02-19-16 Vol. 37 No. 27 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 27 | FEBRUARY 19, 2016

FAITH &

TABLE TENNIS BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

R Bill Guilfoil started playing table tennis in 1936, competed internationally and has been in two Olympic trials. At 93, he still teaches and plays every chance he gets.

OELAND PARK — St. Agnes parishioner Bill Guilfoil likes to tell a story about the time his friend George Brett was in Australia and saw a local newscast about table tennis. The baseball Hall of Famer was shocked to see Guilfoil as the featured player. “Then George came back,” Guilfoil said. “And he told me, ‘You know, you’ve got a problem now — you’re going to be world famous. “Baseball is just a national sport, but table tennis is all over the world.’” Brett was right. Guilfoil has been meeting with reporters from international newspapers and television stations for the past few months because, for the second time in his life, he competed in the U.S. Olympic table tennis trials. Guilfoil won’t be representing the United States this year in Rio. But there’s little doubt why he’s famous for trying. “It’s because I’m 93 years of age and two months,” he said. >> See “?????” on page 4

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

his past Sunday was World Marriage Day, celebrating the beauty and importance of marital love. On the Thursday prior (Feb. 11) Bishop Johnston and I celebrated a Mass at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa for married couples. Bishop Johnston began his homily with the story of a reporter who had been assigned to Afghanistan when the Taliban was at its height. The Taliban did not allow wives to walk alongside their husbands, but required, under pain of law, that women walk several steps behind their spouse. The reporter returned to Afghanistan after the Taliban had been expelled and was surprised to see wives continuing to walk several steps behind their husbands. When he asked one of the women why she still walked behind her husband, she replied: “Land mines!” On Sept. 29, 2015, Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix promulgated a pastoral exhortation directed to the men of his diocese entitled: “Into the Breach.” Bishop Olmsted began his exhortation with this challenge to men: “I begin this letter with a clarion call and clear charge to you, my sons and brothers in Christ: Men, do not hesitate to engage in the battle that is raging around you, the battle that is wounding our children and families, the battle that is distorting the dignity of both women and men. This battle is often hidden, but the battle is real. It is primarily spiritual, but it is progressively killing the remaining Christian

To lead, fathers must first learn to serve their families

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

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this article online at: www.theleaven.org.

ethos in our society and culture, and even in our homes.” Bishop Olmsted cites, since the year 2000, the troubling decline in United States of the number of infant and adult baptisms, marriages and Sunday Mass attendance. Perhaps even more startling is the 700 percent increase since 1950 of American children born out of wedlock. Forty-one percent of our nation’s children are born to unmarried parents. In my opinion, the most serious threat facing our society is not terrorism, not the spiraling national debt, not immigration reform, not energy independence, and not health care. It is the huge number of American children growing up without their fathers. Fatherless boys are more likely to wind up in prison and fatherless girls are much more likely to wind up as single mothers. Bishop Olmsted addresses three questions: What does it mean to

be a Catholic man? How does a Catholic man love? Why is fatherhood, fully understood, so crucial for every man? In answer to the first question, Bishop Olmsted states that if you want to know what a Catholic man looks like, then look at Jesus Christ and gaze upon a crucifix. Real men are willing to spend their lives for the good of their spouses, their children, the weak and the vulnerable. Look at the great heroic saints such as Thomas More or Ignatius Loyola or Maximilian Kolbe. How does a Catholic man love? Again, Catholic men look to Jesus where they see the example of unwavering servant love. Catholic men love by placing the good of their spouse, their children and their friends before their own wants and desires. Bishop Olmsted cites James Bond, the famous 007, as the antithesis of authentic love. Bond bonds to no one. He uses women for pleasure, never committing himself. Frequently, our culture portrays men as beasts, who are incapable of controlling our passions. Pornography and masturbation, both forms of self-absorbed love, are considered normal and socially acceptable. It is the man who strives to live

chastely that is ridiculed in contemporary American society. Bishop Olmsted challenges young men to aspire to heroism, not self-indulgent pleasure: “I urge you, young men, to prepare for marriage even before you meet your [future] bride. Such training in sacrifice is to love your bride before you meet her, so that you may one day say, ‘Before I knew you, I was faithful to you.’” With regard to the question of fatherhood, Bishop Olmsted highlights the words of Pope Francis: “When a man does not have this desire [for fatherhood], something is missing in this man. Something is wrong. All of us, to exist, to become complete, in order to be mature, need to feel the joy of fatherhood; even those of us who are celibate. Fatherhood is giving life to others, giving life, giving life.” To be an authentic Catholic man who loves as Jesus loved and who is a life-giver requires effort and discipline. Bishop Olmsted recommends seven practices that are crucial for men to find the strength and power to develop manly virtues. They are: 1) daily morning and evening prayer as well as meal prayers; 2) making Sunday Mass the most important moment of each week; 3) daily prayerful reading of the Bible; 4) observing Sunday as truly the Lord’s Day — a day for prayer, rest, family, service and friendship; 5) monthly confession; 6) developing friendships with other men who share the desire to grow in virtue; and 7) fasting and other

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center board meeting, Lawrence

Feb. 20 White Mass — St. Thomas More, Kansas City, Missouri

Feb. 25 Inter-parish Women’s Bible Study — Holy Trinity, Lenexa Nemaha/Marshall Serra Club chartering — Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca

Feb. 21 Pastoral visit — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka Rite of Election — St. Matthew, Topeka Feb. 22 High school counselors meeting — Savior Pastoral Center Finance Council meeting — Chancery Confirmation — St. Matthew, Topeka Feb. 23 Johnson County regional priests meeting — Sacred Heart, Shawnee

Feb. 26-28 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher winter meeting — Omaha, Nebraska Feb. 28 Junior high youth rally — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg Feb. 29 Confirmation — Mater Dei, Topeka

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting — Chancery

Feb. 21 Confessions — Curé of Ars, Leawood

Feb. 24 Mass — Immaculata High School, Leavenworth

Feb. 27 Confirmation — St. Joseph, Chicago

practices for developing self-mastery. This past Saturday, more than 1200 men participated in the 20th annual Men Under Construction retreat. This weekend, a group of men will be at Prairie Star Ranch for the second annual F.I.R.E. retreat, which is aimed at empowering men to deepen their faith and increase their capacity for living a life of virtue. Several parishes offer specific faith groups for men, such as That Man Is You. Christ Renews His Parish, as well as Cursillo weekends, have had a powerful transformative impact on men. The Knights of Columbus provide a beautiful fraternity that encour-

ages men to live lives of faith and service. I encourage more men to take advantage of these and other wonderful opportunities to grow in friendship with Jesus and to follow better as his disciple. We need men to be spiritual leaders — not domineering tyrants, but servant leaders for their families. Real men cherish and protect the dignity of women. Authentic Catholic men are eager to lead their spouses and children, not with an attitude of superiority, but with a desire to absorb life’s land mines in order to protect those for whom he is willing to give his life.

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FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis gives a vaccine to a boy held by Mexico’s first lady Angelica Rivera during a visit to the Federico Gomez Children’s Hospital of Mexico in Mexico City Feb. 14.

People wave the flags of Mexico and the Vatican as they wait for Pope Francis’ arrival to celebrate Mass in Ecatepec near Mexico City Feb. 14.

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to celebrate Mass in Ecatepec near Mexico City Feb. 14.

THE POPE IN MEXICO

Pope preaches conversion in crime-ridden ‘peripheries’ By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

CATEPEC, Mexico (CNS) — Pope Francis began his travels to Mexico’s “peripheries” by visiting an overcrowded, sprawling settlement known internationally as a hunting ground for girls to force into prostitution and for boys to enlist in the drug trade. Ecatepec, on the northern edge of Mexico City, also has tidy gated communities and a new shopping mall with department stores like Sears, a big WalMart, Starbucks and dozens of other shops and restaurants. Pope Francis celebrated Mass Feb. 14 on a vast open field with some 300,000 people. The high altar platform was decorated with Aztec designs — flowers and birds — made of flowers and petals. More than 1.7 million people live in Ecatepec, which Vatican Radio described as “a lawless neighborhood where organized crime, pollution and poverty reign and where most people fear to tread.” Like Ciudad Juarez in the north was a decade ago, Ecatepec has now become famous as a place where it is particularly dangerous to be a woman because of murders, kidnappings and human trafficking. Sister Angelica Garcia Barela, a member of the Servant Missionaries of the Word, was thrilled the pope was visiting. “He comes to show the faith and to change hearts. The pope’s faith, his enthusiasm and joy, isn’t fleeting and it’s contagious. Much can change.” With other members of her order, Sister Garcia spent the night at the Mass site so she would be in place early to watch over the pre-consecrated hosts she would help distribute during Communion to people far from the papal altar. >> See “MAKE” on page 16

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis addresses Mexico’s bishops in the cathedral in Mexico City Feb. 13. He urged them to raise their voice against drug cartels and organized crime.

Pope Francis tells Mexican bishops be unified, speak out on tough issues

By David Agren Catholic News Service

EXICO CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis demanded forceful denunciations of drug violence in Mexico from the country’s bishops, who have preferred timid pronouncements instead of speaking prophetically on a tragedy that has claimed more than 100,000 lives over the past 10 years and left another 25,000 Mexicans missing. Speaking Feb. 13 to an audience of bishops in Mexico City’s Metropolitan

Cathedral, Pope Francis urged them to confront the scourge of drug cartels and organized crime by raising their voices, developing pastoral plans, and “drawing in and embracing the fringes of human existence in the ravaged areas of our cities.” “I urge you not to underestimate the moral and anti-social challenge, which the drug trade represents for young people and Mexican society as a whole,” Pope Francis said. “The magnitude of this phenomenon . . . and the gravity of the violence . . . do not allow us as pastors of the church to hide behind anodyne denunciations.”

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

The pope spoke to the Mexican bishops for more than 40 minutes, delivering a tough talk on matters the pope plans to highlight in his six-day Mexican trip, including violence, migrants and indigenous issues. In off-the-cuff remarks, he warned of “the temptation of aloofness and clericalism” for bishops, called for clerical transparency and asked for unity in the Mexican bishops’ conference, which has pursued closer ties with political leaders in recent years, while speaking softly — if at all — on uncomfortable issues such as corruption. >> See “DRUG” on page 16

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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

St. Agnes parishioner is 93 years young and going strong >> Continued from page 1 At 93, Guilfoil is still teaching at the Overland Park Racquet Club and competing whenever he has a chance. But he isn’t interested in being famous. He’s got bigger fish to fry. He wants to get more young people involved in table tennis. He has plans to help with research into how the game can combat Alzheimer’s disease. And he’s interested in inspiring people of all ages to stay active. “My ambition is to get people thinking better,” said Guilfoil, “so they can get up and be flexible and start doing something, not sit with their knees crossed all the time.” And he behaves as if he’s got all the time in the word to accomplish these goals. “He doesn’t think of himself as 93,” said his daughter, Bridget Fitzwater. “And we don’t either. It’s really an attitude of stamina.”

Love at first love Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Guilfoil grew up in Blessed Sacrament and St. Rose of Lima parishes. He was a natural athlete and interested in every sport — until he was introduced to tennis. He was 13 years old. And he fell in love. He began practicing and playing every chance he could get. And practice made him perfect. He was so good that as a student at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, he was asked to coach the tennis team. “The priest told me to take it over,” recalled Guilfoil. “Monsignor Mike Mullen was one of my students.” He served in World War II and was blinded by bombing powder in France. But he eventually recovered his 20/14 eyesight, which he still boasts today. After the war, he attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, where he was a favorite among the priests who wanted to get in a game of tennis between classes. “Father [Joseph M.] Freeman would call me sometimes at five in the morning to play,” Guilfoil recalled. Sports would continue to be an integral part of Guilfoil’s life — he eventually opened three Guilfoil Sporting Goods stores in Kansas. And when he wasn’t playing tennis, he was playing table tennis. He’s remained a serious competitor over the years, ranking nationally and competing internationally in both sports. Guilfoil was inducted into the Heart of America Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2001; his lifetime USA Table Tennis membership qualified him to compete in the Olympic trials.

All in the family While at Rockhurst College, Guilfoil went on a blind date with a young nurse named Agatha Gray Priebe — and found something he loved even more than tennis. “I married Gray in 1957,” he said. “We had four girls and raised them here in St. Agnes Parish.” And through it all, he played tennis or table tennis every chance he got. “Mom always wanted to sit in the front pew at church,” recalled Fitzwater. “And Dad always wanted to sit in the back pew because he probably had

Bill Guilfoil is pictured here with two of his four daughters: Bridget Fitzwater (left) and Shawna Froeschl, before the latter’s death of melanoma in 1990. Guilfoil helped start the tennis team at Bishop Miege High School where his daughters played. Bridget went on to play for the University of Kansas and Shawna for the University of Missouri. Bishop Miege set up an annual tennis tournament in her memory.

“

“HE WOULD WEAR HIS TENNIS SHORTS UNDERNEATH HIS CLOTHES FOR CHURCH IN CASE THERE WAS A CHANCE FOR A GAME AFTERWARDS.” Bridget Fitzwater, Bill Guilfoil’s daughter

a match on. “He would wear his tennis shorts underneath his clothes for church in case there was a chance for a game afterwards.” But even if Guilfoil was running from church to a match, he always took the Holy Family with him. “He would put J.M.J. on all of his rackets,” said his daughter. Guilfoil taught tennis at Glenwood Manor in Overland Park, then became the tennis pro at the Overland Park Racquet Club where he also started a table tennis program. And both sports were always a family affair. “I remember when Dad would take us over to Strawberry Hill (in Kansas City, Kansas),” said Fitzwater. “There was a table tennis club in the basement of Holy Family Church where we would play.” All four girls attended Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park where Guilfoil helped start the tennis team — one of many times he shared his talents with the Catholic community. “I did some teaching at St. Mary’s University (in Leavenworth) one summer,” he recalled. “I looked up at the statue of St. Joseph and said, ‘If you need anything, you can call on me.’” St. Joseph took Guilfoil at his word: He went on to coach at Rockhurst Uni-

versity and Notre Dame de Sion high school in Kansas City, Missouri. He’ll be helping with the program as St. James Academy in Lenexa next year.

Faith journey For many years, Bishop Miege has sponsored a tennis tournament in memory of Guifoil’s daughter Shawna who lost her life to melanoma in 1990. “Shawna was the greatest Catholic,” said Guilfoil of his daughter. “Twelve high schools come in and play in that tournament every year.” His own Catholic faith has sustained Guilfoil through the loss of his daughter and — 17 years later — the loss of his wife to Alzheimer’s disease. “When you talk about Mom with Alzheimer’s,” said Fitzwater, “that was a faith journey for him.” “I quit working 10 years to be with her,” said Guilfoil. Now, in a way, he’s working for her. Guilfoil is headed to California this month to help research the disease that robbed him of his wife. “I got a call from a psychiatrist at UCLA,” he explained. “We talked for three hours and he said, ‘God, I’m glad I found you. I saw you in the New York paper — I need you badly out here.’

“I said, ‘What am I going to do?’ He said, ‘Alzheimer’s.’” Guilfoil will spend three weeks as part of a study to determine how playing table tennis may impact brain health.

Keeping the faith When asked how her dad has survived 93 years with such a happy attitude, Fitzwater didn’t hesitate. “He’s a prayer guy,” she said. Prayer is part of his life, every moment of the day. As is joy. John Davidson is one of the many people inspired by Guilfoil’s indomitable spirit. When Davidson first moved to the area in 1987 and discovered the Overland Park Racquet Club, he soon met Guilfoil. “We’ve been friends ever since,” he said. “I can tell you that his faith plays an integral part in his life. “The Bible talks about treating everybody equally and fairly — there’s no one he’s ever met that’s not been a friend.” “If you go with Dad,” explained Fitzwater, “you’ll get stopped over and over again by people.” A favorite story from a funeral that Guilfoil attended with family and friends serves as an illustration. “Someone said, ‘Surely, he won’t know anyone here,” recalled his daughter. “And as Dad is walking through the cemetery, he pointed at a grave and said, ‘I played table tennis with this guy.’ “That’s such a great story of how it is with Dad.”

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Abbey monk, BC students enjoy sweet collaboration By Erin Hunninghake Special to The Leaven

TCHISON — What started out as a delicious hobby has now turned into a prosperous business partnership between a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey and students here at Benedictine College. Benedict’s Brittle was the brainchild of abbey monk Brother Leven Harton, who decided to grow his own peanuts to make into peanut butter. After realizing it took almost his entire crop to make just one jar, he took a different route — peanut brittle. “My mom showed me how to make it and, pretty soon, I was using the brittle to help fundraise for a mission trip that I was leading to El Salvador,” said Brother Leven. The monk said the brittle was met with great enthusiasm, and he quickly began running out of it by Christmas. This gave him the idea that it could become something more than just a delicious hobby. “I began to consider the possibility of it being lucrative for the monastery,” he said. “A confrère encouraged me, so I went for it.” The abbey leadership gave Brother Leven clearance on the project, along with a little capital. He and some fellow monks then advertised their brittle in the abbey’s Kansas Monks magazine, which contributed to a promising first year. The business has been growing ever since. Students of Enactus, Benedictine College’s business club, took notice of this rapidly growing brittle business and jumped on the profitable prospect. “We saw the opportunity to help the monks grow their business even further while being able to produce and keep up with demand,” said Caleb Jenkins, a sophomore at Benedictine double majoring in international business and finance. Jenkins is currently the CEO and president of Benedict’s Brittle and co-owner of Raven’s Licensing Venture, LLC. Jenkins said the partnership licensing agreement has been

Brother Leven Harton, OSB, and Benedictine College student Cecily Vandenhouten work on a batch of Benedict’s Brittle, a peanut brittle of Brother Leven’s creation. What started out as a hobby has turned into a nice business partnership between a monk and Benedictine College’s business club. wonderful for both parties. “Having it this way helps us both keep the business running smooth and efficient,” he said. According to Brother Leven, the main goal for this business was “to generate revenues for St. Benedict’s Abbey and Enactus by creating a quality, homemade product.” For the students’ part, said Jenkins, “we saw the opportunity to help students gain incredible business experience by working within an actual company.” Jenkins said the opportunity to run a real business as only a sophomore has been invaluable. “It has been an incredible experience for me, and I’m learning things that I’d only learn by actually doing it rather than learning about it in a classroom,” he said.

While Brother Leven has turned over most of the business elements to the students of Enactus, he is still taking the lead on the product that started it all as the head cook. He is also the primary monastic liaison. “The management is still being transferred to the Enactus team, so I still help out with some practical wisdom, while letting them make the decisions on the business side,” said the monk. Benedict’s Brittle sells both locally in stores and online. And, of course, at the abbey. “We are in Vintage Gypsy on 120 North Eighth Street and also in Gateway to Kansas on 504 Commercial Street,” said Jenkins. “Both of these stores have been a tremendous boost to our overall sales.” Locally, customers can get their hands

on the treat for only $20. A tin sells for $22 online at: kansasmonks.org/brittle. The price includes shipping. Benedict’s Brittle has also introduced a new 12-ounce bag for $10 and a small six-ounce bag for $5. These smaller options can only be bought in downtown Atchison or in the abbey guesthouse. Both Brother Leven and Jenkins said the response to Benedict’s Brittle has been overwhelmingly positive. “Some are even emphatic that it is the best brittle they’ve ever had,” said Brother Leven. “We have always had positive feedback about the brittle,” said Jenkins. “The most common feedback we received this year was that the brittle was consistently at the highest quality.”

Broadcaster invites Catholics to be ‘magnetic’ at March 19 Olpe conference By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

LPE — Even to Brian and Kay Schmidt, the circumstances that are bringing Catholic apologist, broadcaster and author Gus Lloyd to their parish here in March seem a bit odd. Odd indeed, since Lloyd will bring his exciting evangelistic and apologetic program “Live Your Faith” to St. Joseph Parish in Olpe thanks to a vacation in Italy and a new car. Last summer, the Schmidts went on a second honeymoon to Italy. They saw all the beautiful, inspiring places that tourists/pilgrims are supposed to see: St. Peter’s Basilica, Florence and Venice. “I was really affected by everything I was seeing,” said Kay. “I’ve been Catholic all my life, but it really clicked for me — being part of the Catholic Church. I had a spiritual encounter with the church while I was there.” They were on a spiritual high. About that same time, they also bought a new car, which came with a free three-month package for SiriusXM satellite radio.

Catholic Radio personality and author Gus Lloyd will hold a conference March 19 at St. Joseph Church in Olpe. “Right away, I found the Catholic channel and began listening to this guy named Gus Lloyd,” said Kay. “He kept me on this spiritual high. Since the day I’ve tuned in, I haven’t changed the channel. He’s that good.” Kay is a member of St. Joseph’s parish council. And at about the time she and

Brian were returning home from their vacation, the council had begun discussing ways to bring a speaker to Olpe for Lent. “I knew right away Gus Lloyd would be the person to bring in,” said Kay. “I contacted him and asked if he would come to our small town, and he said he would be honored to do that.” Lloyd began his radio career in 1979. He left radio, underwent a major religious conversion and then began feeling called to ministry — especially explaining and defending the Catholic faith. He reentered radio in the early 1990s and began hosting a radio show on WBVM Spirit FM in Tampa, Florida. He co-hosted a show there called “A Question of Faith” with the theologian Scott Hahn. Lloyd has also written four books: “A Minute in the Church,” “A Minute in the Church Volume II,” “A Minute in the Church: The Mass,” and “Magnetic Christianity: Using Your God-given Gifts to Build the Kingdom.” His presentation in Olpe will be on that last topic — how one can be a “magnetic Christian.” “A magnetic Christian is a person who

feels the call to evangelize, which we all have through our baptism,” said Lloyd. “These are people who desire to draw others to Christ.” He will also offer his personal testimony. “I’m a big believer that evangelization begins with sharing our story, sharing the story of how good God has been in our lives,” he said. “I want to share the story of the circuitous route God has put me on to be doing what I am doing today.” Lloyd’s presentation will also include a focus on apologetics (defending the faith) that will briefly touch on the most common objections to the Catholic faith that people encounter. The Lloyd conference will be held March 19 in the Olpe Knights of Columbus Hall, 212 Iowa St. Mass begins at 8 a.m. The conference will follow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a free event, but a freewill offering will be collected. Lunch will be provided, but advance registration before March 15 is required. Send your name, number of attendees and phone number to: st.joseph_olpe@yahoo.com, or call Brian and Kay Schmidt at (620) 475-3767.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS James and Teresa (Lackman) Carroll, m e m bers of St. Patrick Parish, O s a g e City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 5. The couple was married on Feb. 5, 1966, at Assumption Parish, New Haven, Missouri. They celebrated with family. Their children are: Patrick Carroll and Sheila Walton, both of McFarland; and William Carroll, Osage City. They also have eight grandchildren. Gary

and

Rosemary

(Kowalski) Smagiel, m e m bers of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 19. The couple was married on Feb. 19, 1966. Their children are: Jennifer Walker, Fort Leavenworth; and Gregory Smagiel (deceased). They also have eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Special-needs listening session location changed Because of a scheduling conflict, the special archdiocesan-wide listening event regarding parish ministries for individuals with special needs and their families from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on March 8 will be held in the parish center of St. Patrick Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas, not in the church as previously reported.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Speaker to detail things Catholics should know about Planned Parenthood at Feb. 27 event

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — You may have seen the controversial videos, but are you aware of the full extent of Planned Parenthood’s activities? Jim Sedlak, a national pro-life leader and expert on Planned Parenthood, will go into detail about three things all Catholics must know about Planned Parenthood: What it does, why it must be opposed and how it can be successfully battled on the local level. The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Planned Parenthood Exposed. “Jim Sedlak has been educating the public about the goals and activities of Planned Parenthood for many years,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant. “Planned Parenthood is one of the leading proponents

of abortion in the United States, as well as sexual activity among our youth.” Sedlak, vice president of American Life League and founder of Stop Planned Parenthood (STOPP), will give his presentation from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 27 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas. “We won’t be able to stop the harm that Planned Parenthood is doing to women and youths until we understand their goals, methods and mentality,” said Kelsey. “It is incumbent upon every Catholic to oppose Planned Parenthood and its promotion of the culture of death.” There is no cost to attend. A continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP by email to: prolife@archkck.org, or by calling (913) 647-0350.

Don’t forget to register for Day of Enrichment

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Explore the practical tools that can be used to increase the chances that your children will own your faith and moral values during the Day of Enrichment for married and engaged couples from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Also, hear about the four factors that can help any married couple experience a truly joyful, passionate, grace-filled relationship. Cost is: $25 for individuals, or $35 for couples. To register, go online to: www.archkck.org/popcak2016.

CHURCH OF THE WEEK St. Joseph, Flush Address: 8965 Flush Rd., St. George, 66535 Phone: (785) 494-8234 Pastor: Father Michael Peterson Mass Time: Sunday, 8:45 a.m. Email: stbernard66547@gmail.com Website: www.saintbernardwamego. com

Video

A video tour of this church is available online at: www.theleaven.org.

More photos of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

SCALIA DIES AT 79

He was longest-serving justice on current Supreme Court

ASHINGTON (CNS) — Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died of apparent natural causes Feb. 13 while in Texas on a hunting trip, once said in an interview that while he took his Catholic faith seriously, he never allowed it to influence his work on the high court. “I don’t think there’s any such thing as a Catholic judge,” Scalia told The Catholic Review, Baltimore’s archdiocesan newspaper, in 2010. “There are good judges and bad judges. The only article in faith that plays any part in my judging is the commandment: ‘Thou shalt not lie.’” Scalia said it wasn’t his job to make policy or law, but to “say only what the law provides.” On the issue of abortion, for example, he told the Review that “if I genuinely thought the Constitution guaranteed a woman’s right to abortion, I would be on the other [side]”, said Scalia, who long held that abortion is not guaranteed in the Constitution. “It would [have] nothing to do with my religion,” he said. “It has to do with my being a lawyer.” He was widely regarded as an “originalist,” who said the best method for judging cases was examining what the Founding Fathers meant when writing the Constitution. “My burden is not to show that originalism is perfect, but that it beats the other alternatives,” he said in a 2010 lecture. Nominated to the high court in June 1986 by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the Senate that September, Scalia was the longest-serving member of the current Supreme Court. He was 79. With his death, there are now five Catholics among the remaining eight justices. According to an AP story, Scalia’s body was flown on a private plane from Texas to Virginia, arriving late the night of Feb. 14. No funeral arrangements had been announced as of midday Feb. 15. Scalia was found dead the morning of Feb. 13 in his room at Cibolo Creek Ranch south of Marfa, Texas. The justice was part of a group of 30 or so guests on a hunting trip. Ranch owner John Poindexter told reporters the justice seemed his usual self at dinner Feb. 12 but also noted Scalia had told his group he was tired and had turned in early. When Scalia didn’t appear for breakfast the next morning, Poindexter and another staff member went to check on him and found the justice “in complete repose” in his room. By mid-afternoon Feb. 13, Judge Cinderela Guevara of Presidio County, Texas, determined he had died of natural causes. Before making her ruling, she said, she consulted with sheriff’s investigators, who were on the scene and who said there were no signs of foul play. Guevara said she also talked with Scalia’s physician in Washington; a few days before his hunting trip, the jurist told his doctor he was not feeling well. The Scalia family felt a private autopsy was unnecessary and requested that his body be returned to Washing-

CNS PHOTO/NANCY PHELAN WIECHEC

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is seen in this Aug. 30, 2013, file photo at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington. ton as soon as possible, according to Chris Lujan of Sunset Funeral Homes in El Paso, Texas, about 195 miles northwest of Marfa. The facility received Scalia’s body and handled the transport of his remains to Virginia. “We are all deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Justice Antonin Scalia,” said Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Virginia, the diocese Scalia and his wife of nearly 56 years, Maureen McCarthy Scalia, called home. “His presence among us encouraged us to be faithful to our own responsibilities, whether familial, religious or vocational. His wisdom brought clarity to issues. His witness to truth enabled us to seek to do the same,” the bishop said in a statement. Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl said of Scalia: “I admired his strong and unwavering faith in the Lord and his dedication to serving our country by upholding the U.S. Constitution.” He noted that every year, Scalia attended the Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington. The Mass is celebrated to invoke God’s blessings on those who work in the administration of justice. Besides his wife, Scalia is survived by the couple’s five sons and four daughters as well as 36 grandchildren.

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“I DON’T THINK THERE’S ANY SUCH THING AS A CATHOLIC JUDGE. THERE ARE GOOD JUDGES AND BAD JUDGES.” Justice Antonin Scalia

Their son, Father Paul Scalia, is a priest of the Arlington Diocese. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, March 11, 1936, and raised on Long Island, Antonin “Nino” Gregory Scalia was an only child. His father, Salvatore, was an Italian immigrant from Sicily, who worked as a clerk and was a graduate student when his son was born. Salvatore eventually became a college professor. Antonin’s mother, born in Trenton to Italian immigrant parents, was an elementary school teacher. In 1953, young Antonin graduated first in his class from Jesuit-run Xavier High School in the New York borough of Manhattan. He graduated from Jesuit-run Georgetown University in 1957, and went on to Harvard Law

School, where he graduated in 1960. Scalia moved to Cleveland, practicing law there with the firm of Jones, Day, Cockley and Reavis until 1967. He then joined the faculty of the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville. He took a leave in 1971 when President Richard Nixon appointed him general counsel for the Office of Telecommunications Policy. He left the university in 1974, when he was appointed assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel at Department of Justice. In 1977, Scalia returned to teaching. He was on the faculty at the University of Chicago Law School. He also was a visiting professor at the law schools of Georgetown and Stanford University. In 1982, Reagan nominated him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, where he served until being named to the Supreme Court. In other reaction in Washington to Scalia’s death, The Catholic University of America in a Feb. 15 statement called him “a man who loved his family, his faith, his country and the Constitution that established it.” “He insisted that there is no such thing as a Catholic judge, only good and bad ones,” the university said. “But in his 30 years on the Supreme Court, he offered a model for American Catholics of how we might serve both God and country.” In 1994, Catholic University honored Scalia with the James Cardinal Gibbons Medal, given for service to the nation, the Catholic Church or the university. In 1999, the university gave Scalia an honorary degree. In 2010, the St. Thomas More Society of Maryland honored Scalia with its “Man for All Seasons Award,” given to members of the legal profession who embody the ideals of St. Thomas More. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese of the Military Services said Feb. 15 that Scalia “was a brilliant jurist who contributed much to the country and I mourn his passing. We are all poorer, because he no longer walks among us, but richer, because of the gifts he shared with us.” In 1992, Scalia told a group of high school students at Washington’s Georgetown Visitation High School that, as Catholics, they might feel out of step with the rest of the world, but they should learn to accept it and take pride in it. He said he was raised a Catholic when the religion was not in the mainstream. “When I was the age of you young ladies, the church provided obtrusive reminders that we were different,’’ he said, referring to meatless Fridays and Sunday morning fasts before receiving Communion. These practices “were not just to toughen us up’’ but to “require us to be out of step,’’ he said. Scalia noted the sense of “differentness’’ should have enabled Catholics “to be strong enough on bigger issues’’ such as abortion, contraception and divorce. He also spoke of what he called the necessary distinction between church and state. “The business of the state is not God’s business,’’ he said.

CHANGING THE WORLD — ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AT A TIME STORY AND PHOTOS BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The doorbell moment. It’s somet h i n g Heartland Habitat for Humanity (HHH) staff and volunteers have come to know and love. “It never fails,” said Director of Family Services Brenda Martell. “When we dedicate the home and bless it for the family, there’s always that one kid who goes and rings the doorbell and asks, ‘Is that my doorbell?’” Most families qualifying for HHH housing have spent their lives, perhaps for generations, in Section 8 Housing Program Tom Lally, CEO of Heartland Habitat for Humanity a pa r t m e n t s . T h e y ’ v e never had a doorbell. “So they don’t even know what a doorbell sounds like,” said Martell. “I’ve been seeing this for years — it always brings tears to my eyes. “It makes me want to be grateful and appreciate the small things.” Overland Park’s Church of the Ascension parishioner Greg Malmgren has been involved with HHH for a decade. He was part of the steering committee tasked with opening the first Habitat for Humanity ReStore and has since volunteered at ReStores and on HHH build projects. He agrees that the house blessings are an awesome reward for his efforts. “It gives me a terrific sense of enjoyment to see the looks on these families’ faces, especially the kids,” he said.

“OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE: DECENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL OF GOD’S PEOPLE. BUT IT ENCOMPASSES SO MUCH MORE.

Christ-centered HHH is one of the few workplaces where time is specifically dedicated for prayer. “Everything we do when conducting business — from meeting to construction — we

always start with prayer,” said Martell. Malmgren appreciates the Christ-centered philosophy of the organization and considers his volunteer work with HHH a ministry of faith. “I definitely feel the Lord’s grace and spirit when we all work together toward a common goal,” he said, “especially when we all pray together before starting to work, before eating lunch and during the home blessings.” For Martell, a graduate of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, the prayerful atmosphere of HHH is essential to handling the stress that often results from working with the poor. “I work for God, I don’t work for Habitat,” she said. “To help God’s people in need — that’s the part of our mission I always keep near my heart. “When it’s overwhelming and challenging because of the volume of people we’re helping, I have to remember that it’s for God’s glory. “If I didn’t have faith, I wouldn’t be here.” “Our mission is simple: decent affordable housing for all of God’s people,” said CEO Tom Lally, a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “But it encompasses so much more. “And there’s a constant need.” Indeed, last year alone, HHH built about 10 homes, but it served more than 6,000 people.

Volunteer with Heartland Habitat for Humanity HHH would like the Catholic community to get involved with a local build or help support the ministry by shopping and donating at ReStore, or making a donation directly to the organization. The need is great during the winter months. For more information, friend them on Facebook or visit their website at: www. heartlandhabitat.org.

More than a doorbell “The builds are only one small aspect of what we do,” said Martell. “We have a motto: ‘No one goes away empty-handed. If I cannot help you, then I’ll find someone that can.’” Though the core competency of HHH is new-home construction with volunteers, it also does homeowner education that includes financial counseling for credit, budgeting and anything that has to do with successful homeownership. The education aspect of its services became so popular that HHH decided to make it available beyond its own clientele. “We came up with a program called Common Sense,” said Lally. “We make that available to the general public, and we partner with wonderful social services agencies such as the Keeler Women’s Center (in Kansas City, Kansas.)” “We have at least one class there every month,” added Martell, who is on the center’s advisory board. “Keeler provides a venue to reach out to all walks of life.” HHH also does rehab on existing homes through a phenomenal program called Brush with Kindness. It works through local municipalities. Brush with Kindness volunteers step in to help elderly, disabled or low-income residents make repairs after re-

ceiving code violations. “It’s gotten to the point where the code enforcement officer refers them to us directly,” said Martell. HHH is also getting to be known for its ReStore outlets — nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used building materials. “ReStore is a great opportunity to help support our mission and ministry,” said Lally.

A hand up The mission of Heartland Habitat for Humanity is not only providing affordable housing, but also making sure the people they serve become successful homeowners. “In order to qualify for our program for a new home,” said Lally, “the applicant is required to go through 50 hours of classroom time for homeowner education.” And many people are surprised to learn that clients pay for their homes. “We do sell the home,” explained Lally. “We sell it at no profit and with a zero-percent interest mortgage. “At that price, it is not a handout, but a hand up.” Qualifying for a home in the first place is a stringent process. “The families who receive the homes are thoroughly vetted based on need, character, faith and ability to pay back the zero-interest loans

A work of mercy

“IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU REACH OUT, ROLL UP YOUR SHIRTSLEEVES AND PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION.”

Heartland Habitat for Humanity president and CEO Tom Lally stands on the front porch of a recently completed Heartland Habitat for Humanity home that was blessed at the end of January. Frigid temperatures didn’t slow down construction on a new Heartland Habitat build supported by volunteers from a United Presbyterian church. and properly respect and maintain the homes,” said Malmgren. “These families consist of so many terrific people full of faith and love and appreciation for the opportunity to receive an HHH-sponsored home,” he continued. And HHH services don’t stop when the keys are handed over. “They are our families,” said Martell. “Life happens, situations happen. And when they’re in need, we try to be a support system for them and help them. “We want them to be successful.” Those successful families become contributing members of society, making the efforts of HHH worthwhile. “Affordable shelter is a critical component to a wonderful society,” said Lally. “And I think once we start rallying around that, then we’re able to build that home that houses the family unit — that then strengthens the neighborhood.” Martell agreed “It’s helping that school maintain [its] numbers,” she

As Pope Francis calls on Catholics to participate in the jubilee Year of Mercy, volunteers see in HHH a way to answer that call. “I think the Habitat mission embodies what Pope Francis is conveying,” said Lally. “Every day at a Heartland Habitat build site, you see wonderful strangers coming together to help a family they don’t even know.” When Church of the Nativity parishioners from Leawood built a house in the shadow of St. Peter Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas, director of Nativity’s caring ministries Tom Garbach helped coordinate volunteers. “We worked side by side with the family that was going to be the future owners,” he said. “So many different people from different parishes worked on the homebuilding project. “It was a tremendous learning experience — from the groundbreaking, through each one of the stages of construction, to the final day where we prayed together as a group, blessed the completed home and turned the keys over to the family.” Garbach and other volunteers found that Heartland Habitat became a community where they got to experience firsthand the struggle and success of a family in need. “ T h i s entire project was a very energizing, uplifting, growth experience in how we can positively impact a neighborTom Garbach, director of Nativity’s care giving ministries hood community and an individual family,” said Garbach. “When we took breaks from building the home, we spent time with neighbors. “We shared food with them. We prayed with them. Some of them became like brothers and sisters to us, ones that we never knew we had. “It was one of the best projects we have participated in.” Garbach’s experience is no surprise to HHH staff members, who have often seen church communities transformed through the volunteer experience. “To be able to get outside of church,” said Lally, “and perform works of mercy — that really strengthens the core church.” “It’s amazing what can happen when you reach out, roll up your shirtsleeves and put your faith into action,” said Garbach. “It was one of the most meaningful and visible corporal works of mercy that we’ve been involved in.” Malmgren agreed. “If volunteering with HHH is an act of mercy,” he said, “then it sure feels good!”

said. “It’s helping that child maintain their education in a stable environment.

“It keeps abandoned-homes stock down, which reduces crime.”

NATION

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

For chef, faith is a vital ingredient of life By Michael Brown Catholic News Service

OISE, Idaho (CNS) — Most people know chef Lou Aaron for his culinary mastery, including the Idaho Ice Cream Potato, that draws crowds to his Westside Drive-in, a nationally recognized establishment given five stars on the Food Network’s “Diners, Driveins and Dives.” What most don’t know is that Aaron’s Catholic faith is a key ingredient in all parts of his life as he approaches ordination to the permanent diaconate. It’s because of his faith that Aaron has provided food to needy people outside of a Catholic Worker-inspired shelter in Boise as well as families in need of a meal that gain the notice of a local pastor. He has spearheaded fundraising events for schools, parishes and community organizations. And at Westside Drive-in, he likes to hire people whom most employers would consider at-risk: the homeless and former prison inmates among them. It’s part of the family-like atmosphere he promotes in the business he has owned since 1994. “We hire a lot of people who are at the end of their rope. I see it as a way to give hope to those who feel hopeless,” he said. If people feel valued, they will work hard, Aaron believes, and people who lack skills can learn. But he has found that he cannot provide motivation for anyone who doesn’t see their work as a vocation. “I hire people off the effort they want to put in, to let them go as far as their efforts can take them,” he said. Such a belief in the human spirit has guided Aaron’s life, even when he stopped practicing his Catholic faith at age 19, a year after his 1980 graduation from Boise’s Bishop Kelly High School. It took a devastating fire that destroyed his family’s home and their belongings in 1996 to get him back to the church. “The Holy Spirit came with fire and burned my house down,” Aaron recalled. “We lost everything. That was the defining moment when we decided to go back to the Catholic Church.” For six months, the family dealt with the trauma of having escaped only with their lives, with the children coping

RLINGTON, Va. (CNS) — You hungrily scan the rows of plump bagels and cinnamon-and-sugar covered pastries at your favorite cafe, carefully selecting the perfect pairing for your midday coffee or postMass outing. But what happens to the bread-based items at the end of the day or after they’ve reached their sell-by date? Much of it likely will go from display case to trash can to landfill, according to a recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental action group. The study found that 40 percent of food in the United States goes uneaten. Tossing out edible food does not sit well with Jim McCracken, a parishioner of St. Louis Church in Alexandria. To divert at least some food from

Priest recalls ‘kidnapping’ Blessed Teresa By Dan Meloy Catholic News Service

ONTIAC, Mich. (CNS) — There aren’t many people who can get away with kidnapping a soon-to-be-saint, but Father Jim Kean man-

CNS PHOTO/MIKE BROWN, IDAHO CATHOLIC REGISTER

Bishop Peter F. Christensen of Boise, Idaho, presents the chalice to Lou Aaron in 2015 at Holy Apostles Church in Meridian, Idaho, during a rite of progression for deacons in formation. Most people know Aaron, a chef, for his culinary mastery, including the Idaho Ice Cream Potato. with nightmares and other stresses. “Those were the toughest six months of our lives, but God gave us an opportunity to change our lives and we did,” Aaron said. Around 2002, he started to feel that he might have a vocation to the diaconate. However, instead of discerning the call, he dismissed it. Looking back, Aaron said, his actions reminded him of Charlton Heston as Moses in the movie classic, “The Ten Commandments.” “I went back to Exodus and read the story in detail. Five times, God told Moses he wanted him to go and save his people. Five times, Moses said no. Then, God got angry and Moses finally gave in,” Aaron said. “I kept telling God no, but then it hit me four years ago, and I said ‘yes,’” he recounted. “I mentioned it to my pastor, Msgr. [Dennis] Wassmuth, and he said, ‘What took you so long?’ A lot of people were seeing it before me.” Preparing food has been a nearly lifelong passion for Aaron. He began working in restaurants as a teenager and apprenticed at several in Boise before graduating from the American Culinary Federation’s Chef Apprenticeship program in 1984. The following year, he met his wife Renee and they were married in 1987.

He worked several years for the Hilton Corp. in San Antonio, and was featured on the PBS television series “Great Chefs of the West.” In 1989, he returned to Boise as a corporate chef before buying Westside Drive-in five years later. Along the way, he has not feared hiring people who many would never consider for work. He knows that nearly 80 percent of the hires will end up not working out — at least the first time. He has hired one person nearly 20 times during the past 17 years. An alcoholic, the worker stays sober for a few months before he starts drinking again, gets in trouble and goes back to prison. The man, currently in prison, will be rehired after he serves his current sentence, if he asks for his job back. “You don’t ever give up on somebody,” Aaron said. “You never know if this will be the time he stays sober.” The restaurateur is a recovering alcoholic himself, so he understands the struggles his employees go through. “We all fail. We all fall down,” he said. “God just wants us to get back up again.” Since entering studies for the diaconate in 2012, Aaron has questioned his own worthiness and experienced selfdoubt, but now feels ready to serve God in this new ministry.

Baked goods saved from landfill, given to needy

By Katie Scott Catholic News Service

landfills into hungry stomachs, McCracken began what he refers to as a “food gleaning ministry” 15 years ago. Called Bread for Our Brothers, the ministry is a partnership between the Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus Council in Alexandria and St. Louis Parish that gathers unsellable bread products from five food vendors to take to 20 food pantries, shelters and churches. Bread for Our Brothers began while McCracken was attending Trinity Washington University’s Education for Parish Services program in the District of Columbia. A classmate and Maryland Knight of Columbus who had been collecting extra bread from an industrial bakery and taking it to food pantries in Maryland and Washington was looking for another place to distribute the loaves. McCracken volunteered to help, and he began transporting bread to the nonprofit United Community Ministries in Alexandria, where he’d been teaching adults computer skills.

“I’d fill up my van with all this fresh bread, and the windows would steam up,” McCracken recalled in an interview with the Arlington Catholic Herald, the diocesan newspaper. “It always smelled like a bakery.” The ministry has grown over the years, with around 45 volunteers now gathering a mix of pastries, artisan breads, bagels and rolls. Some of the bread has been slightly dented or is excess. Much is collected on or near the sell-by date. The “rescued” bread is still “fresh and good to eat,” said McCracken. Volunteers, hailing from St. Louis and other local Christian churches, collect the bread several days a week and transport it to the various locations using a truck lent by the St. Lucy Project. Most of the bread comes from the Vermont Bread Co. and Bimbo, and McCracken estimates a total of 2,500-3,500 breadbased items are donated each week.

aged it. Technically, it wasn’t kidnapping — he was following his passenger’s orders — but when the passenger is Blessed Teresa, alarm bells are sure to ring when you suddenly turned down a narrow Roman alley as the other cars in the caravan wiz by. It was the late 1980s, and Father Kean was a member of the Brothers of the Word, a community in Rome affiliated with Blessed Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Father Kean had the honor of driving the order’s founder from place to place “about eight times.” During one of their trips, “I was driving Mother Teresa, and there was a priest beside me telling her about this mother who was terminally ill,” recalled Father Kean, now pastor of St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Pontiac. “Mother asked if we could go visit this village, so I turned rapidly down a side street, ditching the rest of the convoy.” In an era before cellphones, the rest of the cars must have been confused; did a 22-year-old American seminarian just kidnap Blessed Teresa in Rome? The three stopped at the village just outside of Rome, where Blessed Teresa visited the dying woman. Her comforting face brought a smile to the woman, who was graced to have a future saint in her home, Father Kean recalled. “It was a beautiful moment, but I could only think of how much I was in trouble,” Father Kean said with a laugh in an interview with The Michigan Catholic, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Detroit. “Fortunately, Mother Teresa’s warm, affectionate smile was all she needed for the dying woman.” Love knows no language, which was convenient for Father Kean, who struggled relating what Blessed Teresa was saying to the dying woman. “This little old lady was glowing on her deathbed, so happy to see Mother Teresa, but she had this confused look when I tried to translate to her what Mother Teresa said,” Father Kean said. “I bumbled through the translation, so the old lady just had this confused look on her face and said, ‘What?’” Words lost in translation — and accidentally kidnapping one of the most beloved people of the 20th century — aside, Father Kean enjoyed his time driving around the woman he always knew was a saint. On Dec. 17, Pope Francis confirmed the second miracle necessary for her to be canonized; Sept. 4 is the probable date of her canonization “When you were with Mother Teresa, you knew you were in the presence of someone special,” Father Kean said. “She was truly authentic to her identity. You knew she was the Lord’s. She was always a saint, and now the church is recognizing it.”

WORLD

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

A brotherly embrace brings pope and Russian patriarch together By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

AVANA (CNS) — At long last, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embraced, kissing each other three times. “Finally,” the pope told the patriarch Feb. 12 as they met in a lounge at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. “We are brothers,” he told the patriarch. Amid the clicking of cameras and multiple flashes, Patriarch Kirill was overheard telling the pope, “Things are easier now.” “It is clearer that this is God’s will,” Pope Francis told him. A flight of almost 12 hours capped months of intense negotiations and more than two decades of Vatican overtures to bring a pope and a Russian patriarch together for the first time. Cuban President Raul Castro played host to the pope and patriarch, who was on a visit to Russian Orthodox communities on the island-nation. Pope Francis had a pastoral visit to Mexico planned for months; the stop in Havana was announced only a week before the meeting. Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill signed a joint declaration that emphasized the things the two churches have in common. Addressing the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, they said that “whole families, villages and cities of our brothers and sisters in Christ are being completely exterminated.” They called on the international community “to act urgently in order to prevent the further expulsion” of Christians, to end violence and terrorism and to ensure that large amounts of humanitarian aid reach the victims of violence. “In raising our voice in defense of persecuted Christians, we wish to express our compassion for the suffering experienced by the faithful of other religious traditions who have also become victims of civil war, chaos and terrorist violence,” they said. “Attempts to justify criminal acts with religious slogans are altogether unacceptable,” they said. “No crime may be committed in God’s name.” They called those who have died “martyrs of our times” and said they helped unite various churches “by their shared suffering.”

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embrace after signing a joint declaration during a meeting at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana Feb. 12. They spoke of the need to be vigilant against European integration that is “devoid of respect for religious identities.” They also spoke of extreme poverty, the “millions of migrants and refugees knocking on the doors of wealthy nations” and consumerism. They spoke of life issues: abortion, euthanasia, new reproductive technologies and threats against the churches’ view of marriage. After they signed the document, the two leaders embraced, and each spoke briefly. Patriarch Kirill said they had a twohour, “open discussion with full awareness of the responsibility we have for our people, for the future of Christianity and for the future of human civilization itself. It was a conversation filled with content that gave us the opportunity to understand and hear the position of the other. And the results of the conversation allow me to assure that currently both churches can cooperate together to defend Christians around the world; with full responsibility to work together so that there may be no war; so that human life can be respected in the entire world; so that the foundations of human, family and social morality may be strengthened through the participation of the church in the life of human modern society.” Pope Francis said: “We spoke as brothers, we share the same baptism, we are bishops, we spoke about our

churches. We agreed that unity is done walking [together]. We spoke clearly without mincing words. I confess that I felt the consolation of the Spirit in this dialogue. I am grateful for the humility of His Holiness, his fraternal humility and his good wishes for unity. We left with a series of initiatives that I believe are viable and can be done.” He thanked Patriarch Kirill and others involved in arranging the meeting and also thanked Cuba, “the great Cuban people and their president here present. I am grateful for his active availability; if it continues this way, Cuba will be the ‘capital of unity.’” Patriarch Kirill gave Pope Francis a small copy of an icon of Our Lady of Kazan, which itself is a symbol of Vatican-Russian Orthodox detente, but also of failed hopes. The oldest known copy of the icon, an ornate 18th-century piece, had been hanging in St. John Paul II’s study for a decade as he hoped to return it to Russia personally. Instead, in 2004, he had Cardinal Walter Kasper take it back to its country of origin as a gesture of goodwill. The icon is one of the most revered and replicated icons in Russian Orthodoxy. Pope Francis gave Patriarch Kirill a reliquary with a relic of St. Cyril, the patriarch’s patron saint, and a chalice, which not only is a sign of hopes for full communion between the two churches, but also a sign that the Cath-

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olic Church recognizes the validity of the Orthodox sacraments. The addition of a stopover in Cuba was widely seen as a sign of Pope Francis’ willingness to go the extra mile to reach out a hand in friendship. At the same time, observers said, it gave those Russian Orthodox opposed to ecumenism a sense that their church is special and that it bowed to no one in agreeing to the meeting. In a commentary distributed Feb. 11, Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Borys Gudziak of Paris said: “The pope is demonstrating humility; he is going to the territory of the other. In the eyes of nostalgic Russians, Cuba is almost home territory, a last outpost of a lost Soviet Empire.” For decades, the Russian Orthodox told the Vatican that a meeting between the patriarch and pope was impossible because of the activities of Latin-rite Catholics in Russia and, especially, the Eastern-rite Catholics in Ukraine. The Moscow Patriarchate had said that while those problems still exist with the Catholic communities, they take a backseat to the urgency of defending together the rights and very existence of persecuted Christians in the Middle East. The harsh persecution of Christians and other minorities in Syria, Iraq and other parts of the region has been a cause Pope Francis has pleaded before world leaders and for which he has rallied the prayers of Christians across the globe. He speaks often of the “ecumenism of blood,” the fact that Christians are killed for believing in Christ, with the persecutors not knowing or caring what denomination or church they belong to. Christians are fully united in that suffering and, the pope has said, those who die for their faith are in full communion with each other and with centuries of martyrs now in the presence of God. But the fate of persecuted Christians was not the pope’s primary motive for meeting Patriarch Kirill. Simply meeting him was the point. Metropolitan Hilarion Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s external affairs department, told reporters a week earlier that Patriarch Kirill chose Havana in the “New World” because Europe, the “Old World,” was the birthplace of Christian division.

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FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Catholic high school president - Bishop Miege High School, Johnson County, KS, has an opening for president beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Bishop Miege currently has an enrollment of 723 and employs 55 teachers in grades 9 through 12. The school is sponsored by 18 parishes in Johnson County, Kansas, and is governed by a board of trustees. The president reports to the board of trustees. Applicants for president must be practicing Catholics and understand the mission of Catholic education. The president is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for all school operations, in particular, faith formation, student recruitment, facilities maintenance, strategic planning and overall school advancement. In addition, the Bishop Miege president works collaboratively with the Bishop Miege High School Foundation board of trustees. Applicants should possess proven success in leadership, preferably in a Catholic high school or nonprofit setting. Please complete the online application at: www.archkckcs.org and also send a resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic School Office, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Application deadline is Feb. 29, with the expectation that interviews will begin shortly thereafter. Sales professional - We respect your many years of experience; we value and need your wisdom. We only ask if you are “coachable”? If so, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for sales trainees in our Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte County area cemeteries. An excellent earning of $40K to $50K+ in commissions is legitimate income potential for the first year. Training allowance your first 30 days, then draw commission with bonus opportunities. Medical, life, dental, optical, prescription, 401(k) plans, etc., are some of the many perks our employees receive. Excellent opportunities for women and men interested in a sales career and in helping people. Advancement opportunities are available for hard-working and focused individuals. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends when our client families are available to see us in their homes. Once you learn our formula for success, your schedule is determined by you. Please email your resume and contact information to: dvanthullenar@cathcemks.org or fax to (913) 353-1413. Teaching positions - The Goddard School, located at 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is looking for qualified lead teachers and assistant teachers – both full- and part-time positions available. Lead Teacher – full time. Assistant Teacher – full-time floating position. In our warm, loving atmosphere, our highly qualified teachers support the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years. Our teachers write and implement their own lesson plans based on our FLEX program, Goddard Developmental Guidelines and our monthly school theme. Lead teachers also complete other duties such as electronic daily attendance reports, progress reports and parent conferences. The hands-on efforts of the school owner and directors allow our teachers to focus on their children, their lesson plans and teaching to ensure a fun-filled day of learning. Full-time benefits include competitive pay, paid time off, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills and desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an Early Childhood Education degree, a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Please specify for which position you are applying. To apply, forward your resume to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com. Attention: Mandy Ellis, director. Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 825-1921. Executive director – Catholic Campus Ministry Association – Dedicated, inspiring leader committed to Catholic campus ministry. Demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership and mission development; Catholic campus ministry or related field experience; excellent speaking, writing, leadership, management, organizational skills; and ability to travel. Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirement to: info@ccmanet.org by Feb. 29. Director of facility operations - St. James Academy is looking for a director of facility operations. The director will lead a team that is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building, grounds, vehicles, equipment and security system and for the safe and efficient operation of same. He/she will also be involved in planning and coordination of facility or grounds modifications and new construction in future years. Start date will be June 1. Please send resume and cover letter by email to Linda White at: lwhite@ sjakeepingfaith.org or by mail to 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66227. Part-time administrator - Knights of Columbus, Eastern Kansas Insurance Agency, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. 20 - 25 hours per week. Please send resume to: john.mahon@kofc.org. Marketing position - We are looking for a bilingual (English and Spanish), motivated and personable person to aid in our local expansion. We are a publicly traded national marketing company expanding here in the Midwest. We offer complete training in a positive environment. This position is part time and has flexible hours. Send email with resume and inquiries to: localsearch1980@gmail.com.

Personal banker - The First National Bank branch in Prairie Village, located in the Corinth Square Shopping Center, is seeking a full-time personal banker with account opening experience. Resumes can be emailed to: dwagner@bank first.com.

Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 649-2704. Visit our website at: www.KOAT INDUSTRIES.com.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas currently has three full-time openings: - Consultant for pro-life - Consultant for deaf and hard of hearing - Accounts payable/payroll accountant Please visit our website at: www.archkck.org/jobs to view the full job descriptions. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Feb. 22 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Job Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken spring rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

Afternoon teachers - Prince of Peace Early Education Center in Olathe is seeking afternoon teachers. There are openings in our 2-year-olds room and our school-age room from 2:30 - 6 p.m., M-F. Experience preferred for the 2-yearolds classroom; one year of experience in a child care center required for the school-age program. We are looking for the right candidates to fill these positions and we offer a competitive hourly wage. Contact Amanda at (913) 829-2728. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, round- trip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to chris@special beginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

SERVICES Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, Installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammer moving.com. Tree service - Certified arborist Chris Johnson at Tufts Tree Service performs all tree services, including restoration, pruning, training, removal and stump grinding. Fully licensed and insured. See Chris at: www.tuftstreeservice@ gmail.com. Call (785) 218-1531. Hair stylist - Valentine’s special: Two eyebrow threadings for the price of one; $5 off chemical services (color/perm; prices begin at $50); free style with haircut for new clients (prices begin at $9). Call Afsi at (913) 593-6513 between 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Junkyard Dawg - Can do cleanup, debris removal and any other odd job you have. Call (913) 575-8522 for an estimate. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC; (913) 378-5872; www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovation, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Thank you for your continued support. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM. Local handyman and lawn care – Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing, doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. - We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. 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!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote at (913) 709-8401. NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com House painting Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks – Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and you’ll be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

CAREGIVING Personalized care - Experienced, specializing in dementia, medication setup and activities of daily living. Excellent references. Contact Andrea at (913)548-1930.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Compassionate caregiver - 45 year-old Catholic woman with 13 years experience. Works days or nights. Flexible. Pay negotiable. Excellent references. Call Kara at (913)9096659. Caregiving - 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 Laurie, Pat or Gary. Certified nurse’s aide, caregiver - Provides TLC in private homes 6 - 24 hours. Affordable, excellent references. Nonsmoker. Specializes in dementia care, wound care, medication setup and light housekeeping. 30 years’ experience. Call Lori at (816) 517-9986. Need help? - Do you or your parents need help at home? Doctor appointments? Shopping? Light meals? Companionship? Years of experience. References. Call (913) 257-5303. Compassionate caregiver - 45 year-old with 13 years experience. Works nights or days. Flexible. Pay negotiable. Excellent references. Call Kara at (913) 909-6659. CNA, Home Health Care Professional - Provides TLC in the comfort of the client’s residence. Budget Friendly. Available 24 hours, or part time. Excellent references. 25 years of Seasoned Experience. Nonsmoker. Call (816) 806-8104.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Price Reduced! - At Gate of Heaven Cemetery, a double cremation niche with companion urn in the mausoleum. It is located in the St. John Corridor, #8 H. Today’s selling price for the double niche and urn is approximately $6,522; offering for $3,500. Call Colleen at (913) 2696944.

FOR RENT For rent - Ranch style three BR home in sought-after neighborhood off of Shawnee Mission Pkwy. near the Plaza. Easy access to downtown. 1.5 bathrooms, fireplace, screened porch, patio, two-car garage and fenced yard. Call (913) 262-5440.

TRAVEL EDDIE DELAHUNT IRELAND TOUR Musical Tour of Ireland Sept 13-24, 2016 - $3,950 pp sharing RT air, luxury coach, breakfasts, hotels, porterage, entry fees, insurance. Irish guide - Gerry Buckley Contact mary@completetrav.com or call (913) 648-1560. DOWNTON ABBEY - HIGHCLERE Visit Highclere Castle, Cotswolds, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Liverpool, Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace Aug 10-20, 2016 - $3499 pp sharing Contact mary@completetrav.com or call (913) 648-1560.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - 20 - 120 acres, tillable, wooded and/or pond, east of Tonganoxie, north/south of 24 Hwy. No realtors. Call (269) 217-6579. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee 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 - I’m Mark Edmondson, a local parishioner at Holy Trinity, and I buy and sell houses in any condition. If you have a house “situation,” call me. I might have a solution for you. (913) 980-4905.

ROOMMATE Roommate wanted - Share a furnished 2 BR apartment (Village West Apartments) near The Legends shopping center. Call (913) 745- 6674. Roommate wanted - Female seeking female roommate in Overland Park. $400 per month plus one-third of the utilities. Furnished. Six minutes from Oak Park Mall. No pets. Call (913) 599-5574.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR SWEETHEART DANCE St. Anthony Church (basement) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 20 from 6 - 10:30 p.m.

The dance is sponsored by the GermanAmerican Edelweiss Society. The cost is $20 per person; ages 12-20 is $10; ages 6-11 is $5; and ages 5 and under are free. Cost includes dinner, drink and dance. For more information, call Patty Orth at (913) 371-2468 or send an email to: Pattyorth@ sbcglobal.net.

PADRE PIO ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE 5901 Flint St., Shawnee Feb. 21 from 3 - 5 p.m.

We offer a classical Catholic curriculum. For more information, visit our website at: www. padrepioacademy.org or call (913) 268-3155.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Bede (church basement) 7344 Drought St., Kelly Feb. 21 from 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

We will be serving pancakes, sausage and eggs. The cost is a freewill donation.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Class begins Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence PANCAKE, SAUSAGE AND BISCUITS AND GRAVY BREAKFAST Queen of the Holy Rosary (parish hall) 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park Feb. 21 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Boy Scout Troop 295 will host an all-youcan-eat breakfast for $6 a plate or $20 for a family of four.

FEBRUARY FUN BINGO St. Anthony Church (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

The cost is $5 for a bingo card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, call Carol at (913) 897-4833 or the rectory office at (913) 371-1408.

PRESENTATION ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD Savior of the World Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. - noon

Jim Sendlak, a national pro-life leader, will be giving a presentation on Planned Parenthood. The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Planned Parenthood Exposed. An RSVP is requested to: prolife@archkck.org, or call (913) 647-0350.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Precious Blood Center 2130 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Feb. 26-28

The weekend is for widowed, separated and divorced people who are suffering the loss of a love relationship. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org. To register, send an email to: bekc@gmail. com, or contact Teresa at (816) 529-9002.

LENTEN DAY OF REFLECTION Sanctuary of Hope Retreat Center 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 27 from 7:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

MEMORIAL FOR UNBORN CHILDREN, MARTIN HUDACEK, 2010

www.ProjectRachelKC.com 913.621.2199 or projectrachelkc@archkck.org

BEATLES-THEMED AUCTION Christ the King School 3027 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 26 from 5 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and include dinner, dessert and drinks. There will be many items to bid on. For more information, call Kimm White at (913) 287-8823.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Blessed Sacrament Church 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 28 from 7 a.m. - noon

The cost is $5 for all ages. To-go orders will be available. Raffle tickets will be sold. All proceeds will benefit the Bishop Ward senior grad night fundraiser.

‘A LIFE WORTH LIVING’: A LENTEN CONCERT Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Leawood March 4 at 7 p.m.

A reasonable fee is charged and on-line registration is required at: www.ccli.org. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information.

Hurting from abortion?

FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, NONJUDGMENTAL HELP

Father Dennis Wait will give a retreat presentation on “Where you stand is holy ground” (Ex 3:5). The cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple. Registration must be done by Feb. 22. Call (913) 321-4673, or send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Good Shepherd Parish (social hall) 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Feb. 28 from 7 a.m. - noon

Boy Scout Troop 394 will be hosting this breakfast. Tickets cost $5 each.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA 86TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 28 at 12:30 p.m.

There will be a covered dish luncheon followed by a business meeting.

This concert by Steve Courtney and friends is for all ages. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted to benefit the archdiocesan retreat house, Christ’s Peace, House of Prayer, Easton.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE Center for Women’s Health 4840 College Blvd., Overland Park Feb. 20 - March 20 from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This is a peaceful pro-life vigil taking place every day throughout Lent. Join this worldwide effort to protect mothers and children and help save lives.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

This Lent, debug your code of conduct

SECOND WEEK OF LENT Feb. 21 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 15: 5-12, 17-18 Ps 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14 Phil 3:17 – 4:1 Lk 9: 28b-36 Feb. 22 CHAIR OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE 1 Pt 5: 1-4 Ps 23: 1-3a, 4-6 Mt 16: 13-19 Feb. 23 St. Polycarp, bishop, martyr Is 1: 10, 16-20 Ps 50: 8-9, 16b-17, 21, 23 Mt 23: 1-12 Feb. 24 Wednesday Jer 18: 18-20 Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16 Mt 20: 17-28 Feb. 25 Thursday Jer 17: 5-10 Ps 1: 1-4,6 Lk 16: 19-31 Feb. 26 Friday Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Ps 105: 16-21 Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46 Feb. 27 Saturday Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20 Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12 Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

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will not kill anyone unless I have to. So reads the first line of a code of conduct from Dennis Lee Curtis. Curtis, who was arrested in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1992, had a sheet of paper in his wallet containing seven additional points. Author Brian Burrell in “Words We Live By,” shares the rest of Curtis’ list: 2. I will take cash and food stamps — no checks. 3. I will rob only at night. 4. I will not wear a mask. 5. I will not rob minimarts or 7-Eleven stores. 6. If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line. 7. I will rob only seven months out of the year. 8. I will enjoy robbing from the rich to give to the poor. Burrell notes that Curtis did have “a sense of morality, but it was flawed. When the thief stood before the court, he was not judged by the standards he had

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.

LISTEN to this article online at: www.theleaven.org. set for himself, but by the higher laws of the state.” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” edited by Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof.) So, what is your personal code? What are the rules by which you live life? Lent is a marvelous time to reflect on our behavior and deal

with the flaws that are hiding there. In talking with some parishioners the past few days, a common code we share is: I will buy things that I don’t need and hold onto others long after they’ve outlived their usefulness. To correct that, many of us are (slowly) simplifying our homes during Lent. One of my RCIA candidates recently brought in a couple of her daughter’s beautiful dresses. One, a first Communion dress, was worn exactly twice: once for Communion and later at a wedding. Still, her mom held onto the dress — even though the daughter is now a junior in high school! The smile

on her face was huge as she surrendered the two dresses: One went to the daughter of another person in the RCIA class and the Communion dress will be used by a parish second-grader. Another of our flawed codes is: I’ll be extremely generous with the time and money spent on myself, but stingy with what I give to others. For example, the other day I decided not to head out for fast food for lunch. I started to put “a couple of bucks” into my Rice Bowl and then stopped. I knew good and well that a meal out would cost at least $5, but I didn’t want to share “that much” with the hungry. Sad. A third common flawed code is: I will spend the best — and largest — part of the day on Facebook or computer games and give God the dregs or leftovers . . . if any. Can you relate? Personally, I’m tackling two flawed codes this Lenten season. The first is: I love to get gift cards of all kinds, but then wind up hoarding instead of using

them! To remedy that, I’ve compiled a list of the various cards and their amounts and have already begun to make a dent in the pile. My second flawed code is: In conversations, I will interrupt the speaker to interject my opinion because, after all, only my words matter! To correct this, I’m simply biting my tongue more and willing myself to listen and learn. Even though none of us are thieves like Dennis Lee Curtis, we all need the disciplines of Lent — prayer, fasting and almsgiving — to readjust our personal, flawed codes of conduct. Not only will that make us better human beings here on earth, it will prepare us well for our final judgment with the Lord. After all, we’re going to be judged not on the code that we’ve created for ourselves but on what God expects of us. I’m glad that we’re just at the beginning of Lent because, with all of flaws in my code of conduct, I need a massive faith-lift!

Transfiguration reflects Jesus communing with the Father

ave you ever seen someone whose face is glowing, who looks radiant

with joy? Perhaps they have just heard good news. Maybe they have attained a long-awaited dream. They have just learned that they are going to have the baby they have been hoping for. Or maybe they are going to receive the scholarship they have applied for. In any case, their outward appearance reflects their inner happiness. Something along those lines happens in Sunday’s Gospel reading, Lk 9:28b-36, but with much greater intensity than we have ever experienced. When Jesus goes up the mountain, he is transfigured in glory: “His face changed in appearance

POPE FRANCIS

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

and his clothing became dazzling white.” This event in Jesus’ life is described in all three synoptic Gospels — Matthew, Mark and Luke — but Luke’s

Respond to the crisis of vocations with intensified prayer, not despair or a lax admissions process, Pope Francis told women and men religious. He said he is tempted to lose hope, too, asking God, “What is happening? Why is the womb of consecrated life sterile?” But he warned against fast fixes, saying

version differs from the others in an important respect. He specifies the purpose in Jesus’ going up the mountain with Peter, James and John: to pray. The transfiguration occurs during an experience of prayer: “While he was praying his face changed in appearance.” Throughout his Gospel, Luke emphasizes the element of prayer in Jesus’ life. For example, all three synoptic

Gospels also describe Jesus’ baptism, but only Luke similarly places it during Jesus’ prayer (Lk 3:21). Prayer brings us into communion with God. At times, that means that we can then sense God’s presence. We can feel God’s love for us. As the Son of God, Jesus was always connected to the other two persons of the Holy Trinity. At the same time, as a human being, prayer helped Jesus to experience that communion with them. That is why Luke so often mentions Jesus as spending time in prayer. When Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, his glory which is revealed at that moment reflects his communion with God through prayer, the joy that he felt. The voice from heaven confirms that commu-

some religious “congregations experiment with ‘artificial insemination,’” in which they accept anybody, leading to a host of problems. The vocations process must be done “with seriousness, and one must discern well that this is a true vocation and help it grow,” he told members of religious orders, secular institutes and consecrated virgins

nion: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” The transfiguration results from Jesus’ experience of prayer. Jesus goes up the mountain to pray, but he does not go alone. He takes Peter, James and John with him. Luke’s Gospel does not tell us that they joined him in prayer. On the contrary, they have fallen asleep. Luke’s Gospel alone mentions this detail, which anticipates the apostles’ inability to stay awake while Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane the evening before he is crucified (Lk 22:45). While Peter, James and John may not join Jesus in prayer, they are able to witness its result: Jesus’ transfiguration. Presumably, that is what Jesus had intended all along.

on Feb. 1 in the Vatican audience hall. The pope met with some 5,000 men and women taking part in events in Rome to mark the close of the Year for Consecrated Life, which began Nov. 30, 2014, and was to end Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. — CNS

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Deacons, both on the altar and in training, can use prayers

ne of the best-kept secrets in the archdiocese is the development and growth of the permanent diaconate in northeast Kansas over the past 10 years. Since Archbishop Keleher first gave the go-ahead to establish the diaconate here, we have had three classes, or “cohorts,” of men step forward and enter our diaconate program. We call them “cohorts” because a cohort is a group united in a common cause. In this case, the men are united in their openness and desire to serve the church as ordained ministers. We ordained 17 men from the first cohort in

April 2011. They will be celebrating their fifth anniversary as deacons this year! We also have nine deacons who were ordained in other dioceses now serving at least part time as deacons here in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Our second cohort was formed in 2012. There are presently 18 men in that cohort. Their ordination is scheduled for June 2017. More recently, we formed a third cohort that is being trained concurrently with the second cohort. There are 21 men in the third cohort, and, God willing, their ordination will take place sometime in 2020. I guess you can say that when it comes to the diaconate in Kansas

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the pastoral associate for administration in the office of the permanent diaconate. For more information on the diaconate, visit the website at: www.archkck.org/deacons.

City, we are going from zero to 60 in about a decade!

As is the case with the priesthood, the diaconate requires several years of training, involving human, spiritual, academic and pastoral formation. Whereas priests’ formation is necessarily more intensive, involving full-time residence at a seminary, diaconal training is done within

the context of family life (all 39 men currently in the program are married) and work (most have full-time jobs). For that reason, much of the formation is provided during intensive weekend trainings held on a monthly basis at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. During these weekends, candidates for the diaconate take a wide range of theology courses, from Scripture and liturgy to canon law and Catholic social teaching. They also receive intensive spiritual formation, including Holy Hours, retreats and teachings on meditative prayer and the Liturgy of the Hours. Some courses, such as training to give homi-

lies, don’t “fit” in the regular rotation of weekend sessions and are taken during the summers. All of the men who are preparing to become deacons are given different pastoral assignments each year, including parish work, Catholic Charities, prison ministry and hospital ministry. These types of ministries are at the heart of the unique mission of the deacon to enflesh the church’s call to imitate Christ the servant. Integrating diaconal formation into one’s life requires much generosity and discipline — not to mention a supportive spouse and children and, at times, flexible employers! Please support these men with your prayers.

Lessons in financial literacy pay generational dividends

t’s a hard job to raise five children. It’s nearly impossible to do it alone. Just ask Jessica. She’s been the sole provider for her five children as long as she can remember. She works hard, so much so that her income level disqualifies her family for government assistance. Still, she struggles to make ends meet. During a visit to one of our Emergency Assistance Centers for help, Jessica was introduced to Family Financial Transformations (FFT), a financial literacy and life skills program co-sponsored by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Community America Credit Union.

The program is a great example of how Catholic Charities works with community partners to attack the true root causes of poverty. Jessica enrolled in this unique 16-week program and soon became immersed in classes such as “Basic Budgeting,” “Understanding Credit,” “Predatory Lending” and “Planning for Major Purchases.” Best of all, the curriculum included classes for her children, covering the same general topics using age-appropriate material. While Jessica learned how to craft a detailed budget and techniques to identify potential budget leaks, her children participated in interactive exercis-

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

KEN WILLIAMS Ken Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

es learning about the differences in generic and brand label pricing for some of their favorite snacks.

During the second phase of the program, Jessica met with staff from CommunityAmerica Credit Union to perform an in-depth review of her personal finances, open a savings account and build a relationship with a branch in her area. For many involved in the program, they

are the first in their family to open a savings account. A graduation attended by the entire family is held following the completion of the program. The help, however, doesn’t stop there. Graduates are then introduced to their personal mentor, whom they will work with for the next few months to ensure they stay on track. Throughout the process, CommunityAmerica provides meaningful incentives, such as cash deposits into their savings account, as they reach course milestones. Jessica recently shared that her family continues to talk about how even the smallest financial decisions, such

as which brand of tissue they purchase, can have an impact on their ability to pay for necessities. She reflected on how this level of organization and detail with the family budget has enabled her to hand down important life lessons to her children. One of her sons began his first job while they were enrolled in the program and worked with his mom to develop a plan to save for a car and unexpected expenses. She proudly told us that she and her children have learned that “money is only a tool, and that it matters a lot more how you use it than how much you have.” Well said, Jessica.

Catholics called to live discipleship off — and on — the court

avior Pastoral Center is a bustling hub of activity. From meetings to conferences to retreats and workshops, our facility is a very busy place. However, one of the other key ways that we support the mission of the church is by providing facilities for CYO sports. This allows our archdiocese to keep games on Saturdays and help Sundays to remain open for Mass and family time. From cross-country to volleyball to basketball and soccer, Savior Pastoral Center serves the wider community by hosting CYO teams from around the Johnson and Wyandotte regions. We have seen some beautiful examples of the Gospel

lived out through sport and, unfortunately, we have also seen some examples where individuals have fallen short of the mark. When a cross-country runner trips during the City Finals and another runner pauses to help her up, that is Gospel character in action. When two basketball players both hustling for the ball knock each other down and one reaches out his hand to the other and says “You OK? Nice play” — that is virtue in sport. However, when a coach loses his cool over a call and blows up at a referee, coming onto the court to argue, what are we teaching at that moment to the players watching? CYO sports must look different from

RETREATING FORWARD

TIM CHIK Tim Chik is the director of Savior Pastoral Center, a retreat and conference center for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

all other youth sports! We call this a “Catholic” Youth Organization and truly we need to find a

way to keep the Catholic part first and foremost. Pete Piscitello, executive director of CYO, is a visionary leader in this area. He understands that Catholic youth sports are a means to teach the Gospel to our Catholic students, not an avenue toward collegiate and professional aspirations. He continues to put

in programs like the “5 Minute Game Plan” and the “Champion of Virtue” bracelet awards, both of which help equip coaches to support the mission of the church. This is key, but the next step is for all CYO coaches to embrace and support these programs. Parents, ask your coach if they are doing the “5 Minute Game Plan” at practices and ask your children if they know what the “Champion of Virtue” bracelet is. Let’s take these ideas and use them to make our sports truly unique in the sometimes crazy world of youth athletics. Finally, Savior Pastoral Center proudly hosted a wonderful event earlier this season, along with CYO

and the vocations office. The Seminarian Showcase took place at the beginning of the basketball season and allowed eighth-graders to meet and talk to our seminarians. Then, we hosted an all-star game where eighth-graders got to play a showcase game against the seminarians. It was a night that exemplifies what we want to be about as a Catholic community — good sportsmanship, competitive play, support for vocations, and the building up of character and virtue. Let’s continue to seek ways to let our Catholic identity permeate all our youth activities. Let’s live the radical call to discipleship — not just in church, but on the court!

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

Drug trade hit hard in pope’s speech to bishops >> Continued from page 1

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis touches the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe after celebrating Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City Feb. 13. The Marian image was rotated for the pope to pray in the “camarin” (“little room”) behind the main altar.

Pope makes long-awaited visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

EXICO CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis fulfilled his muchdesired wish to pray in silence before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe After celebrating the first Mass of his papal trip to Mexico Feb. 13, the pope made his way to the “camarin” (“little room”) behind the main altar of the basilica dedicated to Mary. The miraculous mantle, which normally faces the congregation, can be turned around to allow a closer and more private moment of veneration. Laying a bouquet of yellow roses in front of the image, the pope sat down in prayerful silence with eyes closed and head bowed. After roughly 20 minutes, the pope stood up, laid his hand on the image and departed from the small room. About 12,000 people packed the basilica for the papal Mass and another 30,000 were watching on screens set up in the outer courtyard. Built in 1976, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

is located near Tepeyac hill, the site of Mary’s apparitions to St. Juan Diego in 1531. With some 12 million people visiting each year, it is Catholicism’s most popular Marian shrine. In his homily, the pope reflected on the Gospel reading, which recalled Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Mary’s humility in saying “yes” to God’s will, he said, is a response “which prompted her to give the best of herself, going forth to meet others.” That very humility also led her to appear to a poor indigenous man, he said. “Just as she made herself present to little Juan, so too she continues to reveal herself to all of us, especially to those who feel — like him — ‘worthless,’” the pope said. Recalling the miraculous appearance of Mary’s image, Pope Francis noted that through such a miracle, “Juan experienced in his own life what hope is, what the mercy of God is.” The pope said that despite the indigenous saint’s feelings of inadequacy, Mary chose him to “oversee, care for, protect and promote the building of this shrine.” “In this way, she managed to awaken something he did not know

how to express, a veritable banner of love and justice: no one could be left out in the building of that other shrine: the shrine of life, the shrine of our communities, our societies and our cultures,” he said. God’s true shrine, he added, is the life of his children, especially young people without a future, the elderly who are often unacknowledged and forgotten and families lacking even the most basic necessities. “The shrine of God is the faces of the many people we encounter each day,” the pope said. Pope Francis said that those who suffer do not weep in vain and their sufferings are a silent prayer that rises to heaven, “always finding a place in Mary’s mantle.” Like St. Juan Diego, Christians are called to be Mary’s ambassadors and console those who are overwhelmed by trials and sufferings, he said. “’Am I not your mother? Am I not here with you?’ Mary says this to us again. Go and build my shrine, help me to lift up the lives of my sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters,” the pope said.

Make this blessed land one of opportunity, pope says >> Continued from page 1 Her main ministry is going door to door sharing the Bible with families. She knows how to evangelize and said Pope Francis is the perfect example of “evangelization through presence.” After Mass, Pope Francis recited the Angelus with the thousands gathered on the dusty field. Before leading the prayer, he recognized “how much each one of you has suffered to reach this moment, how much you have ‘walked’ to make this day a day of feasting, a time of

thanksgiving.” He urged the people to step up and work together to “make this blessed land of Mexico a land of opportunities.” It should be a land where, he said, there is “no need to emigrate in order to dream, no need to be exploited in order to work, no need to make the despair and poverty of many the opportunism of a few, a land that will not have to mourn men and women, young people and children who are destroyed at the hands of the dealers of death.” At the end of Mass, Bishop Oscar

Dominguez Couttolenc of Ecatepec told the pope that “like many other places, we experience poverty and violence, made flesh in the pain of those who suffer because of corruption, hunger, poverty and all the manifestations of evil that lead to the deterioration of our common home.” In response, he said, the faithful of Ecatepec pray, reflect and work, trying to live a “spirituality of communion,” a sense of solidarity strengthened by the pope’s visit.

Pope Francis hit hardest on the drug issue. It’s an issue that has vexed Mexico and the Catholic Church over the past decade as a crackdown on drug cartels and organized crime has caused violence to rise, along with offenses such as extortion and kidnapping. Many of those victims and victimizers were baptized Catholics. The violence has claimed the lives of more than a dozen priests over the past five years, while some dioceses have been accused of collecting “narcolimosnas” or “drug alms,” and drug bosses — who often consider themselves proper Catholics — construct and fix parishes and sponsor patron saint feast days. Pope Francis urged “prophetic courage” and implementing a pastoral approach of going to the peripheries, working with families and building bridges with parish communities, schools and the authorities, saying that only then “will people finally escape the raging waters that drown so many, either victims of the drug trade or those who stand before God with their hands drenched in blood, though with pockets filled with sordid money and their consciences deadened.” Pope Francis also alluded to the folkloric Santa Muerte, a skeletal pseudo-saint attracting hordes of followers in Mexico and Latin America, including many in the illegal drug trade. “I am particularly concerned about those many persons who, seduced by the empty power of the world, praise illusions and embrace their macabre symbols to commercialize death in exchange for money which, in the end, ‘moth and rust consume,’” he said. The rise of Santa Muerte worship over the past 15 years has alarmed the Mexican church and drawn Vatican condemnations, said Andrew Chesnut, religious studies professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, who has studied the pseudo-saint and estimates it now has 10 million followers in Mexico and abroad. “It’s the chief concern of the Mexican church in terms of religious rivals,” he said. “A week doesn’t go by in which some Mexican bishop or priest denounces it as satanic.” Still, Pope Francis praised popular piety, common in Mexico, where the faithful adore the saints and participate in pilgrimages, while ignoring the sacramental part of the church. “I invite you to give yourselves tirelessly and fearlessly to the task of evangelizing and deepening the faith by means of a mystagogical catechesis that treasures the popular religiosity of people,” Pope Francis said. “Our times require pastoral attention to persons and groups who hope to encounter the living Jesus.” He also lauded the church for its work with the many mostly Central American migrants transiting the country on trips that expose them to crime such as extortion, robbery and rape. “There are millions of sons and daughters of the church who today live in the diaspora or who are in transit, journeying to the North in search of new opportunities,” he said, calling migration, “the challenge of our age.”