03 09 18 Vol. 39 No. 29

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 39, NO. 29 | MARCH 9, 2018

MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD Archbishop urges Catholics to support faith-based adoption

A long history

• Click on the yellow box that says “Take Action to Protect Adoption Choice.”

unable to get an exemption from Massachusetts’ nondiscrimination law in 2006, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston was forced to end its 100-year old adoption ministry.

Agencies in San Francisco, Illinois and Washington, D.C., were also forced to shut down their adoption ministries in subsequent years.

More recently, the American Civil Liberties Union initiated a lawsuit last September against St. Vincent Catholic Charities in Michigan. The ACLU seeks to make it illegal for the state of Michigan to work with faith-based agencies that operate according to their faith.

“We do not want this to ever happen in Kansas,” said Michael Schuttloffel, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. “Interest groups hostile to faith-based adoption services want to close faith-based adoption providers whose religious beliefs they don’t like. They want to do this in all 50 states.”

“It is only a matter of time [before they do so] unless states act to protect faith-based adoption providers,” he concluded. “Seven states have already done this and at least three more are considering such laws this year.”

The Catholic Church has a long history of working with secular government to aid children.

“Since the founding of this nation, the Catholic Church has been an active partner with state authorities in placing children conceived into difficult situations into loving homes with a mother and a father,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in a Feb. 23 letter to all pastors.

“The church and other faith-based groups,” the letter continued, “because of their pastoral relationship with the people they serve, are able to place kids that often no one else can.

“In Kansas, faith-based adoption agencies have been giving hard-to-place children forever homes for over 60 years. Sadly, in other states we have seen

• Fill out the form “Support HB 2687 & SB 401 – Protect Adoption Choice.”

The Adoption Protection Act

the church forced out of this adoption ministry because of our deeply held respect for the inherent rights of a child to have both a mother and a father.”

In his letter, Archbishop Naumann asked pastors to play a DVD about Protect Adoption Choice for parishioners, and urged them to visit the campaign website at: www.ProtectAdoptionChoice.org.

Increasingly, Catholic Charities and other non-Catholic faith-based agencies have come under attack by activists through the courts.

After Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., was

Two identical bills that would enact the Adoption Protection Act were introduced into the Kansas House and the Kansas Senate in early February: House Bill 2687 and Senate Bill 401.

Both bills are currently before the Federal and State Affairs committees of the two chambers. So far, no hearings have been held regarding the bills.

According to the fiscal note for HB 2687, the bill would “exempt child placement agencies (CPAs) from being involved with the placement of a child if the placement would violate the CPAs’ sincerely >> See “HELP” on page 7

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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OPEKA — Could faith-based adoption and foster care agencies in Kansas be forced to choose between either shutting down or violating their faith and conscience?

According to the Catholic bishops of Kansas, the answer is “yes.” And it’s only a matter of time before activist groups force Catholic agencies to make this lose-lose choice.

That is why Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the other bishops of Kansas are taking the proactive step of launching the Protect Adoption Choice campaign.

The campaign seeks to mobilize Catholics to support bills now before the Kansas Legislature that would protect the conscience rights of faith-based organizations.

The religious liberties of Christians and the fates of children in desperate need hang in the balance.

How to contact legislators in support of HB 2687 and SB 401 • Go online to: www.ProtectAdoptionChoice. org.

• Click on “Information” at the top of the page.

• Scroll down to the bottom of the “About This Initiative” page.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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This Lent, pray for the most difficult person in your life

n Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Chapter 5 of St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus makes statements that are both startling and amazing.

Verses 43-48 illustrate this point: “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not pagans do the same?

So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

In the old television sitcom, “M*A*S*H,” Frank Byrnes, who was portrayed as a clueless egocentric, proclaims: “It’s nice to be nice to the nice!” The Gospel of Jesus is much more than being nice to people who are nice to us. Jesus loved us, even when we were not deserving. Our Lord, in turn, expects us to do the same.

Do you have any enemies — individuals who seek to do harm to you in some way? If you are fortunate enough not to have true enemies, I encourage you to think about the most difficult person in your life.

Who is the person who irritates you the most? It could be a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, a fellow pa-

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN March 9-10 Conception Seminary board meeting March 10 Confirmation for those with disabilities — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN rishioner, etc.

This is the person that, if they invited you to a social engagement, you would make any excuse to decline. You would prefer to clean closets, rewind your dental floss or prepare your income tax rather than spend time with this difficult person.

Lent is a special season when we strive to follow Jesus more closely and more faithfully.

During these remaining days of Lent, I encourage you to pray for a particular enemy or for the most difficult person in your life.

Ask God to bless them and to give you the grace to desire their spiritual and corporal welfare. Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is anything he desires you to do for this person.

In your prayer, ponder what our faith tells about this difficult person.

Recall they are made in the divine image and that Jesus Christ gave his life on Calvary for their salvation. God has placed a high worth on this person, no matter how much they may grate on your nerves.

During these final weeks of Lent, pray and make sacrifices daily, asking God to bless your difficult person. When we pray consistently for another person, it becomes increasingly difficult to be angry with or think poorly of them.

On Easter, pray that they experience in a very special way the joy and hope of the risen Lord.

Between Easter (April 1) and Divine Mercy Sunday (April 8), ask the Lord in your prayer to give you the grace to forgive this person for any past hurts or wounds he or she has caused in your life.

Ask for the gift to give mercy.

If your difficult person has abused you in some way in the past, it is probably not prudent to reach out to them.

Your goal should be to free yourself from being controlled and poisoned by your anger toward this difficult person. The grace for which you can strive is the ability to forgive the person, no matter what they have done.

Forgiving another person is not the same as forgetting or condoning their bad behavior. It is not minimizing the serious harm they may have done to you or others.

Forgiving frees us from being dominated in the

March 11 Mass and blessing — St. Joseph, Shawnee

Archbishop offers baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family (by birth, adoption or blending through valid marriage) interested.

The next baptism will be held on March 18 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy@archkck.org.

present by another person’s past transgression.

It is asking Our Lord for the grace to forgive as he has forgiven us.

If your difficult person has not actually harmed you in a serious manner, but you just find their personality irritating, then ask the Lord if he desires for you to take a risk and reach out to your difficult person.

You might feel called to write an affirming note or make a phone call or actually visit your difficult person. Before doing so, remind yourself there is no reason to believe that your difficult person has changed. If your experience with them is going to be different than in the past, it is because you have changed.

Prayer can do wonders to bring about healing, but often that prayer must be for days, weeks, months and even years.

Our first goal needs to be to change our own hearts, to expand our capacity to forgive and to love.

Finding the grace and strength to forgive another person in your heart is one of the best ways we can honor Jesus, who gave his life on Calvary for all of us and who even begged his heavenly Father to forgive his executioners.

If nothing else, we will be prepared to pray the Lord’s Prayer with greater sincerity when we say: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Think about it.

March 12-14 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting — Washington, D.C. March 15 Confirmation — St. Benedict and Maur Hill, Atchison March 18 Installation of Father Barry Clayton — St. Philip Neri, Osawatomie Baptism of third or more children — Cathedral

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER March 10 Lansing Correctional Facility confirmations March 11 Federal prison camp Mass — Leavenworth March 13-16 Bishops’ meetings — Indianapolis March 18 Lenten penance/ Mass — St. Agnes, Roeland Park

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MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

Mavis Ding, a sophomore from Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison, took home a Juror’s Choice Award for her rendition of the loaves and the fishes.

Roeland Park’s Bishop Miege sophomore Renee Howard went a nontraditional route by illustrating the face of Jesus in “First Two Friends.”

Garret Green, a junior from St. James Academy, Lenexa, was a Juror’s Choice recipient for his drawing, entitled “Be Still.”

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THE ART OF THE GOSPEL Area high school artists share their talent

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On March 1, a team of judges and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann assembled at Savior Pastoral Center here to call the shots — on pieces of art that students from area Catholic high schools entered in the 2018 Archbishop’s Invitational Art Exhibit.

A total of eight works of art were selected as examples of sacred art exemplifying the theme, “The Joy of the Gospel.”

“Christ was the first work of sacred art,” said Caroline Gatschet of Hayden High School in Topeka, recipient of the People’s Choice award. “Then, after that, sacred art has to show something human.”

Her piece — “His Mighty Hand” — illustrates just that, with Christ’s crucified hand reaching down and grasping man’s in mysterious fraternity.

“I wanted to show the joy of the Gospel happening in real life,” said Renee Howard of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, recipient of one of five Juror’s Choice awards.

In describing her piece “First Two Friends,” which shows two girls laughing and hugging, Howard said a traditional image of Jesus doesn’t need to be present for the joy that comes from the Gospel to be communicated.

Fellow Juror’s Choice award recipient Brooke Trompeter of Maur HillMount Academy in Atchison explained the motivation for her piece: “I wanted to show how sin tries to enter our hearts, but Christ keeps it from coming in.”

Mavis Ding, also from Maur HillMount Academy, however, entered the exhibition due to a budding interest rather than a firm foundation.

“I am not Catholic. I’ve learned a lot about the Bible at school and I wanted to enter,” she said. “I have read some

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

Atchison’s Maur Hill-Mount Academy freshman Brooke Trompeter poses by her piece, “The Thorns of Sin,” which won a Juror’s Choice Award.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

Caroline Gatschet, a senior at Hayden High School in Topeka, won a People’s Choice Award with her piece, “His Mighty Hand.”

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Social Media Editor Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

of the famous stories from the Bible, and this one (about the loaves and the fishes) is one of them I like.”

Father Gerard Alba of Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa, an artist and an architect himself, was a juror in the exhibition. The prizes, he said, were awarded based on creativity, technique and then theme.

“All three of those things have to be present,” he said, emphasizing that the judging process had not been a small task.

Moreover, to even make it to the archdiocesan exhibit, the young artists had to make it past some stiff competition in their respective schools.

There, they were required to submit their artwork to their art teacher, who then selected the pieces that would continue on to the exhibition. Many students had their work selected for the first time this year.

Kathryn Robards of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) made her debut overseeing the exhibition this year. She has found the work gratifying but difficult — difficult in the sense that it’s impossible to choose a favorite among the entries.

“Everything has been so different, all art is so different,” said Robards. “It’s been my favorite part seeing the artwork come in and seeing how the students have reflected on the theme.”

The artists’ reception included morning prayer and eucharistic adoration, a musical performance by Father Kent O’Connor and a presentation of St. John Paul’s “Letter to Artists” by Father Alba.

The event concluded with the presentation of the awards and a blessing, both the work of Archbishop Naumann.

He encouraged all artists in the room to take heart, for nothing wins people over more profoundly than beauty.

Student artwork will be on display through April 30 at Savior. Select pieces are available for purchase. Contact the pastoral center at (913) 721-1097 for more information.

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.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Corpus Christi School in Lawrence wants to give you a ride For their part, Maurer said he and his wife were impressed with Father Mulvany, Mattern, the teachers and support staff at Corpus Christi School.

AWRENCE — Corpus Chris“I can’t emphasize how nice and ti School here wants to put caring these people are with anything you behind the wheel of a you need,” Maurer said. “They really 2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS. have the attention of the kids.

As part of its annual school “Corpus Christi is a very friendly, auction, a $10 raffle ticket to the April family-type environment. Everyone 14 event will give donors a chance to seems to get along.” win the new car.

“The kids — I’m surprised at how But wait, there’s more!

Corpus Christi parishioner Greg well they got along,” added Maurer.

“At different times in the school, they Maurer, dealer at Dale Willey Automotive, plans to donate cars to the 2019 would have two or three or four grades working together — young and old kids. and 2020 school auctions as well.

“It’s special to see that happen in “[Pastor] Father Mick [Mulvany] and I were both incredibly grateful to this day and age, and for them to be caring for each other.”

Greg for his generosi“That caring,” said ty,” said Mary Mattern, Mattern, “comes from principal of Corpus making a difference Christi School. “He has The car raffle is open to and being a light for all gone above and beyond the public. Go online to: those we meet. to help Corpus Christi.” cccparish.org/2018car “The reason we have This car donation is to purchase tickets. worked so hard to ennot a first for Maurer. hance our annual giving He has previously doand our development efforts is benated two cars to the auction. His son Garrett graduated from Corpus Christi cause — every day — we have been tasked with helping each of our stulast year.

“My son got a great education dents touch the face of Jesus.”

“To be the best school academically there,” Maurer said. “I thought it was a professional-type environment for and in faith, development means creating and sustaining relationships with the kids.

“I was really, really happy with all of our stakeholders, parish families, how the kids were brought along. The school families and the business sector kids have a lot of manners. Everyone in Lawrence,” Mattern added.

“Our school then shares its blessings seemed well-behaved.” not only with the students and parish Mattern said the raffle’s funds would give the school much-needed devel- family,” she continued, “but also with the wider community of which we are a part.” opment dollars that would go straight The car raffle is open to the public. into the school budget to meet the Go online to: cccparish.org/2018car to budget costs for the end of the year. purchase tickets.

“Greg and his wife Kristin are inThe winner will have his or her credible people who believe in Catholic education,” Mattern said. “They choice of taking the Cruze LS or taking would do anything they can to make a two-year, 20,000-mile lease for a sure that students receive a wonder- qualifying candidate on a Chevrolet Traverse, a GMC Acadia or a Chevrolet ful experience in education and that we have the resources that we need at Silverado. You do not need to be present to win.

Corpus Christi.”

By Steve Buckner Special to The Leaven

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How to win

LEAVEN PHOTO BY STEVE BUCKNER

Greg Maurer, dealer at Dale Willey Automotive and a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, will donate a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS to the parish school’s annual auction. Maurer’s son graduated from Corpus Christi School last year.

Santa Marta recognized for employee engagement

By Jeff Bell Special to The Leaven

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LATHE — Santa Marta, a senior living community here sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, has reason to be proud of the relationships it’s built with its employees.

Holleran, a Wrightsville, Pennsylvania-based research firm specializing in engagement and satisfaction studies, recently added the community to its “Highest Honors” list, reserved for those who attain scores significantly above the Holleran benchmark.

“When we look at engagement, we’re looking at something beyond just the basic needs of associates being met,” said marketing coordinator Brittany Yovanovich of Holleran. “Santa Marta is in a small group of communities that is doing some incredible things. They’re leading by example, and employees are following that lead with enthusiasm.”

Chet Surmaczewicz, Santa Marta’s president and executive director,

said the distinction is an important factor for current residents, as well as future retirees who will consider calling the community home.

“We’ve achieved success in building a culture that allows us to reach our goal of providing seniors with the very best in their retirement,” he explained. “As Holleran has recognized, our team is engaged, passionate and dedicated. Santa Marta is much more than just a place to work. It’s a place to thrive.”

Yovanovich noted Santa Marta is in rare company, and has every reason to be proud.

“These are communities that have attained high mean engagement scores and overall satisfaction numbers that are well above the benchmark,” she said. “This is really a group that’s in a class by itself in terms of the field of senior living.”

Surmaczewicz, who has a background in hospitality — including experience at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago and the Intercontinental Hotel in New York — agreed that the results are humbling and motivating.

“It’s clear our vision for the lifestyle we provide our residents has

come to life, which is extremely rewarding,” he said. “From here, we can use this news as a benchmark for continued improvement and motivation for the future.”

Santa Marta is the only Kansas community on the short list of “Highest Honors” recipients for employee engagement, and the only community west of the Mississippi in the group. Holleran serves more than 750 not-for-profit senior living provider organizations nationally.

“When we talk about Holleran, we’re really talking about the gold standard in engagement and satisfaction studies,” added Surmaczewicz. “We’re certain the other communities on the list feel an equal sense of pride.”

Open since 2007, Santa Marta is a faith-based, Catholic-sponsored community that offers seniors of all faiths Tuscan-inspired villas and apartment homes on a 45-acre campus. They also provide a continuum of care, including assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing.

Jeanne and Richard Roth, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 17. The celebration included a blessing at Mass and a dinner and gathering of family and friends at Gage Park, hosted by their sons, Sean and Trevor Roth. A trip to Ireland will follow in the spring. The couple was married on Feb. 17, 1968, at Holy Name Parish in Topeka.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

TECH-ING THE HIGH ROAD

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

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VERLAND PARK — Every Monday morning, Patrick Komlofske leaves work an hour early.

Not because he “just can’t” or because he hates Mondays. (He arrives an hour early to make up for the time.)

But because on Mondays, he has to make sure he gets to Holy Cross Grade School in Overland Park before it lets out, where he preps for the audio technician class he teaches to a small group of middle school students.

Komlofske isn’t a teacher, but his experience with sound technology as a systems analyst and the founder and owner of JMJ Communications has equipped him with the perfect tools to engage eager young minds.

“I love volunteering,” said Komlofske. “It started years ago when I got asked to help with the Christmas choir. I fell in love with it — seeing the talent of the children was really wonderful.”

Over the years, Komlofske has become more involved in the school, with the Knights of Columbus and at Holy Cross, his parish — from teaching basic tech skills to homeschooled children to renovating Holy Cross’ sound system.

“I’ve known Patrick for 15 years or so,” said Allison Carney, principal of Holy Cross Grade School and a fellow parishioner of Komlofske.

“We’ve contacted him over the years to help out with little things around the school,” she said. “Recently . . . with some Fund-A-Need money we had from our auction last year, he helped us purchase our own equipment that would better prepare us to run our own musicals and plays.”

“And then, with that, he offered to run this tech program, so he could teach specific kids how to run the sound system,” said Carney.

This was to be no casual mentoring.

“It was my goal,” said Komlofske, “to come up with a manual with a curriculum for what [the middle school students] will do.”

The students learn everything from cables and connectors to production design and sound mixer operation. Seventh-grader Trevor Obershaw’s eyes light up just talking about getting to work with the big equipment.

“I think it’s all just so interesting,” said Obershaw. “It’s not like you’re sitting in a classroom where your teacher says, ‘Open to page 55 and start reading.’

“We actually get to do fun stuff like hooking everything up. Every day is new.”

Seventh-grader Sabrina Dean especially enjoys playing a hand in making the final product, the school play, look amazing. And the talent for tech is in her blood.

“My dad’s a tech person, so he’s really into me learning about all of

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

From left (with back to camera), Holy Cross band teacher Nick Andrews, Patrick Komlofske, Emma Baldwin and Mason Roberts experiment with the sound mixer. This piece of equipment is essential in the sound production of the school’s upcoming drama performance in April. this stuff, and it’s fun learning about it!”

Komlofske is as thorough a teacher as he is tech-savvy. Within the curriculum he designed for the students, each time a student masters a specific skill, he or she receives a certificate to demonstrate their knowledge, safety with the equipment and ability to problem-solve.

That way, whenever the school or church needs help with setting up lights or sound, they’ll know which students they can call.

Komlofske’s work with the students has been a major source of pride for the drama department, the school and the Holy Cross community.

“I don’t know of any other [school] that has something this specific and this focused on a grade-school level,” said Carney. “Holy Cross has a connection with its parishioners, and this [tech program] is just one way.

“As a community, we can’t exist — and I don’t think any Catholic school can exist — without the support of the parish.”

“Patrick has given so much,” continued Carney. “He’s given equipment; he’s given his time; and he’s given his expertise and doesn’t want anything in return.

“Finally, we decided we should have all the kids say thank you, so all the kids wrote thank-you notes to him. We couldn’t do it without him.”

“Just reading 200 thank-you letters was tear-jerking,” said Komlofske. “Down the road, my payment will be [those students] doing the same things for another group of kids — maybe not sound, but whatever their ministries are.

“That’s my goal: My payment will be when they pay it forward.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

Patrick Komlofske volunteers his time to teach an audio technician program every Monday after school, an initiative he spearheaded.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY OLIVIA MARTIN

From left, audio tech students Emma Baldwin, Trevor Obershaw, Charles Cahalan and Mason Roberts set up the DMX LED lights to prepare for class. The students will use their newfound knowledge in upcoming drama productions, concerts and at church events.

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MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

‘Spring training’ for family prayer Spring is just days away. Try these suggestions for a “spring training” for your family prayer and develop daily routines: • Pray every day for your spouse and children. Place their picture on a dresser or your desk or have it as your screen saver as a reminder.

• Have a daily ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 personal prayer time — perhaps on rising or with your morning coffee. A set time each day forms the habit.

• Pray with your spouse and children — perhaps before dinner.

• Bless them when leaving for school or work and at bedtime.

— Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

St. Patrick, Corning Address: 6606 Atlantic, 66417 Phone: (785) 868-2790 Parochial administrator: Father Mariadas Sesetti Mass time: Sunday, 8 a.m.

Email: 3parishassistant@gmail.com Website: 3catholicparishkck.com MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

Sports offer an answer, says Michigan coach

By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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ENEXA — The team.

The team. The team.

This was the refrain former University of Michigan head football coach Bo Schembechler used to repeat like a drumbeat to Jim Harbaugh when Harbaugh was a quarterback for Michigan from 1982-86.

The team, the team, the team.

“When I first heard that, I hadn’t reached the level of maturity where I could understand the fundamental truth of what Bo Schembechler was saying,” Harbaugh said. “But over the course of my many years as a college and professional player — and now a coach — I can tell you without reservation that the number one most important element of a team culture is its focus on the group as a whole.”

Harbaugh, the current head coach at the University of Michigan, was the keynote speaker Feb. 21 at the National Catholic Education Association’s Visions for Excellence Soul of Youth Sports Conference at the Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center.

In his keynote address, Harbaugh discussed how strong sports programs can strengthen schools.

“What we in the sports world can do is become part of a movement that reverses the tide toward individualism in our communities.

We can lead by example,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh said that a team culture in sports results in a more fulfilling experience than that of a culture that overemphasizes individual contributors.

“Teamwork in sports produces better overall performance compared to an uncoordinated collection of talented individuals,” he said.

“If you want to go fast, you can go on your own,” he added. “But if you want to go far, go together.”

Harbaugh said that when a group embraces a team culture,

University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh delivers the keynote address Feb. 21 at the National Catholic Education Association’s Visions for Excellence Soul of Youth Sports Conference at the Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center. that team becomes a community characterized by deep human relationships. When cultivated in a school setting, a team with a strong team concept can have an infectious quality that spills over to the other students in the school.

“The players on the team can’t solve every problem that the school, faculty and students contend with,” Harbaugh said. “But the players can control what they do, what they think, how they relate to their teammates and — by extension — how they relate to their school.”

Harbaugh said that he has seen an entire community embrace the team culture during his frequent mission trips with his family to Piura, Peru.

After his first mission trip, he returned to Stanford University where he was the head football coach at that time, and his friends asked him what he had learned.

“What I said was: I made a remarkable discovery — that the average person in northern Peru is more content than the average person in Silicon Valley,” Harbaugh said.

“I’m still stunned by the paradox of that,” he added. “How can those with nothing be more at peace than those with seemingly everything?”

Harbaugh said he believes the Peruvian people are content because they aren’t living solely to maximize their individual interests.

“Out of necessity, they need to rely on each other because there is no safety net,” he said. “By relying on each other, they live a deep connection and build close bonds with their neighbor.”

That sense of interdependence — of community — said Harbaugh, is the sort of team mentality that we here in the United States could learn from — not only regarding our school athletic programs, but throughout our lives.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann kicked off the youth sports conference with Mass on Feb. 21. The three-day conference gathered coaches and administrators from across the nation to discuss strategies and practices for serving Catholic student-athletes.

TEAM OF THE WEEK BASKETBALL

Hayden High School

CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT The Hayden High School girls looked to punch their ticket to the Class 4A II state basketball tournament on March 3 against Jefferson West High School in a substate matchup. Hayden won the game 57-51 in overtime. Check out Jay Soldner’s photos from the game on Facebook.

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Concerts at the Mount will have the Kansas City Chorale, above, performing April 21 at 3 p.m. at Mount St. Scholastica, 801 S. 8th St., Atchison, in St. Scholastica Chapel. Tickets are $12 and may be obtained at the door. The Kansas City Chorale, founded in 1982, is a professional vocal ensemble. Along with the Phoenix Chorale, the Kansas City Chorale is the first North American choir to record for Chandos Records, having made its first appearance on the label in 2006 with “Eternal Rest.” Their second CD, “Grechaninov: Passion Week,” was released in 2007 and received Grammy nominations in four categories, including Best Classical Album, Best Choral Performance, Best Surround Sound Album, and won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Classical, in 2008. In 2009, the chorale performed in South Korea at the Incheon Choral Festival. Also that year, it made its New York debut, with the Phoenix Chorale, in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. The New York Times referred to the choirs’ “refined sound and elegant phrasing” as well as their “vivid intensity,” and praised the performance for its “buoyant pulse and energetic finesse.”

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Help is needed to protect faith-based adoptions

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>> Continued from page 1 held religious beliefs.”

Further, faith-based child placement agencies could not be denied a license, permit, authorization or renewal because of a refusal to place children.

The CPAs could not be denied grants and contracts, or be subject to fines or administrative actions or claims because of a refusal to place a child based on the CPA’s faith.

Currently, faith-based adoption agencies are free to operate according to their religious beliefs, said Schuttloffel.

The Adoption Protection Act ensures the current situation will remain the same.

Similar laws have been passed in other states. These include Virginia (the model for the Kansas bills), Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.

Rhode Island and Mississippi also have protections for faith-based adoption providers, and another bill is working its way through the Georgia Legislature.

“The results have been positive,” said Schuttloffel. “Just last year in Virginia, the governor issued an executive

T

“IN KANSAS, FAITH-BASED ADOPTION AGENCIES HAVE BEEN GIVING HARD-TO-PLACE CHILDREN FOREVER HOMES FOR OVER 60 YEARS. SADLY, IN OTHER STATES WE HAVE SEEN THE CHURCH FORCED OUT OF THIS ADOPTION MINISTRY BECAUSE OF OUR DEEPLY HELD RESPECT FOR THE INHERENT RIGHTS OF A CHILD TO HAVE BOTH A MOTHER AND A FATHER.” order limiting state contracts with entities that did not share his personal views on marriage, family and sexuality. Because the Virginia Legislature

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KANSAS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

he Catholic bishops of Kansas are conducting a search for an executive director for the Kansas Catholic Conference. The Kansas Catholic Conference (kscathconf.org) is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in the state of Kansas. It operates on behalf of the archbishop/bishops of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, the Diocese of Dodge City, the Diocese of Salina and the Diocese of Wichita. Its purpose is to advocate on the federal and state level to promote public policy objectives consistent with the social teachings of the Catholic Church. The principal areas of concern are life issues, family life, education, poverty, the environment and general social well-being.

The executive director represents the Kansas Catholic Conference to the governor, legislators and other government officials; serves as the official spokesperson for the conference, articulating its positions on life, social and educational issues; and directs programs in media relations, public information and governmental relations.

The executive director also: • contacts and confers with legislators and public officials to persuade them to support legislation consistent with Catholic social teaching, and plans and coordinates meetings between bishops and elected officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals, allowing legislators to respond to conference concerns.

• studies and analyzes proposed legislation in the light of Catholic social teaching to determine the possible impact of specific bills, and contacts individuals and groups having similar interests in order to encourage them to contact legislators and to present their views.

• prepares news releases and other educational materials and conducts news conferences to communicate the church’s views on public policy issues, and organizes and/or presents testimonies given before various committees.

• conducts research, keeps bishops abreast of activities of other state conferences and public opinion, and presents the conference’s position to the public; advises the bishops on public policy and speaks on their behalf when appropriate.

• reports to the bishops of Kansas at regular and special meetings, follows and implements policy directions given by the bishops, reports to the archbishop of Kansas City regarding administrative decisions, manages the conference office and staff, plans the meetings with bishops/staff and other activities.

• prepares and recommends annual budget for approval of the bishops.

Candidate must be a practicing Catholic and a good steward in his/her parish, articulate regarding teachings of the Catholic Church, comfortable and responsive to church authority, self-directed, self-motivated, familiar with the legislative process and lobbying, possess outstanding oral and written communication skills, and be conscious of public image as a representative of the Catholic Church.

Undergraduate degree required; master’s degree or equivalent desired. Candidate should be able to reside in Topeka during legislative session.

Please email resume, applications and pastor’s letter of support to: jobs@archkck.org or mail to: Kathleen Thomas, Director of Human Resources Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109 ATTENTION: KS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

had acted years ago to protect faithbased adoption providers, they were protected from the executive order and remain free to serve in Virginia.”

The Catholic bishops of Kansas strongly support HB 2687, but non-Catholic entities — including the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas and the Kansas Chapter of Concerned Women for America — support it as well.

“The ACLU and Equality Kansas oppose the bill,” said Schuttloffel.

But the bill seeks only to protect the rights of faith-based child protection agencies as well as all those wishing to adopt.

“The bill does not prevent anyone from adopting,” said Schuttloffel. “It just protects groups like Catholic Charities who operate according to religious principles. Same-sex couples continue to adopt in all the states that have passed laws like this.”

The time to act is now Catholics need to get involved in the Protect Adoption Choice campaign now because the regular session of the

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Kansas Legislature ends on April 6.

“There is a veto session in May where some work can possibly be done, but time is of the essence,” said Schuttloffel.

The danger is so clear, and the time so short, that Archbishop Naumann encourages Catholics to contact their state representatives and senators in support of the two bills as soon as possible.

“It is urgent that we act now because political and legal activist groups hostile to faith-based providers are becoming increasingly active on this issue,” said the archbishop.

The Protect Adoption Choice video can be viewed on the website at: www.

ProtectAdoptionChoice.org.

Persons can also use the site to contact legislators in support of HB 2687 and SB 401.

Go to its home page and click on “Information” at the top of the page. Scroll down to the bottom of the “About This Initiative” page. Click on the yellow box that says “Take Action to Protect Adoption Choice.” This will take you to a form “Support HB 2687 & SB 401 – Protect Adoption Choice.”

RALLY POINT Leaven photos

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BY JAY SOLDNER

outh from all across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas descended on Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg to take part in the annual junior high youth rally held Feb. 25. The theme of the event was “Amazing Love.” Deacon Nicholas Moragues, pastoral assistant at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, was the emcee for the event. Emily Wilson, a well-known speaker, author and musician, delivered the keynote address. Music was provided by the Mikey Needleman Band.

s LET’S ROCK

Mikey Needleman of the Mikey Needleman Band entertains the crowd at the junior high youth rally Feb. 25 at Prairie Star Ranch. Needleman also presented a session to the boys later in the day.

s GAME ON

Lillie Wheeler, a member of St. Gregory Parish in Marysville, plays a cup-sorting game on stage in one the many fun activities at the junior high youth rally.

s LET US PRAY

Owen Strathman, a member of St. Michael Parish in Axtell, is illuminated by a stage light while praying.

s SUPER FANS

From left, Riley Bontrager, Parish, Marysville, Caroline St. Francis Xavier, enjoy the

of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, Brynn O’Neil, of St. Gregory Hanson, of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Mayetta, and Karlie Albright, of music from the Mickey Needleman Band.

s THE BIG GUY

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated Mass for the youth in attendance. Hundreds of youth from around the archdiocese attended the annual junior high youth rally.

s THE EMCEE

s

Deacon Nicholas Moragues, pastoral assistant at Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, gets the crowd pumped up. Deacon Moragues was the emcee for the youth rally.

LIGHT IT UP

ICEBREAKER

Skylar McAfee, left, of Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha, and Nikita Rogers, of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Burlington, pass the microphone around the stage in a group activity.

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The annual junior high youth rally drew hundreds of kids from all over the archdiocese to Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

THE KEYNOTE

Emily Wilson delivers one of her two keynote addresses at the junior high youth rally. Wilson is a wellknown speaker, author and musician who travels the world sharing her faith through witness and worship.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

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Blue Mass celebrated as ‘source of comfort’ for police

By Paul McMullen Catholic News Service

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ALTIMORE (CNS) — Sharing the first and second readings on the Third Sunday of Lent at St. Casimir Church in Baltimore March 4 carried added significance for two parishioners, both of whom are police officers.

It was the parish’s feast day, and Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori presided. He did so not just to acknowledge the 15th-century noble from Poland who is equally revered in Lithuania, but to show his appreciation and support of the Baltimore City Police Department.

“Every day you put your lives on the line to keep the citizens of our city safe, and build bonds of trust,” Archbishop Lori said in his homily. “Every day you strive to strengthen your efforts on behalf of us all as you implement necessary reforms and see to it that your ranks are filled with men and women who are worthy of this high calling.

“The fact that we’ve gathered together as a community of faith to pray with you and for you is meant to be a source of comfort and encouragement to you and your colleagues.”

CNS PHOTO/KEVIN J. PARKS, CATHOLIC REVIEW

A police officer’s badge is seen during the Blue Mass for Baltimore City police March 4 at St. Casimir Church in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood.

Police in attendance included Det. Ashley Acord and Lt. Robert Quick Jr., the two lectors. Both are lifelong Baltimoreans who attended Catholic elementary schools on the east side. She went to The Catholic High School of Baltimore; he went to Calvert Hall College High School in Towson.

About the Blue Mass, Acord told the Catholic Review, Baltimore’s archdiocesan news outlet: “It’s heartening. It’s

nice to see the support.”

“Signs of unity are particularly important now,” Quick added.

The challenge inherent in their jobs compounded in 2017, when the city recorded a record number of homicides and a corruption scandal in the Gun Trace Task Force was uncovered.

“It’s a very challenging climate,” the archbishop said. “It’s a great time to get together and pray, and show appreciation

for a most demanding calling.”

The two officers who read at Mass were asked: What gives them additional hope?

“No matter what,” Acord said, “there is always that one person who needs you; you can make a difference in their life. No matter how many bad encounters we have, there is always that one good encounter.”

Their fellow parishioners were out in force in one of the largest churches in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The faithful included many young parents with children, wide-eyed at the regalia displayed by uniformed officers, the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts of America and the Maryland Catholic War Veterans, who helped sponsor the Mass.

Gil Barker of the Catholic War Veterans offered the organization’s gratitude, led the reading of “A Police Officer’s Prayer,” and noted that it was “[Archbishop Lori’s] initiative to have the Mass for police officers.”

“The archbishop told me that he had been wanting to do this for a while,” said Conventual Franciscan Father Dennis Grumsey, pastor of St. Casimir.

Son’s meeting with birth mother made into film

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — David Scotton knew he had been adopted, but he didn’t really know the circumstances behind it until his birth mother made contact with him.

“She had to do it through the law firm because of the semi-open adoption. The firm had to ask me if I was interested,” he recalled. “Once I said yes, that’s when things started moving.”

“I sat down and wrote the letter, sent it to the law firm and they sent it to the birth mother, Melissa. Two

weeks later I got a friend request from Melissa on Facebook,” said Scotton, now 24 and a law student at Louisiana State University.

The kicker: Melissa was inside an abortion clinic when she changed her mind and decided to go through with her pregnancy and give up the unborn child for adoption.

Scotton’s story goes worldwide with the release March 8 of an internetonly documentary, “I Lived on Parker Avenue.” It will be available for viewing at https://www.ilivedonparkerave.com.

The half-hour feature shows the emotional reunion between Scotton and each of his birth parents. His adoptive parents are with him every step of the way, even trailing in a car as their son takes a train to Columbus,

Indiana, to meet up with the folks who gave him away.

Scotton went to Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where he was a member of the pro-life club. “When I shared this story, Louisiana Right to Life director Ben Clapper immediately seized on it,” he said. “I was sharing the abortion part and we started sharing the adoption part. When he found out I was planning to meet them, he said to me, ‘David, how would it feel if I recorded it?’”

Scotton added, “That was not something I felt easy about. I prayed about it for . . . six months, maybe. I wanted to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons. Adoption is the reason I was given life.”

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY JOIE DE VIE

“I Lived on Parker Avenue,” is scheduled to be released worldwide March 8.

Texas archbishop honored for commitment to poor, vulnerable

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OUSTON (CNS) — One of the hallmarks of the ministry of retired Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston is “his concern that nobody is left behind — whether that’s the unborn or the poor, the migrant, the elderly or those who are sick.”

Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich spoke those words as he presented the Catholic Extension’s Spirit of Francis Award to the archbishop for his leadership in the Catholic Church of Texas and an unwavering commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable.

Cardinal Cupich recalled that in a letter to Congress, Archbishop Fiorenza once wrote: “The needs of the poor and the most vulnerable must have first claim on our common efforts. The poor and the vulnerable can’t be left behind.”

Then-Bishop Fiorenza was named to head what was the Diocese of Galveston-Houston in 1985. When the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese in 2004, he was named an archbishop.

He retired in 2006.

Before his appointment to Galveston-Houston, Bishop Fiorenza

headed the Diocese of San Angelo, one of the 90 home mission dioceses helped

by Catholic Extension.

“In the small towns of the diocese,” the archbishop said, “I witnessed how, without the help of Catholic Extension, those small faith communities would not have been able to continue as vibrant communities who were making a contribution to the welfare of the people in that area.”

In his remarks, Catholic Extension’s president, Father Jack Wall, thanked Houstonians for “the great sense of solidarity with which you have walked and struggled through everything that happened in Hurricane Harvey.”

People responded wonderfully after Harvey, “but the attention of the media is only short-lived,” added Bishop Guillory, who is a member of Catholic Extension’s board of governors.

“The tendency is for people to respond to the immediate needs, but then we move on to the next big story,” he said. “With these kinds of tragedies, it is the long-term that you really have to work and struggle through.” He commended Catholic Extension for its good response both in the short- and the long-term.

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY CATHOLIC EXTENSION

From left, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, retired Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston Houston and Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension, pose for a photo during the Spirit of Francis Award dinner in Houston Feb. 24.

Of the 50 parishes and missions in the diocese, 23 suffered damage. Four are still not able to hold Mass in their churches. Three of the five Catholic schools in the diocese were damaged.

The costliest damage in the diocese occurred at its Holy Family Retreat Center, where the flood water reached all the way up to the roof.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

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Pope pays tribute to nurses, one who saved his life

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis used a meeting with thousands of Italian nurses to pay tribute to a nurse he believes saved his life by arguing with his doctors that he needed more aggressive antibiotics to treat a lung infection.

“When, at the age of 20, I was on the verge of death, she was the one who told the doctors, even arguing with them, ‘No, this isn’t working. You must give more,’” the pope said March 3 during a meeting with members of Italy’s national association of nursing professionals.

With the removal of part of the infected lung and the antibiotics, “I survived,” Pope Francis said. “I thank her and I want you to know her name: Sister Cornelia Caraglio.” The Dominican nun from Italy was “a great woman, and courageous to the point of arguing with the doctors,” he said.

Like Sister Caraglio, the pope told the Italian nurses, “you are there all day and you see what happens to the patient. Thank you for that!”

In hospitals and rehabilitation centers, he said, nurses are at “the crossroads” of dozens of relationships, involving patients, their families, doctors and other staff.

Nurses tend to spend much more time with the patients and family members than any other staff, he said, so they usually have more information about a host of factors that must be considered when determining how best to care for the patient as a person.

“The sensitivity you acquire by being in contact with patients all day,” he said, “makes you promoters of the life and dignity of persons.”

Touch is an important factor for demonstrating respect for the dignity of the person, the pope said.

When Jesus healed the leper, he said, he extended his hand and touched the man.

“We must recognize the importance of this simple gesture,” Pope Francis said. “Mosaic law forbid touching lepers and banned them from approaching inhabited places. But Jesus went to the heart of the law, which is summarized in love for one’s neighbor.”

Jesus drew near to the leper, he said, and showed that God was close to him, too.

Never forget the “medicine of caresses,” Pope Francis told the nurses.

“A caress, a smile, is full of meaning for one who is sick. It is a simple gesture, but encouraging, he or she feels accompanied, feels closer to being healed, feels like a person, not a number.”

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis leads an audience with Italian nurses in Paul VI hall at the Vatican March 3.

Melbourne to decide if cardinal stands trial on abuse allegations

M

ELBOURNE, Australia (CNS) — A Melbourne court began a monthlong hearing to see if a top Vatican official would stand trial on decades-old charges of sexual abuse, which he consistently denied.

Cardinal George Pell, head of the Vatican’s Secretariat for the Economy, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court March 5 for a committal hearing scheduled to conclude by March 30. The cardinal has taken a leave of absence from his position to face the charges in Melbourne, where he served as archbishop from 1996 to 2001.

No charges have been announced against the cardinal, but his lawyer told the court he believed Victoria police investigated the abuse claims presuming he was guilty, instead of presuming he was innocent.

The lawyer said some witnesses’ written testimony could help clear the

CNS PHOTO/JAMES ROSS HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

Australian Cardinal George Pell departs the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court March 5 in Melbourne.

Cardinal Pell appeared in court for the magistrate to hear evidence and decide whether there is a strong enough case to go to trial on sexual abuse charges, which the cardinal has denied. cardinal of some of the charges. Up to 50 witnesses could be called during the

committal hearing; much of the hearing will be conducted in private.

More than two years ago, Cardinal Pell called for an independent inquiry into the leaking of accusations that he was under police investigation for the alleged abuse of minors.

He said media leaks by someone within the Victoria police undermined the work of the Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, a government inquiry into church, state and other institutions’ response to the sexual abuse of children.

In February 2016, Victoria’s The Herald Sun reported that “legal sources” told reporters more than a dozen special task force detectives had been investigating past claims that the cardinal abused between five and 10 boys when he was a priest in Ballarat and archbishop of Melbourne.

Earlier, a court had cleared the cardinal of one of those charges.

Bishop asks federal government to rescue kidnapped girls

By Peter Ajayi Dada Catholic News Service

L

AGOS, Nigeria (CNS) — Bishop Hilary Dachelem of Bauchi has appealed to the Nigerian government to work for the rescue of the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in February.

The bishop said the government should not play partisan politics with the issue but bring smiles to the faces of the parents of the abducted girls by reuniting them with their loved ones.

“My call is for the government to leave politics aside and retrieve these girls; leave politics and protect lives.

You do not politicize life, for Christ’s

sake,” Bishop Dachelem said March 3.

“I do not need to know who you are, political affiliation or religious beliefs, but all I know is that life is sacred and must be protected and respected by everybody.”

The girls were abducted Feb. 19 in Dapchi, in Yobe state, which borders Bauchi.

This abduction happened four years after Boko Haram invaded a female school in Chibok, Borno state, and abducted 276 girls. To date, 195 of the young women are still with the kidnappers, despite repeated promises by the government to ensure their release.

On March 4, Gloria Shoda, president of the National Council for Women Societies, also urged the government

to do everything within its powers to rescue the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls.

“We are pained as mothers to see another group of our children being abducted by the sect. It is most unfortunate that it is happening again after the Chibok experience,” Shoda said.

“We are yet to overcome the Chibok abduction, and having another is a very sad happening in our lives as mothers.

“How long are we going to continue to live in fear of our children being abducted by the sect?” Shoda asked.

“We will not fold our hands to watch the sect destroy the lives of our daughters.”

She also called on Nigerian women to pray for the safe return of the girls.

CNS PHOTO/AFOLABI SOTUNDE, REUTERS

A relative of one of the missing Nigerian school girls reacts Feb. 23 after an attack on the village by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. A Nigerian bishop appealed to the government to work for the rescue of the 110 girls of the Government Girls Science and Technical College.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT School nurse - Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee is looking for a full-time nurse for the 2018-19 school year.

The candidate must be a practicing Catholic and a registered nurse licensed in the state of Kansas. Sacred Heart School enrolls 420 students with 35 staff. The nurse will be responsible for maintaining the health and safety of staff and students. The nurse will also be responsible for the Virtus education of all students in grade K-8, the education and training of all staff members regarding emergency protocol and administration of emergency medication. Other duties include: obtaining supplies for nurse’s office; implementing health-related activities; organization of medical documents; vision and hearing screening; and working with staff to provide emotional support for students. If interested, email cover letter and resume to: Maureen.engen@shoj.org.

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, and 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.

Campaign field directors – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking two full-time campaign field directors with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and benefit-eligible. Duties include managing assigned parish campaigns; working with clergy and volunteers to execute parish campaigns; training staff, volunteers and clergy; and other campaign tasks.

The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have two to five years’ fundraising or sales experience; college degree required. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Campaign Field Director Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Director of faith formation - Good Shepherd Parish is seeking a full-time, professional director of faith formation to plan, develop, organize and evaluate faith formation programs for grades K - 8. The director will coordinate, recruit and facilitate training for volunteers in faith formation and have oversight of religious education and sacramental preparation. The director works with parishioners, parish leadership, volunteers and parish staff to provide a comprehensive approach to formation for children and families. The candidate should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and successful formation experience in a parish or diocesan position. Related degrees and experience will be considered. Bilingual (English/ Spanish) candidates are preferred. Candidate should be a practicing Catholic with in-depth knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs. Also needed are: strong administrative, leadership and communication skills; good interpersonal and collaborative skills; and a working knowledge of computer software applications. Interested candidates should email a letter of interest and resume before March 30 to: Deacon Steve Lemons, director of administrative service, to: slemons@gsshawnee.org.

Do you enjoy driving? - The Kansas City Transportation Group is looking for chauffeurs to drive our guests to events, airport, dinner, etc. Business is growing and we are in need of workers with flexible hours, those who are retired, etc. Great pay and benefits. Send resume to: jkalbert@kctg.com or in person at Carey, 1300 Lydia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106.

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, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

English Language Arts/reading teacher - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a 7th/8th-grade ELA/ reading teacher for the academic year 2018-19. Qualified candidates should possess a passion for Catholic education, enthusiasm for literature and language arts, and hold a current teaching license. Teachers who are interested in joining an innovative and faith-filled team of educators should email a cover letter and resume to Mr. Michael Riley at: mriley@stannpv.org.

Campaign coordinator – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time campaign coordinator with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and benefit- eligible. Duties include: providing support to the campaign executive director and campaign team; coordinating the collection and processing of weekly reports; reporting and handling queries from Raiser’s Edge; data entry; and various other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have one to three years’ experience in an office environment; nonprofit experience and college degree preferred. A complete job description, application and benefit information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Campaign Coordinator Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Assisted transportation - Ready for the summers off?

Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get these precious summer breaks.

Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans. CDL not required. $12 per hour.

Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Director of admissions - St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, Mo., is seeking a full-time director of admissions beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. The director is responsible for all aspects of student admission including: student recruiting and enrollment; marketing; strategic planning; budgeting; relationship building with other educational institutions; and collaboration with academy administrators and faculty. To see the full job description and to apply, go online to: stastars.org/jobs.

Part-time positions - Sincerely Susan is currently looking to fill several part-time positions immediately: Stylist position - Must be available to work every other Saturday and Sunday. Weekdays late afternoon/evening. Need to be outgoing, personable and willing to work with clients. Fun, relaxing environment and flexible schedule. Pay will be determined by experience. Runner position - Looking for a “runner” to work every other or every Saturday, hours of 11 a.m. - 4/5 p.m., with the potential to add more hours in the future. Runner would be responsible for putting dresses back on the racks for the stylist, answering phone, and greeting the customers, etc. This position would be perfect for a high school student! Pay is minimum wage. If you are interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Catholic elementary school principal – Holy Family School in Topeka is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement — particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership — for the 2018-19 school year. Ability to understand and speak Spanish is a plus. Holy Family has approximately 192 students in K-8th grades and 17 preschoolers taught by 13 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Kathleen A. O’Hara, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: kohara@archkckcs.org. Deadline for applications is March 23.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to ambulatory seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cell phone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Please contact Pat or Murray at 913-341-2500 to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Volunteer coordinator - Villa St. Francis, a skilled nursing community sponsored by the archdiocese, is seeking a volunteer coordinator to promote and support the community’s mission by coordinating and enhancing an effective volunteer program. Duties include: recruitment; training; placement; and management of volunteers. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with a creative, detail-oriented approach to the position. Email a letter of interest and resume to: nhendricks@villasf.org.​ Records and gift processing specialist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time (approximately 25 hours per week) records and gift processing specialist with the expectation that the position will last approximately 18 months or longer. This position is temporary and not benefit eligible. Duties include managing the campaign pledges and gifts in Raiser’s Edge database including processing and receipting; updating and maintaining donor information in the database; training temporary data entry staff; and various other campaign tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and have two to five years’ experience in support or operations in a fundraising environment; nonprofit experience and college degree preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Record and Gifts Processing Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck. org. This position will remain open until filled.

Guidance counselor- St. Ann School in Prairie Village has a part-time (25 hours/week) guidance counselor opening for the academic year 2018-19. Successful applicants will embody mission commitment; intellectual curiosity; openness to growth; and optimism and zest that are characteristic of our faculty and staff. Qualified candidates should possess a passion for Catholic education, hold a current Kansas licensure through the appropriate accrediting agency (licensed professional counselor, licensed master of social work, national certified counselor or licensed school counselor), have experience working with school-age children and families, preferably in a Catholic setting or for a Catholic organization; and be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. Interested applicants should apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and email a cover letter and resume directly to Mr. Michael Riley at: mriley@stannpv.org.

Administrative assistant - St. Ann School in Prairie Village has an opening for administrative assistant for the academic year 2018-19. Applicants must be practicing Catholics and have experience in a school setting, ideally a Catholic school. Excellent communication skills required along with the ability to manage multiple and varied tasks simultaneously. The candidate must be organized and have good attention to detail. Pleasant and welcoming demeanor is also required. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Mr. Michael Riley at: mriley@stannpv.org.

ELA teacher - St. Patrick School is seeking a full-time ELA teacher for grades 6 - 8 for the 2017-18 school year.

Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, contact principal Felicia Torres at: ftorres@ stpatrickkck.eduk12.net.

Career opportunity - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro and Topeka areas.

Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 or call (785) 498-8806. You can also send an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com 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) 579-1835.

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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.

NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs.

Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured.

Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Father-and-son home exteriors and remodeling - Celebrating my 15th year in The Leaven as a small business owner! We do decks, siding, windows, doors, tile work, floors, wood rot, and interior and exterior painting.

We can remodel bathrooms, kitchens or basements. We also reface cabinets and redo pesky popcorn ceilings.

Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

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.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout 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. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM.

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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: dan deeconst@aol.com.

Decked Out In KC - We fix decks. We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences. We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more.

Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.

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) 935-0176

SERVICES Doll dresses - First Communion dress sets for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, shoes, tights and cross necklace. Full line of doll clothes and accessories in south Johnson County. Call Patty at (913) 3459498.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help with getting Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: Montemacedisability.com.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install!

“Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or kev@koatindustries.com. Insured.

References.

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.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063 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@mikehammermoving.com.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - One plot in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Located in Henry Garden, lot 824, space east. Current market value is $1500, selling price is $1300. Call (714) 308-2585.

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591 CNA - Professional caregiver provides quality private home care assistance for the elderly in the comfort of your home. Part-time or full-time assignments. Will consider live-in arrangements. 20 years’ experience. Dedicated to clients. Call (816) 806-8104. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR TACO DINNER AND SALAMI BINGO Holy Family Parish (Monsignor Mejak Hall) 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas March 10 at 5:30 p.m.

A donation of $15 includes one bingo card, one taco dinner (three tacos, rice and dessert) and cold beverages. The event is sponsored by the Holy Family Church Altar Society. For tickets, call Sandy Cannon at (913) 396-1564 or Cathy Schneider at (913) 371-1561. Must be age 21 or older to attend. Dessert donations are welcome!

AN IRISH CELEBRATION Corpus Christi Parish (Holy Family Hall) 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence March 10 at 5 p.m.

Celebrate Irish traditions with an Irish menu of shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage.

There will be games and prizes. The Celtic band Beyond the Heather will perform for hours of dancing. Tickets are $20 per person ($10 discount for ages 70-plus) and can be purchased by going online to: cccparish.org/irish.

Jasper’s will donate 20 percent of all lunch and dinner sales to benefit the good works of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Enjoy a delicious meal and help the Sisters at the same time. Reservations are encouraged. Contact Jasper’s online at: jasperskc. com or call (816) 941-6600.

LEGION OF MARY ACIES CEREMONY St. Phillip Neri Parish 514 Parker Ave., Osawatomie March 11 at 2:30 p.m.

All Legion of Mary auxiliary members in the archdiocese are invited to the Acies ceremony.

There will be a potluck immediately following the ceremony, so bring a dish to share.

ALUMNI GATHERING AND LUNCHEON Bishop Ward High School (cafeteria) 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 14 at 11 a.m.

Come back to Bishop Ward and celebrate with classmates and peers. The cost for lunch is $25. Enjoy fun, fellowship and food. To RSVP, email Greg Duggins at: gduggins@wardhigh. org or call (913) 229-3828.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood March 15 at 7:30 p.m.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Emerald March 11 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a dinner of corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and homemade pies.

There will also be raffle tickets with prizes including a handmade quilt, hand-loomed rugs, cash prizes and many other items. The suggested donation for the meal is $10.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE 503 Immaculate Conception Parish 208 Bertrand, St. Marys March 11 at 11 a.m.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. Father Ken Kelly will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood March 17 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Grief — Winter Into Spring.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

Dinner will include ham or turkey and trimmings, plus pie and a beverage. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5 - 12; kids ages 5 and under eat for free.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. John the Baptist Parish 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 11 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosary rallieskc.org.

18TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish 711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth March 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

There will be a $10 adult menu, a $3 kids’ menu and carryouts will be available. There will also be a $1000 cash raffle, a silent auction, spirits and Irish coffee, and great fellowship.

The retreat begins at 9 a.m. on March 23 and concludes at 4 p.m. on March 24. The retreat will be based on Pope Benedict’s book, “Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week to the Resurrection.” There will be four or five talks, daily eucharistic adoration, confession before 5 p.m. Mass at the local parish, and time for private prayer, spiritual direction, spiritual reading and walks in the woods. The cost for overnight guests is $85 per person; $125 per couple. All meals are included. To register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@christspeace.com.

ST. PATRICK’S 5K/10K RUN/WALK St. Patrick Parish 19384 234th Rd., Atchison March 24 at 8:30 a.m.

There is a choice of an easy trail or a more challenging trail. March 7 is the deadline for the early registration fee of $25 that includes a T-shirt; after March 7, the entry fee is $30 and includes breakfast for all entrants. If not participating in the run/walk, breakfast is $5. For more information and to register, call Heidi at (913) 426-1921.

JOCO REGIONAL CYCLONE GATHERING St. Agnes Parish 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park March 24 at 11 a.m.

Join alumni and friends of Bishop Ward High School at this regional gathering. A light brunch will be served in the parish hall following the 10 a.m. Mass. There is no cost to attend. Hear about all the exciting things happening at Bishop Ward. RSVP to: gduggins@wardhigh.org. or call (913) 229-3828

by March 22.

RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park March 31 from 4 - 8 p.m.

There will be a corporate Communion Mass. If you know of a member or their family member in distress, sick or in need of the circle’s prayers, call Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Marilyn Unrein at (785) 230-8448 or Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

FEAST DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish (basement) 302 S. Boyle, Scranton March 11 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton March 23 - 24

IRISH FEST, FUN RUN, WALK & LEAP Mater Dei-Assumption Church 8th and Jackson, Downtown Topeka March 17 at 8 a.m.

This year, there will be many events: an Irish singalong at 8 a.m., a 5K Fun Run and Walk at 9 a.m. and the St. Patrick’s Day parade at noon.

The festival will include Irish foods, music, beverages and kids activities. To register for the 5K Fun Run, go online to: www.irishfest funrun.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY Holy Angels Parish (hall) 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor March 17 from 2-7 p.m.

A meal of shepherd’s pie, corned beef, potatoes and Irish soda bread will be served. There will be desserts and drinks as well. There will be inflatables, games and face painting for the kids. The cost for tickets is $20 per adult; $5 per child age 14 and under. Tickets can be purchased after Masses or from the parish office at (913) 724-1665.

DINING TO DONATE WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET Jasper’s Restaurant 1201 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, Missouri March 21 through lunch and dinner

Respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families with a loved one 5 years of age or older with a disability. For questions about the program, call Tom at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas @archkck.org; or Audrey Amor at (816) 739-1197 or send an email to: aamor@ sjakeeping faith.org. To register a child for the program, go online to: www.archkck. org/specialneeds and complete the online form.

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>> Continued from page 12 Retired nurse - Available M - F, some weekends. 30 years’ experience, recent references. Call (913) 5795276.

Situation wanted - Retired nurse will do private care. Available 24/7. Has experience in cosmetology, and massage therapy. Has hospice background. Call (913) 938-4765. No agencies.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Medication support - Need help filling weekly pill boxes? Need daily medication reminders? We can provide these services in your home with daily or weekly visits. Call to learn about our exciting new medication solutions that allow you to continue living safely at home. Call Home Connect Health at (913) 627- 9222.

Just like family - Let us care for your loved ones in their homes. Two ladies with over 50 years’ combined experience. Looking for night shift coverage, some days. Great price, great references. Both experienced with hospice care. Call Kara at (913) 3431602 or Ophelia at (913) 570-7276.

Reliable companion care for seniors - Available immediately. Provides companionship, light housekeeping and transportation for seniors in their own home. Part time, flexible hours, strong references available. Contact Mary at (913) 908-6896.

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted: Antiques and collectibles, postcards, sterling silverware, Native American turquoise, antique jewelry, crocks and old political buttons.

Call (913) 593-7507

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

I NEED HOUSES! - We are members of Holy Trinity Parish and we pay cash for any real estate without any realtor commissions or fees. If you would like an easy, no-hassle sale at a fair price, please call me. We have 13 years of experience. Mark Edmondson (913) 980-4905.

PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - from April 26 through May 3, 2018. Call (913) 449-1806 for details.

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FOURTH WEEK OF LENT March 11 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT 2 Chr 36: 14-16, 19-23 Ps 137: 1-6 Eph 2: 4-10 Jn 3: 14-21 March 12 Monday Is 65: 17-21 Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b Jn 4: 43-54 March 13 Tuesday Ez 47: 1-9, 12 Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Jn 5: 1-16 March 14 Wednesday Is 49: 8-15 Ps 145: 8-9, 13c-14, 17-18 Jn 5: 17-30 March 15 Thursday Ex 32: 7-14 Ps 106: 19-23 Jn 5: 31-47 March 16 Friday Wis 2: 1a, 12-22 Ps 34: 17-21, 23 Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30 March 17 Patrick, bishop Jer 11: 18-20 Ps 7: 2-3, 9b-12 Jn 7: 40-53

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Shake up things in this messy world

ourpuss.

I burst out laughing when I saw that word, as well as the phrase “pickled-pepper faces.” Who uses such colorful words?

The answer may surprise you: Pope Francis.

Don’t believe me? Well, “sourpusses” is found in “The Joy of the Gospel” (85) and he used “pickled-pepper faces” in a morning Mass homily on May 10, 2013.

I love words. That’s certainly part of why I enjoy being an editor and a columnist. So, you can imagine my thrill when I received a new book — “A Pope Francis Lexicon,” edited by Joshua J. McElwee and Cindy Wooden — right before Lent.

The hardback, published by Liturgical Press in Collegeville, Minnesota, sells for $24.95 and is worth every cent.

As you’d expect in a lexicon, the 50-plus entries are in alphabetical order, from “Baptism” to “Youth.” The short essays, usually three or four pages long, are written by an impressive array of bishops, theologians and journalists.

More than the usual sound bytes of “what the pope said or meant” that we often get from TV,

D

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MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

the internet or bloggers, these very readable entries give readers a chance to unpack many of the concepts so close to Pope Francis’ heart.

For example, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago masterfully explains the pope’s image of the church as a “field hospital.” When the pope says, “Jesus knocks from within so that we will let him come out,” Cardinal Cupich notes: “Those who have the bandages go to those with the wounds. They don’t sit back in their offices waiting for the needy to come to them. . . .

Bringing the medicine of

mercy to the world is the most effective way for the disciples of Jesus to recapture the joy of the Gospel.”

Naturally, joy is one of the attributes that many people admire so much in Pope Francis. To that end, the book includes many entries that contribute to that theme: “Embrace” (by Simcha Fisher); “Hope” (by Natalia Imperatori-Lee); “Joy” (by Timothy Radcliffe, OP); and “Mercy” (by Archbishop Donald Bolen).

But the pope is a realist and doesn’t shy away from challenging believers to confront their own sinfulness. The essay on “Gossip,” written by Kaya Oakes, is an excellent illustration of this. The pope describes gossip as “idle chatter that divides,” and even more vividly as “a habit

of terrorism. . . . of how you can kill a person with your tongue.”

Particularly in light of social media and “fake news,” the pope’s words deserve much reflection.

Another theme almost always on the pope’s mind is the plight of the poor and refugees. Two entries — “Throwaway culture” (by Pat Farrell, OSF) and “Dignity” (by Tina Beattie) — summarize Pope Francis’ concerns well.

Regarding the dignity of every person, the pope said in 2015: “We must never forget the various attacks on the sacredness of human life. The plague of abortion is an attack on life. Allowing our brothers and sisters to die on boats in the strait in Sicily is an attack on life. Dying on the job because the minimum safety standards are not respected is an attack on life.

Death from malnutrition is an attack on life. . . .

Loving life means always taking care of the other, wanting the best for him, cultivating and respecting her transcendent dignity.”

In discussing the throwaway culture, these words of Pope Francis from a general audience in 2013 tear at the heart:

“That some homeless people freeze to death on the street, that is not news. On the other hand, a drop of 10 points in the stock markets of some cities is a tragedy. That is how people are thrown away. We, people, are thrown away as if we were trash.”

Although Pope Francis is well aware that we live in a “messy” world, Mollie Wilson O’Reilly notes in her essay on “Worldliness”: “For Francis, the world is not to be feared or held at arm’s length, but embraced — provided we remember that it is God’s kingdom and not ours.”

And that’s why the pope is constantly encouraging especially young people to “Hagan lío,” or “shake things up.” According to Father Manuel Dorantes, hagan lío is “an order to shake off the anesthesia [of smartphones, video games, etc.], to leave the sofa behind, to get out of oneself to encounter others, especially the poor in our midst.”

How lucky we are to have a pope who leads us by word and action.

So, sourpusses, beware!

Hagan lío, Pope Francis. Keep shaking things up!

Gospel sheds light on the Light of the world

o puns make you wince?

Then get ready, because this Sunday’s Gospel reading — Jn 3:14-21 — revolves around a pun.

In it, Jesus tells Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

These words look forward to Jesus’ crucifixion, when his body will be physically lifted up and attached to the cross. That explains the comparison to the bronze serpent being lifted up on the pole.

But there is another meaning. Because of this sacrifice, Jesus will be glorified and exalted.

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.

In that respect, his name and prestige will be lifted up among all.

It is no accident that

POPE FRANCIS

the church observes the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 14. It is a feast that celebrates this dual aspect of Jesus’ sacrifice: its physicality and its life-giving quality.

John’s Gospel appears to favor word play. Later on, when it describes Jesus’ death, it states: “He handed over the spirit” (Jn 19:30b). Once

Priests must be mindful that the confessional is a place where people can find forgiveness and mercy, not threats and condemnation, Pope Francis said. God “does not want to beat us and condemn us” but, rather, “he always looks for a way to enter the hearts” of those who are repentant, the pope said in his homily Feb. 27 at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

“When we priests — in the Lord’s place — hear confessions, we also must have this attitude of goodness like the Lord, who says,

again, these words have a double meaning.

On one hand, they can simply point to the fact that Jesus expired.

On the other hand, they can mean that Jesus handed over to his disciples his spirit — that is to say, the Holy Spirit.

These puns and word play fit in with the general approach of John’s Gospel. It presents a narrative that we can take at face value. At the same time, we often can dig deeper and find still another meaning.

That is why John calls the miracles of Jesus, “signs.” They point to a deeper reality.

John’s Gospel encourages us to look more closely. It wants us to see all that is there. That is why the light plays such an important role

in the Gospel. The word “light” occurs 18 times.

Compare that to Mark’s Gospel, where it appears only once. It consistently refers, not to the physical phenomenon but, rather, to spiritual enlightenment, revelation.

Light enables us to see. And the Gospel reading tells us: “Whoever lives the truth comes to the light.”

What is the light? In John’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8:12).

Jesus wants us to see God’s love for us. As the Gospel reading also relates: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

‘Come, let us talk, there is no problem, there is forgiveness,’ and not with a threat from the beginning,” he said.

Reflecting on the day’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the pope noted God’s merciful call to conversion and his willingness to forgive even “though your sins be like scarlet.”

The relationship between God and his people, the pope said, is like that of the father of a teenager who has done something foolish and must be reproached.

— CNS

MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

M

any years ago, I had a boss whose annual mandatory ethics program for his employees included watching a film called “Do Right” by the legendary Catholic football coach Lou Holtz.

Every year, we passed around a battered VHS tape that had spent lots of time in a video player.

Remember those? Makes me feel old just thinking about it.

I was reminded of Lou Holtz last month when I found a note on my car’s windshield after visiting my daughter at the hospital after the birth of our newest grandchild.

I

15

It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

“I apologize for accidentally hitting the back-

side of your car when pulling into a parking place. Please call me if you have any concerns,” the note read.

It was signed, dated and included a phone number. First thing I did was to look at my banged-up fender. The

second thing I did was say a prayer for the person who left the note.

Many people are cynical about the kindness of strangers. Negativity abounds. We expect the worst instead of the best. Maybe that’s why I was surprised by the profound honesty on a torn scrap of white paper stuck in my windshield on that cold winter morning. Wouldn’t most people just drive away?

I think it is a remarkable testimony to the goodness of this woman that she listened to the still, small voice of her conscience and confessed that she had accidentally struck my car with hers. She did the

right thing, which brings me back to our friend Lou Holtz and his plain and simple advice.

He said, “Just do the right thing.” If we just do the right thing, we experience a joyful freedom from anxiety from doing the wrong thing.

He said to always do everything to the best of your ability. Not everyone will be great, he said, but everyone can do their best. He also said to show people that you care about them.

Lou Holtz has a gift of saying things in ways that you never forget them: “There is never a right time to do the wrong thing and never a wrong time to do the

right thing.”

Someone did the right thing!

I was moved by the spirit of stewardship and good will of the woman who struck my car that winter morning. We called the number she provided. She apologized again and said, “Send me the bill.” The end of the story is that my car is fixed. Good as new.

That’s not really the end, though. I am telling this story to you with the hope that this unexpected example of honesty and compassion will inspire you, also, to “do right.”

And the note-writer’s name? It’s Lisa.

Keep graduates connected to their faith — wherever they go

f you are the parent of a high school senior, your son or daughter is no doubt finalizing the decision on which college to attend or lining up job interviews to jump into the workforce.

As parents, we worry about how our grown children will stay connected to their faith. It’s a sobering fact that 80 percent of Catholic college students stop practicing their faith once they go off to college.

There are a couple different options out there whether your son or daughter is going local, out of state or diving directly into the workforce.

Newman Connection

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

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nization working with our campus ministries nationwide. They use a referral system to connect graduating high school students to their Catholic campus ministry.

And it’s not just for college students. If your

newly independent adult is going into the workforce, Newman Connection can connect them to a local Catholic parish.

This allows campus ministers and parishes to contact the incoming students/employees, inviting them into the community before they arrive on campus or in the neighborhood, regardless of what dioceses they come from.

Another program is FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. There are FOCUS missionaries placed throughout the United States at 125 colleges whose sole aim is to go out and meet students

effort between parents, youth ministers and parishes to connect them with the right organization.

Providing one of these organizations with your student’s name and college enables them to reach out to your student before he or she gets involved with something that really isn’t Catholic.

If you’d like more information, please contact me by email in the youth office at: youth2@archkck.org. Let’s make it our mission to keep our kids connected to their faith.

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on campus where they’re at — whether it be in the dorms, on the field, in the student union or just hanging out on campus.

Although FOCUS is not as far-reaching as Newman, it has an outstanding track record for forming strong Catholic missionary leaders through one-on-one and small-group mentoring.

Perhaps an active FOCUS program could be the deciding factor in your student’s college decision.

It is so important for our young adults to have opportunities that will help them keep and enhance their faith. This requires a coordinated

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MARCH 9, 2018 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Confession ‘is about dispensing mercy’

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER/PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TODD HABIGER

Father Greg Hammes, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka, listens to the confession of a young penitent in this photo illustration. Priests in the archdiocese talk about the healing power of confession.

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The archdiocese is giving away a free gift every week during Lent.

To claim your free gift, all you have to do is follow simple instructions: Visit a Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on a Wednesday evening.

There is a room with a light above the door; go in.

Tell the priest inside the room your sins and the gift will be yours.

The gift of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Hold on . . .

That sounds like confession, and confession sounds like a bit of a risk.

What if I know the priest? What if he remembers my sins? What if he scolds me or judges me? These and similar questions often hold Catholics back from seeking God’s grace through the sacrament of reconciliation.

But at its foundation, confession is meant as a moment of healing.

“Before I was ordained, there were priests sitting in the confessional able to hear my confession because they had said ‘yes’ to Our Lord’s invitation,” said Father Michael Guastello, associate pastor at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

“As a priest, now I am sitting in the confessional,” he said, “hoping to help others experience the same love, forgiveness and reconciliation that I experienced.”

“There’s a sense of gratitude

“

“THERE’S A SENSE OF GRATITUDE AND HUMILITY IN BEING ABLE TO BE AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD’S GRACE.” and humility in being able to be an instrument of God’s grace,” said Father Jonathan Dizon, associate pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka.

In his own ministry, Father Adam Wilczak, pastor of Holy Angels in Garnett, finds the Scriptures encouraging.

“In the Scriptures, God always chooses the most insignificant,” he said, and pointed to the tribe of Israel, King David and St. Teresa of Calcutta as examples of God’s preference for the underdog.

“For me . . . it’s been a great identifier through the sacrament of confession — as with all aspects of priesthood — that God chooses a fellow sinner to dispense his grace,” he said.

“A part of that beauty is the fact that it’s much easier for the priest to walk with the person,” he added.

During Lent, confession is available in every parish of the archdiocese on Wednesday night from 6-7 p.m., in addition to each parish’s regularly scheduled confession times.

“I think that it is a beautiful initiative and I am so glad we have

it in the archdiocese,” said Father Guastello.

Lent is a new beginning. It is a time that Catholics begin to prepare for Christ’s passion, death and resurrection — and confession is an essential part of that preparation.

The sacrament is “really about dispensing mercy rather than keeping tabs on everyone’s sins,” said Father Dizon. It is not a place for scolds or reprimands.

“I think it’s important for people to know that the priest is not there to judge you,” said Father Guastello.

Within the sacrament, the priest desires healing for the penitent — both as a brother and as a father.

“I’m walking with you; it’s not me condemning you,” explained Father Wilczak. “Actually, I go to confession, too, regularly. I’m working on these things.

“I offer different prayers [for penitents] or occasionally will fast, especially if someone has come and had a big struggle.”

Confession is often as humbling an experience for the priest as it is for the penitent.

“There’s just a sense of gratitude and humility in being able to be an instrument of God’s grace,” said Father Dizon.

For Father Wilczak, his appreciation for the sacrament has only increased since being ordained.

“Being able to reconcile and offer healing and then see and hear the healing take place in the look you see on people’s faces or what you can hear in their voice — the peace that comes after the initial anxiety or worries” is one of the beauties of his vocation, said Father Wilczak.

STEP BY STEP TO CONFESSION The penitent enters and kneels at a screen or sits in a chair. The priest greets the penitent, and both the priest and the penitent make the sign of the cross.

The penitent may begin with the traditional formula, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (indicate time) since my last confession.”

The priest invites the penitent to place his trust in God and then confess his sins.

The penitent receives some advice, encouragement and a penance from the priest.

The priest asks the penitent to express his sorrow by praying an act of contrition or some other appropriate prayer. The priest then prays the prayer of absolution, and the penitent responds, “Amen.”

The priest dismisses the penitent using one of the formulas found in the ritual, often “Go in peace.” The penitent goes forth to live and continue the celebration of the sacrament by doing his or her penance.