07-03-09 Vol. 31 No. 1 by The Leaven

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 31, NO. 1 JULY 3, 2009

An over-capacity crowd spilled out into the courtyard of the new St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood for the dedication ceremony on June 13.

Curt Koutelas, Architectural Building Committee chair, hands over the plans for the new church to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Archbishop Naumann blesses St. Michael the Archangel Church with holy water with the assistance of server Joe Rolleston and Father Bill Porter, pastor.

THE ARCHANGEL HAS LANDED Story by

JILL RAGAR ESFELD Photos by

SUSAN McSPADDEN EAWOOD — Parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel here experienced a taste of heaven on the feast of Corpus Christi when they gathered for the dedication of their new church. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, who celebrated the Saturday evening Mass, noted the appropriateness of the feast day. “This space will be particularly dedicated to the celebration of the Eucharist,” he said. The event culminated a process that began weeks earlier when St. Michael hosted an evening to educate parishioners in the dedication rite and their new church. “We invited all parishioners,” said Denise Ogilvie, director of Christian education and liturgy. “We did a little bit of education about the liturgy itself and talked about the things we’re taking from our old church into the new church.” Some particular treasures that made the move are the sacred relics of Blessed Miguel Augustín Pro and Sts. John de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant and Charles Garnier, procured for the church by Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher. On the night before the dedication, founding pastor Father Bill Porter led parishioners in evening prayer. Volunteers then kept vigil with the relics until the dedication Mass began. As the beginning of the dedication Mass drew near, the congregation gathered in the courtyard outside the roped-off entrance to the new church. No one had yet been allowed even a glimpse of the church interior. The archbishop greeted parishioners saying, “This is a day of rejoicing!” The church plans and key were then presented by Father Porter to Archbishop Naumann, who was invited to “open the doors of the new St. Michael Church.” A round of applause erupted as parishioners, led by the Knights of Columbus, entered the church, where they were greeted by the archbishop, Father Porter, and associate pastor Father Joseph Mandagiri. The new nearly $16 million church, which seats 1,200, was designed by David Meleca and has been noted for its traditional architecture. Columns direct a progression from the courtyard into the church, becoming more ornate as they approach the sanctuary.

L Archbishop Naumann called it “a day of rejoicing” at St. Michael the Archangel. Behind the archbishop is a 25-foot-high mural depicting Christ reigning from his throne in heaven with St. Michael and 13 American saints.

Turn to PARISH on page 16

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Appointments Father Anthony Ouellette, currently parochial vicar (associate pastor) of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and chaplain at Bishop Ward High School and now studying Spanish in Mexico, is appointed pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Osage City, St. Patrick Parish in Scranton and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in LaPeer. Assignment is effective Aug. 14. Father Jojaiah Mandagiri, MSFS, recently assigned as parochial vicar (associate pastor) of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, is appointed parochial vicar (associate pastor) of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan. Effective Aug. 14.

Photo by Doreen Hauten

Artist Lu Sheehan (left) and Dee Hebert present Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann with a pencil drawing of St. John Vianney. Sheehan drew this likeness of St. John in recognition of Pope Benedict’s declaration of 2009 as the Year of the Priest. St. John is the patron saint of priests. The original was presented to Archbishop Naumann on June 23 at a Serra Club barbecue. Prints were also made for all the priests in the archdiocese. Sheehan, who retired from Hallmark Cards, has been involved in the Serra Club of Kansas City for several years and is also an Associate of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola (now of Mount St. Joseph, Ky.)

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Father Christopher Rossman, currently parochial vicar (associate pastor) of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, is granted time to pursue continued education and formation. Effective July 10.

Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call Toll Free 888-246-1504 “The Agony in the Garden,” an oil painting by artist Jason Jenicke, will be displayed for the summer months in the library at the church offices at 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., to celebrate the formation of the new archdiocesan Catholic Fine Arts Council. The council seeks to utilize the power of art to move and inspire people to a deeper relationship with God.

ART SEEKS TO INSPIRE Fine Arts Council seeks to use the power of art to move people closer to God By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff

President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com

Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. 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 $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109 and additional office.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Art can brighten your life, but can it help save your soul? It might — if the new archdiocesan Catholic Fine Arts Council has anything to say about it. The council, formally launched on May 28, seeks to utilize the power of art to move and inspire people to a deeper relationship with God. The organization’s mission includes supporting Christian art education, archiving and cataloging sacred art within the archdiocese, and increasing exhibit opportunities and dialogue opportunities for Christian artists. The council draws its mission from the writings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on artists and sacred art, as well as the writings of Pope Benedict XVI. “I see the Catholic Fine Arts Council focusing and cultivating the need to use gifts we have to glorify God and to pass on the faith,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “The emphasis is to support and raise awareness of the Christian artist and increase access to quality contemporary religious art.” The Catholic Fine Arts Council will seek grant funding in order to help individuals, artists, educators and patrons participate in its mission. “Initially, the council will focus on the visual arts and eventually expand to support the performing arts,” said Archbishop Naumann. “I would like to see a fabric of arts

woven throughout our archdiocese — in schools, in parishes and in our institutions.” To celebrate the formation of the new council, an oil painting by artist Jason Jenicke of Austin, Texas, will be displayed for the summer months at the church offices library at 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The painting is one of a series of images of the sorrowful mysteries. It depicts “The Agony in the Garden.” Jenicke was artist-inresidence at St. James Academy in Lenexa for more than two years. His realistic style and spiritual subject matter have earned high praise from art critics and collectors. The painting is on loan to the archdiocese from John Menghini, a member of the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Menghini will serve as chairman of the new council. Richard Anderson, member of Holy Cross in Overland Park, will serve as vice chairman. Other founders are: Michael Podrebarac, liturgy consultant for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas; Msgr. Vincent Krische, pastor of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village; Ken Mellard, a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood; Kathy Calligari, a parishioner at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood; and Lesle M. Knop, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas and the office of stewardship and development for the archdiocese. “The new committee members and I are enthusiastic about the potential benefits that

will likely come from the promotion of Catholic sacred arts in northeast Kansas,” Menghini said. “It is our privilege to assist Archbishop Naumann to carry out his vision of advancing Catholic spirituality and divine worship through the beauty of artistic expression. I challenge all artists, no matter their particular area of expression, to seek ways to enrich our faith and to help us give greater glory to God and his church." The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ mission includes promoting the spiritual mission of the Catholic Church by encouraging stewardship. “The Catholic Fine Arts Council is a reflection of the stewardship theology that embraces all gifts, including those of time and talent, given in gratitude as a disciple’s response to God’s blessings,” said Knop. “An artist’s legacy has a value that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. The goal is to foster an awareness of art production and performance as a form of stewardship and worship in praise of God, our creator. Among the goals is to help encourage Christian artists whose legacy could inspire future generations with their craftsmanship and spirituality.” A Web site will be developed and opportunities for involvement by parish liturgy committees, art and environment committees, two- and three-dimensional artists, musicians and performers, architects, educators and patrons will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead, Knop said. For more information about the Catholic Fine Arts Council, call (913) 647-0326.

4 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

LOCAL NEWS

GOOD GOLD as

Kathy Marincel rolls up her pant legs to boldly go where few have gone before — the mucky bottom of the courtyard fountain.

Elizabeth Duke, a Wyandotte County master gardener, gives new plantings a thorough soaking.

Savior garden now a friend’s memorial By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — This is the kind of place Julie Mayne would have liked: sheltered and quiet, alive in the morning with the sounds of birds and with lush plants and a flowing fountain. The place is a garden in the courtyard of Savior Pastoral Center, a feature since the building was finished in 1965. Now, the former seminary courtyard has new life and purpose, thanks to Julie’s friends and a couple of master gardeners. The courtyard garden was renovated this spring and rededicated to Julie Mayne, who died on Feb. 18. A parishioner at St. Pius X in Mission, she was the wife of Jerry Mayne, chief financial officer for the archdiocese. “I think it’s really nice to have a living memory of her,” said one of the couple’s daughters, Cynthia Kuxhausen, who participated in the renovation. The project, explained Eileen Manza, program director for the pastoral center, came at the suggestion of Father Gary Pennings, archdiocesan chancellor. “He recommended that we make an overview of Savior Pastoral Center and that we consider how the courtyard could be improved, possibly with volunteers,” said Manza. Manza called Mary Kay Drees, director of volunteers at Catholic Charities, who in turn contacted Kathy Marincel, a parishioner at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. Marincel is a master gardener from Johnson County and a friend of Julie Mayne.

Hundreds of couples celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan.

Kathy Marincel (left) and Karen Thompson, both friends of Julie Mayne, believe that the well-tended courtyard garden is the kind of place Julie would have appreciated. Here, the two place new plants in one of four 200-pound cement planters. Leaven photos by Joe Bollig

The courtyard had been designed well and had “great structure,” said Marincel. Over time, however, some parts had become overgrown, while some original plants disappeared. A makeover was long overdue. Marincel enlisted the help of Elizabeth Duke, a master gardener from Wyandotte County and a parishioner of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and some of Julie’s other friends. About 14 people showed up for the first workday on May 3, and a smaller group returned on May 21. The gardeners cleared debris, cut back overgrown bushes and vines, and weeded. They planted Knock Out roses, oak leaf hydrangea, pink impatiens, red salvia and a barberry bush. They drilled a hole in the fountain to hide its intake house, and planted water plants. The volunteers also brought in four 200-pound planters — one of which was donated by the Mayne family — and put various flowers and ornamental plants in them. The cost of the project was about $1,000, which was raised by Marincel, Duke and Julie Mayne’s friends. Duke will visit the garden periodically to work and water it, but more volunteers and funds are needed. Those who would like to contribute or volunteer can contact Manza at (913) 721-1097.

Clockwise from above: Janice and Robert Masiero, members of Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, renew their vows at the 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant during the Mass on June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter. Jeanne and Thomas Dervin, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, share a kiss shortly after renewing their vows.

Photos by Susan McSpadden

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6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

Mass, Little Sisters of the Lamb — Rome

Oath of fidelity at Angelus for Father Brian Schieber, Father John Riley and Father Gary Pennings

5-6 Visit Dodge City Diocese

Lunch meeting — Steve Bollman, founder and author of “That Man is You” faith program for men

Lunch with Catholic principals at Faith Leadership Institute

21-22

Serran Golf Day dinner — Kansas City, Kan.

9 Catholic Education Foundation meeting — Chancery

10 Mass and lunch — Crossroads Pilgrims Catholic Way Radio taping

11 Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan.

12 Mass and groundbreaking — St. Bernard, Wamego

LEAVENWORTH — Sisters of Charity from across the United States and Canada who joined their religious communities since 1970 will meet here July 16-19. Sister Maureen Hall, a member of the SCL Community Council, will facilitate the sessions hosted at Marillac Center, the SCL retreat facility. Approximately 40 sisters will participate from communities of the Sisters of Charity Federation. The federation is comprised of 12 congregations of women religious.

Installation of Archbishop George Lucas as archbishop of Omaha

22 Conference call, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Marriage and Family Life Committee

24-27 Pilgrimage with Little Sisters of the Lamb to St. Louis

Essay winners announced

Archbishop James P. Keleher’s July calendar 1 Ethical Review Board — Chicago

Keynote address at Mother of Good Counsel Home fundraiser dinner

Wedding — Chicago

27-30

19 Prison Mass

Episcopal ongoing formation with Catholic Leadership Institute — Dallas

31 Birthday

Photo by Father Ken Kelly

St. Pius X Church in Mission is hosting a community garden in a vacant lot on the south side of the church. There were 24 10-by-10 plots that have been “scooped-up” by neighborhood friends, according to Father Ken Kelly, pastor of St. Pius X. “Some of these plots are gardengorgeous,” he said. “My own I would describe as squash-minimalist.” Early crops — including lettuce and radishes — are already being harvested. Above, parishioner Kevin Cushing displays a bunch of radishes from his family’s plot of land.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The winners of the 2009 Vocation Essay Contest, sponsored by the Serra Club of Kansas City in Kansas, have been announced. The contest was open to sixth-grade students in the Catholic schools of Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth counties. The essay topic was “Why are Priests, Sisters and Brothers necessary for the mission of the Catholic Church?” All 22 Catholic schools participated. The first-place winner for the girls was Aurora Kuhn of Holy Trinity School, Lenexa; the runner-up was Zoie Hill of Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kan. For the boys, first place was taken by Matt Allinder of Holy Trinity School; runner-up was Sean Houlehan of Nativity School, Leawood.

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SCLs to host ‘70s and beyond’ group in Leavenworth

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s July calendar 1

LOCAL NEWS

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Virtus Awareness Sessions Date

Time

Location

06/20/2009 06/24/2009 07/08/2009 07/09/2009 07/29/2009 08/08/2009 08/10/2009 08/22/2009 08/25/2009 08/25/2009 09/02/2009 09/10/2009 09/10/2009 09/12/2009 09/19/2009 09/21/2009 09/29/2009 10/03/2009 11/02/2009 01/09/2010 01/11/2010

10 a.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 12:15 p.m. 6 p.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 9 a.m. 6 p.m.

Church of the Ascension (Overland Park) Prince of Peace (Olathe) Corpus Christi (Lawrence) Queen of the Holy Rosary (Overland Park) Our Lady of Guadalupe (Topeka) Immaculata High School (Leavenworth) Mater Dei (Topeka) St. Agnes (Roeland Park) Sacred Heart (Shawnee) Good Shepherd (Shawnee) Church of the Nativity (Leawood) Prince of Peace (Olathe) St. Patrick School (Kansas City) Queen of the Holy Rosary (Overland Park) Most Pure Heart of Mary (Topeka) Sacred Heart (Shawnee) Prince of Peace (Olathe) St. Agnes (Roeland Park) Sacred Heart (Shawnee) Queen of the Holy Rosary (Overland Park) Sacred Heart (Shawnee)

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week:

July 19-25 Marriage is an intimate partnership in which husbands and wives learn to give and receive love unselfishly. Natural Family Planning Awareness Week allows married couples to reflect on their marriage vows-their lifelong covenant that they made with God and each other. Their vows reflect the sacrifice Christ made for us all on the cross. Christ gave of himself freely, totally, faithfully, and open to life; and married couples have promised their spouses the same.

Many are unaware of what Natural Family Planning (NFP) is or they may have heard misconceptions about how it works. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Family Life Office would like to encourage all to go to the NFP website at www.archkck.org -there will be a link for NFP on the homepage- to learn more about how God created us to be a gift for each other. May this week bring you many blessings in your marriage and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of intimacy.

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Father Albert Hauser, OSB, and Father Jim Shaughnessy, Joe’s brother, discuss the great turnout at Jim’s benefit dinner.

Jason Heinen and Rita Bernasek prepare to milk the cows for Joe Shaughnessy.

Ann and Joe Shaughnessy share a laugh as they watch a community of helpers do chores on the family farm. surgery and treatment from Feb. 4 to April 23. This including milking the cows, feeding them twice a day, hauling manure, and taking cows to the vet, along with general maintenance and upkeep of the farm. Gary Fischer also helped with feeding the family’s beef cows, as they have cattle on two different tracts of land 15 miles apart. “Jason was here sometimes five to six hours a day,” said Ann, “and he has his own farm to run and keep up with. “It’s not a big deal to them; it’s just what you do to help out. When we thank them, the response we usually get is what they’re doing is small compared to what Joe has been through.” Joe and Ann’s four grown children have returned home to help, especially on the weekends. Men from the St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus re-fenced parts of the Shaughnessy property. And other farmers came to help plant Joe’s crops for the year, working around getting their own crops into the ground.

Joe Shaughnessy has seen a community rally behind him as he battles cancer.

Good folks for the long haul

GOOD FOLKS When life threw Joe Shaughnessy a curve, he learned a whole team had his back STORY BY KARA HANSEN | XTELL — In these parts, they call them “good folks ” — the solid, dependable, good-hearted people you can always turn to when you need a hand. Joe and Ann Shaughnessy, farmers and members of St. Michael Parish in Axtell, are “good folks.” People here know that the Shaughnessys are always willing to do anything for you, according to friend and fellow parishioner Sherry Ronnebaum. Like most proud, self-sufficient types, however, they’re not so quick to accept help. For example, in 2002, when Joe Shaughnessy was diagnosed with a Grade 2 brain tumor, it was serious, scary — and expensive. When family and friends found out, they wanted to help. But when they asked Joe and Ann for permission to host a benefit on the couple’s behalf, the Shaughnessys said they felt they could manage, so they graciously turned down the offer. Joe received his treatment, and the Shaughnessys moved on with their lives. But cancer doesn’t fight fair. And it is no respecter of good folks.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN MCSPADDEN

With that out of the way, he undertook the purchase of a new herd of dairy cows. And then the punch: Two weeks after buying the cows, and four weeks after his clean MRI, doctors discovered Joe had a Grade 3 brain tumor. Because of the rarity and severity of the tumor, the Shaughnessys discovered, Joe would need to go to Houston for the surgery — more than 800 miles from his home. And his surgery and hospital stay would not be cheap. A further problem was that the insurance situation was considerably worse than it had been previously. Since his surgery seven years before, the rates on Joe’s insurance had risen steadily, while his coverage continued to shrink. Joe and Ann had to write a $4,000 check to the hospital before the surgery could even be performed. The financial burden grew crushing. Despite being diagnosed with a Grade 3 brain tu“It seemed like every time I turned mor, Joe Shaughnessy has never been alone in his around, someone was saying the insurbattle. ance wouldn’t pay for this or that,” said Ann. “And we just had to say ‘OK, we’ll figure it out later.’ We were in survival mode.”

Never a good time Farmers are well-acquainted with Murphy’s Law (“Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, at the worst possible time.”), but this sucker punch was perversely cruel. In late October 2008, Joe had a follow-up MRI to establish whether he was cancer-free. The result? A clean bill of health.

You can’t keep good folks down Small communities are like big families, and word about Joe’s situation soon got around. And, like the first time, people wanted to help. While working at a community benefit in Axtell, Sherry Ronnebaum started thinking again about organizing a fundraiser for Joe. “Cheryl Reinecke and I were working together and discussing the recent problems that Joe and Ann were facing with the

Darrell Heinen repairs some fence on Joe Shaughnessy’s farm. meningitis following his surgery and I said, ‘OK, it’s time there is a benefit for Joe and Ann. “‘We have waited long enough!’” said Ronnebaum. “Of course, at that time we still had to get them to agree to it, so a good friend of theirs — who happened to also be Ann’s hairdresser — agreed to bring the subject up to Ann,” Ronnebaum continued. “She asked and got permission for us to go ahead. Who better than your hairdresser to talk you into something!” “We did not wait,” she concluded. “We got right on it and had plans made in just a few days.” The auction and dinner were both the work of many St. Michael’s parishioners and the larger Axtell community. Nearly 70 items were donated for the auction. Roy Buessing, a parishioner, smoked meat for the dinner and the Knights of Columbus prepared it for serving. A food list was placed in the local grocery store, giving Axtell residents an opportunity to pay for parts of the meal. Within four days, Ronnebaum said, all the food for the benefit was completely covered. “Then we worried we would not have enough food, so we put up another food list in the store,” said Ronnebaum. “The new list lasted three hours before everything was purchased.” All told, the benefit raised over $13,000 to help offset Joe’s medical expenses. “I’ve lived in Axtell all my life, and that’s the way it’s always been,” said Ronnebaum. “Helping each other is just a way of life here.” Kathy Buessing, also a St. Michael’s

Good folk wanted If you would like to make a donation to the Shaughnessy family to help with Joe’s medical expenses, send them through postal mail to: The Shaughnessy Cancer Fund, State Bank of Axtell, 413 Maple St., Axtell, KS 66403.

parishioner, said that the sacrifice of one group of teenagers went above and beyond the call of duty. At the auction, nine Axtell teens volunteered for a good day’s work — each would provide eight hours of labor to the highest bidder. “Their effort alone raised over $3,700,” said Buessing. Even more important than the money raised, said Buessing, was how the nine teens — who had played sports with Joe and Ann’s youngest son, James — made Axtell residents feel about their future. “They demonstrated to the community the quality of the future leaders we have and made a tremendous impression on a lot of people,” she said. “The leadership skills they showed in organizing this project were tremendous. This type of leadership will impact the younger students at our school, too.” Ann agreed. “There are not many 17-year-old boys who will donate eight hours of their precious time to make money for someone else,” she said. But for Adam Ronnebaum, who organized the group of young men, helping the Shaughnessys was a no-brainer. “James was a year older than me and

a good friend,” said Adam. “I was surprised and glad we brought in that much money.” Help has even come from beyond Axtell. Donations have come from their family members; from parishioners at the churches served by Father Jim Shaughnessy, Joe’s brother; and from members of neighboring parishes in Marysville and Seneca. What can “good folks” say about that? "I am very humbled by everyone’s generosity,” said Joe.

Help both financial and practical In addition to the exorbitant medical costs Joe was incurring, he was also having to be gone from the farm frequently for treatment. Even when he was home, he was sometimes too sick to work. Joe had no more recovered from his surgery Feb. 4, than he developed meningitis and needed home health care. Then he had radiation treatment and chemotherapy from mid-February until the end of April, which meant he needed to be at a hospital in Kansas City — two and a half hours each way — during the week. But the cows still needed to be milked, fed and tended; the crops still need to be planted — sick or not. That’s when more good folks stepped in. Friends Jason Heinen, Brad Heiman, and Rita Bernasek — parishioners of St. Michael’s — did all of the daily chores at the Shaughnessys’ farms during Joe’s

Joe and Ann are now home, hopefully for the duration, and the help just keeps on coming. “[Our neighbor] Arlie Haug has been here with Joe almost every day, helping him try to resume his own chores since we have been home from April 23 on,” said Ann. “He is a very kind, gentle man who just ‘helps’ Joe do his work,” she continued. “He has been just amazing. “Joe is on his chemo right now and some days he doesn’t feel well — and he is very tired. Arlie just takes up the slack on some days. “Jason Heinen and Arlie are two of Joe’s angels.” Joe will continue to have rounds of chemotherapy until next May, along with regular blood tests, and follow-ups every three months in Kansas City. He faces an uncertain future, as the likelihood of another brain tumor is high. Medical expenses continue with chemotherapy bills to pay, trips to the oncologist in Kansas City, checkups in Houston, and MRIs every three months for the next two years. But the load Joe and Ann carry has been made a little lighter by the love and aid provided by their friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners. “All we have to do is ask, and somebody shows up and does what we need, without fail,” said Ann. “Every Sunday at church, people ask what we need and what they can do. This parish is full of people asking what can we do for you.” Ann said more than the physical and monetary help given to the couple, prayer is what has helped them through one of the most difficult times in their lives. “Most important, we believe, were the prayers offered up for Joe for so long,” said Ann. “We felt the power of those prayers every day, helping us cope with what each new day brought.”

10 NATION

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

Archbishop leads prayer after tragic subway crash WASHINGTON (CNS) — One day after the deadliest accident in the history of Washington's Metro subway system, Archbishop Donald BRIEFLY W. Wuerl gathered with Metro employees to pray for those who died or were injured in the incident. “Confident that God always remembers the good we have done and God is good and gracious, let us remember those who have died . . . [and] those who were injured both physically or emotionally,” Archbishop Wuerl prayed June 23. “Let us also remember and place before God in prayer the first responders and emergency personnel who came quickly to the aid of the injured and dying.” The archbishop led the prayer service in front of Metro headquarters. Hundreds of Metro employees left their desks to attend the brief but emotional service. The service was held in the plaza outside the building, in front of a Metro system logo that was draped in black crepe as a symbol of mourning. Nine people — two men and seven women — were killed June 22 when two subway trains collided between two stations.

Pace of parish closings has quickened over past 20 years WASHINGTON (CNS) — Parish closings are nothing new in the history of the U.S. Catholic Church, but the pace of closures and mergers has accelerated over the past 20 years, as several factors have converged. One factor has been the shrinking population base of many parishes. Catholic families in the city and country have fewer children now than they did two generations ago. In urban areas, the post-World War II baby boom, accompanied by economic expansion, led people to forsake crowded city neighborhoods for new suburban developments. And in rural areas, as economic opportunities dried up, younger generations found them in metropolitan areas. And in the 1960s, racial unrest spurred white flight by people of all faiths from cities, and Catholics were no exception. The U.S. Catholic population has shifted away from the Northeast toward the Southwest. Catholics in immigrant communities in the Northeast and industrial Midwest “insisted that their kids get a good education,” but once educated, “kids didn't stay where the traditional immigrant families were,” according to Mary Gautier, a senior research associate at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, based at Georgetown University in Washington.

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — The church’s great communications challenge today is to “keep the interest of people who have so many places to turn,” Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., told the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management. Bishop Kicanas, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the organization’s annual meeting June 25 in Philadelphia. The church should not hesitate “to engage the modern digital technologies,” which “can be vehicles for communicating,” he said. Given recent advances in communications technology, he noted that people today Twitter and blog, they e-mail, use Skype, Blackberries and iPhones, and choose Facebook partners. Still, “communication, while enhanced by technology, rests on the power of the message and the authenticity of the communicator,” Bishop Kicanas said. “Technology facilitates the fundamental desire” people have to communicate and engage one another. He told the meeting how much he enjoys theater and commented on its relevance for communicators. “Great actors and actresses communicate,” he said. “The language of theater needs to be crisp, punctuated with images and to resonate with feeling.” Similar qualities are needed in effective church communications, Bishop Kicanas said. “Abstract, theoretical, disembodied language has little place on the stage or for that matter from the pulpit or in most communication by the church,” he added. People today live “in a concrete world” where they “hope to find some deeper meaning,” he said, adding that he believes the church “holds that meaning, but it must be communicated.”

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WORLD

of jubilee year, St. Paul Pope reveals At endstands in clearer focus test results on BRIEFLY St. Paul’s tomb

Church urged to ‘keep interest’ of Catholics in new media age

V i l l a St . Fr a n c i s Skilled Nursing Facility 170 beds

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

By CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service

CNS photo/Jose Luis Magana, Reuters

WOMAN CHEERS DURING HEALTH CARE PROTEST — Heather Baldwin of New Jersey cheers during a June 25 rally sponsored by Health Care for America Now on Capitol Hill in Washington. The organization is a national grass-roots campaign of more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states representing 30 million people dedicated to quality, affordable health care.

People of faith gather to demand universal health care By JESSIE ABRAMS Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Washington’s sweltering heat did its best to discourage people of faith from gathering at Freedom Plaza to participate in the Interfaith Service of Witness and Prayer for Health Care for All June 24. Regardless of the weather, nearly 1,000 people convened between the White House and the Capitol — armed with water bottles, umbrellas and matching paper fans bearing a message about reform — to ensure politicians hear their calls for universal health care. Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK, a national Catholic justice lobby, stood out from the crowd in a magenta dress and with her strong words in favor of health care change. One of the final speakers, Sister Simone was not the first one to make specific health care demands. She insisted health care must be affordable and accessible to all, inclusive and accountable to all, and of good quality for all. Sister Simone argued the time is now, saying the nation is aligned perfectly for changes in health care. “In my experience it is rare when a

Concrete Work

moral stance, business necessity and political opportunity all coincide, but this is what we have now,” said Sister Simone, a Sister of Social Service. “Faith and business are moving in the same direction. It is this confluence that brings us together this afternoon to make it known to our representatives that ‘we the people’ demand health care reform.” Calling the situation a “business necessity,” she reminded the crowd of the wealth of America and pointed out the irony that one of the wealthiest nations in the world cannot afford to offer all its citizens realistic opportunities for health care. She reminded the crowd of the healing touch of Christ and of the nation’s responsibility to leave no one “untouched.” Sister Simone also suggested it may be time for business and free market plans to step aside from health care issues. “The marketplace has failed in the delivery of health care. We as a nation were foolish to think that health care can run on a completely free market model,” she said. “Health care is a ministry — it is a faith-based action.” Judging from the event, people of all different faiths seemed to be taking action.

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CNS photo/Faisal Mahmood, Reuters

GIRL WAITS FOR FOOD AT U.N. CAMP — An internally displaced girl, who fled a military offensive in Pakistan’s Swat Valley region, waits in line for her ration of food at a U.N. camp in Swabi district, located about 75 miles northwest of the country’s capital, Islamabad, June 16. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants released its annual report June 17 at a press conference at the Canadian Embassy in Washington. Thailand, Gaza and South Africa were ranked as some of the “worst places for refugees” in the 2009 World Refugee Survey for attacks and abuse by militaries and xenophobic civilian mobs.

Pope supports UN campaign to end use of child soldiers By CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI offered his public support to the United Nations’ efforts to prevent the recruitment and deployment of child soldiers and said he prays each day for suffering children around the world. At the end of his weekly general audience June 24, the pope greeted Radhika Coormaraswamy, the U.N. secretary-general’s representative for children and armed conflict, who was accompanied by Grace Akallo and Kon Kelei, former child soldiers. The pope told the group he had deep “appreciation for the commitment to defend child victims of violence and weapons.” “I remember all the children of the world, especially those who are exposed to fear, abandonment, hunger, abuse, sickness and death. The pope is close to all of these little victims and remembers them always in his prayers,” he said. For Akallo, now a 29-year-old grad-

uate student in the United States, the voice of the pope is very important. When she was kidnapped in Uganda by rebels from the Lord’s Resistance Army in 1996, she said, Pope John Paul II appealed publicly for her release and that of the other girls taken with her from a Catholic school. “His voice alone is enough,” she said. “When Pope John Paul spoke out about our abduction, the whole world heard about it. Even the rebels heard about it. They were so angry at us and they said, ‘Who are you that even the pope is talking about you?’” After meeting Pope Benedict, Akallo and the others spoke at a conference on the need to increase protection for children in times of war and to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs to children who have been forced to take up arms. At the conference sponsored by the Rome-based Community of Sant’Egidio, Coormaraswamy said her office estimates there are about 250,000 children currently used as soldiers in wars and guerrilla conflicts around the world.

ROME (CNS) — Closing the year of St. Paul, Pope Benedict XVI announced that tests done on the presumed tomb of the Apostle revealed the presence of bone fragments from a human who lived between the first and second century. “This seems to confirm the unanimous and uncontested tradition that they are the mortal remains of the Apostle Paul,” the pope said during an evening prayer service June 28 at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The basilica has long been held to be the burial site of St. Paul, but because of the destruction and rebuilding of the basilica, the exact location of the tomb was unknown for centuries. Vatican officials announced in December 2006 that several feet below the basilica’s main altar and behind a smaller altar, they had found a roughly cut marble sarcophagus beneath an inscription that reads: “Paul Apostle Martyr.” Because part of the sarcophagus is buried beneath building material, Vatican officials determined they could not dig it out to open and examine the contents. Initially they tried to X-ray it to see what was inside, but the marble was too thick. Pope Benedict said a “very tiny perforation” was drilled into the marble so that a small probe could be inserted in order to withdraw fragments of what was inside. In addition to traces of purple linen, a blue fabric with linen threads and grains of red incense, he said they found bone fragments. The bone fragments “underwent a carbon-14 analysis carried out by experts who did not know their place of origin,” the pope said, adding that the results “indicate they belong to a person who lived between the first and second century.” Before beginning the evening prayer service, Pope Benedict descended the steps at the foot of the basilica’s main altar and prayed before a small window that allows the public to see a portion of the sarcophagus.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After 12 months of special liturgies, conferences, Bible reflections, indulgences, concerts and pilgrimages, the Year of St. Paul has left the Apostle a more clearly defined figure on the Catholic landscape. Even before Pope Benedict XVI led final closing ceremonies in Rome June 29, Vatican officials declared the jubilee year a success. “The result has been positive, even beyond the most optimistic predictions,” Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, said at a Vatican press conference June 26. At the Pauline basilica, which had often been overlooked by pilgrims to Rome, overflow crowds came to visit and pray at the tomb of the Apostle, the cardinal said. It was Pope Benedict who almost single-handedly gave the jubilee its content. In weekly talks, homilies and liturgical celebrations, he sketched a detailed portrait of the man considered the model of Christian conversion and the archetypal missionary. St. Paul was the most prolific of the early Apostles, the man who took the Gospel of Christ into the world of non-Jews and helped set the church on a more universal path. The pope’s main point was that this evangelizing spirit based on personal conversion needs to be rekindled among today's 1.1 billion Catholics.

Conference focuses on religious traditions VENICE, Italy (CNS) — In the increasing global mixture of peoples, balancing the religious traditions of minorities and those of the dominant culture has proven to be a crucial and delicate task, said participants at an international conference in Italy. The issue has been pushed to the forefront in many European countries, where immigration has produced large Muslim minorities in recent years. “It’s often said that the newcomers must accept our values, our way of living, in a word, our tradition. But in most cases that’s more an appeal than a thought-out argument,” said Martino Diez, director of the Oasis Foundation in Venice. “What is a tradition? What is the relationship between tradition and truth? Are we prisoners of our traditions or can they evolve? These are very important questions for religion,” he said. Oasis was formed in 2005 by Cardinal Angelo Scola of Venice to explore interreligious questions and to support Christian minorities in the East.

12 CLASSIFIEDS THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009 ■ EMPLOYMENT D i r e c t o r - Benedictine College, a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts, residential college, is seeking a founding director for its newly initiated nursing (BSN) program. The successful candidate will have the skills and vision to build a nursing program consistent with the mission of Benedictine College. The director is the academic and administrative head of the program and will be responsible for overseeing educational programs, academic standards, services, program accreditation, clinical affiliations, and personnel. The college intends and is processing applicants to enroll freshmen students in this nursing program in the fall of 2009. For immediate consideration, send cover letter, cv, transcripts, and a statement of your teaching philosophy, via e-mail, to: nurse.search@benedictine. edu. For a detailed job description, visit the Web site at: www.benedictine.edu. Technology teacher - Corpus Christi School is seeking a part-time technology teacher for the 2009 - 10 school year. Qualified candidates should possess a college degree, preferably in elementary education, with an emphasis on technology. Send resume and salary requirements, via e-mail, to Trish Arnold at: trisha@corpuschristilks.org. St. Patrick School - Is seeking applicants for an elementary teaching position for the 2009 - 10 school year. Applicants must be Catholic, K - 9 certified, and current on Virtus training. To apply, mail a cover letter and resume to: Mary A. Staley, Principal, St. Patrick School, 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112, or send, via e-mail, to: mstaley@archkckcs.org. St . Joseph E arly E duca ti on Cen ter - Is hiring for current and fall position openings in our awardwinning child care center. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, energetic, and kind and patient with children. College credits in ECE preferred. Call Nancy at (913) 631-0004. Ca rpe t cle an i n g t ech n i ci an - Join one of the most respected, exciting and progressive service companies in the area. Earn top industry pay — $10/hour, $40K-plus potential. No exp. necessary. Bock's Steam Star, (913) 438-7767. Financia l representa tive - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, highenergy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For more information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

All Lawn Services/Mowing/ Fertilizing Most city-sized lots $25-30 Call for a free estimate. Family-owned by local parishioners. Lic/Bond/Ins. References. (913) 620-6063 Spring is here! I do mowing, landscaping, walls, decks, patios, and winter cleanups. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Southern Johnson County. Tree service - Pruning ornamental trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Brad Grabs, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 244-5838. www.Green SolutionsKC.com. Foley’s Lawn Care 2009 Season Weekly mowing & landscape maintenance! Call now for your FREE estimate! (913) 825-4353 Serving Johnson County Commercial and residential Golf les sons that las t! All ages, all skill levels. Individual or group lessons; reasonable rates; certified teaching professional. Member of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Call Mike at (816) 522-3847. Virtus trained. To play better golf today. . . call Mike.

Spanish lessons/tutoring - A native and experiened Spanish teacher will design an individualized program just for you. Excellent references; any age or level. Send an e-mail to: Spanish4UNow@yahoo. com. Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

REMODELING & REPAIRS Quality work at reasonable prices. Baths, kitchens, basements and door replacements. Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park. Ralph Pruente at (913) 631-1115 Ma s onry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336. Elect rician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat (913) 963-9896.

Custom-kit chen coun tertops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

C aregi v in g - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Andrea, Sara or Gary.

Wood bri ght - A very affordable alternative to refinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets and woodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18 years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.

Do you or your parents need help at home? For as little as $60 per week, Ben efi t s of H omeSenior C are can provide assistance with personal care, shopping and many other daily needs. For details, visit our Web site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caregiver - Certified CNA with over 40 years of hospital and home-care experience will care for your loved one in the WyCo area. References available; reasonable rates. Full or part time; days/nights/weekends. Call Dorles at (913) 371-2970.

H ou se cl e a n i n g - Top to bottom. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly. References available. Call Michelle at (913) 980-0084.

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Roofing - Will honor insurance companies’ proposals. 20 years experience. Call (913) 341-7584 (office) or (913) 206-4524 (cell).

W ed di n g d e cora t i on s - Relax, I decorate for church, receptions, anniversaries and parties. Includes cleanup. Free consultation. References. Greater KC area. Call Twila at Elegant Wedding Decor at (913) 724-1408.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 4220610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Would you like your house cleaned the Spic & Spa n way ? Call the Spic & Span Team. We are dependable and reasonable. Call Linda at (913) 4845150 or Norma at (816) 820-4739. Serving the Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties.

H o u s e p a in t i n g , p o w e r w a s h i n g , r o t te d w i n dow sills repaired - Quality products. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 341-7584.

Mac hi n e q u i lt i n g - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

A t t e n t i o n , Mo m s – Make a difference; work from home. Call (913) 402-9522.

■ SERVICES

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing. Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998

House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

C a regi v er - An experienced, dependable and compassionate caregiver wants to assist you or your loved one. Over 10 years experience. Part or full time to suit your needs. Overnights and weekend shifts available. I offer: cooking, grooming of hair and nails, chauffeuring, bathing, monitoring medicine intake, companionship, and more. I am a mature, Christian woman you can trust with your loved ones. Call (816) 454-7750.

Caregiver needed - Looking for help caring for an elderly client in their home. Must have previous nursing experience. Tues. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., plus possible nights. Call (816) 931-6801.

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

Increase your income – Interest rates are low, but a gift annuity with the Catholic Foundation of N or t h ea s t Ka n s a s often pays effective rates of over 10 percent for the rest of your life. Your gift benefits your parish or another Catholic organization of your choice in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. You may even get a tax deduction. Call (913) 647-0365 for more information.

■ HOME IMPROVEMENT

Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Ti m t he Ha ndy man - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471. STA ( Su re T hi ng A l w ay s) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

■ REAL ESTATE

park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589. L a k e o f t h e O z a r k s r e n t a l - Osage Beach, million-dollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets. For special rates, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022, or take a visual tour at: www.visualtour.com/shownp. asp?T=338261.

■ FOR SALE

Bulk mu lch - $35 per cu. yd. delivered (within our delivery area with a 2-yard minimum order) OR $70 per cu. yd. delivered and spread. Contact Joe Keehn at (913) 631-7217 or (913) 449-9848 or visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com.

■ WANTED TO BUY

*** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. W i l l bu y f i r e a r m s an d r e l a te d ac c e s s o r i e s 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 *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179

■ CHILD CARE Nanny on call - I will care for your sick child in your home so you can go to work or perhaps on a day when there is no school or day care. Three-hour minimum, plus travel fee. JoCo area only. Call (913) 469-6211 or (816) 806-0564. Baby Dots Day Care Home - Certified, licensed child care for ages 18 mos. - 12-yrs. is now enrolling. Flexible hours. Located at 1902 Armstrong, Kansas City, Kan. For information, call owner, Hattie Dotson, at (913) 961-7561 or (913) 342-7967.

■ ENTERTAINMENT Di sc jo cke y - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hip-hop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at (816) 741-4777.

TO PURCHASE A CLASSIFIED Send an e-mail to: jennifer@the leaven.com, or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 per column inch, five lines or less. Each additional line is $1.50. Classified ads will also be posted online at The Leaven’s Web site: www.theleaven.com.

St rawb erry H il l bu nga l ow - 1 BR, 1 BA. Many closets and cabinets and lots of charm! Large, fenced yard; off-street parking. $40,000. For appt. to view, call (913) 371-0850 or (913) 302-3669.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com. Sum mer v acat ion - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps six. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l

Join the Singles of Nativity on July 3 for First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District. We will meet at 6 p.m. at Jack Stack Barbecue Freight House, 101 W. 22nd St., Kansas City, Mo. For information, send an e-mail to: social@son-ministry. org.

The Keeler Women’s Center will offer a free four-part personal growth series for women, designed to increase confidence and to develop positive relationships both at home and at work to achieve greater success. The series will be held from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning July 9, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

Join the Singles of Nativity for happy hour, beginning at 6 p.m. on July 10, at Tanner’s, 119th and 69 Highway, Overland Park. Look for the yellow balloon. Greeters will be at the table until 7:30 p.m. Questions? Send an e-mail to: social@son-ministry.org.

St. Veronica Lodge, KSKJ, will sponsor a polka dance featuring the Don Lipovac Orchestra at Mejak (Holy Family) Hall, 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan., from 7 11 p.m. on July 11. Tickets cost $12. To purchase tickets, call Julie at (913) 268-7640 or Chuck at (913) 631-2748. Catholic Career Roundtable (CCR) is a networking job club to assist those in transition. CCR is a collective effort between St. Ann, Queen of the Holy Rosary, St. Agnes, Good Shepherd, and St. Pius parishes. The club meets every Saturday morning from 8:30 - 10 a.m. in St. Ann Parish hall, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village. All are welcome to attend the next meeting on July 11. For information, send an e-mail to: catholiccareerroundtablekc@ gmail.com.

Sacred Heart Church, Baileyville, will host a parish picnic on July 12. A roast beef and ham dinner will be served at 5 p.m. The cost is $6.50 for adults; $3.50 for children under 10 years old. There will be a quilt auction at 9 p.m.

A healing Mass, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 17 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. Father Anthony Kiplagat will preside; fellowship follows.

A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m.

F a m i l y h o m e - Two blocks from Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park. View online at: www. fsbo-kc.com. Go to ID# 5723, or call April Newton at (913) 894-2012 or (913) 486-2068 (cell).

■ VACATION

July

Want to help someone heal from an abortion? Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

on July 18 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be “A Life Turned Upside Down.” For information, call (913) 6492026. Father Tony Lickteig will celebrate the archdiocesan monthly pro-life Mass at 8 a.m. on July 18 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration is available for those not processing, with Benediction concluding services at 10 a.m.

17-19

Sacred Heart Church, 5501 Monticello Rd., Shawnee, will host a garage sale from 3 - 9 p.m. on July 17, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on July 18, and from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on July 19. Clean your basement and donate items now! Gently used clothing should be laundered and put on hangers with the sizes clearly marked (except children’s items). Drop off items at the parish office during business hours. For information, call Anne Daugherty at (913) 422-5700, ext. 229, or send an email to her at: anne.daugherty@shoj.org.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and the Topeka Advisory Council will present “Prairie Gospel and All That Jazz,” a concert featuring local and regional talent from a variety of musical genres, at 3 p.m. on July 19 at Christ the King Parish, 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka. Proceeds will benefit the Catholic Charities mission of helping those in need. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated.

noon on Tuesdays, beginning July 21, at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. This series is presented in partnership with Friends of Yates and Joyce Williams Shelter. For information or to register, call (913) 9068990 or visit the Web site at: www.mount osb.org/kwc.

The Keeler Women’s Center will offer “Making the Most of Summer’s Bounty with Fresh Fruits and Vegetables,” a nutrition presentation offered in partnership with K-State Extension Services, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on July 23 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

19-25

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is July 19 - 25. To learn more about NFP, go to the archdiocesan Web site at: www.archkck.org. On the left side of the page, select the ministries link, then click on the family life link to reach the NFP home page.

The Keeler Women’s Center will host a 12-week series of education and support for women dealing with addictions and sexual abuse from 10 a.m. -

The Ladies of Sacred Heart, Gardner, will host a fundraising consignment sale from July 31 - Aug. 2 in the parish center, 122 E. Warren St. For information or to consign items, send an email to Melissa McGill at: mmcgill@ kc.rr.com.

Aug. 2

The youth groups of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parishes will present Audible Lights, The Brooks Brothers and Allen Asbury, a Christian group from Branson, who will perform a concert at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Immaculate Conception, 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth. The cost is: $10 for ages 13 and over; $5 for ages 4 - 12; and free for children three and under. For information or to purchase tickets, contact the parish office at (913) 682-3953 or Carol and Katie Peterson at (913) 772-8871.

The CYO of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual golf tournament on Aug. 7 at Sunflower Hills Golf Course, 141 N. 122nd St., Bonner Springs. The cost is $75 per player; $300 per foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information or to register, contact Bryan Barnhart at (913) 2382143.

21-23

The Bishop Miege High School class of 1959 will host its 50th

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The archdiocesan education office and the Perfect Wings program will sponsor a eucharistic celebration for children with special needs and their families at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the celebrant. There will be a reception following Mass. For information, call the education office at (913) 721-1570.

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Misc. Bishop Lillis High School, Kansas City, Mo., is planning a 50th reunion for the class of 1959. For information, contact Baldy Darnay at (816) 640-9978 or send an e-mail to him at: mdarnay@kc.rr.com. Hayden High School, Topeka, will host a 45-year reunion for the class of 1964 on Oct. 10 at the Shawnee Country Club. For information, contact Marilyn (Harkin) Heideman at (785) 286-1300 or via e-mail to: gmheide@cox.net; or Bob and Terry (Brame) Bryan at (785) 246-2363 or via email to: gograni@aol.com. There are ten men in the My House men’s groups that have been free from pornography for over one year! Also, the My House women’s group is available for wives and loved ones who are healing from the effects of their loved one’s struggles. For more information, visit the Web site at: LoveIsFaithful.com. De-stress your marriage by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held from July 25 - 27. This a powerful weekend where married couples can get away and focus only on each other. For information or to register, call (913) 469-8453, or visit the Web site at: www.neksme.org. Were you injured while on active duty in the military? Do you have combat-related nightmares or are you bothered by memories of combat? A “veterans helping veterans” support group is forming in this area. If you are in need of help, or are available to help, call John at (913) 909-3368. The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis beginning at 6 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd St. and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the summer. Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. We may go out for a light dinner afterwards, because the idea is to share friendship. For information, send an e-mail to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@kc.rr.com.

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reunion during the weekend of Aug. 21 23. For information, contact Paul Lavery at (913) 484-3664 or send an e-mail to him at: prlsr@everestkc.net; or contact Linda (Spurck) Wilcher at (913) 909-4126 or send an e-mail to her at: dawilch@sbcglobal.net.

Holy Cross Parish, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host a card party luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on July 30. For reservations, call Helen Miller at (913) 381-4295 or Doris Wilson at (913) 381-2781.

St. Casimir Church, 719 Pennsylvania, Leavenworth, will host its annual roast beef dinner from noon 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 2. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 12 and younger. Carryouts are available.

St. Augustine Church, Fidelity, will host a parish picnic on July 19. There will be a cakewalk, bingo, children’s games, a lunch stand and a quilt raffle. A chicken and ham dinner will be served family style beginning at 4:30 p.m. The cost for dinner is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 10 and younger.

CALENDAR

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14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009

MARK MY WORDS

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President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com

Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOURTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 5 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ez 2: 2-5; Ps 123: 1-4; 2 Cor 12: 7-10; Mk 6: 1-6a July 6 Maria Goretti, virgin, martyr Gn 28: 10-22a; Ps 91: 1-4, 14-15; Mt 9: 18-26 July 7 Tuesday Gn 32: 23-33; Ps 17: 1-3, 6-8, 15; Mt 9: 32-38

“Nothing is new under the sun.” These famous words of Qoheleth are found in the Book of Ecclesiastes (1:9b) in the Old Testament. I doubt, though, if Qoheleth would say those same words had he lived in 2009 and had access to the new book written by our own archdiocesan priest, Father Ed Hays. Yes, Father Hays is at it again. Even after 30-plus books, he’s hardly exhausted his treasury of knowledge and inspiration. His newest work is called “A Book of Wonders” (Notre Dame, Ind.: Forest of Peace; 2009; $16.95). In this volume, Father Hays writes in one of my favorite styles — short, daily reflections. In this overly busy world that so many of us inhabit, even when we have free time, our minds are often too tired to tackle a long, complex book — no matter how important it is or how attractively its subject matter is presented. However, to sit down and read through a snappy, one-page “spiritual snack” (much like those increasingly popular 100-calorie treats), well, that’s a different story. This book offers readers a chance “to inspire and nourish your spirit.” Father Hays chose the title because “as humans, we hunger for wonder, to be surprised by the wonderful in our daily lives.” His purpose in writing this latest work is “to tantalize your imagination to discover the wonderful in the commonplace.” As far as I’m concerned, he succeeds on all counts. Just for fun, I jumped around in this

408-page book to look at the entries on the third of each month, starting with July. Here’s some of what I found: • July 3: Did you know that the Statue of Liberty started out as a design for a sculpture that was to stand at the entrance of the Suez Canal? And did you ever imagine that Lady Liberty was originally conceived of as “an Egyptian peasant woman of the Nile wearing a Muslim face veil”? (When I began to wonder how she got to New York, I realized how appropriate this book’s title was!) • Sept. 3: This entry, called “A Speed Limit for Life,” highlights the practical, “doable” nature of Father Hays’ writing when he advises: “The slower you move, the more you see, on foot or in an automobile. So move slower [today] if you wish to see the wonders of life and creation around you.” • The Dec. 3 reflection invites readers to set aside the frenzy of December and look around at all of the flickering Christmas lights. Realize how special this time of year can be: “What a stunningly wondrous image for heaven is Christmas: the blizzard of lights, the

love-gifting, and the festive gatherings of family and friends.” • Feb. 3: Sometimes the bleakness of this month can penetrate our souls and minds. This day’s entry contains valuable advice and encouragement: “Once you’ve begun, doubt not! Don’t look backward.” Father Hays writes: “Instead of fretting over whether you made the right decision, passionately invest yourself in living out the choice you have made!” • March 3: How can you not love an entry that incorporates wind, words from the Tao Te Ching (the ancient holy book of China) and Groucho Marx? This day, readers are asked to ponder “how flexible your standards are when facing life’s turbulence.” • April 3 provides a little vocabulary lesson, inviting us to become a “mirabilary,” or wonder-worker, by living each day in a way that is heroic, selfless and generous . . . and by doing so, surprising — in a pleasant way — the people we encounter. Each entry ends with a short, fourline prayer, based on the day’s reflection. This would be an ideal book to keep on or near the kitchen table or by your bedside — a perfect companion to begin or end your day, focused on God’s wonderful working in your life. By the way, don’t wait until Jan. 1 to buy or start this book. Get it now, open it to the appropriate date, and let your heart sing with Father Hays and Louis Armstrong, “What a wonderful world.”

William and Mary Lou Hamlin, members of Holy Family Parish in Eudora, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27 with a renewal of their wedding vows at the 5 p.m. Mass at the church. A reception followed in the ANNIVERSARIES parish hall. A second gathering for extended family and friends will be held July 5 in Tomahawk, Wis. The couple has four children: Kim Hamlin, Wichita; Scot Hamlin, Eudora; Teri Pettengill, Linwood; Steven Hamlin, Towanda. They also have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Ramon and Nadine (Ramirez) Conejo, members of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 8. On July 11, the couple will renew their wedding vows during the 4 p.m. Mass at Blessed Sacrament. Following Mass, a reception will be hosted by their children and their spouses: Arthur and Carmen Conejo, Kansas City, Kan.; Carlos and Patricia Conejo, Paola; Fernando and Pat Conejo, Cibolo, Texas; and Raul and Rita Conejo, Fort Worth, Texas. They also have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Frank and Ann (Brayton) Lavery, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13. A Mass of thanksgiving was held at 5 p.m., followed by a dinner and dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The couple was married June 13, 1959, at Guardian Angels Parish in Kansas City, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Mary and Dale Urban; Elizabeth and A.R. Loomis; Jeff and Joann Lavery; Doug and Sheila Lavery; and Jennifer and Marco Mazzella. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Glen and Mary Keegan, members of St. Michael Parish, Axtell, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on July 4. The couple was married on July 4, 1944, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Their children and their spouses are: Ron and Somjai Keegan, Topeka; Paulette and Ken Haug, Salida, Colo.; and Maureen Hendrix and Sheryl Keegan, both of Topeka. They also have seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

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July 8 Wednesday Gn 41: 55-57; 42: 5-7a, 17-24a; Ps 33: 2-3, 10-11, 18-19; Mt 10: 1-7

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

July 9 Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, martyr, and his companions, martyrs Gn 44: 18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5; Ps 105: 16-21; Mt 10: 7-15 July 10 Friday Gn 46: 1-7, 28-30; Ps 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40; Mt 10: 16-23 July 11 Benedict, abbot Gn 49: 29-32; 50: 15-26a; Ps 105: 1-4, 6-7; Mt 10: 24-33 FIFTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 12 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Am 7: 12-15; Ps 85: 9-14; Eph 1: 3-14; Mk 6: 7-13 July 13 Henry Ex 1: 8-14, 22; Ps 124: 1-8; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 July 14 Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin Ex 2: 1-15a; Ps 69: 3, 14, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 11: 20-24 July 15 Bonaventure, bishop, doctor of the church Ex 3: 1-6, 9-12; Ps 103: 1-4, 6-7; Mt 11: 25-27 July 16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Ex 3: 13-20; Ps 105: 1, 5, 8-9, 24-27; Mt 11: 28-30 July 17 Friday Ex 11:10 — 12:14; Ps 116: 12-13, 15-18; Mt 12: 1-8 July 18 Camillus de Lellis, priest Ex 12: 37-42; Ps 136: 1, 10-15, 23-24; Mt 12: 14-21

Our distance from Christ is as short as we make it

team playing in its home stadium enjoys certain advantages. For one thing, it can expect more of its own fans to turn out and cheer the players on.

could even imply a claim that Jesus was illegitimate. The townspeople point out that Also, the layout of the field, the little Jesus is one of them, so, obviously he details that make it unique, should be cannot be anything special. They reject more familiar to the home team. Jesus and refuse to put Although these advantages their faith in him. That is do not guarantee victory FOURTEENTH SUNDAY why Jesus describes their for the team, they should IN ORDINARY TIME attitude with the proverb: help. Mk 6: 1-6a “A prophet is not without Similarly, we might exhonor except in his native pect that when Jesus replace and among his own turns to his hometown of Nazareth, he kin and in his own house.” would enjoy a certain home-court adBy rejecting their native son, the vantage. And Sunday’s Gospel reading, townspeople are also rejecting the noMark 6:1-6a, tells us that, at first, that is tion of the incarnation, which teaches what happens. The people are imthat God was willing to become one of pressed with their native son: “Many us through Jesus Christ. Through him, who heard him were astonished. They God was born into the human race, to said, ‘Where did this man get all this? become familiar and approachable to What kind of wisdom has been given us, not distant and far removed. him? What mighty deeds are wrought For this to happen, God had to by his hands?’” choose a particular moment in history But that astonishment quickly turns to be born, among a particular people. into scorn. Instead of identifying Jesus God chose to be born 2,000 years ago, as the son of Joseph, they call him “the in Israel, not in Kansas during the 21st son of Mary.” While we might have no century. problems with that, this goes against Some philosophers of the the usual practice of the times and

Enlightenment criticized Christianity for this aspect of the doctrine of the Incarnation, which they called the scandal of particularity. They claimed that it would be unfair of God to favor the people of a particular time and place over the others. It would give them a homecourt advantage. They would have easier access to salvation than everyone else. But Sunday’s Gospel reading shows us that in the game of salvation, there is no home-court advantage. Everyone is on the same playing field, whether we live in the 21st century or at the time of Christ, whether we grew up as kids with Jesus and can speak his language or whether the distance of history and culture makes him a somewhat remote and exotic figure. There is no scandal of particularity. There is only scandal in rejecting Christ. And that is what the townspeople do in the Gospel reading. The sentence translated as “And they took offense at him” (eskandalizonto) literally means: “They were scandalized by him.” Jesus’ familiarity became a stumbling block for them, because they allowed it to. Conversely, the distance between us and Christ in history and culture can prove to be a stumbling block for some. But it need not. The choice is up to us. Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

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LOCAL NEWS

Luella (Haverkamp) and Edward Curti, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 12. The couple was married on July 11, 1959, at St. Mary Church in St. Benedict. They have one son, Edward Jr. A family dinner and reception are planned from 2-4 p.m. at the Valentino’s banquet room in Seneca.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Please include the following Information: • 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 (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Remember your recently deceased loved one by attending a Memorial Mass Saturday July 11, 2009 9 a.m. Holy Redeemer Chapel, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES 913-371-4040 www.catholiccemeterieskc.org

Wyandotte County Mt. Calvary, Kansas City, Kan. St. John, Kansas City, Kan. Gate of Heaven, Kansas City, Kan.

Johnson County Resurrection, Lenexa, Kan. St. Joseph, Shawnee, Kan. St. John, Lenexa, Kan. Mt. Calvary, Olathe, Kan.

University of Saint Mary signs on to Yellow Ribbon Program LEAVENWORTH — Military veterans who qualify for GI Bill benefits are now eligible to attend the University of Saint Mary here tuition-free through the university’s participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program. In June, the university became one of 700 institutions to sign on with the Yellow Ribbon Program, which supplements existing post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Under the existing GI Bill, veterans are eligible for tuition assistance up to a specific dollar amount per state that cannot exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows universities to help make up any difference between their respective tuition rates and the GI Bill assistance for its eligible students, with the federal government matching the university’s contribution. The University of Saint Mary has agreed to cover 50 percent of the difference, with the VA picking up the rest — that means eligible students will attend USM tuition- and fees-free. The Yellow Ribbon benefits are payable for education pursued on or after Aug. 1 and is reserved for students who are eligible for 100 percent of their GI Bill benefits. Visit USM’s dedicated Web site for military students — www.stmary.edu/ veterans — for more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program and other services available to active duty and veteran students.

For persons recently buried or entombed at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties MT CALVARY – KC KS Nick Billaci Bernice S. Burdolski Eugene F. Burdolski Steven Hernandez Castleberry Kay S. Clemm Walter F. Clemm William Coffman Karen J. Cook Joaquin O. Flores Francis C. Gabel Margaret L. Gunz Stephanie T. Klimek Ethel M. Kovachevich Helen M. Kovac Billie J. Limpic John L. Limpic Roy M. Linquist Carmen Z. Michel Mary K. Miklus Sheri A. Mikuls Valerie M. Noble Joan D. Novak Mary E. Overcash Joseph L. Pecina- Pine Jenny M. Pitko Pauline Rambaldo Daniel Ramirez Mary R. Rehorich Jo Ann C. Robinson Carlos F. Rodriguez Ricardo Zamora Sanchez Frances D. Schweder Antonia Sestrich Thelma R. Swarts Mary Whelham RESURRECTION Milton F. Adams Jeff Aleksaites Karen M. Antonucci

Janet L. Armstrong Rita Befort John M. Berry Ralph J. Bicknell Aniyah Marie Boone George H. Brink Jr. Shelley S. Bryan Joseph D. Buda Jack D. Burton Robert N. Caruso Avery Elise Corbin Dolores J. Dale Gertrude H. Dacone Samir M. Dawood Beulah F. Deason Annetta Decker Joseph S. Derks Sallie L. DiNoto William J. Donovan Mary L. Golub Stephania K. Greenwood George A. Hallinan Bernard F. Hansel Preston Cash Hinson Thelma H. Hoefler Francis E. Hund Margaret E. Jakobe Robert J. Karnes Martha J. Ketteler Norman F. LaFond John E. Langan Keith Lindblom David W. Matthews John H. McCann Jr. Patricia McNellis Augustine Murad Marie K. Pretz Jo Ann C. Robinson Kathleen M. Rohr Gwendolyn H. Rosentrater Erma B. Ryckert

James E. Scaletty Helen A. Studinski Johanna J. Surber Tong Pao Thao Cheryl B. Usman Serenity M. Van Roekel Charles G. Verstraete Constance J. Volk Agnes M. Wallawach Rosemary R. Walsh Madeleine Rose Walter Mary J. Weber Peggy C. Whalen Doris E. Wolf Michael G. Zeleznak Virginia E. Zuniga

ST JOSEPH Joseph E. Callaghan William E. Davis Karen Grimm John E. Riley Mary L. Samyn Carmen Smanot Michael Patrick Vani Laurence E. Wurtenberger ST JOHN – LENEXA Hover L. Steck GATE OF HEAVEN Michael J. Basey Marilyn K. Hankinson David L. Laffere Ernst O. Ulmer Mary C. Wilson Frances E. Witt Gregory M. Young

16 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • JULY 3, 2009 Saint Michael the Archangel Timeline May 1999 – Before it even had a name, the parish of St. Michael the Archangel had a meeting for potential members from Church of the Nativity, Ascension, Queen of the Holy Rosary (Wea), Prince of Peace and St. Thomas More (Kansas City, Mo.) parishes. Turnout exceeded expectations, and new parishioners immediately began giving generously of their time and talent. July 16, 1999 – Archbishop James P. Keleher founded the parish with the intention that the educational facility be developed first to meet the growing demand for Catholic education in southern Johnson County. Aug. 14-15, 1999 – The parish, still unnamed, began holding weekend Masses for its 500 families at Prairie Star Middle School.

The new St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood, which seats 1,200, is filled to capacity at the dedication Mass, held on the feast of Corpus Christi on June 13.

New St. Michael the Archangel Church dedicated Continued from page 1 The interior of the church has a deep-blue, 37-foot-high ceiling. The rear wall of the sanctuary is a 25-foot high mural depicting Christ reigning from his throne in heaven with St. Michael and 13 American saints. Referring to the church’s Romanesque style, Father Porter said, “I hope it blends in with everything we’ve done here and with what the people originally asked for. And I hope they’ll be happy with it.” Parishioners seeing the interior for the first time were beyond happy. Charter parishioner Stacy Holland described the experience as having “the awe factor.” “When we walked into the church, there was almost a stumbling effect,” she said, “because you saw it and you couldn’t move. You didn’t want to move; you just wanted to stand there and keep taking it in. “All I can say is the focus on the Eucharist was amazing to me. I walked in those doors and that mural was in front of me and everything seemed to lead to the sanctuary — you could look around at everything else that’s beautiful there, but that focus on the Eucharist was just breathtaking.” Music at the Mass was provided by St. Michael’s adult and children choir under the direction of Kevin Vogt. During the dedication, Archbishop Naumann thanked Father Porter for his hard work and all the priests who “helped give birth to this community.” He also acknowledged the many lay leaders who made “this beautiful edifice a reality.” The archbishop went on to discuss how a society’s buildings reveal its priorities and how our church buildings particularly reflect our meager efforts to honor God. He encouraged the congregation to be nourished at their new altar and to treat others with the same care they’ve put into building their church. “We come here to be nourished and fed so we can live lives of heroic love,” the archbishop said.

Sept. 29, 1999 – Archbishop Keleher announced that parishioners had chosen the name St. Michael the Archangel. August 2000 – St. Michael Parish launched its capital campaign, with a goal of raising the $5 million in pledges needed to begin construction of a religious education facility with a temporary worship space. By the beginning of December 2000, more than $5.9 million had been pledged. Sept. 28, 2001 – Archbishop Keleher presided over a ceremony to break ground for the St. Michael Parish Worship and Education Center.

Archbishop Naumann anoints the new marble altar with the oil of chrism. Assisting the archbishop are: (from left) altar server Joe Rolleston, archdiocesan vocation director Father Mitchel Zimmerman, associate pastor Father Jojaiah Mandagiri and Deacon Scott Wallisch. He concluded by telling the congregation that as they come to their new church to experience God’s love, may they also be empowered to bring that love to others. Parishioner Monica Lane, who recruited volunteers for the dedication event, has already experienced the shared love of her fellow parishioners. “My job was very easy,” she said, “because people were so excited and so enthusiastic to be a part of this dedication.” Father Porter was also overwhelmed by the generous efforts of his parishioners. “It’s just amazing the vast amount of work people did to get things ready,” he said. “Three or four days before the dedication, we had 30 gals in here polishing silver, and there were people from five to 75 years old spreading 700 bags of mulch around.” Lane, who has five children, said even the youngest parishioners were anxious to be involved. Students at St. Michael School and in the religious education program voted on what the children donation envelope collection

would purchase for the new church. “The top vote-getter was the votive candle holders,” Lane said. Following the dedication, parishioners gathered for a reception of cold sandwiches, sides, cookies and drinks. The crowd of 1,600 filled the new parish hall below the church and spilled over into the courtyard. All the priests of the archdiocese were invited to the Saturday evening dedication but, since weekend Mass responsibilities kept many from attending, Father Porter also hosted evening prayer tours and a dinner on June 15. Reflecting on the completion of the beautiful new building, Father Porter said an even greater accomplishment is the community that grew from 500 to almost 2,000 families along the way. “Being part of this parish from the beginning has been one of the best pieces of my priesthood,” he said. “But as wonderful as it is building this education center and the church, it’s even better and more wonderful having the opportunity to build up a community.”

April 2003 – With nearly 1,400 registered families, St. Michael Parish celebrated Holy Week and Easter Masses in its new Worship and Education Center. The following weekend, on April 26, Archbishop Keleher joined parishioners in dedicating the new 85,122-square-foot facility built around a courtyard. August 2003 – St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, under the leadership of principal Michael Cullinan, opened its doors to nearly 300 students in grades kindergarten through fifth. Jan. 16, 2004 – An early-1950s vintage ranch-style farmhouse was moved from its original location on 143rd Street between Nall and Mission to St. Michael Parish for use as a rectory. 2005 – The parish launched its Building Our Traditions capital campaign to construct a permanent church. June 9, 2007 – Archbishop Joseph Naumann and church officials broke ground for the new church building. June 13, 2009 – Archbishop Naumann dedicated the nearly $16 million, 65,000-square-foot church and parish hall.