of a couple of points.

First, remember that what you are desiring is holy; it’s good. Sometimes, what we desire isn’t so good, isn’t so holy.

You have in your heart a hunger to bring someone back into a communal practice of the faith and that is a blessing. You desire something good.

With that idea, I ask you to read this passage from Philippians 1:6: “He who started a good work in you will see it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.” This good thing you desire? It came from God. He placed it in your heart and you can be confident that, however he uses you in this effort to bring someone back, he will be the one to see it to completion.

Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

So, the last preparatory step in bringing someone back is to ask God to bless your efforts. Remember the words of the Book of Psalms, Chapter 127:1 — “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Your effort is inspired

by God; now you are making sure it is strengthened and guided by him as well.

With this solid foundation of faith and prayer, you are ready to begin. To be clear, I’m going to offer you a few different ways to go about this: it doesn’t mean you have to follow it in this way — let God lead you. You may find that you mix and match these ideas or go in a totally different direction.

Trust that you can follow his prompts well.

One good way to go about it is to be a bit more covert, frankly. If Mass is at 4:30, invite your friends to “Come to Mass and dinner with us.” It’s a bit less threatening to people if you make your invitation a social one. “Mass and dinner” can be a nice way to ease into the topic. This will serve as an invitation for them and a great blessing for you as well.

When they come to your house, make sure and pray before the meal. Make sure that your conversation is joyful and life-giving and that they walk away having had a lovely time.

Also, you can consider if they have hobbies or things that are a consistent part of their life that you can be a part of.

Scripture tells us that when Jesus first met St. Peter, he got

Photo by Rudzhan Nagiev/Getty Images

Father Joe Krupp is a Catholic priest and former comedian.

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once, they left their nets and followed him.

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into Peter’s boat. It was only after he had been in Peter’s boat for a bit that he initiated a conversation/relationship with him. In the same way, you can “get into your friends' boat.”

Enter into their lives and bring the light and life of Christ with you. Go to their kids' games, head off to bowl with them or whatever it is they enjoy doing.

A lot of people in our culture are “doers.” As a general rule, people like to help. Is there a project at the church where people are asking for help? Maybe some table set ups or some church cleaning? Volunteer for it and ask your friend to help.

Bring them in to see you and others volunteering. Prepare any of the volunteers who are there for the fact that there will be a new person coming and that you want to make sure they are welcomed and loved in that volunteering.

Hopefully, at some point, they will begin a conversation about why you go to church or why you are connecting with them. This is your moment!

Before you speak, pray and ask God to lead you in your words. I like to tell people in this moment, “Share your why.”

This is the time to share why you go to church, why it is important to you and how it has made your life better. Don’t worry about defending the Catholic faith. Don’t tell them how they are wrong or their church is wrong — share how Christ is present at the Mass!

I find it helpful if you practice what you are going to say.

You are going to share your heart in this conversation and, if you are like me, it’s easy to get emotional or overly passionate.

I know it sounds funny, but practice what you are going to say.

Keep it simple, clear and personal.

These are just some ideas. The key is to get them there and let Don’t tell Christ do the work. Show them through your words and example them how they how faith in Jesus has made your a r e w r o n g o r t h eir life better, has made you a better person. A final point: Do not worchurch is wrong — ry about results. Do not focus on share how Christ whether your efforts are successful — focus on being faithful. I often i s p r e s e n t at remind myself of the fact that Jesus gave us a parable where he spoke the Mass! about the kingdom of heaven as a sower sowing seeds. In the end, the sower was “successful” only about one in four times. Your goal is to let Christ use you to plant a seed in their hearts.

Maybe you will see it grow, maybe someone else will. May God bless our efforts to lead people to his glorious kingdom!

Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

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Pilgrim Parents Pa rent ing

I

Michael J. Sanem has written for Give Us This Day, God In All Things, U.S. Catholic, Millennial Journal and the Leaven Catholic newspaper. He works as a pastoral associate at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Morning Glory Ministries. He lives in Kansas City, Mo., with his wife and three sons and writes regularly at www.incarnationiseverywhere.com.

t’s 3 a.m. and I wake to screaming.

Bleary-eyed, I fumble around for the baby monitor. I can’t see a

thing in the sunbright display, so I close my eyes and listen: “Waaaaaaa!”

Which baby is that?

“WAAAAAAAAA!!!!”

I still can’t tell. Was that a raspy and sweet cry, or a shrill and loud cry?

“WAAAAMAMADADAMAMADADA!” Shrill and loud, shrill and loud!

That’s our 2-year-old, Georgie. That means it’s my turn.

I roll out of bed, and my body mounts a familiar protest. I stumble through the hallway to his room and, sure enough, he’s up and crying.

It’s the scared cry (as opposed to mad, hungry or confused cry), so it must have been a bad dream. I take him into my arms and hold him.

Sleep training went out the window when the world stopped, so if I’m lucky he’ll fall back to sleep quickly. If I’m unlucky, it’ll be a long night.

I wake up to birdsong and a creaky neck.

He’s drooled on my arm. My alarm is going off in the other room. I got lucky. It’s morning.

Time to go to work.

I can say without hesitation that parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s also the best, strangely: equal parts gift and duty, joy and sorrow, heart-expanding ecstasy and bone-weary exhaustion. And during the pandemic it got even harder, as most of our go-to

strategies for rest, relaxation and family fun went out the window.

Before the pandemic, I used to take friends, family and other folks on pilgrimages to Italy.

It too had its share of the sublime and the stressful. But as this pandemic continues to unfold, and I sit grounded here at home, I’ve begun to look at my own life, as a married father of three sons, in the light of what pilgrimages can teach us.

In the Middle Ages, when a person wanted to go on pilgrimage, perhaps to walk the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome, or the Camino de Santiago to the Compostela in Spain, the first thing they did was get their affairs in order. In fact, much of the documentation we have around pilgrimages are wills that outlined what to do with a pilgrim’s belongings should they die while on the journey.

And that was a prudent step. Pilgrimages were dangerous affairs. Pilgrims had to deal with illness, bandits and all manner of various dangers, not to mention the physical exhaustion of walking around 20 miles a day. Along the Via Francigena, particularly in Siena, hospitals were founded to care for sick and dying pilgrims and banks were created to care for the money entrusted by pilgrims on their way to Rome.

Those who died while on pilgrimage were said to be making a “pilgrimage to eternity,” completing their earthly pilgrimage to heaven in the process.

That’s all to say that pilgrimages were not for the faint of heart. They required grit, endurance, physical and mental fortitude. They also required faith, for to be a pilgrim meant you walked intentionally towards both a known and unknown future. Often you sought healing or a divine encounter, either at your destination or somewhere surprising along the way. As such, there was a certain catechesis happening on pilgrimage that created an enduring sense of trust between pilgrims and God, and a deeper sense of God being on the journey with you.

Every one of our lives is a pilgrimage, of course, regardless of our particular vocation.

Married or single, religious or lay, we each respond as best we can to God’s calling: to walk with Christ in whatever state of life we find ourselves, discerning how to love more deeply “Looking at our family lives together as a pilgrimage, we can rediscover that each step, each moment of our lives ... is a potentially sacred encounter.”

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Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

I can’t afford to be a bridesmaid Go o d l i f e

by Cynthia Kaan

“WILL YOU BE MY BRIDESMAID?!?” After the shrieks of excitement fade, a horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach grows as you realize

you don’t have the finances to participate as you feel you should.

Do you decline altogether?

As the bridesmaid, be honest in your communication. Let the bride know you would love to be part of her special day, but share your concerns about finances.

1.

Main image: Bogdan Kurylo/Getty Images; Icon: slalomp@hotmail.com/Getty Images

and more consciously, consecrating the world around us as we deepen our communion with God in Christ.

At Mass, we pray for the pilgrim Church on earth, underlying the dynamic, temporal nature of our community, but also the eschatological nature of our faith: We live and move as a community of disciples with a particular end in mind, that is, union with God in Christ in God’s kingdom. But we move together, with Christ at our head, going where he leads us, supporting each other along the way.

If we are called to marriage, our spouse becomes our companion on this journey. Together, we grow and develop in new ways, balancing the needs of everyday life with our own God-given hopes and desires. When and if children arrive, our cozy little worlds turn upside down.

Sometimes, I find myself in the middle of a living room torn apart, littered with toys and sippy cups, spilled goldfish and all manner of unsightly plastic junk, wondering, “Who are these people?” Sure they’ve got my hair and my eyes and a certain charm about them, but they are absolutely nuts. Some days, we laugh and rejoice together, at a new word learned or a new dance performed, while on other days we grit our teeth until bath and bedtime, the last great hurdle before my wife and I can enjoy a quiet hour or two together.

But the difficulties are mixed with love and, even more than this, with wonder. From the moment I first saw my son William on the sonogram screen, a tiny 8-bit blip, hopping about and kicking, announcing the great mystery of life, I became aware that I was standing on holy ground, and that every step from this moment to my final breath will be on Divine Love’s terms, and not my own. A few sonograms later, and even through a heartbreaking miscarriage, that pilgrim intuition has held true: God is walking alongside us, each and every step of the way.

Looking at our family lives together as a pilgrimage, we can rediscover that each step, each moment of our lives (even the 3 a.m. wakeup calls) is a potentially sacred encounter. For each step awakens us to the joy, the wonder and the love that are the clear marks of God’s presence. We endure through the hard times, and we celebrate the good, recognizing God in the emerging personalities before us. And each step brings us closer to our destination, the One who called us into being and who is always inviting us to journey back to Divine Love, our eternal and beautiful home.

As the bride, be honest about your expectations and go from there.

If you know you’re about to plan an expensive, involved day — don’t downplay that. And don’t express hurt or disappointment if a friend has to decline.

To paraphrase an old movie quote, “It’s not personal, it’s financial.”

2.

Perhaps there are other ways of participating in the wedding that aren’t quite as financially involved.

What about doing the reading, teaming up to tackle any planning aspects the bride isn’t too excited about or making phone calls to confirm details?

3.

Pray together. Ask God to find a way for both of you to appreciate and be there for each other on the big day and beyond.

REMEMBER — a wedding is the entrance to the sacrament of marriage.

Having friends you can walk that journey with is beyond priceless — whether or not they can physically stand next to you on the day you take your vows.

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pr of i l e

FAITH IS KEY

in Catholic education for new superintendent

By Megan Marley

T

he impact of Catholic education has a reach beyond the students it teaches, as Karen Kroh, Ed.D., can attest firsthand.

The new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph had her first major engagement with Catholicism more than 20 years ago, when her son needed to be educated in the faith.

“When you get married, if you’re not Catholic, you sign a statement saying you will raise your child in the Catholic faith,” Kroh said. “As I was watching my son, probably around 3 or 4 years old, that promise was weighing heavy on my mind — you just don’t want to break a promise you made to God.” Since her husband was often away as a military pilot, Kroh reached out to Holy Family Parish in north Kansas City.

“I said, ‘I need to join the Church because I promised to raise my child Catholic.’ … Father Robert [Stewart] was so wise, and he said, ‘I can’t let you do it for that reason, but I want you to join the RCIA program.’ I did not understand what the big deal was, I was keeping my promise to God, why would you tell me that’s not enough?” she recalled.

“The RCIA process opened my eyes that you can’t pass on something that you don’t have personally; you have to Karen Kroh, Ed.D., joins the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph as superintendent this summer, where she will support and champion excellence for KCSJ Catholic schools.

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have that personal relationship with God in order to pass that on to your children,” explained Kroh. She entered the Church at Easter in 2000, and sent her son to Catholic school. Not long after, she began consulting with the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan., on special education.

At the time, she was working for Easter Seals, but had a lengthy history in special education. Kroh’s first job after attaining a bachelor’s degree in family and child development from Auburn University was teaching incarcerated youth, which fanned an interest in helping children with disabilities.

“Based on my experience working with incarcerated youth, I was really interested in supporting kids who had behavioral challenges,” said Karen. “I felt a calling to work in special ed … my family member had a disability, and I was wanting to help young kids grow and learn despite their disabilities.”

She received a master’s in special education from Auburn, as well as an

English as a new language endorsement from Notre Dame University, and taught kids in Alabama, Texas and other locations where the military sent her husband. Eventually, her husband was stationed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Mo., and the family moved to the Kansas City area, where Kroh converted to the faith. She received a doctorate in school leadership from St. Louis University, and was offered a job as associate superintendent at the archdiocese to help develop a program to support students with special needs — a position she’s been in for almost 17 years.

“As I was able to make relationships with Catholic schools [and their] principals, I could feel the difference in the culture and the faith life of the students in the Catholic schools,” she said.

Having that daily immersion in the faith is why they sent their son to Catholic school.

“I’m so thankful we made that choice, because I see the sacramental marriage

Having that firm foundation of faith and a personal relationship with God is the greatest gift that we can give our kids to navigate the world.

he and his wife have, and how faith plays such an important role in their lives,” Kroh said.

She currently is adjunct faculty at her son and daughter-in-law’s alma mater, Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., teaching a course in the Master’s in School Leadership program.

“I really enjoy being in that program and meeting future Catholic school leaders. I hope to continue doing that, it’s usually taught in the evenings or weekends in the Spring,” said Kroh.

Now a parishioner of Twelve Apostles Catholic Church in Platte City, Kroh looks forward to the new adventure of collaborating with the school leaders, teachers and staff of her home diocese in advancing the academic and, especially spiritual growth of students.

“I think especially during the times we’re currently in, having that firm foundation of faith and a personal relationship with God is the greatest gift that we can give our kids to navigate the world,” she said.

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cover story

T he vocation of

fatherhood An adoption story

Look to Saint Joseph for lessons in quiet strength, protection and faith in God’s plan Story by Ashlie Hand | Photography by Megan Marley

The Catholic Church is now midway through its celebration of the Year of Saint Joseph, and with the month of June comes the opportunity to also celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives. Saint Joseph was the adoptive father of Jesus and can be a powerful example for fathers embarking on adoption journeys of their own.

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The Noel family bond comes from an appreciation for the journey that brought them together, led by the hand of God.

W

hen Dr. Kent, Liz and Karen Noel are seated together, they call it “the

Oreo,” drawing attention to Kent and Karen’s dark hair in contrast to

Liz’s light blonde. And like an Oreo, they say the dark cookies are just

there to protect the best part: the middle. Despite the differences in their physical appearance, their story is one of a common love for each other and an appreciation for the journey that has brought them together.

Kent and Karen Noel both grew up in Moberly, Mo., but didn’t actually meet until they were at the University of Missouri, where Karen was earning her bachelor’s degree in business and Kent was working on his master’s degree in counseling. They were married 18 months later at St. Pius X Parish in Moberly, then returned to Columbia to work toward post-graduate degrees. A job offer with Sprint brought the couple to the Kansas City area in 1999, where they settled down and began to think about starting a family.

Kent was raised in the Catholic Church, but admits that he did not grow up with a heavy emphasis on catechism. As with many young people, he went through a period of time in college when he questioned his faith, explaining, “When you’re young, you’re smart but you’re not wise … I got bombarded with a lot of secular stuff in school, but I just couldn’t believe this is all some kind of cosmic accident.”

Kent’s parents kept him grounded in his faith, and a professor at Westminster College, where Kent received his undergraduate degree, taught him, “If you believe even when the world is telling you not to believe, and if you can still

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believe in God despite all of the gray, that shows a deeper faith.

Respecting the mystery of it can make your faith stronger.”

That grounding and perspective became increasingly important as Kent and Karen realized they were being called to adopt. In researching their different options, they had some concerns about international adoption, and other adoption agencies didn’t quite align with the Noels’ moral and ethical standards. Eventually, through prayer and Kent’s involvement with the Knights of Columbus, the couple discovered Catholic Charities’ adoption services, which offered them the perfect solution.

“The Knights of Columbus are champions of adoption as an alternative to abortion and that had a big influence on our decision,” says Kent.

For the Noels, the adoption process lasted two full years, but through a lot of grace, patience and trust in God’s plan and timing, they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl they named Elizabeth.

“Adoption is a walk of faith,” says Karen. “For us, it was a prayerful journey and an exercise of trust that challenged our

Catholic Charities Adoption Services For couples whose hearts long to adopt, Catholic Charities is licensed in Missouri and accredited through the Council on Accreditation. If you are interested in becoming an adoptive parent, please email adoptions@ccharities.com or call 816.659.8235. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, Catholic Charities can help. To get started, please call 913.908.0829 to speak with an adoption social worker or email adoptions@ccharities.com.

ability to fully believe in God’s plan for our family.”

When the process to finalize the adoption dragged on for a year after bringing Elizabeth home, seeing God’s hand in the process wasn’t always easy.

“When we realized how much Liz is like us, what a gift she’s been and how she’s brought us so much closer together, it had to be the hand of God and part of an overarching plan,” Kent reflects. “Maybe the three of us were meant to be together. Not that we were just meant to adopt, but that we were specifically meant to adopt her.”

As Elizabeth has grown, Kent finds himself leaning more and more on the example of Saint Joseph’s quiet strength, chivalry, openness and role as protector.

“I pray to Saint Joseph a lot,” Kent says with enthusiasm.

“Being a Knight, Joseph is right up there with Mary. He was a classic Knight in the way he protected his family and guided Jesus in a quiet, rock solid way.”

When asked what makes Kent such a great father and husband, Karen and Liz are definitely in agreement that it’s his sense of humor. Kent gets the biggest laughs from 12-year-old Liz when he tries to relate to a video game she’s playing by comparing it to some of the video games he played as a kid. Karen especially appreciates how thoughtful Kent is and how his first priority is dedicating time to his family plus his “wicked sense of humor can decompress a situation pretty easily.”

Kent’s unique and special role as adoptive father also bonds him to Saint Joseph in a powerful way. Kent specifically points to the way St.

Elizabeth lights up when you ask her about soccer, her puppy, and what her dad does to make her laugh.

Joseph embraced Jesus as his own child and raised him with the same devotion he might have had for a natural child.

Some of Kent’s most treasured moments with Liz are the discussions they have in the car between home and the soccer field, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Their conversations revolve around faith, religion, life and politics. As Liz matures, their conversations take on deeper meaning and authenticity.

“I never lie to my daughter. There are a lot of topics challenging kids today that we didn’t have to deal with growing up and I want her to stay grounded in Catholic social teaching, and not buy into the larger secular culture,” Kent says emphatically. He wants her to understand the “difference between doing what is right versus what is easy.” Kent believes that St. Joseph must have also taught that lesson to Jesus.

Kent draws the comparison to Saint Joseph’s trust in God’s plan when he agreed to be Jesus’ adoptive father, taking Mary as his wife despite the social and moral challenges that society would have associated with the situation.

Kent explains, “Saint Joseph saw fatherhood as a vocation, a way to serve God. That is an example that all fathers can and should follow and a role we can all accept.”

For Karen Noel, the adoption experience with Catholic Charities and a passion for serving her community led to a new role last summer as CEO of Catholic Charities of Kansas CitySt. Joseph.

"St. Joseph saw fatherhood as a vocation, a way to serve God. That is an example that all fathers can and should follow and a role we can all accept."

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Pray in 19 St. Anthony’s Chapel

voc ati o n s

‘YOU ARE A PRIEST

T

forever’

he Catholic Key continues its tradition of introducing our newly ordained priests

By Bob Sandford

to the faithful. We celebrate their entry into priestly ministry and pray for them as their vocations, awakened and formed in community, are lived out among us.

In interviews right before their ordination, they spoke about their interests, their home

parish, discerning their vocation, what they are looking forward to in ministry. Each has shared a Scripture passage that expresses their vocation.

FATHER GARRETT KING Father King calls the Cathedral of St. Joseph home. He recalls four seeds of his vocation that were planted there: At the encouragement of his maternal grandfather, Louis Berkemeier, he served at Mass. In fifth grade religion class, “It started to hit me what the Eucharist is.” While serving at a Good Friday service, Msgr. Richard Dierkes presided though he was visibly ill. “His self-sacrifice, his love, continues to inspire me.” And there, “meditating on the Stations of the Cross during Lent put me in touch with who God is and brought into focus priesthood as sacrifice. All Christians are called to sacrifice.”

To those considering a vocation, he offers this: “Discernment can be daunting. I had to learn how and there were times I doubted. I would say to you ‘know that God has a plan for you. If you have an interior sense that maybe you are called, be open to that and what the Church — the body of Christ — says.”

Father King is grateful to his whole family for being supportive throughout: his parents, Mike and Helen King; siblings Sarah, Brian, Emilie and Nattalie; and paternal grandparents, Joann and Clifford King. He is looking forward to celebrating Mass and the sacraments and being there for people, leading them to a deeper union with Christ. He particularly enjoys planning liturgies, teaching the fundamentals of faith, being part of the RCIA process and visiting the homebound.

Of those he will shepherd, he asks, “Be patient. I will be learning. I’m not perfect.”

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FYI: He enjoys time with friends, music, golf, spiritual reading and watching movies.

As a deacon, Father King’s first baptism was of his niece, Isabella King, daughter of his sister Nattalie King.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into the charity of God and into the patience of Christ.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:5 “To me, this speaks to the supernatural daily focus of a priest and all Christians to be charitable and patient as God and Christ are.”

Father Lemus is making vestments for Ordinary Time from fabric purchased in the Holy Land.

FATHER ANGEL LEMUS Father Lemus is from eastern Guatemala and is the fifth of 12 children. Though he had considered a vocation before, he was in college when he began to discern his calling. He worked with immigrants for two years before entering seminary for our diocese in August 2013.

Though he began his faith journey at Santa Maria de Todos FYI: los Santos in Guatemala, he now feels He loves to a strong connection sew and is to the community at allergic to St. John LaLande and hot peppers. will celebrate his first Mass there. “They can see God is calling me and I am saying ‘yes.’ I am being ordained not for me, but for the people ...

Seeing people’s faith strengthens my own.”

Reflecting on the beginnings of his calling, he remembers his father’s lack of faith and how he waited until his deathbed to reconcile with God and the Church. “My mom kept saying to him, ‘Don’t wait until the end.’ I decided I had to live my faith.”

He remembers how his sister brought him

FATHER BENJAMIN ARMENTROUT For the last seven years, Father Armentrout has called St. Columban in Chillicothe home and will celebrate his first Mass there. He is grateful to the priest there, Father Ryan Koster, who has been mentoring him and to the parishioners for their prayerful support.

It was in second grade at his childhood parish of St. Joseph in Salisbury, Mo., that he first considered becoming a priest. Two things made an impression on him: attending a new priest’s first Mass and the example of their new pastor, Father Korte, “who taught religion. His example inspired me. He taught me a lot about the faith and helped FYI: my parents grow in their faith. He will be vesting me at my ordiFather nation.” Father Armentrout loved drawing closer to the altar while serving Armentrout at Mass. He remembers dressing up like a priest on career day in fifth grade. played baseball As a high school sophomore, he went on a priestly discernment retreat and football hosted by the diocesan Vocations Office and the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy in high school Eucharist. That proved to be a pivotal experience. After a year at Benedictine and competed college, he applied for seminary. in weightlifting Father Armentrout’s love of teaching shows in his hope that he and his and speech. parishioners “together will grow in our knowledge of the Church’s teaching and embrace it and come to love our Lord more through that knowledge. Pope Francis said, ‘How can we love what we do not know?’” He also looks forward to “serving together and continuing Christ’s mission.”

Of those he will shepherd, he asks, “Get to know your priest, love your priest even when you disagree with them. Realize we are striving for heaven too. We are in this together.”

to church. Being small in a crowded church, he couldn’t see. One day when he was 6, he insisted on seeing the priest. He spotted that green chasuble and thought “that’s cool.” He says, “My Guatemala pastor was an example to me — he was helping 27,000 people.”

Father Lemus asks of the people he will shepherd, “First: pray for me. We walk this journey together. I want, always, to live my faith — I need prayers to grow.”

“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” — John 13:20 “I pray for me, for the sake of the people, that God will be present in me and through me.”

Keep an eye out for priestly and religious Jubilarians in our Fall 2021 issue!

Father Armentrout with his parents, Tim and Theresa, after his diaconate ordination.

“My son, give to me your heart.” — Proverbs 23:26 "This is inscribed on the bottom of his paten, because “pouring my heart out to the Father is essential to my vocation and essential to all Christians.”

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profile

I

n 2009, Yulys Espinosa emigrated from Cuba to pursue a more promising, liberated life in the United States. The refugee process

took five years for her and her husband Roger to complete, but from their perspective, it was worth every second. Though they faced several unknowns, Yulys wasn’t afraid to leave behind everything familiar for the promise of something better for themselves and their 15-month-old son, Flavio.

G OD’S P L AN S ARE

By Bridget Locke | Photo by Megan Marley

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“Leaving Cuba was difficult to do,” Yulys said, “but we were ready. We were desperate to leave Communism. We didn’t have any family, friends or much money, but heard good things about this country and simply trusted. We were so happy when we arrived and saw someone holding a sign with Roger’s name in the airport,” Yulys laughed. “We said, ‘We are in God’s hands and everything is going to go well.’”

Yulys’ unshakable faith — and her ability to see God at work in every aspect of her life — would be helpful during the year to come. There were difficult days ahead.

Soon after arriving in Kansas City and settling into their new apartment, Yulys discovered that another family member would soon join them.

“I was pregnant,” she said. “We didn’t know it at the time, but we came to the U.S. as a family of four.”

Although Diana, her daughter, was a blessed surprise, Yulys’ pregnancy proved difficult. Because she had trouble keeping food down, she struggled to gain weight, was exhausted and had a tough time keeping up with young Flavio while Roger worked to provide for their family.

“I wasn’t in communication with my family, and there were times when I was so sick, our refugee resettlement social worker from Jewish Vocational Service took me to the hospital,” Yulys recalled, tearfully. “I couldn’t care for Flavio the way I wanted, which made me very sad. And it was winter.”

(Kansas City winter. One of the snowiest Kansas City winters in history ...)

Still, something on the inside kept Yulys afloat: her faith.

She’d been very active in her church in Cuba and knew to look for God’s presence in every situation.

“When I was in the hospital after having Diana, a stranger brought me holy Communion,” she said. “And, we had become friends with a couple in the area who came from my husband’s hometown in Cuba,” Yulys recalled. “We were developing connections here. I was able to see God’s hand on our family and on everyone who helped us during that time, even when the days were difficult.”

Eventually, Yulys resumed other things that brought her joy and fulfillment; specifically, involvement in church and pursuing education.

Their apartment was just a few blocks from Holy Cross Catholic Church. When winter became less brutal and they bought a car, she and Roger began attending Mass every Sunday.

“In Cuba, I did a lot in the Church; I was a reader, worked as a missionary and served as a catechist,” Yulys said. “I missed doing all those things.”

Yulys spoke with Father Jason Koch, parish priest at the time, who invited her to become a catechist at Holy Cross.

She also returned to education. Yulys earned a business administration degree in Cuba and wanted to become educated to prepare for work in Kansas City. Though she knew no English when she first arrived, Yulys took English classes, earned an associate of arts degree and began teaching. Today, she teaches religion and Spanish at Holy Cross, where Flavio, 13, and Diana, 11, attend.

“Being a teacher in a Catholic school is the perfect job, because it gives me the opportunity to teach the truth about Jesus,” she said.

Eleven years have passed since Yulys’ journey to Kansas City.

Today, she and her husband Roger remain united in love and faith.

Her children are thriving. And her faith remains unwavering.

“Everything has come together for my family,” Yulys said, in awe. “God’s plans are perfect.”

“Everything has come together for my family.

God’s plans are perfect.”

Holy Cross School is a Bright Futures Fund school in the Kansas City area, supported by scholarships for 97 percent of its students. On average, Bright Futures students test 2.6 grades above grade level, based on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

• 90% of Bright Futures students go on to attend area Catholic high schools.

• 100% of Bright Futures students who attend Catholic high schools go on to graduate.

• 86% of students who graduate from Catholic high schools go on to attend 4-year colleges. * * National Catholic Education Association; * 2018-19 Annual Report; brightfuturesfund.

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c om m u n i ty

“Whatever It Takes”

Mark Ledom, Jr. takes pride in his work as the business office manager of St. Anthony’s Senior Living.

AT BROOKSIDE’S CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

N

o matter the industry, a business office manager takes the pulse of the organization and wears many hats — administrator, sounding board, go-for and go-to person — all

while overseeing personnel, resources, communications and more.

This definitely holds true for Mark Ledom, Jr., the business office manager at St. Anthony’s Senior Living in Brookside. His work touches almost every aspect of the community, from feeding the fish daily to managing payroll and satisfying residents’ requests.

By Megan Marley

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A typical day starts around 7:30 a.m. with a cursory sweep of the grounds before checking in and having his temperature scanned by Bonnie Smith, lead concierge. Her enthusiasm sets a tone for the day.

“Bonnie is the first person residents see after they wake up, or when they arrive,” Mark Jr. said. “She’s the bright smiling face of our Independent Living Tower.”

Before heading to his office to go through mail and anything that mag-

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ically appeared overnight under the Business Office door, Mark Jr. makes an important detour.

“The first place I stop is St. Anthony’s Chapel — everything must be perfect: lights, candles, altar linens, missal supply, etc. … residents are often present, amidst eucharistic adoration, or praying the rosary or Stations of the Cross … Not every senior living community has a spectacular chapel.

The St. Anthony’s Chapel is just that and offers Mass seven days per week

to residents & their guests!”

Around 9 a.m., Mark Jr. takes leave of the papers, voicemails and emails for back-to-back managers and all-staff meetings — crucial for communicating the daily agenda and unifying staff.

Routine aspects of work for Mark Jr. include oversight of hiring, payroll, accounts payable, credit card transactions, workplace safety and quality control.

He assists Executive Director Connie Haworth with daily operations and tackles various tasks as deemed necessary.

Depending on the day, he may talk to prospective residents or assist with move-ins, proofread work documents and marketing material, explain how appliances and senior-friendly fitness center equipment work or otherwise assist residents.

“I take personal pride and responsibility to ensure incoming residents experience a smooth transition and flourish during the next chapter of their lives,” he said.

As eldest son and namesake of Mark Ledom, Sr., owner/developer of St. Anthony’s, Mark Ledom, Jr. takes noticeable pride in his work as well.

“Dad is living proof that luck equals hard work meeting opportunity. I’m forever grateful for all of the opportunities he has provided to me. In return, the very least I can do is strive to be the best business office manager possible!”

Mark Jr. said.

While Mark Jr. is stationed over in the separate, single-story assisted living building, he frequently crosses the parking lot to the Independent Living Tower for various tasks. Nikki Barnes, Resident Care Director, is a key employee with whom he regularly interacts. Her role involves hiring, scheduling and managing staff.

“Working together, a happy team makes a happy environment … I appreciate the positivity and camaraderie,” she said.

While not Catholic, she understands how important faith is to the residents.

“Here we understand that Catholicism is part of the community — if it isn’t something we understand, it’s

explained to us. This is their home,” Nikki said.

Mark Jr. also has a bit of fun amid the work. Once a month on an afternoon, he hosts an “All Saints Games” hour of drinks, snacks and pool, shuffleboard, cornhole or other games with the residents. He also occasionally brings over an unofficial community mascot: Birdie, his fiancée’s Great Dane puppy.

Residents may bring pets to live with them in the Independent Living Tower, and have ample space for them to play outside.

A brief all-staff meeting at 3:30 p.m. ensures clear translation of duties between various working shifts.

If the day allows, Mark Jr. attends the 4 p.m. Mass in St. Anthony’s Chapel.

“Without a doubt, the opportunity to attend daily Mass is one of the many joys for residents here,” he explained.

Father Terry Bruce is one of two retired priests who offers Mass at St. Anthony’s. A priest for more than 55 years, he has served many parish communities — St. Elizabeth and Holy Cross in Kansas City, Holy Trinity in Weston and St. Margaret of Scotland in Lee’s Summit, among other places.

Residents eagerly awaited Bishop Johnston’s dedication of St. Anthony Chapel in Fall 2020 — daily Mass on-site is a special opportunity available for the community.

Father Terry Bruce often says Mass for the other residents of St. Anthony’s Senior Living.

T o vi e w f l o o rpla n s, arrange a visit or find more information about St. Anthony’s Senior Living, visit

s ta n t h o n ys kc.c o m .

His wit and humor continue to shine in his later-life ministry.

“Having Mass is big, it’s very important to residents — they’d holler loud if we didn’t have it,” Father Bruce said. He also administers other sacraments as needed, such as last rites and confession.

“Not that we have any sinners here,” he said jokingly.

Outside of church duties, he continues to be involved in Journey to New Life ministry, which assists people who have nothing upon release from prison, and assists with the recycling program at St. Anthony’s Senior Living.

“This is a great opportunity for me at this time of life to continue my ministry,” Father Bruce reckoned. “I like what I do.”

Around 5:30 p.m., Mark Jr. organizes his workspace, allowing a walkable path through the Business Office, locks the door and waves goodnight to the residents enjoying their 5-star dining experience in the St. Elizabeth’s Bistro before heading home.

“If I had an extra hour in the day, I’d spend that hour getting all caught up and ahead, if at all possible!” he concluded. “But pleasing residents and guests will always be my priority. The tedious tasks can always wait.”

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you t h ca mp

“N

Play hard,

PRAY HARDER

ecessity is the mother of invention,” Plato once wrote

— and there is perhaps no better way to explain the creation of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph’s

summer camp for youth, Camp Savio. It was needed.

In 2011, after the campsite where diocesan middle schoolers were typically taken for summer camp was damaged by a tornado, Diane Pickert, (then) director of youth ministry for St. Gabriel Catholic Church, and Tim Volk, (then) director of youth ministries for St. Therese Catholic Church-North, received an invitation from Maur Hill–Mount Academy to use their facility. “Edge Camp” was born in 2012, and a year later, the camp was renamed Camp Savio in honor of Saint Dominic Savio.

Camp Savio continued to gain in popularity and attendance. Eventually, additional staff was hired, and one week of Camp Savio expanded to two.

Though Camp Savio is geared toward middle school students, by 2015 the high school-aged staff numbers swelled past 20. In 2018, a third week was added to accommodate the leadership development needs of the older youth, and Camp Bosco was created. While Camps Savio and Bosco provide distinct experiences for the age groups they serve and employ, their focus on spiritual development, teamwork and a family atmosphere is a common thread.

Camp champs

A day in the life

So, what should campers expect at Camps Savio and Bosco? First, there’s the VIP treatment upon arrival.

“One of my favorite parts of camp is how the families are greeted as soon as we pull into camp,” shared Everett. “We feel welcomed right away.”

Penni agrees: “The servants and shepherds take the families’ luggage and put them in the rooms. The parents don’t have to lift a finger, which is nice!” she said.

As campers get settled, they are divided into shepherd groups, allowing for experiences with new people.

“An emphasis on spiritual growth and social development through teamwork and service is a primary focus for Michael Nations, our Diocesan Youth Ministry Director. Assigning the youth to groups with a mixture of kids from different parishes prompts them to connect with people they might not otherwise meet,” Penni said. “Our diocese covers a lot of territory, so the youth from city and rural backgrounds get exposure to one another. As they interact, they find out just how much they have in common.”

The camp motto, ‘Play hard, pray harder,’ promotes equal parts physical and spiritual activity. While the daily agendas are filled with team-building exercises and fun — including water sports, arts and crafts, low-rope challenges and the popular (and messy!) mud day — there is also daily Mass, worship music, reconciliation and parish pow-wows, where members of the same parishes reassemble to discuss all that they’ve learned and experienced.

Then there’s Eucharistic adoration.

“If you ask the youth about their favorite parts of camp near the beginning of the week, they’ll likely talk about the games and physical activities,” Warner said. “But if you ask them near the end of the week, many will say, ‘Adoration.’ That’s when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and everyone gets an opportunity to experience Christ in a personal way.

This is the moment it gets real for them. That’s when it gets real for me. It’s my favorite part of camp.”

The focus on family is what hooked one of the camps’ most ardent champions and volunteers. Penni Warner first became acquainted with Camp Savio when her daughter Marybeth attended as a seventh-grader.

Though Marybeth attended alone her first year, Warner saw a significant change in her daughter after she returned home.

“I saw the spiritual growth in Marybeth right away,” said Penni, “and decided to go with her the following year. I wanted to experience it for myself.”

The whole family followed Marybeth to camp, in fact. Since 2012, Penni and her husband Matt, both youth ministers, have served as camp chaperones for their parish.

Additionally, their sons represent every camp demographic: Everett, 11, will attend Camp Savio as a first-time camper this summer; Charlie, 14, will attend Camp Savio as a camper for the last year (and transition to Camp Bosco Photo by Laura Hughes next year); and Weston, 17, has been selected as a servant-shepMatt and Penni Warner with their three boys are Camp Savio and Camp herd this summer.

Bosco's most ardent champions (daughter Marybeth not pictured).

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By Bridget Locke

Lasting impact

While some younger campers feel homesick at the beginning of the week (often, it’s their first time away from home), those sad feelings almost always subside by the end of the week. Along the way, there’s a whole contingency of weeklong “mommies” who are ready to comfort them through it.

“Some campers may be a little teary when they arrive, but by the end of the week, they’re often crying because they don’t want to

Photos courtesy of Youth Office

In the beginning, camp started with a passionate calling of the Holy Spirit to draw youth closer to Christ. In 10 years, the camp has grown from 50 youth to 400 youth impacted in many faith-building ways. The current facility does not allow for a much needed expansion so that more youth may walk with Jesus. Plans are in the works to expand the camp and retreat facility to align with the goals of the Mutually Shared Vision to utilize all of God’s resources that he has placed in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. This facility will accommodate every age and level of discipleship and will be a location where every parishioner is invited to spend time and deepen their faith.

Michael Nations Director of Youth Ministry, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

leave,” said Penni. “Until then, I’m there to serve as a fill-in mom, along with the other chaperones. We want them to feel comforted and nurtured, and for the parents to know their children are safe. The women chaperone the girls and the men look after the boys. Again — the family environment aspect is really important.”

However, the most important aspect is the lasting impact that the

camps can have on the campers’ relationships with God. “We have grown with these kids over the years,” says Penni. “I’ve seen them when they start out as campers, and now see many of them going to seminary, becoming faithful members of the Church, and understanding what Christ can do in their lives. And I’ve seen it in my own home,” Warner continued. “Marybeth will graduate next year from Benedictine College with a double major in theology and evangelization-catechesis. Weston has a very strong prayer life and heard the call to ministry several times during adoration at Savio and Bosco. He is now discerning the priesthood. What more could any parent ask from a camp experience? There are just so many good things to share,” she beamed. “I could go on and on.”

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En el camino

Foto por Jaclyn Lippelmann Photography/Catholicstock

VU ELVE

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T

odos nosotros estamos familiarizados con las líneas famosas con las cuales habla Dor-

othy en la película Clásica, El Mago de Oz: "No hay lugar como el hogar......No hay lugar como el hogar”. De hecho, "hogar" es una palabra que describe la esencia de lo que todos queremos: un lugar donde somos conocidos, amados, alimentados y protegidos, rodeados de la familia.

Este año pasado muchas personas han estado lejos de su hogar.

Cada una de nuestras familias se vio perturbada de diferentes maneras por la crisis global provocada por la pandemia del coronavirus. Mi propia madre, a sus más de ochenta años, pasó la mayor parte del año pasado sola en su hogar. Aunque nosotros podíamos hablarle por teléfono o verla a cierta distancia en la entrada de su casa, no era lo mismo que estar con ella. Historias similares se produjeron en innumerables familias alrededor del mundo.

El impacto también se sintió en nuestra familia de la Iglesia.

Muchos han tenido que alejarse del hogar que es la parroquia, y esto incluyó la participación regular en la Misa Dominical.

Nuestras iglesias nunca cerraron, pero la caridad demandó que pusiéramos en práctica regulaciones de seguridad para la asistencia a la iglesia con la finalidad de proteger a los más vulnerables, y al mismo tiempo mantener la adoración y los sacramentos disponibles.

En estos meses pasados hemos visto mejoras importantes en las condiciones de salud, gracias, en parte, a la disponibilidad de vacunas efectivas, así como también a las medidas prudentes que permitieron minimizar las infecciones. Todo esto me lleva al punto de esta columna: es tiempo de Vuelve a Casa.

En Mayo, envié una carta a cada uno de los hogares de nuestra diócesis anunciando la finalización de la dispensa general de la santa obligación de participar en la Misa Dominical y los días santos de obligación. Una dispensa particular permanece en efecto para aquellos con problemas de salud y aquellos que los cuidan. Esto comienza el primero de junio, de manera que muchas personas puedan volver al hogar de sus parroquias en la Fiesta de Corpus Christi, un fin de semana apropiado para estar completamente presentes con Jesús.

Del Obispo El obispo James V. Johnston, Jr. es el séptimo obispo de la Diócesis de Kansas City-St. Joseph

Si usted no recibió mi carta o no está actualmente en nuestra lista de correos diocesana, pueden ver el corazón del mensaje a continuación:

Como lo indique en mi carta pastoral hace un año, Mantener el Dia del Señor, "La obligación del domingo impuesta sobre nosotros por Dios, nuestro Padre, y la Iglesia, nuestra Madre, no se nos dio como una carga, sino como una bendición, algo para ayudarnos a mantenernos sin salirnos del camino de Aquel que es nuestra salvación y nuestra vida. Una de las tendencias de nuestra naturaleza humana caída es la falta de entusiasmo por las cosas importantes.

Es por eso por lo que anexamos votos, promesas y obligaciones a las cosas más importantes de la vida, para asegurarnos de no desestimar ninguna de ellas.

Nosotros los Católicos, hablamos con razón y nos regocijamos en la Presencia Real de Cristo en la Sagrada Eucaristía. De hecho, nuestra fe nos asegura que Cristo esta plena y completamente presente para nosotros en la Santa Eucaristía, "Cuerpo y Sangre, Alma y Divinidad" (cf., Juan 6:52-58). Sin embargo, hay otra presencia real que es necesaria en cada celebración de la Misa- ¡la nuestra! Nuestra plena, consciente y activa participación en la Sagrada Liturgia comienza con nuestra presencia física en la Misa. La celebración de la Misa es también la fuente de nuestra comunión y vida comunitaria en todas nuestras parroquias.

Usted puede haber comenzado a ver un llamado consistente a Vuelve a Casa a la Comunión en las carteleras alrededor de la diócesis, haberlo leído en los medios sociales, haberlo oído en su parroquia o lo está viendo por primera vez en este ejemplar de la revista Catholic Key, este llamado no es solo para aquellos que estaban activos en la vida parroquial antes de la pandemia, sino también para aquellos que se había vuelto inactivos en la vida parroquial antes de la pandemia.

Somos hijos de Dios por la fe y el bautismo, y la Iglesia es nuestra casa en este lado del cielo, nuestro hogar eterno.

Así, con mucha alegría, les doy la bienvenida a todos al vuelve a casa con su familia parroquial. Si usted ya está participando fervorosamente en la Misa, invite a un amigo o a un miembro de la familia a acompañarlo este domingo, a sentarse con usted o con su familia, y quizás disfrutar de una comida juntos después de la Misa. A renovar la comunidad y comunión que tiene su origen en la Eucaristía Dominical y que fluye desde nuestra vida en Cristo. Divulgue la palabra a los demás — ¡es tiempo de vuelve a casa!

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Vuelve

Sana nd o a nuestro fam i l i a

A CASA A LA COMUNIÓN Por Ashlie Hand

D

espués de casi 15 meses de una pandemia global de COVID-19, el 1 de

junio de 2021, el Obispo James Johnston levantó la dispensa general de la obligación de asistir a la Misa Dominical y a los días de Santa Obligación para los Católicos en la Diócesis de Kansas City-St. Joseph.

El Obispo Johnston explicó, “Es nuestro deber y nuestra salvación adorar al Señor cada semana — de hecho, es justo y necesario, tal como lo proclamamos durante la Oración Eucarística. Para la mayoría de nosotros, ahora es el momento de regresar a nuestra presencia real en la Misa tal como lo desea la Presencia Real de Jesús en la Eucaristía”.

Jeanne Modlin y su hijo, Paul, regresaron a la Misa la primavera pasada, el primer día en que se ofreció en su parroquia en la Catedral de St. Joseph.

La pandemia del coronavirus pudo haber impedido que Jeanne y su hijo Paul Modlin participaran plenamente en la misa por un tiempo, pero su devoción compartida a la Eucaristía los atrajo a la primera oportunidad posible de estar una vez más en la presencia de Jesús.

Foto por Megan Marley

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Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

Jeanne dijo: “Yo sé que Jesús está en todas partes. Usted puede rezar en la casa, pero Jesús está realmente presente [en la Misa] esperando por nosotros. La Eucaristía es nuestra forma más importante de adoración y la Misa es la forma más importante de oración”. “Se me rompía el corazón al no tener esa unión con Él, así que volví a la Misa tan pronto pude regresar”.

Paul está de acuerdo, y dijo que aun cuando él normalmente no asiste a la Misa diariamente, había pasado tanto tiempo que no recibía la Comunión, que quería volver tan pronto como fuese posible. Él dijo: “Me sentía como si estuviese recibiendo nuevamente mi Primera Comunión”.

Jeanne y Paul dejaron la primera Misa radiantes, abrazándose e intercambiando “choca esos cinco”.

“Fue un gran alivio poder volver finalmente después de la frustración de tener que estar apartados de la Eucaristía”.

La familia podía ver la Misa en línea, cantando y rezando juntos, pero Paul dijo: “Era como ver la Misa a través de una ventana.

Queriendo estar allí y no ser capaz de entrar”.

Jeanne compara estar completamente presente ante Jesús con tener una conversación cara a cara con un amigo. “Usted puede hablar por teléfono en la distancia, pero es totalmente diferente a estar con ellos en la misma habitación, en comunión con ellos. Eso es real”. Cuando le preguntamos qué consejo le daría a alguien que está todavía dudando acerca de regresar a Misa, Jeanne contestó: “Vengan al encuentro real. La sanación y la gracia que recibirá lo harán superar cualquier cosa” ¡Vamos, Regresemos!”

ES TIEMPO DE DESEMPOLVAR LO MEJOR DEL DOMINGO Y CALENTAR SU VOZ PARA CANTAR Las leyes Canónicas y el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica establecen que los Católicos tienen la obligación de participar en la Misa y en la Eucaristía cada domingo y días santos de obligación, con ciertas excepciones, o arriesgarse a cometer pecado mortal. ¿Quiénes están todavía dispensados de la obligación del Domingo? Aquellos con condiciones graves de salud, condiciones preexistentes, o personas que están enfermos o sin poder salir de casa, o están cuidando a los enfermos, vulnerables o infantes, o tienen una dispensa de su párroco. ¿Qué pasa con el distanciamiento social? Cada parroquia determinará la distancia social apropiada tomando en cuenta las directrices de salud que permitan acomodar con seguridad el número máximo de asistentes a cada Misa. ¿Como sé si debo regresar a Misa? Si ya se siente cómodo para ir al supermercado, el gimnasio, la oficina o para cenar en un restaurant, debería sentirse seguro para regresar a Misa. ¿Dónde comenzar? Haga un plan: Encuentre una parroquia cerca de usted en kcsjcatholic.org y averigüe en que horario se celebran las Misas. Prepare su corazón confesándose, y celebre la alegría de la Eucaristía en la Misa.

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he al i ng ou r fam i ly

Come

HOME TO COMMUNION

By Ashlie Hand

A

fter nearly 15 months of a global COVID-19 pandemic, on June 1, 2021,

Bishop James Johnston lifted the dispensation from the obligation to participate in Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation for Catholics in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Bishop Johnston explains, “It is our duty and our salvation to worship the Lord each week — in fact, it is right and just, as we proclaim during the Eucharistic Prayer. For most of us, now is the time to return to our real presence in the Mass just as we desire Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist.”

Jeanne Modlin and her son, Paul, returned to Mass the very first day that Mass was offered last spring in their parish at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

“I know Jesus is everywhere. You can pray at home, but Jesus is truly present [at Mass] waiting for us. The Eucharist is our most important form of worship and Mass is the most important form of prayer,” Jeanne says. “It broke my heart

The COVID-19 pandemic may have kept Jeanne and her son Paul Modlin from full participation in the Mass for a time, but their shared devotion to the Eucharist drew them back at the first possible chance to once again be in the presence of Jesus.

Photo by Megan Marley

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Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

It was like receiving my First Communion all over again. to not have that union with him, so as soon as I could go back, I went back.”

Paul agrees and says that even though he doesn’t normally go to daily Mass, it had been so long since he had received Communion, he wanted to get back as soon as he could.

“It was like receiving my First Communion all over again,” he says.

Jeanne and Paul left that first Mass beaming, hugging and exchanging high fives.

“It was such a relief to finally be able to have this after the frustration of being kept away from it,” Jeanne explains.

The family would watch Mass online,

singing and praying together, but Paul says, “It was like watching Mass through a window. Just longing to be there and not being able to go inside.”

Jeanne compares being fully present with Jesus to having a face-to-face conversation with a friend. “You can talk on the phone from a distance, but it’s totally different to be with them, in the same room, in communion with them.

It’s real.” When asked what advice she would give to someone still hesitant about returning to Mass, Jeanne says, “Come to the real thing. The healing and grace you can get will get you through anything. Come on back!”

TIME TO DUST OFF YOUR SUNDAY BEST AND WARM UP YOUR SINGING VOICE Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church state that Catholics have an obligation to participate in the Mass and the Eucharist every Sunday and on holy days of obligation, with certain exceptions, or risk committing a grave sin.

Who is still dispensed from the Sunday obligation?

Those with serious health concerns, pre-existing conditions, are ill or homebound, or are caring for the ill, vulnerable or young infants, or are dispensed by their own pastor.

What about social distancing? Each parish will determine appropriate social distancing based on local county/city health guidelines that accommodates the maximum number of attendees at each Mass.

How do I know if I should return to Mass? If you are comfortable going to the grocery store, the gym, the office or dining out at a restaurant, you should feel safe returning to Mass.

Where do I start? Make a plan. Find a parish near you at kcsjcatholic.org and research what time Masses are offered. Prepare your heart by going to Confession, and receive the joy of the Eucharist at Mass.

33

c ath o l i c philosophy

Attack of the dark suckers!

A

comical article from the 1990s is a great analogy of why Christians should not accept the world’s definition of evil. The witty treatise claimed light bulbs did not, in fact, emit light, but rather sucked up darkness. The abuse of physics to “prove” it was delicious: dark has

mass, and the friction of the mass entering a “dark sucker” generates heat; dark is heavier than

By Teresa Koch

light, so that’s why it gets darker as you swim deeper; dark is faster than light, since you can see the light enter as you open a darkened closet but don’t see the dark exit.

The necessary assumption that darkness is a real substance, independent of light, is like the worldly view of evil. That is as poor with metaphysics as

“Mystics are the only truly practical people

“dark sucker” light bulbs are with physics. But that

because they factor in all of reality, spiritual

philosophy — dualism — has been fallen humanity’s

and material. They play with the whole deck in

default setting since shortly after the invention of dirt. It’s Satan’s fundamental lie, at odds with Christianity, and guides our society.

mind and not just the cards they have in hand.”

— Father Walter Nesbit, SJ (1928-2014)

Dualism sees evil as merely the opposite of good. They are squared off against each other in an endless battle of “rock, paper, scissors” until

Eastern traditions. Its destructiveness is real,

the distinction between them disappears in mutual

but the nature of evil is precisely that it has no

obsession with human will and tribal faction.

existence of its own. Its dependence upon the

Since Christ came to conquer evil — precisely

good is absolute; it cannot empower, but only

because he is love — misunderstanding the nature

weaken. The physical evil of blindness is the

of evil is no small point. I don’t mean the problem

absence of sight, for example.

34

The challenge is to identify and rescue what

The faith sees good and evil as light and darkness.

good is being abused. This is not “Duel of the

Light has real substance, but darkness does not.

Fates,” but a king rescuing his bride. Christ,

Darkness is the absence or dimming of light: either

as the Light of the World, is to be enkindled

the light is fading or it’s eclipsed by something. Evil

and fanned to greater brightness. Obstacles

is the absence, misdirection, counterfeit, weakening

seeking its eclipse are to be removed — even

or abuse of a good. It’s not an illusion, as in most

at the cost of the cross.

Catholic Key • Summer 2021 • catholickey.org

Alexmumu/Getty Images

of evil. I mean what evil is.

One family...

faith

walking together

in

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them...

THANK YOU! . . . for the generous gifts to this year's Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA). Together, as one community in Northern and Western Missouri, we have exceeded our diocese goal receiving gifts and pledges totaling $1,872,612.37. Your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal will help fund the ministries, services, and programs that are vital for the mission and work of our 87 parishes and 10 missions.

We are “One Family. . .Walking together in Faith.”

To give a gift or make a pledge to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, go online and visit www.kcsjcatholic.org 31 35

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