FROM SEMINARY TO SERVICE
Three ordained to priesthood, one to transitional diaconate
Story by Moira Cullings
TOPEKA — It was a momentous day for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas as Archbishop Shawn McKnight ordained three priests and one transitional deacon on May 23 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church here.
Not even the fire alarm that was accidentally set off near the beginning of Mass could extinguish the spirits of those who packed the church.
Just one day before the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s presence
was revealed in more ways than one during the ordination of Father John Wesley Donart, Father Robert Gerard Rooney and Father William Donald Sutherland to the priesthood, and Deacon Alexander Randolph Rickert to the transitional diaconate.
Encouragement from the shepherd
It was the first group of men ordained by Archbishop McKnight since he was installed in the archdiocese and
the first time a transitional deacon was, in recent memory at least, ordained alongside the new priests.
The Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann and dozens of priests who traveled from near and far for the special day.
In his homily, Archbishop McKnight proclaimed how timely it was that the ordination fell in between the Solemnity of the Ascension and Pentecost Sunday.
“It is fitting today that we celebrate the sacrament of holy orders in between
these great solemnities that pertain to the mission we have received from Christ risen from the dead and the communion we share in the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Archbishop McKnight addressed the four men sitting before him, quoting Brother Charles de Foucald, who said to God in prayer, “Whatever you do with me, I thank you. I am ready for everything. I consent to all.”
“This way of living in accord with God’s will demands active and conscious
>> See “PRIESTHOOD” on page 8
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
From left, Father William Sutherland, Father Robert Rooney and Father John Donart were ordained priests of the archdiocese on May 23 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Deacon Alexander Rickert (far left) claps along with the archdiocesan priests and the faithful gathered as Fathers John Donart, Robert Rooney and William Sutherland are presented as priests.
Jim and Linda Heinen, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 12. The couple was married on June 12, 1976, at Sacred Heart Church, Baileyville. Their children are: Jessica Deters, Corning; Desirae Reitz, Wamego; A.J. Heinen, Seneca; Kaitlin Swanson, Ozark, Missouri. They also have 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Rod and Susan (Thompson) Chilson, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 29. The couple was married on May 29, 1976, at Most Pure Heart of Mary, by Father Thomas Culhane. They have two children, Shelby and Tyler, and will celebrate with family.
Michael and Eileen Livingston, members of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 23 with family and friends along with a Mass and dinner hosted by their children. The couple was married on May 22, 1976, at Church of the Assumption, Topeka. Their children are: Gary Livingston, David Livingston, Jacob Livingston and Laura Livingston. They also have 11 grandchildren.
Diane and Keith Tilley, members of Annunciation Parish, Frankfort, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13 with family and friends. The couple was married on June 12, 1976, at St. Joseph Church, Lillis. Their children are: Amy Meusborn, Stacey Bailey and Brian Tilley. They also have nine grandchildren.
Teresa (Terry) and Terry Piere, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party for family and friends. The couple was married on May 1, 1976, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Sioux City, Iowa. They have four children and seven grandchildren.
Donald and Mary Alice (Haverkamp) Uphaus, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a Mass of thanksgiving on June 3 with family and friends. The couple was married on June 3, 1961, at St. Bede Church, Kelly. Their children are: Daniel Uphaus, Linda Haug, Thomas Uphaus, Donna Meader, James Uphaus and Gerald Uphaus. They also have 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Debbie and Larry Haas, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1976, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hays. Their children are: Todd Haas, Tulsa, and Tara Logan, Topeka. They also have three grandsons.
Jeanette (Fox) and Norbert Otter, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 18. The couple was married on June 18, 1966, at Holy Cross Church, Emmett. Their children are: Tim Otter and Steve Otter. They also have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Janet (Zellers) and Donald Goodwin, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on June 10. The couple was married on June 10, 1961, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Msgr. Kenneth Spurlock. Their children are: Steve, Mark, Ann, Sarah, Jane, John and David. They also have 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Gregory and Linda Schnose, members of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 5. The couple was married on June 5, 1976, at the KU Medical Center Chapel in Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Christina Salazar and Elise Abicht. They also have seven grandchildren.
Jean and Robert Berka, members of St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 28. The couple was married on May 28, 1966, at St. Joseph Church, Omaha, Nebraska. Their children are: Jean Adam, Susan Rischer, Julie Schornheuser and Ed Berka. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
George and Joyce (Hafner) Scheckel, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the weekend of May 22 with family in the Kansas City area. The couple was married on May 22, 1976, at St. Matthew Church, Topeka, by Msgr. Vincent Krische. Their children are: Sarah Ball, Erin Monroe, Amber McNally and Elaine Zarachoff. They also have 12 grandchildren.
ARCHBISHOP MCKNIGHT
Marilyn (Pickert) and Jim Porter, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 5. The couple was married on June 5, 1976, at Nativity Church, Pensacola, Florida, by the bride’s brother, Father Cecil Pickert, O. Carm.
Anthony “Tony” and Elaine Dorau, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with a small family gathering. The couple was married on June 2, 1956, at St. Michael Church, South Sioux City, Nebraska. Their children are: Jayne Rechtzigel, David Dorau, Father Daniel Dorau, Nancy Dorau, Robert Dorau, Scott Dorau, LeAnn Landis and Marc Dorau. They also have 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
May 30
Pastoral Council meeting — Keleher Conference Center, Savior Pastoral Center
May 31
Confirmation Mass — Holy Angels Church, Basehor
June 2
50th Episcopal anniversary celebration for Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss, Omaha, Nebraska
June 3-4
Archdiocesan priest retreat — Benedictine College, Atchison
June 5
Meeting with Rural Catholic Youth Ministry — virtual
June 7
50th wedding anniversary Mass and reception — Church of the Nativity, Leawood
June 8-13
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Spring Plenary Assembly — Orlando, Florida
June 14
World Cup Opening Mass of Welcome with Bishop James V. Johnston — The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, Missouri
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS NAUMANN
May 29
Closing Mass of Benedictine College’s Family Week
June 1
Priests retreat — Benedictine College, Atchison
June 4
RAAP Leadership board meeting
June 5
Junior high camp closing Mass and reconciliation — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg
June 7
50th wedding anniversary Mass — Church of the Nativity, Leawood
June 8
Kenrick Board strategic planning — St. Louis
June 9
Pro-life committee meeting
Ken Rolling named as principal of Maur Hill-Mount Academy
ATCHISON —Maur Hill-Mount Academy here announced that Ken Rolling has been hired as principal of the school, effective July 7. The school also announced that former faculty member John Newman is returning to MH-MA as associate principal.
Rolling brings a wealth of experience to the MH-MA principal role. For 15 years, he served as headmaster of Oxrose Academy, an online academy for students in grades 7-12 that he founded and built from the ground up. Rolling continues to serve as CEO of Oxrose, which consistently ranks among the top 20 schools nationwide on the standardized assessments it administers. He has also spent the last 18 months as principal of St. Ann Catholic School in Decatur, Alabama, successfully revitalizing the school.
Rolling earned a master’s degree in classics from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Benedictine College in Atchison. Rolling is also pursuing a doctorate in education from Christendom College.
DELIVERING MORE THAN FOOD
Breadrunners bridge gap between excess and need
By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
OLATHE — At “almost 80,” Sharon Ward can no longer lift a quart of milk. But that doesn’t stop her from delivering milk, eggs, produce, bread and pastries to thousands of people in need — 363 days a year.
She rests on Christmas and Easter. Ward, a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, doesn’t do this on her own. She coordinates a roster of 60 loyal volunteers, known as the Breadrunners, whom she directs to six grocery stores throughout Johnson County.
Stores donate an assortment of products that are overstocked, out of season or close to their expiration dates — anything from eggs to vegetables to mittens and socks.
Breadrunners then transport donations to more than a dozen charities, shelters and food pantries.
“We don’t stick just with the Catholics,” said Ward. “We go everywhere.”
“Absolutely,” agreed Breadrunner Ed Hemberger. “That’s the thing about Catholics. We serve everyone.”
Ward started organizing the Breadrunners almost 20 years ago when an elderly woman volunteering with Catholic Charities asked if she could help collect bread products from local stores.
“I said okay,” Ward recalled. “And that was the beginning. The next thing I know, the lady retired, and she passed away.
“By that time, I was up to my knees in it — and just kept going.”
Ward based her operation through Prince of Peace but her volunteers are from all over, and Ward’s organizational skills make volunteering easy and fun.
“She runs the schedules,” said Breadrunner Dick Cahill. “When there’s a problem, she fills in for people. She’s the glue that holds us all together and makes it very rewarding.”
Ward admits she’s not good with computers, but she has just enough technical savvy to organize the group.
“I mean you couldn’t have 60 people running all around the street not knowing exactly where they’re going,” she said. “I’ve got it broken down by the week and the store, the person that’s picking it up and where they’re taking it.
“So, at the risk of sounding snobbish about it, it’s very well organized.”
Ward tries her best to schedule people according to the cargo capacity of their vehicles — making sure those with trucks go to the stores with the most product.
“I tell people, I don’t want you to have to make two trips, because at that
point, then it’s turned into work,” she said. “And we don’t want it to be like work. We want this to be a fun activity.”
The grocery stores know the Breadrunners and have products for donation gathered, scanned and in carts ready for pick up.
Some products go to Ward’s garage where she has six freezers for storage.
“Well, when we go down to St. Mary’s soup kitchen (now known as the Wilhelmina Gill Multi-Service Center), that takes 1,000 cookies,” she explained. “And then the Sisters of Charity put on a dinner for the poor
people in Leavenworth, so I give them 600 cookies every month.”
Hemberger and Cahill are Ward’s right-hand men because, she quips, “They have trucks.”
Both are Prince of Peace parishioners and have been on the Breadrunners team for about five years.
“The thing that I find very rewarding is the fact that you’re able to do stuff with your spare time that benefits other people,” said Cahill.
Reilly agreed, calling Breadrunners the hands and feet of Jesus.
“A lot of people have no idea about the need here in Johnson County,” he
Become a Breadrunner
The Breadrunners are always in need of volunteers, especially those who have vehicles with large cargo space. If you’re interested in helping, visit: popolathe. org/breadrunners.
said. “I mean people are hungry everywhere through no fault of their own.
“And if you can give them a helping hand, then, well, I’ll quote Pope Francis, ‘When you die, the only thing you take with you is what you gave away.’”
After 20 years, Ward has no intention of giving up her role as organizer of the Breadrunners.
“I’d probably have to die to get out of this job,” she chuckled.
“I look at it this way,” she continued. “I’ve never been hungry, so I don’t know what it’s like.
“God’s been good to me, so I’m just looking out for other poor souls that need help.”
And she has a daily practice that keeps her going.
“I thank God every morning that I get up,” she said. “And I ask him, ‘Please don’t let me fall down.’ On my next birthday, I’ll be 80 years old, so there’s nothing young and refreshing about me.
“So, I just thank God every day and say, ‘You give me the strength to do your will.’”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Sharon Ward helps Breadrunner Ed Hemberger load his truck with donations to be taken to a food pantry. Breadrunners are a group of 60 volunteers who pick up donated food from grocery stores and deliver it to more than a dozen charities, shelters and food pantries.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Breadrunners Dick Cahill (front), Sharon Ward and Ed Hemberger cart donations from Hy-Vee to be loaded into their vehicles and taken to local charities.
Everyone urged to participate in online survey, June 1-15
By John Sorce
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The next step in the archdiocese’s Renewal from the Heartland process is rapidly approaching.
Following the listening sessions from across the area held over the final two weeks of April, there will soon be an online survey for people to respond to as another way for the archdiocesan synodal team to gather feedback.
The process began during Lent with the Beatitudes of the Heartland and was followed up with 31 listening sessions with approximately 1,000 people participating.
Those sessions took place across 16 parish sites, seven community centers, four high school and college campuses and two prisons, with several parishes hosting multiple sessions.
Sally Olson facilitated listening sessions in Axtell, Seneca, Lawrence and Paxico. She was touched by the faith of the participants and could feel the Lord’s presence in each room.
“I think what stood out for me was the depth of faith each of these individuals have,” Olson said. “I could feel their love for the Lord and their Catholic faith.
“It was very easy for me to see the face and heart of Jesus in each of the people I interacted with.”
According to Helen Osman, who serves as the team coordinator of the archdiocesan synodal team made up of Archbishop McKnight, Father Michael Hawken, Denise Mills and Deacon Jim Mullin, these responses are currently being used to formulate the survey questions that will be on the archdiocesan Renewal from the Heartland website from June 1-15.
Osman hopes the survey shines some light on the obstacles that people feel are keeping them from getting involved with their parish communities.
“I hope we learn more about the bar-
riers that people are experiencing to be able to engage in parish life,” Osman said. “I want to be able to look at what those barriers are and figure out if we can do some things to allow people to feel invited.”
Responses from both the listening sessions and the online surveys will serve as source material for the archdiocesan pastoral plan, which will be presented by Archbishop Shawn McKnight at the diocesan convocation for parish leaders on Sept. 12.
That information will then be sent to each deanery with customized reports and resources for each location.
Deaneries will then be asked to develop a deanery-wide pastoral plan, which will supplement the archdiocesan plan, but be more particular to the specific needs of their communities.
Responses to the survey will be anonymous but will have some type of identifying info attached, such as zip code or county.
Olson said there was such a strong turnout at the Paxico listening session that she needed to ask an attendee to help facilitate at a table, and she did the same, even though she was the head facilitator of the entire session.
She is hopeful that as the next step in the synodal process, the survey will help paint a clearer picture of how God is at work in the archdiocese, and that it can then help church leaders see how to proceed.
“I hope the online survey serves as another opportunity for parishioners to share their heart-filled thoughts on their faith and how the church plays a significant role in that,” Olson said. “I hope that combining those stories with the listening sessions will paint a picture of the ways so many people across our diocese have allowed God and the church to work in their life.
“This should then give leadership an idea of what is working in our diocese and then that information can be used to help others strengthen their faith.”
Listening
with the heart: What did we hear?
By Deacon Jim Mullin Special to The Leaven
What emerged from the listening sessions was not simply a collection of opinions, concerns or recommendations. What emerged was something far more human and far more sacred: People entrusted the church with their stories.
Across parishes, prisons, campuses, community centers and rural towns, nearly 1,000 people gathered not to debate ideas, but to speak honestly about where they have encountered Christ, where they have struggled to find Him and where they long for the church to become more fully what she is called to be.
Again and again, participants described moments when the church became deeply personal:
• a priest arriving at a deathbed
• a parish remembering their name
• someone embracing them while they wept
• a retreat that awakened faith
• hours spent before the Eucharist
• a rosary prayed during fear
• small groups that became spiritual family
• a mentor who listened without judgment
• a community that made them feel seen
Many spoke of discovering the church not merely as an institution, but as home.
For immigrants, the church became family in a foreign land. For grieving families, the church became a presence in suffering. For converts and returning Catholics, the church became a place where long spiritual hunger was finally met. For many, the Eucharist was described not simply as doctrine, but as encounter — the place where Christ
became real again.
At the same time, many also spoke honestly of wounds.
Some described feeling unseen, excluded or forgotten:
• single adults unsure where they belong
• families affected by disability struggling to participate
• working parents unable to access formation opportunities
• survivors of trauma carrying deep pain
• volunteers feeling dismissed
• young people drifting after confirmation
• the divorced, lonely, grieving, elderly or struggling wondering whether there is still a place for them within parish life
One of the deepest patterns that emerged was not simply disagreement, but longing:
• a longing to belong
• to be accompanied
• to be known personally
• to be formed more deeply in the faith
• to encounter a church capable of both truth and tenderness
Many participants expressed a deep hunger for reverence, beauty, strong catechesis, eucharistic devotion, Scripture, confession and clarity in teaching. Others emphasized mercy, accompaniment, listening, healing, hospitality and attention to those on the margins. Yet beneath these different emphases was often the same desire: for a church more fully alive in Christ.
People repeatedly described transformation happening not primarily through structures or programs, but through relationships:
• through witness
• friendship
>> See “DRAWN” on page 11
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Approximately 1,000 people attended 31 listening sessions throughout the archdiocese recently. The responses from those sessions will help formulate an online survey that will be available on the Archdiocesean Renewal from the Heartland website from June 1-15.
A mid-year update on the Archdiocesan Call to Share
By Lisa McKelvey Special to The Leaven
You are making the 2026 Archdiocesan Call to Share a success! As I have spoken about over the last few months, the name change from Archbishop’s Call to Share to Archdiocesan Call to Share was purposeful to highlight how it takes all of our collective efforts to support so many vital ministries. While this last year has been filled with change, your gifts are hard at work on behalf of ACTS ministries. As we are midway through the year, thusfar over 11,500 families have supported the annual appeal with gifts totaling over $6.6 million. While that is an outstanding amount, our ministries will still need a little over $1 million to be fully funded. If you
have not made a gift this year, I ask you to consider a gift at this time to help ensure these ministries can continue serving those who rely on them each day.
As Archbishop McKnight has shared in previous articles, the archdiocese has looked at how the ministries are structured so that we can ensure we serve our communities with aligned goals and responsible stewardship. Following consultation with outside experts and listening sessions with staff, clergy, and key stakeholders, it became clear that the current structure must evolve to enable the archdiocese to effectively advance the mission of the church in northeast Kansas. The goal is to increase the capacity and strength of our parishes, schools and ministries.
>> See “NAMES” on page 6
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
High schools such as Hayden High School in Topeka (above) and Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, receive tuition assistance as a result of gifts to the Archdiocesan Call to Share.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The vibrant Totus Tuus program that makes its way into archdiocesan parishes every summer benefits from gifts to the Archdiocesan Call to Share.
Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a longtime partner organization with the archdiocese, receives support from your gifts to ACTS to provide continuing education for Catholic school teachers and support their campus ministry program.
Names changed by restructuring, but not support to ministries
>> Continued from page 5
Included with this article is an updated list of the ministries your gifts are financially supporting (see sidebar to the right); both the ministry as it was listed in the 2026 ACTS marketing materials along with the new ministry placement and its new name if applicable. I want you to know that ALL ACTS ministries that we asked you to support over the past few months are continuing; they may just have a new name and a new office location.
The following ministry stories offer a glimpse of the meaningful impact your generosity has made across ministries in recent months.
Prairie Star Ranch: Prairie Star Ranch has helped young people encounter Christ and grow in their faith for over 25 years, thanks to your support through Call to Share. On July 1, they will become a separate, self-governed, Catholic nonprofit corporation, funded in part by your gifts to the Archdiocesan Call to Share.
The behind-the-scenes preparation has been happening for months as Prairie Star Ranch prepares for nearly 2,000 campers, staff and families this summer. From the young people spending a week at camp, to families attending camp together in multiple languages, to the young adults dedicating weeks, months, or even their entire summer serving and working at Camp Tekakwitha, all are coming to Prairie Star Ranch to grow as disciples of Jesus. In addition to everyone who visits Prairie Star Ranch for Camp Tekakwitha each summer and throughout the year, youth and young adults from across the archdiocese visit Prairie Star Ranch for their confirmation retreats, high
school retreats, vocations retreats and many other opportunities. Your support makes this possible!
Parish Evangelization Services:
In mid-May, two Beatitudes from the Heartland listening sessions were hosted for those in our archdiocese in the deaf community. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for their voice to be heard.
A team from the Culture Project will be again serving in the schools and campus ministry centers next school year. This past year they gave 162 presentations across the archdiocese to students of all ages. These impactful presentations reached over 7,700 people.
Walking with Moms support groups
for single moms are growing in parishes across the archdiocese. Five support groups are up and running with several parishes in the formation process. A team of pro-life leaders are trained and formed by the Parish Evangelization Services team to start and launch the program in their communities.
Parish Evangelization Services supports parishes preparing members of their congregation to join the church or be received into full communion with the church at Easter. This year, there were over 280 catechumens joining the church and over 310 candidates being received into full communion in the church. We welcome our new brothers and sisters in Christ with open arms!
It is with great joy that I share the amazing work of these ministries. If you have not yet joined in support of these shared ministries, I ask you to prayerfully consider a gift to the Archdiocesan Call to Share. You can go online and give today at: call.archkck. org or by scanning the QR code. A recurring gift is a fantastic way to start adding the Archdiocesan Call to Share into your regular giving. If you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance, you can contact me at: LmcKelvey@arch kck.org or (913) 647-3071.
Lisa McKelvey is the director of stewardship and development for the archdiocese.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Catholic Community Health and Villa St. Francis will continue to partner with the archdiocese to provide health services.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The new parish evangelization services will take care of many of the needs that arise in every parish.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Catholic Charities and all its many programs and services receive ACTS support as it strives to help the needy and vulnerable in society.
Statement regarding the police matter involving Father Richard Storey
KANSAS CITY, Kan.
— The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has been informed that Father Richard Storey, a priest formerly serving at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood, voluntarily surrendered to the Leawood Police Department May 23 on a level 5 felony charge involving theft of funds valued at approximately $160,000.
The archdiocese is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to respect the investigative process. No further information will be shared at this time until both the civil criminal and internal canonical processes have been completed.
“This news is deeply painful for all of us in the Catholic community, particularly given the nature of the allegations involving resources entrusted to the church through the sacrifice and generosity of the faithful,” Archbishop Shawn McKnight said.
“My primary concern at this time is for the people of Curé of Ars Parish and all those directly affected. I am grateful for Father Riley’s steady leadership and care for this community
during this difficult time. These allegations are serious, the legal processes must be allowed to proceed, and Father Storey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law or internal canonical process. I recognize there will be differing emotions and perspectives within the community in the days ahead, and I ask parishioners to treat one another with greater sensitivity, patience, charity, and respect as we move through this together, trusting that with faith in Christ, our community can emerge stronger and more united.”
In September of 2025, the archdiocese was notified by the Prairie Village Police Department about a criminal investigation involving Father Storey and another adult. The Prairie Village Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing. For questions about the investigation, please call the Prairie Village Police Department at (913) 381-6464. Father Storey then advised the Archdiocese of his decision to resign as the pastor of Curé of Ars. As a result, Father John Riley was appointed temporary administrator of the
parish and then pastor in February of 2026. An internal financial review was initiated following Father Storey’s resignation.
When there is a change in pastoral leadership at a parish, it is standard protocol to conduct an internal review to ensure financial records, administrative processes, and parish operations are in good order during the transition. In addition, archdiocesan parishes undergo routine reviews every 3 to 4 years. Curé of Ars’ most recent audit before this review was conducted in 2022.
After the conclusion of the most recent financial review, chancery officials met with the pastor and parish staff to ensure that proper protocols are now in place. During the course of the review, information was identified that warranted referral to law enforcement. The archdiocese shared this information with the Leawood Police Department, which serves the jurisdiction where the parish office is located. Curé of Ars will be filing an insurance claim to recover the financial losses. To reach the Leawood Police Department, you can call (913) 642-5555.
Mary Ann and Bob Humphries, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 28. The couple was married at St. Benedict’s Church, Atchison. Their children are: Julie Humphries and Molly Hughes. They also have four grandchildren. They plan to celebrate with the family at a later date.
Michael and Phyllis McEntire, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 12. The couple was married on June 12, 1976, at Curé of Ars Church, Leawood. Their children are: Jennifer Owens and Jessica Carpenter. The also have three grandchildren.
Ursuline Sister celebrates 60 years
MAPLE MOUNT, Ky. — Sister Angela Marie Fitzpatrick, a native of Emporia, is celebrating 60 years as an Ursuline Sister. Sister was a teacher at Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Overland Park, from 1970-71. She served in parish ministry for 29 years, including Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas, from 1975-78, and Sacred Heart and St. Casimir, Leavenworth, from 1985-86. She also served at Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas, from 2001-06.
She earned clinical pastoral education training and became chaplain/ bereavement coordinator for Hospice Care of Kansas/ Midwest, Lenexa, from 2008-10. She was a CSJ caregiver in metropolitan Kansas City from 2006-07 and 2010-26.
Priesthood can bring hardship, says archbishop,
>> Continued from page 1
decision that may demand at times blood and tears,” said the archbishop, “but it also can bring us a deep and abiding peace, a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.”
Archbishop McKnight encouraged Rickert “to be a man of faith and a man of your word.”
“Your joyful service as a deacon will help the whole church witness Christ’s resurrection in our day,” he added.
The archbishop concluded his homily in prayer for the new priests through the intercession of Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, and St. John Vianney.
He prayed that “you and I may serve faithfully along with our brother priests to shepherd our church in the joy of the Gospel and with a profound sense of gratitude for his merciful love.
“And may the good Lord inspire more vocations to the ministerial priesthood to serve in our archdiocese by helping others to abandon themselves to the will of God.”
For the beauty of the church
Daniel Sutherland said he and his wife Mary are “in awe of” their son’s vocation to the priesthood, although his interest in it began at a young age.
Growing up, Sutherland “was very responsible, obedient, considerate, kind,” said Mary.
“As a youngster, he was unusually prayerful,” she added, “always contemplating spiritual matters in a way that was really neat and noticeable.”
Mary recalled the time when her family started praying the rosary in the evenings when Will was around 9 years old.
At one point, when they had family members visiting who weren’t Catholic, they decided not to pray it.
“And then we got out of the habit,” said Mary. “One week turned into one month and it turned into two months.”
Until one evening, Will asked his parents a question.
“We got done eating and we were getting ready for bed, and he looked at us and said, ‘When are we going to start praying the family rosary again?’” recalled Mary. “We’ve been praying it ever since.”
Dan said his son has multiple qualities that will serve him well as a priest.
“He’s very intelligent,” he said. “He’s a great listener. He’s going to hear [people] out and think about what he’s going to say.
“He’s a very kind person, and he’s definitely got a heart for serving other people.”
MAY THE GOOD LORD INSPIRE
MORE VOCATIONS TO THE MINISTERIAL PRIESTHOOD TO SERVE IN OUR ARCHDIOCESE BY HELPING OTHERS TO ABANDON THEMSELVES TO THE WILL OF GOD.
ARCHBISHOP SHAWN MCKNIGHT
The Sutherlands look forward to seeing what the priesthood has in store for their son.
“He really loves the Lord very much and our Catholic faith,” said Mary. “And I’m certain he’ll be totally dedicated towards meeting everyone he encounters with the love of Christ and the truth and beauty found in his church.”
From a place of compassion
Rooney’s journey to the priesthood was long, winding and marked by patience and sacrifice, according to his older brothers Father John Rooney of the Diocese of Lincoln and Father Don Rooney of the Diocese of Arlington. Rooney spent 30 years as a litigator and trial lawyer and entered seminary twice before he finally completed seminary studies the third time.
“I kept reminding him what was in his heart — what he knew that was so strong,” said Father John.
“He has at times been concerned that he’s not going to be a young, cool priest like so many get to be,” he added. “But he has a youthfulness that’s beyond many others.”
Despite the fact that the brothers ended up following the same vocation, Father Don said they couldn’t be more different.
Father John studied physics, Father Rooney was a lawyer and Father Don’s background is in fine art and painting.
“We’re all so totally different,” said Father Don. “It shows the Holy Spirit has a sense of humor.”
Father John believes Father Rooney’s personality will be an asset to his priesthood.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
From left, Fathers Dan Morris, Joseph Arsenault and Anthony Saiki perform the ritual of the laying on of hands on the newly ordained.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight incenses the altar at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church during the ordination ceremony.
Father Scott Wallisch, co-director of Rickert has met all the requirements to
From left, Alexander Rickert, John Donart, Robert Rooney and William Sutherland lay prostrate before the altar at their ordination ceremony on May 23. will be ordained a priest for the archdiocese next year, while Donart, Rooney and Sutherland were ordained priests for the archdiocese and will begin serving
archbishop, but peace and purpose as well
“I see him having become an incredibly compassionate person,” said Father John.
“I see him when he talks to people,” he continued, “and he is thoroughly engaged in them, really listening, really giving himself to them.
“He has a big heart for people.”
Father Don said his brother’s openness to the priesthood after a successful career is a testament to his character.
“It’s remarkable to me,” said Father Don.
He believes his brother’s life experience will help him understand how to pastorally care for the people he serves.
“Bob really has a lot of experience in that,” said Father Don. “He hasn’t wasted his life, that’s for sure, because he comes to the priesthood with so many gifts.”
In service to God’s people
Father Dan Mauro remembers when Donart told him he was considering a call to the priesthood while the two were working at Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg.
“Even though those qualities were there, it surprised me,” said Father Mauro. “I didn’t think it was something he’d be thinking about.
“But also, it was one of those moments where as soon as he said it, [I knew] that would be a really good fit.”
Donart and Mauro were a year apart at St. James Academy in Lenexa and became better friends while working at camp.
“One of the things that stood out to me in those moments and in John right away was his deep sense of responsibility,” said Father Mauro.
Donart was always concerned for the “safety of the campers but also caring for their souls,” he added.
Father Mauro was also struck by his friend’s deep spirituality.
“Before he was a seminarian, he was leading groups of people saying the Liturgy of the Hours,” he said. “His prayer, but also his being a leader — they were both really evident.”
Appointments
Father Anthony J. Saiki, chancellor and promoter of justice, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Shawn McKnight:
Father John Donart, upon conclusion of priestly formation at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver and receiving ordination to the holy priesthood on May 23, to parochial vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas;
Father Robert Rooney, upon conclusion of priestly formation at St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, and receiving ordination to the holy priesthood on May 23, to parochial vicar of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood;
Father William Sutherland, upon conclusion of priestly formation at KenrickGlennon Seminary in St. Louis and diaconal assignment at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, in Kansas City, Kansas, and receiving ordination to the holy priesthood on May 23, to parochial vicar of St. Paul Parish, Olathe.
These appointments are effective July 1.
For the summer:
Rev. Mr. Alex Rickert, upon receiving ordination to the diaconate on May 23, to diaconal ministry at Church of the Nativity, Leawood, until his return to the seminary for the fall semester.
Witnessing his friend’s ordination was an exciting moment for Father Mauro, who just completed his first year as a priest.
“It’s a great blessing for our archdiocese,” he said.
Father Mauro believes “his dedication, his love for the people of God” will serve
Father Donart well in his life as a priest. “John and I are both on the introvert side,” he said. “His willingness to stretch himself in lots of ways for love of God’s people — I think people will see that immediately.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER seminarians, declares that Alexander to be ordained a transitional deacon.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Msgr. Michael Mullen, co-director emeritus of seminarians, performs the laying on of hands on newly-ordained Father William Sutherland.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
23. Rickert was ordained a transitional deacon and serving in July.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Newly ordained Father Robert Rooney concelebrates Mass with Archbishop McKnight, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann and priests of the archdiocese.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Father John Donart offers his first blessing as a priest to Archbishop McKnight outside Most Pure Heart of Mary while Archbishop Emeritus Naumann looks on.
In
first encyclical, Pope Leo warns AI needs to
By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Presenting the first encyclical of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence must be “disarmed,” urging governments, tech leaders and society to confront the rapidly growing technology before it weakens human relationships, critical thinking and peace itself.
With its authoritative teaching, the 82-page encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), significantly boosts the Catholic Church’s position as an active voice in discussions over artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, labor, human dignity and the concentration of technological power among a handful of corporations.
“Peace, not merely the absence of war, is justice at work,” Pope Leo said May 25 during a presentation unveiling the document in the Vatican’s Synod Hall to an audience filled with members of the Roman Curia, reporters and special guests. “But when technology weakens our critical sense, peace itself is at risk.”
The pope said he wrote the encyclical after hearing from scientists, engineers, political leaders, parents and teachers about the promises and dangers posed by artificial intelligence. While some were enthusiastic about
be ‘disarmed’
wisdom concerning the human that our present time desperately needs: Every person is unique and irreplaceable.”
The Holy See’s engagement with major technology companies dates back nearly a decade through conversations known as the “Minerva Dialogues,” which brought together church leaders and executives from Silicon Valley firms, including Google and LinkedIn.
That’s one of the reasons why one of the most anticipated speakers at the presentation was Chris Olah, co-founder of the artificial intelligence research company Anthropic, who praised the pope’s willingness to engage the industry directly.
Olah acknowledged that computer scientists alone cannot determine the ethical boundaries of AI because developers themselves are influenced by “incentives” such as ambition, competition and financial pressure.
the technology, he said others expressed fears over future generations and increasingly autonomous weapons systems.
Pope Leo has frequently cautioned against the unchecked development of AI since the beginning of his pontificate, warning that the technology risks weakening human discernment, distorting reality and replacing authentic relationships with simulations of human interaction.
Anchoring his address on the church’s annual World Communications Day theme, the pope said artificial intelligence is increasingly simulating “human voices and faces,” while raising deeper questions surrounding consciousness, responsibility, friendship and truth.
“We do not possess technical answers, nor do we seek to displace those with expertise,” the pope said in his May 25 presentation. “But we bring a
Leocadie Lushombo, a panelist and professor of theological ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, pointed to the encyclical’s criticism of extractive mining industries in the Global South that supply minerals used in AI infrastructure and data centers.
“Yes, AI can very easily be colonial,” Lushombo said. “It is more likely to do much to further violate the rights of the Global South.”
CNS PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ
Pope Leo XIV speaks with Christopher Olah, co-founder of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, at the conclusion of a presentation on the pope’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Synod Hall at the Vatican May 25.
Quinceañera retreat preps teens for coming-of-age ceremony
By Karla Melgar and Kathryn White Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s no surprise that teenagers like to sleep in. While they make it to school on time (mostly), Saturdays are for sleeping in. Sometimes until noon.
On April 1, however, 49 teenaged girls from Wyandotte and Johnson Counties woke early to participate in a quinceañera retreat, held at ReachKCK in Kansas City, Kansas. Their day consisted of motivational speakers from the Culture Project, eucharistic adoration, small group discussion and team-building activities, all to prepare them for one special day in their lives: their quinceañera.
The quinceañera (sometimes shortened to “quince”) celebration is a comingof-age rite of passage that is deeply rooted in Catholic Latin culture. It symbolizes “leaving childhood behind” and entering into womanhood for a teen (also referred to as “la quinceañera”), typically around the age of 15 or “quince años.”
Catholic quinces usually follow a traditional pattern, with several key highlights always incorporated.
First, Catholic families celebrate their daughter with a Mass of Thanksgiving, the “Misa de Acción de Gracias,” where family and friends gather to prayerfully celebrate the young woman nearing her 15th birthday. Praying in thanksgiving for her first 15 years, la quinceañera will typically offer a bouquet to Mary as a symbol of thanks while asking for her intercession.
After la Misa, family and friends transition to a reception, not unlike a wedding reception. While this celebration varies, typically la quinceañera, along with her court, “damas and chambelanes,” make a grand entrance, or “la entrada,” signaling the start of the evening’s festivities. The damas and chambelanes are female attendants and male escorts, typically siblings, cousins or good friends, who accompany the young woman on her journey.
After the grand entrance, la quinceañera dances the waltz, or “el vals,” with her father first, followed by her grandfather and/or godfather. There will also be a choreographed dance with damas and chambelanes.
The next key moment of the celebration is the changing of the shoes or “el cambio de zapatillas.” Traditionally, la quinceañera’s father will kneel before his daughter and change her shoes from flats into heels, symbolizing her first
steps into womanhood, leaving childhood behind.
While this takes place, or immediately afterwards, la quinceañera’s mother will also place a crown on her daughter’s head, “la coronación,” which symbolizes not only her transition into adulthood, but that she is a daughter of God.
La quinceañera then selects a young girl (typically a younger sister or cousin) to receive a gift, a symbolic “last doll” (“la ultima muñeca”), hinting at the transition (again) into adulthood and saying
Gregg Amos
goodbye to the things of her childhood.
Finally, a dinner, “la cena/la banquete,” follows, big enough to feed a large crowd (the celebration is widely attended), with a cake-cutting by la quinceañera, which is sometimes followed by a candle-lighting. There, she will light 15 candles for the “ceremonia de las velas,” one each for the 15 most significant people in her life, who will in turn come forward and receive the candle from la quinceañera.
The next day, the family will gather for a second customary meal, the “reheating” or “recalentado,” which quite literally means heating up the leftovers. Even this day is an important part of the tradition, especially as it feeds out-oftown guests.
But even before the big day, the girls are preparing for the rite of passage — and not just the festivities.
Quince retreats are an important component of the quince preparation. The 39 girls in attendance at ReachKCK that early April morning participated both seriously and faithfully.
“[I have learned] as a young woman and as a girl who is a part of the church in the community, that no matter what, God is always with me,” explained Sophia Resendez, from St. Paul Parish in Olathe. “He will always be with me within my actions, within my thoughts, with me spiritually. He is always there with me, and that’s something big.”
Confirmation is also part of the celebration — typically before or just after the quince celebration. While both are spiritual, one does not replace the other. Because confirmation is a sacrament of
initiation, it makes sense to blend preparation for both when able.
While quinceañera celebrations all have key similarities, they are individualized as well.
“Every quince is unique, depending on the family,” said Michelle Hernandez, from St. Pius X Parish in Mission. She celebrated her quinceañera 15 years ago in Belton, Missouri. And out of the very memorable life event, she recalls the retreat she made best.
“I liked being around other girls who were also preparing for their quinceañera,” she said. “It is where I learned that every one of us has dignity. Knowing our worth that we are all created in God’s image, with a unique heart, purpose and beauty that no one else can imitate.”
Preparation for this one quinceañera day, and all it symbolizes, is memorable for all young ladies as they enter adulthood.
“Although my quinceañera was over 20 years ago, I still remember moments from the beautiful Mass, where my parents dedicated my young life to God and I embraced the journey ahead with faith, his love and guidance,” recalled Michelle Kincaid, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.
“I celebrated my quinceañera at Holy Cross,” she said. “I still remember my dress, so beautiful, still treasured today, just like the memories from that day.”
For more information about quinceañera retreats, please contact ReachKCK at: reachkck@archkck.org.
>> Continued from page 1 Drawn
• mentorship
• small faith communities
• shared prayer
• accompaniment
Again and again, stories centered on people who took time to listen, to walk with others and to remain present in moments of suffering or searching. Beneath the tensions, wounds and uncertainties of this moment, there remains a deep desire among the faithful not to walk away from the church, but to become more fully the Body of Christ together.
Deacon Jim Mullin is a member of the archdiocesan synodal team, along with Archbishop Shawn McKnight, Father Mike Hawken, Denise Mills and Helen Osman, team coordinator.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Michelle Hernandez, from St. Pius X Parish in Mission, recalls her quinceañera retreat as a special time. She shared about her life in Christ with the retreatants from Johnson and Wyandotte Counties at the quinceañera retreat held at ReachKCK at Blessed Sacrament Parish April 1.
LEAVEN PHOTO/ADOBE STOCK
The quinceañera celebration is a coming-ofage rite of passage that is deeply rooted in Catholic Latin culture. It symbolizes “leaving childhood behind” and entering into womanhood for a teen.
EMPLOYMENT
Children’s ministry coordinator (part-time) - Prince of Peace in Olathe is seeking a passionate and experienced leader who desires to help families form and nurture their children’s faith. This position is responsible for the organization and implementation of age-appropriate programs throughout the year for pre-K–7th grade students, including the parish school of religion, summer programming and assisting in sacramental preparation. If you feel called to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, send your resume and cover letter to April Bailey at: abailey@popolathe.org.
Development director - Learning Club is seeking a mission-driven development director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts, supporting programs that provide education and mentorship to students across KCK. This role plays a key part in expanding Learning Club’s impact on the ground. Responsibilities include developing and executing fundraising strategies, cultivating relationships with individual, corporate, faith-based, and foundation donors and overseeing fundraising systems. Candidates should have 5+ years of relevant experience, strong relationshipbuilding skills and alignment with our mission. This is a part- or full-time position, depending on the applicant’s preference. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@learningclubkck.org. For more info, visit: learningclubkck.org/jobs or call (913) 429-0454.
Senior accountant - St. Paul Church in Olathe is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the senior accountant for the parish. This position is responsible for supporting the financial operations of the parish through accurate accounting, financial reporting, payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable management and maintenance of financial records in accordance with parish, diocesan and regulatory standards. Interested candidates should submit their resume and inquiries to Father Michael Hermes at: frhermes@spcatholic.org.
Senior advancement officer - St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at KU seeks a practicing Catholic development professional to join our advancement team cultivate gratitude-filled relationships with benefactors and grow support for our mission of forming disciples. Help invite generous Catholics into prayerful stewardship, meaningful impact, and joyful participation in the KU Catholic family. 7+ years fundraising experience preferred. Send resume and cover letter to Matt Kemnitz, chief operating officer, at: mkemnitz@kucatholic.org.
Medical staff and bilingual client advocate - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is hiring for two missionminded positions: medical staff (RN, LPN, or RDMS) and full-time bilingual client advocate (Spanish/ English preferred). Join our team serving women and families facing unexpected pregnancies through life-affirming care, education and support. Medical staff assist with pregnancy and STI intakes, patient education, telehealth and documentation, while advocates coordinate appointments, support clients and ensure a smooth, welcoming experience. Qualified applicants should have strong communication skills, a heart for ministry and a commitment to the sanctity of life; Kansas licensure and BLS are required for medical staff. Benefits include 70% employer-paid health insurance, 2 weeks PTO, 9 paid holidays, and competitive pay. Send your resume to Angela Maldonado at: amaldonado@wpcnetwork.org.
Formation coordinator - St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center is seeking a full-time formation coordinator. This position coordinates Wednesday night ministry events, supports OCIA and helps foster students’ relationship with Christ through the RIM (Relationship, Identity, Mission) model. The ideal candidate is organized, relational, faithful to the mission of the church and passionate about accompanying college students. Experience in ministry, event coordination, discipleship or Catholic formation preferred. Please send resumes and cover letters to: apetty@kucatholic.org.
Registrar - Church of the Nativity in Leawood is seeking a full-time registrar with 5+ years’ experience in senior administrative roles. The position requires maintaining accurate parish records with database management including executing and writing queries/ reports. You will also be responsible for scheduling rooms with awareness of preand post-meeting schedule considerations. Being a team player, you will provide teammate support as needed, e.g., phone backup. Bring your positivity, service-orientation, and people skills to enrich our strong administrative team. This role requires attention to detail, organization and multi-tasking skills. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, mail merge and Outlook. Experience with databases, e.g., ParishSoft or Access, is desirable. Parish or school office experience a plus. Compensation will correlate to experience. Benefits provided. You will report to the director of operations. Request more info or apply at: jobapplication@ kcnativity.org.
Groundskeeper - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are seeking a dedicated groundskeeper to help care for the motherhouse and University of Saint Mary campuses. This role supports the beauty, safety and sustainability of our shared spaces. Position highlights: Maintain lawns, trees, shrubs and landscaping; assist with snow removal and seasonal needs; operate and maintain grounds equipment; support safe and clean outdoor spaces. To apply and view full details, please visit: scls.org/employees/.
Pastoral associate - St. Therese North Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri, is hiring for a pastoral associate. This position will direct or collaborate in pastoral care, adult faith formation, evangelization, OCIA and sacramental preparation. This position is full-time, averaging 30-35 hours a week. For more information and to apply, go to: kcsjcatholic.org/start/ job-openings/.
Facilities manager - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is seeking a dependable and skilled facilities manager to oversee the care, maintenance and stewardship of parish buildings and grounds. This role is essential in ensuring that all facilities remain safe, clean and welcoming, supporting the sacred liturgical life of the church and the many ministries of the parish community. Responsibilities include general maintenance and preventative care of buildings and property, monitoring key systems such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical, and ensuring all spaces are prepared for Masses, sacraments and parish events. The facilities manager will also assist with coordinating vendors, contractors and volunteers. Qualified candidates will have 2-5 years of experience in facilities management or a related field, along with a working knowledge of building systems and general repair practices. This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending and climbing. Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with parish staff and clergy. A respect for the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church is required. Apply at: www.queenoftheholyrosary.org.
Pastoral associate - The Church of the Nativity in Leawood is seeking a full-time pastoral associate to collaborate closely with the pastor, director of music and others to support the spiritual life of the parish by ensuring every celebration of the Mass and sacraments is reverent with well-coordinated liturgies. In addition, you will be the focal point and consistent, empathetic guide for families seeking baptisms, weddings and funerals. Qualified candidates must be an active member of the Catholic Church in good standing. A degree in theology, liturgical studies or related subject or 2 years’ parish liturgy experience is preferred. A proven ability to provide caring service to others plus excellent multi-tasking, interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills are required. You will need to work on Sundays, holy days and some evenings. Come join our vibrant, welcoming parish as a vital resource to the pastor. Request more info or apply at: jobapplication@kcnativity.org.
Catholic elementary school principal - Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas, 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. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Vince Cascone at: vcascone@archkckcs.org.
Maintenance/custodial technician - St. Joseph Church is seeking a full-time maintenance/custodial staff member to support the care and upkeep of our campus in Shawnee. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment across our 20-acre campus, which includes seven buildings, a football field, a track and related facilities. Interested applicants should apply on St. Joseph’s website or email Melissa Thomas at: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org.
Teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center is looking for caring, passionate and dedicated teachers to join our preschool team. The ideal candidate should have experience working with early childhood, have an understanding of child development, and strive to support and model our Catholic faith within the classroom. Interested applicants should email Kristan Mora at: kmora@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 6310004.
Parish office administrative assistant - This position is responsible for parish office administration and activities in support of the pastor, clergy and business manager at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe. It involves responding to inquiries and resolving issues, planning and coordinating events/meetings and organizing calendars and event schedules, facilitating communication and improving the efficiency of the office. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality, accuracy and attention to detail. Send inquiries and resumes to John Meyers, business manager, at: jmeyers@popolathe.org.
Small equipment cleaning/repair - A locally owned family business is currently seeking part-time candidates to provide cleaning and repair services on microscopes. Expenses paid, work done in the field and each day is different! No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided. Needs to be detail-oriented team player, with good time management and customer service skills. Some travel with the team is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com or call (913) 631-3000.
Teachers - Nativity Parish School (Leawood) is seeking full-time teachers for the 2026-27 school year: full/part-time paraprofessionals, full-time middle school paraprofessional, Spanish teacher, and full-time school counselor. Interested applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kc nativity.org.
Part-time kitchen assistant - Nativity School in Leawood is seeking a part-time kitchen assistant, 8 to 15 hours a week. Duties will include prepping food, serving food, setting up/breaking down food service line and garden bar, cleaning and washing dishes. Any candidate hired will need to pass a criminal background check and attend Virtus training as conditions of employment. Applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.
Outreach manager - Do you have experience in ministry, education, leadership or community engagement and desire to apply these skills in your daily work? If so, then we have the perfect position for you! Catholic Charities is seeking a joy-filled and mission-driven individual to serve as an outreach manager. Primary responsibilities include leading the outreach team in the areas of community and parish engagement, poverty education and federal food programming across the 21 counties of the archdiocese. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.
Choir members wanted - You are cordially invited to join Caelestis Harmonia, a new community choir dedicated to performing a diverse range of musical styles and levels. No audition is required to participate. All members will receive sheet music and practice links to assist with individual study prior to our scheduled rehearsals. Our performance will take place on Friday, July 24, at 6 p.m. at All Saints Church (811 Vermont Ave.), followed by a reception. Please contact music director Vincent Moran at (913) 620-6058 or: vincentmoran86@ gmail.com to reserve your place or for more information.
Business manager - St. Francis de Sales Church in Lansing is looking for a part-time business manager. The business manager is a steward of the physical, financial and personnel resources. The ideal candidate should have a college degree and/or equivalent business experience. Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Full job description provided to candidates. Some evening and weekend work required. For more information, email: businessmanager@stfrancislansing.org or call the office at (913) 727-3742.
Caregivers needed - Daughters & 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.
Catholic financial planners - The Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency has openings throughout all of NE Kansas and western Missouri, including Kansas City, Topeka, Holton, Wamego, Lawrence, Gardner, Liberty and Chillicothe. We have much to offer professional, disciplined and determined men who would like to share needed life insurance, disability income, longterm care and annuity products with other Catholics. This is a full-time position with excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. It’s an exciting career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or someone you know. For more information, contact John Mahon at (785) 4088800, or john.mahon@kofc.org.
Director of liturgy and sacred music - The St. Lawrence Center seeks a full-time director to lead an authentically Catholic, vibrant and reverent liturgical life at the University of Kansas. This role oversees the planning and execution of all liturgies in fidelity to the Roman Rite and GIRM, establishes a cohesive liturgical vision and teaches Catholic liturgy through ongoing student formation. Responsibilities include forming and mentoring student liturgical ministers; recruiting, training and directing student singers, musicians and choirs; preparing worship aids; and collaborating with clergy and staff to integrate liturgy into the center’s evangelizing mission. Qualifications: practicing Catholic, degree in liturgy, theology or organ, experience in liturgical ministry, organ and conducting skills required. Evenings, weekends and major liturgical seasons required. Apply to Matt Kemnitz, chief operating officer, at: mkemnitz@kucatholic.org.
Investigator - The archdiocesan office of ministerial standards is seeking to hire an investigator. This position will utilize pertinent interviewing, surveillance and desktop research abilities to fully investigate reported events in areas such as sexual abuse, financial impropriety, serious workplace misconduct and canonical concerns. An associate’s degree or higher is required as well as extensive experience with conducting complex investigations, ideally related to abuse/neglect, human services, law enforcement or compliance. For more information or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” on the archdiocesan website: archkck.org.
Sales reps - Invictus Roofing and Solar Company serving the Kansas City Metro is seeking to hire 3-4 sales reps this spring. Looking for motivated people who want to grow and excel in project management: with a strong element of sales and competitive commission-based pay. Little to no experience required - job training and field training handled in-house. Please call Brian at (913) 302-8361 or Nick at (913) 680-7862. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne parishioner.
Administrative assistant - St. Therese Church in North Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a full-time administrative assistant to provide comprehensive secretarial and office support to the parish staff. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and a welcoming, service-oriented approach reflecting a spirit of hospitality and Christian charity. This position is full-time with benefits and averages 35 hours a week. For more information and to apply, visit: https://kcsjcatholic.org/start/job-openings.
Development director - Cor Christi Catholic Center in Topeka is seeking to hire a full-time development director under the supervision of the center director. Responsibilities include: developing, coordinating and executing fundraising events, engaging and cultivating relations with current and prospective donors and maintaining donor records. Bachelor’s degree in fundraising, communication or marketing with event planning or equivalent experience. Three years experience preferred. Full job description is online at: www.wucatholic.org/employment-opportunities. To apply, send cover letter, your resume and three references to Jessica Hammer at: director@wucatholic. org. Subject line: Development Director.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Haus to Home Remodeling - Transform your space with affordable remodeling done right. Bathrooms, basements and everything in between-crafted with honesty and quality. Family-owned with free estimates. Haustohomekc.com | Cole (913) 544-7352.
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.
SERVICES
Footprints Floors
Family-owned and operated. St. Paul parishioners. Hardwood, tile, stone, vinyl and more Call for free estimate: (913) 372-3007 Footprintsfloors.com/kansas-city.
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! Call John at (402) 763-7244.
DASH Fencing Wood Fencing Repair and Replacement Free Estimates - Senior Discounts Available Reliable Service You Can Trust (913) 420-0197 Ephesians 3:18-19
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.
Joe’s Decks & More Deck and fence repair, mowing and handyman services Member of St. Joseph in Shawnee (913) 449-9848
Concrete and landscaping - Driveway construction and demolition, curbs, sidewalks and patios. Mulch, new landscape beds, leaf cleanup and planting. We serve Johnson County, parts of KCK and Miami County. Free estimates. Call or text Fidel at (913) 710-0482. Member of St. Paul Catholic Church.
Sacred Heart Counseling - Are you looking for counseling from an authentic Catholic perspective? We have offices in Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee & Atchison. Book online at SacredHeartCounselingKC. com, in person or telehealth.
Bill Dean Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling, Electrical, and Plumbing Furnace, AC and Water Heater Install and Service wmdean14@hotmail.com, billdeanmechanical.com JoCo lic. # 2026-0008446, text or call (913) 724-3294
MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 927-4347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.
Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.
TOTAL HOME REPAIR
All aspects of interior home repairs. Retired master plumber. Professional interior painting, general repairs, tile work. Handyman services. Lifetime of experience. Army veteran. Ascension parishioner. (913) 488-4930
>> Continued on page
HOLY ROSARY WEA GARAGE SALE
Queen of the Holy Rosary Church
22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus
June 5 to 7
700-family garage sale. On Sunday, all items that fit in a trash bag will be $8 a bag. (Except furniture & certain marked tables). Hours: June 5 and 7: 8 a.m. to noon; June 6: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Questions, call (913) 2442403.
PROJECT RACHEL HEALING RETREAT
Kansas City metro area
(address given after registration)
June 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food and materials will be provided. Contact Ann Marie at: projectrachelkc@archkck. org or call/text (913) 621-2199 to register.
POTLUCK PICNIC
St. Ann Church (parish hall)
7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village
June 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Kansas City Chapters of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) is sponsoring a free potluck picnic for all church musicians in the greater Kansas City area. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. For more info, visit: www.npminkc.com.
ENCOUNTER HEALING SERVICES
St. Joseph Church
11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee
June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Encounter School of Ministry is hosting a healing service. The night will consist of a time of worship, Gospel presentation on healing, corporate prayer for healing and individual prayer for healing. We encourage anyone in need of physical healing to come as well as anyone wanting to encounter manifestations of God’s presence. For more info, visit: encounterkc.com.
CATHOLIC CHALLENGE FIELD DAY
Bishop Miege North
4901 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park
June 7 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.
>> Continued from page 12
GARAGE DOOR REPAIR EXPERTS
New Garage Doors & Openers
A Total Door, Inc. Since ’83. Leaven Discount buffy@atotaldoor.com or (913) 236-6440 www.atotaldoor.com
A and X Cleaning Service - Keeping local businesses clean and healthy. Eco-friendly green cleaning products are used. Our hands-on approach ensures reliable service, consistent quality and attention to detail in every space we clean. Contact us for a free consultation at: anxcleaningllc@gmail.com.
Rios Painting - Transforming your home one paint coat at a time. Over 20 years of residential and commercial interior and exterior painting. Reliable, professional, and affordable. Insured. Call or text Ramiro today for a free estimate! (913) 579-5016.
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.
Jack Harrison Heating & Air Conditioning - Proudly serving Johnson County, Kansas, parts of KCK and KCMO, we’re your trusted local experts in residential and light commercial HVAC. Whether you need a repair, seasonal tuneup or full system replacement, we’ve got you covered — with honest advice, quality work and friendly service. We’re a family-owned and operated company, rooted in the community as members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe. Call Jack Harrison Heating & Air today at (913) 308-3131 or visit: www. JackHarrisonAir.com to schedule online. Let our family take care of yours!
Double A’s Lawn Service Mowing, Mulch, Gutters, Leaf Cleanup, Debris Removal & Brush Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195
REAL ESTATE
Paul O’Toole – Real Estate Agent (KS & MO)
Weichert Realtors – Welch & Company (913) 489-1229 (mobile) | (913) 647-5700 (office)
All young adults are welcome to join us for faith, community and sports. Field day will be a one-day event where players can sign up individually or as a pair. Cost is $10 per person. Sign-ups close June 4. To sign up and for other information, go to: kansascityonahill.org/CCS.
DRIVING FOR HOPE
Paradise Pointe Golf Complex
18212 Golf Course Rd., Smithville, Missouri
June 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Your support helps fund critical programming for neighbors in need across our community. Secure your spot on the course by becoming a sponsor today. Sponsorships are open now, and team golf registration opens May 1. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, drinks, and reception. Register: catholiccharities-kcsj.org/ drivingforhope.
SACRED HEART PRAYER VIGIL
St. Joseph Church
11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee
June 11 at 7 p.m.
The vigil will include the vespers, act of reparation, litany of the Sacred Heart and chaplet of the Sacred Heart.
PARISH ETHNIC FESTIVAL
St. Mary-St. Anthony Church
615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas
June 13 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
You are invited to join our parish as we celebrate St. Anthony’s feast day and our parish’s various heritages. The festival will feature Irish, German, Latino and American food, games, a silent auction and a bounce house. This is a cash-only event. Our silent auction link will be available on smsakck. com by June 5.
LADIES LUNCHEON AND PROGRAM
Divine Mercy Church (CFC hall)
555 W. Main St., Gardner
June 13 at 11:30 a.m.
All women are invited to a luncheon and program on letting go of past pains at Divine Mercy Parish. The speaker is Karla
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.
CAREGIVING
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.
Homecare - 15 years’ experience. Background check available, references from past employers available. Nonsmoker. Call (913) 999-4340.
FOR SALE
For sale - Single crypt in Resurrection Cemetery. Prince of Peace mausoleum, Assumption patio, tier D, crypt 3B. $4,000, includes conveyance fee. Contact Tom (913 )702-4472.
For sale - Two burial plots, full package $12,500. Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Veterans Garden: V8, sec B, space 3 & 4. Contact Vic at (913) 957-9846.
For sale - Two plots in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, KCK. Located in S.W. area, sec 11, lot 12, spaces 7 & 8. Price is $2,000 each. Contact Charles at (913) 669-1809.
For sale - Resurrection Cemetery double lawn crypt. Faith lawn, section B, lot 12, plots 2A and 2B. Includes lots, vaults and markers. Original selling price is $12,752. Asking $7,500. Call (913) 649-6571.
For sale - Plot for sale at the Mount Calvary Cemetery lot, west in the Rossiter addition. Located in Topeka. $2000. Contact Vickie Cartwright at (785) 383-9453.
For sale - Two cemetery plots. Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens. Garden of Valor. Lot #37. Section D. Spaces 4A and 4B. Containing two interment spaces. Asking price is $4,500. Email: klhall_1964@yahoo. com or call (913) 370-1776.
Melgar, generalist for Parish Evangelization Services in the archdiocese. Doors open at 11. RSVP by calling (913) 856-7781.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS
Divine Mercy Church
555 W. Main St., Gardner
June 14 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
The breakfast will include eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles and drinks. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 13; free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.
PARISH PICNIC
St. James Church
306 5th St., Wetmore
June 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a roast beef dinner, games and an auction. $12 for adults and $6 for kids. The auction starts at 8 p.m.
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY HEALTH SOCIAL
Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center 16600 W 126th St., Olathe
June 18 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible friends of Catholic Community Health who make our mission possible. Come experience the warmth of our community while enjoying refreshments, connection, and a first look at the beautiful new upgrades to our home. RSVP by June 11; no cost to attend. For more info, contact Mitch at: mnolan@catholiccommunityhealth. org.
BAKED CHICKEN DINNER
Divine Mercy Parish
555 W. Main St., Gardner
June 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The dinner will include baked chicken, potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, cookie, and drink. $7 for those over the age of 10 and free for ages 9 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.
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.)
WANTED TO BUY
$$Paying Cash$$ - Antique Furniture, crocks, tin and cast iron toys, old tools, glassware, American coins, jewelry. Most anything old. Please call Patricia at (913) 515-2950. A member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.
BUYING OIL & GAS ROYALTIES
Simplify your life. Paying 48 times average last 6 months income. Call Dan (913) 980-0946.
TACO DINNER AND BINGO
St. Patrick Church (parish center)
1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas June 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Knights of Columbus is hosting a taco dinner, including rice, beans, tea, lemonade and dessert for $12 per person. Following the dinner will be 10 games ($12) of bingo for cash prizes.
ENCOUNTER KC SUMMER INTENSIVE
Holy Trinity Church (Father Quigley Center) 9201 Summit St., Lenexa June 22 to 25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Spiritually hungry? The Encounter KC Summer Intensive is a four-night experience designed for you to encounter the living God, be transformed and refreshed by the presence of the Holy Spirit and be equipped to bring healing, encouragement and joy into your everyday life. Visit: EncounterKC.com for more information.
WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH LUNCH
Perkins Restaurant (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka
Third Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join us for lunch and companionship. No RSVP needed. Invite others. Questions? Email: Widowed WomenofFaith@ gmail.com or call Julie at (913) 558-0191.
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP
Holy Spirit Church
11300 103rd St., Overland Park
Third Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
From ‘Called To Love Again’: Divorce isn’t the end of your story. Join us for formation and community to prepare you for what is next. Make new friends and get tips for healing and hope. Questions to: katie@ thecall2love.com.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: olivia. martin@theleaven.org.
WANTED TO BUY - PAYING CASH Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad items, sterling, OLD holiday/toys & more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph, Shawnee.
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.
CASH PAID FOR COIN COLLECTIONS! Silver dollar coins, half-dollars, quarters, dimes, old pennies. Cash in hand. Also paying cash for old paper currency. Cash in that old dusty box of coins! Call Kirk (913) 213-9843. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Please sell to
DAILY READINGS
NINTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
May 31
THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
Pope Leo visits Italy’s ‘Land of Fires’
By Courtney Mares OSV News
Ex 34; 4b-6, 8-9 (Ps)
Dn 3: 52-55
2 Cor 13: 11-13
Jn 3: 16-18
June 1
Justin, martyr
2 Pt 1: 2-7
Ps 91: 1-2, 14-16
Mk 13: 1-12
June 2
Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs
2 Pt 3: 12-15a, 17-18
Ps 90: 2-4, 10, 14, 16
Mk 12: 13-17
June 3
Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs
2 Tm 1: 1-3, 6-12
Ps 123: 1b-2
Mk 12: 18-27
June 4
Thursday
2 Tm 2: 8-15
Ps 25: 4-5b, 8-10, 14
Mk 12: 28-34
June 5
Boniface, bishop, martyr
2 Tm 3: 10-17
Ps 119: 157, 160-161, 165166, 168
Mk 12: 35-37
June 6
Norbert, bishop
2 Tm 4: 1-8
Ps 71: 8-9, 14-15b, 16-17, 22
Mk 12: 38-44
TENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
June 7
THE MOST BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
Dt 8: 2-3, 14b-16a
Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20
1 Cor 10: 16-17
Jn 6: 51-58
June 8
Monday
1 Kgs 17: 1-6
Ps 121: 1b-8
Mt 5: 1-12
June 9
Ephrem, deacon, doctor of the church
1 Kgs 17: 7-16
Ps 4: 2-5, 7b-8
Mt 5: 13-16
June 10
Wednesday
1 Kgs 18: 20-39
Ps 16: 1b-2a, 4-5, 8, 11
Mt 5: 17-19
June 11
Barnabas, Apostle
Acts 11: 21b-26; 13: 1-3
Ps 98: 1-6
Mt 5: 20-26
June 12
THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Dt 7: 6-11
Ps 103: 1-4, 8, 10
1 Jn 4: 7-16
June 13
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Anthony of Padua, priest, doctor of the church
1 Kgs 19: 19-21
Ps 16: 1b-2b, 5, 7-10
Mt 5: 33-37
ROME (OSV News) — Pope
Leo XIV traveled May 23 to the southern Italian town of Acerra, where he met with families who have lost children and loved ones to cancers linked to decades of illegal toxic waste dumping by the mafia.
The visit brought him to the heart of what locals call the “Land of Fires,” a territory also known as the “Triangle of Death,” where illegal burning of toxic waste by the Camorra crime syndicate has fueled a public health crisis for more than two decades.
Inside the cathedral of Acerra, a town of roughly 65,000 residents near Naples, the pope met with mothers who held photographs of family members who have died or are battling cancer.
“I have come first and foremost to gather
Leo XIV speaks
the tears of those who have lost loved ones, killed by environmental pollution caused by unscrupulous individuals and organizations, who for too long have been able to act with impunity,” Pope Leo said. “I am here, however, also to thank those who have responded to evil with good, especially a Church that has dared to speak out and be prophetic, to gather the people in hope.”
According to Acerra’s Bishop Antonio Di Donna, the environ-
pastoral visit to
mental crisis began in the 1980s.
“Over the course of about 30 years, hundreds of thousands of tons of toxic waste from many industries in Northern Italy were dumped in a part of this territory. This resulted in significant savings for corrupt industrialists and enormous profits for organized crime,” the bishop told the pope in his opening remarks in the cathedral.
“Pollution has caused illness and pre-
mature death, particularly among children and young people, who are the true victims of environmental pollution,” he continued.
“We believe, in fact, that there is a link between environmental pollution and the onset of cancer,” he said. “For many years, many have denied this; however, the National Institute of Health conducted a study commissioned by the Naples North District Attorney’s Office on children who died of cancer and acknowledged that there is a causal link between pollution and the high rate of infant mortality.”
The European Court of Human Rights found last year that Italian authorities had been aware since 1988 of the toxic contamination driven by the Camorra mafia organization, which controls waste disposal in the region, but failed to take adequate steps to protect residents, according to
the Associated Press.
The court ruled that Italy has two years to establish a database documenting the toxic waste and its verified health risks for an area covering 90 municipalities around Naples and Caserta with a population of 2.9 million people.
The pope’s visit to Acerra falls on the eve of the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis signing his landmark ecological encyclical “Laudato Si’.” Pope Francis had planned to visit the area in 2020, but the trip was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As you know, Pope Francis had hoped to come here,” Pope Leo said. “Today we intend to fulfill his wish, recognizing the great gift that the encyclical Laudato Si’ has been for the Church’s mission in this land,” where “the cry of creation and of the poor amongst you has been felt all the more dramatically.”
Easter season closes with vital lesson about the Trinity
We draw the Easter season to a close by celebrating the Ascension of the Lord, and then Pentecost, and then the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The order of these celebrations matters. They teach a lesson. They help us inhabit the story the Scripture tells.
Think about it. Luke writes that as the disciples watched, the risen Jesus “was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). But that doesn’t mean the disciples are left alone. “I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you,” Jesus said the night before his arrest. He said those words right after he talked about the gift of the “Spirit of truth.” The Spirit “dwells with you, and will be in you,” Jesus said (Jn 14:17-18).
FATHER
That’s Pentecost talk. And so, what’s the lesson? It’s that as the Lord ascended and the Spirit descends, we remain in the Son who remains in the Father by the everlasting gift and power of the Holy Spirit. “I in them and you in me” is how
Jesus described it as he prayed to the Father that the disciples would remain “perfectly one” (Jn 17:23).
The two feasts of Ascension and Pentecost simply name this new spiritual reality, that our life now is “hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3). And the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity simply reads from this new spirituality described in the New Testament the revelation of God: that God is Father and Son and Holy Spirit.
And so, what the Solemnity of the Trinity teaches us is that the saving mercy of Christ that we read about in the Gospel reading from John is truly God’s mercy and not some secondary mercy. That this feast immediately follows on the heels of Pentecost, we remember that the “Spirit of truth” unites us to Jesus
“the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6).
We remember that as the Spirit is the gift of both the Father and the Son (Jn 14:26; 15:26), the Spirit, too, is “the Lord, the giver of life.” That is, as the Spirit binds us to the Father and the Son, the Spirit, too, is God.
Thus, both the Scripture and the dogmatic light of the church’s liturgy reveal to us the God who is Trinity but also the trinitarian structure of Christian existence. We remember and rejoice in what St. Maximus the Confessor called the “mystical knowledge of God;” that is, we rejoice that by believing in the Son we may now see the Father by the gift of the Holy Spirit. That is, we rejoice that God is revealed in Christ not by the means of our own darkened intellects but by the gift of the Holy
COLUMBA cira 521-597
Spirit; we rejoice that God reveals himself by himself and not by us.
One recalls here that great praise our Orthodox friends sing in their liturgy: “We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.” With them we share this faith. We celebrate with them the saving revelation of the triune God.
It also means that when we celebrate Corpus Christi next week, we know that we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ true body and true blood and not merely some symbol. Which finally is how Christ keeps his promise that he remains with us “to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20).
Because Christ is God, and he can do it.
This abbot, one of Scotland’s patron saints, was born in Ireland. Also educated and ordained in Ireland, he spent 15 years preaching and founding monasteries, including Derry, Durrow and Kells. But his clashes with King Diarmaid over a psalter copy and the rights of sanctuary resulted in a clan feud and battle in which 3,000 men died. Choosing exile as his penance, Columba left for Scotland with 12 kinsmen about 561 to found the island monastery of Iona. He evangelized the Picts and converted their king. Iona monks went on mission all over Europe and its monastic rule was the standard until the Rule of St. Benedict. Columba, also called Colmcille (for Columba and cell), had enormous influence over Western monasticism.
JOSHUA J. WHITFIELD
Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” and other books.
OSV NEWS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA
Pope
with a man during a
Acerra, Italy, a region suffering from the effects of illegal toxic waste dumping and burning, May 23.
Guadalupe Home Plus
Guadalupe Home Plus is a new 6-bed senior care home in St. Mary’s, KS, now accepting residents! We offer personalized care, home-cooked meals, and a family atmosphere rooted in Catholic values. Under Our Lady’s mantle, we are all family. Visit guadalupehomeplus.com to learn more, call or stop by for a visit—we’d love to meet you!
Don’t let summer stop the reading, urge teachers
By Jeanne Gorman Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Shouts of “School’s out, school’s out” and shrieks of laughter fill the air when elementary students run out of their school doors for the last time in the 2025-2026 school year and race into whatever adventures and surprises await during their summer vacations.
Teachers tell us, however, that if a minimal effort isn’t expended to keep their brains sharp over the summer, they risk forgetting what they learned during the previous year and falling behind when they return to school in the fall.
From her vantage point as a nineyear veteran teacher of first and second grade, Jolene Stuchlik, a teacher at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa, has seen what she calls the “summer dip.” Students must have their memories “refreshed” when they return to school because they have forgotten what they learned the prior year. To combat the “dip,” Stuchlik, like many other teachers, sends home optional summer packets that they hope will be used to help prevent students falling back.
Knowing there is much competition for the students’ attention in the summer like sports, vacation, sleepovers, etc., as well as limits on their parents’ time, Stuchlik designs the worksheets to be completed in about 15 minutes. She tailors the packets to the needs of her students. If the students complete the packets, she gives them a small reward when they return to school in the fall.
Most of all, Stuchlik urges parents to read aloud to their children as much as possible and have their children read as well. She preaches that reading with their children is the best thing parents can do educationally for their kids. Reading “grows their [student’s] vocabulary, builds family time and grows imaginations,” she said. To make that more fun, she suggests the students “read to their stuffed animals, read outside with a flashlight, read with their grandma” and such.
Parents and students can take turns reading to each other or reading every other page. She also advocates “drop reading” — parents start reading a sentence and stop and let their child take over the reading. Parents can tell
whether the child is engaged with this method.
Megan Staley, another teacher at Sacred Heart, loves teaching second graders. She agrees students tend to fall back in their academics during summer vacation. She believes “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” She can tell when the fall semester begins who put in a little work over the summer and
Pictured above is Bobbi Jo Wenciker, third grade teacher at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea. She, too, encourages parents to read with their children during the summer, but also says third graders should know how to address a letter and to write one. When on vacation, said Wenciker, parents should encourage their child to address and write a postcard or letter to someone about their trip and mail it.
Left, Annie Smith, a second grader at Sacred Heart School in Ottawa, displays her summer reading packet. Megan Staley, a second grade teacher at Sacred Heart, helps parents keep their children’s reading skills sharp by sending home summer study packets with a page for each day of vacation. The pages are to be completed one a day, every day.
who has not. The latter require more “catching up” in the first month or so of class rather than moving on ahead. Like Stuchlik, Staley sends home optional summer packets. There is one page for each day of vacation. The pages are to be completed one a day, every day. She agrees with Stuchlik that the best thing you can do is read with kids every day.
Many public libraries have reading challenges and hold other events to engage the children of all ages. Staley recommends that parents find books that interest their children and advises them to “read, read, read.” But she also suggests that kids get plenty of outside free play and not just watch television or be on screens all day. Go to the pool, the zoo, explore museums or whatever is in your community. Be creative. Education is about developing the whole child.
Third graders can also “drop off” during the summer, according to Bobbi Jo Wenciker, third grade teacher at Queen of the Holy Rosary School in Wea. Wenciker, too, encourages parents to read with their children and meet them where they are. One fun way is to select a book that has been made into a movie and read the book together. After completing the book, have a movie night with snacks and watch the movie together.
Third graders should know how to address a letter and write one, said Wenciker. When on vacation, parents should encourage their child to address and write a postcard or letter to someone, maybe a grandparent, about the trip and mail it.
Because third graders are learning fractions, she suggests reviewing fractions in the kitchen. Parents can review fractions when measuring ingredients, e.g., ¼ cup plus ¼ cup equals ½ cup. Besides a review, this provides parents and kids with valuable time together. She also recommends children plan and prepare meals, so they can use their fractions. At the grocery store, kids can compare prices of products or practice math skills by estimating the cost of the groceries in the cart. Board games may also provide an opportunity for review — adding up scores, for example.
Wenciker strongly suggests that there be structure in her students’ summer schedule — 20 minutes set aside for reading, for example, and 20 for math, as children thrive on predictability and structure.
Finally, Wenciker encourages parents to join their children outdoors this summer, and take some time with them to marvel at God’s creation. Just spending time with their children in these and other activities is what is most important.
Happy summer vacation!
SUBMITTED PHOTO