WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 30, NO. 30 MARCH 20, 2009
CASH COW Youth group rounds up some assistance for relief efforts overseas By BOB HART Special to the Leaven EMPORIA — “There’s a Catholic cow in our yard!” boasted 3-year-old Audrey Scheeley to strangers in the grocery store last week. The odd remark from the sweet little girl drew predictable smiles and laughter. But, as it turns out, little Audrey knew what she was talking about. A “Crazy Cow” had indeed shown up on the Scheeley lawn — the result of a fundraising project conceived by Emporia’s Sacred Heart Parish youth director Cindy Roush to raise funds for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Inspired by a package of creative fundraising ideas she’d received in the mail, Roush took two clip art cows, enlarged them many times over, and then tapped some help for stage two. “My husband Kent cut out the cows and did a base paint on them,” Roush said. “Then we had the Sacred Heart youth group do the final painting.” Since then, Roush has been busy sneaking around town, planting the “Crazy Cows” in the yards of unsuspecting parishioners. The way the fundraising works is simple: • For $5, a parishioner (or anyone else in town) can send a “Crazy Cow” to the yard of their Three-year-old Audrey Scheeley is reluctant to give up the “Crazy Cow” that mysteriously appeared on her lawn last week. The cows are part of a youth group fundraiser of Sacred Heart Church in Emporia. Leaven photo by Bob Hart
Cash and the cows $5 A parishioner (or anyone else in town) can send a “Crazy Cow” to the yard of their choice. $10 Those waking up to a cow on their lawn can have the intruder removed — and decide where it goes next. $15 Anyone can choose to be “vaccinated” — the only sure-fire way to keep his or her lawn cowfree through April 5.
choice. • For $10, those waking up to a cow on their lawn can have the intruder removed — and decide where it goes next. • For $15, anyone can choose to be “vaccinated” — the only sure-fire way to keep his or her lawn cow-free through April 5. “We had no idea how it would go over,” Roush said. “But the parish has just loved it, as has the community.” Roush said the idea sprang from a desire to try new, fresh ideas for involving students in charitable activities. “We already had a ‘Homeless Night’ set up, and we do the Rice Bowls, of course,” she said. “But we just thought we could try something fun and different and see how it went. It’s been so popular, we may do more than two cows next year.” The Lenten fundraiser, which began March 1, will continue through April 5. While the youth group has been the prime moo-ver behind the activity, no one’s been left out of the fun. Turn to PARISHIONERS on page 4
KANSAS CITY HERE IT COMES
LECTIO DIVINA
TRASH TALK
The National Catholic Young Conference is returning to Kansas City this November. More than 20,000 youth are expected.
If midway through Lent you’re still fighting for traction, consider giving the ancient practice of lectio divina a try.
Youth from Resurrection School took a day off from classes to help clean up their neighborhood.
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2 ARCHBISHOP
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS
Archbishop responds to questions concerning Sebelius nomination
I
am told that my column and statements regarding the nomination of Governor Sebelius to serve as Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have inspired a lot of chatter in the blogosphere. With this column I want to provide you with my responses to some of the questions posed to me. I hope that you find them helpful for your own understanding of the matter.
Q.
Jesus never turned anyone away. Why would a bishop discourage someone from receiving our Lord in the Eucharist?
A.
My entire life as a Catholic priest is dedicated to attempting to bring people to Jesus, uniquely present in the Eucharist, in order to experience his love, to be transformed by his mercy and to share in his gift of abundant life. There is nothing that saddens me more than to be unable to share the incredible gift of the Eucharist with another. While Jesus was always ready to extend his mercy to anyone who genuinely desired it, it is not accurate to say that Jesus accepted everyone’s behavior. Just this past Sunday, we heard the Gospel in which Jesus drove the money-changers and others out of the temple because they had turned it into “a marketplace.” Read the denunciation by Jesus of the Scribes and Pharisees in St. Matthew’s Gospel (chapter 23). In his effort to protect his disciples from being misled by the behavior of the Pharisees, Jesus uses
some very strong language. Just as Jesus sought to protect his Father’s house — the temple — a bishop has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the Eucharist. Just as Jesus protected his disciples from being misled, a bishop has the responsibility to protect his flock from being deceived by the words and actions of those who would alter Catholic teaching.
Q.
If Governor Sebelius has not presented herself for Communion, since your second request that she not do so, why did you choose to comment on her nomination as secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS)?
A. I received media inquiries because of my request last year that the governor not present herself for reception of holy Communion. It troubled me that many media reports identified Governor Sebelius as a “pro-choice Catholic.” I find it disturbing that the media rarely mentioned the faith of other nominees for Cabinet posts, unless they, too, happened to be Catholics who sup-
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Q.
Governor Sebelius has stated that she is personally opposed to abortion and has worked to reduce abortions. Does this not make her a faithful Catholic?
A.
Certainly, we need to do everything morally permissible to reduce abortions within the current constraints that our courts have imposed. However, it is not enough for a Catholic politician to attempt only to reduce abortion with-
in the confines allowed by the 1973 Supreme Court decisions. Every Catholic must work to expand legal protection for the innocent lives of unborn children. A conservative estimate of the impact of the 1973 Supreme Court decisions striking down every state restriction on abortion is that the legalization of abortion resulted in more than a million additional abortions annually in the United States. While we need to do what we can to limit abortion as much as possible in the present moment, we must never be satisfied until every child enjoys protection under the law. The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the direction of then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, issued in 2004 a statement on Catholics in political life that said: “John Paul II, continuing the constant teaching of the Church, has reiterated many times that those who are directly involved in lawmaking bodies have a ‘grave and clear obligation to oppose’ any law that attacks human life. For them, as for every Catholic, it is impossible to promote such laws or to vote for them.” The bishops of the United States in our 1998 statement, “Living the Gospel of Life,” expressed this same truth: “No public official, especially one claiming to be a faithful and serious Catholic, can responsibly advocate for or actively support direct attacks on innocent human life.” Next week, I will continue to answer questions on this matter. Stay tuned!
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ported legalized abortion. I was concerned that the scandal (leading others into error) of Governor Sebelius’ support for government-sanctioned abortion was now being taken beyond the borders of Kansas to the entire nation. I was also very troubled by groups supporting the nomination of Governor Sebelius, who self-identified themselves as Catholic and claimed that the governor’s persistent support of legalized abortion was consistent and faithful to Catholic teaching. The statements by these groups actually were proof positive of the scandal created by the governor. I chose to respond to media inquiries and to devote my March 7 Leaven column to do my best to set the record straight and protect the integrity of Catholic teaching regarding the sanctity of life and the responsibility of every Catholic to work for public policies that protect the inalienable right to life, especially for the weak and vulnerable.
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SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
N C Y C
MATT MAHER
STEVE ANGRISANO
MATT SMITH
JASON EVERT
KANSAS CITY, HERE IT COMES MORE THAN 20,000 YOUTH WILL COME TO AREA FOR THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The last time the National Catholic Youth Convention (NCYC) was held in Kansas City just 12 short years ago, there was a grand total of only eight youth ministers working in the archdiocese — and the entire event fit neatly inside Bartle Hall. This year, more than 65 youth ministers will be accompanying kids to the event from parishes across northeast Kansas. And it is expected to draw so many Catholic youth that two additional convention halls will be needed to fit everyone. “Last time NCYC was here in 1997, it transformed our archdiocese,” said Dana Nearmyer, archdiocesan coordinator for evangelization and Catholic formation. “Our hope and earnest prayer is for the archdiocese to have the same experience this time, too.” When the biennial three-day event returns to Kansas City this Nov. 19, it will provide local teens a chance to celebrate their Catholic faith with some 23,000 other young Catholics from across the country. Co-hosted by the archdiocese and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, NCYC participants will fill the Sprint Center, Municipal Auditorium, and Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City, Mo. “Having Kansas City as a location is great because we’re in the middle of
Michael Alexander, Georgia Bulletin
More than 16,000 teens from around the country showed their enthusiasm from the start of the National Catholic Youth Conference in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in 2005. This year’s event in Kansas City is expected to draw more than 20,000 youth. the country,” said Kimberly Rode, archdiocesan consultant for youth and young adult ministries. The theme chosen for the event is “Christ Reigns,” taken from the Book of Revelation: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever” (11:15). “The experience teens get of the larger church at NCYC is very unique. There are not many other Catholic events out there of this magnitude, and definitely not ones just for youth,” said Rode. “What we find is that even though we’re part of the largest church in the world, many kids feel a sense of isolation,” said Nearmyer. “They’re often amazed by the sheer numbers of people in the arena at NCYC. It makes Jesus real for them.” Catholic musicians and vocal artists like Matt Maher, Steve Angrisano and Righteous B are among the headliners. Among the presenters will be renowned chastity speakers Jason and Chrystalina Evert and former MTV reality star Matt Smith of Life Teen Ministries.
As part of the NCYC festivities, a “thematic park” has been created as a place for teens to hang out, participate in service projects, and enjoy sports and arts and crafts in between sessions. Space has also been set aside for prayer. Additionally, exhibitors and vendors from around the country will have booths set up for teens to explore. “Part of the goal of NCYC is to connect teens to Jesus Christ so they can find real answers in their lives,” said Nearmyer. “The hope is we get as many kids as possible interested in a deep spiritual life and then have them go back and get involved with ministry at their own parishes.” There are spots for 1,200 youth from the archdiocese to participate in NCYC. The deposit date is June 1, so Nearmyer encouraged teens to sign up as soon as possible through their parish or youth minister. “People can use the time between signing up and NCYC as preparation for the event, both in doing fundraising as well as spiritual preparation,” said Nearmyer.
Volunteers needed Some 1,000 local volunteers are needed to help with the various components of the NCYC weekend. Individuals interested in volunteering can pick what activities they would like to volunteer for, including hospitality, merchandise sales, or general assistance. Potential volunteers can also select which days they would like to help at NCYC. After signing up, individuals will be contacted and asked to participate in a meeting once before NCYC for the purpose of praying for the youth, building community, and receiving instruction in their volunteer roles, said Kimberly Rode, archdiocesan consultant for youth and young adult ministries. All potential volunteers need to have undergone Virtus training and must be 18 years of age. To read more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up to volunteer, visit the youth ministry Web site at: www.archkck. org; select “youth” from the “ministries” drop-down menu.
Opportunities for youth There are two unique chances for teens to help out at NCYC — as a youth ambassador or as a youth animator. Priority for each of these roles will be given to youth from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Applications must be submitted by April 15 and can be found on the youth ministry Web site at: www.archkck.org. Youth ambassador duties include assisting at workshops and sessions during NCYC by leading prayer, introducing speakers or performers, greeting participants at the doors, facilitating traffic flow, or providing assistance to the presenter. Any teen interested in becoming a youth ambassador must be in high school in Fall 2009 and must be active in youth or campus ministry. Interested teens need to fill out an application. Youth animator duties include participating in select areas of NCYC ministry such as song, dance/movement, and oral proclamations. Interested teens need to complete an application, obtain a letter of reference from a parish or diocesan leader, and send in an audition video or DVD.
4 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
LOCAL NEWS
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Camps utilize soccer’s Catholic appeal By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff
Heart Parish in Emporia have been “cowed.” Someone has placed a cow in their front yard. The only way to have it removed is to pay $10 and decide where it goes next, or pay $15 to have the yard vaccinated to ensure the cow never returns. The money raised from this cow infestation will go to Catholic Relief Services. Larry McManaman, Sacred Heart school parent
Fabiola Selbe, parish office volunteer
John Madrigal, parishioner
Rita Bluma , teacher at Sacred Heart School
Kelly Davis, parishioner
Parishioners ‘cowed’ into ponying up Continued from page 1 “We’re still doing it, and it’s a lot of fun,” said 6th-grader Noah Deere. Noah is too young at this point to be a member of the youth group, but looks forward to joining when he’s old enough. “We’re helping get food for people who don’t have very much,” he said. The fundraiser, which brought in more than $500 in its first week alone, is clearly a big success for Roush, but she’s quick to share the credit. “It was [parishioner] Linda DeDonder who thought of CRS as the beneficiary,” Roush said. “And [parish staff member] Marilyn Krueger has been printing out all the pictures of people with the cows in their yards and sending them out to them.
“And, of course, without the generosity of the parish and the community, we wouldn’t be having the success we’re having.” Those wishing to help support CRS in the name of Sacred Heart Parish may send donations to: Cindy Roush, Youth Director, Sacred Heart Church, 101 Cottonwood, Emporia KS 66801. Checks should be made payable to Sacred Heart Church, with Catholic Relief Services or CRS written in the memo line.
THE PERP Cindy Roush, youth director at Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, plants a cow in the yard of yet another unsuspecting victim.
Stephanie,Tyler and Kaden Bosiljevac, parishioners
Sue Ella Touslee, teacher at Sacred Heart
Where the cow cash goes Catholic Relief Services helps fund development projects to increase food security in communities in over 40 countries around the world. CRS helps farmers improve crop yields; encourages the growth of small businesses; provides basic health and nutrition services; and addresses the needs of people affected by HIV and AIDS. Twenty-five percent of contributions go to support hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in dioceses in the United States. For more information, visit the Web site at: http://crs.org.
Leaven photo by Bob Hart
Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden
Antonio Soave (right) shows St. James Academy students Faith Villa (left) and Megan McNally (center) some tricks of the trade. Soave, a former professional soccer player, is the executive director of the School of Business at Benedictine College in Atchison and founder of Catholic Soccer Camps. There will be two soccer camps this sumer at Benedictine College. Atchison this summer, plans are also in the works for camp sessions in Ireland and Canada. Soave also operates Catholic Soccer Missions, in which he and other staff offer soccer camps to impoverished children in foreign countries at no charge. “We want to show kids you can be a great soccer player and a faith-filled person, and they are not mutually exclusive,” said Soave. Soave brings an extensive soccer background to Catholic Soccer Camps — and some impressive personal credentials as well. After being named AllAmerican in high school, he played soccer in college at what was then North Texas State University. Soave made it to the final cut of the 1983 World Youth Cup team before leaving college to pursue a professional soccer career in Italy. A bad knee injury eventually led to Soave’s decision to leave professional soccer to pursue a degree in international relations from the American University in Washington, D.C. From there, Soave found ways to integrate his faith through public service and
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Antonio is bringing in some of the greatest soccer coaches in the world, but it’s not just about the game. It’s about bringing kids to Christ and making the world a better place.
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THE VICTIMS All of these people with affiliation to Sacred
ATCHISON — At Catholic Soccer Camps, players are getting one step closer to God — one kick at a time. “The goal of the camps is to integrate a high level of soccer training and a high level of Catholic spirituality,” said Antonio Soave, executive director of the School of Business at Benedictine College in Atchison and founder of Catholic Soccer Camps. “Athletes build their skills while building their faith at the same time.” Soccer players from the archdiocese and beyond are invited to join other young athletes from around the country at one or both of two Catholic Soccer Camps sessions to be held on the campus of Benedictine College this summer. Sessions will run from July 12 to 17 and July 19 to 24, for youngsters ages 6-17. Both sessions are open to both boys and girls. Campers have the option of staying for both sessions if they choose and can enroll as day campers or can stay overnight. Soave said that staff members at the camp are not only devout Catholics, but high caliber soccer players and coaches, as well. “We don’t compromise on soccer skills. Coaches and professional players are from Italian professional teams, and Italy is considered one of the better schools of soccer in the world in terms of soccer skills,” said Soave. “Our staff is augmented with college soccer players from around the country who are both great soccer players and good at sharing their faith.” The Catholic component of the soccer camps is woven into the daily activities, he explained. Prayers are said before meals and at water breaks, and the chaplet of the Divine Mercy is even prayed while the kids and teens are warming up. Mass is celebrated daily and adoration, praise and worship music, and the sacrament of reconciliation are offered in the evenings throughout the week. “Prayer is part and parcel of the way we train, so it becomes a natural part of life and soccer,” explained Soave. “It becomes very much a part of how we live.” Last year, Catholic Soccer Camps was offered for the first time in Steubenville, Ohio, and drew over 100 campers from around the United States and five other countries. In addition to the camp in
Dana Nearmeyer, archdiocesan coordinator for evangelization and Catholic formation
the business world. After serving as a White House intern in foreign policy and defense, Soave ran for the House of Representatives in his home state of Michigan. He went on to earn a law degree, create his own international marketing and investment banking company, create his
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own film company, and serve as editorial chief of the Journal of International Law and Practice. “The common thread through all my life experience has been international peace. That’s what my driving passion is,” said Soave. At the same time, Soave never really left soccer. He was part of an ownership group of three professional soccer teams in Michigan. Soave operated the World Youth Soccer Academy with Disney at its Wide Wide World of Sports complex. He also hosted “The Soccer Academy,” a national television show focusing on soccer, while simultaneously developing a greater cultural understanding of other countries and ethnic groups. “I felt like we could really spread peace and bring about a deeper understanding by using soccer as a tool,” explained Soave. So when he thought of another way to integrate his Catholic faith and the sport he loved, Soave was quick to dedicate his time to making Catholic Soccer Camps a success. “It’s most definitely a way for kids to grow in their faith and not feel excluded for doing that,” he said. “At camp, we demonstrate to youth soccer players [that] it’s cool to be Catholic. They see Catholic role models who are also great athletes. They have a chance to see the beauty of faith as well as the game.” Dana Nearmeyer, archdiocesan coordinator for evangelization and Catholic formation, said he was excited kids in the archdiocese would have the opportunity to attend Catholic Soccer Camps. “Antonio is bringing in some of the greatest soccer coaches in the world, but it’s not just about the game. It’s about bringing kids to Christ and making the world a better place,” he said. True to his desire to work for global peace, Soave has also found ways to integrate the international play of soccer and the cultural component it brings into the theme of camp. He hopes campers leave Atchison this summer with an increased level of soccer skill and a deepened faith. “We use the term at camp ‘warriors’ because that’s what we have to be. You have to be a warrior on the soccer field and a warrior in Christ,” said Soave. “Being a good athlete prepares people to be good Catholics. You’re already used to working hard, sacrificing, getting back up after getting knocked down. You need those qualities for great faith.”
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THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
School of Faith provides convenient, practical faith formation
Continued from page 6
By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Catholics from around the archdiocese conclude their classes with the School of Faith, they are not awarded a degree for their efforts. Instead, they walk away with something better — a richer, more profound appreciation of their Catholic faith. “Rediscovering my faith, with the help of SOF, has been an eye-opening, liberating experience and one I would recommend to everyone,” said Cathy McDonnell, a parishioner at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood. “Now more than ever, I realize the richness of Catholicism and how incredibly blessed I am to have it as the fabric of my life.” McDonnell began taking classes four years ago after spotting a notice about the program in her parish’s bulletin. The School of Faith touts itself as a “complete Catholic formation for the common person” — and is geared to the level of the average churchgoer. Classes are taught at local parishes in the archdiocese and cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from salvation history, Christian virtue, the theology of the body, and Catholic spirituality, to Christian philosophy. All instructors have advanced degrees in theology — many from some of the most prestigious Catholic institutions in the world. “I feel that I have a better understanding of the Old Testament and how it pertains to me personally,” said Margi Peterson, a teacher at Holy Trinity in Lenexa. “It is like taking a history class of my faith — my family history.”
Leaven file photo
School of Faith founder and instructor Mike Scherschlight instructs a class of Bishop Miege teachers and administrators in Roeland Park. The SOF courses run for 12 weeks, with each class session running 90 minutes. Tuition is $250 per class, or $400 per couple. Scholarships are available. Peterson attempted to read the Old Testament on her own before, but found it a struggle. “It has always been difficult to start the Old Testament and finish it,” she said. “This class puts it into a story form where it is sequenced and seems to go in a timely order so that it makes sense.” The School of Faith began partner-
ing with Benedictine College in Atchison last year to offer continuing religious education for teachers at parish schools. Peterson began taking classes as part of the staff development and religious certification process at Holy Trinity, but she has found the classes as helpful to her work in the classroom as it is in her prayer life. “Having a better understanding of the
Old Testament helps me to better explain it to my first-grade class,” she said. “One of the things we talk about in first grade is the flight into Egypt. I was able to bring the story alive for the kids in a different way than I ever have before.” “I am also able to better direct my class in their prayer life,” she added.
“Having the time at SOF to reflect and pray, I can better explain how to listen to God in quiet times with my class.” Fellow Holy Trinity teacher Patrick Gamber agreed. “I use some of the examples given to us to illustrate to the students God’s love for us,” he said. Courses run for 12 weeks, with weekly class sessions lasting 90 minutes each. Tuition is $250 per class, or $400 per couple, and scholarships are available if cost is a hardship. School of Faith founder and current instructor Mike Scherschlight emphasized courses are open to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. “Anyone can come to our classes and tuition should never keep anyone out,” Scherschlight said. “I would estimate a fourth of our students pay nothing. We trust God’s going to work all of that out, and we don’t worry about the finances.” Audio course recordings are available on SOF’s Web site, should students miss a class or just want a refresher on a particular topic. There are future plans for offering the full range of SOF classes through video online. John Langer and his wife Lisa had been looking for some adult faith formation when they learned that SOF would be offering classes in Topeka for the first time. “Becoming familiar with the Old
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Rediscovering my faith, with the help of SOF, has been an eye-opening, liberating experience and one I would recommend to everyone. Now more than ever, I realize the richness of Catholicism, and how incredibly blessed I am to have it as the fabric of my life.
Cathy McDonnell, parishioner, Church of the Nativity, Leawood
Testament events and seeing the connection of how they relate to the New Testament has been eye-opening,” said Langer, a parishioner at Mater Dei in Topeka. “All the symbolism, parallels, and foreshadowing have brought a completely new awareness to the faith.” Most recently, Langer said his Catholic men’s group was using some of the information presented in SOF
LOCAL NEWS
courses as a study tool for reading and studying the Bible. He also said the courses had helped deepen his personal prayer. “What I’ve learned in the classes has really helped the psalms make more sense whenever I pray the Liturgy of the Hours,” he said. McDonnell, too, said SOF has had a major impact on her prayer life. “My relationship with God has deepened, in large part due to daily prayer and eucharistic adoration, which is strongly encouraged in SOF,” she said. That deepening experience of faith is exactly the point of courses offered through SOF, said Scherschlight. “We have two main goals in our courses, and the first is to lead people to a deep encounter with Christ, largely through prayer and the sacraments,” he said. “The other goal is a growth in virtue, which manifests itself in a deeper sense of peace and joy.” For many students, the most fundamental truths of the Catholic faith have taken on a much deeper significance through these classes. “I have learned that God can bring the greatest good out of the worst evil,” said Gamber. “Original sin brought the promise of salvation. The death of Jesus brought redemption.” Adults who are interested in taking a course through the School of Faith can visit its Web site at: www.school offaith.com.
Father Peter Jaramillo, currently administrator of Holy Family Parish, Kansas City, Kan., is named pastor of Holy Family Parish and pastor of St. Mary/St. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kan.
Father Matt Horvat, currently pastor of St. Mary/St. Anthony Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will be granted retirement.
Register your dissent! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is inviting public comment on a proposal to rescind an important federal regulation, implemented in December 2008, that protects the conscience rights of Catholic health care providers. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urges Catholics to register their desire to see the conscience rights of health care providers protected by visiting the Web site at: www.usccb.org/ conscienceprotection. Click on the comment link and register your opinion. Comments must be posted by April 9.
Turn to MY RELATIONSHIP on page 7
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Break open the word with prayer this Lent
helps us to live in the present moment, where God is.” The danger in simply reading the Scripture is that we might be satisfied with a superficial encounter, she said, and not allow the Scripture to really pierce us and change us. The great thing about lectio divina is that it opens up the love of God that is contained within and helps us to be transformed. “We read the Scriptures to meet the Lord,” said Sister Micaela. “Just to say, ‘I’ve read the Scriptures,’ without openness and vulnerability, is not [letting it be] as good as it could be.”
Story and photo by
Consistency and flexibility
Joe Bollig
Practitioners of lectio divina emphasize taking a consistent approach: praying at the same time and in the same place every day. That said, there is a tremendous amount of flexibility in the devotion. “The important point is to find a method that you’re comfortable with, and that works for you,” said Father Jim. “God meets you where you are. If you’re more comfortable in an easy chair, that’s OK.” “If you’re more comfortable sitting on a cushion or kneeling, that’s terrific,” he continued. “Light a candle, terrific. Or if you just want to walk around, terrific. There are as many ways of prayer as there are personalities. There is no right or wrong way to pray.” People trying the practice for the first time should not be dismayed if what “happens” during the time set aside for prayer doesn’t fit their preconceptions of what should happen, he said. Usually, a lot of thoughts, emotions, insights, desires and memories are stirred up during prayer, said Father Jim. People should trust that God is using these as ways to speak to them. And even genuine distractions shouldn’t be cause for discouragement. “I think it’s important to try to be as aware and attentive as possible to God in prayer,” said Father Jim. “But as humans, distractions are inevitable. I think what is important is to try to move past the distractions as far as possible.” “But if that’s not possible — to be completely focused — remind yourself that you can be with God and be distracted,” he added. “You say, ‘Here I am, Lord, and I’m preoccupied, but I want to be with you anyway.’ Also, sometimes those distractions are signs of things God wants you to think about.” For people with families and busy lives, said Sister Micaela, meditative prayer might seem an impossibility. But just 10 minutes spent at lectio divina before the kids get home from school can make all the difference. “[Lectio divina] gives one greater security in God,” she said. “You don’t do this for results. This is a prayer of faith that God is taking care of what needs to be done.” “You just present yourself before God each day, and God’s word,” she continued. “God knows what needs to be done. It’s faithfulness that we have to be concerned about, not results.”
M
aybe you promised yourself that this would be the Best Lent Ever. And so you’ve done it all: the ashes and reconciliation, fasting and abstinence, rosaries and Stations of the Cross. Your Rice Bowl is already halfway full, and you’ve even gone
to the parish fish fry. Or maybe thusfar, you’ve done nothing at all — and now Easter is just around the corner. Is it too late to make a meaningful Lent? Fortunately, it’s never too late to work on your relationship with God. And one time-honored way requires nothing more than a few minutes a day, a quiet place, and some sacred Scripture. Welcome into your life — and your Lent — a practice called lectio divina. A time spent with God “Lectio divina literally means ‘divine’ (or ‘sacred’) ‘reading,’” explained Father Jim Martin, SJ, author and culture editor of America magazine. “It’s an ancient technique of prayer most closely affiliated with monastic communities, although it was certainly practiced before that,” he continued. “It essentially uses Scripture as the basis for prayer.” While not specifically a Lenten devotion, lectio divina can add a new level of intimacy with Christ and love of Scripture, said Father Jim. And Lent is a great time to take it up. “Prayer reveals things to us about God, ourselves, and our relationship with God,” he said. “It’s important to have some one-on-one time with God, such as with lectio divina.” In its traditional form, lectio divina is comprised of four parts: lectio (reading), meditatio (thinking it over), oratio (prayer) and contemplatio (a simple, loving focus on God). “As with a lot of different prayers, there are modifications, but this is the basic form,” he said. “People may spend
“[Lectio divina is] an
more time on one part than another.” Father Jim, however, advised practitioners to add four questions to the process — one for each of the traditional four steps. For example, after having completed the first step by reading the Scripture passage, he suggested we ask ourselves: “What does the text say?” “Pick a text and look at the story,” he said. “Make sure you understand what’s happening in the Scripture passage. Make sure you understand the words and the historical context.” Next, during step two, or meditation, follow up silent reflection with the question: “What does this text say to me?” “So when I read a Scripture passage about Jesus preaching in the synagogue and speaking the words of Isaiah, I ask, ‘What do I feel,’ or, ‘What insights, emotions or memories come to mind?’” said Father Jim. “And can I understand these feelings as God speaking to me through the text?” Step three’s “prayer,” he said, need not be the traditional prayers we say by rote. Instead, Father Jim suggests we ask: “What do I want to say to God?” “For example, for that text of Jesus in
ancient technique
of prayer most closely affiliated with monastic communities, although it was certainly practiced
Scripture as the basis for prayer.”
before that. It essentially uses
the synagogue, I might say to God, ‘I want to be prophetic like Jesus; I want to stand up for the poor like Jesus did,’” said Father Jim. “Once again, you see that desire revealed through the text as a sign of God’s communication to you.” Finally, said Father Jim, he likes to make step four less about contemplation and more about action, asking: “What difference will this make in my life?” “If you say to God, ‘I want to be prophetic,’ will you actually do that?” he said. “Will you actually stand up for the poor or people who have been treated poorly?”
Two simple approaches Another enthusiastic proponent of lectio divina is Father Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk at St. Benedict Abbey in Snowmass, Colo., said Benedictine Sister Micaela Randolph of Mount St. Scholastic Monastery in Atchison. According to Father Thomas, the classical practice of lectio divina can be divided into two forms: scholastic and monastic. “A form many people use today is called the scholastic form,” said Sister Micaela. “It was developed in the Middle Ages, and [it] has a tendency to compartmentalize the spiritual life and rely more on rational analysis. . . . Small groups of people studying the Scriptures use the scholastic form.” The steps utilized by the scholastic form are the same traditional four steps outlined by Father Jim. However, the second, or monastic, form of lectio divina is actually the older form and is more often used by individuals. In this form, Father Thomas likes to speak of “moments” rather than steps.
Tips and Suggestions 1. Find a time and place to pray. 2. Read some Scripture every day. 3. Don’t read large amounts, but a manageable portion.
4. Prepare your mind to listen. 5. Read out loud. 6. Read slowly. 7. Let the word touch you. 8. Let a word or phrase from what you’re reading emerge and become a “word of salvation.”
9. Try to memorize a piece of Scripture to take with you throughout the day.
“Instead of those four steps, [Father Thomas] talks about four ‘moments’ along the circumference of a circle,” said Sister Micaela. “He calls those four moments ‘Reading, Ruminating, Responding, and Resting.’” “You move along these moments according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” she continued. “The Holy Spirit guides you through this. You’re ruminating on the word — chewing it, tasting it, making it part of your very being. That’s why it becomes a way of life. It, hopefully, spills over into our everyday life and
Father James Martin, SJ, is the author of several books, including “In Good Company: The Fast Track from the Corporate World to Poverty, Chastity and Obedience,” and “My Life with the Saints.” Most recently, he’s produced a DVD, entitled “Who Cares about the Saints?,” produced by Loyola Productions. For information, to view a video clip, or to purchase the DVD, go to: www.LoyolaProductions.com. To view a video clip of Father Jim discussing lectio divina, go to http: //www.scripturesynod.com/base/ article/229.
Passages to reflect on There are no hard and fast rules about what Scripture passages you can use for lectio divina, although one popular method is to use the daily Mass readings. Here are some Scripture passages (from the New American Bible) suggested by Father James Martin:
Luke 18:35-44 35 Now as he approached Jericho a blind man was sitting
by the roadside begging, 36 and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 39 The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” 40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” 42 Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Mark 4:35-41 35 On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, “Let
us cross to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” 41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”
Luke 19:1-19 1 He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the
town. 2 Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, 3 was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. 5 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he came down quickly and received him with joy. 7 When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” 11 While they were listening to him speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God would appear there immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins 5 and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' 14 His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, 'We do not want this man to be our king.' 15 But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, 'Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.' 17 He replied, 'Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.' 18 Then the second came and reported, 'Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.' 19 And to this servant too he said, 'You, take charge of five cities.'
John 11:1-44 1 Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with
her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was ill. 3 So the sisters sent word to him, saying, “Master, the one you love is ill.” 4 When Jesus heard this he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 He said this, and then told them, “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him.” 12 So the disciples said to him, “Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved.” 13 But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep. 14 So then Jesus said to them clearly, “Lazarus has died. 15 And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go to die with him.” 17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 (But) even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” 28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, “The teacher is here and is asking for you.” 29 As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him. 31 So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed 7 and deeply troubled, 34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Sir, come and see.” 35 And Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” 37 But some of them said, “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?” 38 So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man's sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. 42 I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, 9 “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.”
Psalm 23 1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 In
green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; 3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. 4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage. 5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
10 NATION
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
Percentage of Catholics down but still largest denomination WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new survey shows the percentage of U.S. residents who identify themselves as Catholics has but BRIEFLY declined, Catholicism remains the largest denomination in the country. Trinity College of Hartford, Conn., released its third American Religious Identification Survey March 9. The survey also found that the U.S. Catholic population has shifted away from the Northeast toward the Southwest, the percentage of Latinos in the U.S. Catholic Church has grown and the number of U.S. residents claiming no religion has increased dramatically. Most of the Christian population growth came from people who identify themselves only as Christian, evangelical/born again, or nondenominational Christian. Stephen Schneck, director of the Life Cycle Institute at The Catholic University of America in Washington, said the biggest surprise in the survey for him was the surge in the number of Americans who don’t identify with any religion. “As a trend, I think it’s accelerating at a faster rate than any of us expected,” Schneck said. “To a certain extent, it’s a trend we can expect to continue to see happen. The erosion most noticeable is with young people.”
Bishops join call to support long-term development in Iraq WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has joined a broad group of religious, justice, and relief and development organizations in calling upon President Barack Obama to assist and protect vulnerable Iraqis and pursue efforts that lead to long-term development in war-torn Iraq. In a March 4 letter to the White House, 44 organizations asked the president to mandate that “civilian agencies take the lead in formulating and implementing an effective humanitarian and development strategy.” Stephen Colecchi, director of the U.S. bishops’ Office of International Justice and Peace, said the letter’s call parallels one aspect of the U.S. bishops’ 2006 statement seeking a responsible transition in Iraq and the eventual withdrawal of American military forces from the country.
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
‘Recovery Express’ appeals for foreclosure help
In letter, pope responds to Lefebvrite decision
By DENNIS SADOWSKI Catholic News Service
By JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Come March 26, Jaime Silahua and his family are facing life on the streets. His bank, it turns out, is foreclosing on his home in Antioch, Calif. It didn’t matter, Silahua said, that he tried to renegotiate the terms of his loan, citing economic hardship brought on by his teenage son’s yearlong treatment for leukemia. The bank turned down his appeal, saying his income fell just below the amount needed to qualify as a hardship case. Silahua, who supports his family by working as a handyman in the community 35 miles east of Oakland, isn’t sure yet where he, his wife and three children will be come March 27. But he has pursued lots of options, including making a 3,000-mile bus trip to Washington as a “recovery rider” to take his story to Congress. The trip came courtesy of the “Recovery Express” caravan, which pulled into Washington March 10 for a rally and meetings with members of Congress and White House staffers. Put together by the People Improving Communities Through Organizing Network, the four-day caravan pulled out of Antioch March 6 and stopped in Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; Springfield, Ill.; Chicago; Flint, Mich.; and Camden, N.J., on a whirlwind cross-country trek. At churches along the way more people joined the caravan. “I’m representing millions of families across the whole nation,” Silahua told Catholic News Service. “We don’t need more families on the streets. We don’t need more families losing their homes.” “We’re asking the people to pray for us,” he added, “and pray for the nation to solve this crisis.” Silahua also was representing the Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Communities Organization, a PICOaffiliated group of churches working to address social justice concerns. He brought his wife, Elena, and their children, Erick, 15, Aimee, 6, and Kimberly, 2, to plead their case. Silahua said he was not trying to get out from under an overwhelming loan,
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a letter to the world’s bishops, Pope Benedict XVI expressed regret that his lifting of the excommunications of four traditionalist bishops gave rise to a storm of protests and bitterness. The pope said the controversy over Bishop Richard Williamson’s statements denying the extent of the Holocaust was “an unforeseen mishap” — one that could have been anticipated, however, by paying more attention to information easily available on the Internet. The pope said he was particularly saddened at the reaction of some Catholics who seemed willing to believe he was changing direction on CatholicJewish relations and were ready to “attack me with open hostility.” He thanked “our Jewish friends” who helped clarify the matter and restore a sense of trust. The Vatican published the 2,500word letter in six languages March 12. The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, called it a “unique, exceptional document” for its direct and personal style, and said it showed the pope had listened carefully to what people were saying. The pope said he was taking the unusual step of writing to the bishops because the episode had generated “a discussion more heated than any we have seen for a long time,” both inside and outside the church. He said his overture to Bishop Williamson and the other three bishops of the Society of St. Pius X was designed to close a wound and bring unity to the church, by lifting excommunications incurred in 1988 and opening the way to dialogue with the society. But when Bishop Williamson’s comments about the Holocaust were circulated, “it suddenly appeared as something completely different: as the repudiation of reconciliation between Christians and Jews, and thus as the reversal of what the [Second Vatican] Council had laid down in this regard to guide the church’s path,” he said. As a result, he said, “an avalanche of protests was unleashed, whose bitter-
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FAMILY PRAYS FOR HELP WITH HOME FORECLOSURES — Jaime and Elena Silahua with Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Communities Organization of Antioch, Calif., pray with their daughter Kimberly, 2, during a rally organized by PICO National Network calling for help on home foreclosures in front of the U.S . Capitol in Washington March 10. but that the family fell behind in making their house payments when Erick was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007. “I wanted to be with him as much as I could,” Silahua said. With Erick in remission last fall, Silahua sought a hardship modification of his loan, but was denied by the bank holding the mortgage because his income fell slightly short of what was needed to qualify. In February the family received notice to move out by March 26. “That gave me energy to come on the ‘Recovery Express,’” Silahua said. Members of Holy Rosary Church in Antioch, the Silahuas are not alone in facing the prospect of losing their home. In front of the Capitol, an estimated 300 supporters rallied and called on the U.S. Senate to pass the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act. It would enact changes in the bankruptcy code that would benefit an often forgotten group of homeowners: those who faithfully make monthly mortgage payments and then suddenly fall behind for a variety of unforeseen reasons. It’s not that these homeowners want to give up their homes; they say they
want to renegotiate the terms of their mortgages, but often are rebuffed by their lender. The legislative reforms they are seeking call for allowing responsible homeowners who fall behind in their payments to approach a bankruptcy judge who could modify loan provisions if a bank refuses to do so. Several speakers during the 45minute rally told stories of how they, other family members or friends were faced with losing their homes despite efforts to renegotiate the terms of their loan agreements or changes in lender policies. Amid a backdrop of signs that read “Stop preventable foreclosures,” Andrew Moreno told how his father, a Vietnam War veteran, is facing eviction because of the onset of diabetes that forced him to retire early, making it impossible for him to continue making his full monthly house payment. Holding his father’s Veterans Affairs identification card, Moreno said his father deserved better treatment from his lender. He said he planned to press Congress for a change in the law so others would not be forced into the same predicament his father faces.
Father Federico Lombardi, SJ ness laid bare wounds deeper than those of the present moment.” “I was saddened by the fact that even Catholics, who, after all, might have had a better knowledge of the situation, thought they had to attack me with open hostility,” he said. “Precisely for this reason I thank all the more our Jewish friends, who quickly helped to clear up the misunderstanding and to restore the atmosphere of friendship and trust,” he said. The pope acknowledged something critics have pointed out: that a simple Internet search would have revealed Bishop Williamson’s views on the Holocaust and helped the Vatican anticipate the reaction. “I have been told that consulting the information available on the Internet would have made it possible to perceive the problem early on. I have learned the lesson that in the future in the Holy See we will have to pay greater attention to that source of news,” he said. Pope Benedict said he deeply regretted another mistake: that the lifting of the excommunications was not adequately explained and gave rise to misinterpretations about the traditionalist society’s status in the church. He emphasized that the removal of the excommunications was a disciplinary measure that affects individuals.
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But the fact that the Society of St. Pius X has no standing in the church depends on doctrinal reasons, he said. “Until the doctrinal questions are clarified, the society has no canonical status in the church, and its ministers — even though they have been freed of the ecclesiastical penalty — do not legitimately exercise any ministry in the church,” he said. In view of the importance of the doctrinal issues still to be clarified with the society, the pope announced that he was putting the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei,” which has handled reconciliation efforts with traditionalist groups, under the auspices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. “This will make it clear that the problems now to be addressed are essentially doctrinal in nature and concern primarily the acceptance of the Second Vatican Council and the post-conciliar magisterium of the popes,” he said. He underlined what Vatican officials have said in recent weeks, that for the Society of St. Pius X full communion implies acceptance of Vatican II. “The church’s teaching authority cannot be frozen in the year 1962 — this must be quite clear to the society,” the pope said. At the same time, he said, some defenders of Vatican II need to be reminded that being faithful to the council also means being faithful to the church’s entire doctrinal history, without cutting “the roots from which the tree draws its life.” After making his clarifications, the pope confronted the question: “Was this measure needed? Was it really a priority?” He answered with a heartfelt defense of his reconciliation move, saying the church cannot stop working for unity among its ranks. “That the quiet gesture of extending a hand gave rise to a huge uproar, and thus became exactly the opposite of a gesture of reconciliation, is a fact which we must accept. But I ask now: Was it, and is it, truly wrong in this case to meet halfway the brother who ‘has something against you’ and to seek reconciliation?” he said.
WORLD
Czech church spokesman decries court ruling on cathedral WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — The spokesman for the Czech Catholic bishops’ conference has critiBRIEFLY cized a Supreme Court judgment confirming that Prague’s historic Catholic cathedral belongs to the state and not the church. “It’s true that a large part of the public is against giving anything to the church, especially this cathedral,” said the spokesman, Jiri Gracka, March 11. “But this ruling had no juridical or legal basis since the cathedral was never officially confiscated. It all comes down to technicalities.” Prague’s twin-spired St. Vitus Cathedral, which dominates the city’s skyline, was declared national property by the communist regime in 1954. Although the cathedral was restored to the Catholic Church in 1994, five years after the collapse of communist rule, Czech legislators insisted the gothic building had been built from state funds and launched a series of appeals.
In Kenya, dioceses fight to control ethnic tensions ELDORET, Kenya (CNS) — It was the Christmas holidays, and diocesan offices were closed. James Kimisoi, head of the peace and justice commission of the Diocese of Eldoret, planned to be in the office only to pay people who monitored the polls in the December 2007 national elections. Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner and sworn in as Kenya’s president an hour later. Then the violence began, said Kimisoi. Homes were looted and burned, and some Kenyans were beaten and killed. International observers claimed the election was rigged, and as supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga expressed outrage, the violence escalated, pitting rival ethnic groups against each other. The bishop and workers who could make it to the diocesan compound opened the gates and sheltered about 10,000 people. By Feb. 28, 2008, when a power-sharing government was announced, the overt postelection violence had stopped, and diocesan resources were being used to care for the displaced. One year later, the diocese had made great strides in rebuilding trust among neighbors, but an uneasy peace crisscrosses the country, where many have said violence bubbles just below the surface, ready to explode again.
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We are grateful to have served this community since 1929 and we are proud to continue the Skradski Family Tradition of compassion and caring. Helen Skradski Funeral Director
SKRADSKI FUNERAL HOME 340 N. 6th • Kansas City, Kan. 66101 • (913) 371-1404
12 CLASSIFIEDS ■ EMPLOYMENT Academic principal - St. Teresa’s Academy is a private, Catholic, all-female college preparatory high school located in the Brookside/south Plaza neighborhoods of Kansas City, Mo. Founded in academic excellence and rooted in Christian values, St. Teresa’s seeks to fill the position of academic principal. The academic principal is responsible for providing visionary leadership, accountability and dayto-day management of the educational activities of the academy. This includes assistance with hiring, supervision and evaluation of the faculty; maintenance of a climate conducive to teaching and learning; assurance of effective delivery and improvement of instruction; and direct, effective communication with students and parents. For specific requirements, please refer to our Web site at: www. stteresasacademy.org. Employment opportunities are within the ‘About Us’ section. E-mail resume to: bmadden@stteresasacademy.org or mail to: St. Teresa’s Academy, c/o Beth Madden, Executive Assistant, 5600 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64113. Cu stomer- dri ven, fri endl y, servi ce- orient ed p eop l e n eed ed - Proficiency in MS applications, able to assist Web users with demos, navigation of our Web application, and other support-related issues. Great opportunity with a growing company. Salary, bonus, benefits, plus 401(k) plan. Send your resume, via e-mail, to: HR@cobraguard.net. EOE. L’Arche H eartland - Seeks live-in assistant to care for adults with disabilities in a faith community. For information, send an e-mail to: thomas@ larcheks.org. Financia l representa tiv e - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City area. This position is ideal for a determined, highenergy, high-expectation, professional, selfdisciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For more information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450. Di r ect o r of wors h i p - The diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is in search of an experienced and well-qualified individual to direct the diocesan office of worship. Applicant will serve as a major resource for clergy and parish liturgical committees. Requirements include a graduate degree in liturgical studies or equivalent with a minimum of five years experience at the diocesan or parish level with excellent interpersonal, management, writing and musical skills. The selected individual must be an active practicing Catholic who supports the authentic Magisterium and is ready to work with parishes, other agencies and offices of the Church to oversee diocesan initiatives of education in and implementation of Catholic liturgy. The diocese offers a generous benefit package and competitive salary. For a complete job description, visit the Web site at: www.diocese-kcsj.org. For immediate consideration, forward your resume via e-mail, to: stucinski@diocesekcsj.org. Applicants who are clergy or Religious must have the authorization of their legitimate superior to apply. On-site landscape/maintenance position - For Plaza apartments. Discounted apt. provided with on-call duties. Fax resume with salary requirements to (816) 531-7181, or call (816) 531-6323. Are you looking for a way to keep your family first and earn an income from home while blessing lives? Call (785) 528-4519, leave a message and Jennifer will call you back!
■ SERVICES Golf lessons that last! All ages, all skill levels. Individual or group lessons; reasonable rates; certified teaching professional. Member of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park. Call Mike at (816) 522-3847. Virtus trained. To play better golf today. . .call Mike. Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 4220610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
Accoun ti ng/cons ul ti ng servi ces - Member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Reasonable rates. Visit my Web site at: www.allaccountskc.com or call (913) 669-5013. Counsel ing servi ces - Our contemporary society can present families, couples and life partners with unique challenges, stress, breech of trust, financial loss and communication breakdown. We each have the power to change and improve the quality of our life. This is the purpose of therapy. I provide affordable, confidential therapy for individuals, couples and families. I also specialize in clinical outpatient substance abuse, outpatient treatment for adult men and women. Call JB Strong, MA, LCPC, AAPS, at (913) 722-1118. All Lawn Services/Mowing/ Fertilizing Most city-sized lots $25-30 Call for a free estimate. Family-owned by local parishioners. Lic/Bond/Ins. References. (913) 620-6063 Spring is here! I do mowing, landscaping, walls, decks, patios, and winter cleanups. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Southern Johnson County. G r a s s c u t t i n g a n d t r i m m i n g – Shawnee, Merriam and Lenexa areas. Call (913) 268-5337. Compu ter ba si cs for s eniors - Low-cost computer training for Mac or PC. Learn computer basics in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and on your computer. Call Becky at (913) 4921544, or visit: www.allaccountskc.com. Housecleaning - We love our housekeeper and you will, too! If you are looking to make your life easier and cleaner, she is the answer to your prayers. References available, reasonable rates, and dependable service. For a free estimate, call Lynn at (913) 220-0051. Ma chi n e qu i l ti n g - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Piano tuni ng - Touch up and full chromatic piano tuning for residential and business clients in the KC metro area. Call Bob at (816) 521-3125. C aregi v in g - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Andrea, Sara or Gary. Do you need help caring for an elderly family member? Contact Benefits of Home – Senior Care and let our social work expert help you build a plan of care. We provide assistance with homemaker and personal care services, in the comfort of your home. To speak with our social worker, contact Benefits of Home at (913) 422-1591.
Damaged sheetrock repaired – WyCo and JoCo areas. Ceilings, painted or textured. 25 yrs. experience; insured and reliable. Call (913) 631-5241. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat (913) 963-9896. Ti m t he Ha ndy ma n - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471. Eakin Co. remodeling and renovations – From remodeling an existing kitchen, bath, or master suite to creating new living environments, Eakin Co. can do it all! Our past customers can vouch for our attention to detail, our integrity, and the reliable service we provide. Licensed and insured. Call (913) 671-9885 or e–mail: Chris@Eakinco.com. REMODELING & REPAIRS Quality work at reasonable prices. Baths, kitchens, basements and door replacements. Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, OP. Ralph Pruente at (913) 631-1115. House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. Contractor - Commercial and residential work — painting and renovating. Free estimates; insured; 20 yrs. experience. Call (913) 206-4524. Cus tom-kit chen coun tertops - Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058. Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer. Call (913) 829-4336. STA ( Su re T hi ng A l w ay s) Ho me Re p ai r Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation * Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 .
■ VACATION
Pres erv e y ou r memori es by t el l in g y ou r li fe story! I can type your memoirs from handwritten or recorded notes. Also provide secretarial services. Call All About Words at (913) 438-5922.
Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 6423027. For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin. forcadeassociates.com.
Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.
S k i v a ca t i on - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.
Organizing & handyman services - Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www. swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.
House for rent - Recently remodeled home on Long St. in Shawnee, near St. Joseph Parish, 1 entry-level BR, 1 loft BR, kitchen with refrigerator, bsmt garage with opener, large yard. Very quiet, secure neighborhood. Serious inquiries only. Call (913) 238-2470. Owner is a memeber of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
■ HOME IMPROVEMENT
Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing. Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998
■ FOR RENT
Pra iri e Vi l la ge - 2 BR, 1 BA, living, dining and family rooms, gas fireplace, one-car garage, $910/ mo.; one-year lease. Call (913) 768-6447. A p a r t m e n t f o r r e n t – 1 BR, 1 BA. $495 per month, includes utilities. One-year lease. 10911 W. 59th Terr., Shawnee. Near St. Joseph Parish. View at: www.shawnee-rentals.com, or call (913) 649-7596.
Hom e for rent - Modern, 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA home with attached garage near 83rd and Antioch in Overland Park. Many adorable updates and amenities including pool and exercise room; and trash, lawn and snow care. Appliances stay. One-year lease. No pets or smokers. Call Catherine at (913) 972-8852. L e n e x a - 3 BR, 1-1/2 BA, new carpet, hardwoods, fireplace, one-car garage. $850/ mo.; oneyear lease. Call (913) 768-6447.
■ REAL ESTATE
Villas of Whitehorse - 15011 Ash St., Leawood. Located on a cul-de-sac, this beautiful home has 4 BR, 3 BA, a screened-in porch, tile roof, granite countertops, a butler’s pantry, built-in bookcase, office, central vac and more! $419,000. Call Mark at (913) 851-0606.
March 21
The alumni association at Donnelly College will offer a free financial lecture, given by financial expert Steve Modrcin, from 10:30 a.m. - noon on March 21. The lecture is open to the community and will be held in the college’s first floor meeting room. For information, contact Roger Berg at (913) 621-8744 or send an e-mail to him at: rberg@donnelly. edu.
Weekend ret rea t - Six-year-old two-bedroom home with all the amenities. Home has a huge, covered front porch and is being sold fully furnished. House sits on 25 acres of timber/pasture with a two-acre fully stocked pond. Turkey and deer are abundant. Property is located south of Ottawa and is less than a one-hour drive from Lenexa. $175,500. Call Mike for details at (816) 507-4848.
St. Sabina Parish, 700 Trevis, Belton, Mo., will host a Mass and a Salvadoran fiesta in commemoration of the 29th anniversary of Monseñor Oscar Romero at 7 p.m. on March 21. A dinner reception will follow. The guest speaker will be Padre Miguel Vasquéz from Arcatao, El Salvador. Freewill donations will be accepted for the dinner. For information, call the church office at (816) 331-4713.
L o o k i n g f o r t ha t s p e c i a l s o m e o n e to w a t c h your chi ld(ren ) thi s su mmer? Sion graduate and K-State sophomore is looking for a summer position as a nanny. Excellent experience and references. Call Molly Fogarty at (913) 897-7030.
A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on March 21 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavement ministry will have its monthly meeting following Mass in Vianney Center. The topic will be “Ten Commandments of Grief.” For information, call (913) 649-2026.
■ CHILD CARE
Su mmer chi ld ca re n eed ed - Prince of Peace family seeks in-home summer child care for two boys, ages 5 and 8, starting May 26. Prefer collegeage or older with own transportation. For details, call (913) 764-8122.
■ FOR SALE
Bulk mulch for sale - Prices start at $28/cu. yd. plus a $50 per load delivery fee. For details, visit the Web site at: www.mokanmulch.com or call (913) 631-7217. Re si d en t i a l li f t s - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross® KC at (913) 393-2042. New power wheelchair – Jazzy Select from The Scooter Store; purchased but never used. $4200 or best offer. Call (913) 533-2381.
■ MISCELLANEOUS
I w a n t t o t a l k to o t he r s w h o h a v e l o s t th e i r sense of ta st e. Due to a surgical procedure, I am experiencing this condition and would like to learn how others are coping with this condition. Call Rose at (620) 342-8733. To purchase the book, “ Soa rin g on t he W ings of a Dream” by Ed Dwight, contact Levita Ross at (913) 299-0678.
■ WANTED TO BUY
*** BUYING *** Coins — Sterling — Watches I buy coins, old watches, sterling silverware, postcards, photographs, military items, political campaign pins, Zippo lighters, fountain pens, toys, slot machines, old signs & tins, quilts, Indian rugs, beadwork, baskets, pottery and 22-gauge rifles. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Wanted to Buy *** Antique and vintage costume jewelry Member St. Joseph Parish Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179
■ ENTERTAINMENT
S i n g l e s E x t r a v a g a n z a - March 28 at the Doubletree Hotel, College Blvd. & Alt. 69 Hwy., Overland Park. Mingle hour from 6 - 7 p.m.; booths and keynote speaker from 7 - 8 p.m.; live music and dancing until midnight. The cost is $15 in advance; $20 at the door. For information or tickets, call Zep at (816) 292-2848.
Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish (Wea), 22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus, will host a poker tournament on March 21. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.; play begins at 7 p.m. The cost of $40 includes beer and food. Prizes will be awarded; proceeds will benefit the school PTO. For information, call the school at (913) 5332462. The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, Shawnee, will host a rib-eye roast dinner and polka dance on March 21 in their hall, located at 11221 Johnson Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m., and dancing to The Brian McCarty Combo will follow. Tickets cost $20, and prepaid reservations are required. For information or to purchase tickets, call Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633. The Holy Rosary Sodality of All Saints Church, 809 Vermont, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual chicken dinner from 5 - 7 p.m. in the parish hall. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children.
21 & 22
Father Pat Tobin will offer a color slide presentation on the life and dedication of Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity entitled “Workable Solutions to End World Hunger and Unsafe Water,” at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. on March 21 and at 1:30 and 6:15 p.m. on March 22 at St. Therese North Church, 7207 N.W. Hwy. 9, Kansas City, Mo. Each session lasts 90 minutes. Father Pat conducted spiritual conferences for Mother Teresa’s Sisters for 37 years in 31 countries. This inspiring slide show will offer a firsthand account of the wonderful work these Sisters do to help alleviate poverty and suffering. There is no fee and reservations are not required.
22
The youth group of St. Louis (Good Intent) Parish, 11321 Morton Rd., Atchison, will host a spaghetti luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on March 22. Freewill donations will be accepted. The Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle No. 503, will host their corporate Communion at the 8 a.m. Mass on March 22 at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Church, 134 N.E. Lake, Topeka. Breakfast and an open meeting will follow in the parish hall. The University of Saint Mary will host a high school art invitational from 1:30 3 p.m. on March 22 in the Goppert Gallery in Xavier Hall, 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. Dozens of local students from 15 area high schools will present their work and compete for cash prizes and scholarships. The show will run through April 10; gallery hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.) and 2-4 p.m. (Sunday). For information, call (913) 7586165 or visit the Web site at: www.stmary.edu. The Knights of Columbus, Marian Council No. 3768, at Christ the King Church, 53rd and Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan., will host a pancake breakfast from 8:30 - 11 a.m. on March 22 in Davern hall. Proceeds will benefit the parish Boy Scout troop.
24
Jo hns on C oun ty K-S t ate Resear ch and Ext ension Off ice is offering a workshop from 7 - 9 p.m. on March 24 for anyone interested in learning how to organize a complete record of financial, medical, legal, emergency, charitable and personal information. The Legacy system is a simple three-ring binder that can be used in many ways to gather and store your own information to be used in the future by your children and grandchildren. The fee is for the workshop is $35 and includes your own workbook. To register, call (913) 715-7000, or visit the Web site at: www.johnson. ksu.edu.
25
Chiquita Miller of the K-State Extension will present “Balancing Family and Work” from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on March 25 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb. org/kwc.
26
“Healthy Snacks – the Do’s and the Don’ts,” presented in partnership with K-State Extension, will be offered from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on March 26 at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc. Grocery vouchers will be given to those who register on or before March 24.
27-28
Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Thomas Merton: A Mystical Guide for Those Who Seek ‘More,’” presented by Sister Sheila Carroll, OSF, from 7 p.m. on March 27 to 3:30 p.m. on March 28. The cost is $100; advance deposit is $20. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151.
28
The Sanctuary of Hope and Father Dennis Wait will host the annual “Paths to Peace” presentation from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on March 28 in the chapel, located at 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. This year the talks will include Ben Worth on Buddhism and Barb McAfee on the Baha'i Faith. In addition, Ann Hatch will give a presentation on art. The cost is $20 per person. For information or to RSVP, call 913-321-HOPE (4673). Holy Family Church will host a taco dinner and bingo on March 28 in its club, located at 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kan. Dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m., with bingo following at 7:30 p.m. The cost of $15 includes dinner and a bingo card.
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
CALENDAR
For tickets, call Annette at (913) 371-5063.
or visit the Web site at: www.cclkc.org.
Training for respite volunteers will be on March 28. Men and women volunteer in their parish community to relieve caregivers caring for a family member in the home. The family caregiver receives up to four hours of personal time, once a week or several times a month. Volunteers do not give medication or do housework. Trained volunteers are insured against liability. For more information or to register for training, call Aletha Adams at (913) 362-7798.
The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on April 3 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.
Cristo Rey High School, Kansas City, Mo., will host its annual benefit evening at 6 p.m. on March 28 at Marriott – Muehlebach Tower, 200 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. This year’s theme is “Dancing with the Stars,” and will include civic leaders and well-known personalities from the metro area who will take the stage to perform a dance. Cristo Rey Kansas City combines a traditional Catholic college-preparatory education with a unique and innovative corporate work/study program. It serves only students in economic need. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Andy Stith at (816) 457-6044. Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, will host a healing Mass at 9 a.m. on March 28. The sacrament of anointing of the sick will be offered. Prayers in honor of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of those with cancer and HIV/AIDS, will be said. The annual Greenway auction, benefiting Xavier Grade School and Immaculata High School, will be held on March 28 in the McGilley Field House at the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth. The silent auction begins at 5 p.m.; a buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m.; the live auction begins at 8 p.m. The cost is $35 at the door. For information, call (913) 6827801 or visit the Web site at: www.green wayauction.org. The Johnson County Unos will gather for 4:30 p.m. Mass on March 28 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission. Dinner will follow at Perkins Restaurant, 11200 W. 87th St., Lenexa. A singles extravaganza will be held on March 28 at the Overland Park Doubletree Hotel, College Blvd. & Alt. 69 Hwy. Mingle from 6 - 7 p.m.; booths and keynote speaker from 7 - 8 p.m.; live music and dancing until midnight. The cost is $15 in advance; $20 at the door. For information or tickets, call Zep at (816) 2922848.
29
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas invites all to join in praying for the homeless, the poor and the vulnerable at a prayer vigil at 2 p.m. on March 29 at Shalom House, an emergency shelter for men, located at 2100 N. 13th St., Kansas City, Kan. A reception will follow.
April 3
A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will begin at 7 p.m. on April 3 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish (Wea), 22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus. A reasonable course fee will be charged. For information or to register, call Christine or David Downey at (913) 837-3182, the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558,
13
4
Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa, will host “A Day of Reflection, A Call to Holiness and Prayer,” for women from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on April 4. Sisters from the Apostles of the Interior Life will be the presenters. The cost is $10 in advance; $15 at the door. For tickets, mail a check to: Fran Jaderburg, 8914 Country Hill Court, Lenexa, KS 66215.
Misc. Bishop Ward alumnus, astronaut, and sculptor, Ed Dwight, who was recently featured in The Leaven, has written an autobiography entitled, “Soaring on the Wings of a Dream.” To purchase the book, contact Levita Ross at (913) 2990678. St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, will offer summer camps for boys and girls in K - 8th grade. Many opportunities to participate in both sports and non-sports activities will be available, including: baseball, basketball, cake decorating, cheerleading/ dance, cross country, football, sewing, soccer, softball, youth speed and agility, and wrestling. For information, call Michelle at (913) 319-2416 or visit the Web Site at: www.aquinascommunity.com/ summercamps.html. Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s groups and counseling, call him at (913) 647-0378, or send an e-mail to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to her at: bmeier@archkck.org. Sam and Beth work for the archdiocese, and are thankful for the healing they have experienced in their marriage. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective. The Singles of Nativity will gather for round-robin-style tennis from 2:30 - 5 p.m. at the Indian Creek Recreational Center, 103rd and Marty, Overland Park, on Sundays throughout the winter/spring, weather permitting. If the temperature is above 45 degrees and it is not windy, we will play outdoor tennis. Beginners are welcome; there is room for everyone. For information, send an e-mail to Nancy Driscoll at: ndriscoll1@kc.rr.com. Save the date for Bishop Ward High School’s hall of fame dinner on April 18. The cost is $125. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Paula Gettles at (913) 371-6901 or send an e-mail to her at: pgettles@wardhigh.org.
■ Calendar items must be received nine days before the publication date. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@the leaven. com.
14 COMMENTARY
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
15
¿QUE PASA? — IN HISPANIC MINISTRY
MARK MY WORDS
The pastoral challenge of Hispanic youth
President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com
COMMENTARY
was recently invited to a meeting with the director of Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kan., in order to explore ways in which our office could collaborate with the school.
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D
Managing Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com
I must admit I had my doubts entering the meeting, but in the course of our conversation it became crystal clear to me as to why we do need to work together for the good of our youth. In 2001, Wyandotte High School had a Hispanic population of about 15 percent; in 2008, that number has jumped to 45 percent of the total pop-
Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com
ulation of 1300 students. I began to do some quick math and came to the conclusion that there were close to 600 Hispanic teens currently attending Wyandotte. In reflecting on those numbers, I then began to ask myself some questions: • How many of those teens are in contact with the Catholic Church? • How many are in our confirmation or youth programs? • How many might be getting lost
in the shuffle and falling away from church? • What kind of a response can we offer to them and other Hispanic teens? I really believe that Wyandotte High School might be the tip of the iceberg of how many Hispanic teens live in the area and so we have a lot of work to do or we might be in danger of losing a whole generation of Catholics. This leads me to announce the good news that should bring us all a lot of hope. On the weekend of March 27-29, we will be hosting at Savior Pastoral Center the Region IX “Formation Workshop for Hispanic Ministry Youth Leaders.” This will be a gathering of 50-60 Hispanic leaders coming from 10 dioceses in our region to confront this great pastoral challenge. The two key objectives of our workshop will be: 1) to train some leaders
on how to guide and evangelize Hispanic youth who are often caught between two cultures; and 2) to give these leaders the tools and resources to organize a pastoral outreach to Hispanic youth. Now some might ask: “Why do we need a specific pastoral plan to work with Hispanic youth? Can’t they just fit into what the parishes are already doing?” The answer for me after 30 years in Hispanic ministry is rather simple: The pastoral responses we have been offering have not worked, and so we either try a new and more aggressive approach or else we take the risk of losing an entire generation of Catholics. In the meantime, please pray for us as we undertake this great pastoral challenge. Father Pat Murphy is the archdiocesan animator for the office of Hispanic ministry.
Circulation sub@theleaven.com
INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Nothing but a shoulder to cry on
Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003
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recently shared with you the story of Shalom House, a place of respite and peace that serves as an emergency shelter to homeless men in Kansas City, Kan.
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOURTH WEEK OF LENT March 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT 2 Chr 36: 14-16, 19-23; Ps 137: 1-6; Eph 2: 4-10; Jn 3: 14-21 March 23 Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop Is 65: 17-21; Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b; Jn 4: 43-54 March 24 Tuesday Ez 47: 1-9, 12; Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5: 1-16 March 25 THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD Is 7: 10-14; 8: 10; Ps 40: 7-11; Heb 10: 4-10; Lk 1: 26-38 March 26 Thursday Ex 32: 7-14; Ps 106: 19-23; Jn 5: 31-47 March 27 Friday Wis 2: 1a, 12-22; Ps 34: 17-21, 23; Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30 March 28 Saturday Jer 11: 18-20; Ps 7: 2-3, 9b-12; Jn 7: 40-53
THE GOSPEL TRUTH
John the Evangelist is a true ‘believer’
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f I see one more corporation declare itself ‘green,’ I’m going to start burning tires in my backyard.” - Ed Hardiman, Bristow, Va.
John’s Gospel focuses on the act of believing in a way that is lacking in the “Green” is the latest buzz word, ofother Gospels. ten invoked to create an atmosphere of Similarly, the phrase “eternal life” fashionable concern for the environshows up 17 times in John’s Gospel. ment. While the intent may be good, On the other hand, it appears overuse of that word may only once in Matthew’s backfire. We hear about FOURTH Gospel, and not at all in the green solutions, green techSUNDAY OF Gospels of Mark and Luke. nology, green products. LENT Once again, John’s Gospel Constant repetition of a word Jn 3: 14-21 places a particular emphasis can water down its impact. upon this concept. On the other hand, someIt is not as though John’s times constant repetition of a Gospel is saying something completely word can drive home a point. That is different than the other Gospels. They the goal in Sunday’s Gospel reading, are all proclaiming Christ. At the same Jn 3:14-21. In that relatively short pastime, John’s is using a different vocabsage, the verb “believe” appears five ulary. He is also thinking in terms of a times. It is always a question of faith in different theology. Jesus Christ, “so that everyone who beIn John’s theology, the act of believlieves in him may have eternal life.” ing in Jesus occupies roughly the same That is an issue that John’s Gospel is position as the act of following Jesus in constantly raising. Consequently, some the theologies of Matthew, Mark and form of the verb “to believe” occurs a Luke. That does not mean that “believtotal of 78 times in that Gospel. ing” in John’s Gospel corresponds exCompare that to a total of 8 times in actly to “following Jesus” in the Matthew’s Gospel, 8 times in Luke’s Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Gospel, and 9 times in Mark’s Gospel. But it does fill a similar position. It is not as though those Gospels ignore Following Jesus leads us to the the question of faith. At the same time,
kingdom of God (or kingdom of heaven) according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. And believing in Jesus enables us to possess eternal life, according to John’s Gospel: “Everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” On the surface, the act of believing encouraged in John’s Gospel may sound less active, less demanding, than the act of following Jesus as promoted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. That could make it a matter of cheap grace. But such is not the case. The Gospel reading from John informs us that those who refuse to believe “preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.” The darkness of unbelief hides their evil deeds, while the light of faith would expose them. On the other hand, those who live justly are not afraid of the truth. They naturally arrive at belief in Jesus Christ: “Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” In other words, John’s Gospel does not present the act of believing as a purely intellectual exercise. It involves action, a commitment to the way of Jesus Christ. Father Mike Stubbs is pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.
As hard as it is to believe, these men are the lucky ones: They have a place to go. The two young women that I met last week are not so lucky. Sandy and Louisa are both seventeen years old and seniors in high school. They make straight A’s and have dreams of going on to college. Louisa has been accepted to Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., and Sandy is hoping to apply to UMKC af-
ter attending the Fire Academy. But these two young women face overwhelming hurdles in achieving their dreams because they are teen mothers and they are homeless. Louisa ran away from her California home at age 15 and has been living with a boyfriend. Her son, nine months old, attends Catholic Charities’ St. Benedict’s Early Childhood Education Center in Kansas City, Kan., while Louisa finishes high school. Sandy, whose daughter is
four months old and also at St. Ben’s, is currently sheltering with an aunt while she finishes her high school education. Louisa’s relationship with the boyfriend is unraveling and she has concerns about her safety and her baby’s. But at seventeen, there is no out. A cry for help would mean both she and the baby going into foster care, and the odds of her getting her baby back when she turns eighteen this summer are zero. Sandy’s stay with the aunt is only temporary until she turns eighteen this spring, when she plans to “go out on her own”. But where do you go when you don’t have a job and you have an infant to care for? And what happens to the dreams of college and a better life for you and your baby? While Catholic Charities has Shalom House for men, we have noth-
ing to offer these young women but a shoulder to cry on. And cry they did this past week, and I cried with them. Some days it seems so overwhelming — the needs that we can’t serve. And those are the days that I have to remember that even if I don’t have a plan, God does. I may not understand it, but I have to continue to have faith and to encourage faith and hope in those that we cannot help. As I drove home from my encounter with Louisa and Sandy, it occurred to me that while Catholic Charities couldn’t offer shelter, perhaps I as a Christian could. Perhaps it is time for each of us to open our doors and respond to Jesus’ words: “I was a stranger and you took me in.” Jan Lewis is the executive director of Catholic Charities.
CEF CENTERED
May 3 event to showcase one of the best investments going lease take note one and all: The following is a Catholic Education Foundation news flash!
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You are hearing it first here. The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Kansas City Star, CNN, Fox and all other major news outlets are looking for this story. Are you ready? I know a positive return on investment (ROI) is on everyone’s mind in our world today. Unfortunately, for a lot of us it is only in our minds. If you are looking for a way to invest a minimal amount of money and time and get a huge return, I have the answer. In addition, if you are looking for a sound long-term investment strategy, I have the answer.
The answer is . . . TreasureFest! No, I have not lost my mind. You ask: What is TreasureFest? Webster tells us the definition of treasure is: “any person considered very valuable, cherish.” We would all agree that there is nothing more valuable than our children, and we do cherish them. Fest is defined as a “celebration.” We all like the exuberance and joy that is associated with kids. We can’t get enough of their energy and
enthusiasm; it is contagious. The “TreasureFest: God’s family gathering of time, talent and treasure” will celebrate the talents of Catholic school children from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on May 3. Students will perform at KC Live in the Kansas City Power and Light District, across the street from the Sprint Center. The 45 archdiocesan schools will be showcasing their students’ vocal, instrumental and artistic talents. It will be one of the few times that students from all of our schools will be performing together or be represented in an event of this magnitude in such a unique setting. These performances will be followed by a Catholic concert with a nationally recognized Catholic rock band from Vancouver. The celebration of Catholic
education will be plentiful during this four-hour period, from 3-7 p.m. Tickets are available in the respective school offices. For more information, see the Web site at: www.cef giftofeducation.com. The price of admittance and time required to attend TreasureFest is minimal. However, the payoff or ROI for our Catholic Education Foundation school kids is huge! Proceeds from this event will be used for “scholarships for children in need.” An investment in TreasureFest is an investment in our foundation schools children’s future! Come one, come all! Share with our “treasured” students in the “fest” of our Catholic education! Michael Morrisey is the director of the Catholic Education Foundation.
16 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • MARCH 20, 2009
TRASH TALK ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The plastic bags and the fast-food debris were expected, but some of the other trash gathered by Resurrection School students here at a recent cleanup raised some eyebrows. The horse skull, for instance. How did it get there? And, what happened to the rest of the horse? On March 6, student volunteers from Resurrection School were given a day off from classes in order to help Community Housing of Wyandotte County clean up the Cathedral-St. Peter’s Waterway neighborhood. Resurrection School was formed in 2007 from the merger of three schools: St. John-Holy Family, All Saints, and St. Peter Cathedral. The cleanup effort was concentrated in the vicinity of St. Peter Cathedral. “The project came about as a result of my having been invited to Resurrection School during Catholic Schools Week,” said Susan Carroll, interim executive director of CHWC. “One of the themes [of the week] was service in the community.” Resurrection principal Ann Connor was so impressed with CHWC’s efforts to stabilize and improve the neighborhood surrounding the school that she asked Carroll, a cathedral parishioner, what the students could do. “Trash day” was the result. The 20 seventh- and eighth-grade students raked, mulched and picked up trash for four hours. Materials for the project were donated by Landworks Studio, a landscape architecture firm in Olathe, and Hermes Landscaping of Kansas City, Kan. “We had conversations about caring for the environment in their own neighborhood, and we asked them to collect the more interesting pieces of trash along the way so they could make a collage,” said Carroll. But the horse skull wasn’t the only thing that gave the youngsters pause. Were the toys they uncovered unwanted excess? Or were they treasured gifts, now lost forever? Carroll was proud of the way the students took to their task, working hard to spruce up their community. They took ownership, she said. Not only did the students continue to pick up trash on the way back to school, but they also continued to clean once they arrived — which wasn’t even part of CHWC’s project. There was no complaining, no goofing off. “I was very, very impressed with the spirit with which [the students] entered into this project, which benefited the community and the school,” said Carroll.
Resurrection students beautify their neighborhood
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▲ Zack Kolenda (left), Jose Perez and other Resurrection 7th- and 8th-graders spread mulch around the foundation of a Community Housing of Wyandotte County home. ▲
Elizabeth Huey drags some discarded trash out of a yard.
▼ Vilma Maldonado (left) and Jennifer Monterroza compare their hands, made wet and slimy by their protective gloves.
Photos by
Susan McSpadden Story by
Joe Bollig TOUCH OF HEAVEN Catholic Store 119 SE 18th Topeka, KS (785) 232-2543
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