Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia! May he who conquered sin and death renew in your hearts this Easter season the hope to which we have been called: that life will be victorious!
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At the heart of our Catholic spirituality is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Week liturgies bring us into contact with the central mysteries of our Christian faith: 1) Holy Thursday’s celebration of the Lord’s Supper; 2) Good Friday’s commemoration of the passion of the Lord; 3) Holy Saturday night’s celebration of the Easter Vigil; and 4) Easter Sunday Masses with the renewal of baptismal promises.
It is completely absurd to believe that planet Earth and its unique ability to support multiple life forms just happened against impossible odds — odds that no Las Vegas bookie would ever take. It is much more reasonable to accept that there simply must be an incredible intelligence that brought into existence the cosmos, our solar system, planet Earth and human life.
Science makes no sense if there is no order in the physical world. Scientific study is based on the assumption that there is predictability within our universe. In other words, we find amazing design in nature that can be studied and understood. This implies there must be a designer.
Christianity holds that not only must there be a Creator, but that the Creator of the cosmos desires for us to be in communion with him. The entire biblical narrative describes a God who loved us into existence and, despite the rebellion of our first parents that fractured our
Notice
There will be no issue of The Leaven next week. The next issue of The Leaven will be May 2.
ARCHBISHOP
JOSEPH F. NAUMANN
humanity, a God who continues to pursue us even in our sinfulness.
This loving God desires to heal our brokenness and desires for us to share in his abundant and eternal life. No other religion believes what Christians believe. Namely, that the Creator of the Cosmos, the Second Person of the Triune God, actually chose to become an embryo in the womb of Mary. Christianity holds that God chose to immerse himself in our humanity in order that we could share in his divine life.
Bad ideas have bad consequences, and good ideas have beautiful consequences. The anthropology — the understanding of human beings — that dominates philosophy today is very bleak.
This materialist anthropology holds that our existence is just a bizarre, inexplicable accident that somehow emerged from physical matter. If this is what many believe about the origins of humanity, no wonder there are epidemics of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, depression and even despair.
Christians, on the other hand, believe that we were loved into existence by an amazing God. We believe even seemingly small events have meaning and purpose. We believe that this all-powerful, all-knowing, all-merciful, all-loving God cares
about us personally. We believe that we have a mission in this world and a destiny to live forever with God and the saints.
Jesus, the Second Person of the Triune God, came into this world to heal our brokenness. Our Lord came to reveal the depth of God’s love for us on Calvary. Jesus fully entered into our humanity, even unto suffering and death. From the pierced side of Jesus on Calvary, blood and water flowed, revealing the depth of his mercy and the gift of our ability to share in his life. How can we be despondent if we believe that God died for us in order that we could live with him?
At the press conference announcing that Pope Francis appointed Archbishop McKnight to succeed me as the Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, a reporter asked: “What do you say to the parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul in Seneca, whose pastor, Father Arul Carasala, was murdered? How do you make sense of this heart-breaking tragedy?”
I responded by saying that it is impossible to make sense of it. That said, I suggested that you point them to the beauty and truth of our Catholic faith: We believe that death does not have the final word. Jesus defeated death with his victory of life on Easter. This world is not our final destination.
Father Arul gave his entire life to proclaim Our Lord’s defeat of sin and death through the paschal mystery, the
dying and rising of Jesus that we encounter and touch at each and every Mass. Jesus does not promise that we will never experience suffering.
Our Lord tells his disciples that they must follow him along the path of heroic love, all the way to Calvary. The disciple of Jesus has to be prepared to share in the cross.
At the same time, Our Lord does promise his disciples that we will never be alone. Jesus will be with us through difficult times. When we encounter adversity and even tragedy, we must view it through the prism of the dying and rising of Jesus — namely, God brings good from evil, life from death.
My mother believed that my priesthood was a good that God brought forth from the tragedy of my own father’s murder, which happened when I was still in my mother’s womb. The closeness of our parish priests to our family throughout my childhood, in part because of my father’s death, certainly had a profound impact on me. Priests’ friendship with my family was certainly a key factor to my openness to the priesthood.
For the Christian, when tragedy occurs, we should look at it through tearful, but expectant, eyes. I do not believe that God desired Father Arul or my father to die in the manner they did. Their deaths were the result of sin. At the same time, if we remain close to Jesus, we should not be surprised that he will bring good forth from evil. We may not be able to recognize it until 25 years later or perhaps never in this world, but we should be confident that it will happen.
After Father Arul’s memorial Mass, I received the following message from one of our international
April 18
Good Friday liturgy — cathedral
April 19
Easter Vigil — cathedral
April 20
Easter Sunday Mass — cathedral
April 22
Donnelly membership meeting — chancery
Universal Chastity Education — chancery
Administrative Team meeting — chancery
Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park
April 23
Hayden High School Mass — Topeka
Deposit and Loan board of trustees meeting
Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park
April 24
Mass for the Institution to the Ministry of Lector and Acolyte dinner — Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis
April 25
Recently ordained priests vespers and dinner
April 27
“Sound of Hope” screening — Benedictine College
Divine Mercy Sunday/OCIA Mass — Benedictine College, Atchison
April 28
Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Shawnee
April 29
Mass and lunch — St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park
Eucharistic Revival bishops’ advisory group
Ethics Council meeting — chancery
April 30
Confirmation — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea
Adoration and lunch — Hayden High School, Topeka
May 1
Religious Alliance Against Pornography board meeting
Hope and Life banquet — Fiorella’s Event Space, Overland Park
Confirmation — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas
priests from India:
“During the celebration of Mass, I felt that I should be ready at any time to die for Jesus. It’s a great honor.
First few days, I was totally frightened and was thinking of going back to my country, but now I feel proud to be a priest and die as
a priest, even to die in this country.”
May the celebration of the Triduum and Easter renew within each of us profound gratitude for the gift of our Catholic faith! May we all be motivated both to live and to die for Jesus!
By Jan Dixon
Special to The Leaven
SHAWNEE — Some heroes were present in the front pews of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish here on a recent weekday evening, all of them considered thinkers and theologians and doers: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas; Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis; Communio Ministry founder J.P. De Gance; and author George Weigel. They were gathered for an event sponsored by the Atchison’s Benedictine College Center for Family Life.
Multiple generations were represented at the April 1 event to honor the legacy of the archbishop, to celebrate the work being done to strengthen marriage and family life, and to gain insight into the life and work of Pope John Paul II.
Father Jaime Zarse, Sacred Heart pastor, started the event off with a prayer giving thanks for the gift of faith and family and posed the question: Where would we be without our moms and dads or without our faith?
Minnis delivered the opening remarks, in which he explained the success and growth of Benedictine in recent years.
“We consecrated our college to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he said simply. “And when you put things in her hands, great things can happen.”
Now a college with over 2,300 students, Benedictine maintains the mission to educate within a community of faith and scholarship. Its Center for Family Life forms students who will help to strengthen families and sponsors the St. John Paul II Fellows
program, where students serve as ambassadors for the family in society following the teachings of the saint.
Minnis presented Benedictine’s Transforming Culture in America Award to Archbishop Naumann for his continued efforts to protect the lives of the unborn and to strengthen families.
Upon receiving the award, the archbishop expressed gratitude to the college for its work in developing future leaders. He told of his increasing gratitude for his own family, especially his father, who chose an extraordinary mother for him.
“Marriage and family are the foundation of culture and society, and of the church as well,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Whatever fruit is coming out of my ministry as a priest and bishop is really the fruit of my parents’ vocation of a Christian marriage.”
Christian marriage is precisely the focus of De Gance’s work, and in his presentation, he explained how Communio seeks to identify the most effective strategies to boost marriage and family and church engagement. These strategies are paying off, he said, in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, where 12
parishes in northeast Kansas are participating. Communio is established in over 27 dioceses around the country.
Finally, George Weigel — a theologian, writer and senior analyst for NBC News — shared insights into the life and work of Pope John Paul II.
“Throughout his journey from parish priest in Poland to pope in Rome, John Paul II worked to strengthen marriage and family life,” he said.
Weigel showcased many examples of the late pope’s acute awareness of the importance of family life through the many initiatives he launched to enhance the church’s ministry to families, including World Youth Day and the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.
Weigel also explained how Catholic teaching emphasizes the family as the fundamental unit of society, a “domestic church” where faith and values are first taught and lived. The family is to be a place of love, growth and support. It is a place where people learn to be good. He said that freedom does not mean “I did it my way” — rather, freedom is doing the right thing for the right reason and developing it as a habit over time.
“Pope John Paul II remained committed to the focus on marriage and family through his 26-plus years as the leader of the church,” Weigel said. “And Archbishop Naumann has encouraged and developed these same thoughts throughout his ministry.”
Archbishop Naumann concluded the event by calling for a renewed attention to the sacrament of matrimony.
“We must help married couples to know how important you are,” he said, “and how your example transforms culture.”
By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
SHAWNEE — It’s not every day a cardinal from El Salvador comes to visit your parish.
Good Shepherd Church in Shawnee, though, has a unique relationship with El Salvador.
Since 1987, the parish has maintained a sister relationship with El Buen Pastor, a community (not a parish) in El Salvador. Parishioners have gotten to know many people there, including Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez, the first cardinal from El Salvador.
On March 29, the cardinal, who was appointed in 2017 by Pope Francis, celebrated the evening Mass at Good Shepherd and participated in “Finding Hope in the Jubilee Year: A Conversation with Cardenal Gregorio Rosa Chávez.”
This marked the first time the cardinal visited the Kansas parish, but it was his fifth trip to the Kansas City metro area to celebrate the legacy of St. Óscar Romero, martyred on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass. The cardinal, a close friend of the saint, worked with him for several years.
In his opening remarks, the cardinal shared a story from early in his priesthood.
“When I was a young priest, a woman that was poor approached me and asked me for help,” he said.
He didn’t have a lot of money to offer her. He told her, “Woman, don’t lose your hope. She looked at me and said, ‘Yes, Father. Hope doesn’t feed you, but it sustains you.’”
“I felt very humbled,” recalled the cardinal.
Yet it was hope that he had come to talk about — specifically the current Jubilee Year of Hope, during which he said that parishes needed to evangelize.
“Pope Francis says people need to hear good news,” he said. “They don’t feel the joy of the Gospel. He tells the pastors, ‘You have to smell like the sheep. You have to walk with the people and go before them, among them and behind them.’”
“Who needs hope?” Cardinal Rosa Chávez asked the crowd. “The ones who reject human life, the poor, the sick, the elder, the youth, migrants. The world has no hope, and without hope, there’s no future.”
Comparing life to a ship at sea, the cardinal said people get tossed about in the storms of life and might not choose the right direction or the right anchor.
“The world needs this anchor that is Jesus Christ. Hold onto it. . . . There is no resurrection without a cross. That’s the way of hope,” the cardinal said.
A Q&A session followed the cardinal’s presentation.
During an interview that morning, Cardinal Rosa Chávez discussed what his visit to the parish meant to him.
“This is a very special parish,” the cardinal said, and he’s been inspired by how the parish lives out its Christian commitment to the poor, especially the people of El Salvador. He “feels home,” he added, in huge part thanks to the love and friendship of the parishioners who support the El Buen Pastor community.
In the interview, he expanded on the life and martyrdom of St. Óscar Romero, sharing stories and photos from “Conversations with Cardinal Rosa Chávez,” a book currently only available in Spanish and awaiting a publisher of an English edition.
Recalling the day of the saint’s martyrdom, the cardinal said the archbishop
WHO NEEDS HOPE? THE ONES WHO REJECT HUMAN LIFE, THE POOR, THE SICK, THE ELDER, THE YOUTH, MIGRANTS. THE WORLD HAS NO HOPE, AND WITHOUT HOPE, THERE’S NO FUTURE.
CARDINAL GREGORIO ROSA CHÁVEZ
took a nap after lunch, then went to the church to “pray for a long time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
“[Archbishop Romero] had this profound relationship with the Blessed Sacrament,” said the cardinal.
On his way home, the future saint stopped to see his confessor. That evening, while celebrating Mass in the chapel of Divine Providence cancer hospital where he lived, a single bullet struck him in the heart.
Although he appreciated the movie “Romero” produced in the late 1980s, the cardinal said the film got a few of the historical details wrong.
“That doesn’t happen that way,” said the cardinal of the final moments of the saint’s life. “We have pictures. We have recordings. There were few people in the chapel. There were no people helping — not even servers. It was a private Mass. He didn’t move from the center of the altar. He himself read the readings of the day.”
But there is value in knowing the historical truth.
“It’s a treasure for us to know the actual facts that happened,” concluded Cardinal Rosa Chávez. “It’s the only case we have of a bishop dying at the altar and that he died at the time of the offering.
“That day, the sacrifice — the victim — was him. That was the offering of his life, the seal of God.”
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan.
— At the core of Father Raj “Arul” Balaswamy Carasala’s ministry was a heart for people.
“Arul knew Jesus, experienced him in his life, and that was his main desire — to help others to know Christ,” said Father Harry Schneider.
“And I think he was an incredible exemplar of the love, the care, the healing for human beings,” he added.
Father Carasala, 57, was fatally shot on April 3 outside his rectory at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, where he served as pastor since 2011.
He was born on June 7, 1967, in Kilacheri, India, to Dhanam (Gorla) and Balaswamy Carasala.
He was ordained a priest on March 4, 1994, for the Diocese of Cuddapah on the southeast coast of India.
In 2004, Father Carasala was invited by Archbishop James P. Keleher to visit and potentially relocate to northeast Kansas.
He made a home in the archdiocese and became a U.S. citizen on May 20, 2011.
“We see his journey as a sacrifice he made to fulfill God’s will,” said his niece, Joshvi Christina. “Father Arul loved home deeply, and we know he would have been happy staying here with us.
“But like the disciples of Jesus who crossed oceans to spread his word, Father Arul answered a higher calling.”
Father Carasala quickly became an indispensable resource for the archdiocese, paving the way for more Indian priests to come and taking them under his wing.
“He taught me how to be a pastor here,” said Father Jomon Palatty, MSFS, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Baldwin and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lapeer.
“We come from a different world,” he said. “When you arrive in America, your slang, the food, the timing — it’s different.”
Father Carasala taught his fellow priests how to obtain a driver’s license and open a bank account. He also explained cultural differences between India and the United States.
“He was a mentor, and he guided us [in] how to deal with the situation in all the parishes,” said Father Jomon.
His presence was a source of comfort when Father Anthony Chendumalli, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Frankfort, St. Columbkille Parish in
Blaine and St. Monica-St. Elizabeth Parish, Blue Rapids, arrived in Kansas.
“I didn’t expect that he would be such a wonderful person and human being,” he said. “He is a great gift to me to have him in my life.”
The camaraderie among the Indian priests was strong under Father Carasala’s leadership.
“Having a group of priests here from our same culture helped a lot,” said Father Reginald Saldanha, pastor of St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict and Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville.
“We did a lot of things together — hunting, fishing, cooking and playing cards in our free time,” he said.
FATHER ARUL WAS VERY GOOD IN GUIDING PEOPLE THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES, DARK TIMES. HE HAD A SPECIAL GIFT.
FATHER REGINALD SALDANHA
Father Jomon said Father Carasala was a talented cook.
One of his specialties was barbecue chicken with Indian spices.
“Even American priests also used to come and stay
bilocation,” he said, “Father Arul would be the one.”
Father Jim Shaughnessy was inspired by Father Carasala’s ingenuity.
“He was always finding ways to get people more involved in the parish doing different things,” he said. “He was a good organizer and a hard worker.
“He was always ready to do something for people in need.”
And he didn’t shy away from challenging situations.
“Father Arul was very good in guiding people through difficult times, dark times,” said Father Saldanha. “He had a special gift. He would show up without saying much.
“He would bring his presence as a healing and comfort to the people in their difficult times.”
Like the time Christina shared with her uncle that she was going through a challenging time.
“Without a moment’s hesitation, he booked a flight to be with me,” she said.
“During that visit, he was a source of light and strength,” she continued. “He cooked for me, took care of me like I was a child and filled the house with his usual warmth and optimism.”
Father Schneider said the loss of Father Carasala is devastating, but faith is getting him through it.
“I have no doubt that Arul is wrapped in the arms of the Lord,” he said.
“He had this total genuine faith and trust in God’s grace,” he continued, “and there is fulfillment of the resurrection, the fulfillment of Christ’s promises.”
For Christina and her family, the response from the archdiocesan community has been comforting.
with him and enjoy his cooking,” he said.
Father Carasala enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball and running.
And he knew everyone, said Father Jomon.
“In Seneca, when we’d go for a walk,” he said, “there are many people that call out from inside the house, ‘Hey, Father Arul!’ And he called them back [by their] names.
“He was really gifted with that quality of knowing the person.”
Father Saldanha said Father Carasala’s days were jampacked, but he never ran out of energy.
“If I had to name one priest that I know of who came very close to possess the gift of
“It is truly a blessing from God to know that Father Arul is so deeply loved by the people in Kansas,” she said. “Hearing how much he is cherished there fills our hearts with comfort.
“We feel incredibly proud of him — for the life he chose, the lives he touched and the love he shared so generously, both near and far.”
Father Carasala was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his sister, Zeeta Loui (John) Puthota, niece Christina and nephew Joe Nikesh.
A memorial Mass was celebrated on April 10 at Sts. Peter and Paul, with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as the main celebrant and homilist. His body will be flown to India, accompanied by two priests, where a funeral Mass and burial will take place.
By Trish Coupe-Schuele Special to The Leaven
PRAIRIE VILLAGE — “Do this in remembrance of me” are very familiar words from the Mass. They are, perhaps, the reason why 60-plus members of St. Ann Church here gathered in the parish hall to celebrate a Christian Passover Remembrance Meal.
At the declaration of the threeyear Eucharistic Revival, many Catholics began a quest to deepen their understanding and reverence for the Eucharist. A group of about 20 women from St. Ann’s, who made the Journey Retreat weekend together there, began a study of the subject, including the Jewish roots of the Eucharist.
On Palm Sunday of both 2023 and 2024, they gathered to celebrate the Jewish Seder (with the additional messianic message) in one of the group members’ homes. Out of respect for that most solemn of Jewish feast days, they called their ceremony “A Christian Passover Remembrance Meal” and shared it with the parish this year on April 5.
Gathering the day before the meal, the women prepared the traditional Seder foods and decorated the parish hall in the colors of spring, the season of this feast.
The Christian Passover Remembrance Meal is modeled after the Jewish Seder and uses the Seder’s different foods and the biblical history and ritual associated with each. Throughout the meal, with each Old Testament historic reference and Jewish traditional ritual, there is also a focus on New Testament references and the messianic fulfillment.
Keeping with the Jewish Seder tradition, the Remembrance Meal also features a washing ceremony. As one of the organizers explained, “In Jesus’s time, most of the common
Orrick prepares to wash the
their turn at the Christian
and
held at St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village on April 5. For more information, go online to: christianpassoverpv@gmail.com.
people walked everywhere. Traveling on dirt and rocky roads, their feet bore the stress of their day. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet.
“In today’s world, it is our minds which carry so much of the strain and stress of our day. So, we wash the face, forehead and/or back of the neck of each other to follow Jesus’ example of bringing comfort and being of service to others.”
Printed on the front cover of the service booklet is a quote from St. Augustine of Hippo that eloquently captures the meaning of “Do this in memory of me.”
He wrote: “You are the body of Christ. In you and through you, the work of the incarnation must go forward. You are meant to incarnate in your lives the theme of your adoration — you are to be taken, blessed, broken and distributed, that you may be the means of grace and vehicles of eternal charity.”
For more on this Seder meal, email: christianpassoverpv3@gmail.com
foods and the biblical history and ritual associated with each.
Larry and Rita (Wieberg) Stahl, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on April 26 with a family luncheon. The couple was married on April 24, 1965, by Father John Walsh at St. Anthony Church in St. Anthony, Missouri. They have three sons: Mike, Basehor; John, Linwood; and Craig, Lansing. They also have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Debra and Michael Colgan, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 26 with a family trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina. The couple was married on April 26, 1975, at St. Elizabeth Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Kylie (Colgan) Helmer and Brett Colgan. They also have six grandchildren.
POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
• The couple’s names
• their parish
• the date they were married
• church and city where they were married
• what they are doing to celebrate
• date of the celebration
• names of children (no spouses)
• number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.com
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Most Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are familiar with the Archbishop’s Call to Share (ACTS).
They hear Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s annual homily, asking for financial gifts to help dozens of ministries in the archdiocese survive and thrive in the work they do.
But the appeal wouldn’t be possible without the laity and clergy who meet each year to decide how to distribute its collection.
“Last year, we received gifts from 13,000 households,” said Father Mark Mertes, which totaled around $7 million.
“The purpose of this committee is to give people an assurance that the gifts they give are well-vetted and cared for,” he said.
This year, the 13 members of the ACTS Allocation Review Committee gathered at the archdiocesan church offices in Kansas City, Kansas, on March 18 for their annual meeting.
The committee is made up of volunteers, including clergy and laymen and women from around the archdiocese.
“As moderator of the curia, I convene the committee, which is a subcommittee of the presbyteral council, to review the proposed allocations for the Archbishop’s Call to Share,” said Father Mertes.
Carla Mills, CFO for the archdiocese, solicits grant requests from the ministries, which are selected by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. She examines the budgets and gathers all the information necessary for the committee to review.
This year, 42 ministries are being supported by Call to Share.
“Some of them are really clear about what their needs are going forward and what they need the money for,” said Mills. “Some of them are really only funded by Archbishop’s Call to Share.”
The committee looks at excerpts about the ministries, their financial histories and service reports about why their work is important and what they’ve done to be successful, said Mills. The meeting takes about four hours.
The committee’s recommendations are brought to the presbyteral council and ultimately to Archbishop Naumann, who signs off on the
WE WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THOSE MONIES ARE WISELY SPENT, AND ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE COVERING SO MANY DIFFERENT MINISTRIES.
FATHER MARK MERTES
final decisions.
“The request is that people give one percent of their income to the Archbishop’s Call to Share,” said Father Mertes. “We want people to know that those monies are wisely spent, and especially when you’re covering so many different ministries.”
This was Robert Niehues Jr.’s first year serving on the committee. A parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, he was asked to join by Father Mertes.
“I found it very rewarding,” he said.
Niehues is retired from a career in
banking, compliance and internal auditing and has been involved in several parish and archdiocesan initiatives.
He was excited to represent the Nemaha-Marshall Deanery.
“One of the things you hear a lot is all the money goes to Kansas City,” said Niehues, but he was impressed by the variety of ministries included.
“There are lots of different ministries — from the deaf ministry to hospice,” he said.
Niehues enjoyed being part of the process.
“You get to know more about the diocese, and then you get to see how it really operates,” he said. “You represent your region, and maybe you can help your region.”
Niehues was excited to meet with Catholics from other parts of the archdiocese, to hear their concerns and express his.
“One of the things I’m excited about is how do we keep our youth when they make that transition from high school to college,” said Niehues. “And how do you keep them involved through their high school years to understand their Catholic faith?”
Mills said the committee takes
each ministry’s request seriously and participates in frank discussions to do what’s best with the funds they’re working with.
“There is a formal, somewhat rigorous process to solicit how we’re going to be using these funds,” she said. “There’s good stewardship because we do it in a balanced fashion every year.”
None of it would be possible without the generosity of the archdiocesan community, said Mills.
“We are very grateful that we raise this kind of money in the archdiocese,” she said. “I think it says a lot about our Catholic population, how generous they are in making these gifts.”
Lisa McKelvey, executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development, is especially thankful for the volunteers who serve on the committee.
“I am grateful to the ACTS Allocation Committee for helping ensure that the generous gifts of the people of the archdiocese are stewarded responsibly,” she said, “and put into work in ministries to make the most impact in our Catholic community and our community at large.”
And now you know . . .
There is so much happening in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas that it’s hard to keep up. The Leaven has had photographers at so many events the past few months that it’s been hard to fit them in print. Our followers on social media may have seen some of these happenings, but we want all of our readers to see the important and holy work that’s going on all over the archdiocese. These pages should give a sampling of the sacred that surrounds us. For more photos, check out The Leaven’s Facebook page where you will find even more.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It provides an opportunity for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to highlight ongoing efforts to prevent abuse within the most vulnerable population and increase awareness in creating a safe environment. A common symbol for NCAPM is a blue pinwheel. To show support for the mission of safeguarding children, many
By Kate Scanlon OSV News
HARRISBURG, Pa. (OSV News) — Catholic leaders and public officials condemned violence and called for peace after an alleged arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion here.
In a statement, Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg called the attack a “heinous act” that “struck at the very heart of our shared values as a society.”
Pennsylvania law enforcement officials arrested and charged Cody Balmer of Harrisburg with attempted murder, arson and terrorism, after they said he scaled an iron security fence surrounding the governor’s official residence in the middle of the night, eluded police officers and broke into the mansion, where he set a fire.
In a social media post, Gov. Shapiro said he and his family were awakened early in the morning of April 13 to “bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.”
“The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police,” he wrote. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished.”
“Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities,” he said, adding he and his wife Lori “are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.”
Law enforcement authorities found two broken glass beer bottles that had been filled with gasoline they believe Balmer used to start the fire, they said.
Pennsylvania State Police said the fire caused a “significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence.” Photos released by the Pennsylvania state government showed damage to multiple rooms, art, a piano and furniture.
Shapiro, who is seen as likely
This is an interior view of the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro following an arson fire in Harrisburg April 13. A man accused of breaking into and setting fire to Shapiro’s residence while the governor’s family slept admitted to “harboring hatred” for Shapiro, and said he would have beaten the governor with a hammer if they had encountered one another, court records allege.
to seek his party’s nomination for president in 2028, also oversaw the law enforcement response to the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year, when the former president and Republican nominee for 2024 held a campaign rally.
“This type of violence is not OK,” Shapiro said at a press conference April 13 at the residence. “This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, one particular person or another, it is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.”
In his statement, Bishop Senior said, “I want to unequivocally state that all forms of hate are unacceptable. They have no place in our hearts, our homes or our communities. Such acts of violence and intolerance threaten the fabric of our society and undermine the principles of love, respect and understanding that all people of faith are called to embody.”
Authorities have not yet made a motive for the attack public. Shapiro, who is Jewish, had celebrated Passover the evening prior to the incident, according to a post he wrote on X.
“We must be deeply grateful that Governor [Josh] Shapiro and his family are safe, and we must also pray for an end to violence, which goes against everything good about us as human beings,” Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh said in a statement April 13.
Bishop Zubik said that “we should all be shocked at the reported act of arson at the residence of Governor Josh Shapiro and his family. Particularly during this Holy Week for Christians and Passover time for the Jewish people, we focus on the deep love that God has for all of us.”
Pennsylvania Sens. Dave McCormick, a Republican, and John Fetterman, a Democrat, both condemned the violence.
“The horrific attack against [Shapiro] and his family is terrible,” McCormick wrote on X. “This type of violence cannot be tolerated and the criminals responsible must be prosecuted for these deplorable actions.”
Fetterman called the attack “truly appalling.”
“Profoundly grateful that [Shapiro] and his family are unharmed, and grateful for the police and first responders for their quick actions,” he said. “Whoever did this must be held to the fullest extent of the law.”
PHOENIX (OSV News) — In an era of vocations undeniably impacted by a statistically declining priesthood, it’s perhaps among the rarest of Catholic news headlines: Seminary Opens. And yet, in the Diocese of Phoenix — established in 1969, populated with 2 million Catholics, and covering 43,967 square miles — that’s indeed the story, as the diocese and the University of Mary’s Mary College at Arizona State University have partnered to establish a full seminary: Nazareth Seminary. Since 2012, the University of Mary — a private, Benedictine college near Bismarck, North Dakota — has offered Catholic studies courses at ASU. But with Nazareth Seminary, the Diocese of Phoenix has now entrusted the University of Mary with the academic formation of its seminarians.
“We’ve never had a seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix before,” said vocations director Father Kurt Perera. “I think it’s a real game-changer in the sense of how we operate, how men are discerning, and how we integrate this new form of seminary formation locally and apply it to what they’re experiencing and studying here.”
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (OSV News) — A seminarian for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome will chant the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 19 — “one of the most evocative and poetic hymns of praise in all liturgy,” according to the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It’s basically singing the praises of what the Easter candle represents,” Deacon Nicholas Monnin told Today’s Catholic in a telephone interview from Rome. “It says, let the angel chorus exalt, and then let all the heavenly hosts, and so it’s inviting all of creation. . . . The hymn points to Christ’s definitive victory over death, and that’s a cause of great exultation, a cause of great joy for all of creation.” Deacon Monnin was ordained to the transitional diaconate in October 2024.
By Sarah Mac Donald OSV News
DUBLIN (OSV News) — In a powerful courtroom moment just before Holy Week, Irish Army chaplain Father Paul Murphy forgave the radicalized teenager who tried to kill him in a 2024 knife attack.
“I am in the business of forgiveness,” Father Murphy told the Central Criminal Court in Dublin April 10, a week ahead of Holy Thursday, as he spoke before the teenager who attempted to kill him in a shocking knife attack outside Renmore Barracks in Irish Galway.
The 17-year-old youth pleaded guilty to attempted murder on Aug. 15, 2024, when he repeatedly stabbed the priest with a serrated hunting knife. He had been radicalized online and expressed allegiance to the Islamic State group.
In his victim impact statement, Father Murphy addressed the young man, saying he forgave him: “My only desire is that you would learn to see the error of your ways and, when the time comes, return to society to make a positive contribution to the world as a wholesome, happy and loving person.”
His words and assurance of forgiveness left many in the Central Criminal Court moved.
The Islamist-inspired assault resulted in multiple injuries to the priest’s arms, and he now has reduced function in his left arm.
Gerard Gallagher, secretary general of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, lives in County Kildare, close to the Irish Army’s Curragh base and military college, which is home to 2,000 military personnel.
“I have known Father Paul for many years in his role as chaplain of the Defence Forces. His gesture in offering forgiveness is an example of true priesthood as we prepare for Holy Week,” Gallagher told OSV News.
“It follows in the tradition of followers of Christ being compassionate and radical in going the extra mile. Being merciful in a leadership role is a value that our society needs at this time,” he said.
Father Murphy was not an intended target. He was attacked as he waited for the gates of the army barracks to open for his car. The school student, who had been waiting at the gates, indicated that he wished to talk to him. As soon as Father Murphy lowered his window, the boy lunged at him and began stabbing him repeatedly.
Father Murphy managed to get his car through the gates of the barracks but the boy clung to the side of his car and continued to stab the priest as the car moved.
The attacker ignored warning shots
fired by soldiers, and the attack only ended when the soldiers disabled the student, who was 16 years old at the time. He later explained to police that the attack was revenge for the Irish Army’s deployment in Mali.
Father Murphy told the court that he was the best-placed person to “take the knife that night,” and he considered it an honor and a privilege to carry the scars until his dying day.
He said he thanked God every single day that the knife tore through his skin and “not through the body of one of my comrades.”
Ordained in 1996 at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford City, Father Murphy served in a number of parishes before he joined the Irish Defence Forces as a chaplain in 2014. His role has included overseas
deployments as well as organizing military pilgrimages.
In his victim impact statement, he said that far from being “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he was convinced he was the right person, “in the right place, at the right time” and he described the night as being “filled with blessings.”
The 52-year-old priest said he was fortunate that he had not rolled down his window fully when he opened it to talk to the teenager because if he had, he would be dead.
At the end of court proceedings, Father Murphy approached the young student who apologized to the priest and they exchanged a hug. The young man is scheduled to be sentenced April 29.
By Gina Christian OSV News
KYIV, Ukraine (OSV News) — Catholic and other religious leaders are condemning a Palm Sunday attack by Russia on a Ukrainian city that killed 34 — including two children — and injured 119.
“When we celebrate the feast of life, the enemy wishes to inflict its feast of death on us,” said Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in an April 13 statement.
Two ballistic missiles launched by Russia earlier that same day struck the center of Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine located some 15 miles from the Russian border.
The second missile was “likely packed with fragmentation elements” and “exploded in midair to inflict maximum damage on people in the city streets,” said Serhii Kryvosheienko of the Sumy Military Administration in a post on the Telegram social media platform.
He said the second strike “caused most of the casualties.”
“This is nothing but another crime against humanity,” said Major
NEWS PHOTO/STATE EMERGENCY
OF UKRAINE HANDOUT VIA REUTERS Rescuers work near the bodies of victims at the site of a Russian missile airstrike in Sumy, Ukraine, on Palm Sunday, April 13, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Archbishop Shevchuk.
The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, the largest organization of religious leaders in Ukraine, also condemned the strikes, which took place amid both the Jewish holiday of Passover (April 12-20) and the Christian observance of Holy Week.
“Despite the festal period associated with the celebration of the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter, the Russian state continues to terrorize Ukrainian cities and villages day and night with drone and missile attacks, as well as shelling,” said the council in a statement.
The council added, “Such actions
demonstrate that nothing is sacred for the state that declares itself to be ‘Holy Rus,’” referencing a longstanding theological and political concept that positions Russia as a defender of traditional Christian values.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Patriarich Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, have invoked the concept to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which continues attacks launched in 2014, and which has been declared a genocide in two joint reports from the New Lines Institute and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights.
UCCRO said in its statement that Russia’s Palm Sunday strike showed “basic respect for the value of human life is absent, not to mention respect for the holidays of Christianity and Judaism.”
Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelenskyy called for a global response to the strikes, which followed a similar April 4 attack by Russia on a playground in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. Nine children were among the 20 killed in that strike.
“It is crucial that the world does not stay silent or indifferent,” said Zelenskyy in an April 13 post on X.
Donor support coordinator - The Catholic Education Foundation has an immediate opening for a donor support coordinator, who is responsible for managing the donor database system and will provide administrative and clerical support to the executive director and leadership team. This position is full time, benefits eligible, with a hybrid schedule available. For more details or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” at: https://archkck.org/ our-church/who-we-are/offices/human-resources.
Full-time care coordinator - Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of seniors? We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate care coordinator or social worker to join our team. As a care coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring that individuals receive the highest quality of care and support. You will work closely with health care providers, families and clients to create personalized care plans that promote well-being and independence. This opportunity is open to new graduates. To learn more and apply, visit: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/ jobs/Details/3045125/Santa-Marta-Retirement/CareCoordinator.
Part-time assistant teacher - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking a part-time assistant teacher for our 4’s classroom for the 2025-26 school year. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This position aids the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations, and maintaining principles of sound Catholic education. See the full job description at: stmichaelcp.org/ employment. Send a cover letter and resume to: jennie. wente@stmichaelcp.org.
Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Job openings: English literacy instructor - PASS (Preparing Academically Successful Students) - part time. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served Faculty job openings - Nursing faculty, full-time evenings; nursing faculty, full-time M - F. Adjunct faculty job openings - Adjunct instructor nursing; clinical adjunct instructor - nursing. Adjunct faculty Lansing Correctional Campus - Adjunct instructormath; adjunct instructor - accounting; clinical adjunct instructor - nursing. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Director of social services - St. Peter’s Church in Kansas City, Missouri, has an established social services ministry that is ready to grow in new ways. Those applying should possess an active and visionary spirit with the skill set geared toward building and growing the existing ministry into a vibrant, holistic, community-based “arm” of the parish where church parishioners can volunteer their time, talent and treasure in significant ways. The director of social services should possess the following qualities: excellent at networking, identifying and recruiting a broad base of volunteers; take delight in working with and alongside people from a variety of different walks of life (socioeconomic, racial, religious, age, etc.); a high social EQ; comfortable and proficient in administrative tasks and organization; and able to fundraise. For a full list of job listings or if interested, please reach out to Chad Pirotte at: Cpirotte@stpeterskc.org. Please apply through the following link: https://recruiting.paylocity. com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/314949.
Administrative assistant - Come join our team! A small family-owned company located in Lenexa is looking for an assistant to answer phones; invoicing; product ordering; some shipping/receiving and to assist the owner. We need a team member who is organized; detailoriented; self-motivated; trustworthy; has a positive attitude and above all else, gives excellent customer service. Schedule flexibility. Send your resume to: YourCareer101@gmail.com.
Catholic elementary school principal - St. Matthew School in Topeka is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. We also prefer that the candidate be fluent in both Spanish and English. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Father John Torrez at: jtorrez@archkck.org.
Coordinator of Children’s Catechesis - part-time position - Are you looking for a rewarding part-time job in a team-oriented environment? St. Joseph Church in Shawnee is seeking an enthusiastic, organized and faith-filled individual to join our formation team. This role involves coordinating K to 6th-grade religious education for the parish and assisting in the growth of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program across our campus. Interested applicants should apply through the St. Joseph website or email a resume and cover letter to Veronica Quinn at: vquinn@stjoeshawnee.org. For more information, call (913) 244-3909.
Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
Housekeeper - Housekeeper wanted for older gentleman who resides by himself. Light cleaning, mopping floors, dusting, bathroom, etc. $20 per hour. Please call Mr. Wayne Lee at (620) 340-2465.
Full-time maintenance/janitorial position - St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park has an opening for a fulltime maintenance and janitorial position. This position provides janitorial, cleaning and light maintenance for the parish, rectory, school building, convent, rental units and grounds. Experience with electrical, plumbing and power tools would be desired attributes. To view a full job description, visit our website at: stagneskc.org and click on “Contact Us.”
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
$$Paying Cash$$ - Antique Furniture, crocks, tin and cast iron toys, old tools, glassware, American coins, jewelry. Most anything old. Please call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.
Wanted to buy
Do you have a spare car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!
I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.
Wanted to buy - Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad, sterling, OLD holiday/toys and more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Shepaint Cabinets - Looking for a stunning, high-quality cabinet transformation? Shepaint Cabinets is a women-owned and operated business. I bring precision, passion and a personal touch to every project. Detail-driven service with a personal touch, reliable, efficient and customer-focused. Your dream kitchen is just a coat of paint away! Call/text (816) 806-4375 for a free quote. Let’s create something beautiful together!
Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
J Heller Construction - A licensed and insured Class A general contractor. Residential and commercial projects. New build, basement finishing, kitchen and bath remodeling, decks, docks, outbuildings and commercial build-outs. Call Jake at (913) 433-6042. Member of St. Joseph, Shawnee.
STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.
Father and Son Home Remodeling - We specialize in kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. We also do decks, covered decks, porches, sun-rooms and room additions! If you’re not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours, thank you for supporting my small business. To contact me, call (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.
Haus To Home Remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. Tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. Call Cole at (913) 544-7352.
CZ Handyman service - 25+ years working in home improvement. Painting, carpentry, flooring, wood rot and much more. Quality work with attention to detail. Clean, honest and fair. Please call Craig at (913) 9899163.
Catholic end-of-life doula, grief coach and spiritual director - Feeling overwhelmed by grief, caring for aging parents, supporting a loved one at life’s end or just need a quiet space to notice where God is active in you life? I am Rhonda, a Catholic end-of-life doula, grief coach and spiritual director. I offer heartfelt guidance and prayerful companionship during difficult times. You don’t have to do this alone. Call me at (913) 954-8574, or visit: www.this-one-life.com.
Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured, second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362.
Garage door repair expert New Garage Doors Garage Floor Coatings A Total Door Inc., Since “83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com or (913) 236-6440.
Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured, references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.
Two men and a brush - Refresh, repaint, renew your home with painting you can trust! Call for a free estimate on your house, deck or fence! Booking done before May 1 will receive 10% off. Call John at (402) 763-7244.
We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.
Looking to buy or sell a home? - Buy or sell a home with someone who understands your values. We are a Catholic-owned, faith-driven team of Realtors, dedicated to helping fellow Catholics buy or sell homes in our community. We bring integrity, compassion and a commitment to your needs. Let us be part of your journey. Call Kevin Holmes (owner) at (913) 553-0539.
We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer, (913) 599-5000.
Need caregiving at home? Don’t want to move?For nearly 20 years, we have helped seniors stay in their home with personal care, med management and household assistance. We also specialize in dementia care with free dementia training for families, all at reasonable rates and terms. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care at (913) 422-1591.
Home Care - Can provide home care for those needing assistance. CNA, 15 years’ experience, background check available from past employers. Call (913) 526-0797.
Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)
For sale - Ranch home with finished walkout basement, one-car garage, three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf bathrooms, large backyard, large deck and driveway. Located in KCK at 52nd and Leavenworth Rd. Close to grocery store, highways and the Legends. FSBO $258,000. Call or text (816) 920-2156.
For sale - Mausoleum space for sale at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 38th and State, Kansas City, Kansas. Located in the Mausoleum True Companion, corridor C, tier A, crypt 38. Includes perpetual care as well as opening and closing. For more information, call (816) 532-4072.
For sale - Single mausoleum crypt, with paid second right (prepaid for two internments) in Holy Family Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery at 83rd and Quivira. Asking $11,500. If interested, call Jackie at (913) 484-3889.
For sale - Single mausoleum crypt at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located inside in the Chapel Corridor. The cost is $7600, asking $6000. Currently all inside crypts are sold out. If interested in purchasing this inside crypt, call Linda at (913) 631-9962 and leave your name and phone number and she will return your call.
Classified Advertising
Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.
Email: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org
ESTATE PLANNING 101
Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (Culhane Room)
3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka April 23 from 6 - 7 p.m.
The speaker will be Vince Cox, attorney at law, Cavanaugh, Boggs & Lemon, PA. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or contact Mitch Nolan at (913) 647-3070 or by email at: mnolan@archkck.org.
POTLUCK DINNER
Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room)
3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka April 24 at 5 p.m.
The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For information, text Gen Orozco at (785) 230-2473.
CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE SUPPORT TRIVIA NIGHT
St. Pius X Parish
5500 Woodson St., Mission April 26 at 6 p.m.
This month, Called to Love will have a trivia night. The cost is $30/person for individuals; groups to fill a table of eight is $240. Walk-ins pay at the door (cash, check or Venmo.) Costumes and table decorations are welcome (if desired). Trivia newbies and children are welcome as well. The evening will consist of 10 rounds, a finale, 10 mulligans and two extra games.
‘GOD CHOSE YOU FOR ME’
Precious Blood Renewal Center
2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri April 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Come and explore the spirituality of the sacrament of matrimony in a oneday retreat for couples. Together, you will write a prayer that is uniquely your own and transform your home into a house of prayer. To register, go online to: wwme4 youandme.org/enrichment.php. The cost is $100 per couple and includes lunch and materials.
SPAGHETTI AND BINGO
St. Patrick Parish (center)
1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas April 26 at 6 p.m.
The meal comes with one meatball, one Italian sausage, breadstick, salad, dessert, and tea and lemonade. The cost is: $12 for adults; $7.50 for kids under 12; and $35 for a family (two adults and as many kids you have under the age of 12). There will also be 10 games of bingo for $12. This event is sponsored by the Communio Group and the Knights of Columbus.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND EASTER EGG HUNT
St. Patrick Parish (center)
1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas April 27 from 8 a.m. - noon
The cost for breakfast is a freewill offering. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. This event is sponsored by the Communio Group and the Knights of Columbus.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S DAY: A BILINGUAL BENEDICTINE EXPERIENCE FOR ENGLISH AND SPANISH SPEAKERS
Sophia Spirituality Center
751 S. 8th St., Atchison
April 27 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Benedictine Sisters invite you to join them for Mass, lunch and a variety of monastery experiences. United in faith, we want to share our home and our hearts with you.
DIVINE MERCY FREE CARNIVAL
Divine Mercy Parish
555 W. Main St., Gardner
April 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come and enjoy our carnival. There will
be food, games for all ages, two bounce houses, a magic show, caricature artist, airbrush tattoos, face painting, balloon artist, bingo, fire truck, police car and a visit from KC Wolf. All events at the carnival are free. Come join the fun.
SUDS & SCHOLARSHIPS 2025
Boulevard Brewing Company
2501 Southwest Blvd.
Kansas City, Missouri
April 28 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
This event will feature tacos from Ricos Tacos Lupe, drinks from Boulevard Beer and musical entertainment. Suds & Scholarships benefits the students of Holy Name of Jesus School, a small but mighty Catholic school in Wyandotte County, where 95% of students rely on scholarships to attend. Your support will provide life-changing scholarships for students in need. To learn more, go online to: https://one.bidpal.net/ holy name25/welcome.
HOW TO BE AN EASTER PERSON
Keeler Women’s Center
759 Vermont St., Suite 100-B
Kansas City, Kansas
April 28 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Come explore Scripture readings about the Resurrection, reflect on your own paschal mystery and identify ways you have been and will be an Easter person.
CATHOLIC ADVISORS NETWORK
Mater Dei Parish (hall)
1114 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka
April 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
There will be a legislative update from Chuck Weber, director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. The event will begin with check-in, lunch and networking, followed by the presentation. Register online at: cfnek.org or by contacting Mitch Nolan at (913) 647-3070 or by email at: mnolan@ archkck.org.
WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP
Matt Ross Community Center (Crown Room)
8101 Marty St., Overland Park
April 30 at 5:30 p.m.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. for social time and snacks. The presentation on wills and trusts will begin at 6 p.m. The speaker will be Casey Connealy, estate planning attorney, Gaughan & Connealy. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or contact Jane Schmitt at (913) 647-3060 or send an email to: jschmitt@archkck.org.
DATE NIGHT
Divine Mercy Parish
555 W. Main St., Gardner
May 2 at 6 p.m.
Spend an evening with your spouse or fiancé or fiancée deepening your commitment to one another. The evening will begin with a Holy Hour, followed by dinner and conversation. Following dinner will be a talk by Father Adam Wilczak, pastor, and then time to discuss what you can take away and put into practice in your relationship. There is no charge for dinner, but please RSVP by calling (913) 856-7781.
IGNATIAN WEEKEND: BECOMING PILGRIMS OF HOPE
Rockhurst University
1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, Missouri
May 3 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City as we welcome Carol Ackels, director of the Ignatian Spirituality Institute. Ackels is a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition and will lead us in a reflection on becoming “Pilgrims of Hope,” bringing together the vision of St. Ignatius as a pilgrim and the Jubilee Year of Hope. The day will end with Mass in the Mabee Chapel at Rockhurst University at 3 p.m. For more information and to register, go online to: www. ignatiancenterkc.org/events.
WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP
Good Shepherd Church (social hall) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee May 7 at 5:30 p.m.
The speaker will be Casey Connealy, estate planning attorney, at Gaughan & Connealy. Register by visiting the website at: cfnek.org/events or contact Greg Alejos at (913) 647-0365 or by email at: galejos@ archkck.org.
TAX-SMART WAYS TO GIVE Indian Hills Country Club 6847 Tomahawk Rd., Mission Hills May 8 at 11:30 a.m.
This luncheon is hosted by the Catholic Education Foundation in conjunction with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. Register online at: www.cefks.org/ news-events/events.
ST. ISIDORE FEAST DAY MASS AND BLESSING OF SEEDS AND SOIL
Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton May 15 at 10 a.m.
Join us for a day in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, on his feast day. The day will begin with Mass followed by a rosary procession to the St. Isidore Shrine. Bring seeds and soil in a small, decorated basket to be placed at the altar for blessing. A freewill offering will be taken up to support the center. To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255. Let us know how many people will be attending.
RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND RETREAT
Kansas City area
May 16-18
Do you need Retrouvaille? Has your romance faded? Do you argue without reaching resolution? Are you more like roommates than soulmates? Have you grown apart? Is your marriage in crisis? Retrouvaille can help you to rebuild your emotional connection, learn healthy communication methods, manage conflicts effectively and forgive and rebuild trust. Register online at: www.helpourmarriage.org.
‘EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL:
A MISSION OF LIGHT AND LIFE’
Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton May 23 at 5:30 p.m. - May 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a retreat in celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival’s Year of Mission. Rooted in the teachings of “Lumen Gentium” and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this retreat will explore the church’s call to live as missionary disciples of Christ. Participants will deepen their understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of their faith. Participants are eligible for a plenary indulgence for the Jubilee Year 2025 through this retreat. There are conferences, spiritual direction, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $180 single/$270 couple or single guest rooms: $110. Meals are included. To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.
VIRTUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADVANCEMENT CONFERENCE
May 28 and 29 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join us for live, drop-in webinars on topics ranging from communication, marketing strategies, student retention, donor engagement, website development and more. This event is open to anyone looking to learn about advancing Catholic education. Register online at: archkckcs.org/register.
SUMMER STREAM CAMPS
Holy Cross Parish
8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park
June 2 - 27
A variety of camps is offered for incoming kindergartners through eighth-graders. For a short description of camp offerings, with
dates and times, go online to: https://holy crosscatholicschool.com/CurrentFamilies/ summer-programs.
BLESSED STANLEY ROTHER RETREAT
Spiritual Life Center
7100 E. 45th St., Wichita
June 6 at 6 p.m. - June 8 at noon
This retreat will explore the journey of Father Rother. Most of us will not be given the mission of pastoral services in Guatemala, nor be required to lay down our lives as witnesses to the faith in the face of murderous circumstances. Most of us are not invited to thread our way through life and death decisions to minister to people in our care. For more information and to register, go online to: www.slcwichita.org. The cost is $205 for commuters; $255 for a single and $235 for a double. Sign up by June 5 at 6 p.m.
ENCOUNTER SUMMER INTENSIVE
Holy Trinity Parish (Quigley Center)
9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa
June 23 - 26 from 6 - 9 p.m. nightly
Eager to encounter the transforming power of Jesus alive and active today?
Join us for the Encounter Summer Intensive as we prepare and activate you to more fully participate in the supernatural lifestyle of Jesus Christ and further bring about the kingdom of God here on earth. The summer intensive is a four-evening experience that provides a taste of the lifestyle Jesus has available for every Christian disciple. The topics of each night reflect the teachings offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry: Identity & Transformation, Hearing God & The Prophetic Gifts, Power & Physical Healing, and Inner Healing & Freedom. For more information, go online to: Encounterschool.org/kansas-city.
WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH
Perkins Restaurant (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Third Tuesday of each month
Join us for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed, just come. Please invite other widowed women of faith. We meet every month on the third Tuesday and will continue all through 2025. Come join the fun! Questions? Send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail.com or call (913) 558-0191.
STRAWBERRY HILL MUSEUM
720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Saturdays and Sundays March though April
Strawberry Hill Museum has re-opened and is ready for guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about tickets and times, go online to: strawberry hillmuseum.org. Questions? Call (913) 3713264. Guided tours are March through April at the following times: noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP
‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ St. Michael the Archangel (Gabriel Room) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Those who have experienced a divorce understand as perhaps few others can. We were sad, lonely, scared and angry, but we have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, visit the website at: www.stmichaelcp.org/divorce-support.
DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired publication date.
SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.
DAILY READINGS
EASTER SEASON
April 20
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
Acts 10: 34a, 37-43
Ps 118: 1-2, 16ab-17, 22-23
Col 3: 1-4
Jn 20: 1-9
April 21
MONDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
Acts 2: 14, 22-33
Ps 16: 1-2a, 5, 7-11
Mt 28: 8-15
April 22
TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
Acts 2: 36-41
Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22 Jn 20: 11-18
April 23
WEDNESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
Acts 3: 1-10
Ps 105: 1-4, 6-9
Lk 24: 13-35
April 24
THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
Acts 3: 11-26
Ps 8: 2a, 5-9
Lk 24: 35-48
April 25
FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
Acts 4: 1-12
Ps 118: 1-2, 4, 22-27a Jn 21: 1-14
April 26
SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
Acts 4: 13-21
Ps 118: 1, 14-15b, 16-21
Mk 16: 9-15
SECOND WEEK OF EASTER
April 27
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (OR SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY)
Acts 5: 12-16
Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Rv 1: 9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
Jn 20: 19-31
April 28
Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest
Acts 4: 23-31
Ps 2: 1-9
Jn 3: 1-8
April 29
Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church
Acts 3: 32-37
Ps 93: 1-2, 5
Jn 3: 7b-15
April 30
Pius V, pope
Acts 5: 17-26
Ps 34: 2-9
Jn 3: 16-21
May 1
Joseph the Worker
Acts 5: 27-33
Ps 34: 2, 9, 17-20
Jn 3: 31-36
May 2
Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church
Acts 5: 34-42
Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14
Jn 6: 1-15
May 3
PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES
1 Cor 15: 1-8
Ps 19: 2-5
Jn 14: 6-14
In a spirit of full disclosure, I must come clean about how I fared with my Lenten resolutions. Back in the Feb. 28th issue of The Leaven, I outlined what I called a scaled-down but “doable” Lent.
In the area of prayer, I set out to read “Dilexit Nos,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Sacred Heart, and “Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus,” a book by Amy Ekeh. The result? Stellar!
In the area of fasting, I resolved to not buy anything nonessential. The result? Stellar! (I was worried, though, that Amazon might go bankrupt without my frequent purchases. As of this writing, however, Amazon appears to be fine.)
In the area of almsgiving, I undertook the “40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge.” I wanted to fill a bag each day of Lent with the “treasures” I no longer needed or wanted and
open up to the Holy Spirit and God. Liturgy and devotions may not be all that exciting to you, but life in Jesus Christ is more exciting than anything.” (Story found in “Sower’s Seeds of Encouragement: Fifth Planting,” by Brian Cavanaugh.)
about these signs that you’re probably drinking too much caffeine:
• You grind your coffee beans in your mouth.
• You’re the employee of the month at Starbucks and you don’t even work there.
then donate, recycle or give away the “stuff.”
The result?
Abysmal! By last count, I filled 10 bags. Total, abject failure. This is why I continue to describe myself — literally — as a mess. But pondering Lenten resolutions got me to thinking about why I’ve never thought of making Easter resolutions. After all, the church asks us to celebrate Christ’s resurrection for 50 days. While
we seem to embrace the penitential spirit of Lent readily, we struggle mightily with extended rejoicing. Benedictine monk Emmerick Lawrence told a story of a young Baptist woman who took a course in Catholic theology. She went to an Easter Vigil and “sat and kept waiting for the excitement to come.” It never did. Her concluding words both sting and encourage: “Come on, people! Jesus is alive! He died and rose again. So, we can too. I think that’s exciting! I don’t know what it is, but the people at Mass tonight seem to have missed the whole thing. . . . I just pray that they will
To stimulate excitement during this Easter season, how about making resolutions in three areas: beauty, gratitude and laughter. Can we savor what is beautiful? Notice and appreciate the smell of a recently mown lawn, the time spent with a dear friend, the sound of a favorite song, the feel of a gentle breeze, the taste of a favorite meal?
Can we resolve to be grateful, especially for the things that we so often take for granted like our health, shelter, food, family and faith? And in a world that so often seems depressed and hopeless, do we dare to inject into it the melodious sound of laughter? To get you started in this area, have a chuckle
• You can type 60 words a minute . . . with your feet.
• Your only source of nutrition comes from “Sweet & Low.”
• You don’t sweat; you percolate.
• Your taste buds are so numb you could drink your lava lamp.
• Instant coffee takes too long.
• You walk 20 miles on your treadmill before you realize it’s not plugged in.
• When someone asks how you are, you answer, “Good to the last drop.”
• You don’t tan; you roast. Let laughter ring out, beauty be appreciated and hearts warm with gratitude as we express excitement these 50 days of Easter that Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed!
Amid exhilarating chaos of Easter, God tells us, ‘I told you so’
Ioften return to Charles Péguy at Easter. One of my favorite poets, his words remind me what it’s all about.
From his long poem “The Portal of the Mystery of Hope,” these are the lines I recall at every remembrance of Christ’s resurrection: “So God, for each soul that is saved, rings the eternal Easter bells. And he says: I told you so.”
That’s my favorite bit of the whole very long poem — about God saving souls, ringing eternal bells, saying, “I told you so.” I can’t entirely describe it, the words just hit me; they seem, at least to me, to say perfectly what God does at Easter. And hope is the effect. A dead body comes to life, dawn comes as darkness
Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” and other books.
fades, sins are forgiven, sluggish souls are revived; against all obvious odds, God wins the game. Fearing this wicked and violent world, fearing damnation for all the sins you’ve committed, all
the prayers you’ve not prayed, it is all too easy to think everything’s lost, to think oneself and everything else are beyond redemption. But it’s not. God will save us.
This is how I understand Easter, the sense I make of the exhilarating chaos of the Bible’s various stories about Jesus’ resurrection. What is found in the Gospels is enough to make your head spin, but I think that’s kind of the point. Sunday’s story from John’s Gospel is no exception.
Mary Magdalene is up before dawn to visit Jesus’s tomb. To anoint the body? To mourn? John doesn’t say. What matters is her fright seeing the tomb open. She doesn’t seem to investigate; she apparently just runs away. She assumes,
not implausibly, that the body of Jesus was stolen.
You can almost hear her heart beating through the verses of the story. Filled with love for Jesus, filled also with fear, the world still dark, and she runs to Peter. “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him” (Jn 20:2).
But, of course, Peter and the beloved disciple (presumably John) do not possess cooler heads. They run to the tomb. When Peter enters the tomb first, seeing what he sees, the story doesn’t say what he made of it. Only Luke tells us that Peter went home “amazed” (Lk 24:12).
The beloved disciple “saw and believed,” it says, but that’s complicated in the very
next verse where it says, “they did not yet understand the Scripture” (Jn 20:9). So, what exactly did the beloved disciple believe? What’s going on? As I said: holy deliriousness. Mary Magdalene’s racing heart, Peter’s wondering, the beloved disciple’s rushed belief: these are Easter’s first experiences.
As you read closely this story from John, you’ll notice that the sun is slowly rising, that as Mary and Peter and the beloved disciple are scurrying about, things are slowly getting brighter. Because ours is a God who saves souls. He rings eternal Easter bells and says to us, “I told you so.” Because God loves us anyway. Because God wins the game.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although they postponed their official state visit to the Vatican because of Pope Francis’ health, Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla met privately with the pope April 9, the Vatican press office said.
The pope congratulated the royal couple on the 20th anniversary of their wedding and “reciprocated His Majesty’s wishes for a speedy recovery of his health,” the press office said.
King Charles was hospitalized briefly March 27 for what was described as “temporary side effects” from his cancer treatment. Pope Francis has been convalescing at the Vatican since being released from the hospital March 23 after more than five weeks of inpatient treatment for breathing difficulties, double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection in his airways.
Iinvite you to have passion for further developing and sharing a Catholic viewpoint of reality.
According to Peter Kreft: “A technical but profound point . . . is that the soul really contains the body. The body does not contain the soul. It contains the physical heart and the physical brain but not the soul’s heart and mind.”
Our worldview informs our priorities and our understanding of our successes and failures. According to Kreft, and a Catholic worldview, our soul is not a subset of our bodily reality, our soul is our preeminent reality. Do you
and I approach our priorities from that lens?
2025 is a worldwide Jubilee Year calling us to recognize and
prioritize the formation of our eternal souls by unwrapping and exploring our relationships, starting with God, and then cascading down through all of our relationships and attitudes. Our archdiocesan website — archkck.org/ jubilee — explains the jubilee and opportunities for those of all ages to see life through God’s
eyes and perspectives. Additionally, Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg will be unpacking the jubilee in youth and family sessions this summer; Encounter Ministry will be hosting a powerful summer intensive for adults. City on a Hill, Young Catholic Professionals and St. Paul’s Outreach offer deep spiritual support and encounters for young adults. Parishes are offering jubilee experiences and preaching. Kreft offers us an illuminating comparison to a theatrical play, helping us to understand the deep connection between the body and the soul from a Catholic viewpoint.
“Physically, the setting of a play, the stage set, contains the play, but the meaning of the play, the point of the play, contains the setting as one of its dimensions. The soul is the meaning of the body, the reason for the body, not vice versa. That’s why bodies are holy.”
As we form our children and grandchildren, teaching them to listen to and talk to God about their thoughts and concerns is crucial. We should be in dialogue with them about what God’s general desires are for us, but also what are his specific promptings for them. This process demands prayerful
patience from us, just as God is so lovingly patient with us. I highly recommend that you watch and discuss the free series Evangelization 101 — archkck.org/oe/ evangelization-101 — to build your skills in sharing the gift of faith. This five-part series offers a solid vocabulary, tools and a Catholic approach to sharing the peace, comfort and authenticity of seeing the world through God’s eyes.
Every 25 years the church offers us the gift of a jubilee. Be sure and unwrap your gift, explore our faith and discern God’s promptings for yourself.
If God is nudging you to serve, come join us in our ministry
We all have a “why” — why we do what we do. Recently, I asked our staff and volunteers what drew them to Catholic Community Health — and almost everyone said they felt called.
“I wanted to contribute to providing hope to those who are vulnerable.”
“It’s a place where faith, compassion and respect are part of everyday life.”
“I truly feel like I’m making a difference every day.”
These powerful words are at the core of what we seek to do at CCH, to care for the
whole person: mind, body and soul — to share Christ’s healing mission in whatever ways we’re able. I’m constantly amazed
and humbled by the talent that surrounds me each and every day, in each facet of our care. As one person put it, “We choose CCH because of the unmatched compassion and care we are able to provide to the patients and their families.”
Many of those that
serve with us could take their talents anywhere they wish, but they choose to serve our residents and patients. It’s a blessing to be a part of a five-star service, but that designation is a natural outgrowth stemming from people who are doing more than what some may look at as simply a job — our staff act as servants to the elderly, infirm, sick and dying.
“CCH has a mission and purpose I wanted to invest in.”
The light of faith is a blessing that makes us unique, and we are proudly the only Catholic hospice service in the Kansas City
metropolitan area, and it is our Catholic identity that sets us apart. For some of our employees, the ability to simply pray is what means the most to them.
“Catholic Community Healthcare is the only health care company I’ve encountered that encourages employees to pray for and with their patients.”
One of our longtime volunteers regularly calls us back to the story of the good Samaritan.
“Villa St. Francis is our Catholic entity that cares for the least of our brothers and sisters. Sitting with a priest in his final hours, I watched the
passion of Our Lord unfold before me.”
These are just a few of the “why” stories that brought our talented staff, board members and volunteers to CCH, and that “why” keeps them coming back.
Just as one staff member says she felt “God nudging her to serve,” if you feel called to get involved in our ministry, I invite you to give us a call or visit our website at: catholiccommunity health.org, and let us know.
Each and every day at CCH is a gift and a blessing, one that we would love to share with you.
By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven
OLATHE — Pope Francis has outlined specific action points for the Catholic response to refugees and migrants, emphasizing welcome, protection, promotion and integration.
But ever since Casa del Migrante opened its doors in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1987, it has done exactly that — providing protection and support to the increasing numbers of migrants arriving at the border awaiting legal entry into the United States.
Father Pat Murphy, a member of the Missionaries of St. Charles, Scalabrinians, has met many migrants in his time as director of Casa del Migrante.
Originally from New York, he served as head of Hispanic ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for 10 years, as well as in many other roles prior to that.
Now a resident of Tijuana, he was in the metro area recently to make a presentation at St. Paul Parish in Olathe.
“I’ve had many opportunities in my life to learn,” he said to those in attendance, “but I’ve learned a lot more from migrants.
“Like how to live with less.”
Beans and rice and tortillas make up most of the menu at the Casa, so everyone does what they can with what they have. And they have much to offer migrants. The Casa is more than walls, beds and food.
“We want to be a home for those who have had to leave theirs,” said Father Pat. “We want to be a place of hopefulness.”
The organization provides safe and
WE WANT TO BE A HOME FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HAD TO LEAVE THEIRS. WE WANT TO BE A PLACE OF HOPEFULNESS.
FATHER PAT MURPHY, CS DIRECTOR OF CASA DEL MIGRANTE IN TIJUANA,
MEXICO
secure spaces where migrants can rest, recharge and access vital resources, serving as a temporary home (usually not exceeding 30 days) during their journey. It provides essential resources, including shelter, food, medical care and spiritual guidance, to meet the immediate needs of migrants.
Casa del Migrante works to help migrants integrate into society and find sustainable solutions for their future, including education, employment and access to legal assistance.
Free education classes are offered to migrants and community members alike. Barbering, acrylic nails, balloon decoration, photography, barista, electricity, welding, Bible and English are a few courses that aim to help people develop better tools in order to get better jobs.
Migrant children attend school and are cared for while parents train or work.
Some will still move on but some will stay in Tijuana, said Father Pat, making it a stronger community.
Pope Francis and the recently canonized St. John Baptist Scalabrini, he continued, were of the same mind on the
subject of migration: People have the right not to migrate, but we also need to protect the right to migrate.
Migration is the result of various reasons ranging from extreme poverty and lack of economic opportunity to political unrest or threats from gangs and other organized crime.
“I believe every country has the right to regulate its border but we must find ways to do it with human dignity,” Father Pat emphasized.
Casa del Migrante is committed to protecting the human rights and well-being of migrants, especially those who face danger and exploitation during their migration journeys.
“In my 12 years at the Casa, I have met close to 40,000 people. And without a doubt, the vast majority — 98 percent — are not criminals, but rather hardworking people just trying to survive and provide their families with a better life,” said Father Pat.
Casa life has experienced significant stages of change over the years, he said. First was an increased population of deported men. In 2016, it was the arrival of the entire world. Next, caravans of migrants arrived at the door. 2020 saw the pandemic and now the political changes affecting asylum.
The greatest need at this time for the work at the Casa to continue is financial because significant sources of funding to Mexico have been taken away. Operating the home and its training center requires a minimum of 23 employees, plus many volunteers, said Father Pat. Approximately 65% of the Casa’s income goes to staff salaries and taxes.
“If I could wave a magic wand,” he said, “I would ask for the funds to pay the salaries for the next six months.”
If funds can be found to keep the
• Email: casadelmigrante@gmail.com
• Follow Casa del Migrante en Tijuana on Facebook
• Make a monetary donation to: Casa del Migrante, P.O. Box 430387, San Diego, CA 921430387
• Pray
Casa open, this will give the people the support they need to possibly establish themselves in Tijuana and not risk crossing the border.
“St. Paul Parish has had a long and close relationship with the Casa del Migrante in Tijuana,” explained Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish. “Over the years, we have sent volunteers to help out, monetary donations to help pay the bills and the famous ‘men’s underwear drive’ in 2017. We consider our support of the Casa to be a corporal work of mercy mentioned in [the Gospel of] Matthew 25.”
Parishioners Tony Rupp and John Martin volunteered in Tijuana a year ago and both claimed that Casa del Migrante is an amazing place that provided much-needed help to those in need.
“Seeing the migrant families and hearing the story of their journey to the border really changed my life,” said Martin.
The evening’s presentation was summed up by parishioner Claudia Fellhoelter, who said, “How beautiful is our Catholic faith. It gives us a strong foundation to serve the world.”