Newly restructured ministry department will work across disciplines, alongside deanery leaders
By Olivia Martin-Davies olivia.martin@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A changing of the guard is an exciting time.
It’s full of pomp, circumstance, ritual, colors and music.
It brings celebration and, as the name suggests, change.
Since the archdiocese’s “changing of the guard” last year with Archbishop Shawn McKnight’s installation, it has been full steam ahead. One of the most recent changes includes restructuring of the archdiocese’s individual ministry teams into the unified Parish Evangelization Services (PES) department.
Constituted on April 10, PES ministers to the people of the archdiocese through accompaniment, consultation, collaboration and support.
“It’s a renewed approach to how the chancery can serve pastors and parishes in accomplishing the stated goals of Archbishop McKnight,” said Michael Podrebarac, a longtime consultant for liturgy and sacramental life in the archdiocese.
Archbishop McKnight shared that
vision with The Leaven in his May 8 column:
“Our ultimate goal is to empower every parish to be more than a place for weekly worship; it must be a sanctuary of mercy and a center of charity.
“By integrating your voices, we move forward together in this vital renewal!”
A renewed approach to parish support
Formerly, there were many distinct ministry offices within the chancery that operated individually, providing direct answers, programs, resources, formation and support to individuals and par-
ishes across the region.
Now, PES will work across disciplines and alongside parish and deanery leaders.
“Parish Evangelization Services is renewing the ministerial structure of the chancery by shifting from a model focused primarily on creating programs to one centered on intentional service, accompaniment and co-responsibility,” said Sister Monica Bernadette Arguello, SCTJM. Its members are: Father Michael Hawken, vicar general and moderator of the curia; Debra Niesen, director; Michael Podrebarac, advocate, Karla Melgar, advocate, Sister Monica Bernadette Arguello, SCTJM, advocate and the archbishop’s delegate for religious and consecrated life, and Mark Blaise, advocate; and specialists Josh Ruoff, Katie Locus, Joan Macy and Ann Marie Alvey.
“The idea is to empower parishes and servant leaders, connect them to best practices in other parishes, and build deanery capacity, especially to support rural and smaller parishes,” said Father Hawken.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The new Parish Evangelization Service Department will serve parishes to help them accomplish their goals. They are, from left: Josh Ruoff, Michael Podrebarac, Mark Blaise, Karla Melgar, Jill Scaletty, Katie Locus and Mary Ann Alvey. Not pictured are Debra Niesen and Sister Monica Arguello, SCTJM.
Debra Niesen is the director of Parish Evangelization Services. Niesen said much of the team’s summer work included refining the department’s vision and mission.
Sister Monica Arguello, SCTJM, is a parish evangelization advocate with emphasis on marriage preparation, family life, Natural Family Planning and Hispanic ministry.
Archbishop McKnight’s letter regarding the Society of St. Pius X
Ihave received the announcement from the Holy See regarding the episcopal consecrations carried out by bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X without the required pontifical mandate and subsequent excommunication. This action is a source of profound sorrow for the whole church because it wounds the visible unity that Christ desires for his body.
The Catholic Church teaches that bishops exercise their ministry in communion with the Successor of St. Peter and the College of Bishops. Because of the unique role entrusted by Christ to St. Peter and his successors in safeguarding the unity of the church, the consecration of bishops without authorization from the Roman pontiff constitutes a grave offense against ecclesial communion and carries the canonical consequences established by the law of the church (cf. Can. 1387).
This development is particularly sorrowful because the Holy See has, for many years, sought reconciliation and full communion with the Society of Saint Pius X. Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications previously incurred by their bishops. Pope Francis subsequently granted to the priests of the society the universal faculty to validly hear confessions. He also authorized local diocesan bishops to grant the priests of the society faculties to assist at marriages, faculties that Archbishop Emeritus Naumann and I have granted.
Successive Roman pontiffs have demonstrated patience, generosity, and a sincere desire to heal divisions within the church. The Holy Father himself, in his letter on June 29, 2026, has recognized the sincere devotion to Catholic tradition, priestly formation, and missionary zeal found among the many members of the Society. Precisely be-
cause these are genuine gifts, the church has continued to hope that they will flourish within full ecclesial communion. The actions taken by the society’s leadership stand in contrast to our repeated efforts at reconciliation.
At the same time, the church never ceases to pray and work for unity. The canonical penalties, specifically excommunication, announced by the Holy See are not intended as expressions of hostility or rejection, but as medicinal measures that reflect the seriousness of the offense and are ordered toward repentance, healing, and the eventual restoration of communion.
I wish especially to address those members of the faithful who have attended missions or apostolates associated with the Society of Saint Pius X. Many have been Catholics who sincerely desire to worship God, love the church, and remain faithful to the Catholic tradition as they understood it. They should know that they are loved by the church and remain the object of our prayers for unity.
Nevertheless, the faithful should be aware that, as the Holy See has explained, the ministry exercised by the society is not legitimate in the life of the church: the sacraments celebrated by its ministers are illicit, and the
sacraments of penance and matrimony administered by them are now invalid. Because participation in the worship and apostolic life of a schismatic community objectively expresses and fosters separation from the church’s communion, Catholics may not knowingly take part in the society’s liturgical celebrations, apostolates, or other activities. Such participation is not merely discouraged but is gravely contrary to the unity of the church and, when undertaken with full knowledge and deliberate consent, is sinful.
Clergy and laity alike are further admonished not to adhere to the society’s schism, lest they incur the penalty of excommunication latae sententiae. We therefore encourage all who have participated in the society’s apostolates to remain united to the Holy Father and to seek the guidance of our priests regarding any questions that may arise from this unfortunate situation, especially if they have concerns about the validity of sacraments they may have received.
Fidelity to Sacred Tradition is never opposed to fidelity to the Successor of Peter. Rather, both are gifts entrusted by Christ to his church and serve together to safeguard the deposit of faith and promote the salvation of souls. The church’s living Tradition is preserved by remaining close to the Successor of Peter, by adhering to the apostolic faith handed down through the centuries and safeguarded within the communion of the church.
We continue to pray that those who have taken this step may one day be restored to full communion. The church’s doors remain open, and our hope remains that the unity for which Christ prayed may one day be fully realized. At this sorrowful moment, let us pray that the seamless garment of Christ, wounded by division, may once again be visibly restored.
ARCHBISHOP MCKNIGHT
July 11
Mass of Blessing of a Renovated Church –Holy Trinity, Paola
July 12
Mass of Installation of Father Scott Wallisch –Church of the Ascension, Overland Park
Mass of Installation of Father Nathan Haverland –St. Joseph, Shawnee
July 15
Catholic International University Business and Ecclesial Management advisory board meeting – virtual Mass – Camp Tekakwitha, Williamsburg
July 17
Solemn Evening Prayer and dinner, Archdiocese of St. Louis Bicentennial celebration – Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France
July 18
Bicentennial Jubilee Mass for Archdiocese of St. Louis –Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
July 19
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Convention closing Mass –Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas
July 19-21
New pastors workshop, “Leadership & Collaboration, Pastoring in a Synodal Church” – Benedictine College, Atchison
July 23
Serra Club of Kansas City dinner – St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS NAUMANN
July 17
Solemn Evening Prayer, Archdiocese of St. Louis Bicentennial celebration –Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France
July 18
Bicentennial Jubilee Mass for Archdiocese of St. Louis – Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
July 21
Our Lady’s Sanctuary open house — Prince of Peace, Olathe
July 23
Serra Club golf event — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas
July 25 Extreme Camp closing Mass — Prairie Star Ranch
Amos
Archbishop Shawn McKnight
LISTENING FOR THE LORD
Father Timothy Skoch named new director of vocations
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The call to the priesthood might be best illustrated by Caravaggio’s “The Calling of Saint Matthew,” suggested Father Dan Morris.
“In that painting, there’s Jesus pointing to Matthew, but then there’s Peter also trying to point like Jesus,” he said.
“Imperfectly so, every call comes through Jesus Christ and his church — not just Jesus personally to the individual,” he added.
Since 2018, Father Morris has discovered and fostered vocations in the archdiocese as its director of vocations. He’s now moving on from the role.
In May, Father Morris was appointed by Archbishop Shawn McKnight to serve as associate pastor at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka. He will continue his role as director of seminarians.
Passing the torch
Taking his place is Father Timothy Skoch, who never expected to be involved in vocation work.
But he believes the past three years of his own priesthood will serve him well in the role.
“I know what the priesthood has done for my life,” said Father Skoch. “I feel like I’m doing what God has called me to do. I’m fulfilling my purpose in life, and I’m happy.
“And so, if I can help other men find their purpose in life and be relatively happy on this side — and perpetually happy in eternity — that’s great work.”
‘Everyone has a vocation’
Father Skoch was ordained a priest in 2023 and since that year has served as associate pastor at St. Patrick Parish and chaplain of Bishop Ward High School, both in Kansas City, Kansas.
He will continue his role as chaplain, have an office at the chancery in Kansas City, Kansas, and will also provide parttime sacramental assistance to the St. Lawrence Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Father Skoch was initially appointed as assistant director of vocations in January. Now, he’ll be tasked with seeking out and fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
He looks forward to continuing and expanding the work of Father Morris with Archbishop McKnight’s vision in mind.
“My vision for vocations aligns with Archbishop McKnight’s vision for vocations — that they’re in parishes and that everyone has a vocation,” said
That meant events that didn’t make attendees feel pressured into a religious vocation.
THERE IS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND MORE TIME IN THE PARISHES AND TO DO MORE VOCATION WITNESSES OR VOCATION TALKS, BECAUSE A VOCATION HAPPENS IN THE FAMILY, AND FAMILIES MAKE UP OUR PARISHES.
FATHER TIMOTHY SKOCH ARCHDIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS
Father Skoch.
“Everyone is called by God for a special task, and that’ll be found when our parishes are centers of charity,” he added.
Opportunities abound
Father Morris left Father Skoch with multiple avenues to find and foster vocations to the priesthood.
“I wanted to cast the net wider from the get-go,” said Father Morris.
“I developed, with the help of others, a stairstep approach to entry-level vocation office events that were non-threatening,” he said.
Two father-son opportunities are the Master’s Cup — an annual event that includes nine holes of golf, a barbecue meal and a talk by a guest speaker — and a pilgrimage to Father Emil Kapaun’s hometown of Wichita.
Another event is Kenrick-Glennon Days, where high school upperclassmen serve as counselors and sixth through ninth grade boys attend a week of summer camp at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.
Father Morris has also continued what was in place before him, like the Compass discernment group for boys who are homeschooled and Project Andrew, which was typically a day where the vocations director and seminarians shared their vocation stories.
Under Father Morris, it grew into an experience for eighth grade through high school boys to hear a presentation on what it means to be a man, including calls as a husband and father.
He also lowered the age for the Quo Vadis disceernment retreat, which grew in attendance from 20-30 a year to 91 last year.
“He’s put in so much work,” said Father Skoch, “and it’ll bear fruit as long as I show up and do my part.”
Father Skoch sees even greater opportunities to reach young men through parish life.
“There is a huge opportunity to spend more time in the parishes and to
do more vocation witnesses or vocation talks,” he said, “because a vocation happens in the family, and families make up our parishes.
“So, vocations are in the parishes — not just in our high schools, not just at the campus centers — but at our parishes.”
Looking ahead
Father Morris and Father Skoch want young men and women to know that reaching out to the vocations office does not result in unwanted pressure.
“What we have interest in is you coming to know what Jesus is calling you to be and then following that,” said Father Morris. “We want to help you in your relationship with Jesus.
“By reaching out to us, you don’t have to worry that we’re going to be a biased accompanier of your vocation in a way that we want you to be a priest [or religious].”
As Father Skoch takes on his new work, he recalled what Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann always said — that one of the best things he did as a bishop was ordaining a man to the priesthood.
“And if I can play a role in that in this era of the church in northeast Kansas, then that’s the greatest work that I could be doing for a bishop — helping him find men to ordain to the priesthood,” said Father Skoch.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Father Timothy Skoch is the new archdiocesan director of vocations, taking over from Father Dan Morris. Father Skoch will continue as chaplain of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas.
Vocations golf invitational features former coach
By John Sorce Special to The Leaven
LEAWOOD — A day to gather fathers and sons on the golf course is fast approaching. The sixth annual Master’s Cup Invitational will be held on Aug. 3 at Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood.
The goal of the event is to help young men who have yet to find their permanent vocation in life grow in their relationship with Jesus.
“We want to focus on gathering the room full of young men who are single,” said Father Dan Morris, director of seminarians for the archdiocese. “They can be fifth graders, high schoolers, in college or post-college.
“They all would fit the category of not yet knowing their permanent vocational state in life and we want to help inspire them to take that next step in following Jesus Christ.”
Golfers will tee off beginning with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start with lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.
There will be a short program beginning at noon with guest speaker and former Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman speaking from about 12:15-1 p.m.
Klieman led the Wildcats for the past seven seasons before retiring and led the North Dakota State Bison to four FCS National Championships in the five years prior to that. But he is a devout Catholic above all else.
“He’s going to be able to speak about his faith journey, but also give a message to the young men about building character,” Father Morris said. “The world doesn’t owe you
anything and whatever you do, you should do it because it’s a response to God giving you gifts and you need to glorify him through your work.”
Layne Buck, a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park who attended last year with his two sons, said he appreciates the mission of the event.
“It’s a great event,” Buck said. “It was nice for my boys and I to have some bonding time together.
“But more than that, just the focus on expressing to the young men to keep your mind and heart open to God and exploring potential vocations, whether it be religious, priesthood or marriage life. It’s all rooted in Christ.”
“Every touch point we have in the vocation office is so important,” added Father Timothy Skoch, vocations director for the archdiocese. “It’s important for us to be seen in an environment like a golf course.
“But it is our job to help foster that vocation wherever we are seen, and that helps us engage with men who might be called to priesthood.”
Thanks to the generosity of the archdiocesan Serra Clubs, Knights of Columbus councils and a host of other private sponsors, the event is free for all youth and single young adults, youth ministers, priests and religious.
The cost for lunch for all other attendees is $100 and $500 to also play a round of golf. But there will be a discount if a father or grandfather wants to play with his son or grandson, with that costing $200.
All net proceeds will support the Heart-to-Heart Scholarship Fund, which was established to financially assist young men and women in the archdiocese as they respond to God’s call to pursue the priesthood or religious life.
Father Morris is hopeful there will be some really young men attending with their fathers, and that their participation “will open them up to going to a vocation office event in the future. We’re trying to cast a wider net in that sense and hope that every father and son will leave inspired to take that next step.”
The last day to register will be July 26.
To register and for more information, please visit: archkck.org/ vocations-the-masters-cup.
Pitching for Priests offers fun family entertainment
By John Sorce Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — For Father Timothy Skoch, the new vocations director for the archdiocese, the handoff in responsibilities when it came to preparing for the 13th annual Pitching for Priests event on July 31 at Legends Field here was quite literal.
“Father Dan Morris came over to my rectory at St. Patrick (where the latter had been serving as associate pastor) and he dropped off all the equipment,” Father Skoch said. “That included three buckets of softballs, a bag of bats and some gloves and jerseys.”
This will be Father Skoch’s fifth year involved with Pitching for Priests, but his first in the “manager” role for Team Kansas.
“It’s about the love of the game for me,” Father Skoch said. “I wouldn’t be putting time into this if I didn’t love sports.”
But being able to combine that love of sports with his faith and priesthood is what makes Pitching for Priests such a special event.
“The game cultivates a moment of leisure,” Father Skoch said. “It’s easy for anyone to step into a ballpark and come together, but not have the main focus necessarily be about the game.
“Whether you are Catholic or not, we want anyone who comes to experience the local church and the joy of the
Gospel.”
Tailgating begins at 3 p.m. with stadium gates opening at 5 p.m. this year, which is an hour earlier than previous years.
There will be on-field activities prior to the game, such as a fun run for kids as well as a baby crawl.
Skydivers are set to land inside the stadium at 6:20 p.m. prior to the 6:30 p.m. first pitch.
The game will conclude at 9 p.m.
“This is a family fun event,” Father
Jerry and Beth Runnebaum, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 23. Their children are: Cherie Dunn and Amy Rogers. They also have seven grandsons. They plan to celebrate with family later this year.
Patty and Steve Schlagel, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 25 with a small family gathering. The couple was married on July 17, 1976, at the First Christian Church, Bonner Springs. Reverend Robert Sweeten and Father Dennis Waite officiated. Their daughters are: Marsha Tinder, Sara Blai and Stephanie Poss. They also have seven grandchildren.
Jody (Vinduska) and Phil Roberts, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 12 with a party for family and friends. The couple was married on July 10, 1976, at St. John Nepomucene Church, Pilsen, by Msgr. Arthur Tonne. They have two daughters, Stephanie, Omaha, Nebraska, and Ashley, La Jolla, California. They also have four granddaughters.
Marilyn (Libel) and Bill Young, members of St. Benedict Parish, Bendena, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 26 with a reception hosted by their parish following Mass. The couple was married on July 24, 1976, at St. Benedict Church, Bendena, by Father Augustine Rottering, OSB.
Skoch said. “I have over 20 nieces and nephews and one of them made a sign last year with words of encouragement and affection. The stadium is almost full and we’re just a bunch of priests. “There will be priests and religious walking around during tailgating. Then you go into the ballpark and there’s fun runs for the kids and the hot dog race. It’s a beautiful event that is about family, faith and fun.”
>> See “PITCHING” on page 6
Mark and JoAnne Gilstrap, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1 with a party with close family and friends. The couple was married on July 16, 1976, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Allison Gilstrap, Adam Gilstrap, and Ashley Gilstrap. They also have five grandchildren.
Former Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman will be the guest speaker at the sixth annual Master’s Cup Invitational. It will be held on Aug. 3 at Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Father Will Carey, associate pastor at Christ the King Parish, Topeka, connects on this hit at the 2025 Pitching for Priests softball game. This year’s game will be held on July 31 at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas.
Shalom House provides men the tools to rebuild their lives
By Carol Cowdrey Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Shalom House, a transitional living program for men experiencing homelessness, now has a tangible reminder of God’s infinite love and mercy. Archbishop Shawn McKnight gifted to the ministry a powerful image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus during his tour of the facility.
“I pray that this image will remind residents to invite Jesus to reign in their hearts and remember that he is with them always,” he said.
Operated by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas since 2008, Shalom House has undergone significant changes since its early days as an emergency refuge. Men no longer come directly off the streets for a few days’ stay. Instead, they are referred through a variety of community partners and parishes. Currently, their stay averages 158 days, reflecting a deeper, more sustained investment in each man’s journey.
“The revamped Shalom House program was built on a simple but powerful belief: that men experiencing homelessness deserve more than temporary shelter,” explained Tenesha Williams, Shalom House program director. “They deserve the tools, support and dignity to build a lasting foundation for their lives.”
Since relocating to the former Sanctuary of Hope facility in Kansas City, Kansas, and relaunching the program a few years ago, Shalom has served 91 men. The program goes beyond providing a bed, shower and hot meal. Shalom House provides an integrated model of care that addresses housing, employment, financial wellness and personal development, all under one roof.
“My first impression was this is not like a typical homeless shelter,” said a Shalom House member. “You got oneor two-man rooms, not a 50-man and one space. Not stacked on top of each other, though. You don’t got to worry about your shoes missing in the morning or anything like that. You got a case manager, job resources, financial resources to help you.”
Financial coaching and job skills training are among the critical tools provided as part of Shalom’s long-term programming. Shortly after entering Shalom House, the men are enrolled in Catholic Charities’ Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment programs.
Iona Peavy, on-site Workforce Development specialist, meets with the men one-on-one weekly to help identify part-time, full-time and supplemental jobs. She guides them through the application and interview process.
“I help them find positions that match their passions,” she said.
Sometimes the men just need someone to walk alongside them.
“A lot of the men have fears of having failed in life,” said Peavy, “and securing a job helps them overcome some of those fears. It’s empowering to have your own income.”
In turn, it’s rewarding for her to see the excitement in the men when they follow the program and it results in employment.
“Their whole demeanor changes and they say, ‘It really can happen for me,’” she said.
For members like Tyler, this support
and guidance has been life-changing. When he came to Shalom House, he was unemployed and facing an eviction for unpaid rent and utilities. Like the majority of the men who enter Shalom, he had no bank account or savings.
“Financial instability is both a cause and consequence of homelessness,” Williams said. “Shalom House addresses this directly.”
Tyler found a new job and used his first few paychecks to open a bank account and establish an emergency fund.
“Nearly all residents, over 90 percent, open bank accounts during their stay, a foundational step toward financial independence that many have never had before,” said Williams.
After six months of dedicated savings, Tyler purchased a dependable vehicle so that he didn’t have to rely on a family member for transportation to and from work. Also, thanks to a Match Savings program for Shalom House members funded by the Hall Family
Foundation, he saved enough to pay off his eviction debt and utility collection, important steps to finding permanent housing.
Now, as Tyler prepares for his next chapter in a new home, he faces it with a renewed sense of hope as he continues along his path towards financial stability.
“I feel really good about what’s ahead,” he said proudly.
“The strength of the Shalom House model in providing financial and job coaching is that we’re not just offering guys a place to stay, we’re not just helping them get the income that they need, but we’re giving them the tools to maintain long-term stability,” explained Shalom House asset development manager, Isaac Harrell.
After learning more about Shalom House and its profound impact on the lives of those who come through its doors, Archbishop McKnight had this to say.
“I was impressed and edified by the
Volunteer opportunities at Shalom House
Lawn care volunteer – Help maintain the exterior grounds at Shalom House by mowing the lawn on a consistent bi-weekly schedule now through October. Equipment is provided on-site, so all you need to bring is your time and willingness to serve one to two hours per visit. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
Dinner ministry – Prepare a meal for the members of Shalom House. Slots are available Monday-Friday, and food must be dropped off between 5-5:30 pm. Volunteers are welcome to cook onsite and stay and serve the meal and enjoy fellowship with the men. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. Children cannot come to the property, even if accompanied by an adult.
Workforce program – Support Shalom House members one to two hours per week who are preparing for their GED exams or lead sessions that prepare participants for the workplace by guiding them through resume building, interview practice, job searching and workplace expectations. Volunteers must be 21 or older.
For more information, email: ccnekvolunteers@catholiccharitiesks.org.
wonderful care and opportunities available to empower men to realize their true dignity and regain a fruitful life of peace and purpose.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight presents Shalom House program director Tenesha Williams with an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus during his tour of the facility. Shalom House provides an integrated model of care that addresses housing, employment, financial wellness and personal development for men experiencing homelessness.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop McKnight talks with a Shalom House resident during his tour of the facility. Financial coaching and job skills training are among the critical tools provided as part of Shalom’s long-term programming.
Archdiocese announces substantiated allegations involving James Zimmer
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is announcing that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against former teacher James Zimmer has been substantiated following an independent review process.
Zimmer was an employee at Bishop Miege High School from 1969 to 1984, during which time an allegation was reported to have occurred. The allegation was determined to be credible and substantiated by Archbishop Shawn McKnight following a review by the Independent Review Board. Zimmer was also an employee at Rockhurst High School from 1987 to 1993. Zimmer died on June 1, 2000. While no allegations of misconduct or abuse have been received originating from his time of employment at Rockhurst, Rockhurst collaborated with the investigation conducted by the Office of Prevention and Care for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
We are grateful for the courage of those who reported their abuse and participated in the investigation. In cases where the accused is
deceased, the effects of trauma can remain with victims and survivors for many years. The archdiocese acknowledges such trauma and encourages anyone who may have been harmed by Zimmer or who has information related to this matter to come forward.
We are committed to listening to survivors, responding to misconduct with transparency and accountability, and fostering healing. Anyone who has experienced abuse by a representative of the church is encouraged to call or text the Archdiocese’s Victim Care Advocate at (913) 298-9244.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously. We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the misconduct may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then make a report to our confidential report line at (913) 2768703 or online at www.archkck. org/reportabuse.
Benedictine moves forward on proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine
ATCHISON — The Board of Directors of Benedictine College here unanimously approved a major milestone in the proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine during a special meeting on May 22.
The college has raised the funds required to submit for Candidate Status with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and the application has been filed. Notification of status may occur as early as September 2026, allowing for progression to the next step of applying for pre-ac-
creditation status.
Marla D. Golden, DO, dean of the proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine, led the effort to complete the application, a process which involved extensive planning of every aspect of the proposed medical school.
The proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine would provide an education faithful to the Catholic Church’s bioethical teachings, and train doctors ready to serve those most in need, in Catholic hospitals and in rural areas where health care providers are scarce.
Pitching for Priests set for July 31
>> Continued from page 4
Kelly Kmiecik, an administrative assistant in the vocations office, volunteered last year and plans on doing so again this year.
“Last year, my husband and I volunteered for the first time,” Kmiecik said. “We had counters and stood at the gate to get an accurate count of how many people were there. It was such a blast to be able to see friends and meet a lot of people, and I plan on volunteering again this year.”
Father Skoch wants all Kansans to wear red, as that is the color the Kansas
priests will be wearing on the field. He also hopes that anyone considering going ultimately decides to do so.
“If you’re on the fence about going, get to the ballpark, cheer on your priests and help us have a great church moment,” he said.
Admission and parking are free and the event is open to the public, but a freewill offering will be collected both at the ballpark and online. Donations will benefit seminarians on both sides of the state line.
For more information, including the donation link, please visit: archkck. org/vocations-pitching-for-priests.
New department will accompany pastors, parish leaders
>> Continued from page 1
This renewed approach allows advocates and specialists to work collaboratively as one team while remaining attentive to the diverse needs of communities across the archdiocese.
Niesen, who previously served as director of the pro-life office, will spearhead bringing structure to the new department and will serve alongside the advocates on her team as well.
“I am very impressed with the people that I am surrounded by,” said Niesen. “Getting to know them and listening to them and hearing their vast experience, love for the church and desire to serve makes me proud to be on this team.”
Accompanied
Importantly, this change isn’t occurring because the previous ministry model was ineffective.
Quite the contrary.
The previous model had such significant fruit from sharing the Gospel, fostering relationships and increasing parish engagement that PES will focus intently on doing those specific best practices more.
“The place where most people experience and practice their Catholic faith is in the context of their parish,” said Podrebarac. “We are obliged to be connected to a parish community and to lend to that community, first of all, our worship and our prayers, but then to lend to that community whatever gifts we possess.
“Pope Francis and now Pope Leo in their call for a more synodal approach to living the faith and living out what it means to be the church have reminded us . . . of the co-responsibility that each of us has for the church.”
Cultivating that co-responsibility amongst the parishes in the archdiocese is at the heart of PES.
Melgar agreed.
“While resources, training and events remain important,” said Melgar, “our role is . . . to walk alongside pastors, parish leaders and ministry leaders as partners in mission.”
Niesen said much of the team’s summer work includes refining the department’s vision and mission, receiving training in how to accompany parishes and ministry leaders well and reaching out to parishes and ministers.
“We really want to reach out to our parish ministry leaders so that they know through this change . . . they’re not
PARISH EVANGELIZATION SERVICES
The ministry areas of support
Charity and Mercy
Living the Works of Mercy through outreach to the poor, the underserved populations and those on the peripheries.
Debra Niesen, director
• Strategic parish support
• Leadership development
• Human dignity and Gospel of Life
• Marriage and family life
Evangelization and Catholic Formation
Supporting evangelization, adult faith formation, youth ministry, children’s catechesis, OCIA and parish formation initiatives.
The Gospel of Life and Human Dignity
Supporting ministries that uphold the right to life, the dignity of the human person and social justice.
Liturgical and Sacramental Life
Supporting parish worship, liturgical ministries and sacramental preparation.
Parish Evangelization Advocates
Karla Melgar
• Adult faith formation
• Catechesis and OCIA
• Hispanic ministry
• Multicultural outreach
Michael Podrebarac
• Liturgical and sacramental life
• Sacramental preparation
• Liturgical formation
• Catechesis and OCIA
Ministry specialists
Ann Marie Alvey
• Gabriel Project
• Project Rachel
being abandoned,” said Niesen.
Katie Locus
• Deaf ministry
“We are here for them,” she said, “and we want to build stronger relationships with them and stronger communities.”
Like all important work, it will take time and Niesen is ready to embrace the unexpected.
“Change is always hard,” she said, “and we have to be patient and see what the Holy Spirit has in store for us.”
What to expect
For parish and ministry leaders seeking support, start by reaching out to PES.
“We want parish leaders to know that they do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us,” said Melgar. “Our role is to listen, understand their goals and help identify the resources, formation, training and support that may be helpful.”
That support might include consultation, leadership development, recommended resources, coaching, formation opportunities or connections with
Joshua Ruoff
Sister Monica Arguello, SCTJM
• Marriage preparation and enrichment
• Family life
• Natural Family Planning
• Hispanic ministry
• Special Needs ministry
parish leaders who have experience in similar ministries.
Father Hawken said that the team’s first order of work is to “organize and fulfill ministries that have already been scheduled.” After that, it will begin its broader work with parishes and deaneries.
Specialists will also continue to serve in particular areas. Ruoff, the specialist for special needs ministry, said he will work “alongside the other team members to help strengthen our parishes rather than operating a ministry on my own.”
Macy, one of two specialists for deaf ministry, looks forward to the opportunities the new ministry structure will provide.
“Our deaf Catholic community is on fire for their faith and they want to participate in parish events as well as have events presented in their language (ASL) and targeted to their community,” she said. “To do this, we must educate parishes, ministries and organizations how to best be accessible to bridge the
Marriage and Family Life
Supporting marriage preparation, marriage enrichment and family ministry.
• Youth ministry
• Social justice
• Human dignity
• Outreach and service
Administrative support
Jill Scaletty
• Administrative assistant
language and cultural gaps.”
The department also plans to start visiting each of the four deaneries, beginning in the fall.
“We will be listening — listening to their questions, asking them questions,” Podrebarac said. “Sometimes questions can inform us as much as answers can.”
Those questions will go on to inform each deanery’s pastoral plan.
“[Some] people think that a whole bunch of listening doesn’t lead to any action,” said Blaise. “The pastoral plans are literally putting the listening into a place where we can communally discern, ‘What does this mean for our parish?’”
And that listening, not just to ministers and parish leaders but to all baptized Catholics willing to share their voice, is where the spirit of synodality kicks in.
“My personal hope is that each Catholic in our [arch]diocese knows that there’s a place and home for them,” said Blaise.
Mark Blaise
WHERE FAITH ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES
MARYSVILLE —
The numbers tell the story.
Two hundred fifteen retreatants. Thirty two chaperones. Four seminarians. Four more young adult leaders.
More than 250 people total from 22 parishes all came together over six weeks and found themselves transformed by their service at more than 25 job sites around the city of Marysville.
What is this amazing adventure? Prayer and Action!
Prayer and Action is a weeklong retreat that brings together teens and their chaperones from across the archdiocese to participate in daily Catholic prayer experiences: the rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, Mass and eucharistic adoration.
Prayer and Action also includes small group discussion and journaling, time for personal prayer, free time and fun group activities. Students also make all the meals, sleep on floors and have nightly gatherings, or “collatio” in Latin: a gathering time for reflection.
Each day builds slowly on the next, with the final evening ending in a foot-washing ceremony, reminiscent of Holy Thursday.
What sets this retreat apart from others is the aspect of going into the community each day to help meet the needs of community members. Of literally being the hands and feet of Christ to the people they meet.
“We show up with virtually nothing — some tools, mostly, donated by the Knights of Columbus,” said Prayer and Action co-lead, seminarian Andrew Cunningham. “They provide for us, and in turn we serve
their community. It’s a beautiful mutual giving and receiving and it’s all very simple.”
“The community members are used to doing the work themselves,” Cunningham continued. “When they open themselves up to being served by teens from all over the archdiocese by their own free will, we often see them moved to tears.”
Colleen Seamatter was one of those community members. Teens joined her in helping prepare her late father’s belongings and home for auction.
“My whole life has been dedicated to the Catholic religion,” said Seamatter. “I have been lost since my dad passed. Because my uncle was a priest, we had 63 priests, three archbishops and two cardinals over the years join our family for supper. I just can’t believe he is gone.”
Teens worked to help clear the home. While that was important, what mattered most was the time they spent with Seamatter simply being present to her, offering a hug, and listening to stories of growing up in Marysville and being raised in a Catholic home with five brothers and sisters.
Seamatter, in turn, served the teens by preparing a homemade lunch for those who worked at her home. It was a mutual give and take, serving one another through faith, and impactful for everyone.
A team of students also helped Margaret Huffman with odd jobs around the house, trimming bushes, pulling weeds and staining the ramp into her home — all projects she couldn’t have completed on her own, since she is a widow.
“A group of boys removed all the wallpaper from my living room and dining room and took
the shutters off my house, painted them and rehung them. I was in awe,” Huffman recalled. “All the kids worked together on a hot day without complaining.”
Serving at St. Bernard Parish in Wamego, DRE Amy Schwein brought a group of students for the third week this summer.
“We don’t need to go out of state to have a mission trip or a faith experience. We can make a difference right here in our archdiocese,” she said.
Schwein comes back, year after year, and the number of stu-
dents that join her is growing.
“It used to be difficult to get teens to participate at first. But when they return, they tell their friends,” she said. “Dropping them off at home afterward, they admit they are so tired, but they would turn
Seminarian Andrew Cunningham meets with homeowner Dave Bruna. “It has been incredibly beautiful to witness the community members, who are typically very independent, open themselves up to allow us to come and be served,” Cunningham said.
Heidi Probst, a member of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, helps pull weeds with homeowner Rita Elkins. The teams from several weeks helped Rita manage overgrowth in her yard, including clearing brush, trimming trees and gardening.
Henry Burns Vani, a member of St. Joseph team member Emily Stove prepare sauteed
Carly Bluebaugh, a member of St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, helps the Marysville community paint bleachers at a park
Story and photos by KATHRYN WHITE
back around and go back again the next week if they could.”
Claire Bodarick attended Prayer and Action with her parish group from St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing.
“I come to Prayer and Action because I’m not just clean-
for morning rosary. Prayer, including Mass, the rosary and eucharistic adoration, are an integral part of the Prayer and Action experience.
Below, Bailey Cameron, a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Ottawa, and Claire Bodarick, of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, help homeowners clear overgrown brush, including taking down trees, during their week at Prayer and Action.
ing someone’s home, or yard,” Bodarick said. “I’m doing something with a greater purpose. I’m making someone’s day, for God, spreading God’s joy.”
A recent high school grad, Jesse Lies, from St. Joseph Parish in Flush, has looked forward to Prayer and Action for the past two years.
“Meeting teens from other parts [of the archdiocese] is so fun. Being put in groups with others forces you to talk to new people,” he said. “Helping the homeowners has been fun.
This week helps me get closer to Jesus.”
Bridget Heier is a chaperone from St. Stanislaus Parish in Rossville.
“Our world tells our teens, everything is about you. The service aspect is so valuable. To help another person and get outside themselves is how God speaks to us. There is more in this world than just ourselves.”
Rural youth minister Angie Bittner will start as director of Parish Outreach for Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg in July. She has been bringing groups from the rural parishes to Prayer and Action for over 10 years.
“Retreatants learn to love
and serve sacrificially and participate in the traditional prayer of the church morning, noon and night,” she said. “For smaller rural parishes, it is a chance to see the universal church in action. A group might only come with five people, but those five are divided into work crews with the other 50 to 60 teens. They work alongside people from various backgrounds and regions of the archdiocese.
“Serving alongside the missionary team of young adults who are striving for holiness and joyful seminarians is so
inspiring,” Bittner said. “We surround everything we do in prayer, we serve the community, we receive from the community’s generosity, we learn more about our faith.”
“The secret sauce,” she continued, “is not in a big conference experience, but rather learning to love and serve sacrificially and participating in the traditional prayer of the church — to live the daily rhythm of life that Jesus calls us to.”
To learn more about Prayer and Action, email Angie Bittner at: Pandakc@gmail.com.
Joseph Parish, Shawnee, and missionary sauteed zucchini for the retreatants.
The first night’s activities included a gaga ball tournament. Inside the gaga pit, from left, Caleb Heier, St. Stanislaus, Rossville; Dexter Hinton, Corpus Christi, Lawrence; Layla Adams, St. Joseph, Flush; Greyson Stream, St. Bernard, Wamego; and Joe Ney, St. Bernard, look to advance to the next round.
After clean up, different teams come together to talk about their day. From left, Katie Shea, Dallas Frazier-Brown (back to camera), Amelia Hupe, all of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, and missionary Milani Cangiani of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, braid friendship bracelets before evening activities.
that will later host a community-wide festival.
Left, Colin McCarter of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park joins retreatants
Bishops kick off World Cup play with joint Welcome Mass
By Jay Soldner Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Archbishop Shawn McKnight and Bishop James Johnston celebrated a Welcome Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, June 14 as the FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities began across the metropolitan area. Among those attending the Mass, just blocks from the World Cup Fan Fest, were about 100 Kansas City area Catholics, along with members of the Knights of Columbus from both sides of the state line, representing the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
In his homily, Archbishop McKnight reflected on the connection between the world’s most popular sports event and the Catholic way of life.
“Our Mass today near the beginning of the World Cup is a wonderful way for us Catholics to manifest our perspective that all things human, even our propensity and attraction to sports, can also be expressions of deeper spiritual values.”
Archbishop McKnight thanked the local organizers, the many volunteers and community leaders who are helping organize hospitality efforts to welcome visitors from around the world to Kansas City.
“I would also like to recognize all here present who have helped our
local community, not just the Catholic community, provide hospitality for the many fans who have traveled and will be traveling to stay with us and enjoy the games and fun activities our community is making available during these several weeks. I am particularly grateful for the leadership provided by a fellow Catholic and CEO of KC2026, the local non-profit organization responsible for the planning, strategy
and host-city duties for the local FIFA World Cup events. Our thanks to you, Pam Kramer, and to all the staff and the team of volunteers who are working so hard to make Kansas City a “home away from home” for World Cup fans from throughout the world.”
Archbishop McKnight noted that the World Cup provides a special opportunity for people of different nations, cultures and languages to unite.
“We are blessed to experience this mixing of people from different nations, cultures and languages, all centered around the game of soccer and the healthy competitions among the teams of the nations,” said the archbishop.
“The World Cup event is about the beautiful game of soccer as a team sport: It is all about belonging to a team, whether as a player, a coach, support staff or as a fan. And so it is with our Catholic faith.”
“We belong to Jesus’ team and have been trained and readied for the life and mission of our church,” Archbishop McKnight said.
Drawing from the day’s Gospel readings, Archbishop McKnight encouraged Catholics to see themselves as active players in the mission of the church, rather than simply spectators.
“God has called you to join him on his Team Church; don’t just sit on the sidelines as a passive spectator,” he said. “Be a great player in the game of Catholic life!”
Following the Mass, all were invited to a reception and World Cup watch party. The Bishop Hogan Center quickly filled as the congregation filed in to find the large room full of refreshments — and two large projectors showing the match between the Netherlands and Japan.
Those who stayed for the entire match were treated to a thrilling second half with goals scored by each team one after another — twice — ending in a 2-2 draw.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Bishop James Johnston, left, and Archbishop Shawn McKnight welcomed people from all over the world to the Kansas City metropolitan area for the FIFA World Cup with a special Welcome Mass June 14 celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
The Leaven hits the jackpot in Atlantic City with 11 awards
By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Amid the slot machines and high rollers here, The Leaven cashed out of the 2026 Catholic Media Association with 11 awards.
“This year’s awards judged the work of The Leaven staff from the spring of 2025 — the spring of five special issues because of all the major transitions in both the local and the global church. The most challenging and time-consuming of all, though, was the welcome issue for Archbishop McKnight. So, I am delighted we won in that category,” said Leaven managing editor Anita McSorley.
The Leaven’s special triple issue welcoming Archbishop Shawn McKnight to the archdiocese took second place in Best Special Supplement on a Bishop’s Transition. The issue featured 48 pages focusing on the past, present and future of Archbishop McKnight as he took over the reins of the archdiocese.
Like many of the paper’s efforts, this triple issue was made possible only by the contributions of not only the staff, but the paper’s freelancers, as well. Jill Ragar Esfeld, Jeanne Gorman, Marc and Julie Anderson, Amy Reinhardt, Jan Dixon and Therese Horvat all devoted countless hours to finding and then telling the stories of the new shepherd. Jay Soldner, Kathryn White and Karen Bonar brought each story to life through their impressive photographic skills. Together, it made for a winner.
Leaven senior reporter Moira Cullings took home four awards — three second places and one honorable mention — for her articles “Dignity in Dementia” and “Mercy in Focus.”
“Dignity in Dementia” dealt with the difficult subject of recognizing and caring for those with dementia with compassion and mercy. Cullings interviewed one of the Sisters, Servants of Mary, along with Catholic Community Health and Dooley Center caregivers and staff, to explore the challenges families face and how to deal with those challenges.
“The sources for that article shared some pretty amazing insight into dementia and offered a deeper understanding of what’s going on inside the brain of someone affected by it,” said Cullings. “I was really moved by the stories they shared and hoped the article would be helpful
THE LEAVEN WINS BIG IN ATLANTIC CITY
The articles and photos pictured here were winners at the annual Catholic Media Conference held in Atlantic City. All the winners can be found online at www.theleaven.org.
s SECOND PLACE
Best In-Depth Reporting
s SECOND PLACE
Best Analysis By Moira Cullings
s SECOND PLACE
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues
s HONORABLE MENTION
Best Feature Writing By Moira Cullings
and comforting for readers who have a loved one with dementia.”
“Mercy in Focus” told the story of family photographer Fallon O’Connor and her journey in following and photographing the Sisters of the Poor of Jesus Christ as they minister to the homeless in Kansas City.
The judges praised Cullings for her ability to bring readers into the story.
t THIRD PLACE
Best Sports Journalism By John Sorce
“This piece really stands out because of its strong personal story,” they wrote. “It pulls the reader in with a relatable and unexpected transformation. What makes it work is how it shows the mission through real-life experience, making it feel genuine and easy to connect with.”
“I also want to especially congratulate senior reporter Moira Cullings for
her wins. In both stories, she revealed the beauty of ministry to two very challenging populations — patients with dementia and those living on the street. Through her careful and sensitive reporting, she peeled back for the reader that which often obscures them and revealed to us all the beautiful humanity of both,” McSorley said.
Photographer Jay Soldner took home first place in best multiple picture package for his photo essay “When the Saints go marching in.”
The essay came about from an Instagram photo contest that The Leaven ran. St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park won the contest and had Soldner at the school for the final day of homecoming week.
The judges found the piece exciting and engaging.
“This is a great collection of photos — they show energy, colors, activities, angles and emotions. The pictures convey the story pretty fully, without the need for narrative. This is the sort of photo spread that attracts attention and makes the reader want to know more about what it pictured,” they wrote.
In sports journalism, John Sorce took home a third place award for his piece on high school swimmer Jack Punswick, a state champion swimmer his junior year, and his battle with cancer and return to the pool his senior year.
The judges found the story to be a powerful feature full of emotion, faith and perseverance.
“It’s no secret to our readers that I’ve been doing this a very long time, and have read a lot of moving stories over the years,” McSorley said. “But I knew when John’s story made me tear up toward the end that this was a special story about a very special young man. Now we know it was written by a special reporter as well.”
In other awards, freelancers Marc and Julie Anderson won two honorable mentions for their story “The Battles We Don’t See,” about veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Jill Ragar Esfeld won an honorable mention for her article “Jack of All Trades” about Good Shepherd, Shawnee, parishioner Jack Carson and his volunteer efforts. And Jay Soldner won an honorable mention for his photo “Incense,” which showed Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann processing around the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., before the annual March for Life.
s FIRST PLACE
Best Multiple Picture Package, by Jay Soldner
s SECOND PLACE
Best Special Supplement on a Bishop’s Transition By Leaven Staff
EMPLOYMENT
Campus minister - The St. Lawrence Center is seeking a full-time campus minister to create a culture of belonging, discipleship and mission on the KU campus. Responsibilities include student outreach, hospitality and belonging events, mentoring students and supervising interns. Candidates should be faithful Catholics, strong relationship-builders and energized by ministry on a secular university campus. Email resume and cover letter to: apetty@kucatholic.org.
Development officer - Help shape the future of Catholic campus ministry! St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center seeks a dynamic, relationship-focused development officer to build donor partnerships through frequent weekly in-person meetings, inspire generosity and advance our mission of forming disciples and serving students at the University of Kansas. Fundraising, sales, nonprofit or business development experience preferred. Passion for the Catholic faith and strong people skills required. Make an eternal impact. Apply by sending cover letter and resume to Matt Kemnitz, chief operating officer: mkemnitz@ kucatholic.org. More information: kucatholic.org.
Part-time kitchen aide - Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee is seeking a part-time kitchen aide to support the daily operation of our school lunch program. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys serving children, works well as part of a team, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, welcoming and faith-filled environment. The kitchen aide assists with meal preparation, serving lunches, maintaining food safety standards and keeping the kitchen and lunchroom clean and organized. The ideal candidate is a joyful servant who embraces our core values: unapologetically Catholic, joyful servants and grit. This is a school-year position, working two days per week, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (5 hours per day). Please inquire and/or apply on our website: shoj.org/employment-opportunities.
Part-time lunchroom coordinator - Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee is seeking a part-time lunchroom coordinator to oversee the daily operation of our student lunchroom. The position is responsible for coordinating lunchroom set-up and close-down, supervising operations, promoting positive student behavior, working collaboratively with kitchen staff and volunteers and ensuring the lunchroom operates efficiently each day. The ideal candidate is a joyful servant who embraces our core values: unapologetically Catholic, joyful servants and grit. This is a school-year position working approximately 15 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Interested applicants are encouraged to inquire or apply online at: shoj.org/employment-opportunities.
Housekeeper - The Savior Pastoral Center is seeking a housekeeper. This position performs a variety of cleaning tasks in order to ensure a clean and hospitable retreat environment. This position handles all areas of housekeeping in the dormitories, ensuring that all guest rooms are cleaned thoroughly and in a timely fashion. This position is part-time, Monday through Friday, will average 20–25 hours per week and fully on site. For more information or to apply, visit: archkck.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Employment Opportunities.”
Building attendant - The Savior Pastoral Center is seeking to hire a building attendant. This position will provide hospitality, security, maintenance and custodial services. The job averages 18–20 hours per week, includes a fully paid spacious one-bedroom apartment, and requires the ability to work evenings, weekends as needed and every other Saturday at the front desk. High school diploma or GED required. To apply, visit: archkck.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Employment Opportunities.”
Director of religious education (DRE) - St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, is seeking a part-time director of religious education to provide vision, leadership and administrative oversight for the religious education program (PREP/CCD) serving students in grades 1 through 8. The ideal candidate is an intentional disciple who fosters a culture of evangelization, builds dynamic partnerships with parents and ensures full compliance with all archdiocesan frameworks. This position includes oversight of both traditional parish religious education programming and a family faith formation option that equips parents to serve as the primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith. Please inquire and/or apply on our website: stagneskc.org/director-of-religious-education/.
Bilingual receptionist - Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) parish receptionist. The receptionist must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. She or he will welcome and greet parish office visitors, answer incoming calls and assist them as needed. The receptionist will provide secretarial and administrative support to the pastor and parish administrative staff. Must be fluent in English and Spanish in both oral and written communications. At ease in a fast-paced, multi-task environment. If interested or to learn more, please contact the parish manager at: mgomez@gsshawnee.org.
Instructional aides - Do you love working with kids? Ascension School in Overland Park is looking for parttime and full-time instructional aides for our primary and intermediate grades. Previous educational experience is preferred. Health, dental and vision benefits are available for full-time employees plus 401K options. To apply, please send your resume to Becky Wright at: bwright@acseagles.org.
Bilingual director of faith formation - Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, is seeking a director of faith formation and sacramental preparation for a bilingual (English/Spanish) program. This director must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. He or she is a person of prayer, committed to the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith. A fully bilingual candidate is preferred, but at a minimum, this candidate must have the skills, resources and enthusiasm to facilitate and to clearly communicate with English and Spanish-speaking families. The director is a professional catechetical leader who assists children, adolescents, and their families in their faith formation. The director will work with other staff members to foster and maintain a positive working environment where worship, prayer, hospitality and learning are the primary motivators. If interested or to learn more, please contact the parish manager at: mgomez@gsshawnee.org.
HR professional - The Diocese of Salina is seeking a full-time mission-driven HR professional. The role is supporting our pastors, principals, diocesan leaders, employees and our parish staff. This HR role supports functions such as recruiting, job descriptions, compliance, protection of minors and personnel. Qualifications: Desire to support the mission of the Catholic Church; degree in human resources, business administration or related field; mid-level HR experience, SHRM or PHR/SPHR certification preferred. Send resume to: Diocese of Salina, HR department, P.O. Box 980, Salina, KS 67402-0980 or for a copy of the full job description, call (785) 342-0819 or email: kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org.
Executive assistant - The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK), a 501(c)3 organization affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking to hire an executive assistant. This position provides administrative, clerical and operational support working under the guidance and direction of the executive director, and leadership team to accomplish the mission of the foundation. Will occasionally work unusual hours, which may include evenings and weekends, beyond the regularly expected weekly 40 hours. This position is full-time and benefits-eligible. To apply, visit: archkck.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Employment Opportunities.”
Housekeeper - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas: Growing as Disciples of Jesus; Making Disciples for Jesus. Savior Pastoral Center is currently seeking a housekeeper. This position performs a variety of cleaning tasks in order to ensure a clean and hospitable retreat environment. This position handles all areas of housekeeping in the dormitories, ensuring that all guest rooms are cleaned thoroughly and in a timely fashion. This position is full-time, fully on-site and averages 40 hours per week. To apply, visit: archkck.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Employment Opportunities.”
Lawn maintenance professional - Looking for experienced lawn care professional with insurance to mow about 2 acres of lawn every two weeks in the metropolitan area of Kansas City. For specifics, contact (913) 904-2422.
Custodian/housekeeper - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas: Growing as Disciples of Jesus; Making Disciples for Jesus. The chancery and Savior Pastoral Center are seeking a custodian/housekeeper to support both buildings. This role performs a variety of cleaning and custodial tasks to maintain clean, welcoming office and retreat environments. Duties include a variety of cleaning tasks, ensuring guest rooms are thoroughly cleaned and prepared in a timely manner, as well as general custodial services throughout the chancery and Savior Pastoral Center facilities. This is a full-time, on-site position, averaging 40 hours per week: 3:30 a.m. to noon. Benefits-eligible.
Marketing manager - Use your marketing skills to make a meaningful impact in the community. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a missiondriven marketing manager to lead a team and help advance agency-wide marketing and brand strategies that increase awareness, engagement, donor support and revenue growth across 25+ life-changing programs, special events and social enterprises. Key qualifications include: 3-5 years of professional writing, digital marketing and social media experience; and 1-2 years of direct supervisory experience leading a team. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.”
Gift planning consultant - The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is seeking to hire a gift planning consultant. This position will build and maintain relationships with pastors, individual donors and professional advisors and encourage personal stewardship and general endowment funding through work with archdiocesan entities and leadership. The position is on-site, full-time, 40-hours per week, benefits-eligible and requires some evening and weekend hours. Please visit the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas website for more information or to apply, contact: cfnek.org/employment.
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.
Catholic elementary school principal - St. Ann School in Prairie Village 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.
Preschool teachers - Ascension School is seeking full-time and part-time caring, faith-filled preschool teachers to lead a part-time 3-year-old preschool class and a part-time 4-year-old preschool class. The ideal candidate has early childhood experience and views teaching as a ministry serving our youngest students. He/she joyfully creates a safe, nurturing environment where preschool students discover the joy of learning and the beauty of the Catholic faith. To apply, please send your resume to Becky Wright at: bwright@acseagles.org.
Sixth grade science/social studies teacher - Ascension School is seeking a full-time 6th grade science and social studies teacher. He/she is responsible for planning and delivering engaging lessons that help students develop scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills and an understanding of history, geography, government and cultures. Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and a valid teaching certification/licensure required. To apply, please send your resume to Becky Wright at: bwright@acseagles.org.
Residential services coordinator - Help us walk alongside mothers and families as they build safety, stability and hope for their futures. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a compassionate residential services coordinator to serve as a primary advocate for residents of Our Lady’s Sanctuary of Grace and Olathe Haven, providing individualized case management, resource coordination and emotional support. Required: bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services or a related field and a minimum of two years of experience in case management or social services; bilingual English/ Spanish strongly preferred. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.”
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. Come join our vibrant, welcoming parish as a vital resource to the pastor. Request more info or apply at jobapplication@kcnativity.org.
Video/multimedia marketing specialist - Help Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas tell compelling stories of hope through the art of video, photography and graphic design. This role will support and promote the agency’s mission of providing help, hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable. Required: 1-3 years of video, photography and graphic design experience and bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.”
Director of operations - St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park is seeking a full-time director of operations to oversee the day-to-day business, financial, human resources and facility functions of our vibrant parish and school campus of 1,200 families. Reporting directly to the pastor, this key leadership role provides the vital administrative foundation necessary to sustain and grow the parish’s mission. Applicants should have experience in operations, finance, facilities or personnel management. Non-profit leadership experience is a distinct advantage. This is a benefit-eligible position. Please inquire and/or apply on our website by visiting: stagneskc.org/director-of-operations/.
After-school care team member - Do you love working with kids and making a difference in their day?
Nativity Parish School in Leawood is looking for a caring, energetic and reliable team member to work with our after-school care program! This job is perfect for college students, retirees or anyone passionate about helping children grow and thrive. Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. daily and can range from 15 to 20 hours per week. Duties: Assist with homework and learning activities; lead fun games and crafts; supervise group activities; and create a safe, positive and engaging environment. Apply today and be part of a growing program and team that inspires young minds every day! Please contact Becky Parker at: becky.parker@ kcnativity.org or by phone at (913) 406-6616.
Paraprofessional - Sacred Heart School in Shawnee is hiring a K-8 paraprofessional for math, reading, and the resource room for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications must be submitted online at: www. shoj.org under “Employment Opportunities.”
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.
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 relationship- building 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) 4290454.
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/.
Small equipment cleaning/repair - a small locally-owned family business is currently seeking fulltime 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 a detail-oriented service 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.
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.
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.
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.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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.
Exterior roofing, siding and painting Insurance quotes and adjusters no problem. Quality work at a fair price. Text or call (913) 206-4524.
>> Continued on page 13
MILLIONS OF MONICAS PRAYER GROUP
Church of the Ascension
9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
2nd Saturdays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
(starting July 11)
Join with other mothers as we pray to grow in holiness and humility and for our children’s return to the Catholic Church. For more information, contact Veronica at (913) 481-8113 or visit: www.millionsofmonicas. com.
SUMMER PICNIC
Sacred Heart Church
357 N. 3rd St., Baileyville
July 11 at 5 p.m.
Join for an evening of faith-filled fun! Dinner, games and concessions begin after Mass; auction at 8:45 p.m. Serving roast beef and mashed potato dinner. Cost is $15 for adults; $10 for kids under 10. To-go meals are available and venue is handicap accessible.
LEGION OF MARY CONGRESS
Church of the Holy Cross 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park
July 11 at 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The congress is a function where all Legion of Mary members and non-member visitors can come together to discuss the main principles of the legion. The day is divided into sessions in which all may take part in the discussions. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. There is no cost for the event. Please RSVP to choose breakout sessions: divinemercyparish.ccbchurch.com.
>> Continued from page 12
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!
Does your child struggle with reading?
Targeted Support for Struggling Readers Real Progress • Real Results
Janel Setter, Reading Specialist (M.S.) 785-304-9800 setterreading.com
Kitchen, bath or whole house remodeling - Great price on cabinets with lifetime warranty. Quartz and tile installation. Higher quality and more selection than most places. We have decorators, architects, engineers, electrical and plumbing if needed. Text or call: (913) 206-4524.
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.
Bill Dean Mechanical LLC
Electrical Plumbing
American Standard Heating & Cooling Furnace, AC and Water Heater Install and Service
Email: Wmdean14@hotmail.com
Web site: billdeanmechanical.com
Joco lic # 2026-0008446, Text or call 913-724-3294
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.
DASH Fencing
Wood Fencing Repair and Replacement
Free Estimates - Senior Discounts Available
Reliable Service You Can Trust (913) 420-0197 Ephesians 3:18-19
Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
Double A’s Lawn Service
Mowing, Mulch, Gutters, Leaf Cleanup, Debris Removal & Brush Trimming
Free Estimates & Insured
Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195
ICARE MINISTRIES MASS
Queen of the Holy Rosary 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park
July 11 at 6 p.m.
iCare Ministries offers twice a month Masses for those with special needs. We offer inclusive Catholic activities and religious experiences. All are welcome for our children’s liturgies and other events. Join the talent show after Mass. Visit: icare-min istries.org to sign up to perform a talent or call (913)-228-2551 and leave a message for more information.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS
Divine Mercy Church
555 W. Main St., Gardner
July 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
The breakfast will include eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles and drinks. Cost is $6 for those over the age of 13; free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds are used for scholarships and charitable works throughout the year.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City
(St. Francis Xavier Church)
1001 E. 52nd St., Kansas City, Missouri
Applications due July 15
The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City offers the “Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life” retreat every year from September to May. This eight- to ninemonth long, individually-directed, retreat in everyday life is designed to dispose you
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.
Popcorn ceiling texture removal
Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
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
Joe’s Decks & More
Deck and fence repair, mowing and handyman services
Member of St. Joseph in Shawnee (913) 449-9848
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.
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
Sacred Heart Counseling - Are you looking for mental health care that aligns with the Catholic faith? We have offices in Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee & Atchison. Book online at SacredHeartCounselingKC. com, in person or telehealth.
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.
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.
CAREGIVING
Mère Marie Home Care - We are a new Catholicowned home care agency dedicated to helping older adults age in place with dignity while giving families the reassurance they deserve. Services include transportation and errands, respite care, light housekeeping, meal preparation and more. Rates start at $30 per hour, plus reimbursement for travel. To learn more, email: meremariehomecare@gmail.com.
to grow in relationship with God and discern his will. To find out more and request an application, please visit our website or email Laurie Hathman at: SEEL@ignatiancenterkc.org.
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP
Holy Spirit Church
11300 103rd St., Overland Park
July 18 at 6 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.
ROSARY RALLY
Oratory of Old St. Patrick 806 Cherry St., Kansas City, Missouri July 19 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
Please join us to honor our Blessed Mother and Our Lady of Fatima. We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries followed by Benediction and the opportunity to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, go to: rosaryrallieskc.org.
PARISH PICNIC
St. Augustine Church, Fidelity, 1948 Acorn Rd., Sabetha
July 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Buffet-style smoked chicken with all sides including homemade coleslaw and dessert served in air-conditioned hall with to-go meals available. Cost is $15 for adults; $6 for children age 4 to 10; and free for children three and under. Games for the
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.
FOR SALE
The Story of Holy Rosary Catholic Church book - Discover the history of Holy Rosary, Kansas City, Missouri’s Italian church, serving the immigrants and poor of Kansas City since 1891. Books are available for a limited time for the first time since 2018. $35 per book • Free pickup or paid shipping • Order deadline: July 24. To order, call (816) 842-5440.
For sale - Cemetery plot for sale at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas. Space: Disciples H115 (double depth). Vaults: lawn crypts already there. Marker: classic pine 16x24 on 20x28 granite. Two openings and closings. $7500. Call (913) 4888634.
For sale - Two cemetery plots at Johnson County Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Apostles, lot 213, spaces 1 and 2. Valued at $9750, asking $3750 per lot for a total of $7500 or best offer. Call Bailey at (913) 449-4699.
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 - 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. 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.
whole family. Live music by Hutfles Family Band of Wetmore starting at 7:30 p.m. Look for more information on Facebook: @stau gustinefidelity.
YOUTH MINISTRY RUMMAGE SALE
Holy Trinity Church 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa July 23 to 25
Save the date and your treasures! We will start collecting items on July 14 to 17 and July 20 to 21 from 1 to 7 p.m. Large item pickup day is scheduled for July 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sale runs from 5 to 9 p.m. the 23rd (entrance fee), 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. the 24th and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. the 25th. Questions? Contact Joann Weger at: rummage@ htlenexa.org or (913) 980-4988.
SIPS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Boulevard Brewing Co. 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri Aug. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Join for an evening of delicious food, unlimited wine and beer and great company to help raise need-based scholarship funds for students at Resurrection School, Kansas City, Kansas. Learn more at: rcskck. org/sips-for-scholarships.
ROAST BEEF DINNER
Sacred Heart Church (parish hall) 1405 2nd Ave., Leavenworth Aug. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join Sacred Heart-St. Casimir’s annual roast beef dinner. Cost is $14 for adults; and $6 for children (12 and under). Carry-outs available.
Vehicle wanted - A family in need is seeking transportation for work, medical appointments and daily living. If you have a vehicle you would donate or sell at a reduced price, your generosity will make a wonderful difference in their life. Please contact Msgr. Tank at (913) 708-2877. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
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 local people.
REAL ESTATE
Paul O’Toole – Real Estate Agent (KS & MO) Weichert Realtors – Welch & Company (913) 489-1229 (mobile) | (913) 647-5700 (office) We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned and
Bichelmeyer, (913) 599-5000.
DAILY READINGS
FIFTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
July 12
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
Is 55: 10-11
Ps 65: 10-14
Rom 8: 18-23
Mt 13: 1-23
July 13
Henry
Is 1: 10-17
Ps 50: 8-9, 16b-17, 21, 23
Mt 10: 34 — 11: 1
July 14
Kateri Tekakwith, virgin
Is 7: 1-9
Ps 48: 2-8
Mt 11: 20-24
July 15
Bonaventure, bishop, doctor of the church
Is 10: 5-7, 13b-16
Ps 94: 5-10, 14-15
Mt 11: 25-25
July 16
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Is 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19
Ps 102: 13-14b, 15-21
Mt 11: 28-30
July 17
Friday
Is 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8 (Ps) Is 38: 10-12d, 16
Mt 12: 1-8
July 18
Camillus de Lellis, priest
Mi 2: 1-5
Ps 10: 1-4, 7-8, 14
Mt 12: 14-21
SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
July 19
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Wis 12: 13, 16-19
Ps 86: 5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Mt 13: 24-43
July 20
Apollinaris, bishop, martyr
Mi 6: 1-4, 6-8
Ps 50: 5-6, 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23
Mt 12: 38-42
July 21
Lawrence of Brindisi, priest
Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20
Ps 85: 2-5
Mt 12: 46-50
July 22
MARY MAGDALENE
Sg 3: 1-4b
Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9
Jn 20: 1-2, 11-18
July 23
Bridget, religious
Jer 2: 1-3, 7-8, 12-13
Ps 36: 6-7b, 8-11
Mt 13: 10-17
July 24
Sharbel Makhlũf, priest
Jer 3: 14-17
(Ps) Jer 31: 10-12b, 13
Mt 13: 18-23
July 25
JAMES, APOSTLE
2 Cor 4: 7-15
Ps 126: 1b, 2-6
Mt 20: 20-28
Saints’ lives lead us down the path to our own holiness
Who are the saints?
They are a key part of living the Catholic life, and yet there is much confusion over devotion to them. Canonized saints are the men and women that the church formally declares are in heaven, and that we can follow their example to attain heaven as well.
This does not mean that they never sinned or never struggled. They, like us, had the effects of original sin.
When we pray to the saints it is a different type of prayer compared to when we pray to God. When we pray to the saints we are engaging in intercessory prayer; we are asking the saints in heaven to pray to God for us; it is the same as when we ask someone here on earth to pray for us.
I like to think of saints as our older brothers and sisters:
FATHER KEITH CHADWICK
Father Keith Chadwick is the archdiocesan master of ceremonies and associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Peter.
They have walked this earth before us, they have struggled with the same things we struggle with, they rejoiced in the same things we rejoice in, they simply have attained the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls (cf. 1 Pt 1:9).
Two examples of saints in Scripture not being perfect are
ALONG THE WAY
Sts. Peter and Paul. St. Peter denied the Lord three times and abandoned him in his passion. Yet, we see St. Peter repents after the Resurrection.
St. Paul actively persecuted the church and consented to the death of St. Stephen, the first martyr. Yet, St. Paul went on to convert and then help the Mediterranean world know the Good News of Jesus Christ.
How can we learn more about the saints? Slowly! We can’t drink the ocean except for a cup at a time, and there
are thousands of canonized saints. Every saint has a feast day or a day that we celebrate them.
Start by finding out which saints we celebrate on your birthday or other important days in your life. Read the stories of saints! If you have children, read short stories to them. When I was a boy, my parents had a book of the saints that occasionally we would read a story of a saint before bed.
A local way to learn more about saints would be to come visit our cathedral. The Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, has relics of saints given to our diocese when we became the Diocese of Kansas City. Our cathedral is also the Shrine to St. Maria Soledad, who just happens to be my favorite saint.
Ultimately, having devotion to the saints helps us to experience
in this life that the universal call to holiness is possible. We are called by Jesus Christ to become holy. The church teaches us through the Second Vatican Council document “Lumen Gentium,” that “All the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and the perfection of charity; . . . They must follow in His footsteps and conform themselves to His image seeking the will of the Father in all things. They must devote themselves with all their being to the glory of God and the service of their neighbor” (paragraph 41). We can learn from the saints how to live so as to become saints ourselves.
“We can, if we will, become a saint, or God will never refuse to help us to do so.”
St. John Vianney
Are we rich soil or rocky ground in which to grow the kingdom?
The imagery is simple. The word of God is like water, like a seed. Such is the image given in this Sunday’s first reading from Isaiah. It’s beautiful, earthy, organic and it’s easy to understand. Water and seed are productive, and together they bear fruit.
The word of the Lord is like that; “so shall my word be,” the prophet says (Is 55:11). He’s dreaming of redemption, flourishing after ruin. Just a few verses earlier, Isaiah speaks of David and of an “everlasting covenant.” He also dreams of unknown nations that will soon be called, and which will run to the “Holy One of Israel” (Is 55:3-5).
It’s not difficult to imagine how Christians immediately understood this passage. It’s easy to see
Which helps us hear this passage from Matthew, his account of Jesus’s parable of the sower. A parable found in each of the synoptic Gospels, the basic lessons are the same.
The first lesson is evangelical. Who will receive the Word of God? Not everyone will; at least not at the start. As John writes in the prologue of his Gospel, “He came to his own home, and his own people received him not” (Jn 1:11).
how they would have understood Isaiah’s words ultimately to have been about Jesus, a prophecy of his advent. Hearing these words, Christians can’t help but think of what the Gospels simply call “the coming of the Son of Man.”
Dulled hearts, hardened hearts, sklerokardia: That’s the spiritual problem, figured as a failure of the senses. What’s gone wrong that they fail to see Jesus for who he really is? It’s that they cannot hear; they cannot see. But remember, we’re first talking about Jesus. The parable is first about how people receive or reject the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our first task is simply to believe in Christ ourselves; next, it’s to be faithful bearing witness to Christ to all people and in all things.
But the second lesson is personal, spiritual. Read in this way, the parable of the sower invites selfexamination. If we’re honest, I think each of us would admit that at various times the soul is like rocky ground or like thorns.
Eager and thrilled and full of good spiritual intentions, a burst of prayer and commitment, but then suddenly nothing, a hard spiritual fall: You know what it’s like when your soul is rocky ground. At least I do. Man, prayer is like a roller coaster for me, and I’m a priest! Haven’t you been there? I want my soul to be
CAMILLUS DE LELLIS 1550-1614
like “rich soil.” I want to be receptive to Jesus, to the word of God, to God’s water and seed. I want to hear the word of God and understand it.
Of course, I’m not just talking about me. I’m talking about you, about us. I trust you want to be rich soil, too, that you want to grow in the kingdom of God together with me and with all the faithful. Which is beautiful to think about, how we’re all in this together.
I don’t know, I just find it wonderful how we’re all connected like that, struggling to grow together in Christ. It makes me want to keep going when I’m tired and start over when I fail. And it makes me want to hope in you, too, and help you, too. For the thing is, you see, we’re in this garden together. This church, this kingdom of God.
Though this tall, young Italian was restricted by an ulcerated leg, he worked as a hospital servant and Venetian soldier. After gambling away all his property, he became a laborer at the Manfredonia Capuchin monastery and in 1575 tried to join the Capuchins. But his leg wound returned, and he was in and out of the hospital, eventually deciding to devote his life to caring for the sick. Camillus was ordained in 1584 and founded the Order of the Servants of the Sick, more generally known as the Camillians. He is a patron of the sick, of hospitals and of nurses.
FATHER 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.
Leaven readership survey
Scan to complete the survey online:
Or mail the survey to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS, 66109
Do you live in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas?
☐ Yes
☐ No
Where do you live?
☐ City (>50,000 people)
☐ Mid-size town (10,000-50,000 people)
☐ Small town (<10,000 people)
☐ Rural
How old are you?
☐ 65+
☐ 55-64
☐ 45–54
☐ 35–44
☐ 25–34
☐ 18–24
☐ Under 18
READING THE LEAVEN
How often do you read THE LEAVEN in print?
☐ Every issue
☐ Most issues
☐ Every month or so
☐ Rarely
☐ Never
Why do you read THE LEAVEN? (Select all that apply)
☐ Local and archdiocesan news
☐ Inspiring stories of faith
☐ To better understand church teaching
☐ To help me live my faith in daily life
☐ To explain my faith to others
☐ To feel connected to other Catholics in the archdiocese
☐ To learn about events and volunteer opportunities
☐ For the photos
☐ Because I advertise in THE LEAVEN
☐ I do not read THE LEAVEN
YOUR OPINION OF THE LEAVEN
Please circle one number.
1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent.
content
Layout and design (how the paper looks and is organized)
2 3 4 5
THE LEAVEN’s website
1 2 3 4 5
THE LEAVEN’s social media
1 2 3 4 5
Customer service (response time, friendliness, etc.)
1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of THE LEAVEN 1 2 3 4 5
CONNECTION & COVERAGE
How connected do you feel to THE LEAVEN?
☐ Very connected – I look forward to reading it each week
☐ Somewhat connected
☐ Not very connected
☐ Not connected at all
Do you feel your local parish and community are well covered in THE LEAVEN?
☐ Yes, very well
☐ Somewhat
☐ No, not enough
Do you feel people in your age group are well represented in THE LEAVEN?
☐ Yes, very well
☐ Somewhat
☐ No, not enough
WEBSITE & ONLINE ACCESS (PHONE, COMPUTER, TABLET)
Have you ever visited THE LEAVEN website (theleaven.org)?
☐ Yes
☐ No
Where do you read or access THE LEAVEN most often? (Select one)
☐ Printed newspaper
☐ LEAVEN website
☐ Online archives (issuu.com/theleaven)
☐ Audio version (via LEAVEN website)
☐ I do not read THE LEAVEN
If you interact with THE LEAVEN on Facebook, what type of content do you most enjoy seeing? (Select all that apply)
☐ Anniversary notices
☐ Articles
☐ Photos
☐ Seasonal content (Advent and Lent)
☐ Videos
☐ Other:_____
If you interact with THE LEAVEN on Instagram, what type of content do you most enjoy seeing? (Select all that apply)
☐ Articles
☐ Photos
☐ Seasonal content (Advent and Lent)
☐ Shared content from Catholic schools
☐ Videos
☐ Other:_____
Do you use any of the following to connect with THE LEAVEN? (Select all that apply)
☐ X (formerly Twitter)
☐ I do not connect via these platforms
FUTURE OPTIONS
Where else would you like to receive content from THE LEAVEN? (Select all that apply)
☐ Email newsletter
☐ Mobile app
☐ A more user-friendly website
☐ Short videos or updates online
☐ Text notifications on your phone
☐ Other:________
What change to THE LEAVEN’s publishing frequency would you like to see? (Currently the paper is published weekly during the school year and biweekly during the summer. )
☐ Publish more often
☐ Stay the same
☐ Publish less frequently
☐ Other:_____
If you chose “Publish less,” how often would you like to receive THE LEAVEN?
☐ Every other week
☐ Monthly
☐ Not at all
Would you like to receive regular content from THE LEAVEN by email?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, how often?
☐ Daily
☐ Weekly
☐ Monthly
☐ Only for major news
YOUR GENERAL MEDIA HABITS
Where do you usually go for local news? (Select all that apply)
☐ Local TV or radio
☐ Local newspaper
☐ THE LEAVEN
☐ Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, etc.)
☐ Word of mouth
☐ Other:_______
ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK
What should THE LEAVEN continue to do?
What should THE LEAVEN improve or change?
If you are 40 or younger, how could THE LEAVEN better serve people your age?
THE LEAVEN is published on Fridays. What day(s) do you receive THE LEAVEN in your mailbox?
Additional comments:
If you would like to sign up to receive emailed content from THE LEAVEN, please visit: theleaven.org/email-signup
Thank you for your time and feedback!
