READY TO ROLL
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Timothy Skoch proudly walks the halls of Bishop Ward High School here, sharing stories about the school and its rich history.
If he had to describe his role as chaplain at the high school, he’d put it simply.
“I’m a stay-at-home dad at Bishop Ward,” said Father Skoch.
“I’m here three-and-a-half days a week,” he continued. “Students will come here [to my office]. I meet them in their needs, in their wants. I’m here for the staff, too.”
When he’s not at Bishop Ward, he’s serving as associate pastor at St. Patrick Parish, also in Kansas City, Kansas. He and Father Colm Larkin, chaplain at St. Thomas
and
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Aquinas High School
associate pastor
Church of
Ascension
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Chaplain Father Timothy Skoch takes a break on the Cyclones bench in front of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, as he awaits the students’ return. Father Skoch is at the school three-and-a-half days a week, where, among many other things, he will celebrate one class Mass a week and on Fridays lead “Jesus and Java” before school starts.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Father Colm Larkin, chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, takes part in the annual freshmen red carpet welcome, where the students were greeted by faculty and seniors as they arrived for orientation.
Archdiocese investigates priest allegation
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has received an allegation of behavior inconsistent with our safe environment policies involving Father Jerry Arano-Ponce, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with our commitment to the safety and well-being of all members of our community, Father Arano-Ponce has been temporarily suspended from the public exercise of priestly ministry, including celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties, pending the outcomes of formal investigations by local law enforcement and the archdiocese. Taking this precautionary measure is a step to protect all parties and should not be viewed as an assertion of guilt.
We recognize the serious nature of any safe environment concern and remain committed to transparency, justice and respecting the privacy of all individuals involved as this matter is carefully reviewed. The archdiocese
Lynda (Blocker) and Fred Mehrtens Jr., members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18. The couple was married by Father Alfred Koestner, OSB, at St. James Church, Wetmore. Their children are: Fred Mehrtens III, Eskridge; Renessa Mehrtens, Topeka; and Angele Mehrtens, Overland Park. They also have two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Susan and Dan Carson, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 27. The couple was married on Aug. 27, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Church in Hays. Their children are: Michelle, Danny Jr., Angela (deceased), Dana, Crystal and Michael. They also have 22 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
is fully cooperating with civil authorities and will offer no further comment while the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or concerns is encouraged to contact the Miami County sheriff’s office at (913) 2943232.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight will appoint a temporary pastoral administrator for Queen of the Holy Rosary as soon as possible to ensure the parish community continues to receive pastoral care.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of abuse and misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect and compassion. We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the abuse may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the archdiocese’s confidential report line at (913) 276-8703 or online at: www.archkck.org/reportabuse.
Susan and Joseph Engroff, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary over Labor Day weekend with a Mass with their family. The couple was married on Sept. 5, 1965, at Church of the Assumption, Topeka. Their children are: Jeff Engroff, Kim Rees, Chad Engroff and Jennifer Mellor. They also have 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Francis and Anita Wichman, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on Sept. 9 with their family. The couple was married on Sept. 9, 1950, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children are: Jan Hoefler, Mike Wichman and Bev Reynolds. They also have six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
ARCHBISHOP MCKNIGHT
Sept. 7
Mass — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood
Sept. 9
Bishop Miege Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto dedication
Ethics Council meeting — chancery
Sept. 10
Spiritual Mentorship Mass — Savior Pastoral Center
CEF board meeting — Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas
Sept. 12
St. John School of Theology — Collegeville, Minnesota
Sept. 14
Confirmation — St. Bernard, Wamego
Sept. 15
CARA executive committee meeting
Priests appreciation dinner — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood
Sept. 16
Confirmation — Immaculate Conception, Louisburg
Sept. 17
Presbyteral Council meeting — chancery
Board meeting — St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence
Sept. 18
St. John Vianney Center board meeting — Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Sept. 19
EOHSJ annual meeting — St. Paul, Minnesota
Sept. 22
Priests convocation — Florissant, Missouri
Sept. 30
CFNEK board meeting — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas
Recently ordained priests dinner
Oct. 1
Bishop Ward High School Mass and tour
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS NAUMANN
Sept. 15
Priests appreciation dinner — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood
Sept. 17
Jesus Covenant Prayer Partner call
Sept. 19
EOHSJ annual meeting — St. Paul, Minnesota
Sept. 22
Priests convocation — Florissant, Missouri
“It was a powerful experience to be officially installed as a pastor with my brother priests with our new archbishop together in the cathedral. It was for me a reminder of bigger reality we are a part of and the power and security that comes from being under the authority of the archbishop at the service of God’s people.”
— Father Joel Haug Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca
“I am in the unique position of returning as pastor to a parish where I recently served. I found a special beauty and connectivity with the other new pastors. The installation at the cathedral was a wonderful reminder of how within our individual parishes we are all part of the local church of this archdiocese.”
— Father Jeremy Heppler St. Benedict, Atchison
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to serve a larger community (who haven’t heard most of my homilies), and walking with Father Will Carey, one of our newly ordained priests, as he begins his priestly vocation.”
— Father Anthony Ouellette Christ the King, Topeka
“It made sense as the archbishop alluded to in his homily to be installed as a pastor at the ‘parish of the archdiocese’ by the archbishop who’s the pastor of the archdiocese.”
— Father Mohana Bathineni St. Joseph in Wathena, St. Benedict in Bendena and St. Charles, Troy
“I’m excited to learn from my parishioners. Even as I lead them, I know they’ll be teaching me plenty. I’ve already had the benefit of learning a lot from the faithful of my previous assignments. It’ll be awesome to see how God decides to use us all working together.”
— Father Anthony Mersmann St. Joseph in Olpe and St. Mary in Hartford
New pastors installed at cathedral ceremony
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Shawn McKnight’s message to the new pastors of the archdiocese tied into the unique rite of their installation.
“The exercise of the power of authority that you now have,” he said, “is to be done in a spirit of collaboration, collegially with one another — not acting like lone rangers but with the mind of the presbyterate whose head is the bishop.
“[It is] to act together as much as possible, all the while being attentive and adapting things as necessary to your local parish or parishes.”
In that same spirit of companionship, nine priests were installed as pastors together by Archbishop McKnight during solemn vespers at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas, on Aug. 17.
Typically, the archbishop would install each pastor individually at his own parish.
“[W]e are doing that for all the new pastors at one time here at the cathedral,” said Archbishop McKnight, “partly because you have a new archbishop and he just didn’t have time to get everything scheduled.”
“But, it is very fitting this rite is taking place here at the mother church,” he added.
Each pastor invited guests to the installation, which Michael Podrebarac, consultant for liturgy and sacramental life for the archdiocese and cantor for the vespers, found particularly special.
“I think it’s a great opportunity not only for our pastors,” he said, “but especially for the folks that are traveling with them to make a pilgrimage to our cathedral.”
“It’s a nice opportunity for the archbishop to host and provide hospitality to his new pastors and their parish delegations,” he continued.
In his homily, Archbishop McKnight expressed his hope “for the representatives of the various parishes who are receiving a new pastor . . . see one another and that you are reminded that we belong not just to a parish but to a universal church as Catholics.”
The archbishop expressed how important it is for pastors to utilize their unique charisms, to be close to the faithful and available to meet their spiritual needs.
“But most of all, we need good leadership from you,” he said, “to lead the people of God in your charge to heaven.
“We desire that the faithful come to know Jesus Christ through you.”
The archbishop encouraged the pastors to lean on the laity as they move forward in their new parishes.
“They’re not subjects,” he said, “but they are fellow disciples who also are gifted with many talents — natural and supernatural charisms that benefit the life and mission of the church.
“It is your role to lead them to a harmonious exercise of those charisms, to fulfill the mission your parish has to proclaim the kingdom of God in word
and deed in the territory for which you and they are responsible.”
After the archbishop’s homily, the pastors professed their faith and made an oath of fidelity to the archbishop and to the church. Archbishop McKnight then declared them to be installed in their parishes.
After vespers, the priests and their guests shared a meal at the parish center.
Podrebarac was excited for the pastors, who he said hold “in my estimation one of the most difficult and yet rewarding jobs on planet Earth.”
“It’s a great responsibility to be a pastor,” he continued. “It’s a lot of hard work. It’s not always easy work.
“But, of course, knowing that they are serving their people in their parishes, serving the bishop as his collaborators and, in a sense, his representatives in the parish, I think it’s rewarding.”
The archbishop closed his homily with words of encouragement for the pastors.
“Do not feel alone or isolated, but look to your brother priests and to me for assistance, for counsel, when it is needed,” he said. “But never forget to look to the counsel of the laity, especially of those of ministries of responsibility and those who serve as your
Installed pastors
Father Mohana Bathineni — St. Joseph in Wathena, St. Benedict in Bendena and St. Charles, Troy
Father Keith Chadwick — Christ the King in Kansas City, Kansas
Father Michael Guastello — St. Matthew in Topeka
Father Joel Haug — Sts. Peter and Paul in Seneca
Father Jeremy Heppler — St. Benedict in Atchison
Father Thomas Maddock — Holy Angels in Garnett and St. John the Baptist in Greeley
Father Anthony Mersmann — St. Joseph in Olpe and St. Mary in Hartford
Father Mark Ostrowski — Holy Name of Jesus in Kansas City, Kansas
Father Anthony Ouellette — Christ the King in Topeka
Father John Torrez — Immaculate Conception in Louisburg (Father Torrez was unable to attend the installation.)
close advisers.
“For this is the will of the mother church, and I believe it is the will of Christ himself.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Nine priests were installed as pastors together by Archbishop Shawn McKnight (below) during solemn vespers at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas, on Aug. 17.
Decree urges parishes to prepare for change to OCIA process
By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Shawn McKnight has issued a decree (see right) that gives parishes, missions and other Catholic communities additional time for prayerful discernment and planning to bridge toward implementation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) process in alignment with updated statutes and norms provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Specifically, the decree offers temporary dispensation from the obligation to observe USCCB Norm 4 that addresses a yearlong period of the catechumenate. The decree further obliges faith communities to observe the essential components of the updated OCIA norms listed in the appendix to the decree. Archbishop McKnight’s decree is in effect until Sept. 30, 2026, or the issuance of a new decree.
Affirming the spirit behind the decree, Archbishop McKnight said, “OCIA lives at the heart of our Catholic identity because evangelization is at the heart of our mission. It is how we walk with those seeking Christ, helping them encounter his love and find their place at the Lord’s table. This time of dispensation gives our parishes the opportunity to prepare, but by 2026, I hope that each will embrace these norms fully, as a living witness to the Gospel.”
Responding to pastoral need
Emily Lopez, lead consultant in the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization, explained that the USCCB promulgated the revised statutes on April 25, 2024. In initially discerning the best ways to implement these new norms, adult evangelization staff engaged in dialogue with priests, deacons and parish OCIA coordinators. Feedback reflected both enthusiasm for the renewed vision and concern about the practical timeline for immediate adoption.
“This consultation, together with recognition of the pastoral need for sufficient time to train catechists, accompany catechumens well and share clear archdiocesan directives led to issuance of the decree,” Lopez said. “The essential elements shared for OCIA reflect not only the national shift in language but also the desire of the archdiocese to support fruitful accompaniment and faithful formation during this period of transition.”
Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy and sacramental life, said that most parishes within the archdiocese are accustomed to beginning the OCIA just after Labor Day and concluding with the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Lopez observed that extending the period of the catechumenate to a year will allow unbaptized persons to experience the fullness of a complete liturgical cycle. This will also provide additional opportunities for integrated formation and engagement with the parish community.
While the yearlong catechumenate will not be required immediately in the archdiocese, parishes are encouraged to begin discerning how their current OCIA ministry can move toward fulfilling the updated norms for both catechumens and candidates. (Catechumens are unbaptized individuals preparing to receive the sacraments, while candidates are already baptized into another Christian tradition, but now preparing to enter into full communion in the Catholic Church.)
Lopez suggested the OCIA handbook published by the USCCB in 2024 as a helpful resource for the current year and going forward.
Father Anthony Saiki, vice chancellor and director of canonical services and rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, views this year as a time to prepare for the yearlong catechumenate.
“It is not a ‘rest year’ nor an opportunity to delay,” he said. “Everyone should be ready by next year.”
“We are all still learning,” added Father Mark Mertes, moderator of pastoral life and pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “The goal of OCIA is to create evangelized disciples who stay close to the church and draw others to the life of faith.”
Directives, guidance forthcoming
Lopez said that the archdiocese is creating directives to provide guidance for pastors and initiation ministers in further developing the OCIA process. These directives will ensure both fidelity to the essential elements of the OCIA process and a consistent experience for catechumens and candidates.
Father Saiki encouraged parish leaders to participate in opportunities offered by the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization and the liturgy office. Between now and the expiration of the decree’s dispensation on Sept. 30, 2026, the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization will support parish and other OCIA ministries through accompaniment formation, director support, regional meetings, individual and parish consultations, and retreat offerings.
“This approach will help ensure that through OCIA, all individuals will experience a coherent, welcoming and spiritually rich journey into full communion with the church,” Lopez concluded.
Podrebarac agreed.
“Under the archbishop’s leadership, and assisted by the offices of evangelization and liturgy, the archdiocesan resources provided to our pastors and parish OCIA teams will provide the foundation and motivation for an experience of the OCIA which is committed to excellence in catechesis and formation and rooted in a common desire to serve.”
`
Appendix
Essential Components of OCIA
Liturgical
Celebration of Key Rites (non-negotiable milestones):
- Rite for Entrance
- Rite of Election
- Scrutinies (three)
- Presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer
- Initiation rites at the Easter Vigil
Evangelization
Comprehensive Formation:
- Doctrinal — What we believe
- Liturgical & Spiritual — How we pray and encounter Christ
- Moral — How we live as disciples
- Communal — Integration into parish life and service
Accompaniment and Relationships:
- Sponsors and godparents
- Consistent accompaniment by a trained OCIA team
Norms from the National Statutes
Terminology and Distinctions:
- Catechumens: Unbaptized persons who have ritually entered the catechumenate through the Rite for Entrance (Norm 3).
- Candidates: Already baptized persons preparing for reception into full communion and/or completion of the sacraments of initiation (new exclusive definition in revised norms).
St. John XXIII’s legacy: Kansas seeds bear fruits of faith in faraway Brazilian soil
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
ATCHISON — Thousands of miles separate the monks of Mosteiro São José (St. Joseph Monastery) in Mineiros, Brazil, from the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey here.
But for 12 days this summer, the Brazilians got a taste of the monastic life in Kansas.
Their July 16-28 visit to the archdiocese was packed with fellowship, prayer and local experiences.
“For our community to be able to see them in person [and] interact with them, it takes on a whole new understanding of what it means to be apostolate,” said Abbot James Albers, OSB, of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Two communities, one mission
Benedictines Bishop Joaquim Carlos Carvalho of the Diocese of Jataí, Father Thiago Ferreira Silva, Brother Romário Wilson Vianna Peron and Brother Domingos Maria Lemes Borges were eager to spend time with the Atchison monks.
The two communities share a rich history that began in 1962.
“Pope John XXIII asked from the North American side if there were people from religious communities who could go down to Latin America,” said Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison.
“Three monks originally from Atchison went down to found the community,” he continued, “and there were others that came through at various points.”
Bishop Joaquim shared how instrumental the Kansas community was during that time.
“In the beginning, the parish and the community in Kansas and Atchison helped financially in the parish and monastery construction in Mineiros in Brazil,” he said.
“The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas would collect once a year,” he continued. “That money helped the parish mission there.”
Father Jeremy explained that for many years, the Atchison monks were involved in a mission appeal co-op to raise funds for the Mineiros community. And over the years, some Atchison monks and Sisters have also served there.
“This is what we would call a dependent priory,” he said, “so it’s dependent upon [St. Benedict’s Abbey], or in the case of the Sisters in Mineiros, their house is dependent upon Mount St. Scholastica [in Atchison].”
“We walk together,” said Father Thiago of the two communities. “We walk with hope in monastic life.”
THEY’RE THE SMALLEST BENEDICTINE MONASTERY IN BRAZIL, BUT IT’S A COMMUNITY THAT’S PROVIDED THREE BISHOPS TO THE CHURCH IN BRAZIL.
ABBOT JAMES ALBERS, OSB ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY
The Mineiros community now has six monks and four Sisters, and all are native Brazilians. The monks mainly work in a parish — one of three in the city, which alone has 20,000 members — and in education.
“They’re the smallest Benedictine monastery in Brazil, but it’s a community that’s provided three bishops to the church in Brazil,” said Abbot James, who travels there each year, typically for a pastoral visit.
“I meet with the community as a whole on various matters,” he said, “and then [have] individual visits with each monk.”
He’s also visited for ordinations, professional vows, dedication of monasteries
and other significant events.
“It’s a vibrant community,” said Abbot James. “But I think of late they’ve really come to understand their place in the city of Mineiros, their place in the church.
“I’m seeing an invigoration of their common life together.”
Prayer and work — and a bit of fun
The Brazilian monks spent their time in Kansas “living like a good Atchison monk,” said Brother Romário.
Seeing the abbey for the first time, “I was amazed and astonished by it,” said Brother Domingos.
A highlight of their trip was an Atchison summer staple: the Amelia Earhart Festival.
“We wanted to have some experiences that were church-related,” said Father Jeremy, who serves as a liaison between the communities, “[and some] that were also more Kansas City-area related.”
They visited the World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoyed a meal from Slap’s BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas.
They also visited the Sisters at the Mount, which was a treat for Brother Romário.
“I met Sister Judith Sutera, [OSB], who
writes about Benedictine spirituality,” he said. “I am a fan, so I’m really happy to meet her.”
And they visited with Sister Elaine Gregory, OSB, who worked in Brazil and taught Bishop Joaquim when he was a child.
“It was good to remember and think about silly stuff, think about things as a kid,” he said.
The monks also met with Archbishop Shawn McKnight during their visit.
“He had good hospitality,” said Bishop Joaquim. “He showed interest for what he believed to be [our] essential [ministry] and showed some interest in wanting to visit.”
The group had a translator with them, but at times communication included “a lot of pantomiming going on to try and understand [each other],” said Father Jeremy.
“It’s been great to see the smiles, hear the jokes, start to pick up on a couple of the jokes and then really learn from each other,” he said.
Abbot James is gratified by the impact the Brazilian monks have had on their community and sees a bright future ahead.
“[They have an] ingenuity of understanding how pastoral ministry is lived,” he said. “These guys are reaping the fruit of it now.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight met with the monks of Mosteiro São José (St. Joseph Monastery) from Mineiros, Brazil, in July. Three Benedictine monks from Atchison helped found the community nearly 70 years ago. Pictured clockwise are: Archbishop McKnight, Abbot James Albers, OSB, Benedictines Father Jeremy Heppler, Brother Romário Wilson Vianna Peron, Brother Domingos Maria Lemes Borges, Father Thiago Ferreira Silva, prior of the monastery, Bishop Joaquim Carlos Carvalho and translator Nelson Sbravatti.
Encuentro urges listening to understand, rather than respond
By Olivia Martin-Davies olivia.martin@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — César Argueta didn’t know why he’d been invited.
Argueta, a parishioner of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, was referring to the invitation Father Ramiro Sanchez Chan, CS, outgoing archdiocesan director of Hispanic ministry, extended to him to attend the encuentro.
The Region IX Encuentro was held from July 25-27 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas — a conference at which Hispanic youth and leaders from the dioceses and archdioceses within the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska gather to hear about different challenges in youth ministry, how to adapt to them and start a dialogue.
“The first question I had,” said Argueta, “was: ‘What am I going to do because [Father Chan] said this was a youth convocation — and I said, ‘I’m not young!’
“But if Father invited me, I thought, well, the heavenly Father wants me to hear something so that I can do something.”
This was precisely the focus of this year’s encuentro, whose sessions centered around sharing the Gospel through three actions: listen, teach and send.
Listen
Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrated the Mass on July 27 and Father Ramiro gave the homily. His focus was on sharing the Gospel through active listening.
“This type of listening,” explained Father Ramiro, “asks you to listen — not in order to respond, but in order to understand the other person.”
He added that active listening is vital to understanding truth, and the most profound truth that young people need to hear is that God loves them without judging them.
This message struck Juan Valadez, a parishioner of St. Paul Parish in Olathe.
Valadez has helped out with St.
Paul’s youth group since graduating from high school. He has seen firsthand that listening well helps others feel seen, known and loved.
“For me, the biggest takeaway is just being able to control myself and just being able to listen so I can understand where they’re coming from,” said Valadez.
Teach
The encuentro reached beyond sharing tools for ministering in parishes. For Argueta, it has taught him how to go deeper into his vocation as a husband and father.
“In one way or another, God always lets us know the answers to what we’re asking him,” said Argueta. “I’ve always been asking God how I can better help
my children to stay on the path to holiness, what more do I need to do as a father.
“And this gathering of the encuentro . . . really helped me understand how I need to be close to my children.”
Send
Jackie Cruz López, a parishioner at Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, has been trying to start a youth group at her parish since rediscovering her faith during college. She commented that thanks to the encuentro, she now feels her plan has a path.
“I think the spreading of ideas is what’s really helpful because if you are stuck within your own bubble of what’s going on in your parish, you’re gonna
burn out and you’re not truly gonna be able to evolve and adapt the ways in which you serve the community,” said Cruz López.
She found discussions around intercultural ministry especially helpful and applicable to her community.
“It’s really important to bring them both together (the Hispanic and American contexts),” Cruz López said, “so that you’re ministering to the whole person.”
In order to minister effectively, there needs to be personal reflection.
“[R]emember the wonderful things the Lord has done for you,” said Father Ramiro, “and from there . . . people are gonna help you, but most important, people are gonna follow Jesus.
“That is the purpose of the mission.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight meets with Javier Orozco of the Hispanic ministry office for the Archdiocese of St. Louis following the Region IX Encuentro Mass on July 27. Region IX Encuentro was held from July 25-27 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Young adults gather to meet, worship with new archbishop
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sunlight beamed through the windows of Savior Pastoral Center here the evening of Aug. 14, flooding its chapel with a late summer glow as some 215 young adults filled its pews.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrated a vigil Mass for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary before the group was treated to fellowship and refreshments.
“This Mass brings together a diverse group of young adults in the Kansas City area,” said Emily Lopez, lead consultant for adult evangelization in the archdiocese.
“The desire to share this Mass with the archbishop came from the hearts of leaders in the community to share the celebration of the Mass and fellowship with our new shepherd,” she added.
The event was cohosted by City on a Hill, Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO) and Young Catholic Professionals (YCP).
Leaders from each of the young adult apostolates were invited to a meet-andgreet with Archbishop McKnight prior to Mass.
“The idea was to get all of us together and give the new archbishop a venue to speak to the young adults in the Kansas City area,” said Dave Hess, president of the YCP Kansas City chapter.
“The hope is that if [the young adults are] not involved in one of these groups, they will decide to be and grow their faith,” he said.
The idea to have an evening with the archbishop came during one of YCP’s monthly leadership meetings, and Hess pitched it to Lopez.
“Archbishop McKnight gratefully accepted the invitation, and a date was set,” she said.
The archbishop expressed his gratitude toward the event’s organizers and shared that he looks forward to attending at least one event or meeting of all three apostolates in the coming year.
“Know that you are very special to me in my heart,” he told the young adults at the end of Mass.
“I recognize, obviously, the importance you play in the future of the church,” he continued, “but also your presence here now in enriching the church and giving this vibrancy that we so desperately need in our world of evangelization.”
As Archbishop McKnight continues
City on a Hill
WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE A VIBRANT AND GROWING YOUNG ADULT COMMUNITY IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
EMILY LOPEZ
LEAD CONSULTANT FOR ADULT EVANGELIZATION
getting to know the people of northeast Kansas, Lopez was excited for him to see the many young adults who are alive in their faith.
“We are blessed to have a vibrant and growing young adult community in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas,” she said, “and grateful for the archbishop’s openness to share this evening Mass and fellowship in growing in relationship with them.”
City on a Hill’s signature event is Tuesdays at the Boulevard, where young adults can attend Mass together, then head to Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri, for fellowship, pizza and drinks.
Another large group offering is KC Underground, a night of candlelit eucharistic adoration with the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation hosted at various churches on the Kansas and Missouri side.
City on a Hill also offers small group activities, retreats and more.
To learn more, visit the website at: kansascityonahill.org.
Saint Paul’s Outreach
Saint Paul’s Outreach is made up of a team of missionaries who provide opportunities for social events, small groups, retreats and more.
To learn more, go online to: spo.org/kansas.
Young Catholic Professionals
Young Catholic Professionals offers three main events: an executive speaker series, happy hours and “Chillin’ with the Chaplains.”
Young adults have the option to join the group as members for perks like a 40% discount for the Hallow app, Catholic bookstore discounts and the chance to have a mentor.
To learn more, go online to: youngcatholicprofessionals.org/chapter/kansas-city.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrates a vigil Mass for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Aug. 14 with a group of young adults from the Kansas City area.
THE CATS ARE BACK
The Hayden High School Wildcats in Topeka win The Leaven’s back-to-school social media contest. The prize is a visit from photographer Jay Soldner, who documents their first day of school.
TOPEKA — The halls of Hayden High School here were brimming with energy during the first day of school on Aug. 14.
Photographer Jay Soldner captured the half day after Hayden won The Leaven’s Facebook contest that kicked off on Aug. 5.
The Leaven invited people to follow its page on Facebook (theleavenkc), as well as the archdiocesan schools page (archkckcs).
Voters liked or commented on the photo of the school they wanted to win a photo shoot during the first week of school, and the school with the most points on Aug. 11 won.
The Leaven plans to host an additional
high school contest this fall — this time on Instagram.
During the first two hours of the morning at Hayden, students and teachers were in their classrooms, refamiliarizing themselves with being back in school. Some classes jumped right into class work, while others went over the class rules, the syllabus and expectations for being a part of Hayden.
The half day culminated in an all-school assembly in the gym, where freshmen were welcomed into their school family by the upper-class students.
Follow us on social media (theleavenkc) to stay up to date on the latest news around the archdiocese and to participate in future contests.
NEW FROSH
Hayden High School principal James Sandstrom and director of admissions Sheri Cafer chat with incoming freshman Levi Endsley. Hayden started the school year on Aug. 14. The half-day culminated in an all-school assembly in the gym, where freshmen were welcomed to the school.
CATMITTMENT
Hayden seniors Cooper Brown and Grace Funk announce the “house” that each student has been placed in at Hayden’s Catmittment event. Hayden has a community system with each community named after the authors of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Within the four communities are “houses” that are named after the teacher that oversees the house. There are approximately 20-25 students per house and each is composed of students from all four grades in order to encourage the classes to interact. House members meet and enjoy activities together, as well as compete against other houses for points and rewards.
HEAD SCRATCHER
Just because it’s the first day of school doesn’t mean it’s all fun and games. Students
NEW BEGINNINGS
in Christine Voegeli’s
Principal James Sandstrom, right, and chaplain Father Will Carey greet each other before the start of will start his first year as chaplain at the school.
GETTING STARTED
Second-year teacher David Hund addresses his class on the first day of school. Hund teaches English, literature and composition. Most archdiocesan high schools kicked off the new year the second week of August.
LEARNING LANGUAGE
Spanish teacher Jennifer Head points out the various regions of Spain during the first day of class. For the first two hours of school, students and teachers were in their classrooms, refamiliarizing themselves with being back in school. Some classes jumped right into class work.
Voegeli’s intermediate algebra class ponder the problem before them.
of Hayden High School’s first day. Father Carey, who was ordained in May,
Priests embrace roles as high school chaplains
>> Continued from page 1
— both in Overland Park — both received their assignments at ordination in 2023.
Two years later, both now describe their high school ministry as one of spiritual fatherhood.
“This is the place where I really feel like a father,” said Father Larkin of Aquinas. “Here, it’s like these are my kids, and I’m the one who takes care of them.
“[It’s] that fatherly role — both in being with them in their triumphs and in their sorrows and watching them do [silly] things but still encouraging them, being with them through the whole gamut of experiences.”
‘A second chance at high school’
Father Larkin had no interest in becoming a high school chaplain.
“I didn’t particularly enjoy my high school experience,” he said. “I became a priest to be in a parish and was very excited about parish ministry. I didn’t think I had the skill set to work with high schoolers.
“It turns out I do.”
According to faculty and students, Father Larkin is a powerful presence at Aquinas.
“And I have loved being here,” he said.
“It’s another example of how the bishop and the Holy Spirit know what they’re doing when they give out assignments,” he added.
And the experience has been healing.
“It’s funny,” said Father Larkin. “God’s given me a second chance at high school to be a part of a beautiful, loving community.
“I get excited to come here in the morning.”
Becoming a chaplain wasn’t at the forefront of Father Skoch’s mind, either.
“I wanted what the church wanted,” he said. “I knew it was an option to be a chaplain since we have so many [schools].”
Carolyn (Kaiser) and Bill Brocker, members of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4 with a special blessing. The couple was married by Msgr. James P. McKenna at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Kevin Brocker, Steven Brocker (deceased), Christine Bina and Sarah Gile. They also have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Francis and Charlene (Crane) Lemery, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4 with a family dinner.
The couple was married Sept. 4, 1965, at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, by Father John Horvat. They had one child, Mark, who is deceased.
THEY TEACH ME SO MUCH. I ACTUALLY LEARNED HOW TO BE A PRIEST FROM THEM. I LEARNED HOW TO BE A SPIRITUAL FATHER FROM BEING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.
FATHER TIMOTHY SKOCH
CHAPLAIN OF BISHOP WARD HIGH SCHOOL
When Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann assigned him to both Ward and St. Patrick, Father Skoch was open to what was in store.
“I was really happy,” he said, “and I immediately started praying for both the parishioners and then the students of the community that I would be coming to.”
‘No method to the madness’
As August rolled around, both chaplains were beginning to prepare for another school year.
Father Larkin’s first major event was the Sunrise Mass at Aquinas on Aug. 13 — a tradition he started last year. The Mass is optional, held on the football field and for seniors only. Around 130 of them attended.
“What high schooler wakes up to go to a 6:30 Mass unless the faith is clearly important to them?” asked Father Larkin. “It’s very edifying to me to see.”
After Mass, Father Larkin participated in the annual freshmen red carpet welcome, where the students were greeted by faculty and seniors as they arrived for orientation.
As the year unfolds, he’ll work with
John and Judy (Redmond) Baltuska, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married at St. Therese Little Flower Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Mark, Diane and David. They also have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Jacqueline and Kenneth Breymeyer , members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 17 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Sept. 17, 1960, at St. Bernard Church, Wamego. Their children are: Marcy Weekley, Adam Breymeyer and April Meier. They also have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
his ministry team and continue to help with retreats like Kairos, and — like Father Skoch — celebrate all-school Masses, lead eucharistic adoration, offer the sacrament of reconciliation and visit classrooms.
At Bishop Ward, Father Skoch will also celebrate one class Mass a week, and on Fridays before school, he’ll lead “Jesus and Java” — optional time in eucharistic adoration followed by doughnuts and coffee.
For both chaplains, the most important part of their work is one they can’t prepare for: meeting students where they are.
“There’s no method to the madness when students are walking in [to my office],” said Father Skoch.
“Walking down the halls, you can pass four kids, and they’ll all be in a different mind space,” said Father Larkin. “One just nailed a test, one’s parents are getting divorced, one is just tired and doesn’t want to talk to anyone.
“You have to really think on your feet. What does this kid need at this moment? Which is usually just a word of encouragement or a smile.”
‘A spiritual father’
Father Skoch thought he would be the one teaching the students when he first became a chaplain.
“And they teach me so much,” he said. “I actually learned how to be a priest from them. I learned how to be a spiritual father from being at the high school.”
Although technology has changed, said Father Larkin, “by and large, high schoolers don’t change.”
“They have the same mentality, the same kind of worldview, as when I was in high school,” he continued. “The fashions changed and the hobbies change. But they’re all going through adolescence.”
The chaplains said students often raise thought-provoking questions.
Pat and Herb Nye, members of St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 16. The couple was married on Aug. 16, 1975, at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth. They celebrated with a family party hosted by their children. Their children are: David Nye and Amanda (Nye) Neugebauer. They also have three grandchildren.
John and Barbara Blaha, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 18 with a Mass and blessing at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park. The couple was married at Queen of the Holy Rosary by Msgr. Henry Gardner. They have two children: Christine Blaha and Father Nick Blaha.
“They’re searching for truth,” said Father Larkin, who welcomed 10 Aquinas students and two alums into the Catholic Church this past Easter. “That’s what [some] statistics show, particularly about Gen Z, is that they’re more religious than millennials are.
“I think they found such emptiness in their life that they are now turning to look for something more meaningful, something more profound.
“That’s really the beginning of the Christian journey, to just start searching.”
When a student approaches Father Skoch with a challenging question, “I try to say, ‘You answer that,’” he said. “Because if they’ll wrestle with it, then they’ll come to grips with it, [and then] they’ll actually understand [what they believe].”
The chaplains have won over the hearts of their communities by simply being themselves.
“They told us in [the] seminary, ‘Just be a normal guy,’” said Father Larkin. “By any means, be human.
“So, that’s the number one compliment I’ve received from students is something to the effect of, ‘You’re so approachable. You’re so easy to talk to.’”
And the chaplains aren’t alone in their mission.
Father Skoch called to mind something campus minister Deacon John Williams tells the faculty members at Bishop Ward: that they all have a part to play in the faith formation of students.
“We’re always on the front lines,” said Father Skoch. “If the students want to talk to us about things in their life, then we have to have that backbone of faith, hope and love.”
He looks forward to another school year at the place he calls “home.”
“Day in and day out, [the students] expect me to show up and for me to be there,” he said, “and that’s good.
“I want them to feel that because that’s my life — that’s a spiritual father.”
Gary and Dorothy (Steinlage) Becker , members of St. Patrick Parish, Corning, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 6. The couple was married at St. Patrick Church, Corning, on Sept. 6, 1975. Their children are: Shawn and Kurt. They also have six grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS
POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
• The couple’s names
• their parish
• the date they were married
• church and city where they were married
• what they are doing to celebrate
• date of the celebration
• names of children (no spouses)
• number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?
Call or text 913-621-2199
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>> Continued from page 4
- Convert: Term now reserved for those embracing Christian belief from a non-Christian background; not to be used for baptized Christians entering into full communion (Norm 18).
- Neophyte: Restricted to the newly baptized.
- Baptized Catholics who complete initiation are called newly confirmed.
- Baptized non-Catholics entering full communion are called newly received.
Specific Norms for Catechumens:
- Obligated to attend the Liturgy of the Word on Sundays and other holy days of obligation (Norm 8).
- May not celebrate the Rite of Election if in an irregular marriage until free to enter a canonical marriage (Norm 7).
- May not proclaim the Word of God or serve at the altar during the liturgy (Norm 11).
Record-Keeping Requirements:
- Catechumen Register - Parish Archive (Norm 16, OCIA 486):
o Name of catechumen
o Date and place of birth
o Names of sponsors
o Name of minister
o Date and place of Rite for Entrance
- Full Communion Register - Parish Archive (Norm 16, OCIA 486):
o Name of person received
o Date and place of baptism
o Date and place of birth
o Minister, parents, and sponsors
o Notation of spouse if married, with date and place of marriage
EMPLOYMENT
Head track coach - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a head track coach for the 2025-26 school year. Previous track coaching experience required. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@ bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.
Receptionist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a part-time receptionist to be responsible for operating the main switchboard, receiving all calls and visitors to the chancery, sorting mail and other clerical duties as assigned. Please visit “Employment Opportunities” on the bottom of the archdiocesan website at: archkck.org for more information or to apply.
Director of Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center
- Lead our retreat center in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, offering prayer, peace, hope and transformation. Oversee staff, programs and operations while maintaining Catholic identity and welcoming all. Strategic vision, team leadership and budget management required. Master’s in theology, spirituality or related field and 5+ years’ leadership experience preferred. Some evening/weekend flexibility needed. Resume and cover letter required Join a mission-driven, collaborative team serving spiritual needs. Apply at: www.scls.org/employees.
Video/multimedia marketing specialist - Are you an expert storyteller who loves creating impactful, compelling visual messages? Do you have 1-3 years of video, photography and graphic design experience? Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is now hiring a video/multimedia marketing specialist to spread our mission of providing help, hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable in our communities. Learn more and apply at: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers.
In-home care assistant - We are looking for an engaging in-home caregiver for our son with special needs in western Shawnee. He loves music, interacting with others, reading books and is learning new life skills. Help needed on Wednesday and Friday evenings and on weekends at $17/hr. Please call (785) 393-1589.
Mother’s helper needed - We will soon have 7 kids 10 and under and are looking for a strong, reliable helper for Mom. Shared tasks include: homework help, meal prep, light cleaning, laundry, kids transportation, etc. Hours: 2-9 p.m. M-F, from Nov. - Jan., then 3:30-7:30 p.m. thereafter. Start at end of September. Flexibility to help on days off school needed, too. Email for more info at: holly.hartong@gmail.com.
Nurse manager - Full-time (32 hours/week), on-site in Overland Park. At Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic, we know the heartbeat of compassionate care begins with those who lead it. We’re looking for a nurse manager — someone who brings not only strong clinical expertise, but the calm confidence and care it takes to lead a medical team with excellence, grace and purpose. This role isn’t just about doing the work of nursing — it’s about leading those who do. It’s about creating a steady, professional and peaceful atmosphere for both clients and staff. You’ll be the go-to for clinical operations, ensuring our services meet the highest standards of care, while also mentoring and supporting the nurses who serve on the front lines every day. This is a leadership role for the nurse who sees their calling not only in client care, but in caring for the caregivers. About you: You’re a licensed RN with a BSN and experience managing a nursing team. You’re organized, clear-headed, and calm in busy or sensitive situations. You love supporting and developing others — especially in a mission-driven setting. You bring both high standards and a gentle spirit to your leadership. You’re passionate about walking with women in tender, life-changing moments. You’re a person of faith who leads from a place of humility and integrity. Send resumes to: AndreaC@twolineskc.com.
Director of mission outreach and development
- Catholic Community Health is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve in this pivotal role responsible for expanding our external presence and securing critical funding to support our mission. As the sole lead for external integration and fundraising, you’ll drive community engagement, build strategic partnerships and lead all development efforts across parishes, dioceses and aligned organizations. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, passionate about faith-based outreach and energized by the opportunity to make a transformative impact through community connection and development. If interested, please send resume to Kendra Unruh at: kunruh@ CatholicCommunityHealth.org.
Victim care advocate - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a full-time victim care advocate who would be responsible for providing outreach and trauma-informed care to known survivors and their families. Please visit “Employment Opportunities” on the archdiocesan website at: archkck. org for more information or to apply.
Director of youth ministry - Curé of Ars in Leawood is seeking a full-time director of youth ministry who will lead the youth closer to Christ. This position will be dedicated to forming 5th-8th grade and high school students with the good news of Jesus Christ. For more information about this position, please see the job posting on the church website at: www.cureofars. com/careers. Resumes can be sent to Bernadette Myers, director of parish faith formation, at: bernadette myers@cureofars.com.
Small equipment cleaning/repair - A locally owned family business is currently seeking part-time candidates to provide cleaning and repair services on microscopes. Expenses paid, work done in the field and each day is different! No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided. Needs to be detail-oriented team player, with good time management and customer service skills. Some travel with the team is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@ gmail.com or call (913) 631-3000.
Administrative assistant - COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
A small family-owned company located in Lenexa is looking for an assistant to answer phones, invoicing, vendor relations, some shipping/receiving and assist in the sales process. We need a team member who is organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, trustworthy, has a positive attitude and, above all else, gives excellent customer service. Schedule flexibility. Send your resume to: YourCareer101@gmail.com or call (913) 6313000. Please call me with any questions.
Maintenance technician - St. Francis de Sales Church in Lansing has an opening for a part-time maintenance technician. This position will provide for the proper maintenance and repair of the church, parish hall, grounds, parking lots, equipment, building systems and general security. Equipment includes HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical. The maintenance technician will work with outside contractors and inspectors as necessary. Previous similar experience required. Knowledge of email is helpful. Professional communication, organizational and multitasking skills are important. Monday through Friday daytime hours are normal and some evenings and weekends may be required. Contact Carolyn Klemp at: businessmanager@stfrancislansing.org or call (913) 727-3742 to request a job application.
Youth minister - St. Francis de Sales Church in Lansing has an opening for a part-time youth minister. This position will develop curriculum and plan onand off-site youth activities alongside the director of faith formation. They will also promote the spiritual, personal, and social development of youth, while maintaining frequent communication with parents and adult leaders. Ability to effectively communicate, provide guidance and support, and plan and organize events are essential. Experience working with youth in a church setting preferred. Attendance at Sunday evening sessions is expected. Some other work can be completed remotely. Job requires some overnight stays. Contact Carolyn Klemp at: business manager@stfrancislansing.org or (913) 727-3742 to request a job application.
Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Job openings: English literacy instructor - P.A.S.S. (Preparing Academically Successful Students) - part time. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
Catholic elementary school principal - St. Matthew School in Topeka is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs. org/apply. For more information, contact Vince Cascone at: vcascone@archkckcs.org.
Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not other- wise be served Faculty job openings - Nursing faculty, full-time evenings; nursing faculty, full-time M - F. Adjunct faculty job openings - Adjunct instructor nursing; Adjunct instructor Accounting; clinical adjunct instructor - nursing; - P.A.S.S. (Preparing Academically Successful Students) - part time. Adjunct faculty Lansing Correctional Campus - Adjunct instructor - math; adjunct instructor - accounting; clinical adjunct instructor - Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly. edu/careers.
Music director - St. Joseph Church in Shawnee invites applications for the position of full-time director of music. St. Joseph is a large suburban parish that boasts a renovated church featuring an Allen 3-manual organ and Steinway piano. The director of music will oversee all musical aspects of parish liturgical events, including five weekend Masses, solemnities, feasts and special occasions. Responsibilities encompass directing four choirs, supervising four paid organists and scheduling all music ministers. Candidates should demonstrate a strong Roman Catholic faith, deep knowledge of liturgy, and exceptional proficiency in keyboard playing, conducting and voice development. This role requires proactive leadership, effective communication and a passion for nurturing spiritual growth through music. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their resume to: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 248-4562.
Associate director of music - The Church of the Nativity Parish and School in Leawood seek a full-time associate director of music to join our team. The associate director of music collaborates with the director of music and our pastor to oversee the liturgical life of the parish and lead our community in song at Masses, sacramental celebrations, and other liturgies and parish events. A deep love of Jesus Christ and an authentic desire to support our community’s full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy animate the ministry carried out by the associate director of music. Qualified candidates will possess strong organ and piano accompaniment ability, experience working with cantors and choirs, outstanding communication skills, a passion for excellence and a desire to collaborate with the director of music in all areas of the music ministry program. Competitive salary and benefits are offered commensurate with experience. For a full job description and application instructions, please visit: https://kcnativity.org/ employment-music-ministry.
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.
SERVICES
Pure Touch Cleaning KC
Summer’s dust out, Autumn’s fresh in! Make your home clean, fresh & cozy this fall. We’ll clear away summer’s dust so you can enjoy a warm, inviting space all season long. Family-friendly, reliable & professional. Call and book today! (913) 999-6267.
Garage door sales, service and installation - Repair broken springs and cables. 40 years of experience. 24-hour service. Call Tim at (816) 946-9990.
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.
Two men and a brush - Refresh, repaint, renew your home with painting you can trust! Call for a free estimate on your house, deck or fence! Call John at (402) 763-7244.
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
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.
Pre-owned car sales - If you or someone you know is in need of a quality pre-owned car or needs an appraisal on one, I can help. Please reach out to: Bill@ CarMax at (913) 437-6667 and I’ll guide you through the process. We are happy to support Call to Share; thank you for supporting us.
Popcorn ceiling texture removal
Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
!!Early 2025 painting discount!! - At Stone Painting we offer interior and exterior house painting services. Check out our work at: www.stonepaintingkc.com.
Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
Catholic end-of-life doula, grief coach and spiritual director - Feeling overwhelmed by grief, caring for aging parents, supporting a loved one at life’s end or just need a quiet space to notice where God is active in you life? I am Rhonda, a Catholic end-of-life doula, grief coach and spiritual director. I offer heartfelt guidance and prayerful companionship during difficult times. You don’t have to do this alone. Call me at (913) 954-8574, or visit: www.this-one-life.com.
Double A’s Lawn Service Lawn mowing, Mulching, Gutters, Leaf Removal Brush Removal & Hedge Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195
Aluminum wheelchair ramp - Sales and installation customized to your needs. Serving all of northeast Kansas. Call McCourt Construction at (785) 224-4961.
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.
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!
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
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.
CONCIERGE DR.S NOW FREE WITH HSA TAX SAVINGS FROM NEW BUDGET BILL! Randal Brown, MD Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology
Announcing a new Catholic-based medical practice now open in Prairie Village at Corinth Square (83rd and Mission Rd). I offer 25 years of private practice experience in general and subspecialty care. We promise to utilize the U.S. bishops’ directives for authentic Catholic health care. Book your appointment directly through my website at: direct-catholichealthcare.com or email me with any questions at: brownrandal@icloud.com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Shepaint Cabinets - Looking for a stunning, high-quality cabinet transformation? Shepaint Cabinets is a women-owned and operated business. I bring precision, passion and a personal touch to every project. Detail-driven service with a personal touch, reliable, efficient and customer-focused. Your dream kitchen is just a coat of paint away! Call/text (816) 806-4375 for a free quote. Let’s create something beautiful together!
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.
REAL ESTATE
Looking to buy or sell a home? - Buy or sell a home with someone who understands your values. We are a Catholic-owned, faith-driven team of Realtors, dedicated to helping fellow Catholics buy or sell homes in our community. We bring integrity, compassion and a commitment to your needs. Let us be part of your journey. Call Kevin Holmes (owner) at (913) 553-0539.
We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer, (913) 599-5000.
We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.
PILGRIMAGE
Mexico pilgrimage - Feb. 9-14, 2026. A spiritual journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other sacred sites rich in Catholic faith and history. Experience daily Mass, prayer and inspiring visits to beautiful churches and holy places. Strengthen your faith and be renewed in a land alive with devotion. Contact Father Bill McEvoy at: Fr.Wm.McEvoy@gmail. com for details.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - Dec. 27. 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026. $2895 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, 2 meals/day and daily local guide. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. For details, email Grace Legaspi at: mgracelegaspi@ gmail.com.
FOR SALE
For sale - Temple Stuart dining set. Hutch, table, 6 chairs (2 captain, 4 regular), dry sink, server/bar, 2 leaves. Call Mike at (913) 764-3241 for dimensions and interest. Located in Olathe.
For sale - One cemetery plot located in Lenexa at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd St. and Quivira Rd. Location lot 116, section A, space 4. Asking $2000. Buyer pays transfer fee of $250. Contact Terry at (913) 888-9590 or email: terryhensel22@gmail.com.
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PROJECT JOSEPH RETREAT
(Address given after registration)
Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Project Joseph is hosting a retreat for men who have been involved in an abortion. Learn how abortion affects men, reflect on how it may have impacted you, and learn ways to cope, heal and move past its effects on your life. This retreat is free. A continental breakfast, lunch and materials will be provided. To register, send an email to: projectrachelkc@ archkck.org or call/text (913) 621-2199.
END OF SUMMER SOCIAL GATHERING WITH THE SISTERS
Sisters, Servants of Mary Convent
800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas
Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All are welcome to join the Sisters, Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, for hot dogs and ice cream on the backyard patio at the convent. Cost is a freewill donation.
THE HOLY SMOKIN’
JAMBOREE
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church
2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 6 and 7
Enjoy an outdoor family event with great food, drinks, barbecue, bingo, cakewalk, car show, crafts, raffles, silent auction and live music featuring The Bash at 6 p.m. Saturday night with a beer garden. Outdoor Mass, roast beef dinner and a live auction are on Sunday. $2 wristbands for all-day kids games, inflatables and activities! See the schedule of events and register for the 5K run/walk, car show and cornhole tournament online at: holysmokinjamboree.org.
PARISH MISSION
St. Francis de Sales Church 900 Ida St., Lansing Sept. 7 - 11
The “Enter the Journey Mission” will begin at 6 p.m. in the church and will last about 75 minutes, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments in the parish hall. For more information, call Todd Giefer at (913) 406-0471 or Teresa Wilson at (913) 553-1897.
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Church of the Nativity
3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Sept. 9 to March 3, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
The Men of Nativity will host a chapterby-chapter study of the Gospel of John every Tuesday. You need not attend the first session to attend later ones.
ICARE MINISTRIES MASS
Queen of the Holy Rosary
7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Sept. 13 at 6 p.m.
iCare ministries provides two adapted Mass opportunities per month for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Questions? Send an email to: icarenek@gmail.com. Go online to: icare-ministries.org for more information about this and other activities.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS
Divine Mercy Church
555 W. Main St., Gardner Sept. 14 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles and drinks. The cost is: $6 for those age 13 and over; free for ages 12 and under.
DON LIPOVAC ‘ONE OF A KIND’ EXHIBIT
Strawberry Hill Museum
720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas Weekends through Sept. 21
The exhibit highlights Don Lipovac’s love of his Slovenian heritage and the expansive range of his musical talents. For reservations, go online to: strawberryhill museum.org.
HEARTACHE TO HEALING
Lenexa Public Market
8750 Penrose Lane, Lenexa Sept. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Living without your spouse is hard. Come join our social support group for those widowed early in life. There will be games to play and food and drink available to purchase. Meet at the big tables by the coffee bar. An emailed RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to Laura at: khaeus1@hotmail.com, or Damon at: damon452@yahoo.com.
ESTATE PLANNING 101
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church (hall)
2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 24 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Speaker will be Vince Cox, attorney at law at Cavanaugh, Biggs & Lemon, P.A. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or by contacting Mitch Nolan at (913) 647-3070 or by email at: mnolan@archkck.org.
ENCOUNTER WITH GOD THROUGH ART (in Spanish only)
Sophia Spirituality Center
751 S. 8th St., Atchison
Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a retreat day of prayer through silence, Scripture and creative expression, led by Sister Helga Leija, OSB. No art experience is needed — just an open heart. Materials are included. Space is limited. For information, visit: www.mountosb.org.
STOP TRAFFICKING PROJECT
St. Michael the Archangel Church 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood Sept. 25 from 7 to 8 p.m.
This presentation is about keeping kids safe online and is geared toward youth (grades 6-12). School administrators and adults are also welcome. For more information, contact Sister Lucia Maria Sol, SCTJM, at (913) 402-3950.
RETROUVAILLE OF KANSAS CITY
Savior Pastoral Center
12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas
Sept. 26 to 28
Is your marriage struggling or do you know a marriage that is struggling? Retrouvaille is a program that helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This is a practical program to improve communication and help couples connect. Life is too short to not live in joy. Sign up online at: www.helpourmarriage. org or call 1 (800) 470-2230.
HOLY FAMILY PARISH SLOVENEFEST
Msgr. Mejak Hall
513 Ohio St., Kansas City, Kansas
Sept. 27 from 5 - 9 p.m.
The celebration will begin with Mass at 4 p.m. at Holy Family Church at 274 Orchard St. There will be a traditional Slovenian dinner, mega money raffle, mini silent auction, children and adult games, cultural booth and souvenirs. The Brian McCarty Band will furnish music and dancing. For information, call the parish office at (913) 413-0022; go online to: www.holyfamilychurchkck.org; or find us on Facebook.
2025 MONKRUN
St. Benedict’s Abbey
1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison
Sept. 27 from 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Join the monks for a morning 5K run or one mile walk! Check-in opens at 8 a.m. and the run begins at 9 a.m. The $28 entry fee, includes a T-shirt ($18 for kids 14 and under). All proceeds for this event contribute to our Good Samaritan Fund to benefit the playground for First Steps with Abbey day care. For more information and to register your group, visit our website at: kansasmonks.org/events.
ST. JOHN FALL BAZAAR
St. John Church (hall)
406 Prairie St., Greeley
Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
St. John Parish is hosting its annual fall bazaar. All are welcome to partake in raffles, the country store and bake sale. Dinein and carryout lunch is available: turkey and dressing, noodles and ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sides, homemade desserts and drinks. The cost is: $15 for adults; $6 for children; and $15 for carryouts.
SACRED HEART FALL FEST ’25
Sacred Heart Church
1100 West St., Tonganoxie Sept. 28 from 12 to 4 p.m.
There will be pulled pork, baked beans, cheesy potatoes and a drink for $14. A full concession stand with hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, candy and soda as well as a beer tent will also be available. Purchase a $10 wrist band for the kids to enjoy yard games, face painting, balloon objects and a bounce house all afternoon. Adults can try their luck with poker, heads or tails or the Human Slot Machine. Other activities include a cakewalk and silent auction. For more information, visit the website at: www.shcct.com.
HARVEST MEAL
St. Mary Church
9208 Main St., St. Benedict Sept. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. Mary Parish will be hosting their annual harvest meal, serving pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, baked beans and cookies. Dine-in or carryout meals will be available for a freewill offering.
SIXTH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY HILL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Sunflower Hills Golf Course
12200 Riverview Ave, Bonner Springs Oct. 6 - 1 p.m. shotgun start
Dinner and refreshments will be provided. The cost is $100/player until Sept. 15; $125/player after. Contact Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833 or by email at: cshomin@everestkc.net
HOLY SPIRIT GOLF OUTING
Heritage Park Golf Course 16447 Constance St., Olathe Oct. 6 at 9 a.m.
The Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus will host a golf outing. It will be a four-person best ball with shotgun start. Green fees, cart, two beverage tickets and barbecue lunch catered by Mr. P’s are all included for $75 per golfer. Call Greg Davis at (913) 800-0581 to register or Everett Fritz at (913) 831-8097 to discuss hole sponsorship opportunities. Proceeds benefit the three seminarians at Holy Spirit Parish.
PRO-LIFE DINNER
Fiorella’s Event Space
9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park Oct. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The cost of $100 per person includes the social, dinner and keynote speech by Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee. All proceeds benefit the Vitae Foundation. For additional information, contact Lisa Barnett at: lisa.barnett@vitaefoundation.org.
GRIEFSHARE
Divine Mercy Church
555 W. Main St., Gardner
Thursdays 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Ongoing through Oct. 23
Divine Mercy Parish is partnering with GriefShare to host a bereavement support group which will run for 13 weeks. There is a recommended participant guide that is available for $15 (to be paid at the first meeting) but it is not required. Hear insights from experts and meet others who understand what you are going through. Register online at: griefshare.org/findagroup.
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Small farm/business operation opportunity - STA Home Repair is moving to another state. Looking to sell property and business assets: 1955 Oregon Road, Princeton, Kansas. 3 buildings, 1 Barndo/Shop, RV hookups – 200 Amp service with portable heat and AC – office, kitchen area – 10-foot garage door and entry door, 1 cabin with wood stove and AC/shop, 1 pole barn, 2 sinks, 1 shower, 1 toilet, stocked pond, boat and equipment storage over half fenced, multiple gardens, minifarm, bring the horses. Great for contractor with trailers, 25-30 minutes to Gardner or intermodal facility; 35-40 minutes to Olathe and Overland Park; and less than 10 minutes to Ottawa. Close to the Hillsdale and Pomona lakes. Asking $290,000. Cash and/ or pre-approved financing. Showing by appointment only. Text name and number to (913) 579-1835.
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)
CAREGIVING
Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
Caregiver - 40 years of experience — a.m., p.m. and evening sessions available. Call Ophelia at (913) 5797276 or Rhonda at (913) 279-1281.
WANTED TO BUY
Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
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.
$$Paying Cash$$ - 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. Wanted to buy - Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad, sterling, OLD holiday/toys and more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
Classified Advertising
Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: olivia.martin@theleaven.org
Celebrate Constitution week Sept. 17-23
Celebrate the 238th birthday of the U.S. Constitution during Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23.
The Constitution was adopted on Sept. 17, 1787. The first amendment provides us the freedom of religion. Constitution Week was signed into law in 1955 to promote awareness and study of the Constitution.
The Daughters of American Revolution urged citizens to fly their flags and celebrate our freedoms the Constitution provides.
SOLUTION
DAILY READINGS
TWENTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
Sept. 7
TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
Wis 9: 13-18b
Ps 90: 3-6, 12-17
Phlm 9-10, 12-17
Lk 14: 25-33
Sept. 8
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mi 5: 1-4a
Ps 13: 6abc
Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23
Sept. 9
Peter Claver, priest
Col 2: 6-15
Ps 145: 1b-2, 8-11
Lk 6: 12-19
Sept. 10
Wednesday
Col 3: 1-11
Ps 145: 2-3, 10-13b Lk 6: 20-26
Sept. 11
Thursday
Col 3: 12-17
Ps 150: 1b-6
Lk 6: 27-38
Sept. 12
Friday
The Most Holy Name of Mary
1 Tm 1: 1-2, 12-14
Ps 16: 1b-2a, 5, 7-8, 11 Lk 6: 39-42
Sept. 13
John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor of the church
1 Tm 1: 15-17
Ps 113: 1b-7
Lk 6: 43-49
TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
Sept. 14
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Nm 21: 4b-9
Ps 78: 1b-2, 34-38
Phil 2: 6-11
Jn 3: 13-17
Sept. 15
Our Lady of Sorrows
1 Tm 2: 1-8
Ps 28: 2, 7-9
Jn 19: 25-27
Sept. 16
Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs
1 Tm 3: 1-13
Ps 101: 1b-3b, 5-6
Lk 7: 11-17
Sept. 17
Robert Bellarmine, bishop, doctor of the church; Hildegard of Bingen, virgin, doctor of the church
1 Tm 3: 14-16
Ps 111: 1-6
Lk 7: 31-35
Sept. 18
Thursday
1 Tm 4: 12-16
Ps 111: 7-10
Lk 7: 36-50
Sept. 19
Januarius, bishop, martyr
1 Tm 6: 2c-12
Ps 49: 6-10, 17-20
Lk 8: 1-3
Sept. 20
Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang and companions, martyrs
1 Tm 6: 13-16
Ps 100: 1b-5
Lk 8: 4-15
Please take note of
For people around my age, saying the words “Big Chief” at this time of year probably triggers a smile or two.
Memories of those big, reddish, “newsprint quality” writing tablets with the stoic Native American on the front will certainly come to mind. I spent countless hours writing on those widespaced lines learning to print the alphabet and later to write in cursive using the Palmer method.
The tablet was first mass-produced by the Western Tablet Co. in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1906 for a nickel. Just for fun, I went to see if any were still offered by Amazon and, of course, they were. (The price was now $5.99 with a $4.99 delivery charge.) But I digress.
I’m sure that it was those tablets that made me fascinated not only with writing but also with recording memorable items. It’s a habit that persists to this day. While I no longer
MARK MY WORDS
Ause a Big Chief tablet — I suppose that I’m too cheap to pay $10.98 (plus tax) for those 48 sheets of nostalgia — I continue to be on the lookout for things that intrigue me. The shorter ones, like quotes or ideas, I write down in a 6-by-8-inch spiral notebook; the longer entries, like stories, I pop in a manila folder. The entries come from a wide variety of sources: the Scriptures, TV shows,
novels, prayer books, magazines, pamphlets, spiritual reading or things heard in conversations. I write them down so that I’ll continue to be inspired or challenged by them . . . and, as I get older, so that I won’t forget them!
Since September is a time when activities in parishes intensify and volunteer drives get underway, this snippet from a letter from The Christophers charity in my files would be appropriate to ponder:
In 2019, Frank Siller was honored at a Christoper Awards ceremony. He’s the chairman and CEO of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers
Foundation, created to honor his firefighter brother Stephen who was killed rescuing people on 9/11 at the World Trade Center.
In his acceptance speech, Frank explained that his parents always modeled a spirit of giving and encouraged it in their children. He recalled his first Communion gifts when he received $26 in cash, a fortune for an 8-year-old. That night, his parents asked him, “What do you think you should do with the money?
We know a very poor family that could use some help.”
Knowing his parents’ commitment to helping the poor, Frank felt scared that they’d ask him to give it all away. But they only asked him to donate $13, which left him ecstatic at the time. But here’s the point of the story. Frank explained, “I don’t remember what I did with the $13 I kept. I have never forgotten about the $13 that I gave away. And that
was the lesson that was taught to me: the lesson of giving and doing for other people.”
That story and its wise advice would have been long ago lost to memory without my trusty notebook and manila folder. I’d suggest we all become students as this brand-new school year shifts into high gear by keeping our own book of memorable ideas. Why not tackle a little homework this week to get you started: Grab a notebook, open it and scribble down your first three entries. For the record, not everything in my notebook is serious! I’ll close with a couple of these more amusing entries:
• “Contentment is when your earning power equals your yearning power.”
• Ever notice when you put the words “The” and “IRS” together it spells “Theirs”? (Wow, doesn’t this explain a lot!)
‘There really is no such thing as a part-time disciple’
sabbath dinner, Jesus is at the home of a Pharisee.
Jesus heals a man, a scandalous miracle on the sabbath. He justifies the act by saying that of course he should’ve healed the man, that anyone would do the same for his son or even for cattle. What’s strange or wrong, he asks, about this wondrous work? He leaves them speechless (Lk 14:1-6).
The miracle, anyway, was meant to give way to talk about the kingdom, which is basically what the rest of Luke 14 is about.
And then, in this Sunday’s reading, Jesus
14:25-33). He is trying to pry his disciples and would-be followers from relying on everything they are normally accustomed to rely on.
Jesus is not ultimately saying his disciples should erase or ignore all family bonds, but that they should be decisively subordinated to their following Jesus.
as a part-time disciple. Being a Christian can’t be a side gig. Being a fake Christian can, but not a real one.
repeats the lesson he’s been teaching for several chapters (Lk
He is calling his disciples to consider a truly radical reordering of their lives. Which is why Jesus suggests his would-be disciples think about it a little, that they “count the cost” (Lk 14:28). Because there really is no such thing
The questions, therefore, are questions about false reliance and presumption. Do we rely solely on ourselves and on our wealth, chasing after the security we think money or worldly success offers? That’s as much a problem today, and an eternal danger, as it was then; we should beg for the gift of faith.
Or do we think our religious status affords us a guaranteed ticket to the kingdom? Congratulations, you were baptized a Catholic and
went to Catholic school, but do you know the Lord? Just outside the doors of the heavenly kingdom, will the Lord say he knows you on that day? “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus says (Mt 7:21). You see what’s at stake here?
When reading the Gospels, I always ask myself if I can identify not just with the saint but also with the sinner in the story, or the ignorant or the villain; often I can.
It’s always a sobering but ultimately helpful spiritual exercise.
Hope is knowing that God is near and that love will win, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christian hope is not about avoiding pain and suffering but about knowing that God gives people the strength to persevere and to love even when things go wrong, Pope Leo XIV said.
When Jesus allowed himself to be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, he showed that “Christian
hope is not evasion, but decision,” the pope told thousands of people gathered in the Vatican audience hall Aug. 27 for his weekly general audience.
“The way that Jesus exercised his freedom in the face of death teaches us not to fear suffering, but to persevere in confident trust in God’s providential care,” the
pope said in his address to English speakers.
“If we surrender to God’s will and freely give our lives in love for others, the Father’s grace will sustain us in every trial and enable us to bear abundant fruit for the salvation of our brothers and sisters,” he said.
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.
FATHER
MARK GOLDASICH
Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
Diaconate program yields 74 deacons in 20 years
Twenty years ago, the archdiocese began accepting applications for our first deacon cohort. We’ve come a long way since then.
This month, we are welcoming our sixth deacon cohort. A deacon “cohort” is a group of men formally responding to a possible vocation to the permanent diaconate. They undergo several years of formation as they, their families and the church discern God’s call in their lives.
Along the way, the cohort tends to develop into a close brotherhood, which is beautiful to experience.
Cohort 6 is a group of 10 married men
IDEACON LEON SUPRENANT
Deacon Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate. He may be reached at: leons@archkck.org.
from diverse cultures, backgrounds and stages of life. They will be joined by four men from the Diocese
ORDAINED TO SERVE
of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, who will also be receiving their formation from us.
These men are entering “aspirancy,” which is the first stage of diaconal formation.
This initial two-year stage is a period of intense discernment, with a particular emphasis on their human and spiritual formation.
They will join the 13 men in cohort 5, which is already well on its way toward prospective ordination in 2028. The men in cohort 5 have passed from “aspirancy” to “candidacy.”
This year, the candidates in cohort 5 will serve an internship in prison ministry, while receiving further spiritual, liturgical and theological formation. Please pray for all our aspirants and candidates!
Twenty years ago, aside from men who were “transitional” deacons (i.e., on the way to priesthood), we didn’t have deacons serving in the archdiocese, nor did we have a program in place for
forming men for the “permanent” diaconate.
Thanks to the leadership of Archbishops Keleher and Naumann, and above all by the grace of God, we now have 74 deacons serving in the archdiocese, and two additional deacons serving outside the archdiocese.
At last count, our deacons are serving at 51 of our parishes in the archdiocese. And yet, as significant as their parish service is, it only scratches the surface of the impact our deacons are making in our local communities.
Our deacons are agents of charity and mercy, especially
among populations “on the margins.” We have many deacons serving the materially and spiritually poor throughout the archdiocese in ministries to the imprisoned, forgotten, ostracized, sick and dying. Our deacons are also by nature synodal, or “communion organizers,” as we seek to build as many bridges as we can within the family of God.
In short, through their humble service at the altar and in the community, deacons are icons — or embodiments — of Christ the Servant, inviting all the faithful to lives of charity and communion.
Survey’s ‘middle ground’ offers fertile soil for engagement
n a world growing less interested in institutional religion and less tolerant of moral truth, it was interesting to read the latest Pew study (June 2025) citing that 47% of all adults in the United States have a personal or family connection to the Catholic faith.
Of that group, 20% of U.S. adults self-identify as Catholics. In an effort to measure “observance,” Pew offered three areas of activity — prayer, Mass attendance and the reception of sacramental confession. In their self-assessment, 13% of those identifying as Catholics qualified as deeply observant
ALONG THE WAY
EMILY LOPEZ
Emily Lopez is the lead consultant for adult evangelization.
in that they practiced daily prayer, attended Mass weekly and received confession at least once a year. On the other hand,
13% of those identifying as Catholic also qualified as nonobservant in their admission of seldom/never praying, seldom/never attending Mass and never going to confession. Between those two groups are 74% of Catholics.
My guess is that you can name someone in
each of these groups, labeled as observant or nonobservant. Most likely, you are related or know them as a close friend. However, between these two groups are those 74% of self-identified Catholics.
This group in the middle is an interesting bunch. While self-identifying as Catholic, they are only moderately engaged in the most important sacramental and relational tenets of our faith. And yet they are attached.
In a society intent on personal preference and impulsive behavior, they continue to remain tethered to some part of their faith life. This tether, fragile
as it may be, presents a significant opening for evangelization. Many of them pray occasionally, attend Mass on major feasts or retain Catholic identity for family reasons. These practices —though inconsistent — signal that the roots of faith have not been lost, only neglected.
For the church, this middle ground is fertile soil. For us — as the church — these are occasions for engagement and accompaniment.
This study provides the background for us to know that we are living in a time of great opportunity.
Despite turmoil in the past 15 years, both
within and outside of the institutional church, there remains a tether of something connecting the individual soul to the practice of Catholic faith.
With joyful witness, authentic listening and personal accompaniment, many in this group can be drawn into deeper practice.
In other words, evangelization in the United States may not begin from a place of absence, but from reawakening a presence already there.
Let us step into the opportunities that God gives each of us to share his joy with others, trusting the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide those we love!
Your Call to Share dollars have been hard at work this summer
Equal sacrifice, not equal gift amount. Recently, I was speaking with some of the new pastors from across the archdiocese and my favorite topic came up: stewardship.
We are all called to sacrifice as part of living a life of stewardship and participation in our faith. A sacrifice for one may be too heavy a burden for some, while for others it may seem too small.
This summer, the stewardship office has been busy working through the database conversion. As shared in our emails and in The Leaven, we introduced the database change this
LISA MCKELVEY
Lisa McKelvey is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lmckelvey@archkck.org.
summer and it is our hope that no additional changes will be necessary in the near future.
We are deeply grateful for the many who have shown such grace and generosity through this transition, whether by catching up on missed gifts or patiently working with us as we reestablished recurring gifts. Your kindness, understanding and encouragement have
been a true blessing to our staff throughout the summer.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to restart your gift, we invite you to do so by calling our office or going online to: give.archkck.org.
At this point in the year, we are about $500,000 away from our goal for the 2025 Archbishop’s Call to Share annual appeal. ACTS funds over 40 vital ministries sharing the Gospel with people across the archdiocese.
Here are just a few ways your gifts made an impact:
• Over 1,700 young people attend Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch each
summer. Your gifts help support the ranch and make camp accessible to all.
• The Totus Tuus program reached parishes throughout the archdiocese with three teams of young adult missionaries, 12 in total, bringing the program to communities in every corner of the archdiocese.
• The office of youth ministry provides the education and training of parish youth leaders across the archdiocese.
This summer, those trained leaders made a significant impact in their parishes with vacation Bible schools, retreats, mission trips and conferences like
Youth Conference.
To those who have already supported Archbishop’s Call to Share this year, THANK YOU!
To those of you who have not made a gift this year, I invite you to prayerfully consider joining nearly 12,500 other families from across the archdiocese with a gift today. To make a gift today, or to make an additional gift, go online to: give. archkck.org.
If you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to call or email the office of stewardship and development.
Steubenville
Faith, fellowship and formation at heart of second annual Flush Youth Rally
FLUSH — St. Joseph Church here welcomed more than 100 youth on Aug. 16 for the second annual Flush Youth Rally.
The event, organized around the theme “Fishers of Men,” welcomed youth from 7th to 12th grade for a full day of faith, fellowship and formation.
The day was kicked off by the powerful message of Nick Redd, a Catholic speaker and cofounder of The Freedom Group. A 15-year veteran of NET Ministries and Saint Paul’s Outreach, he is now leading a movement he describes as a way to equip men with the tools, community and spiritual depth they need to thrive.
Redd was followed by Father Gale Hammerschmidt of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan, who inspired with his engaging and relatable message of living out one’s faith with courage and authenticity.
Participants then broke into two groups: Angie Bittner,
rural youth ministry outreach coordinator for the archdiocese, led a discussion with the girls, while Anthony Kowal, a Fellowship of Catholic University Students leader at Fort Hays State University, facilitated the boys’ discussions.
The Knights of Columbus provided the cookout for the young attendees and adult volunteers alike. The event was made possible by the support of several generous local donors.
The day concluded with a sunset Mass celebrated by Father Hammerschmidt.
Organizers were pleased with the increase in attendance over last year, saying the goal of the rally is simple: to provide a space where young people can encounter Christ, build lasting friendships and be empowered to live as “Fishers of Men” in their everyday lives.
Plans for the third annual Flush Youth Rally are already underway. It is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2026.
PHOTO BY SARA MCCARN
More than 100 youth from St. Joseph Parish in Flush and St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, gathered at St. Joseph Church for the second annual Flush Youth Rally. Above, youth engage in an activity before Nick Redd’s opening address.
PHOTO BY SARA MCCARN
Nick Redd, a Catholic speaker and cofounder of The Freedom Group, delivers the opening message at the Flush Youth Rally.
PHOTO BY SARA MCCARN
Father Gale Hammerschmidt, chaplain of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan, talks about living out one’s faith with courage and authenticity.
PHOTO BY SARA MCCARN
The Flush Youth Rally concluded with a sunset Mass on the church grounds. The event, organized around the theme “Fishers of Men,” welcomed participants from 7th to 12th grade. With the success of the youth rally, another has been planned for Aug. 15, 2026.