THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 47, NO. 17 | DECEMBER 19, 2025
May our celebration of Christ’s birth at the conclusion of this
Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope renew our sense of faith, hope and charity
in a world so desperately in need of God’s love and peace. As we continue our journey forward, may the peace of this holy night guide us into the fullness of God’s gifts. Merry Christmas!
Archbishop Shawn McKnight
Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann
2 LOCAL NEWS Rita and John Grace, members of Christ the King Parish, To p ek a , celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family vacation to Florida this past June. The couple was married on Dec. 27, 1975, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina. Their children are: Ryan Grace, Overland Park; and Sara (Grace) Huebert, Topeka. They also have 12 grandchildren. Joseph V. and Judith A. (Trum) Arnold, members of Immaculate ConceptionSt. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with friends and family in November. The couple was married on Dec. 27, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church, Leavenworth, by Msgr. Joseph Selting. Their children are: Joseph Jr., Mary Patricia, Deacon Stephen and David. They also have 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Stan and Cindy (Laska) Murphy, members of St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family Christmas holiday in Kimberling, Missouri. The couple was married on Dec. 27, 1975, at St. Thomas Church, Stockton. Their children are: Gabrielle Headley, Kansas City, Missouri; Paul Murphy, Independence, Missouri; and Toby Murphy, Shawnee. They also have five grandchildren.
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG John and Martha (Drugan) Nash, m e m bers of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, celeb ra t e d their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends Dec. 13 at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Kansas City, Missouri. The couple was married on Dec. 30, 1965, at the naval base in Philadelphia, with a marriage convalidation on Jan. 8, 1966, at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna, Ohio. They have three children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Richard and Glenda Peters, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a family dinner and a marriage blessing at Mass. The couple was married at Assumption Church, Topeka, by Msgr. Eugene Vallely on Dec. 31, 1960. Their children are: Stephen Peters, Marc Peters and Karen Solcher. They also have six grandchildren and 10 great-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 WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
About the cover photo The cover photo is a 17th-century painting titled “The Madonna and Child” by Il Sassoferrato (Giovanni Battista Salvi). The solemnity of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day of obligation, is celebrated Dec. 25.
ARCHBISHOP MCKNIGHT Dec. 21 “Quo Vadis” retreat closing Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Chapel Vespers with archdiocesan deacons — Savior Pastoral Center Dec. 22 Vespers and dinner with seminarians and formation team — Savior Dec. 23 Advent Mass and luncheon for chancery staff — Savior Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 28 Closing Mass of the Holy Year, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Dec. 30 Blessing of Archbishop Emeritus Naumann’s new residence — Community of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kansas
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS NAUMANN Dec. 20 Vigil Mass — Prince of Peace, Olathe Dec. 23 Advent Mass and luncheon — Savior Dec. 30 Blessing of St. Joseph House — Community of the Lamb
A
Father Arano-Ponce reinstated
rchbishop Shawn McKnight has announced that Father Jerry Arano-Ponce has been reinstated to full active ministry at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea, effective immediately. In an announcement to Queen of the Holy Rosary parishioners, Archbishop McKnight explained that a thorough investigation by civil authorities and the church has determined that no civil or church laws were violated. As a result, his reinstatement was made possible, with specific requirements in place intended to strengthen the parish’s spirit of mutual care and responsibility. Archbishop McKnight recognizes how difficult this situation has been for all who are involved. He expresses his gratitude to those who have voiced
their concerns, Father Jerry, and the Queen of the Holy Rosary community, for their patience throughout this process. He prays that the parish remains a safe haven for all and a place where the community is brought closer to one another and to Christ. 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.
LOCAL NEWS 3
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Jack Bowen (left), Graham Woosley and Graham’s mom Kaitlin team up to wrap gifts in Shirley Collier’s kindergarten class.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Robby Crow and his mom Erica work together to wrap a gift for Red Bags KC at St. Ann School in Prairie Village on Dec. 4.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Kindergarten student Blair Bodenhamer colors in a piece of paper to include with the school’s Red Bag donations.
ST. ANN SEES RED St. Ann School has been a strong supporter of Red Bags KC for more than 40 years
P
RAIRIE VILLAGE — For the 41st year, Red Bags KC is making Christmas bright for families in need across the Kansas City metro area. The Red Bag program, founded by the late Daniel Jacobs, a longtime parishioner at St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, invites businesses, churches, families, schools and other groups to collect and wrap Christmas gifts for families and foster children in need. St. Ann School has been a strong supporter of the program from the start. This year, the school and friends of the parish collected gifts for 201 children. They were wrapped and placed in red bags, then loaded into a truck by the eighth grade class on Dec. 5. The bags were delivered to the Ball Conference Center in Olathe the following day and will be distributed to families and children ahead of Christmas.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Emily Greene and her daughter Mary Grace cut wrapping paper for a gift for Red Bags KC. St. Ann School and friends of the parish collected gifts for 201 children this year, and the entire program collected gifts for 2,282 children and 72 families.
Eighth grader Adelynn Schwartz carries a bag filled with donated gifts to be loaded into the back of a truck. In the background are eighth graders Palmer Jackson (left) and Noah Ghavami waiting their turn. It’s a tradition for St. Ann’s eighth grade class to load the truck each year.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS
St. Ann eighth graders load a truck with red bags packed with Christmas gifts that will be delivered to families and foster children around the Kansas City metro area. From back to front with fully visible faces are: Vivian Stecklein, Livia Sciachetano, Palmer Jackson, June Langenbach and Caroline Koester. President Most Rev. Shawn McKnight
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the fifth Friday in October, Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the two Fridays after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $25/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter/Social Media Editor Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Reporter John Sorce john.sorce@theleaven.org
Production/Business Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org Editorial Assistant Olivia Martin-Davies olivia.martin@theleaven.org
4 LOCAL NEWS
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
John Chavez has been a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish for most of his life. He and his wife Loretta were among the founders of the parish’s biggest event — its annual fiesta — in 1981.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
Father John Toepfer, OFM Cap., the parish’s pastor, and Angela Zysk, chair of the centennial celebration committee, speak during the celebration dinner held Nov. 22.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
While enjoying food and fellowship at the celebration dinner, parishioners took time to enjoy the historical displays chronicling the history of the parish church.
Lawrence parish celebrates 100 years ‘united in faith’ By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org
L
AWRENCE — One hundred prayers. An ornament-making session. A dinner featuring barbecue, Mexican and German cuisine. And a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Shawn McKnight. These are just a few of the ways the 800 families of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence celebrated the centennial anniversary of its church the weekend of Nov. 22-23. Although the parish was established in the 1850s, its current church was dedicated by Bishop John Ward on Nov. 26, 1925. Father Jordan Rojas, OFM Cap., has served as the parish’s associate pastor since 2024, but pastor Father John Toepfer, OFM Cap., began his tenure here just earlier this year. His ties to the parish, however, date back to his college days. “Our theme this year has been: ‘I am the vine, you are the branches,’” explained Angela Zysk, chair of the centennial committee. “And this evening our love for Jesus and each other are shining through our parish charism of hospitality. Our logo is: ‘One hundred years, one St. John,’ because we are united in our faith.” In his remarks, Father John elaborated on that theme, quoting what Jesus said in John’s Gospel: “I am the vine, and you are the branches. And whoever remains in me . . . and I in him will bear much fruit.” “We thought that captures the spirit of St. John Parish,” Father John continued. “That all of us here — each one of us — are here because of our faith in Jesus Christ, who is the true vine. And every one of us are branches of that vine, each one of us who are called to bear fruit for the kingdom of God.” All of this, he concluded, is “because of our faith. It’s because way back in 1855, there was a small group of Catholic families who came together and said, ‘We want to live our Catholic faith.’ And they found a priest in Lecompton, Kansas, and they brought him to town. “But we also want to walk confidently, hopefully and joyfully into the next 100 years.” One couple that has joyfully served the parish for decades is the family of John Chavez. At 89, John, along with his wife Loretta, has countless memories of the parish. Although he was baptized at St. Theresa Church in Perry, John’s earliest memories of St. John’s begin around age 4. One of 15 kids, he remembers going to Mass every Sunday. Growing up, he recalls serving as an altar boy, and he specifically recalls when the parish hosted a
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrates the 100th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist Church in Lawrence on Nov. 23. Although the parish was established in the 1850s, its current church was dedicated by Bishop John Ward on Nov. 26, 1925. Concelebrating with the archbishop are, from left, Father John Toepfer, OFM Cap., pastor; Father Jordan Rojas, OFM Cap., associate pastor; and emcee Father Keith Chadwick (kneeling).
LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON
As part of the celebration’s festivities held Nov. 22, children of the parish were invited for a “Kid’s Night Out” and enjoyed pizza, a dance party and making Christmas ornaments in the shape of the parish church. watermelon feed for altar boys in 1949. He still has a picture from that one-andonly event. He was around 12 or 13. After John married Loretta, the two lived in Topeka for 17 years, returning to the parish in 1975 with their family that eventually grew to include 10 children. The couple soon joined the choir, as did other family members. After their son died, John volunteered to mow the grass at the parish cemetery located directly across the street from their home. In succeeding years, they found countless
other ways to be involved in parish life. But they are best known for helping to found the parish’s annual fiesta. Held every June since 1981, the fiesta is one of the parish’s biggest celebrations and fundraisers, drawing hundreds from the parish and the community at large. It includes Mass, Mexican food and mariachi music, among other activities. The all-day event involves hundreds of volunteers, many of them members of the Chavez family. And while John and Loretta were
unable to attend the centennial celebration, their family was one of the many that Father Jordan was no doubt thinking of when he offered a roll call of gratitude the evening of the celebration dinner, thanking parishioners who had been in the parish for different periods of time, beginning with those who had been members within the parish for 90 years or more and ending with those parishioners who had become members within the past five years. As he progressed through the groups, he mentioned qualities they bring to the community — joy, steadfastness and service, among others. “Truly, you’re the living stones of this parish,” he said, “the ones Christ has gathered, has shaped, has carried, has knit together over a century of grace.” Father Jordan concluded by saying he sometimes sits in the church in the dark, running his hands over the pews while contemplating “the amount of heartbreak, sadness, happiness, joys, celebrations that have touched those pews.” “Every prayer whispered, every candle lit, every sacrament received, every act of service offered, God has used it all to build something far greater than any one of us,” he added. “So, [tonight] you don’t just celebrate the building. You don’t. You celebrate what God has been building in and through all of us.”
LOCAL NEWS 5
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
JPII SCHOOL ROTATION HELPS FORM NURSES OF FAITH Nurses inspire each other to unite faith with professionalism
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
From left, school nurse Christine Kuhlmann at John Paul II in Overland Park, student nurse Lauren Ring from Benedictine College and John Paul II principal Kathleen Mersman are pictured in the nurse’s office at the school. Each year, BC nursing students rotate between clinicals, practicing different kinds of nursing. This year, several worked with Kuhlmann at John Paul II.
By Catherine Halbmaier Special to The Leaven
O
VERLAND PARK — All Catholics are called to see their work as a vocation. Few professions challenge one to unite faith with work like nursing. At John Paul II School here, student nurses from Benedictine College in Atchison demonstrate this every day. Each year, Benedictine nursing students do a rotation of clinicals, practicing different kinds of nursing. This year, several worked with school nurse Christine Kuhlmann at John Paul II, and their performance astounded her. “I feel like they truly care about the lives of others, and they each had their own unique stories of how they got to become a student nurse,” Kuhlmann said. “They all had such an unwavering commitment to patient care, and so many great questions. They truly had a beautiful faith in God, and I’m just so impressed with their professionalism and dedication.” In any setting, the unity of faith and vocation is a beautiful thing for nurses to have. Principal Kathleen Mersman explained the importance of students witnessing this in the school setting. “I just think it’s such an amazing program,” Mersman said of Benedictine’s nursing school, “because it brings nurses into our school so that maybe they’ll consider school nurse as a route professionally, and also in the Catholic school specifically.” “There’s so much more to being a school nurse than what people think,” added Mersman. “Before I was principal, I didn’t give it much thought beyond kids coming with a stomachache or a headache. But they do so much more. [School nurses] spot issues, whether somebody is not eating right or not getting enough to eat . . . or just is anxious and in the nurse’s office all the time. They just really are on the front lines of noticing problems.” One of this semester’s student nurses, said Mersman, was particularly interested in learning to watch for those sometimes hidden problems. As a current Benedictine senior, Lauren Ring has seen her share of clinicals. Giving her best to John Paul II was just the latest stage in her pursuit of nursing as a vocation. “The nursing program has done such a good job of connecting my faith to my mission of being a nurse,” said Ring. “I’m not just being a nurse and
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Student nurse Lauren Ring from Benedictine College in Atchison examines John Paul II student Isabella Marrufo-Aguilar. Isabella is 8.
THE NURSING PROGRAM HAS DONE SUCH A GOOD JOB OF CONNECTING MY FAITH TO MY MISSION OF BEING A NURSE. I’M NOT JUST BEING A NURSE AND I’M CATHOLIC; NURSING IS MY VOCATION. LAUREN RING BENEDICTINE STUDENT NURSE
I’m Catholic; nursing is my vocation. This is what I was meant to do.” Benedictine’s program has taught Ring to care for her patients holistically — in mind, body and spirit. However, her passion for nursing was present
before she started college. “When I was in high school I went through a really rough time medically for like a year,” Ring said. “I was in the hospital for about a year, and I met a lot of great nurses. They were so amazing and they were just really good examples. It reminded me of when we talk about Christ caring for the sick.” Through the example of the nurses that cared for her, Ring was inspired to pursue the profession herself. “I was a senior in high school when I went into remission, and I was kind of lost,” she said. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and I was thinking back on my time in the hospital. I realized I want to care for people like how I was cared for.” Through experience and education, Ring’s desire to care for others blossomed into a vocation. She and her classmates are set to be nurses formed not just by excellent academic standards, but in faith.
Now only a semester away from graduation, Ring is still learning what that vocation looks like in different environments. Her time at John Paul II offered a new perspective. “To work with [Kuhlmann], the nurse that was there, and see how she’s integrated her faith and the faith of the school as a whole with nursing, I feel like I got like a new perspective,” Ring said. “It goes back to the fact that it’s not just about healing an ailment necessarily. It’s all about listening to your patients, talking with them — maybe it’s about praying with them.” Ring may have learned from Kuhlmann’s integration of faith and profession, but for Kuhlmann, it was inspiring to see young nurses with such zeal and genuine care for their patients. “They truly had a beautiful faith in God. . . . I am so excited that these girls are going to be our future, the people that are taking care of me when I’m older,” Kuhlmann said.
6 LOCAL NEWS
T
he two women who taught me the most about hospitality know how to make more space at the table. My mother and my mother-in-law both have a gift for making a warm, welcoming home where there is always room for one more. When I remember holidays past, my favorite memories come from the years when my older siblings were in college and brought friends home for the breaks, filling our house with laughter and energy. Looking back now as a mother of many myself, I’m floored to think how easily my mom could change her holiday plans with a moment’s notice, adding another chair (or four) to the table. She never made anyone feel like they were a burden: You belonged with us. When I learned how my in-laws celebrated holidays, I was struck by two facts: my motherin-law often insisted that everyone should sit at one long table (so no one felt left out), and she always invited folks outside the family to join us for holidays. Over the years, I sat next to seminarians from Nigeria, neighbors from Egypt, families from Colombia and friends from nearby who simply needed a place to spend a day when no one should be alone. Taken together,
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Widen your welcome this Christmas season
LAURA KELLY FANUCCI Laura Kelly Fanucci is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality.
these two matriarchs taught me everything about hosting holidays. Cast a wide net, like Christ did. Trust there will always be enough — food, space, patience and laughter. Notice who’s not there and make space for them. As the holidays approach, it’s time to think about those who will join us for our feasts but also those who won’t be at the table. Last month, in November, we prayed for our beloved dead, so naturally our thoughts turn to those who are no longer with us physically. But in our communities, there are also countless folks whose circumstances have been dramatically ruptured in the past year — by divorce, diagnosis, economic crisis or political divisions. Can we make space in our
OSV NEWS PHOTO/JACLYN LIPPELMANN, CATHOLIC STANDARD
A file photo shows a family praying during Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington. prayers or a place at our table for those who are suffering deeply in this season? In the Gospels, Jesus calls us to expand our circles of concern and compassion, not limiting our definition of neighbor to family and friends but always urging us to include others. Feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned: These are the terms by which we will be judged (Mt 25:31-46). Our children and grandchildren will also be formed and shaped by our own practices
of Christian care and hospitality — both for those we love and those we barely know. How might Christ be nudging you to welcome someone for the holidays or to pray for those who are struggling? Once we notice who’s missing from our tables, we can do one of two things. We can widen our welcome, or we can keep in mind those who aren’t there. First, we can pull another chair up to the table to make more space. Is there a neighbor who doesn’t
have family nearby? Are there new immigrants in your parish or co-workers in your office who might not have a place to celebrate the holidays? Take a Christ-like leap and reach out with an invitation. What a powerful example to set for the kids in your life — to show them that your family is always ready to welcome (even the stranger who might be Christ in disguise). Second, we can make time and space within our holiday gatherings to remember those who are
absent. A candle at the table for each loved one who has died. A phone call to a family member deployed overseas. A time during your mealtime grace to pray by name for all those who are missed or mourned at this joyful time. Above all else, let us welcome strangers in our prayers as we start the season when we remember the Holy Family who were turned away in their hour of need: God, help us to see who’s missing and help us to make more space for all those you call us to love.
Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free
Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe thrives despite the cold at St. Paul Parish in Olathe
O
LATHE — Even as he went out into the cold, dark night to lead the public procession of his St. Paul parishioners through the streets of Olathe, pastor Father Michael Hermes already knew what one of his favorite moments would be. “My favorite song we sing in the procession,” he told The Leaven, “is ‘Ven con nosotros a caminar, Santa Maria.’ The first verse says: ‘As you walk through life, you are never alone, with you on the way, Holy Mary goes.’” Many of Father Hermes’ paIn December 1531, on the Hill rishioners have grown up particof Tepeyac near Mexico City, the ipating in this annual procession Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to their home church to celebrate to Juan Diego, a humble Indigher feast. enous convert to Catholicism. “The procession has always Speaking in his native language Nahuatl, she asked him to tell been an important public expresthe local bishop to build a shrine sion of love for Our Lady of Guain her honor so she could care dalupe, who in the apparition for her people. When the bishop is carrying Jesus in her womb, requested a sign, Mary instructbringing Our Lord and Savior to ed Juan Diego to gather roses us,” Father Hermes said. “Also, that were inexplicably blooming at the same time, there is a sense in winter and gather them in his that Our Lady is walking with us tilma. When he revealed the roses to the bishop, her image in the procession, through the was miraculously imprinted on journey of life, as we walk to the the cloak, inspiring a worldwide church to celebrate the Eucharist devotion that endures to this and give thanks to Jesus Christ.” day. A chapel was built on the This year’s procession on hill, eventually becoming the BaDec. 11 drew hundreds of particsilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, ipants, despite 31-degree temps and her feast is celebrated each and wind gusts up to 29 mph. The year on Dec. 12. procession route was 4.3 miles long. Following the procession, participants gathered for a traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at the church, complete with colorful costumes, dancing and children placing flowers at the base of Our Lady of Guadalupe to symbolize the miracle of the roses.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Some participants in the procession brought their own Our Lady of Guadalupe statues along for the march.
Hundreds of parishioners of St. Paul Parish in Olathe took part in an Our Lady of Guadalupe procession through the ne completed the nearly five-mile procession to end up back at the church for Mass and a reception.
Father Agustin Martinez, associate pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, offers a blessing to the participants in the pro Lady of Guadalupe.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Humberto Montoya plays the part of the Indigenous emperor giving his flower offering to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
eighborhood surrounding the parish. Despite a temperature of 31 degrees with winds up to 29 mph, the group
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
ocession, as well as the statue of Our
Father Martinez, and Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish, celebrated a traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at the church following the procession.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
An unidentified parishioner participates in the traditional devotion by placing a rose at the feet of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
LOCAL NEWS 11
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Keeler Women’s Center: Where ministry’s in motion
By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If Christmas is a season of goodwill and togetherness, then at Keeler Women’s Center here every day is
Christmas. A ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, the center provides a wide array of free classes, educational workshops, support groups, spiritual direction and other services to community members and more. This year alone it has served almost 9,000 people. More than 150 volunteers make it all possible. “We have four paid staff members,” said director Sister Bridget Dickason. “We would not be able to offer the breadth of services we have without the wonderful volunteers God has sent us.” People help in any way they can — whether it’s being a receptionist, leading a workshop or tutoring Easy English. “The center also has a couple of volunteer counselors and attorneys,” said Sister Bridget. “That’s a huge gift,” But why do so many volunteer here? “It’s very fulfilling,” said Peg Burns who has led the Gospel of Nonviolence group for 10 years. “The staff is kind; it’s a community. “It’s a place to be connected to people and give what you can and receive what you can.” Connie Anderson who has volunteered at Keeler for 20 years said, “Everything that happens there happens for a reason. “Everything they do is to help people feel warm and comfortable and respected. It’s just amazing to me.” Indeed, the moment you walk in the front door, you’re welcomed by a friendly face and a hospitality table well stocked with fresh flowers, hot coffee and something delicious to eat. Visitors can enjoy a moment of peace, read a book, visit with a friend, or join a program and learn anything from knitting to food preparation to managing Google Docs or aging gracefully. “I encourage anybody to enter into Keeler Women’s Center by going to a class,” said Burns. “And then, see what they can contribute. “It’s rewarding. It’s a very comfortable, easy way to live the Gospel by sharing and giving.”
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Former director of the Sophia Spirituality Center Sister Carol Anne Peterson, OSB, (right) was the founding director of the Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Here she catches up with old friends like volunteer Pat Callaghan (middle) at the center’s annual Christmas party.
Find out more To learn more about Keeler Women’s Center, visit the website at: mount osb.org/keeler-womens-center.
This month at its annual Christmas party, Keeler Women’s Center celebrated at the Wyandotte County Museum with a dessert bar, raffle prizes and museum tours. It also honored Anderson, Burns and Sister Loretta McGuire, OSB, who are retiring after many years of volunteer service. Anderson is an oblate with the Benedictine Sisters whom she met when she taught at Catholic schools in Atchison. When her family moved to Prairie Village, she wanted to continue her involvement with the Benedictines. At first, she volunteered as a receptionist at Keeler. But her love of teaching
and helping immigrant families led her to tutoring Easy English. “Easy English is a wonderful program for anyone [for whom] English is not their native language,” she said. “And it is just absolutely an honor for me to meet and work with some of these amazing people.” At Keeler, Anderson sees God’s will in action, and she highly recommends people visit. “Keeler offers lots of things that people can get involved in,” she said. “But it also helps whoever walks in the door. “And they don’t charge for any of this. It’s just out of the goodness of their hearts.” For the past seven years, Anderson and her husband were on the board of directors for Mount St. Scholastica’s fundraiser Night of Dreams. “I just want to say it has been an honor to work at Keeler Women’s Center,” she said. “I feel like every day
“Regardless of the type of services you desire, we can help to make them special. We are here to serve you and your family.”
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that I’m there I’m enriched, maybe more than the people are enriched that I meet with.” Burns is also a Benedictine oblate and came to Keeler Women’s Center with a curriculum she had developed for teaching Gospel nonviolence. For 11 years, her group has studied retreat masters who teach the gospel of nonviolence. “So that we can transform ourselves into people who can meet anyone coming to our door, or on the street, as Christ,” she said. She sees her involvement as an opportunity to live the Gospel. “This is a natural way to use what you were given as a ministry,” she said. “It’s what we do. We live the Gospel and we live the works of mercy.” Sister Loretta, a certified grief counselor, treasures the time she’s spent helping people manage bereavement. “Keeler is a wonderful place,” she said. “And I have appreciated the fact that I was able to do grief counseling from its very beginning. I served a great diversity of people in need and trust. “They trusted me enough to come and tell me their story.” For Sister Loretta, the center was a place to encounter Christ. “I believe every person is the image and likeness of Christ and there was just a confirmation that Christ resided in all of them. “It was God who helped me be able to do what I did, and I had the support of the community behind me. I was never alone.” As the new year begins, Sister Bridget hopes more people will come to participate in this generous community. “If anybody would love to volunteer,” she said, “I would be happy to help them discern their gifts and how they can share them with the community. “Come check us out. It’s a wonderful place we love to share with everyone.”
12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Benet House Retreat Center director - Benet House is seeking a full-time director who is responsible for all operations, including programming retreats throughout the year. Benet House Retreat Center is owned and operated by the Sisters of St. Benedict at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois. It is located on 90 acres with walking paths, a wooded area, a lake and an abundance of wildlife. Benet House “welcomes each person as Christ” (RB) and is open to all faiths. The applicant must have at least 3 years’ experience in retreat ministry. For more information, go to: www.smmsisters.org/retreats or take a tour at: https://smmsisters.org/virtual-monastery. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should speak to your qualifications and leadership experience. Please email to: rbussan@ smmsisters.org. Advancement officer – St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence is seeking a full-time advancement officer to build and steward donor relationships, lead fundraising efforts, support board activities and grow engagement among alumni, parents and benefactors. Candidates must be practicing Catholics with strong communication skills and the ability to request significant financial commitments in person, meeting with 20-plus donors per month; fundraising experience preferred. Salary with benefits included. Send resume, cover letter and three references to chief operating officer Matt Kemnitz at: mkemnitz@kucatholic.org. Outreach manager at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas - Do you have a passion for educating and advocating on social justice issues? Catholic Charities is seeking a compassionate, joy-filled and motivated individual to serve as an outreach manager. Primary responsibilities include leading the outreach team in the areas of community and parish engagement, poverty education and federal food programming across the 21 counties of the archdiocese. To learn more or apply, visit: https://catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/. Parish missionary to youth - Church of the Ascension in Overland Park is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven individual to help craft, launch and sustain a new Catholic youth program focused on high school teens. This position will play a key role in shaping the vision, culture and ongoing growth of this initiative. The ideal candidate is outgoing, skilled at networking and able to build trust across a wide range of ages, including teens, parents, parish staff and adult volunteers. This individual will engage both churched and unchurched youth, inviting them into deeper participation in the life of the parish. Responsibilities include recruiting, training and forming a core team of adult and teen leaders; organizing outreach initiatives built around interest groups; and facilitating retreats, mission trips, service projects and potential diocesan events as avenues for evangelization and encounter. We believe that accompanying teens through intentional, one-on-one mentoring is essential to this role and central to fostering authentic discipleship. All interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing the gifts and qualities they would bring to this position along with a resume to Dr. William O’Leary at: woleary@kcascension.org. Part-time music coordinator - Do you have a strong knowledge of sacred music and Catholic liturgy? Are you organized and enjoy planning, coordinating, scheduling and collaborating with people? If so, Sacred Heart Church in Shawnee has the perfect role for you! This position is nonplaying and focuses on administration, scheduling and volunteer support, but requires a strong knowledge of music and Catholic liturgy to ensure the proper and prayerful selection of music for all parish liturgies. Visit employment opportunities at: www.shoj.org to apply! Caregivers needed - Daughters & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG 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) 631-3000. Please call me with any questions. Administrative assistant - Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are seeking an experienced administrative assistant to provide high-level support for Sisters in leadership (three councilors). This role requires organizational skills, professionalism and the ability to discreetly handle a wide variety of sensitive and confidential information. This position acts in a manner that is reflective of the philosophy and mission of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Resume and cover letter required. For the full job description, to review additional open positions and/or to apply, please visit our website: https://www.scls.org/employees. Part-time kitchen assistant - Nativity School in Leawood is seeking a part-time kitchen assistant, 8 to 15 hours a week. Duties will include prepping food, serving food, setting up/breaking down food service line and garden bar, cleaning and washing dishes. Any candidate hired will need to pass a criminal background check and attend Virtus training as conditions of employment. Applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org. Catholic elementary school principal - Holy Spirit School in Overland Park 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. Facilities director - Villa St. Francis is seeking a facilities director to direct the maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds through maintenance staff, as well as inspect completed work for conformance to standards and policies. Prior maintenance and leadership experience is preferred. If interested, please contact Kendra Unruh at: KUnruh@ CatholicCommunityHealth.org. 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. Office property manager - Edwardsville Court Apartments is seeking an office property manager. We are willing to train you. Inquiries, please call (913) 441-6007. 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, onthe-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.
SERVICES Joe’s Decks & More Deck and fence repair, mowing and handyman services Member of St. Joseph in Shawnee (913) 449-9848 Pure Touch Cleaning KC - Bringing warmth and comfort back into your home this winter! Locally owned • Women-led • Family-based care you can trust. Deep cleans • Regular maintenance • Move-in/out • Holiday prep. Call/text: Owner Nicole (913) 999-6267. Let us make your home feel fresh, cozy and ready for the season. 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
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, long-term care and annuity products with other Catholics. This is a fulltime 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) 408-8800, or john.mahon@kofc.org.
Pro Force Property Cleanout Services - Full home and property cleanouts: furniture, appliances, trash. Yard cleanup including trees or any debris. We do eviction or foreclosure cleanouts, move in, move out. Cleanouts throughout the Greater Kansas City area. Call Michael at (913) 565-5206 or email: MichaelMcMahan012@gmail.com.
Catholic elementary school principal - St. Matthew School in Topeka is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Vince Cascone at: vcascone@ archkckcs.org.
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!
Tutor - Pre-K-12-college. All subjects. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sliding scale rates. Text HELP to (913) 259-4553. Sacred Heart Counseling - Are you looking for counseling from an authentic Catholic perspective? We have offices in Olathe, Leawood and Atchison; openings days, evenings and weekends. Book online at: Sacred HeartCounselingKC.com, in-person or telehealth. Bill Dean Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling, Electrical, and Plumbing wmdean14@hotmail.com, billdeanmechanical.com Joco lic. # 2026-0008446, text or call (913) 724-3294 MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/ unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 927-4347 or email: mike@mikehammer moving.com. Landscaping Design or Renovate! Light tree trimming/gutters Fall cleanup/leaf removal Free estimates; local parishioners. Call Charles or Emily (913) 605-8145. 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. Double A’s Lawn Service Lawn mowing, Mulching, Gutters, Leaf Removal Brush Removal & Hedge Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195 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. 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. 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. 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
HOME IMPROVEMENT Haus to Home Remodeling - Transform your space with affordable remodeling done right. Bathrooms, basements and everything in between — crafted with honesty and quality. Family-owned with free estimates. Haustohomekc.com | Cole (913) 544-7352. 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, sunrooms 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.
FOR SALE 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. For sale - Two plots in Resurrection North Cemetery, off of Cookingham Rd., in Kansas City, Missouri. Both plots are located in the Annunciation Garden, lot 185, section D, spaces 3 and 4. Beautiful location, shaded area with benches close by and easy access from the cemetery road. Value is $2095 each, selling both for $3000, which includes perpetual care. Please contact Chuck at (816) 519-9288 and leave a voicemail; I will return your call within the same day.
For sale - $275,000; lovely 2-bed/2-bath, 1st-floor, 1300 sq. ft. corner unit condo in Fort Myers, Florida. 20 minutes from beaches. Fully furnished, Catholic- owned second home; NOT an Airbnb. Used 4 months/year for the past 15 years. Pet/smoke free. Financially solid, quiet community. Large pool. Never flooded. Contact Enrico (720) 688-4974 for photos/details. For sale - Glass front double niche at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa; Holy Family Mausoleum, Jesus Son of God corridor, tier A, niche 24. Eye-level, includes 2 Arlington urns. Asking $10,000. Buyer pays $250 transfer fee. Contact Bill at (913) 708-3110. For sale - Crypt plot at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Asking $4500. Buyer pays transfer fee. Call (913) 227-9146. 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.)
PILGRIMAGE Mexico City Pilgrimage - Join Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann on pilgrimage to Mexico City Feb. 27 to March 2, 2026. Four-day, life-changing experience! Stand before the miraculous image created by God on St. Juan Diego’s tilma at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and visit the Sisters of Mary Girlstown, where faith and education transform lives. Limited space! Register by Jan. 30 at: https://world villages.org/events/naumann. Email: pilgrimages@ worldvillages.org or call 1 (800) 662-6316. European pilgrimage - March 15-25, 2026, join Father William Carey, Deacon Tom Doyle and Grace Legaspi on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Lourdes and Paris. Celebrate Mass at Lourdes, Sacre Coeur overlooking Paris and at the place where Our Lady gave us the Miraculous Medal. See the incorrupt body of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and the updated Notre Dame Cathedral! Traverse the steps millions have climbed on Apparition Hill. Email Grace at: mgracelegaspi@gmail.com for details. Peru Pilgrimage: Evangelization of the Ancient Incas – July 19-30, 2026. Join us for an unforgettable 11-day journey from Lima to the Sacred Valley, exploring Machu Picchu, Cusco and the lives of saints like St. Rose of Lima. Experience the dramatic encounter between the ancient Incas and the flourishing Catholic baroque of Peru. Space is limited! Early bird pricing until Feb. 19, 2026. For details, email: olivia.stear@viaheritagetravel.com.
WANTED TO BUY BUYING OIL & GAS ROYALTIES Simplify your life. Paying 48 times average last 6 months income. Call Dan (913) 980-0946. 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. CASH PAID FOR COIN COLLECTIONS! Silver dollar coins, half-dollars, quarters, dimes, old pennies. Cash in hand. Also paying cash for old paper currency. Cash in that old dusty box of coins! Call Kirk (913) 213-9843. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Please sell to local people.
REAL ESTATE 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.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - Homecare CNA with 15 years’ experience. Monday-Friday. Call (913) 526-0797. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.
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DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
ICARE LIVING NATIVITY MASS Queen of the Holy Rosary 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.
The iCare Ministries Living Nativity Mass includes an adapted liturgy for those with special needs and their families. A family social will follow Mass. Send an email to: icarenek@gmail.com with questions. Go online to: icare-ministries.org for more information about this and other activities.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA St. Patrick Church 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 21 from 8 to 11 a.m.
Bring the kids to see Santa. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. A freewill offering will be accepted.
BOOK DISCUSSION Online (Zoom) Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.
Join our book discussion of “Francis of Assisi, Universal Saint” with author Linda Lysakowski, sponsored by the Kansas Franciscan Justice Circle. After Jan. 6, we will have 10 online Zoom meetings every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Each meeting will focus on one chapter of the book with plenty of time for discussion. For more information and to register, send an email to: lysakobook@gmail.com.
NEW YEAR RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Jan. 9 to Jan. 11
Step back from the busyness of life, reflect on what truly matters and prioritize your most important goals for the year
ahead. The retreat includes spiritual talks, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and opportunities for spiritual direction, reflection and nature walks. To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: Christs Peace.com or call (913) 773-8255.
BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Church 555 W. Main St., Gardner Jan. 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Breakfast will include eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles and drinks. Cost will be $6 for those over the age of 13; free for 12 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.
SEASONS OF HOPE Sts. Peter and Paul Parish 411 Pioneer, Seneca Sundays at 5 p.m.
Seasons of Hope is a Christ-centered support group that is a nurturing link to the church, the Almighty and anyone of faith who is mourning. Those mourning a loss are invited to come and bring a guest. For more information, call or text: Julie Strathman at (785) 294-8360; Roger Becker at (785) 3646393; or Janet Hermesch at (785) 294-0779.
EXPERIENCE A COMMUNITY WITH HEART Santa Marta Retirement Community 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe Wednesdays from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Join us and enjoy a small sample of what life is like at our community. On Walkin Wednesdays, learn about the Santa Marta community. To RSVP or find a complete list of our upcoming events, call (913) 489-2683 or visit the website at: Santa MartaRetirement.com/Events.
14 COLUMNISTS
May the Christmas story take hold of our lives
DAILY READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 21 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 7: 10-14 Ps 24: 1-6 Rom 1: 1-7 Mt 1: 18-24 Dec. 22 Monday 1 Sm 1: 24-28 (Ps) 1 Sm 2: 1, 4-8d Lk 1: 46-56 Dec. 23 John of Kanty, priest Mal 3: 1-4, 23-24 Ps 25: 4-5b, 8-10, 14 Lk 1: 57-66 Dec. 24 VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Is 62: 1-5 Ps 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25 Mt 1: 1-25 Dec. 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS) Is 62: 11-12 Ps 97: 1, 6, 11-12 Ti 3: 4-7 Lk 2: 15-20 Dec. 26 STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59 Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc-17 Mt 10: 17-22 Dec. 27 JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST 1 Jn 1: 1-4 Ps 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Jn 20: 1a, 2-8 Dec. 28 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14 Ps 128: 1-5 Col 3: 12-21 Mt 2: 13-15, 19-23 Dec. 29 FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 3-11 Ps 96: 1-3, 5b-6 Lk 2: 22-35 Dec. 30 SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 12-17 Ps 96: 7-10 Lk 2: 36-40 Dec. 31 SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 18-21 Ps 96: 1-2, 11-13 Jn 1: 1-18 Jan. 1 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD Nm 6: 22-27 Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8 Gal 4: 4-7 Lk 2: 16-21 Jan. 2 Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops, doctors of the church 1 Jn 2: 22-28 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 1: 19-28 Jan. 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus 1 Jn 2:29 – 3:6 Ps 98: 1, 3c-6 Jn 1: 29-34
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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ou can’t outdo the Christmas story. The best we humans can do is create ones that convey how that birth of a Child in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago continues to impact our world. With that in mind, consider this tale: In World War II, a soldier was on duty on Christmas morning. It had been his custom to attend Midnight Mass every Christmas with his family but now, serving in the army on the outlying districts of London, this was impossible. So, with some of his soldier buddies, as dawn was breaking, he walked down the road that led to the city. Soon, they came upon an old, gray, stone building over whose main door was carved the words: Queen Ann’s Orphanage. They decided to knock and see what kind of celebration was taking place inside. In response to their knock, a matron came and explained that the children were orphans
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MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
whose parents had been killed in one of the many bombings that took place in London. The soldiers went inside just as the children were tumbling out of bed. There was no Christmas tree in the corner, no presents. The soldiers moved around the room wishing the children, “Merry Christmas!” and giving them whatever gifts they had in their pockets: a stick of chewing gum, a Life Saver, a nickel, a dime, a
pencil, a pocketknife, a good luck charm. The soldier who had gotten his buddies together noticed a little fellow alone in the corner — a kid who looked an awful lot like his nephew back home. Approaching the child, he said, “And you, little guy, what do you want for Christmas?” The kid looked up and said, “Will you hold me?” The soldier, with tears brimming in his eyes, picked up the little boy and held him very close in his arms. (Story found in William S. Bausch’s “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”) Somewhere along the way, we became confused about an
important Christmas word. It’s not really “presents,” the material gifts we give, as nice as those are; rather, it’s all about “presence,” being there for one another in imitation of Jesus who chose to dwell among us. That soldier in the story above understood this: There’s no material gift that can compare with holding one another. This Christmas, in addition to any presents you bring to family and friends, don’t forget the “presence,” the incredible joy of being with people you love. Let hugs and laughter be abundant. But leave room for others in these days as well: • Hold in memory family and friends who are no longer physically present around your Christmas tree and table. • Hold in prayer those for whom Christmas is a sad time: folks who have recently lost a loved one; people who are lonely or feel forgotten; those burdened by health concerns, finan-
cial worries or lack of the necessities of life. • Hold in your heart those who are far from home during the holidays: members of the military serving abroad; those financially unable to afford to go home; students studying in foreign countries. (This last one I know, having spent six Christmases away from home while a seminarian in Rome.) • Hold close people who lack Christ’s gift of peace: folks in wartorn areas; splintered families; people struggling with addictions or mental illness. Let’s be “present” to those we share Christmas with and all who are in need as we send out this prayer: “May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the Magi and the peace of the Christ Child. Almighty God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — bless you now and forever.” (Author Unknown)
Are you brave enough to welcome Christ into your world?
t sounds so simple. This Sunday, we hear St. Matthew’s account of the events leading up to Christ’s birth and it begins with an almost matter-of-fact declaration: “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.” A few sentences later, it concludes with Joseph awakening from a dream and doing what he was told to do: “He named him Jesus.” That’s it. But is it? Of course, we all know there was more to the story. While this bare-bones narrative seems to skip over some of the most memorable details — it is another evangelist, Luke,
DEACON GREG KANDRA Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.
who provides us with things like the Annunciation, the inn with no
room and a manger for a bed — what Matthew offers us is an abridged version of something urgent and important. There’s a message here for all of us, and not just for Christmas. Put simply: Matthew’s account shows us what it takes to bring Jesus into our world. Hearing this brief passage, we realize that this Gospel is much more than a history lesson in “how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.” It’s also a lesson in how we can not only get ready for Christmas, but how we can continue to bring Christ into our world. First, we need to be able to believe. Be
willing to take a leap of faith. Set aside skepticism and be open to wonder. This passage begins with a miracle, a virgin conceiving a child. Understand that our God is the God of astonishment and possibility. Expect the unexpected. The Holy Spirit can spark amazement and miracles — and even bring about something as improbable as a virgin being with child. Secondly, we need to be fearless — and, of course, be open to the advice of angels. What does Joseph hear in his dream? An angel speaks to him the same words Gabriel spoke to Mary at the Annuncia-
tion: “Do not be afraid.” If we want to welcome Christ, if we want him to come into our world, we need to be brave enough and bold enough to let it happen. Finally, we need to be awake. Joseph was only able to do what the angel told him after he’d awakened from sleep. He welcomed a new day and saw the path before him with fresh clarity and focus. And from that moment on, he quietly, purposefully set out to do what God wanted and he surrendered to the Lord’s will for his life. Likewise, we need to shake off our slumber and welcome Jesus as we would a new day.
Live authentically with prayer, letting go of the unnecessary, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The secret to living an authentic life is praying to understand what is truly beneficial according to God’s plan and letting go of the superfluous, Pope Leo XIV said. In fact, death “can be a great teacher of life. To know that it exists, and above all to reflect on it, teaches us to choose what we really want to make of our existence,” the pope said Dec.
10 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. “Our present culture tends to fear death and seeks to avoid thinking about it, even turning to medicine and science in search of immortality,” Pope Leo said in his Englishlanguage remarks. However, Jesus’ victory of passing from death to life with his resurrection “illuminates our own mortality,
reminding us that death is not the end, but a passing from this life into eternity,” the pope said. “Therefore, death is not something to be feared, but rather a moment to prepare for.” “It is an invitation to examine our lives and so live in such a way that we may one day share not only in the death of Christ, but also in the joy of eternal life,” he added.
COLUMNISTS 15
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
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Tax changes invite early consideration of year-end giving
ecember is the season of lights, Advent and preparation. Many people are also preparing and thinking about taxes and year-end gifts. This year, it may be on your mind more than in previous years because of the upcoming changes to the tax code for 2026. As you consider your year-end gifts, I ask that you keep the archdiocese and your parish in mind. While we are not tax experts or financial planners, we are here to help you achieve your philanthropic goals. If we can
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ope Francis once suggested that “a good Catholic meddles in politics offering the best of himself so that those who govern can govern.” This is such an apt description of the Catholic virtue of social justice, in which the individual strives to improve the common good with a special attention to those on the margins. However, I fear that all Christians who practice this political virtue are being marginalized by the catastrophizing of a very fringe ideology with the derogatory term “Christian nationalism.” As American
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s we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Our Lord Jesus this Advent, we are reminded that this season calls us to conversion and to a holy waiting. Advent hope is not passive; it is an intentional turning toward Christ. This spirit of hopeful expectation stands in stark contrast to the rush, noise, anxiety and constant striving for more that so often characterize our culture. Some of my earliest memories of Advent are filled with that beautiful sense of anticipation. Like many children, I was
SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP
LISA MCKELVEY Lisa McKelvey is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lmckelvey@archkck.org.
be of any assistance, please reach out.
If you have not had a chance to review the ACTS 2025 Impact Report, I encourage you to read it online at: www.archkck.org/acts. I believe that you will find the results from your gifts are very inspiring. Your gifts
and the gifts of 13,000 families from across the archdiocese have made these ministries possible. If you have not made a gift to this year’s Archbishop’s Call to Share, I ask you to prayerfully consider a year-end gift. You can make a gift online at: www.arch kck.org/give. When you are making a gift to the Archbishop’s Call to Share (ACTS), please indicate if this gift is for the 2025 appeal year or the 2026 appeal year. Our offices will close at noon on Dec. 23 and will reopen on Jan. 2, 2026. If you need
anything while we are closed, you can send an email to: stewdev@ archkck.org or myself or Deacon Tom Greer at: LMcKelvey@arch kck.org or TGreer@ archkck.org. We will also periodically be checking voicemails while the office is closed. On a quick note about the end of year, all gifts made online before 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Dec. 31 will be counted toward the tax year 2025. For mailed items, all items with a postmark on or before Dec. 31 will be counted for tax year 2025. If the postmark is Jan. 1 or
The real danger of ‘Christian nationalism’ DO UNTO OTHERS
DEACON BILL SCHOLL Deacon Scholl is the archdiocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.
Catholics, we stand opposed to any extreme form of government that disenfranchises citizens because
of religious belief or the lack thereof. While some religious leaders have rightly criticized Christian nationalism defined as an ideology that seeks to merge Christian and American identities to privilege one specific faith, the term is also understood by some to mean being patriotic
as a Christian. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, observed that “Christian nationalism is a confusing term because it can confuse two things that should be distinct: devotion to the nation and devotion to the church.” However, the problem with Christian nationalism is that it does not exist in any meaningful sense, and can have the effect of demonizing anyone who seeks to witness to their Christian faith in the public square. Solving a problem that really isn’t a problem creates real problems and enables injustice. To illustrate how easily targeting the
“problem” of Christian nationalism can turn into oppression, one simply need only make a mental “Mad Lib” of it. Insert another religion or identity group in place of Christian. How would we feel about solving the problem of Muslim nationalism, or Jewish nationalism, or even atheist nationalism? Whipping up Christian nationalism into a mortal threat to democracy poses an even greater threat. It stifles Christian political speech by first shaming, then suppressing, and eventually canceling out the Christian voice. The history of American progress has been trailblazed
Preparing our hearts in hopeful expectation FACILITATING CATHOLIC GIVING
DEREK LYSSY He is the executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas.
excited for Christmas morning, but I also cherished our family tradition of lighting the Advent wreath each night and praying
together from a simple devotional book. Those moments taught me, even before I fully understood it, that Advent invites us to slow down, to pay attention and to remember what truly matters. This is the same spirit of hope the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas
strives to cultivate throughout the archdiocese. Since our establishment, the foundation has been dedicated to ensuring that the mission and ministries of our parishes, schools and Catholic organizations continue to thrive — not only today, but for generations to come. Our mission is simple, yet profound: to strengthen the church’s future by connecting faith and finances through effective and ethical stewardship. We work closely with donors and their advisers to design charitable gifts that reflect each person’s unique
goals and values. Whether through a donor-advised fund, an endowment fund, a bequest or a charitable gift annuity, we help transform generosity into a legacy of faith. In this season of preparation, we encourage you to reflect on how God may be inviting you to support the places that have nurtured your faith. Through our partnerships with parishes, schools and many other ministries, we strive to build up the body of Christ and ensure these spaces of hope remain strong for generations to come. This holy season
later, it will be counted for tax year 2026. Your tax letter for calendar year 2025 gifts made to the archdiocese will be sent out in the middle to the end of January. If we have an email on file for you, we will be emailing tax letters out this year. This will reduce postage expenses and get your letter to you quicker. If you don’t receive regular emails from me or aren’t sure if we have your email on file, please email me before the end of the year and we can add your email to your record.
by Christian men and women who followed their conscience and the Gospel to participate in Jesus’s mission to “set the captive free.” (Lk 4:18 ). From the abolition of slavery to universal suffrage to civil rights, Christians have led the way. While all movements have extremists, they are not what defines it. If anything, America needs more Christians bringing the wisdom of Jesus Christ into the public conversation, not less. Anyway, am I right to be concerned or am I missing something? I would love to hear your thoughts. You can send an email me at: social justice@archkck.org.
reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas: the gift of love, hope and peace that Jesus brings into our world. Your prayers, presence and support make our mission possible, and for that, we are deeply grateful. May the light of Christ fill your hearts and homes this Christmas and throughout the new year. On behalf of all of us at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. If we can assist you in creating a legacy that offers hope to the next generation, please reach out to us at: cfnek@archkck.org or (913) 647-3062.
LOCAL NEWS 16
DECEMBER 19, 2025 | THELEAVEN.ORG
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Decked out in festive plaid pants and a holiday vest, Harold Bell was up front and center during this year’s Tuba Christmas celebration. Bell, 93 years old, has participated in over 30 Tuba Christmases and was the oldest participant this year.
Joe LeFevre, decked out in a red holiday suit, was the principal conductor of this year’s Tuba Christmas. LeFevre, originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, used a freshly sharpened pencil to conduct this 440-musician orchestra at Helzberg Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. Conductors typically use a baton, not a pencil. LeFevre did so to honor his mentor, who conducted his orchestras with a pencil. LeFevre has been a member of the Kansas City Symphony since 2018.
By Kathy White Special to The Leaven
been a Kansas City tradition ever since. Dr. Helen Harrelson is the director of instrumental music at St. James. “For the first few years, we didn’t even own a tuba,” recalled Harrelson. “But as the band numbers increased, we realized we needed to fill out the bass to create a balanced and successful band,” she said. Now, with six to seven strong tuba musicians, attending an event like Tuba Christmas is a fun and rewarding way to showcase the students’ hard work. Parker Nguyen from Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park is a senior at St. James. She participated in the Tuba Christmas event for the first time this year. “Seeing the sheer number of euphonium and tuba players was my favorite part!” she said. Over 1,000 people enjoyed the free performance of 14 Christmas carols led by three different conductors. And the festive music was only part of the fun. Musicians and tubas alike were decked out with ribbons, evergreen tinsel and even lights for the occasion.
TUBAS STEAL THE SHOW
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ANSAS CITY, Mo. — Six tuba and euphonium musicians from St. James Academy in Lenexa traveled to Kauffman Performing Arts Center here to participate in the National Harvey Phillips Tuba Christmas event sponsored by the Kansas City Symphony on Dec. 5. This year’s Tuba Christmas event boasted 440 tuba and euphonium (a smaller, tenor tuba) players. The youngest musician was 10 years old, and the oldest (Harold Bell) celebrated his 93rd birthday this year! Bell has participated in over 30 Tuba Christmas events. The first Tuba Christmas was held in 1974 at the ice rink stage of Rockefeller Center in New York City. It was only five years later that Kansas City, Missouri, hosted its first Tuba Christmas for the Christmas tree lighting at Crown Center. Tuba Christmas has
Above, JJ McKibbin, a sophomore from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee, wore a festive blinking reindeer nose during the performance. McKibbin has been playing the euphonium for six years. This was his first Tuba Christmas. “My favorite part of Tuba Christmas is seeing so many low brass players in one place,” he said.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Left, Fletcher Green, a sophomore from Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Johnpaul Donegan, a junior from St. Paul Parish in Olathe, played 14 songs alongside 438 other tuba musicians at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. Both started playing the tuba in high school.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Parker Nguyen, a senior from Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, warms up with the other tuba and euphonium musicians from across the nation. Nguyen has been playing the euphonium for 4 years and also plays the piano, bass drum and other percussion instruments.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE