06 09 17 Vol. 38 No. 40

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 38, NO. 40 | JUNE 9, 2017

FIELD OF FRIENDSHIP Ward baseball player connects with superfan over their love for the game STORY BY MOIRA CULLINGS | PHOTOS BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Left, Charley Longdon watches the Bishop Ward baseball team take on Jefferson West High School in a regional matchup.

Charley, who has arthrogryposis, a condition that causes contractures in the joints, is a fixture at Ward games. Over this past season, Charley has developed a special bond with Ward’s Donovan Corrigan Jr. Below, the two share some time on the field before Ward’s regional game. Ward upset top-seed Jefferson West 14-0 before falling to Holton in the regional finals.

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — On the surface, the bond Donovan Corrigan Jr. and Charley Longdon share over baseball seems typical.

Just two high school boys chatting occasionally about the sport they love.

But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find an authentic friendship that is anything but ordinary.

Donovan, who will be a senior at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in the fall, and Charley, who graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, in May, initially connected over their passion for baseball.

“This season, I noticed Charley in the stands and would always say ‘hi,’ and we’d share a few words,” said Donovan, a team captain and top player for the Cyclones. >> See “MAKING” on page 4

Donovan Corrigan Jr. celebrates after crossing home plate in Bishop Ward’s 14-0 victory over top-seeded Jefferson West High School in a Kansas Class 4A II regional game.

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

Deacon assignments announced

F

ather John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective July 1, unless otherwise noted:

Deacon Joe Allen

Deacon Charlie Cecil

Deacon Joe Allen, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

Deacon Dave Cresswell, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

Deacon Dean Gilbert

Deacon Mike Denning, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

Deacon Jim Lavin

Deacon Dean Gilbert, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

Deacon Nicholas Moragues

Deacon Marcos Navarro

Deacon Steve Lemons, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

Deacon Mike Moffitt, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at St. Paul Parish, Olathe, and to service in the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate.

Deacon Timothy Ruoff

Deacon Ralph Schramp

Deacon Nicholas Moragues, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee, while continuing in his position as director of formational ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee.

Deacon Marcos Navarro, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, and to prison ministry.

Deacon Phillip Nguyen, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at CurĂŠ of Ars Parish, Leawood, and to service at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Deacon John Stanley

Deacon Stephen Nguyen, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, and to service at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Deacon Timothy Ruoff, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka.

President: Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Deacon Mike Denning

Deacon Steve Lemons

Deacon Mike Moffitt

Deacon Ralph Schramp, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Church of the Nativity Parish, Leawood, and to prison ministry.

Deacon Chris Slater, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, and as spiritual adviser to Catholic Cemeteries.

Deacon Bradley Sloan, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka, and to service with Restore Hope, an outreach of the Topeka Rescue Mission that ministers to victims of human trafficking.

Deacon John Stanley, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Church of the Ascension Parish, Overland Park, while continuing in his role as archdiocesan coordinator of prison ministry.

Deacon Phillip Nguyen

Deacon Stephen Nguyen

Deacon Steve White, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at CurĂŠ of Ars Parish, Leawood, and to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family.

Deacon Ron Zishka, newly ordained permanent deacon, to diaconal ministry at Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, and to service in the archdiocesan pro-life office.

OTHER:

Deacon Chris Slater

Deacon Bradley Sloan

Deacon Charlie Cecil, from diaconal ministry at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, to diaconal ministry at St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe.

Deacon Jim Lavin, from diaconal ministry at Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, to diaconal ministry at Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, while continuing in his position as a chaplain for Catholic Community Hospice.

Deacon Steve White

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Deacon Dave Cresswell

Deacon Ron Zishka Editor Rev. Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Corpus Christi procession to feature Brazilian ‘tapete’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Color the annual Corpus Christi procession beautiful this year, thanks to the incorporation of a Brazilian custom, courtesy of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ.

In preparation for the June 18 feast day procession, both the men and women religious of the Brazilianbased order will be making a colorful “tapete,” or carpet, of dyed sawdust or wood chips arranged in religious symbols and pictures on a short part of the procession’s route on North 22nd Street.

The tapete will cover almost the entire width of the street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Sister Magdalena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, PJC, the fraternity’s local leader, or custodian, explained.

“We’ll have liturgical designs” in the sawdust, she said.

“That’s going to make a little pathway [where] the archbishop will walk with the Blessed Sacrament.

Only the archbishop carrying the Blessed Sacrament and those carrying the canopy, which we made last year, will walk on the carpet.”

Construction of the tapete will begin at 3 p.m. the afternoon before.

First, an outline will be drawn in chalk on the street by Jerry Snyder, a member of Annunciation Parish in Overland Park.

Then, a group of 10 to 20 friars, Sisters, fraternity associates and volunteers will place the sawdust or wood chips according to the pattern, filling it in like a big puzzle. It will reach almost from gutter to gutter.

“We’ll cover it with plastic,” said Sister Magdelena. “We’ll hope that there isn’t a strong wind or any rain.”

The first tapete was created last year.

“The Sisters and the friars suggested doing it because they thought it would be fun and something that would be nice to do during Corpus Christi for the Lord,” said Sister Magdelena.

“It’s done with a lot of labor and a

Above, Father Mark Mertes, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, processes down a colorful tapete made of dyed sawdust and wood chips during the parish’s Corpus Christi procession last year. The tapete was created by the Fraternity of the Poor of Jesus Christ. At right, Sister Sentinelle, left, and Sister Maria Goretti work on the tapete. lot of love,” she continued. “It’s only there for that moment, when the Blessed Sacrament is carried over that part of the processional route, and then it’s torn apart.”

This will be the 10th year the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph have held a jointly sponsored Corpus Christi procession. Generally, the archdiocese and diocese take turns hosting the procession on their respective sides of the state line.

This year’s procession on June 18 will begin and end at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2203 Parallel Pkwy., in Kansas City, Kansas. A Holy Hour begins at 1 p.m., followed by the pro-

cession at 2 p.m. There will be stops at three stations for prayer on the route. The procession will conclude with Benediction at the church, followed by a social.

Making the play for someone who can’t keeps Cyclone motivated >> Continued from page 1 “Before our second game of the season against St. Pius X in Kansas City, Missouri, Charley came up to me and told me I was his favorite player,” he continued, “which meant a lot to me.”

Charley, who attends the Cathedral of St. Peter, and Donovan, a parishioner at St. Patrick Church, both in Kansas City, Kansas, are connected in another way, as Charley’s younger brother Vincent plays baseball at Ward as well.

Longdon has arthrogryposis, a condition that causes contractures in the joints and affects the muscles and ligaments.

He is able to compete in sports programs and participate in Special Olympics, but the passion he has for the topnotch baseball program of the Cyclones is evident even from the fan section.

If you ever attend a Ward game, you’ll hear Charley shouting encouraging

words from the stands whenever Donovan is up at bat.

“Hit a home run for me, Donovan!” he’ll cheer.

The moment Donovan gets a hit and touches base, he points up to Charley with a wide grin.

“Charley keeps me focused, but also never fails to make me smile when I look over at him cheesing at me,” said Donovan.

The positive energy Charley brings with him is nothing short of uplifting.

It “gives me edge on the field,” said Donovan.

“Knowing what Charley has gone through and knowing that he would do anything to be on the field inspires me to give it all I got every second of every game,” he added.

For Charley, offering encouragement comes easy.

“Donovan is my favorite player because he is my friend,” he said. “Donovan

is a good ballplayer and he is just a very nice guy.”

The chance to positively influence his favorite player means the world to Charley.

“It makes me happy and makes me proud to know I am able to motivate him to play his best,” he said.

Corrigan’s parents, Donovan Sr. and Melissa, have been touched by the boys’ friendship.

“The bond the two share is special and it’s built on mutual respect and admiration,” said the elder Donovan.

“Their bond is also over both of their true love of baseball. It has grown into a genuine friendship,” he said.

The friendship has also inspired Charley’s mom, Christina Zuniga.

“Charley has no enemies,” she said.

“He believes everyone is his friend.”

“However, his friendship with Donovan is pretty special,” she continued. “He always talks about him and

what a nice guy he is, so I know Donovan has left an impression on him.”

Donovan ended this past season with a .410 batting average and will continue to pursue his dreams of playing college baseball by participating in college showcases this summer.

He believes Charley pushes him to become a better player and plans to invite him to several summer games.

“On the field, Charley motivates me because I know how badly he wants to be out there,” he said. “So I take it upon myself to play my heart out every play for him.”

That attitude makes Donovan’s father proud.

“I told my son when he was younger, ‘Always play hard and compete to the fullest of your God-given ability,’” he said. “‘Because you never know who’s watching.’”

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

‘I THINK OUR LADY FOUND US’

Hartford parish celebrates 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

H

ARTFORD — Catholics the world over are observing the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima this year, and seeking to obtain the plenary indulgence granted by Pope Francis.

Parishioners at St. Mary Parish in Hartford wanted to seek the indulgence, too.

But they had a problem.

The only way to receive the indulgence without actually going to the shrine in Portugal involves prayer before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

But they didn’t have a statue.

Fortunately, a solution to almost any problem can be found on the internet.

To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful must visit with devotion a statue of Our Lady of Fatima that has been solemnly exposed for public veneration in a church on the 13th of each month from May to October 2017.

They must devoutly participate in a celebration or prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, pray the Our Father, recite the Creed and invoke Our Lady of Fatima.

They also must fulfill the ordinary conditions of going to confession and receiving holy Communion, be interiorly detached from sin and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

“I read about [the indulgence] and thought that this would be a good thing for our parish to do,” said Karin Murphy, a member of St. Mary Parish. “So I talked to our pastor Father Nick Blaha about it, and the ladies of the Altar Society.”

Murphy did an internet search and

“

“I READ ABOUT [THE INDULGENCE] AND THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD THING FOR OUR PARISH TO DO.” found a statue for sale on eBay. It was owned by an elderly person, now downsizing to move to an assisted living facility, who went to Fatima years before and bought the statue there.

“It’s an exact replica of the statue at the shrine in Portugal,” said Murphy. “I think Our Lady found us.”

On May 13, Father Blaha celebrated a Mass in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima at the parish.

There was a crowning of the statue and a public procession outside the church with hymns and a rosary.

In addition to being pastor of St. Mary Parish, Father Blaha is chaplain and director of the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University.

Further observances and devotions during the anniversary will occur at the Didde Center the morning of the first Saturdays of each month up to and including November. Further devotions will be held at St. Mary Parish, although those are still in the planning stage.

For information about Our Lady of Fatima observances and devotions at the Didde Catholic Campus Center, go to the center’s website at: Diddecenter.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG GASCHE

On May 13, Father Nick Blaha celebrated a Mass in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima at St. Mary Church in Hartford, followed by a crowning of the statue and a public procession outside the church.

Pilgrim blazed the way for St. Rose Philippine bicentennial

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If you could only walk a mile in pilgrim Ann Sieben’s shoes.

Or 32,000 miles — her current total.

Sieben is a full-time pilgrim. She’s walked through the Alps in the dead of winter, across the frozen Aral Sea in Central Asia, through two of the world’s biggest deserts, and across North Africa during a civil war.

In late April, she and two other pilgrims went a-pilgriming down the ol’ Katy Trail across Missouri.

They started at the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Shrine at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City on April 23 and hiked approximately 328 miles to the saint’s tomb in St. Charles, Missouri.

Being good pilgrims, they first received a blessing from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Sieben hopes other pilgrims will follow her same route next year during the bicentennial of St. Rose Philippine’s arrival in Missouri and founding of the first school west of the Mississippi.

Sieben, a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Denver, has been a mendicant (meaning dependent on the providence of God) pilgrim since 2007.

The New Jersey-born cradle Catholic — not an active Catholic at the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann offers a blessing to three pilgrims making their way down the Katy Trail across Missouri. They are, from left: Jim Adams, University City, Missouri; Ann Sieben, Denver; and Roscoe Hill, Denver. time — was working as an engineer in Europe when she learned about pilgrimages. She decided it would be fun to try one out.

Her first pilgrimage in 2006 was a “shorty” from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, the famous medieval route known as the Camino de Santiago.

However, her first “real” pilgrimage — her words — was the Via Francigena from Canterbury in England, across

France and over the Alps in snowshoes, to Rome in time for Holy Week in 2007.

It was only 1,200 miles.

“I really got into it,” said Sieben. “It was a special Easter for me. I didn’t go back to work. I just called my employer and said, ‘I’m done with my sabbatical but I’m not ready to work again. I did this pilgrimage and it was very interesting.

“I’m not married and I have no children,” she said. “My company always

provided my house and car, so I had nothing tying me down. I had the freedom to read a lot about pilgrimages and talk to other pilgrims.”

Between pilgrimages, she returns to her home base of Denver. There, the Archdiocese of Denver helped her found the Society of the Servant Pilgrims. So far, it’s a one-woman society.

The whole point of her journey across Missouri was to “scout” the route for other potential pilgrims who want to take part in the St. Rose Philippine bicentennial.

Sieben has blocked out two dates when she will walk the trail again, in May and September/October 2018.

Other pilgrims can join her during those times, or they can strike out on their own.

She collected contacts and places to stay during this year’s pilgrimage, and she’ll make those available for other pilgrims next year.

For information about the bicentennial pilgrimages to the tomb of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, go to the website of the Society of the Sacred Heart at: https://rscj.org. Click on the tab “Bicentennial” on the right side of the home page. Go to “Events” at the top of the next page, and then down to “pilgrimages” on the pull-down menu.

More information will be posted as plans are further developed.

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

6

WORKERS thein VINEYARD

TOOLS FOR FAMILIES Growing as Disciples of Jesus

Patriotism: A family tradition

Use summer to recharge your faith Summer is here! We know how important vacations are to recharge our families. Even Jesus shows us throughout the Gospel how important it is to rest.

As you plan your vacation this summer, take time to make sure it is not only an opportunity for happiness, but holiness as well.

ARTWORK BY NEILSON CARLIN, 2015 • Plan your trip to include Sunday Mass. Honoring this commandment while on vacation is a powerful way to model reverence and obedience.

• Tour beautiful churches. Visit shrines, monasteries and convents whenever possible.

• Choose a patron saint for your trip. Use travel time to learn about him or her.

• Spend time in nature. There is no better way to connect to God’s creation!

— Jennie Punswick

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

CHURCH OF THE WEEK

St. Joseph, Waverly Address: 508 Pearson Ave. Pastor: Father Quentin Schmitz Mass time: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

Email: stfrancisoffice@embarqmail.com Website: http://st-francis-joseph-patrick-teresa.org

By Carolyn Kaberline Special to The Leaven

T

OPEKA — It’s 2 p.m. when the first drops of rain begin to fall in central Topeka.

Eighth-grader Andrew Kirmer quickly asks his language arts teacher if he can be excused.

“It’s beginning to rain, and I need to take the flag down,” he quickly explains. Upon receiving a nod of approval, he leaves the room and heads to the flag pole just outside the west doors of Mater Dei School.

For the past four years, the 14-year-old Kirmer has been putting up the flag each morning before the Pledge of Allegiance at about 7:50 a.m. and taking it down and folding it properly when the school day is done.

However, his recent graduation has meant a handing off of the task.

“A couple of sixth-graders have asked me about it,” he said.

Kirmer himself took over the job from his older brother Nick, who performed the flag raising and lowering while he was a student at Mater Dei. “When I was taking over, Nick would put it up, and I’d take it down,” Kirmer said. Before Nick, their oldest brother Richard performed the same duty.

“Richard is the one I always wanted to be like,” he said.

Kirmer performed this task because patriotism is part of being a Scout, which he’s been since the first grade.

But also because he’s a Kirmer.

“I just took over,” he said. “[The administration] was just pleased to see someone take

MORE PHOTOS AND A VIDEO TOUR of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

GAME OF THE WEEK

TRACK

State championships The Leaven’s Jay Soldner traveled to Wichita May 26-27 for the Kansas state track championships across all classes. Each archdiocesan high school was represented. Check out his photos online at: www.theleaven.org.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY CAROLYN KABERLINE

Eighth-grader Andrew Kirmer takes down the flag at Mater Dei School in Topeka, a task he’s done for the past four years. over the job.”

“I’m carrying on a tradition,” he said, and admits everyone kind of looks to him to do this.

“People depend on you doing it each day,” he said. “When I walk out with it, some students stay around to help, while others disappear. When I’m not here, no one seems to know what to do.”

For him, the best part of the job is “when the sun’s up and there’s a blue sky, and pulling the flag up is an easy task.”

“When I first started and I was little, I had to put my foot on the pole to cinch it, but now I don’t have to,” he explained. “It was

also a bit hard when the school got a new and larger flag, but it’s much easier now.”

While Kirmer is obviously following in his older brothers’ footsteps, the Kirmer family’s service to the parish goes beyond just raising and lowering the flag each day.

“My dad and I and others from the parish helped build two classrooms in the school’s basement a couple of summers ago,” he said.

But handling the flag is special to Kirmer.

“Putting up the flag is just part of me,” he said. “I can feel the patriotism.”

‘Bikes’ rev up for Catholic causes

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Get your motor running. Head out on the highway. Looking for . . . a blessing.

With apologies to the legendary biker band Steppenwolf, Catholic motorcycle riders from the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area and far beyond are invited to “get their motors running” for the “Blessing of the Bikes and Ride for Life and Liberty.”

Here’s how it works: Catholic motorcyclists are to gather at their parishes on June 24 and, having preplanned the route and time, arrive for the 11 a.m. blessing of the bikes at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood.

Father Brian Schieber will bless the bikes, and a lunch of burgers and chicken will be prepared by the Knights of Columbus. A freewill offering will be collected to benefit the new archdiocesan special-needs ministry.

So that’s the “blessing” part, but what about “life and liberty”?

“What we’re doing is putting a couple of things under the umbrella of the Blessing of the Bikes,” said

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

This year a blessing of motorcycles will be held on June 24 at St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood. Father Brian Schieber, pastor, will preside at the blessing.

John Moffitt, chairman of the event’s planning committee.

Some riders are planning to ride up to St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison for eucharistic adoration before going on to Leawood. Another group plans to ride near two abortion clinics and pray a Hail Mary for each location.

Some riders are planning their ride as part of the annual Fortnight for Freedom, to call attention to the need

to protect religious liberty.

Each group of riders is encouraged to choose a road captain. For information or to register for this free event, go to the website at: www.blessingofthebikeskc.com, or to the Facebook page: Blessing of the Bikes Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Indicate if you are willing to be the road captain for your parish group.

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

Senior class gift to Ashland sparks cycle of giving

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

A

XTELL — The drive between here and Ashland is more than five hours, but it’s recently been shortened somewhat by the generosity of this year’s graduating seniors of Axtell High School.

On spring break this past March, Maddy Kuckelman, then senior class president and a member of St. Michael Parish in Axtell, learned on Facebook of the devastation caused by the wildfires burning at the time in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas.

She knew she wanted to help the ranchers and their families, especially after she learned classmates Nick Buessing and Burke Deters had spent part of their spring break delivering two truckloads of supplies to the impacted area and helping the ranchers.

In Kansas, the wildfires set a state record as the largest in history, claiming more than 651,000 acres of land, at least 20 homes, more than 30 buildings, thousands of cattle, and hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of fencing.

In Clark County alone, although the fires didn’t touch the county seat of Ashland, the fires claimed approximately 85 percent of the land.

Kuckelman thought about it, prayed about it and then came up with a plan.

“I knew I wanted to do something,” she said, adding it wasn’t until after spring break that her plan was realized.

Kuckelman suggested to her classmates they give up their senior class trip.

Instead, they would give their money, a sum of $2,200, to help those in Ashland.

All 15 of her classmates agreed. Nine of them are Catholic like Kuckelman, and represent three different parishes: St. Michael, Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville and Holy Family Parish in Summerfield.

The decision was hailed by many, including Kuckelman’s fellow class member and parishioner Patricia Heiman, as “genius.”

“I thought, ‘Maddy, you’re a genius.

That’s a brilliant idea,’” Heiman said.

So Kuckelman approached the school principal Larry Geist to ask whether the

Students from Axtell High School traveled to Ashland to deliver a donation of $2,200 to the victims of the recent wildfires. They are, from left: Sierra Perry, Janessa Gilbertson, Dorothy Fulton, Paige Meninnga, Anna Buessing, Anna Porting, Emily Rosenbaum, Maddy Kuckelman, Patricia Heiman, Oliver Schmitz, Kadin Holthaus and Nick Buessing. money was the seniors to spend as they saw fit.

“Obviously, it was,” Geist said, although he suggested it would be nice if the class would make a trip to Ashland to present the money instead of just mailing the donation. The class agreed.

Geist contacted USD 220 superintendent Jamie Wetig and made the arrangements. On April 19, class members, accompanied by Geist and class sponsor Pam Buessing, both of whom belong to St. Michael, traveled to Ashland.

In addition to delivering the check, the class listened to the stories of a few of the students affected by the fires, including then-senior Quanah Gardiner. Gardiner’s family had not only lost their home, but some 42,000 acres — representing more than 87 percent of their land — 600 cattle and 270 miles of fencing.

Gardiner, whose family is staying at an apartment in their sale barn, said he was profoundly touched by the students’ generosity.

A Methodist, he said he believed the students possess a genuine willingness to give to others, in large part due to two factors — being part of a rural communi-

ty and their strong Christian faith.

That’s a sentiment with which Pam Buessing completely agrees.

“I think they are just hometown kids that help others in their time of need,” she said. “When they found out that two of the seniors from Ashland had lost their homes, they put themselves in the Ashland students’ shoes and tried to feel what they were going through.”

After the trip, stories started appearing in print and on television. More than one donor offered to replace the kids’ senior trip funds, and the cycle of giving started all over again.

This time, the Axtell students invited the entire Ashland senior class to join them on a May 15 trip to Kansas City, Missouri, which included stops at Union Station and Worlds of Fun. When Worlds of Fun learned of the plan, the amusement park provided free admission, a hotel in Seneca provided hotel rooms for the Ashland class and their chaperones, and a local merchant gave everyone a pizza party the night before the trip to allow everyone to get acquainted.

Both Geist and Father Aaron Peters, a member of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchi-

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son who is currently handling some of the Masses for St. Michael’s, said the students never wanted any recognition for their efforts nor did they expect anything in return.

In fact, many students have expressed being embarrassed by the media attention. Yet, it’s been gratifying for both to see the students’ act of Christian love.

“It was their faith that prompted them to do this,” said Father Aaron.

“The Gospel says that what you give from your heart, you’ll get back tenfold,” Geist said. “These kids didn’t give from their surplus. They gave everything they had.”

The students, though, insist they’re nothing special.

“Growing up in a small town, we’re always well aware of those around us,” said Heiman.

She and her classmates just did what came naturally to them, she said, but knows that the experience will “definitely stay with me.”

“I’ll always have in mind that giving is what I’m called to do, it’s what I can do, and it’s what I need to do,” said Heiman.

“That will definitely guide my life.”

Incense fills the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, as seminarian Dean Wheeler processes down the aisle.

Elizabeth Spack, a close friend of the Guastello family is overcome by emotion at the start of the ceremony.

Deacon Justin Hamilton processes into the cathedral carrying the Book of the Gospels. Deacon Hamilton will be ordained to the priesthood in November.

Ordination is a family affair for two men Father Michael J. Guastello and Father Daniel Coronado Arguedas join the archdiocesan priestly fraternity

K

STORY BY JOE BOLLIG \ PHOTOS BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Even though a man stands alone before his bishop to be ordained a priest, he certainly doesn’t get there

alone.

Family and friends, mentors and classmates, pastors and professors, and the unsung faithful all play a role.

This truth was recognized on May 27 at the ordinations of Father Michael J. Guastello, 44, and Father Daniel Coronado Arguedas, 38, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

“In a special way, we’re grateful for the presence of so many members of the Coronado and Guastello families,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in his homily.

“We’re particularly grateful for all the family and friends of Daniel who have come from Costa Rica to express your affection for him as he accepts Our Lord’s call to serve him and his church as a priest,” the archbishop continued.

“I’m equally grateful,” the archbishop added, “to the Guastello family and Michael’s many friends who, although they did not have to travel so far, still had to make a border crossing on State Line Road.”

Father Guastello and Father Coronado both graduated this spring from the University of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary in Chicago.

They were ordained transitional deacons on May 21, 2016, by Archbishop Naumann at the Cathedral of St. Peter.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann said the church owed a special debt of gratitude to the parents of the ordinands: Mike and Frances Guastello, and Jorge Coronado and Ana Cecilia Arguedas.

“Thank you for being the first teachers of the faith to Daniel and Michael,” said the archbishop. “Thank you for introducing them to Jesus, and teaching them through word — and even more, by your example — to be men of prayer. Thank you for your example of faithful and unconditional love that

“

“WE ARE FILLED WITH SO MANY EMOTIONS HAVING A PRIEST IN THE FAMILY. WE ARE FILLED WITH PRIDE AND HAPPINESS. . . . WE ARE ALL HERE CELEBRATING WHAT HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED.”

you had modeled for them by living your vocation of Christian marriage.”

Ana Cecilia Arguedas, the mother of Father Coronado, noticed early on her son’s responsiveness to faith.

“I think I realized since he was very young, maybe even 4 years old, that he was different than other boys and more connected to God,” said Arguedas. “The church and faith always drew his attention. I remember that when he was young, he was very excited about his first Communion. I knew he was different.”

Even so, she was surprised when he said he wanted to go to the seminary — especially outside of his native Costa Rica.

“First, it was jolting,” she said. “It was a shock that he would want to take this path toward religious life — even more so because he wanted to come to the United States, which is so far from our family and our community.”

“I wanted him to choose a closer place to go to the seminary,” she said.

“And I was worried about him being lonely.

“But it’s a process, and it has brought him so many positive things in life.”

By no means was the path of discernment easy for her son.

“I was worried,” she said. “I think about 43 seminarians started in his class, and after a year, so many had left.

At one point, there were only eight.

“I was also worried because Kansas is so far away, and . . . it was an adjustment [for him] in terms of language and culture. One time he called . . . to tell me the food didn’t sit well with him and that he missed Costa Rican food.

“But his mentors and spiritual leaders motivated him to pray, to continue his path and to get where he is today.”

Calling him “padre” might take a little getting used to, she said.

“We are filled with so many emotions having a priest in the family,” said Arguedas. “We are filled with pride and happiness. . . . We are all here celebrating what he has accomplished.”

After Archbishop Naumann’s homily, the Rite of Ordination continued with each man being called from the pews to stand before the altar and respond “I do” to the archbishop’s questions during the Promise of the Elect.

Each man took turns kneeling before the archbishop to make the promise of obedience. Next, they lay prostrate near the altar during the Litany of the Saints.

At its conclusion, they each knelt before the archbishop to be ordained a priest by the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination. Members of the presbyterate also came forward to lay on hands and pray for the two men.

Father Guastello was vested by Father Robert Pflumm. Father Coronado was vested by Father Randall Soto, professor of sacred Scripture at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis; it was he who was responsible for helping Father Coronado study in the United States.

After vesting, the two priests returned to the altar to concelebrate the Mass with Archbishop Naumann and members of the archdiocesan presbyterate.

For their first assignments, Father Guastello was assigned as associate pastor of the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park, and Father Coronado has been assigned as associate pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee.

The congregation applauds as Deacon Michael Guastello

Deacon Guastello kneels before Archbishop Joseph F. Nau his promise of obedience.

The Knights of Columbus color guard served at the ordination ceremony.

Deacons Daniel Coronado and Michael Guastello prepare to be ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The fraternity of priests gather at the cathedral to witness the ordination of Deacons Daniel Coronado and Michael Guastello to the priesthood.

Deacon Coronado’s mother Ana Cecilia Arguedas, along with his father Jorge Coronado, traveled from Costa Rica for the ordination ceremony.

o and Deacon Daniel Coronado are presented for ordination.

Deacon Guastello and Deacon Coronado lay prostrate before the altar during the Litany of the Saints.

Priests of the archdiocese perform the ancient rite of the laying on of hands.

umann and gives

Archbishop Naumann anoints the hands of Father Coronado with sacred chrism.

Archbishop James P. Keleher hugs Father Guastello.

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Carol

(Sandbloom)

and Robert Oswald, members of Sacred H ear t-St. Joseph Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 15. The couple was married on June 15, 1957, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka,

by Father John O’Connor. Their children are: Pamela Luthi, Silver Lake; and Paul Oswald, Marietta, Georgia. They also have three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Jim and Helen (Aldrich) Pickert, members of Sacred H e a r t Church, Emporia, ce l e b rated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 22. The couple was married on April 22, 1957, by Father Patrick J. Leahy at St. John Church, Hoisington. Their children are: Verona Gilliland, Randy Pickert (deceased), Scott Pickert (deceased), Brian Pickert, John Pickert, Ross Pickert and Erica Pickert (deceased). They also have 11 grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren are hosting a celebration on June 11 from 2-4 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church parish hall.

Suzan and Stan Cramer, members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 10 at Mass with a special blessing

by Father Brian Schieber followed by dinner at Garozzo’s. An extended family celebration is planned for later in the summer at Lake of the Ozarks. The couple was married on June 10, 1967, at St. Cecilia Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska. Their children are: Sterling Cramer and Spencer Cramer. They also have six grandchildren.

Ed and Thelma (Taphorn) Haefner, m e m b e rs of Sacred H e a r t-St. Joseph Parish, To p e k a , celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 1 with a Mass. The couple was married on June 1, 1957, at St. Gregory Church, Marysville. Their children are: Lori Gaffney, Lisa Underwood, Mark Haefner, Linda Gall, Matthew Haefner, Lanelle Dinkel and Larissa Winchell. They also have 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A celebration was held on May 29, hosted by their children.

Naya and Arthur Balandran, members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, To p e k a , ce l e b ra ted their 50th wedding anniversary on June 3 with a blessing during Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe. A dinner, reception and dance followed, hosted by their children. Their children are: Suzanne Balandran-Gonzales, Annette Berry and Joe Balandran. The couple was married on June 3, 1967, at Sacred Heart Church in Emporia. They have seven grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandsons.

Robert and Carolyn (Granger) Austin, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Wea, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 17. The couple was married on June 17, 1967, at St. Bernadette Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Michael Austin, Richmond, Kentucky; and Christopher Austin, Raleigh, North Carolina.

They also have five grandchildren. They are celebrating with a road trip to visit family and to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

Jerry and Maxine Schuetz, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 11 at their daughter’s home in Lenexa with all family members attending. The couple was married on June 14, 1947, at St. Leo Church, Minot, North Dakota. Their children are: James Schuetz, Creste Butte, Colorado; and Vickie McArthur, Lenexa.

They also have five grandchildren and eight great-grandsons.

Mary T (Erbacher) and Robert M. Stockman, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary from 2-4 p.m. on June 11 at St. Patrick Church in St. Brigid Hall, 309 S. Sixth St., Osage City. The couple was married on June 13, 1947, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Their children are: Barbara Schulte, Bruce Stockman, Brian Stockman and Brenda Selman. Beverly Stockman Harris passed away in 2004. They also have 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. For those who wish to send greetings, cards may be sent: c/o Barbara Schulte, 5107 W. 111th Terr., Leawood, KS 66211.

Mary Catherine (Mack) and Dennis Lee Bobbitt, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 17. The couple was married on June 17, 1967, at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Oakland, California. Their children are Christopher Lee Bobbitt and Jerome Benjamin Bobbitt. They also have two grandchildren.

Clarence “Corky” and Kathi Jacobs, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2016 with their children and grandchildren on a Caribbean cruise. The couple was married on June 3, 1967, at the St. Louis Basilica by Father Robert Corbett. Their children are: Jaime Stancliffe and John Jacobs. They also have six grandchildren.

Dolores (Ehret) and Richard Wellenstein, members of St. Pius X Parish, Mission, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 15.

The couple was married at St. Anthony Church, Plevna, Montana.

Their children are: Thomas and Nancy. They also have three grandchildren.

They plan to take a cruise to celebrate.

Mary (Marks) and John Ryan, members of Sacred HeartSt. Casimir Parish, Leavenworth, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 24. The couple was married on June 25, 1967, at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth.

Their children are: Johnnise and John. They also have three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Maxine (Straub) and Lester Eichem, members of St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on June 18.

The couple was married on June 18, 1952, at St. Bernard

by Father Anthony Blaufuss. Their children are: Victoria Ritchie, McFarland; Martie Baker, Wamego; Wendell Eichem (deceased) and Theodore Eichem (deceased). They also have five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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Mary Jo (Hardy) and Richard Hathorne, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 3 with a reception for family and friends at Falcon Ridge Clubhouse in Lenexa. The couple was married on June 3, 1967, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Raytown, Missouri. Their children are Angela Stiens, Kellie Hathorne, T.J. Hathorne and Jennifer Potter. They also have 15 grandchildren and four great-granddaughters.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

• The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th notices.

• Announcements are due eight days before the desired publication date.

• Announcements must be typed.

• They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time.

Include the following Information: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses please) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Photo specifications: • Emailed photos need to be at least 200 dpi.

• Mailed photos can be any size.

• If you would like your photo returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

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

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CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Diocesan staff accountant - The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is seeking a full-time staff accountant, who will support the fiscal management and financial reporting of the diocese. This is a full-time position, based upon a schedule of 40 hours per week, and is eligible for health and welfare benefits, paid time off and participation in a defined benefit retirement plan. This position is classified as nonexempt. The qualified candidate will have experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and finance and management support. The candidate must have completed college level coursework in accounting or business administration and/or 3+ years’ work in the accounting field. Required skills also include intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office 2010. The preferred candidate will have an undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, or finance, knowledge of fund accounting in a nonprofit setting and knowledge of church and parish operations.

To apply, go to the website at : careers.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph.

Drivers - Ready for the summers off? Join our school transportation division and live like a kid again! Our drivers have the opportunity to serve our community and still get those precious summer breaks. Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K - 12 students in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in our minivans.

CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Teachers - The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool where children from 6 weeks to 6 years are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. By using the most current and academically endorsed methods, the F.L.E.X. Learning Program focuses on developing seven Learning Domains: personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, creative expression and physical development. Our program for exceptional early childhood education ensures children have fun while learning and is aimed at preparing them with skills and aptitudes needed for success in the 21st century. Owners are Ascension parishioners. We are hiring for the following positions: CO-LEAD INFANT TEACHER – FULL TIME; PRESCHOOL TEACHER - FULL TIME; TODDLER TEACHER – FULL TIME; ASSISTANT TEACHER TO MULTIPLE CLASSROOMS. To apply, send an email and resume to: olathe2ks@god dardschools.com.

Board members - Santa Marta, Johnson County’s premier life care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January 2018. The board meets four times a year and looks for interested members that have a wide range of expertise from business to health care and, most importantly, are interested in serving a great community. If you have an interest in giving your time and talent to the mission of Santa Marta, submit a letter of interest and resume to the following: Heidi Abeln, Santa Marta Life Care Community, 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe, KS 66062, or call (913) 828-4180 or send an email to: www. santamartaretirement.com.

Business manager/accountant - St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a business manager/accountant. This position is responsible for managing parish and school facilities and for all payroll functions, managing deposits, financial reports and budgets.

The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have at least five years of accounting experience; and demonstrate effective communication skills, written and verbal. Position requires a bachelor’s degree; CPA preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail a cover letter, resume and application by June 30 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Business Manager/Accountant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Respite care program coordinator - The special-needs ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to serve as the program coordinator for a new respite care program. Respite is the gift of time. Respite care events provide parents or caregivers temporary relief from the responsibilities of caring for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities. The position will be responsible for family registration, assigning volunteers, setting up and supervising the respite event. Respite events will be held one Saturday evening per month. The program coordinator will work approximately 40 hours per month.

Candidates will have previous experience in working with children and young adults with moderate to severe intellectual/development disabilities in an educational or recreational setting. A B.S. in special education or related field is preferred. The program coordinator must be Virtus trained and will receive training in respite education and support tools. Interested individuals should mail a cover letter, resume and application by June 26 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Respite Care, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Looking for something new? - Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. A background in Word, Excel, QuickBooks, customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Basin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send by email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time after school teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, and cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education.

Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available, as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

CFNEK communication assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an individual for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK).

This position is responsible for recording gift transactions, maintaining databases and assisting with various tasks. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have at least two years of business, accounting or nonprofit experience; and demonstrate effective communication skills, written and verbal.

Position requires a bachelor’s degree; experience in Raiser’s Edge/Blackbaud a plus. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail a cover letter, resume and application by June 30 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, CFNEK Communication Assistant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Grant writing - Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph is offering a rewarding career opportunity to individuals interested in full-time grant writing. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, visit our website at: www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.

General ledger accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a deposit and loan/general ledger accountant. This position reports to the director of accounting and performs professional accounting work, including analysis and reconciliation of general ledger and subsidiary accounts, revenue and expenditure accounts, and the preparation and distribution of monthly reports to departments. This position also maintains deposit and loan system records and prepares monthly statements for account holders; and prepares financial statements, budgets and year-end audit schedules. Ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic in good standing; has at least five years of accounting experience; and demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills. Position requires a bachelor’s degree; CPA preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by June 30 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, GL Accountant Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Teachers’ aide positions - St. Ann Young Child Center in Prairie Village is interviewing for aide positions for preschool and Kids’ Day Out for the 2017-18 school year.

Hours are from 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9 a.m. - noon on Friday. Great for moms with kids in school! An aide’s position for the afterschool program: Monday through Friday from 3 - 5:30 p.m. We are also looking for substitutes. Competitive pay. Great environment to work. For more information, call Tati at (816) 716-4676.

Catechists needed - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, part-time Level I and Level II catechists, needed at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. We are in need of trained, Level I (ages 3 - 6) and Level II (ages 6 - 9) catechists. Atrium hours can be based on your availability, either daytime or evening. If you are interested in beginning training, this is a good time to consider both consolidated summer courses as well as monthly schedules starting in the fall. Contact Diane Jones, coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, at (913) 402-3941 or send an email to: CGS@stmichaelcp.org for more information.

Director of religious education - Holy Spirit Parish is seeking a director of religious education (DRE) to coordinate our school of religion program (1st-8th grades), Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, and vacation Bible school. The DRE plans and organizes faith formation activities for children and their parents and provides support to catechists and other volunteers. The DRE works in collaboration with the youth ministry, RCIA and adult education programs, as well as with Holy Spirit School staff for sacramental prep. This position is 40 hours per week.

Interested candidates should have a degree in catechesis, theology or elementary education. A full job description is available at: www.hscatholic.org/documents/2017/5/ DRE-1.pdf. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: dreposition@hscatholic.org.

Lead extended-care teacher - St. Patrick Early Education Center, Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a full-time lead extended-care teacher. The qualified candidate must be an active, practicing Catholic who loves working with preschool-age children. Experience and education is preferred, but will train the right candidate.

Responsibilities include: supervising children; parent communication; cleaning and organization of classroom.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. We follow St. Patrick School schedule and are closed holidays, spring break and summer. Pay is hourly. For more information, send an email to: stpatrickeec@archkckcs.org or call (913) 299-3051.

Director of diocesan office of faith formation - The Catholic Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as a full-time director, office of faith formation. This individual will provide resources, training, policy guidance and oversight for parish catechetical and youth ministry programs for children, youth and young adults, ages preschool through college, in parishes throughout the diocese and serve as a resource for parish adult faith formation activities. The candidate is expected to have the following qualifications: practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in one’s parish; enthusiastic, engaging and energetic promoter of parish catechetical ministry; experience working effectively with pastors in their unique parish situations; proper theological and pedagogical training or proven skills. Bachelor’s degree in theology, catechesis, evangelization or education required. Master’s degree preferred. Practical experience in parish catechesis and knowledge of catechetical documents and pedagogical resources; proven administrative skills; experience in interpersonal relations, conflict resolution, collaborative management style; supervision and budget preparation; respect for all cultures; bilingual ability helpful; ability to express ideas clearly in both written and verbal communications; ability to travel to train parish ministerial personnel; proficiency with Microsoft Office. To apply, submit cover letter, resume with references and salary requirements to: powellp@catholicdiceseofwichita.org. Application deadline is on or before noon, June 23.

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

Director of music - St. Gabriel Parish is seeking a director of music for our music program. The position will be available this summer and requires a knowledge of Catholic liturgy and music, both contemporary and traditional. The director will prepare seasonal music, rehearse two choirs and train cantors. The director will accompany most Masses, be available to accompany funerals, weddings and other special parish events.

The director of music works with the director of youth activities, pastoral associate and pastor collaboratively to ensure a cohesive music and liturgical program. The position assumes a minimum of 25-28 hours per week to accomplish. Salary is based on diocesan scale. For more information and to send a resume, contact Father Joseph Sharbel, pastor, at (816) 453-1183 or send an email to: sharbeljoe@gmail.com.

Director of Christian formation and evangelization - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a director for our Christian formation and evangelization department. This director will collaborate with the pastor, RE coordinator, youth ministers, and RCIA/ adult education coordinator to formulate and execute a comprehensive plan of evangelization. This will include pre-evangelization, outreach, invitation and faith formation with a goal of making intentional disciples.

The preferred candidate will be a prayerful, faithful, practicing Catholic; a dynamic teacher with experience in the field; articulate and confident in matters of faith with an obvious passion for evangelization. Also vital to this position are excellent organization, communication and collaboration skills, plus the interpersonal skills and personality necessary to motivate their staff and a team of volunteers. A master’s degree in religious education, religious studies or theology is preferred, but we will accept a candidate with a bachelor’s degree who also has experience in leading faith formation programs. For additional details and a complete job description, please go to www.stmichaelcp.org and click on “About Us/Employment Opportunities.”

Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van.

CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children.

Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading.

Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to: chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

Pastoral associate for discipleship - Queen of the Holy Rosary – Wea, located at 227th and Metcalf in Bucyrus, is seeking a full-time faith formation leader to assist the pastor in the Catholic formation of adults, children and teens. This is a key leadership position in the parish and, in addition to other responsibilities, the incumbent will serve as the director of religious education and youth minister.

Applicants need to be formally educated in theology or similar discipline and have experience in handing on the faith. The position requires a person who will work professionally with adults, collaborate well with volunteers and demonstrate great rapport with children and teens.

Interested individuals should send resume and reference list to Father Gary Pennings, Pastor, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, KS 66013 or call (913) 533-2462. Hope to fill the position by July 1.

12

Full-time openings - Padre Pio Academy in Shawnee, which offers a classical curriculum, has full-time openings for the 2017-18 school year. For more information and details, contact Joanne at (913) 530-6553.

Part-time mission advancement assistant - The Kansas City mission advancement office of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, has an opening for a part-time assistant. This office supports the mission and ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet by expanding awareness of the Sisters and their ministries, raising funds to sustain and enhance the work Sisters perform and collaborative efforts they encourage to better serve those most in need, and inviting friends to partner in serving the dear neighbor. The assistant provides administrative support and reports to regional director. Experience in Microsoft Office, internet, ability to learn and use fundraising software program, knowledge of basic accounting, planning, filing, excellent oral and written communication skills required. Will work no more than 19 hours per week, with light summer hours, up to 10 hours per week. Eligible for 401(k) savings plan. Applications accepted until June 30.

Interested candidates should submit their resume to: broberts@csjsl.org. No phone calls. (www.csjsl.org) Assistant teacher - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking an assistant teacher. The position is year-round, M - F and offers competitive pay. Email resume to: Sarah Howard, Program Director at: olmschool@att.net.

Check us out at: www.ourladysmontessori.com or on Facebook!

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Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

Tutor - Teacher with master’s degree background in special education and gifted education would like to tutor or enrich your child this summer. Patient, Virtus trained.

Overland Park, Leawood area. Call Patty. (913) 618-7569.

Professional window cleaner - Residential only, fully insured. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, fertilizing Hedge trimming, mulching, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Senior hairstyling - Haircuts, perms, roller sets.

Savvy Salon, 5910 W. 59th Terrace Mission, KS, one block south of Johnson Dr. $5 off any service on 1st visit. Bonnie (816) 769-8511 Tutoring - Highly skilled, retired Algebra 1 teacher tutoring students to help build confidence to successfully reach his/her full potential in Algebra 1. Virtus trained. If interested, send an email to: algebratutor72@gmail.com.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony Collins (913) 620-6063

HOME IMPROVEMENT EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR ICARE MASS Most Pure Heart of Mary 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka June 10 at 6 p.m.

The iCare Mass is an adapted liturgy with accommodations to enable full participation of people with developmental disabilities who may not get the full benefit from a regular parish Mass. For more information, send an email to: icaretopeka@gmail.com or icarenek.org. Everyone is welcome.

SHINDIG St. Dominic Parish 416 Ohio Ave., Holton June 10 from 5 to 8 p.m.

There will be fried chicken and ham dinners, a bounce house and games. Gary Bell will provide entertainment. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL Holy Name Parish 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas June 10 from 4 - 11 p.m.

There will be live music, children’s games, bingo, food and much more at our annual ice cream social.

GARAGE SALE Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea 22779 Metcalf Rd., Bucyrus June 10 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

June 11 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This is a 700-family garage sale. On June 11, fill a trash bag for $5. For more information, call (913) 244-2403.

CHURCH PICNIC Sacred Heart Parish 22971 Newbury Rd., Paxico June 11 at noon

Chicken dinner will be served buffet style.

The cost is: $10 for adults; $4 for kids ages 5 - 12; kids 4 and under eat free. There will be games, raffles, bingo and a silent auction.

PARISH PICNIC St. Malachy Parish 311 Williams St., Beattie June 11 at 5 p.m.

Supper will be served until 7:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 4 10. There will be a choice of beef brisket or

>> Continued from page 12 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com.

Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson.

(913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service – Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., staining, wood rot, power wash, decks, doors and windows, masonry, hardwood floors, gutter cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, ceiling fans, mowing and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

pork, barbecue or plain. There will be bingo, games, quilts, a country store and a raffle.

The auction begins at 8 p.m.

‘JUNE MOON EVENING IN THE VINEYARD’ Liquid Art Winery 1745 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan June 11 from 6:30 - 9 p.m.

This event helps support St. Isidore Catholic Student Center at K-State. For more information, go to the website at: stisidores.com; send an email to: events@stisidores.com; or call (785) 539-7496, ext. 110.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Pius X Parish 5601 Woodson Ave., Mission June 11 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

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

CHURCH PICNIC St. James Church 306 5th St., Wetmore June 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Meals of roast beef and ham will be served family style. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 4 - 10; kids under the age of 3 eat for free. Games for all ages on the church grounds. Auction and raffle drawing are at 8 p.m. in the hall.

NOTRE DAME CHILDREN’S CHOIR St. Benedict’s Abbey 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Join the Notre Dame Children’s Choir as they perform at St. Benedict’s Abbey. The performance is free and the public is welcome.

CATHOLIC CHALLENGE SPORTS Thunder Beach at Park Lanes 7701 Renner Rd., Shawnee June 16 - Aug. 11 on Fridays

Join Catholic Challenge Sports for their sand volleyball league. Both intermediate and recreation level leagues are available. For registration or more information, visit the website at: catholicchallengesports.com.

BBQ CONTEST Sacred Heart Church 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas June 16 and 17

The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will host a KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) contest to benefit Our Lady of Unity Parish and the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. For more information, visit the website at: www.shkofc bbq.weebly.com or call (913) 850-3348.

SLOPPY JOE DINNER Christ the King Parish (Davern Hall) 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas June 17 at 5 p.m.

Remember those nostalgic lunches of sloppy joes and orange drinks? The cost to remember those meals is $6 for two sloppy joes, chips, drink and dessert. Child prices are available. Everyone is welcome.

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION Blessed Sacrament Church 2203 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas June 18 at 2 p.m.

The annual Eucharistic procession for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, co-hosted by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, will begin with a Holy Hour in the church at 1 p.m., during which the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered. The procession will begin at 2 p.m. and Benediction will be offered upon return to the church. For more information, go to the website at: liturgy@archkck.org.

GARAGE SALE Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park June 14 3 - 7 p.m. (pre-sale) June 15 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (opening day) June 16 8 a.m. - noon June 17 8 a.m. - noon ($5 - $10 per bag)

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART PRAYER VIGIL St. Joseph Early Education Center 11525 Johnson Dr., Shawnee June 22 at 7 p.m.

DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

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

For sale - Attention: St. James Academy families: Walking distance to St. James. Stunning 3-year-old reverse 1.5 with 5 BR, hardwood floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters, detailed woodwork and beautiful finishes.

Sale price is $479,500. For more information or to tour the home, contact the listing agent Rita Dickey, ReeceNichols, at (913) 269-4786.

Kansas City’s Premier Deck, Fence & Concrete - We repair, power wash and stain wood decks and fences.

We power wash and seal concrete drives, walkway, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965. Member of Holy Trinity Parish.

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC)

This garage sale helps fund the ministries at Ascension and those beyond our parish.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

Thank you for another great year - Through your support, my family has been blessed and my business has grown. We do windows, trim, siding, doors, decks, interior and exterior painting, wood rot, bathroom renovations, tile and sheetrock. If you need work done around your home, we can do it. Josh (913) 709-7230.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

REAL ESTATE For sale - Reduced price, maintenance-provided home.

Monthly HOA $132. Two BR, 2.5 BA, backs up to Ascension Church, open floor plan, one-level living. Call for appointment at (913) 669-8178.

The prayer vigil will include the rosary, vespers, an act of reparation, Litany of the Sacred Heart and chaplet of the Sacred Heart.

FOR SALE

For sale - Vintage Sasaki, cut gray rose, crystal. 98 pieces. Also, vintage Noritake, Silvester china, 93 pieces.

Excellent condition. Asking $1200 for both sets. Lawrence area. Leave message at (785) 841-0928.

For sale - Tandem vault located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Patio II, tier C, crypt 105. Eye level with peaceful view and surroundings. Includes perpetual care. Current market value over $12,000. Selling price is $10,000. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Three individuals plots located at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City. Located in section 3, old lot 195, spaces 10, 11 and 12. Current value is $2070 per space. Selling price is $1600 per space or $4500 for all three. Call (913) 208-2703.

For sale - Lowrey Pageant spinet organ, model LC/10, in beautiful condition. Asking $1500. Call Barbara at (816) 260-9688.

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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COMPASS’ INAUGURAL DECADES PARTY: ’80S THEMED PROM St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park June 24 from 7 p.m. - midnight

Breakout the skinny ties, taffeta dresses and Aqua Net. It’s ’80s prom time. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas Compass support group is hosting this fundraiser for the adoption program. Visit the website at: www. compass80sprom.org for more information and to buy your tickets. There are also sponsorship opportunities. This is a 21-and-over event.

ALUMNI MASS Holy Spirit School and Parish 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park June 25 at 10:30 a.m.

All alumni, come join the Holy Spirit community for Mass as we pray for you and your intentions. Then join us in the St. Isidore Room for refreshments and a chance to reconnect with old friends. If you are unable to attend, send your contact information for future events to: hscatholic.org/alumni.

CHURCH PICNIC St. Mary Church 9208 Main St., St. Benedict June 25 at 5 p.m.

This buffet-style meal is locally grown and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 4- 10. Takeout meals will be available.

Games, inflatables and concessions are also part of this event.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas July 7 - 9

This is a weekend away for those who are widowed, separated and divorced — those suffering the loss of a love relationship and feel left out by their church and uneasy around married friends. This weekend offers an opportunity to focus on an experience of positive growth and turn the pain of loss into a new beginning. For more information, go to the website at: www.beginning experiencekc.org; or call Lori at (913) 9807966; or send an email to: register.bekc@ gmail.com.

Wanted to buy - Cucina LLC is an entity that buys commercial real estate. Lou Serrone, a member of Good Shepherd, and Tom Disidore, a member of St. Agnes, are members of Cucina LLC. Tom and Lou are licensed brokers in both Kansas and Missouri. If you are a seller of commercial real estate, call Lou at (913) 219-9924.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7393.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Girl Friday services - Ironing, sewing, cooking, typing, pet care, quilting, errand running, caretaking for children or adults. References available. Call Deborah (913) 6487258 or send an email to: gmaks313@gmail.com.

Experienced RN - Seeking a part-time position. Provides nursing, companion and respite care. Johnson County area. Call Mary at (913) 710-5412.

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Give Dad the best present

TENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME June 11 THE MOST HOLY TRINITY Ex 34: 4b-6, 8-9 (Ps) Dn 3: 52-56 2 Cor 13: 11-13 Jn 3: 16-18 June 12 Monday 2 Cor 1: 1-7 Ps 34: 2-9 Mt 5: 1-12 June 13 Anthony of Padua, priest, doctor of the church 2 Cor 1: 18-22 Ps 119: 129-133, 135 Mt 5: 13-16 June 14 Wednesday 2 Cor 3: 4-11 Ps 99: 5-9 Mt 5: 17-19 June 15 Thursday 2 Cor 3:15 – 4:1, 3-6 Ps 85: 9ab, 10, 11-14 Mt 5: 20-26 June 16 Friday 2 Cor 4: 7-15 Ps 116: 10-11, 15-18 Mt 5: 27-32 June 17 Saturday 2 Cor 5: 14-21 Ps 103: 1-4, 8-9, 11-12 Mt 5: 33-37 ELEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME June 18 THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST Dt 8: 2-3, 14b-16a Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20 1 Cor 10: 16-17 Jn 6: 51-58 June 19 Romuald, abbot 2 Cor 6: 1-10 Ps 98: 1-4 Mt 5: 38-42 June 20 Tuesday 2 Cor 8: 1-9 Ps 146: 2, 5-9a Mt 5: 43-48 June 21 Aloysius Gonzaga, religious 2 Cor 9: 6-11 Ps 112: 1-4, 9 Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 June 22 Paulinus of Nola, bishop; John Fisher, bishop, and Thomas More, martyrs 2 Cor 11: 1-11 Ps 111: 1-4, 7-8 Mt 6: 7-15 June 23 THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS Dt 7: 6-11 Ps 103: 1-4, 6-8, 10 1 Jn 4: 7-16 Mt 11: 25-30 June 24 THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Is 49: 1-6 Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-15 Acts 13: 22-26 Lk 1: 57-66, 80

I

have always been leery of bumper cars, an aversion that dates back to an experience as a kid.

It was a frosty Sunday morning during the winter. My folks and I had gone to Mass and were headed across the Lewis and Clark Viaduct to the Roma Bakery in Kansas City, Missouri. Every week, we’d pick up eight loaves of Italian bread — six for the nuns and residents at St. John’s Home, and two loaves for our meal, shared with my maternal grandparents, uncle and assorted relatives who would drop by.

This particular Sunday was different.

As we drove across an exposed overpass, Dad lost traction, due to a coating of ice on the roadway. Thankfully, he was driving at his usual speed — think tortoise-like, only slower.

Bang! We slid into the right side of the overpass and drifted a few feet forward. Bang! We hit the left side and skidded a few more feet forward. Bang! Back to the right. Bang! Back to the left. After several more bangs, we left the overpass behind.

Believe me: When you

MARK MY WORDS

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

play bumper cars with an overpass, it will make you a nervous wreck.

Well, that’s true for everybody but my dad, who remained calm through the whole ordeal that day. He steered us through without a scratch — sadly, not so much for the car — and proceeded to the bakery as usual.

Even though my dad died almost 36 years ago, I still carry so many memories of him.

It reminds me of this story, found in Medard Laz’s “Love Adds a Little Chocolate”: As a grown man and

his father recalled various Father’s Day celebrations they had shared through the years, the son said wistfully, “I still feel awful that, when I was 10 years old, I didn’t give you either a card or a gift.”

The father replied, “Son, I remember the Saturday before that Father’s Day. I saw you in a store, although you didn’t see me. I watched as you picked up several cigars and stuffed them into your pocket. I knew that you had no money, and I suspected you were about to steal those cigars as a present for me. I felt extremely sad to think you would leave the store without paying for them. But almost as soon as you tucked the cigars in your pocket, you pulled them out and put them back in the box on the shelf.

“When you stayed

out playing all the next day because you had no present to give me, you probably thought I was hurt. You were wrong.

When you put those cigars back and decided not to break the law, you gave me the best Father’s Day present I ever received.”

My best present to Dad is to live the type of life he modeled for me.

Although I didn’t inherit his gift of calmness nor his ability to fall asleep anywhere — most famously at Arrowhead Stadium, somehow ignoring the screaming of 78,000 Chiefs fans — his dedication to the Catholic faith did rub off on me.

What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a prayer? I like this one, written by Kirk D. Loadman-Copeland: “Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.

Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good role model, have worked to become a good father.

Let us praise those fathers, who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to

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offer those children, now grown, their love and support.

Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted and whose love and support have offered healing.

Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and have earned their stepchildren’s love and respect.

Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Let us praise those men who have “fathered” us in their role as mentors and guides.

Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers: May they openly delight in their children.

And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.”

Finally, let’s not forget to praise the most important father as we say: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name!”

The Trinity’s love has flooded the world through Christ

T

he choice of the Gospel reading for this Sunday, Jn 3:16-18, may puzzle us.

After all, even though we celebrate Trinity Sunday, the reading does not explicitly refer to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, or even mention the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

Instead, the reading focuses on two other persons, the Father and the Son: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” These familiar words may allude to an earlier example of sacrificial love, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac (Gn 22).

Abraham’s love for God is proven by his

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

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

willingness to offer up his only son Isaac in sacrifice.

Similarly, God’s love for us is proven by the

POPE FRANCIS

Bishops must be models of confident trust in the Lord, constantly reaching out with the good news of the Gospel and avoiding all temptation to despair or to cling to vestiges of worldly power, Pope Francis wrote to the bishops of Italy. The pope opened the annual general assembly of the Italian bishops’ conference

sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Would that mean that God loves the world, loves us, more than God loves Jesus? At first glance, we might arrive at that conclusion.

However, I believe that would be incorrect.

We might return to the metaphor of parental love to understand God’s love more clearly.

Parents will strive to

love all their children, without stint. But at times, one child will require more attention than the others — for example, if the child is sick. That doesn’t mean that the parents love the other children any less.

God’s willingness to sacrifice Jesus does not mean that God loved Jesus less than us. It was just necessary for our salvation. As the reading goes on to point out: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

So, what does all this have to do with the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the three persons in one God? We believe that love lies at the core of the relationship among these

May 22 at the Vatican. But rather than reading the speech he prepared, he had it distributed to them. Instead, as “servant of the servants of God,” he said he was ready to answer their questions, listen to their experiences and even to their criticisms. “When one presides and does not permit dialogue, gossip reigns.”

Pope Francis thanked the journalists present for their interest in covering the bishops’

three persons. Love provides the basis for all their activities. The New Testament goes so far as to claim: “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God, and God in him” (1 Jn 4: 16b).

This does not imply that God is a fleeting emotion but, rather, that love motivates all that God does.

The abundant love that the three persons of the Holy Trinity share with each other has overflowed into the world through Jesus Christ. It has resulted in the possibility of eternal life for us. That includes the paradox that his death would mean life for us: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”

conference, but said, “extra omnes,” the formal Latin phrase for “everyone out.” The phrase is pronounced at the beginning of a conclave when only cardinals are allowed to remain in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. According to the Vatican press office, the pope and bishops spent about two hours speaking behind closed doors.

— CNS

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COLUMNISTS

Sharing the Gospel has to begin at home

A

couple weeks ago, I was approached at my home by a couple of missionaries who were out spreading the Gospel.

Now for me, this is something that I’m usually annoyed by. But this time, I thought I’d listen, even though I was covered in mud from pulling weeds.

I asked how I could help them. They said they were just out spreading the good news of the kingdom of God and asked if I had heard of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

With a smile on my face I said, “Oh yeah, have

I

15

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

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

I ever!”

I shared with them the love of my Catholic faith, especially in my devotion to Our Blessed Mother and my love of the Eucharist.

They were taken aback a little and didn’t expect that kind of response, I

guess. Their response was, “Well, it’s obvious that you have a good relationship with Jesus and we’re happy for you.

We run into so many who haven’t heard of him before.”

I said, “Yes, in our society, the almighty electronic device has replaced many things, especially our ability to communicate with each other.” Not that we can’t do something about that.

We can, and it begins with prayer.

Before they left, I asked if there was anything that I could offer up in prayer for them. I don’t think they were expecting that, either. I prayed for

them in their continuing mission of spreading the good news and they moved on.

In 1 Pt 3, it says: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame” (15-16).

I was glad that I just didn’t arrogantly tell them that I didn’t have time to hear what they had to say and go back to my weeds.

We’re all in this together.

We need to weed out

those things that keep us from sharing the good news of Jesus Christ — not only to our own family but to those who have never heard of him before.

And to do it with great love.

There are many ways to share the Gospel, but it has to begin at home.

Take time to pray together, have a meal together AT HOME. Family camp is another way, too.

And when you go out to share your faith, remember the words of Cardinal Francis George: “People will remember the faith you had, not the words you preached.”

Be that example of faith and be not afraid.

Protecting children from pornography and sexual abuse

n a 2016 statement on pornography, the American College of Pediatricians indicated that “children under 12 years old who have viewed pornography are statistically more likely to sexually assault their peers.”

In a 2015 pastoral letter on pornography, the U.S. bishops wrote that “data indicates that children repeatedly exposed to pornography are more likely to sexually harass or molest other children, imitating the behavior they have seen.”

The U.S. bishops’ letter said the following to church leaders: “We must see our role in protecting children

PROTECTING FAMILIES FROM PORNOGRAPHY

SAM MEIER Sam Meier is the consultant for the My House Initiative. For more information about protecting families from pornography, visit the website at: www.archkck.org/myhouse.

from pornography as our

sacred duty, as well as an aspect of our work to create safe environments in accord with our ongoing implementation of the ‘Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.’”

Father Sean Kilcawley, a national expert on

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pornography, recently provided a training event in Kansas City to over 40 local priests, deacons and deacon candidates.

Father Kilcawley made three practical suggestions on how Catholic parishes and schools could effectively protect Catholic children from pornography.

The first was providing the book “Good Pictures Bad Pictures” to all second-grade parents as part of first Communion preparation.

Since the average age of exposure to pornography is 8 to 11 years old, it is good for parents to read “Good Pictures Bad Pictures” with their children around ages 7

to 8. Discounted orders (minimum 20) are available through the Savior Book Store by contacting Mary Manan online at: mmanan@archkck.org or by calling (913) 721-1097.

The second was providing the book “Wonderfully Made Babies” to all fourth-grade parents.

Father Kilcawley has been working closely with the author of “Wonderfully Made Babies,” which is a short book that parents can read to their children (ages 9 and up) to assist them in teaching about God’s design for human sexuality. All parishes seeking a bulk order should simply email the author at: eckgian@ comcast.net.

The third was having all parents of children in Catholic schools and religious education programs watch an 18-minute video online at: cmgparent.org.

This video educates parents on the importance of protecting their children from pornography and the dangers of social media.

Parishes and schools can have parents take a short quiz and print a certificate after watching the video. Parishes and schools can also track online which parents have watched the video and completed the quiz.

Church leaders and parents, let’s all do our part to implement these resources in our parishes!

JUNE 9, 2017 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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BITTERSWEET GOODBYE Immaculata High School’s last senior class graduates

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

One hundred and four years after Immaculata High School in Leavenworth graduated its first class, its final class, the class of 2017, heads toward its graduation ceremony at McGilley Field House on the campus of the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth. The Leavenworth Catholic high school closed its doors at the end of this school year.

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org Editor’s note: All class designations refer to the upcoming 2017-18 school year.

L

EAVENWORTH — Saying goodbye to your high school can be a bittersweet experience bursting with nostalgia.

Parting ways is even more difficult when your time with that school is cut short.

Immaculata High School students in Leavenworth know that well.

“This school has meant the world to me,” said Zachary Schwinn, a junior in high school.

But Schwinn and his classmates agree they wouldn’t trade the time they spent at Immaculata for anything.

After receiving the recommendation from the board of trustees of the Leavenworth Regional Catholic School System in January, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann announced his decision to close the seventh- through twelfthgrade school.

The unfortunate closure of Immaculata, which took effect June 2, was largely due to its relentless financial struggles and low enrollment.

But generations of students who passed through its doors will carry fond memories of the school they love with them the rest of their lives.

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“GOING HERE REALLY TAUGHT ME A LOT ABOUT HOW TO BE PROUD OF MY FAITH AND HOW TO GO INTO THE WORLD AND SHOW PEOPLE I’M A CATHOLIC.” “It’s made me the person who I am today,” said Emma Bollin, a sophomore.

Immaculata offered students a tightknit Catholic community, which gave their activities, classes and sports a more intimate feel.

“It’s a family where everybody knows everybody,” said junior Dominic Adkins.

Schwinn agreed.

“We’re close with everybody here,” he said. “You walk through the hallways and call everybody by name. You can talk to anybody at any time.”

For Abby Kowalewski, a junior, playing IMAC sports sparked friendships that brightened her high school experience.

“It’s so much fun because you get to be involved with other students who

are younger than you [and] older than you,” she said.

“It’s more like a family,” she added.

Bollin, also involved in sports as well as student ministry, agreed.

“You get those bonds that you take out into the world after you graduate,” she said.

“It really helped us grow in our faith because we prayed before every game, we prayed after and we always had fun,” she continued.

Immaculata was known not only for its academic excellence but for fueling a passion for the students’ Catholic faith.

“Going here really taught me a lot about how to be proud of my faith and how to go into the world and show people I’m a Catholic,” said Gabbi Taylor, a freshman.

Many IMAC students attended Leavenworth Catholic schools from preschool on, making Immaculata’s closure even more difficult to accept. “[These are] my friends that I’ve been with my whole life,” said Jared Baker, a freshman.

It’s “the tight family and the small community” that he’ll miss the most.

Even students who joined the Immaculata Raider family later on were taken in as part of the pack.

“The people that have been here since preschool, we’re like siblings,” said Kowalewski.

“The people that came in new, it’s not an awkward bond,” she added.

“They come right in and they fit in with us.”

That was the case for junior Evan Collene, who completed his first year at Immaculata in May. Collene felt at home from the start, thanks to the kindness and hospitality of the students and staff.

“I think it’s cool to see how I’ve been welcomed into this community,” he said. “And I see exactly how everyone could become a community.”

It’s safe to say nothing will replace the bonds these students created at Immaculata.

Cade Clemens, who will start his sophomore year in the fall at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a Catholic high school in Atchison, will miss his classmates “who are very accepting and caring,” he said. “[There will be] new challenges going out to another school, but I feel like I’m well-equipped from what I learned here,” he said.

Many of the other students will go on to Lansing High School, Leavenworth High School or St. James Academy in Lenexa this fall.

But they agree they will forever treasure their time at Immaculata with grateful hearts.

“This was a great experience,” said Adkins. “Nothing could beat this.”